First Vet Visit Experience

[oslund]

The tests that my vet usually gives both my birds (an Amazon and an Eclectus) on an anual basis is a CBC and a fecal gram stain. These are also the tests that are recomended in Barron's parrot books which are a pretty good source of infomation. In addition the vet will usually do a visual check of the droppings, feel around the breast bone, take a look in the back of the throat, and take a look at the feet. Hope this helps.

[peeker]

The price seems to be right in the general ballpark for first visits, although I wouldn't be happy with the exam. Your vet didn't even do a CBC? Bloodwork can show alot about the birds overall health and is a good thing to compare against on yearly check-ups. Shoot! I coulda told you to feed your birds healthy, trimmed their wings and nails and held them under a blacklight and I'm not a vet. I would have expected more. If I were you I would check your local bird clubs and such and get recommendations for another vet. My vet charges 40-45 for a full exam, cbc, gram stain, and includes the wing trim, nail trim and beak in the price. I drive for two hours to see this man because he is worth the trip! He is very knowledgeable and really cares about his patients. I don't know of another vet that charges such low prices. I also have a closer vet for emergencies.
Christy

[ZenDragon]

Thanks for everyone's comments. :D

I just didn't expect the blll for a regular check-up to be very much. Now I know what to expect from the vet in terms of cost.

I will find another veterinarian to perform bloodwork on my birdies.

The vet called with the results of the grain test and told me that the birds' diets are very healthy and there is no sign of stress. Yay!!!

I need to go to the vet because I will boarding them for New Year's at Bird Paradise in NJ. They board small parrots for $40 a WEEK. It's a fantastic steal.

I need a break from my parrots. Being a college student, I used to sleep in on weekends but now they wake me up at 8am everyday screaming "MOMMY!!!"

Now my focus is on getting a cockatiel or lovebird. 8)

- Jade

PS: I nearly fell over reading Graehstone's bill for her CAG! WOWZERS! :shock:

[Willow]

Sounds like a bad vet visit to me. I have had similar experiences. Although the costs aren't terrible, they should have eexplained them to you ahead of time, in my opinion. If you find a new vet, be sure to ask for estimates before going in so so you can be prepared. Good luck!

[JThw8]

Dr Dazen in Cherry Hill NJ. I cant say enough good about him. We took our TAG for her first visit with him last night. Its not inexpensive, close to $400 for the exam, bloodwork, etc, but he also spent over an hour and a half with us discussing every facet of her care and well being. Much of the information was not new to us but it was very good to see that here is a Dr that cares enough to spend this kind of time with each new patient to ensure the bird is getting proper care. I was warned by some that he can be a bit unpleasant to deal with at times but I didnt find that the case at all. I think his enthusiasm for ensuring the fids are cared for properly sometimes comes across a bit too harsh on owners that are doing the wrong things, but Im willing to accept that if it means more people get educated on how to properly care for their fids.

Full contact info:
Kenneth Dazen
1785 Springdale Rd
Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
Phone: 609-751-2122
Fax: 609-751-3550