Do I Need to Take My Pet Bird to the Vet?

Around 5.7 million U.S.rnhouseholds own petrnbirds, making them one of the most popular pets in the UnitedrnStates. If you’ve recently joined this growing number of bird owners, yournprobably want to know how you can keep your new friend happy and healthy.

Tornmany people’s surprise, birds, like all other pets, need veterinary care tornthrive. Below, we’ll explore four reasons why you should take your bird to thernvet.

Scheduling a NewrnBird Visit

Thernmost important veterinary visit you and your bird will make is the first one.rnLike a “new puppy” visit, new bird visits should be scheduledrnimmediately after bringing your pet home. This will ensure that your bird isrnhealthy and that you understand how to takerncare of your new pet properly.

Duringrnthe visit, your vet will perform a physical exam and check to ensure your birdrndoesn’t have any diseases. Your pet’s weight, appearance, and mobility will bernrecorded. If there are changes in any of these areas between your initial visitrnand your bird’s yearly checkup, diagnostic testing may be required.

DiagnosingrnIllnesses

Allrnanimals get sick at times, and birds are no exception. Often, it’s hard forrnowners to know if their bird is ill since birds try to hide signs of sickness.rnThis is why regular trips to your veterinarian are so important. If you suspectrnthat your winged friend isn’t feeling great, your vet will probably run arnseries of diagnostic tests to help determine what’s ailing them.

Therntypes of diseases your bird is at risk for vary across pet bird breeds.rnA few of the most common conditions include:

• Proventricularrn Dilatation Disease

• Polyomavirus

• Candida

• Psittacinern Beak and Feather Disease

• Psittacosis

General Care

Whilernit’s easy to find information on dog and cat care, learning how to keep yourrnbird healthy can be more challenging. Since birds are exotic pets, there isn’trnas much information available on how to best care for them. This is where yourrnvet comes in.

Yourrnvet can provide useful guidance on a variety of bird care topics, includingrnfeeding, bird safety, housing, and grooming. Although veterinarians arernequipped to provide all the information you need to keep your pet healthy, itrncan be helpful to spend some time thinking about questions beforehand. Thisrnwill help ensure that you have all the information you need to care for yourrnpet properly.

Behavior Issues

Likerndogs and cats, birds can occasionally display behavior problems that arernharmful to themselves or their owners. Screaming, biting, and feather pluckingrnare all common issues that even the best pet birds canrnexhibit. Before treating the behavior, your vet will examine your bird to rulernout any illnesses or health concerns that could be causing your pet to act out.rnIf your pet isn’t ill, your veterinarian can provide care guidance to helprnmitigate these undesirable behaviors.

Birdsrndon’t misbehave just to bother you. Typically there is a cause behind theirrnbehavior. A few of the most common causes include:

• Stress

• Boredom

• Loneliness

• Wrongrn size of birdcage

• Nutritionalrn deficiency

How to Bring YourrnBird to the Vet

Nowrnthat you understand why you should take your bird to the vet, you’re probablyrnwondering how to get them there. It’s never a good idea to bring your bird inrnan unenclosed box or on your shoulder since even birds with trimmed wings canrneasily escape the office. Instead, use a carrier or cage to comfortably andrnsafely transport your bird. Wire cages with viewing doors are especially handyrnbecause they allow the vet to see your bird’s breathing and posture prior tornhandling them. Before placing your bird in the cage, line the bottom withrnnewspaper. This will allow the vet to check your bird’s droppings easily.

Bringingrnhome a new bird is exciting, and you want to make sure your new friend has arnlong, happy life with you. If you’re wondering, “Where is a vet nearrnme, for birds?” Consider booking an appointment with ForeverrnVets. From emergency care to diagnostic treatment, Forever Vets has experiencernworking with a variety of exotic pets and would love to meet both you and yourrnwinged friend!