Parrots are not considered a “core” veterinary species in the UK, unlike other animals like dogs, cats and horses. While all vets should be able to provide first aid and emergency treatment to parrots, many non-avian veterinary professionals who predominantly treat cats and dogs or other species (and not many birds) may not have an in-depth knowledge of the conditions affecting birds and the ways to treat them. Similarly, without considerable familiarity with the species, safe and appropriate handling of birds may sometimes be a skill that requires further training and practice. 

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If you have a pet bird(s), you need to find an avian vet within a reasonable travelling distance, who either has an interest in, or holds additional qualifications in the medicine and surgery of birds.

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It’s obviously important for birds to go to the vet when they’re ill, but we also recommend some preventative health care too – including a health check from an avian vet at least once, but preferably twice a year. Microchipping is a very good idea in case of escape or theft (which does sadly happen). If possible, a blood test once or twice a year is also a good idea, to check internal health, including the liver, kidneys, calcium levels, cholesterol levels, whether there is an anaemia, whether the immune system seems to be in order etc.

For new birds, birds that are going to be in contact with other birds, or following contact with other birds, it’s also a good idea to have them tested for common contagious diseases like Chlamydia, ABV (Avian Borna Virus) - which causes proventricular dilatation disease/syndrome, PBFDV (Psittacine Beak & Feather Disease Virus), Polyoma virus and Herpes/Pacheco’s disease. Some parrot boarding establishments require testing for these diseases before birds go in for boarding. Some birds may need their beak and nails to be trimmed periodically too.

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There are “3 tiers” within the veterinary profession in the UK, regulated by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).

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General Practitioner:

 

Some general practitioners have a special interest in birds and lots of experience treating them, even without necessarily holding additional qualifications in this field.

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Advanced Practitioner:

 

The middle tier. In the UK, birds fall under the discipline of “zoological medicine”, which is often referred to as “exotics”. Advanced practitioners in zoological medicine have achieved a post-graduate certificate on top of their veterinary degree, in the medicine of “exotic” species, which includes birds.

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Recognised Specialist:

 

The highest tier of qualification. Specialist status is not easy to achieve and recognised specialists have gained a diploma level qualification or its equivalent, have national and international acclaim and must be available for referral by other veterinary colleagues. Specialist status can be in “zoo & wildlife medicine” in general, or specifically in the sub-specialty of avian medicine and surgery. Vets on the specialist register in the UK are RCVS specialists, but some may also be recognised as specialists internationally, such as European veterinary specialists or American veterinary specialists.