Everyone Needs an Emergency Avian Vet!

[gbird]

I was talking to the vet today when I took Pita in about his blood feather, and I told him about this board. I told him that there are people here who are experts and own tons of birds, but that the first thing we are told in an emergency is to make the bird comfortable and get him to a vet. The vet agreed 100%, and said this sounded like a good resource for bird owners. He said he has people come into him with McCaws & African Greys, Cockatoos that obviously don't know a thing about birds, he said it makes him so angry. He also told me to get "Birds For Dummies" Book.

At the pet store, when someone is looking at the Sun or the Quaker or even the Tiels & Budgies, I always tell them to research what is involved in caring for a bird. I tell them it's alot more work than a dog or cat. Even my vet said that. That the relationship between a bird & thier human is unique. I had no idea, until I got Pita, and WOW....I have alot to learn.

[Valo's Moirana]

Originally Posted by gbird

At the pet store, when someone is looking at the Sun or the Quaker or even the Tiels & Budgies, I always tell them to research what is involved in caring for a bird. I tell them it's alot more work than a dog or cat. Even my vet said that. That the relationship between a bird & thier human is unique. I had no idea, until I got Pita, and WOW....I have alot to learn.

since you work at petco, i'd like to suggest an idea (maybe you can place it where it is appropriate) - why not provide a book or booklet that automatically comes with the purchase of a bird and describes basic care and needs and emergencies, since some people who end up getting birds at the store don't know that much about them. just an idea that crossed my mind (as i was almost falling asleep during measurements )

edit: almost like a manual - you wouldn't even get something basic as a microwave without a manual at the store

[radiogirl995]

Bravo!
I am extremely concerned when I sign on here and see people's posts about injuries and medical issues that are happening PRESENTLY!
(and we're seeing it fairly often!)

If you hurt YOURSELF...wouldn't you call 911 (if able)?
PLEASE do as much for your babies! They have only you to help them and a message board can NEVER replace an AV.

[Winged_Victory]

Originally Posted by radiogirl995

If you hurt YOURSELF...wouldn't you call 911 (if able)?
PLEASE do as much for your babies! They have only you to help them and a message board can NEVER replace an AV.

How right you are! The AV has not only the knowledge but the supportive equipment, oxgen, surgery, AICU, medications, etc. Birds are fragile and only have a limited time to survive once they get sick.

If you ask for help and we say get to the vet, PLEASE LISTEN! We simply can not save your bird with internet advice. I'm not trying to be rude, just stating the facts.

I will always try and help but again, PLEASE head to the vet when asked!!

[gbird]

Originally Posted by Valo's Moirana

since you work at petco, i'd like to suggest an idea (maybe you can place it where it is appropriate) - why not provide a book or booklet that automatically comes with the purchase of a bird and describes basic care and needs and emergencies, since some people who end up getting birds at the store don't know that much about them. just an idea that crossed my mind (as i was almost falling asleep during measurements )

edit: almost like a manual - you wouldn't even get something basic as a microwave without a manual at the store

We have care sheets that go over many things related to any animal we sell. I tell people to go that step further and do some real research, even if it's only googling.

[Eliza]

On one of my trips to a local bird store someone came in asking the staff members for help w/ their sick bird. I didn't catch all of the conversation but I could tell that the customer WAS NOT HAPPY when she was told to call an avian vet. The staff members even gave a local recommendation, explaining that since they are not veterinarians they could not even begin to diagnose a problem.

It's like asking a random stranger if you think that the unexplained bleeding from all your orifices is worthy of a trip to the ER... C'mon, people!

I've been to all manner of veterinary practices and clinics at all hours of the day and all days of the week for my own pets and with friends/ family. I've never once called a pet store asking for advice, save when I had my first budgies. I called them for a vet reference and high-tailed it across town when I found Kudzu floundering about on the bottom of his cage.


-e-

[felisdomesticus]

good advice, Gary. It's some that I need to follow myself. I know that there is a vet in town who will see birds and I know where the closest 24 hour facility is... only I know that, though. BF couldn't even tell you what kinds of birds I own.

I am going to print out phone numbers and directions tonight for both my cats and birds. Thanks for the motivation to do so!

[gbird]

I've had people ask for the corporate phone number to complain, because I wouldn't diagnose thier pet. Most of the people that live around were I work, are low income, and usually say they don't have a vet. I want to say, then why did you get an animal if you can't aford a vet to take care of it if needed? It's mind boggling, and sad.

I'm in the process of looking for another job closer to where I live, and don't think I can work in another pet store. I keep saying if we don't have the staff or the time to take care of the animals as they need to be, then we shouldn't carry them. I try to spend as much quality time with the Quaker & the Sun as I can. I've put toys in thier cages, I always check thier water & food, and I try to take them out of the cage as often as I can, even though I am told I'm not supposed to. It seems to be split there. Half the employees care more about the animals than the sales numbers & stocking, and the other half feel that as long as they are fed and watered then it's OK. Petco's moto is "At Petco, animals always come first" But I don't always find it that way, and after I'm gone, I am going to complain about it.

I also made a point today at the vet to get phone numbers of emergency and after hours vets just in case I need them.

[felisdomesticus]

Originally Posted by gbird

Most of the people that live around were I work, are low income, and usually say they don't have a vet. I want to say, then why did you get an animal if you can't aford a vet to take care of it if needed? It's mind boggling, and sad.

I get the same thing with cats. They can't afford vaccinations or spay surgery... then they want to turn their cats and kittens into me as if I am a Rockafeller and can afford to undo all of their mistakes!

[FeathersNFur8]

Excellent advice Gary! I would like to see Gary’s post stickied on the main board. Any chance of that?

I would also like to see an explanation for the purpose of the Emergency section. It should be stated that it’s there to offer supportive advice for the bird while they are making arrangements to see their Avian Vet. It’s not there to offer advice INSTEAD of a vet visit.

To say the least, it’s heartbreaking to read posts about carelessness, neglect and disregard for the safety of the birds we love. I know there are many here that lose sleep and truly worry and care for these birds.

Everyone that owns a bird should have a working relationship with their Avian Vet. Not just run to someone/anyone frantically when there's an emergency. This puts your bird and the Vet at a disadvantage when treating them, to not have any prior relationship, history or baseline tests.