Has it been a while since your bird saw her doctor? Just like any other pet, birds need to visit their veterinarians regularly. Here, a Dahlonega, GA veterinarian discusses taking Polly to the vet.

Scheduling Appointments

If you’ve just adopted Polly, you’ll need to schedule an initial exam ASAP. Once your colorful little pet is settled in, she’ll need to come in at least once a year, even if she seems healthy. This is important for a few reasons. For one thing, birds can sometimes develop illnesses that only a professional would spot. Regular exams also greatly increase the odds of anything amiss being caught and treated early on. This is very beneficial.

Signs Of Illness

Part of being a good bird owner is watching for signs of illness. These include things like ruffled or missing feathers, head tucking, sitting on the bottom of the cage, changes in droppings, lack of appetite, discoloration or swelling, sunken eyes, drooping eyelids, and unusual behavior or vocalizations. Like many animals, birds instinctively hide signs of illness, so Polly could be quite sick before you notice anything wrong. Call your vet immediately if you see any of these red flags.

Car Ride

Choosing a good carrier is also important. If Polly has a small cage, you may be able to transport her in that. Remove water and most toys beforehand, and make sure nothing will fall over during the ride. We also recommend keeping just one perch in for the appointment. If your bird is very sick, take the perch out: you don’t want her to fall. Make sure that the cage is secure, so it won’t slide around. If the cage is too big to transport, you can use a cardboard box with air holes, or perhaps a dog or cat crate.

Tips

It’s worth noting that Polly’s droppings can reveal quite a bit. Before the appointment, ask if you should replace the liner, or bring the dirty one in. Also, if you’re giving your pet any medications or supplements, bring the product names with you.

Keep in mind that veterinary appointments are a great time to get specific advice. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about perches, cage size, setup, and placement, toys, food, or general care. That’s what we’re here for!

Do you need to make an appointment for your bird? Contact us, your Dahlonega, GA vet clinic, today!