How Often Are You Supposed to Take a Bird to the Vet?

Birds require just as much veterinary attention as dogs and cats do, if not more. The increase in popularity of parrots as pets has raised interest in the avian specialty area of veterinary medicine, meaning there are many more veterinary doctors who have specific training in treating birds. While as recently as 10 years ago you may not have been able to find an avian vet anywhere near your home, now you can find one in most cities and even in many rural areas.

  1. Within the First Year

    • Whether you purchase an adult bird or get one as a weaned baby, you should take the pet for an examination within your first month of ownership. Your vet will perform a physical examination as well as order tests, blood work and radiography that will confirm your bird̵7;s good health and give your vet a baseline health status for future reference and diagnosis. After the initial examination, two more doctor̵7;s visits, scheduled approximately six months apart, are recommended within the first year to allow your vet to get a firm picture of your bird̵7;s health.

    Annually

    • After the three exams within the first year, annual trips to the vet are advised, just as with humans, dogs and cats. Avian vets routinely record a bird̵7;s weight and compare it with her weight on the previous visit. Avian vets usually also take blood and fecal tests. Veterinarians like to keep track of birds̵7; diets in relation to their weight and health, so you should come prepared with a basic list of foods the bird most often eats. During the annual visit is also a good chance to discuss any concerns you might have regarding your bird.

    Every Two or Three Years

    • Every two or three years your vet will want to do another radiograph to track any changes in your bird̵7;s internal organs and in her bone quality. Another test that is routine every two or three years for parrots is a chlamydia test. Chlamydia is an infectious disease that can be transmitted between humans and birds, so it is important to assure that your bird has not contracted it and is not carrying it.

    Emergencies

    • In the case of an accident -- such as when a bird flies into a mirror or window, or when one gets tangled or caught in fibers from carpeting or draperies -- it is best to have your vet take a look to make sure the bird is unharmed, or to treat her if necessary. Birds are notorious for hiding disease and injury as best they can for as long as possible, so you might not always know right away if something is wrong. Because of this, it is essential to be aware of even the smallest change in your bird̵7;s behavior or habits. If you notice that anything, however slight, is ̶0;off,̶1; it is better to err on the side of safety and take your bird to the bird specialist right away.