Should I be with my cockatoo at the vet’s?

[Shellybelly]

Hi everyone! I recently posted about microchipping my lovely sulphur-crested boy, Shelly. I FINALLY FOUND SOMEONE IN LEBANON TO DO IT! My question is: should I be there while he gets microchipped? Or will he hate me because I “didn’t save him from a stranger”? I read that parrots will remember who was with them in their bad days. And I DON’T want him to remember me being there.
Would it be okay if a friend and I take him to the vet, and I wait downstairs while he is done? I don’t know what to do, I just don’t want him to hate me or something.

 

[charmedbyekkie]

Be there.

I wasn't for Cairo's microchipping, and I 100% regret it. That vet (whom we don't go to anymore) asked that I not be there. I didn't know any better, and I was so nervous as well. I heard him screaming nonstop, and it scared me when he went silent. They returned him to me in his carrier - his wings were open, he was panting, and he was so unsettled.

For Cairo's first grooming session, I wasn't home. My partner told me that Cairo was screaming nonstop throughout the entire session.

For Cairo's second grooming session, I was there and calmly talking to him (wasn't holding him, but I was in his eyesight). The groomer pointed out that Cairo was so much calmer - only one short protesting peep, then quiet fidgeting. Afterwards, Cairo climbed straight up to my shoulder for comfort before going to the top of his cage to sleep off the stress.

Be there for Shelly. He won't understand what's going on, but if you remain calm and reassuring throughout the process, he'll be able to handle it better.

 

[charmedbyekkie]

Also, congrats on finding a vet who can microchip near you!!! Hoping you and Shelly can migrate soon

 

[Valyndris]

When my mom's macaw (which is now mine) was sick, we were both there for him. I'm his favorite person so I was there talking to Jacob as he was getting put under for X-Rays. I feel as though having a loved one around would be much less stressful for the bird. You are there to comfort them, you are not the one "doing the bad things".

Just think of it as if you were a little 2 year old going to the hospital, I sure would want my mommy to be there as it is a strange new place and you have scary things done to you. I was glad to be there with Jacob as I'm sure me petting his head gently and softly saying "it's okay Jacob" must of helped him a lot through that stressful time.

 

[Kiwibird]

Yes! Definitely be there. I usually look my bird right in the eye and tell him it’s ok and he’s a good boy etc... while the vet and vet tech do their thing during vet visits. It is an old school way of thinking that you should leave the room. Your presence and assurances will more than likely help your bird have a less stressful and fearful experience than you disappearing and them being accosted by a stranger. Be prepared, your bird will likely be quite upset, struggling to get away and may make some very pained noises while the vet restrains him and I’m sure when the microchip is actually inserted! Just let the vet do what they need and don’t freak out yourself

I’m glad you found someone. I know in a lot of countries it’s extremely difficult to find someone willing to work on birds.

 

[Scott]

Huge sigh of relief, hope this will permit flawless immigration!

Many vets will perform basic services in the room with parront - if not, ask. Your presence will be comforting and may forestall potential panic.

 

[SailBoat]

I'm in full agreement with everyone above! Being there is important to our Parrots.

This will greatly help in your future travels with your Parrot.
Assure you get and keep a copy of the Microchip documentation for your Parrot's travel documents.

 

[AmyMyBlueFront]

I totally agree with everyone. BE THERE FOR SHELLY! My CAV is excellent. She WANTS her patiant's parronts with them in the exam room ( except in emergencies etc) even if it is just to shorten the sleeves or a nail trim.
When it was discovered that Amy has a heart ailment,I was right there with him. While waiting for him to recover from the anesthesia I KNOW he was happy I was with him,because he allowed me to scoop him up in my hands (which he NEVER would have let me do at any other time) and he laid his head on my chest and allowed me to snuggle and kiss his head,all the while I softly told him he'll be ok and what a good boy he was. They need us to be with them!


Jim

 

[Shellybelly]

YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME!!! Thank you very much to each and every one of you! Your comments were very helpful and reassuring! I’ll keep you posted !

 

[bill_e]

Nike was a little traumatized after her last vet visit because she had to be toweled twice. She was so pissed that she didn't talk to me for the entire 1 hour ride home but once home she acted as if nothing had happened.

They know who they can trust and any loss of trust is only temporary...unless they didn't trust you to begin with.