Annoyed about vet change

[Kiwi08]

So I have been doing lots of research trying to find a good avian certified vet in the area. I found out there are 3 within a reasonable distance (1 hour or less) from me. The closest one to me I have taken some of my birds to before, but have never been overly impressed. So I did my research, called around, talked to each one about what is included in their exams, etc. I finally picked one that I was really happy about.

So that was about 2 weeks ago. I call today and make the appointments for Kiwi and Marvin and it was all set! Later today I'm looking on their website to print some forms and I'm like, hey, why doesn't it mention the avian doctor? Her bio was on there last time I looked...

Well, I call them back and ask who my appoint is with, and its not the avian doctor! It was their other doctor, who "also sees birds". The receptionist said the avian doctor was out for surgery, and apparently decided not to come back?? Bleh, so now I still have the appointments scheduled but I'm annoyed about it. The only other avian vet is about an hours drive... :( I was so excited!

So now I have to decide if I'm just going to see the other doctor or go to the one far away... its only for their annual well check exams, not for a specific concern.

[hollyhawkz]

I would rather drive and stick with an AV. They may see something that a regular vet would miss. Just me though. Phone back and find out if this is a newbie vet, and how many years experience they have with birds.

[sodakat]

The vet I chose is not avian certified, but she has 20 years experience with exotics (parrots in her case) as well as owning several herself, one of whom she's had for 16 years. I drive 140 miles to this vet, but she is 40 miles closer than the nearest avian certified vet. It's difficult to find a vet who will even *see* birds here in the Dakotas. The vet I found is in Minnesota.

During a well-bird check you will be able to get a feel for this vet when you are not under stress because of an ill bird. So, whichever you choose, you can use it as an interview process!

[Kiwi08]

Apparently this vet has had about 10 years working with exotic animals, including birds. It is strictly an avian and exotic animal veterinary office.

Another thing I realized after all this was that the doctor I thought I would be seeing was a female, and the one I will be seeing is a male. Kiwi and Marvin both prefer females... I wonder if seeing a male will be more stressful than if it was a female doctor?

[Chicklette]

I personally would go for the drive and get the avian vet if they are better. BUT I know this is not about parrots/birds but I have two jack russells and six chinchillas. I bring my chinchillas to my “dog” vet because he is the only one I trust. So I guess it could go either way. I’ve brought my chinchillas to an exotic animal vet and he was SO horrible it was ridiculous so I called my normal dog vet and begged him to see my chinchillas and I trust him completely.

Or what you could do is meet both and then decide. I think this may be the best way to go. Just go by your gut instinct.

[Kiwi08]

I've been thinking about it all night, and I'm still not sure what I'm going to do. I'm leaning towards just keeping the appointments I already have and hope for the best. If I'm not satisfied I can always then make the drive to the other doctor for a second opinion...

[hollyhawkz]

If he has ten years experience why not? See how the fids react to him, it might be better than you think.

[Chicklette]

That is true, just check it out. If you have a bad feeling and it doesn't work out switch.