No locals on the recommended lists, please help me with 'vetting out a veterinarian for my guy.'

[sqwv]

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.

-----

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?

 

[suncoast]

bump

 

[dolldid]

im sorry i do not live in your area i found many yrs ago high park vet an 1 1/2 hr from my home but it is to me the tops bird comes firs money can be aranged this is very important caus it can realy run up also the go to gualph for up to date studies and that tops , they treat yourbird as theres and that is tops hope your able to find this

yes they have every thing that might be needed

i was shocked that even toweled Mango and he was relaxed that was a shocked

 

[Kmurph43]

I would ask the obvious...do they have experience with your species? How many birds do they see, do they have a lot of avian experience even if they haven't treated your species? Mostly background questions at first. It might help if you listed "where" in Northern IL you are if you need/want help locating a vet.

 

[sqwv]

I live in the Rockford IL / Belvidere, IL area of Northern IL

If you were phishing for my exact street address, you will have to take it to PM.

 

[Kayaker]

I reccommend Dr. Scott McDonald he is only an avian vet here is his link to website
Scott E. McDonald
Since he is a traveling vet he is all over the country but is based in Clarendon Hills, Il and he was just in Rockford on August 5th. There are several other avian vets in the Chicagoland area including Pete Sakas who is speaking next Friday at our bird Club meeting. If you are intrested in meting him PM me for info

 

[Birdasaurus]

I see Dr. Ness of Ness Exotic Wellness Center in Lisle, IL. It's right off of 355 so it's easy to get to if that runs near you. I don't know that he shows up under avian specifically because he practices with all sorts of exotics, so I think he often is left off of those lists. His facility has all the equipment for xrays, surgeries, hospital care, etc (since mine have had all of the above...lol) and he practices with holistic medicines as well as traditional which I love. He was an integral part of getting my African Grey well through a tough illness he came with, and saved my lovebirds life after a prolapse. He really cares about all the little ones, and is the type of vet you can have a longstanding relationship with...he knows all of his clients human, feathered, and furry and asks about them which is always a plus for me when dealing with vets.

 

[Kmurph43]

If you were phishing for my exact street address, you will have to take it to PM.

Sorry, I didn't read your post completely, I guess...my bad...lol I used to have family in Rockford and NO, I don't want your street address...all though with out it, I can't send you a b-day card

 

[sqwv]

I want to thank everyone for the recommendations of their avian vets in Chicago and the suburbs.

Through the lists, I have seen many of these names among the options around Chicago & suburbs, as well as more recommendations in and around Madison, and Milwaukee. Any of these offices could usually be reached within a 60-90 minute ride under normal traffic. Unfortunately it is currently traffic cone season in IL & WI, so those travel times can easily be doubled.

I am not sure he will be cool with that length of ride.
He basically flipped his wig on the ride over here from my aunt's house, and that was less than 10 mins.

I may still choose an out of town vet, but I at least want to perform due diligence in researching the locals.
The last thing I want to do is put him under more stress.

 

[Wasabisaurus]

Did you cover his cage when you traveled? If not, try that. It might calm him.

 

[SandraK]

I reccommend Dr. Scott McDonald he is only an avian vet here is his link to website
Scott E. McDonald
Since he is a traveling vet he is all over the country but is based in Clarendon Hills, Il and he was just in Rockford on August 5th. There are several other avian vets in the Chicagoland area including Pete Sakas who is speaking next Friday at our bird Club meeting. If you are intrested in meting him PM me for info

I'd second Dr. Scott and I'd also recommend Dr. Melissa Thomas, at the Banfield attached to the PetSmart in Schaumburg. She's seen several of my birds and helped to try and save Kiwi when she had pneumonia. 847-969-0078 - 1440 E. Golf Road, Schaumburg, IL 60173.