Birds are wonderful and intelligent pets. If you are interested in getting one, though, you might need to research its needs more than if it were a dog or cat. One of your first steps should be talking to a veterinarian about exotic animal care—including what preventative health measures to take and what signs of illness to watch out for.

When Should You First Take Your Bird to the Vet?

When you first bring your feathered family member home, schedule an appointment with a local veterinarian. They will review any pertinent information you have regarding the bird’s history and perform an overall wellness check.

During this evaluation, they may order additional testing to check for any other potential issues, including fecal diagnostics or bloodwork. This ensures that any health issues—even those currently not displaying symptoms—are treated early. Even if they are well, the veterinarian can offer advice for exotic animal care, such as what kind of food they should be given and how much.

When Should You Return?

Your bird’s health care provider will give you a timeline of when you should return for follow-up appointments, although it is usual for them to recur annually. Seek out their help sooner if there are significant changes in your pet’s appearance, energy levels, or in the amount they are eating and drinking. Common diseases range from Proventricular Dilational Disease, which often affects cockatoos and parrots to Psittacocsis, otherwise known as “Parrot Fever.” Additionally, if they show signs of injury—such as a limp or oddly-angled wing, they should receive exotic animal care immediately.

If you’re looking for the right professional to provide exotic animal care for your new feathered friend, talk with the staff at A-4 Animal Hospital in Lincoln, NE. Treating everything from birds to reptiles to canine companions, the veterinarians at this practice offer the preventative and diagnostic services you need to keep your pet healthy. To learn more about their offerings, visit them online. Call (402) 475-2282 to schedule an appointment.