SO! You've got your bird...you're feeding it right and it seems healthy...all the more reason to choose an avian vet right now. It's very important to make contact with and maintain a good relationship with a qualified veterinarian.
"Why?" you ask. My bird's not sick. I'll just wait. If it ever does get sick, I'll find somebody then.
Well, if you are someone who takes that stance, by the time you observe your feathered friend's distress, locate a veterinarian skilled in avian care and get an appointment, your parrot may be beyond the reach of medical help. You need to establish a good regimen of preventative care and you must be familiar enough with your bird's daily routine to notice symptoms before they become something permanent, like death. Birds are extremely good at masking illness. And you know the old saying about an ounce of prevention being worth a pound of cure? Well, in this case, it rings true! The best thing to do is find a vet now.
And you ask, "OK, Ms. WiseBottoms, how do I find the perfect avian vet for my parrot and me?" Well, I'm here to help. If you have other pets and your current vet does not handle birds, ask that vet for a recommendation. Another place to start your search is the source of your bird: the breeder. Prior to purchase, ask them for a recommendation for good veterinary care. But the bottom line is, ASK! Get information from someone you trust and someone reliable.
OK, now, you think you're ready to make an appointment. But how do you know you made the right choice? What criteria will you use to judge whether or not you can be confident with the care your parrot recieves? I suggest that before you bring your bird in, you request a tour of the facility. A guided tour serves two purposes. First, it allows you to beome familiar with your pet care provider(s). Secondly, it shows the provider that you are serious about the quality of care your parrot receives. During the tour, you'll be able to tell whether or not this facility is suited to you and your bird. You can base this decision on four important factors. They are: office environment/equipment, the doctor & support staff, the financial factor (fees), and after hours (emergency) care. These factors are very closely related, so your overall opinion of the facility should guide you in this decision.
