Parrots Need Checkups Too! Why Your Pet Bird Should See an Avian Vet Each Year

Your pet is part of the family, so naturally, you want the best for them. Just like most parents take their kids for an annual physical, regular check-ups at the avian pet veterinarian ensure that your parrot is in tip-top health. These annual visits are crucial to preventing illness and early detection of any problems. Because birds are different from cats, dogs and many of the pets that most vets see, you want to find a respected avian pet hospital where you know your pet bird will receive excellent care.

One of the reasons that annual checkups are crucial for parrots and other pet birds is because they may not show outward signs when they’re sick or in pain. Hiding signs of disease or injury is a survival skill in the wild, but it means that by the time a caregiver notices something is amiss, it may be too late. Annual physicals can help detect illness early and, in many cases, save lives.

If you do notice changes in your bird’s behavior such as excessive fatigue, vomiting, difficulty breathing or loss of feathers, schedule an appointment with a specialty parrot vet nearby.

Nassau County Avian Veterinarian Offers Tips for Playing (Safely) With Your Parrot

Did you know that there is a method called the step-up training that teaches your bird “who’s the boss” and lets you handle them without the risk of getting your finger nibbled? The vets here at Long Island Bird & Exotics Veterinary Clinic, or LIBEVC as we like to call it, have several helpful tips for bird owners. Here are a few of them:

1. Play with your parrot regularly. Birds that are bored can become frustrated and aggressive. Read more about how to teach your parakeet to do tricks.

2. Leave the radio or TV on when you’re not at home.

3. Look out for signs that your pet bird has babies on their mind! Signs of reproductive behavior include building a nest, trying to mate with other birds and regurgitation.

Read more about how to care for and entertain your pet bird in our extensive Parrot Care Guide.

If you have more questions about how to care for your bird, the team at LIBEVC is here to help. You can contact us for tips about how to help your parrot live a happy, healthy life.

Our Avian Veterinarians Advise Against Allowing Your Bird to Get Too Attached to Any One Person

You want to bond with your parrot and that’s awesome! But don’t be “exclusive” if possible. Broaden your pet bird’s horizons and help them connect with other humans as well. Following this tip will help prevent aggressive behavior toward guests or other members of the household. As an example, teaching your pet to accept the step up command from everyone in the home prevents the bird from becoming testy with others. It also makes it easier for everyone to care for your parrot and for your avian veterinarian to safely handle your bird.

Food and Dietary Tips From Your Local Avian Pet Hospital

LIBEVC advises you to always vary your parrot's meals. Allowing them to get spoiled on seeds or a favorite food item prevents them from getting all of the nutrition they need to stay healthy. While they don’t eat dairy or meat products, they do enjoy a variety of fruits, vegetables and pellets designed specifically for parrots.

Maintaining a good diet is vital from day one. For more tips about what to feed your diet, check our Parrot Care Guide.

Help your parrot remain safe and healthy with regular avian pet vet visits. LIBEVC is the leading avian pet hospital in the tri-state area.

Live in New York, New Jersey or Connecticut?

Give us a call at (516) 482-1101 for more information or to schedule a wellness check.

Contact us