Adopting grey, questions to ask?

[danbrah]

Hello, I'm adopting a grey over 7 years old soon, my question is... what questions should I ask and know about the bird from its original owner?
like health-wise, habits etc

 

[MikeyTN]

Food, habits, how they handle them, treats, what no to do, etc. But they can always lie to you about health so the best thing to do is have them examined by a vet. IF they know the sex of them, it would be helpful too!

 

[danbrah]

Thanks! When adopting a parrot is there any files you should be getting from its owner like a certificate, or adoption type of paper.. I have no idea

 

[ShellyBorg]

If they have percuss papers or any past vet info , that is always good. If the bird has been chipped you need to know what company so you can change ownership info. Other than that a bill of sale and a statement that the bird is healthy is about all you can get.

 

[danbrah]

If they have percuss papers or any past vet info , that is always good. If the bird has been chipped you need to know what company so you can change ownership info. Other than that a bill of sale and a statement that the bird is healthy is about all you can get.

If your getting it from another person and not the shop.. you don't get the Bill of sale nor a statement for his health; do you?

 

[ShellyBorg]

Just a letter that says X sold Y a African Grey leg band number (or not if missing one) and to my knowledge I an selling a healthy bird. That covers you for prove of ownership. If the owner will not do this it gives you something to think about.

Now this health note will not mean a thing unless you get the bird to a avian vet for a check up within 3 days in most states. but if the vet finds something major wrong, you can use it to get your money back.

 

[danbrah]

Just a letter that says X sold Y a African Grey leg band number (or not if missing one) and to my knowledge I an selling a healthy bird. That covers you for prove of ownership. If the owner will not do this it gives you something to think about.

Now this health note will not mean a thing unless you get the bird to a avian vet for a check up within 3 days in most states. but if the vet finds something major wrong, you can use it to get your money back.

So within 3 days of ownership, the bird should visit a vet.

What kind of checkup will the bird require, what would I ask in detail to the vet to check for?

 

[ShellyBorg]

Just a new bird visit. Its a great way to get a baseline of health and make sure nothing is wrong. I try to get all my new birds in ASAP and then I do check ups once a year. Birds are really good at hiding being sick.

 

[danbrah]

Just a new bird visit. Its a great way to get a baseline of health and make sure nothing is wrong. I try to get all my new birds in ASAP and then I do check ups once a year. Birds are really good at hiding being sick.

How much does a new bird visit typically cost? Would this cover a checkup on all diseases/worms/sickness/deficiency of all kinds?

 

[ShellyBorg]

For a full blood panel and check up, you are looking at around $300 where I live. But this is California and they seem to charge through the roof! I would think at least $50 to $100 for the complete physical and then whatever the blood test will run. I will say it is well worth it. These guys can live for a long time and making sure they are healthy is the best way to make sure they live to a ripe old age.

 

[danbrah]

For a full blood panel and check up, you are looking at around $300 where I live. But this is California and they seem to charge through the roof! I would think at least $50 to $100 for the complete physical and then whatever the blood test will run. I will say it is well worth it. These guys can live for a long time and making sure they are healthy is the best way to make sure they live to a ripe old age.

Typically when you go for a new bird checkup, is it just the physical?

I live in hawaii and i imagine the prices will be the same as where you are if not more.

So i should specifically want a full blood panel and physical .. which would likely be around the 400 range?

 

[ShellyBorg]

I am sure you could get full blood and physical for that price. It may very well be less. I normally get the full works. I have birds i have owned for over 10 years and I just don't take chances with them. As I said it is also a way to get a baseline for the future. If the vet has information to compare with in the future it could help figure out what is wrong faster. I can't wait to see pics of your new fid!