Bird of a Feather Exceptional veterinary care for birds. Because they’re oh-so-worth-it. New Layer Request Appointment Green abstract geometric shapes, resembling stacked or overlapping rectangles, create a complex pattern on a transparent background, much like a vet's meticulous organization.
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Birds make wonderful, fascinating companions—but they do require consistent care to keep them happy and healthy.

Regular Avian Exams

The single most important thing you can do to maintain your avian friend’s health is to make sure you keep up with regular veterinary exams. Birds are very good at hiding signs of illness or injury, Don’t let them fool you! While twice per year is optimal, at minimum they should see the veterinarian annually to:

  • Check body condition and weight
  • Inspect skin and feathering
  • Examine eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  • Palpate the abdomen
  • Listen to heart, lungs and air sacs
  • Discuss diet and socialization
  • Test alertness
We may also recommend routine testing for parasites, inflammation, bacterial infections, anemia, nutritional health, immune system function and disease. A vibrant green and yellow budgerigar, perfect for any veterinarian's delight, perches on a wooden branch next to a birdhouse entrance. Its feathers have a smooth texture, with a small patch of blue near its beak. The background includes a soft brown tone.

Prevention is Key Birds are fragile and their health delicate; they tend to hide symptoms from us as an instinctual defense mechanism. The fact is, if you think something might be wrong with your bird, chances are you’re right and an examination today could allow us to prevent a problem tomorrow. You should never miss an opportunity to have your bird examined. A green parrot with a white face perches on a veterinarian's shoulder, gently nibbling their fingertip. The person, with long brown hair, is partially visible and smiling slightly. The background is a soft blur.

Avian Illness Symptoms

If your bird exhibits any visible signs of illness, please call us right away—it is likely an emergency for your bird. It’s very common for the first signs of avian illness to go unnoticed, so it is important bird owners know what look for:

  • Changes in behavior, such as decreased activity level or decreased vocalization
  • Decreased appetite
  • Diarrhea or persistent abnormal droppings
  • Too much fluid in the droppings (polyuria)
  • Fluffed feathers or changes in the feathers
  • Changes in general appearance and posture
  • Sitting on the cage bottom

  • Coughing, sneezing, abnormal breathing sounds
  • Nasal discharge
  • Frequent scratching at the nares or the side of the head
  • Tail bobbing
  • Weight loss
  • Regurgitating, vomiting
  • Change in water intake
  • Weakness

  • Changes in behavior, such as decreased activity level or decreased vocalization
  • Decreased appetite
  • Diarrhea or persistent abnormal droppings
  • Too much fluid in the droppings (polyuria)
  • Fluffed feathers or changes in the feathers
  • Changes in general appearance and posture
  • Sitting on the cage bottom
  • Coughing, sneezing, abnormal breathing sounds
  • Nasal discharge
  • Frequent scratching at the nares or the side of the head
  • Tail bobbing
  • Weight loss
  • Regurgitating, vomiting
  • Change in water intake
  • Weakness

Please give us a call at 360-377-3801 to set up a wellness appointment for your feathered pet or if you have any concerns that your bird may be ill.