Testing babies

[ParrotletLover]

I have contacted a few Pionus breeders, and to each one I asked the same question: "Is the baby vet checked? What is it tested for?" And each time the answer is, "The parents are checked so I know the babies are totally healthy."

I understand the logic in that, but is that entirely true? Shouldn't the baby be vet checked anyway, even if the parents are "totally healthy"? Shouldn't that be something a good breeder does?

I'll pay for the vet visit if the breeder is worried about the money, but I still have a feeling a lot of the breeders won't do it. Should I cut those breeders off of my search, or is that normal and acceptable?

Thanks!

[Rue]

...well, I've dealt with many animals of various species over the years, almost all from reliable breeders many of whom we've maintained relationships with...

...and while most animals have come with guarantees, none have come with a vet check, not even the horses...

...if I wanted a specific animal vet checked, it would be up to me, my expense and at the convenience of the breeder...

[Dayna]

Blake, I am a breeder and I only vet test birds that might need it. Birds going into a mulitple bird household are one of the ones that I offer health certificates for (but it does get added onto the price but I also offer a money back deal on those if they get sick within 30 days).

Other than that, I would have to say it is the norm for breeders to not vet test. No real reason to. Any new bird owner should have a vet appointment made before they even bring home the new pet.

[ParrotletLover]

Thanks.

I'll still consider them as candidates. I just wasn't sure if it was something that should be done before it arrives.

[Franciscus]

As Dayna said, you should make sure there is a health guarantee and take the new bird to a vet immediately upon getting it. Make the appointment for when you know you are going to get the fid.

[Skyebirdsmom]

Oh yes, a vet check and a health guarantee=two different things.
Good luck Blake,
Linda & Skye~

[MiniMacMum]

I do include a vet check in the price of my Severe babies. They get a gram stain & a checkup before they leave my house. The new owners get a copy of the vet record. Anything else is up to the buyer. I know other breeders who only have health guarantees, which is normal also. I agree that anyone purchasing a new bird should make a vet appointment regardless.

[dyeman]

Blake,

My experience has been that most breeders don't vet check their babies unless there is a problem. Breeders usually sell their babies cheaper and it is simply cost prohibitive.

However, some retail stores do. Bird Paradise includes Polyoma vacines and vet checks in their price. But their prices are very high compared to what I have seen even for retail.

I think most offer guarantees and consider the vet check the responsibility of the new owner. I wouldn't rule anyone out based on that, I would however rule out those that don't offer a reasonable guarantee.

[Tiki]

I agree with Dayna. When I bought Chaska, the breeder assured me the parents were healthy and I had prebooked a vet check well before the bird fair since I knew I would be buying a new bird. Having said that, I wonder what use a health guarantee is because even if the vet had found something wrong with Chaska, I had had her for a week and was attached to her and wouldn't have given her up. I guess you would need to take the bird straight from the breeder to the vet before you get attached.

[ParrotletLover]

Originally Posted by Tiki

I agree with Dayna. When I bought Chaska, the breeder assured me the parents were healthy and I had prebooked a vet check well before the bird fair since I knew I would be buying a new bird. Having said that, I wonder what use a health guarantee is because even if the vet had found something wrong with Chaska, I had had her for a week and was attached to her and wouldn't have given her up. I guess you would need to take the bird straight from the breeder to the vet before you get attached.

I'll probably end up doing that. Lily's appointment at the vet was right after we picked her up, before she was ever home. Now I just have to find the right breeder.