Avian Veterinary Care

The importance of avian vets

When you keep an aviary bird you’re in it for the long haul – many birds can live for decades so keeping them happy and healthy is really important. But while vets see dogs, cats and small pets every day, birds are less common, and not every vet has enough experience with birds to treat them.

Birds are also experts at hiding symptoms, so you might not notice there’s a problem until its serious. That’s why regular check-ups with a vet are so important – they can catch and treat problems early, keeping your pet in top shape. Plus, if they do need treatment, the  vet will have access to the medication and facilities that standard practices may not offer.

Avian veterinary care 

Birds sometimes require very specific care that’s quite different from other domestic animals. At Medivet we have vets who are trained to treat everything from exotic parrots to more common species like canaries. We also have dedicated treatment wards at some of our practices as birds may require higher temperatures, secure enclosures and complex nutrition for the best chance of recovery.

Avian husbandry

When you care for birds in captivity, thoroughly understanding their daily needs and how to keep them in the best health is vital. It’s great to get into the habit of visiting a vet as soon as you start looking after them so you can stay on top of their care.

Your vet will be able to talk to you about diet and nutrition, proper housing and healthcare as well as breeding and anything else which may help enrich your bird’s life.

Diet and Nutrition

Our vets will talk to you about your bird’s diet. While birds can live on grain and seeds for a short time this is not the best option, a bit like if you tried living on a diet of fast food. Your vet will explain about pellets formulated for complete nutrition as well as fruits and vegetables which may be beneficial to your pet. Some birds may also need a carnivorous diet.

Avian housing

The type of home you provide for your bird will play a big part in its wellbeing. Cages may be suitable for smaller breeds like budgies and cockatiels while you may need to build an aviary for multiple birds or larger species.

You’ll need to make sure they have enough space for natural movement and flight and ensure it’s made from non-toxic materials. You’ll also need perches for comfort and natural habit expression as well as proper ventilation to prevent respiratory illnesses. And lastly, you’ll need to protect them from predators and theft.

Breeding 

Whether breeding is or isn’t something you want for your bird it’s important to discuss with your vet. They can talk to you about sensible breeding practices and how to cope with chicks. Conversely, they can offer advice on preventing breeding if you keep multiple birds.

Medivet facilities

At Medivet we have practices throughout the UK with facilities to help treat your avian pets both for regular check-ups and for emergencies. Some practices also have special temperature-controlled facilities and incubators to treat critically ill birds as well as oxygen chambers for respiratory diseases and avian-specific anaesthesia to treat them safely.

When to see a vet 

Birds are masters at masking symptoms until an illness is advanced, so regular check-ups are vital. If you’re new to keeping birds you should get them checked over within the first week or two of getting them and after that, at least annually. If you plan to breed them, arrange a pre-breeding check too. If you notice any changes, even subtle ones it’s crucial you see your vet immediately as your bird may already be quite sick.

Preventative avian care

Regular vet visits don’t just help spot problems early on, your vet will be able to give you plenty of useful advice on how to properly care for your bird. From balanced diets tailored to your pet’s specific nutritional needs to keeping on top of hygiene, your vet is an important source of information to help keep your companion in top condition.

To keep your bird happy and healthy keep their home clean with fresh water and plenty of perches – this helps reduce the risk of infections, parasites and respiratory issues. Give them toys so they don’t get bored, lots of social interaction and opportunities to fly to support their physical and mental health and prevent stress-related behaviours like feather plucking.

Your vet will also talk to you about the importance of keeping them at a healthy weight, how to monitor weight and checking their droppings so if you notice something off you can get them seen quickly before any health worries escalate.

Signs of illness in birds

As we said birds are extremely good at hiding when they’re sick so you may not know anything is wrong until it’s too late. That said, there are subtle signs when something is wrong and a trip to the vet is needed. These include:

• Increased sleeping, especially during the day
• Lethargy or weakness
• Loss of balance
• Personality changes such as becoming aggressive
• Sitting at the bottom of their enclosure
• Loss of appetite
• A swollen or overgrown beak
• A sudden increase or decrease in water intake
• Tail bobbing while breathing
• Open mouth breathing or gasping
• Struggling to hold and eat food
• Loss of balance or clumsiness
• Clicking, wheezing or coughing sounds
• Nasal discharge
• Feather plucking
• Bald patches or unkempt feathers
• Limping or favouring one foot

What to expect during your visit 

Taking your bird to the vet is a bit different to a dog or cat – they’re delicate creatures and require  complex care. Our vets understand how to handle your pet to minimise stress and keep them calm.

They’ll start by taking a medical history, ask you about any symptoms and carry out a visual exam. Next, they may gently restrain your bird to check its physical appearance, feathers, beak, claws and general health. They may also order blood tests or x-rays.

Your vet will talk to you about what they’ve found and any treatment. If medication is needed, they’ll show you how to give it. They may also offer advice about their habitat, enrichment and diet.

Types of birds seen

At Medivet we’re able to offer specialised care for a variety of avian species from common pet birds to more exotic animals. While specific services vary by location some of the birds we treat include parrots, canaries and finches, pigeons and doves, owls, birds of prey, ducks and geese, pet chickens and other poultry.