Birds are one of our main passions and we treat a huge range of species on a regular basis belonging to pet owners, falconers, bird of prey centres, zoological collections and wildlife. We have extensive experience treating psittacines – including budgies, cockatiels, parakeets large bodied parrots, cockatoos and macaws, poultry, waterfowl, raptors, owls, vultures, passerines, softbills, pigeons, ratites and penguins amongst others.
Our services include:
- Diagnostic endoscopy, X-rays and ultrasound.
- Investigation of poor performance in falconry birds.
- Faecal testing.
- Soft tissue and orthopaedic surgery including fracture repairs, beak repairs and bumblefoot surgery.
- Separate hospitalisation facilities.
- Investigation of feather plucking.
- Microchipping.
- Post purchase exams and annual health checks.
- Nutritional and behavioural advice.
- Second opinions and referrals.
Signs of Ill health in birds
Many birds will hide signs of illness until disease is advanced. Be aware of the basic signs of ill health:
- Unsteady on feet, collapse or falling off the perch.
- Nervous signs, twitching or seizures.
- Acute injuries or bleeding.
- Depression, fluffed up, abnormal behaviour.
- Loss of voice
- Suspected egg binding or cloacal prolapse.
- Changes in the appearance of mutes in raptors or droppings in parrots, pigeons and passerines.
- Failure to empty the crop.
- Anorexia and/or weight loss.
If you observe any of the above make an appointment as soon as possible.
Thinking of getting a bird?
- Do your background research on the environmental requirements, feeding, behaviour and natural characteristics of your desired species. Ensure you have the time and commitment to take on a bird. Use multiple resources and references and do not rely on one source of information, particularly on the internet.
- Buy from a good source.
- Invest in the correct equipment and environment for your chosen species.
- Following purchase have a health check carried out by either Andy or Mark.
- Annually we will invite parrot owners to bring their feathered friend for a routine health check where we will, along with invaluable blood sampling, make sure that your avian is in the best possible health.
- Consider pet insurance. Most disease investigations involve laboratory tests, radiography and taking other samples. These tests, which are often essential for your pet’s well-being, can be expensive.
If you bird shows any signs of illness, it should be seen as soon as possible as birds commonly hide signs of illness until disease is advanced.
