sqwv
Meeting neighbors
This is a transplant conversation I am putting up here in hopes that the group can assemble a solid list of questions and criteria that can be found in the future more easily than a conversation buried in my Welcome thread.
I am *completely* new to keeping a bird, and recently inherited 25+ yr old blue front amazon who needs some special attention.
I was linked to a couple of very good lists for avian vets, but there are none listed for my area.
I live in the Rockford IL / Belvidere, IL area of Northern IL, for which the census includes several attached and adjacent communities for a total 'metro' population upward of 300K. As a community of this size, we have dozens of vet offices in our yellow pages, including a handful who specifically mention care for pet birds.
I plan to call and/or visit these locations and speak to the avian specialist(s) on their staff.
One reason is to see if I can locate and acquire Kaz's files from his previous owners, since I believe that he has spent his entire life in this area.
Secondly, I want to screen these folks to find the person I am most comfortable with engaging in a long term relationship as the vet for my little buddy.
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So, here is where I need help from the group...
I think that the first question would be to ask for references of satisfied parrot owners among their client list, and see if some of them will speak to me directly.
Just I would not go to an orthopedist who did not have their own x-ray machines and techs on staff, I need to develop a list of 'must have' specialty equipment and training to adequately serve avian clientele.
Aside from a facilities checklist, are there any other specific questions should be included in this screening process?
I am *completely* new to keeping a bird, and recently inherited 25+ yr old blue front amazon who needs some special attention.
I was linked to a couple of very good lists for avian vets, but there are none listed for my area.
I live in the Rockford IL / Belvidere, IL area of Northern IL, for which the census includes several attached and adjacent communities for a total 'metro' population upward of 300K. As a community of this size, we have dozens of vet offices in our yellow pages, including a handful who specifically mention care for pet birds.
I plan to call and/or visit these locations and speak to the avian specialist(s) on their staff.
One reason is to see if I can locate and acquire Kaz's files from his previous owners, since I believe that he has spent his entire life in this area.
Secondly, I want to screen these folks to find the person I am most comfortable with engaging in a long term relationship as the vet for my little buddy.
-----
So, here is where I need help from the group...
I think that the first question would be to ask for references of satisfied parrot owners among their client list, and see if some of them will speak to me directly.
Just I would not go to an orthopedist who did not have their own x-ray machines and techs on staff, I need to develop a list of 'must have' specialty equipment and training to adequately serve avian clientele.
Aside from a facilities checklist, are there any other specific questions should be included in this screening process?