02/04/2025
TIPS FOR A VET CHECK.
If possible make the appointment as late in the day as you can, unless it’s an emergency appointment of course. With Later appointments there are usually less patients waiting and so quieter which makes the appointment less stressful.
If you arrive to your appointment too early, sit and wait in the car until the appointment time instead of sitting inside the clinic. This means less noise and less exposure to other sick animals and birds waiting which could potentially pass something onto your bird, or vice versa. 
Make sure you cover your birds cage when visiting the vet, even if your bird enjoys a car ride and you leave the cover off for the duration of the journey, cover it back up once you go inside the clinc. This makes it less stressful as the bird will be in a new environment. A stressed bird will be on guard and they will automatically try their best to hide signs of illness, making it more difficult for your vet to give a hands off examination first before a physical examination. A stressed bird is more likely to bite and act out making it more difficult for the vet to examine the bird to the best of their ability. A cover also gives the bird some protection for germs floating around the clinc, no different to a face mask.
Bring treats with you, if your bird is well enough to eat and responds to rewards for good behaviour, this is the best time to take a few with you. Only give the treats after the vet has examined the bird, because the vet will be physically handling the patient and you do not want the bird regurgitating or vomiting up food.
Once you are home, remember to disinfect the carrier , as it has been in an environment with other sick animals.
If you are new to bird keeping or your bird is very sick , remember to take notes at the vets because vet visits can be very stressful to the owners too and you often forget every word as soon as you are back in your car. Vets do not mind owners taking notes.
