Conference 7.286::pet_birds

    Hi Karen!
    
    Good health often times means seeing the vet on a regular basis
    just like cats, dogs and us!  However, it is stress for the bird.
    The safest way to transport him is to use a cat kennel type of cage,
    they are closed up on 5 sides with a grate for a door.  Drape a
    towel over the door so he cannot see what's going on.  Remember,
    when it's dark, birds feel safe and usually sleep.  (these carriers
    have plenty of breathing holes on the sides)
    
    As well as a fecal sample, the vet may take a blood test, a throat
    and vent culture.  This will test all tissues and find any bacteria
    or brewing problems.  
    
    Start getting the bird used to the carrier before you go to the
    vet so he won't be too frightened or surprised, and supply him with
    plenty of water.  When they are stressed they drink a lot.
    
    Let us know how he makes out!!!
    
    Jean

    Hi!
    
    I have taken my Grey to the vet twice now.  The first time was because
    I had found him and wanted to ensure that he was healthy and disease
    free.  The second was to get his wings clipped.  I agree with Jean's
    comments about the small carrier.  We don't own one now, but I do
    intend to get one.  When I take him in his cage, I worry the whole
    way about bumps.  A small carrier is tons safer.
    
    One thing I wanted to prepare you for.  If your bird is anything
    like mine, he is going to look really stressed after the exam. 
    Max usually just sits there with his wings held out from his body,
    his feathers looking all flattened down, and in a disarray, and
    he pants.  For this reason the vet should try to keep the exam as
    short as possible.  You don't want to put them under this kind of
    stress for too long.  But a short amount usually won't hurt.  So
    be prepared and don't panic if he looks like that.  Just put him
    back in his cage/carrier and leave him there in the examining room
    for a few minutes to settle down before you take him back to the
    car.
    
    Also, this time of year make *sure* that your car is completely
    warmed up before you take the bird out to it, and cover the carrier
    or cage well to prevent drafts between building and car.  Parrots
    are very susceptible to drafts.
    
    Good luck!
    
    Laura and Mad Max
    

    Chewy (my grey) was a STAR!.  We bought him a small transport cage
    specifically designed for things like trips to the vet.  He loved
    every minute of it except when the doctor had to look down his
    throught.  Seriously, I was amazed at how calm he was, my vet was
    also.  
    
    The vet noticed that Chewy had a few stress marks on his red feathers
    but all in all was diagnosed as very healthy.  Our vet made a very
    profound statement however when he said NO MORE SUNFLOWER SEEDS.
    He praised the MINI FRIENDS PARROT CHOW and also gave us some
    additional fruits and vegies to add to his diet.  He explained to
    us in detail how the birds live in the wild and how seeds normally
    aren't part of their diet.  He also explained how feather plucking
    has been directly attributed to a seed only diet.  
    
    The vet was great and Chewy was great.  We won't change his diet
    drastically but overtime will reduce his intake of sunflower seeds.
    
    You know, these birds are really amazing!
    
    Karen from Colorado

    Which Vet are you using (in Colo Spgs)??

    Hi Mark...
    
    Using Dr. Egglestein.  He was really good.  He had lots of bird
    stuff to show us, like a Macaw skull, some different feathers that
    were deformed due to some type of deficiency, bird toe joints and
    bones etc..  Egglestein was in the paper a while back.  He is the
    guy you can bring wild birds to if they are injured, and he will
    nurse them back to health at no cost to you.   The cost for the
    exam was 18.00$.  He does other small animals but told us he really
    prefers the birds.  He really is a nice guy.  My dog and cat vet
    gave me the name of a lady in black forrest who also does a good
    job.  She just does birds.  I think her last name was VUHN.  I think
    we will stick with Egglestein, he really has a talent for handling
    the birds.
    
    Bye....