Need Advice For Transport To Vets Office

[BirdyMomma]

Hi everyone.

Unfortunately, we have to take Knuckles (our Citron Crested Cockatoo) to the vet for a blood test today.

In the past, I have waited to have my birds vetted, until I had trained them sufficiently to target, step up, and be comfortable in a pet carrier. Although Knuckles will target and step up, she is incredibly timid. Shebis afraid of just about EVERYTHING. I can't even weigh her at home yet, because she is terrified of the scale.

My question is, what would be the best way, in your opinion to transport her to the vet? Here are my options;
1. Flood her. Subdue her, and force her into the carrier
2. Hold her in my arms.
3. Bring her in her own cage.

Under no circumstances do I force any of my birds to do anything. I do not advocate the first option. I have a nice relationship with Knuckles, and I'm afraid that this entire ordeal is going to damage the trust she has in me. What would you suggest?

(I also posted this in behavior, but I figure the Too people would have good advice)

 

[mtdoramike]

Has she learned to use a stick to step up? Unfortunately, you may have to force her into a carrier. My vet doesn't allow unrestrained animals into the office for fear other animals may try and attack them if they get loose.

 

[jenphilly]

Is she a treat fan? Could you coax her into a carrier for a treat? Ivory is also one of those rare too chickens.... We put the carrier on the table and set her in front of it, she will usually wander in.

Is her cage reasonable size to take along? Have a flight suit or harness? Wrap in a blanket if she doesn't freak and carry her in... Long as you are not driving.

 

[BirdyMomma]

She will NOT step up on a stick. I have tried that, and she is TERRIFIED

 

[BirdyMomma]

I could take her in her own cage or hold her. I'm so worried that the exam is going to freak her out so bad, that she will never forgive me.

 

[jenphilly]

Actually if she is scared she may do what ivory does and run to me for protection.

If you have time chamomile blossoms or tea is great stress reducer or relaxer for toos. Just need some time for it to take effect.

 

[MomtoPercy]

Actually if she is scared she may do what ivory does and run to me for protection.

Yup, I can vouch for that one! But, of course, you'd rather not have her scared. However, for the sake of her health, you may, unfortunately have to force her . I'm also vehemently against forcing a bird to do anything but sometimes, you've got to be cruel to be kind.

It may sound like a cop-out but, to preserve your fragile budding relationship, could you not get someone else do "do the forcing"?

 

[Sadie13]

i always make my husband be the the bad guy when it comes to the scary stuff. my CAG hates nail trims so my husband will do the toweling ect...

would you have anyone available to be the bad guy and you can stand back and be the hero when its all over?

Good luck at the vets too!
we will be wishing you the best and thinking about you and your birdies!

 

[Terry57]

I also get someone else to be the bad guy. Maybe that would work? Using her cage is not a bad idea either, unless you think it may turn her off her cage
You and Knucky will be in my thoughts and prayers today. How long before the test results come back?

 

[Jayyj]

I can't really offer any advice, only to say that I've had to do it a couple of times with Alice and the second she was let out again she'd scramble up the front of my shirt and bury her head in the neck, which is her default 'needs comfort' behaviour. I hate having to do something that I know will scare her: but when I do somehow I always manage to come out of it the savior rather than the bad guy. So as long as you're on hand for cuddles afterwards, chances are you'll be fine.

How big is her cage? Is it practical to take it?

I hope it goes smoothly - I read the other threads on Wingnut, couldn't think what to add to be constructive but I'm so sorry for all you're going through.

 

[RavensGryf]

As you see, every bird is so different with how they view "the carrier". If it is the classic dog/cat style crate like Raven's, I just unhook and lift the upper half off, put him on the perch in there and shut the cover. There's his favorite foods in there. Maybe if Knuckles has a favorite foot toy it's like a little kid bringing a favorite stuffed animal along for comfort lol.

I mention Raven because out of all the birds I've had, he is the one who (in the same visit) has had the most FULL inspection and violation and was STILL sweet to me. Once he went for a full physical plus bacterial sinus infection (he's prone because of an open nare from facial injury when he was just a baby). Anyway, so my vet gently restrained him and palpated, drew blood, swabbed his throat, swabbed the pooper, flushed his nares, cut his toenails, clipped his wings, removed his band, and... I don't think I'm forgetting anything else?! Well, he was just fine afterwards. I think he had to be a bit frazzled, but he didn't show it. He acted like a big boy and let me snuggle him and all.

I understand where you're coming from as far as not wanting to make your bird do something he is against, but getting into a carrier for a vet appointment may be one of those times that can't be helped. Like mtdoramike said, and I think most vet offices want your pet in a carrier for safety reasons.

It'll be okay. Promise! and best wishes for Knuckles

 

[strudel]

I would not hold him. Any sudden braking can send him flying (not by his wings, just as a projectile). Any pet needs to be restrained when travelling in a car. Even a minor bingle can have serious consequences.

When I have to do something somebody won't like, I just do it quickly and follow it up straight away with a distracting treat. I don't know how it works with birds, but when they are straight on to something good, they tend to immediately forget what else happened.

 

[jenphilly]

So how did things go today??

 

[Groot]

I know this is an old post but was looking for advice on taking my Galah to the vet today and she also is not trained to crate so was happy to read you had a good result even if you had to do the bad guy. Fingers crossed Groot will be fine, that is if I can get him into the crate to go.