Bird Services

At Rutland Pet Hospital we understand the deep bond our clients share with their feathered friends. In general birds like parrots, cockatoos, budgies, songbirds tend to live longer when an avian veterinarian is involved in their care. We want to be a source of support for you in the care of your loyal companion.

Do birds need veterinary exams?

Absolutely! Even if your bird seems healthy it is still good to learn their baseline health details. As soon as you bring home your pet you should schedule a veterinary visit with a veterinarian. During these wellness visits we offer the following services:

• Diagnostic testing
• Physical examination/checking for signs of illness
• Treatment for ailments
• Recommendations for grooming and diets
• Trimming beaks, nails and wings

What are signs that my bird is unwell?

By nature, birds will do their best to maintain their appearance so that they don't appear weak to prey. If you have noticed changes in your pet bird’s appearance or behaviour they may be experiencing health issues. Our veterinarians can provide accurate diagnosis and treatment for the following symptoms and signs:

1. Abnormal droppings or diarrhea
2. Crust, sores or flaky skin
3. Eye discharge
4. Excessive sneezing
5. Head tilting
6. Seizures
7. Tail bobbing with each breath
8. Unkempt or missing feathers
9. Vomiting

Reach out to us at 250-765-2916 immediately if your pet is experiencing the symptoms listed.

How can I care for my bird at home?

One of the most important practices you should implement is to clean their cages regularly and check their droppings daily. Doing this can help you spot signs of an undiagnosed health problem. Another essential part of their care is getting them groomed professionally. An overgrown beak and nails make it difficult for your bird to eat and may cause them pain. You should also implement activities to stimulate your pet’s mind or provide them with toys. Boredom can cause your bird to overgroom, scream, bite or even develop anxiety.

Here are some don’ts in bird care:

• Don’t keep your bird in cages that are too small for them.
• Don’t feed your pet avocados as it contains persin which can cause heart failure or death.
• Don’t attempt to trim their nails at home. This should be done by a professional as you run the risk of cutting too close to the quick, which can cause bleeding or injury. A trained avian vet can safely trim your bird's nails without causing harm.
• Don’t allow your bird to ingest toxic plants. Although safe for humans and possibly other animals, plants like morning glory, mistletoe and lilies are toxic for birds. Eating these plants can cause gastrointestinal problems which can become fatal.