Attention To New Bird Owners - Semi Rant

[Ali]

That is great ! I am sure there are more options in the US.

Exotic direct (UK) seems great. I need to read the complete T&C still, but it sounds like most is covered

 

[Lady Jane]

How can we, other than responding here, teach people about proper vet care.

Main reason for posting this thread. I think it is a matter of being pro active in our responses to potential bird or new bird people. Is this not part of our responsibility to these people? Anyway that is the way I feel as a senior citizen - pass on the knowledge and experience.

 

[Ali]

This thread should be linked to all threads of people looking for birds

 

[tka]

Exotic direct (UK) seems great. I need to read the complete T&C still, but it sounds like most is covered

You do need to be careful about the fine print. They don't cover feather plucking, for example.

 

[Ali]

You do need to be careful about the fine print. They don't cover feather plucking, for example.

Yeah. I might need to print it off for a better look

 

[OK Mike]

I was very fortunate when I found Blu. My avian vet was at the Tulsa bird fair the day I bought Blu. He had a booth set up at the fair and I spent about 15 minutes talking to him and he walked with me to see Blu at the breeders booth. Blu ended up being his first Verde Macaw patient. He is a past president of the Association of Avian Veterinarians. I really lucked out that day. Blu gets great care and also boards in his clinic on occasion.

 

[aooratrix]

I remember a person coming here for advice in a 911 thread. They said they didn't have a vet near them. I pm'ed them to ask their location. Turns out they were not very far (30 minutes) from Niles (where Dr Sakas practiced). Of course I'm glad I was able to help out, but a simple Google search would have done the job.

I consider myself very lucky, my vet is phenomenal, and only 10 minutes from my house! The next closest vet is in Elmwood Park, a full hour-and-a-half away. We've made that drive before (they are also a 24/7 ER) but it's not ideal.

Hardly surprising. Look how often people ask what woods are safe and other questions the internet can answer.

 

[taxidermynerd]

Hardly surprising. Look how often people ask what woods are safe and other questions the internet can answer.

I mean, I've come here to ask questions plenty of times, but I usually google first. I tend to come here to confirm that the information I found is correct.

 

[aooratrix]

I mean, I've come here to ask questions plenty of times, but I usually google first. I tend to come here to confirm that the information I found is correct.

A lot of people don't. They're lazy, or they're hoping for a cheaper or easier answer/solution.

 

[Love My Zons]

A lot of people don't. They're lazy, or they're hoping for a cheaper or easier answer/solution.

Very true!

 

[fashionfobie]

A lot of people don't. They're lazy, or they're hoping for a cheaper or easier answer/solution.

Exactly!
Then they act surprised when we say, "Go to the vet! Asap!"

Oh, I'm sorry were you expecting all of us to be medical professionals... Avian specialists at that.. who can give you treatment advice from a few paragraphs and awkward photo!

It is expensive to get veterinary care. It is required to get veterinary care. If this isn't something someone can commit to, it is smarter to wait. Even with a perfect and healthy/happy bird accidents happen. Hereditary illnesses or diseases can sneak up on you. Hopefully a future bird owner stumbles upon this thread.

 

[Nancy B]

I looked into it before. You need to read the terms very carefully. There were two problems I saw. 1. Birds emergency fees always seem excluded. 2. Even for dogs, the amount you pay annually hardly pays for what they cover.

At the end of the day I found it is better for me to just set aside my own money. I have been very diligent about it and now have a nice amount. I don't even need to blink and can take them in asap.

If it helps open a savings just for them.

I think I found this out before and that's why I elected not to get it. The ones I looked into weren't like our health insurance, which is more what I expected. I think the couple I looked at were expensive and didn't cover much except for really big things. They didn't cover well visits lol

 

[Nancy B]

The plans we have for both Jade and Roxie cover 90% of everything.

For Roxie we have to pay 250$ of the vet bills a year, and they get 90% of the rest. They even cover her nail trims and preventative chewables.

I'll have to check on what we pay per year for Jade, but i know it's less than what we pay for Roxie's.

Clearly I have to revisit!

 

[Nancy B]

I can't imagine not taking any pet to a vet. I had a chocolate dutch miniature rabbit who at a year old needed stomach surgery and she got it. She didn't make it but I wasn't going to let her die! And a baby such miniature rabbit, grey and white Thumper who was attacked by Chocolate because she wasn't feeling good, needed shoulder surgery due to muscle tears. She was so small and young the doctor gave her 30% survival and I took the chance. She lived a happy and full life, pulled through just fine and was the nicest pet, she would fall asleep in my arms! I still miss her! If you can't do the right thing, don't have a pet!

 

[finchly]

I can't imagine not taking any pet to a vet. I had a chocolate dutch miniature rabbit who at a year old needed stomach surgery and she got it. She didn't make it but I wasn't going to let her die! And a baby such miniature rabbit, grey and white Thumper who was attacked by Chocolate because she wasn't feeling good, needed shoulder surgery due to muscle tears. She was so small and young the doctor gave her 30% survival and I took the chance. She lived a happy and full life, pulled through just fine and was the nicest pet, she would fall asleep in my arms! I still miss her! If you can't do the right thing, don't have a pet!

I have a Maltese who got eye surgery at age 4... over $8k . We figured she was only 4, it wasn’t fair to go through life half blind. She’s also diabetic and has low thyroid and terrible knees. Lots of costs with this one.
I have pet insurance on the other one!

 

[Zara]

Also, I find it particularly upsetting in situations where our under 18 members are trying to convince parents/guardians to let them take to the vet, offering even to spend their own money, but their parents say exactly as above, just a this, just a that, not worth more than a tenner.

This one is a whole other bag of chips.
The threads these kids post will break your heart to read. Sometimes they even post a picture of their clearly sick/injured bird (some are pretty graphic), and they know the bird needs a vet, and they are asking us tips because their parents won´t listen to them or do anything to help. It´s horrifying to think... that not only are these adults turning a blind eye to the suffering of an innocent animal that they brought home, but also their own child that is crying, stressed, frustrated, worried about their beloved bird, trying to hold their pet and comfort them while they die. I´m sure this trauma must live with them for a long time.
This is something I just will never understand in my life.
I just wish that these parents who are not going to be responsible for the bird, would just not buy them. Many parents get their kids badgering them for a bird or a puppy or kitten and they say ¨No¨.
I would give anything to be able to jump through the screen and take these birds to the vet

(Sorry for the super negative post!)

 

[finchly]

(Sorry for the super negative post

Not negative. Heartfelt.

I feel the same way.

 

[Ali]

Not negative. Heartfelt.

I feel the same way.

Agreed.

Good post @Zara

 

[Zara]

Not negative. Heartfelt.

I feel the same way.

Yea those kids really get to me
If they were independent adults, they would make great pet owners.

 

[Nancy B]

Yea those kids really get to me
If they were independent adults, they would make great pet owners.

I don't know why anyone would put their kid through that, as well as the animal.