Instructions
Find an Avian Veterinarian
Check the local listings.
Be certain the avian vet has specialized in their treatment of birds. As birds have different anatomy and physiology than dogs and cats, a veterinary student must do additional coursework and residencies beyond standard veterinary school classes.
Explore the Association of American Veterinarians website for additional information on finding an avian veterinarian.
Call the Office of the Avian Veterinarian
Call the office. Ask to speak with the veterinarian in charge of avian examination. If he is not available, ask to set up an appointment to speak with him at a later date.
Ask the veterinarian questions related to her education and experience. If at all possible, you want a veterinarian with many years of experience treating birds, as it is likely they have handled a wider variety of cases.
Inquire also what percentage of the veterinarian's practice is made up of birds and exotic animals.
The Office Visit
Visit the office. Once you've selected one or more veterinary offices that seem up to standard, set up a time to go take a tour.
Ask to see the examining area and the equipment used. At a minimum, the following items should be present: proper parrot diet (including fresh fruits and vegetables), incubators for hospitalized birds, a gram scale for weighing even the smallest birds, and a holding area that is separated from other animals.
Leave the office if one or more of the items in Step 2 are not present. All of these items are required to properly diagnose, treat and care for birds.
The Appointment with the Avian Veterinarian
Watch closely during the examination. When your bird is taken in for its first examination by its new avian veterinarian, pay close attention to what the veterinarian does. He should first observe your bird in its cage, questioning you about behaviors and noting any odd movements or sounds.
Have the veterinarian examine the droppings in the bottom of the cage should also be examined for color and firmness.
Remove the bird from the cage. It is impossible to properly examine a bird without a proper hands-on physical examination, including taking of weight.
Observe how the veterinarian is handling your bird. She should be perfectly at ease, not jumpy or nervous. Don't be afraid to speak out if you feel your bird is not being handled properly. As this is your first visit, the veterinarian should ask you questions about any previous health or behavioral conditions, and suggest diagnostic testing to rule out any previously undiagnosed problems. These are signs of a knowledgeable, competent veterinarian. Your companion deserves the best.
How to Find an Avian Veterinarian
Choosing an avian veterinarian is perhaps the most important decision you'll ever make regarding the health of your parrot or other bird. Veterinarians specializing in avian medicine aren't as easy to find as your everyday dog-and-cat operation, but there are a few simple steps that you can take to ensure that you find a competent physician for your bird.