The vet.

[Joshuwaaa]

Today Loki is having his first vet check. We are going to an exotic avian vet around 40 minutes away.

I have a big car carrier I bought brand new to bring him home in, will this also be okay to travel to the vets in?

Does anyone have any advice on how to make this experience as pleasant and stress free for Loki as possible? I'd really appreciate any advice. I don't want to loose the bond and trust we are working hard to build.

Thank you in advance,

 

[sodakat]

To keep the visit as stress free as possible, speak to the vet about your concerns either before or after he has examined Loki, not during the exam and blood draw, swabbing, etc.

Secondly, stay with Loki. Don't let them take him out of the room. The only reason to take him away would be x-rays, which he does not need.

If you are testing for disease, I would test for PBFD, Polyoma and Psitticosis (Chlamydophila psittaci).

A blood panel will tell you if he is deficient in areas, but won't reveal diseases. I would think that once he's been on a good diet with you for a few months a blood panel might make more sense, with disease testing now, but your vet should make that decision.

 

[Joshuwaaa]

Brilliant thank you exactly the kind of detailed answer I was looking for.

I really was worried they were going to try and just take him, so il insist to stay with him during the whole check up.

I do have some concerns about his stool and plumage but il be sure to bring this up.

Thank you so much

 

[sodakat]

I remember not feeling it was my place to ask them not to take my bird into another room for blood draw etc. I now speak up and know that any good vet will gently hold the bird against their own chest and quickly do a blood draw without stressing the bird, and the exam will be gentle and also not stressful. It's hard to speak out to a vet and make our wishes known, but our birds depend on us to watch over them.

The plumage is just wear, I'm sure. His green color has worn off. Those baby feathers are not strong like adult feathers. Also, he may have been handled and petted way too much. No need to rub hands over a feather of a bird, IMO. I do not pet my Eclectus at all, yet we are close and they often lean against me when on my shoulder. They are not lap dogs or kitty cats.

I'm sure the vet will examine his stool and ease your mind.

 

[ProbablyHarrison]

All good advice here, and you should probably take a cage paper with a few droppings on it if possible for the vet to look at.

 

[Joshuwaaa]

Just wanted to let you guys know how it went.

I took your advice and made my feelings known. The vet and her assistant were absolutely perfect. They really made me and jack feel comfortable by telling us all their experiences with exotic birds and how they handle etc.

She was very gentle, very knowledgable, answered all my questions with great detail and really made me feel so much better.

I know it's silly but even after a few days you have no idea how much this bird means to me, he's literally my best friend and baby already. He kept coming back to me just to check in, an I made it clear I wouldn't leave him at any point.

Plumage is fine, his moulting is great an due to the diet he's now on she said he'll be lovely. I also took stool samples and she examined it an said its healthy and fine because of diet change.

Clipped his nails calmy and nicely which is a joy because they were murder.

Brilliant. I'm so pleased and we are wining down now with tele and treats, thanks everyone.

X

 

[sodakat]

Fantastic report! Sounds like you have a wonderful vet. Nicely done!

 

[Joshuwaaa]

She was brilliant. Now we can get onto some hardcore step up training, and noise control

He does scream for us when we come in and don't immediately show him attention

 

[moni.k]

Keep up the good work!! Sounds like he is adjusting well and you are taking great care of Loki.

 

[SandyBee]

That's awesome, a good vet is so important!!
He's a stunner too by the way.

 

[ProbablyHarrison]

So great to hear he's all well!! You really got a beautiful little guy. I can't wait to see more and more from Loki.

 

[Joshuwaaa]

Aww thank you all so much. Il no doubt do I usually do and keep your frequently updated on our progress.

I'm really happy to say I have a new job, which allows me to be at home more and study more, so me and Loki are going to be the best of friends lol x

 

[ProbablyHarrison]

That's good to hear! And you should take some videos of the little guy!

 

[drlisaort]

Great Josh! I took Oliver for his first visit a few days ago and all his tests came back perfect. I wish the same for you. I know exactly what you mean when you say you are already attached to your little boy. I'm definitely in love with Oliver!

Lisa

 

[Joshuwaaa]

Oh relief.

Just got a call from Sarah (Loki's vet) to say he's all clear. I'm literally so relieved. She is a trainee under the supervision of the main avian vet and asked if Loki could be used in her dissatation, to which we said absolutely because she was the most amazing vet.

Also, an I know it's gross, but after being consistent in feeding fruit and veg and helping him to explore more foods Loki's stool is drying up with a better more healthy consistency.

We are celebrating with his favourites: grapes and blue berries as we watch Eden together.

Awesome.

 

[ProbablyHarrison]

Haha as gross as it may seem we all have to be somewhat invested in our birds' poop just to be on the safe side. It sounds like you're a great dad.

 

[Joshuwaaa]

Oh thank you , I can't wait to see Charlie! He'll be such a happy little parrot !!