what to check for on first vet visit?

[DerTier]

I'm trying to create a checklist of all the vet tests I need to check a new bird for when it comes home. There seem to be a crazy list of things to be checked, and i dont want to miss anything.

It will be some type of conure if that makes a difference. Peach fronted if I can find one, otherwise currently undetermined.

This will also help me budget for the first vet trip as I can price check the tests with my vet

 

[SilverSage]

-first, be sure your vet is an avian specialist, not just any vet who sees birds. Avian certified is ideal, but not always available. Can I ask where you are located? Other members might know a good vet in your area.

-physical examination ($80)

-parasite screen (feathers under a microscope usually) ($60$

-gram stains upper and lower (checks for internal parasites, bacterial infections, yeast infections, foreign material, blood where it shouldn't be, etc) $80

-if everything is normal, get a baseline blood panel done. This will give you something to measure against if your bird gets sick later on. I suggest this be done annually. $250

Prices are estimates based on what I have paid. I'm in Hawaii so hopefully your are cheaper!


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[SilverSage]

Oh and I also suggest testing for PBFD, Avian Polyoma, and Psittacosis. These tests can be done from home for $20 each through companies like Avian BioTech.


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[wrench13]

Those sound like they re on the low side Sage, Sir. Saltys initial visit was more. To the OP, I would budget $1000 for the first year, to cover the inital checkup/tests and to cover the inevitable stupid mistake you will make in the first year of ownership. Check out the'Stupidest thing I ever did' thread - use the search button, and learn by others mistakes - or at least the ones they will admit to.

 

[SilverSage]

Wrench, did you get the virus tests done in office? That could be part of the difference. Each of them is about $200 at my vet office but they use the same lab I do so I'm not paying them 10x the price to do it for me! Even my vet agrees lol.


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[adz1984]

Should I use Avian BioTech from Australia or is there something similar here?

 

[SilverSage]

I don't know if they are available in Australia but I'm sure you have something similar even if that particular company isn't available.


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[SailBoat]

Those sound like they re on the low side Sage, Sir. Saltys initial visit was more. To the OP, I would budget $1000 for the first year, to cover the inital checkup/tests and to cover the inevitable stupid mistake you will make in the first year of ownership. Check out the'Stupidest thing I ever did' thread - use the search button, and learn by others mistakes - or at least the ones they will admit to.

So very true! The stupid mistakes made! So very, very true!

I get asked and my response it always the same: I have made near every stupid mistake possible. Started dumb and suffer from slow learnerism!

Our Amazons come to us already sick or injured and only when I get - stupid struck again -, after picking-up the Amazons, the first stop is the Avian Vets Office! I didn't do that once and it cost me the loss of a dear Amazon!

Because each Amazon's needs have been different, what we test for and what standards tests are taken change based on the needs of the Amazons. That said, what you are seeing listed above is fairly standard for us.

As part of the Amazon Forum, at the top is a Stickly Thread highlighted in light blue. Check-out the I Love Amazons - ... Thread. There is a section devoted to Avian Vets Visits. The section starts with the recommendations by the AAV - those reasons that should have you on your way to seeing your Avian. The last segment covers preparation for that emergency visit.

Enjoy!

FYI: Based on our more special needs, we budget 2000 per year

 

[DerTier]

Thanks all seattle area yes they are certified im a forum junky, i always start with the oops of life to know what not to do as well as the right things. I'm loving the community here so far, even when people do make mistakes you guys are so helpful <3