A well-bird exam is a check-up for birds which are assumed to be healthy.
Pet birds should be taken to an avian veterinarian for a well-bird exam on the following occasions:
- When the bird is first purchased, and
- Once a year throughout its life.
What to expect at a well-bird exam
An avian veterinarian will weigh the bird, look at the birds feathers, ears, nares, and eyes for signs of illness, and probably also take a gram's stain. An avian veterinarian will also clip the bird's wings and toenails if requested. He or she will likely also ask the owner questions about the bird's housing, diet, activities, etc., and offer the advice about caring for the pet.
Why a well-bird exam is important
An avian veterinarian may see symptoms of illness that are not observable to the untrained eye. Birds hide their illnesses very well, and a well-bird exam will give an owner the peace of mind that comes from knowing that a professional agrees that the bird appears to be in good health.
Furthermore, a well-bird exam will serve as a baseline for comparison for future reference. If an examined bird ever becomes sick and requires a vet visit, the veterinarian will already have lots of data about the bird's diet and care. Plus, he or she will also have a history of the bird's weight, which is important, as weight loss is one of the earliest indicators of illness in a bird.
See also: Wing clipping, Finding an avian vet, Gram's stains for birds
