Blood Test Question

[TookieTookieBird]

I know that blood tests can confirm sex in birds. But could it determine age???? We are curious to know how old our bird is. Just wondering of blood could confirm or even give us a prediction?? thanks!!

 

[justwingingit]

I'm not sure that blood tests can determine age. However, your vet may be able to give you a general idea by examining the bird. Believe me, I wish it were that easy.

 

[parrotparent]

No, since blood cells regenerate there would be no way to tell from a blood test how old the bird is.

 

[antoinette]

I guess your best option would be a vet
An experienced vet should be able to give you a more or less estimation.
IF ONLY THEY ALL HAD BIRTH CERTIFICATES !!!!
Good luck
Take care

 

[TookieTookieBird]

OK, Thanks for the response. I wish he could tell us his history too. That would be nice.

 

[Auggie's Dad]

Does he still have his leg band? If so is it an open or closed band? If closed it will have a two digit year on it - these numbers go across the band versus all the other numbers and symbols which go around the band.

The year, if present on the band, is the year the band was from so it should be his birth year.

 

[Beatriz Cazeneuve]

Auggie's Dad is correct but, if the bird doesn't have a band, his age would be anybody's guess unless he is a large species and over 40 when certain physical changes take place. Before that, an AV can take a guess but that is all it will be, just a guess because birds, like people, age more if not cared for properly so a bird might look and act old even though it's still young in years.

 

[TookieTookieBird]

Ahhh I see. No leg band on the cockatoo. My Parakeets have leg bands. What else could a leg band tell me?? Thanks.

 

[Auggie's Dad]

Theoretically the leg band could tell you a bit more, but in reality the date is the only practically useful info (which for closed bands is the hatch year).

Other info there is the state the breeder is registered in for closed bands, or where the bird was imported for open bands. Then there are numbers that represent the recipient of the bands (the breeder/importer/etc) and numbers for that specific band - so they are a bit like a birdie serial number. There may be vet records out there from the breeder or previous owners which would be identifiable by the band number, but in practice there is really no way to track down such records except to ask the breeder or previous owner if the bird saw a vet and then request a copy of the records.