Vet Recommends DNA Sexing?

[Starlit_Night]

Aleta had her first vet visit last night. All is well. She is such a sweet little bird, nothing seems to phase her. She played in her carrier for the first time only an hour before we had to leave. Was a half hour drive (stupid construction!) and I barely heard a peep out of her. She was much more interested in the food I had put into her carrier!



The vet really only did a physical exam of her, no testing of any sort. She said on a future visit she would like to do some blood work, but didn't want Aleta's first visit to be too scary. She recommended I have her DNA sexed though. I hear a lot about people wanting to get it done and I know the vet can do it but has anyone ever heard of a vet recommending to do that before? Seemed kind of odd to me. She said males and females can get sick in different ways.

Honestly, I just really don't know the vet or the clinic. They seemed nice and all, but I'm always nervous that they are just wanting me to spend the extra money rather than what is best for the bird. If it was my usual vet (for my fur babies) I wouldn't hesitate if he suggested that. Sadly he is not an avian vet, so I had to go elsewhere for Aleta.

Have any thoughts on this?

Christine

 

[SilverSage]

I have never heard of that being a medical need, but where I am from no vet will even see birds so I was never able to take mine (pretty much just had to be super careful and pray nothing bad happened, thank goodness that is no longer the case). My thought would be to call several other vet clinics. Be sure to let them know that YOUR vet wants to do it, and you wonder what they recommend, so they know they can't get money off of you. I would also ask your vet how EXACTLY the gender plays a roll. I mean, in humans there is a difference, like women don't have prostate issues, and while it can happen, men are less likely to have breast cancer. So she could be telling the truth, but I would pressure her. Also, check online for cheaper ways that the vet. I don't know if there are, but it is worth a look, right?

 

[SandyBee]

While it is not completely necessary it can be a great tool. Female birds do have egg binding and hormonal issues while male birds have their own hormonal set of behaviours.
A quick reaction from a vet in times of illness may make the difference one day and knowing the sex of the bird may be important at that time.
It really is up to you.

 

[Echo]

SandyBee is right. In a life and death situation (egg binding)where a quick intervention is needed, knowing the gender can make a huge difference.

 

[MikeyTN]

Like it's been said above, it is good to know the sex of your birds in case of egg binding issue. So you would know what may be happening and what to do during the time of need. I have helped plenty of female birds pass their egg. Where I was living at before far out in the country side where I am far away from any vet. I had to take care of stuffs like that when it happens but I don't suggest anyone to do it unless it's urgent. By knowing their sex it would be easier for the vet to eliminate any symptoms that don't apply to your bird. Making the process of finding the cause quicker.

 

[Starlit_Night]

Thanks guys! Appreciate the insight. If it seems legit, I have no objections. If it was a vet I knew, I wouldn't have even asked.

 

[SoCalWendy]

Hmmm you could look online for DNA testing at a fraction of what you would pay at the vet