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Why I recommend using certified Avian Vets!

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WingedVictory

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Why I recommend using quality Avian Vet!

I see many people who take their birds to emergency clinics that claim they have staff familiar with birds. There is no replacement for a good certified avian vet Keep in mind all avian vets do not have the same skill levels.

Link: This could happen to you!
 
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jmfleish

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But remember, there is a difference between a vet with avian experience and an idiot who knows how to test and jump through hoops to get the avian certification but doesn't know squat about birds. I've met plenty of avian certified vets who I wouldn't trust to vet a picture of a bird, much less set eyes on my birds and there are plenty of great vets out there who are not actually certified but who see lots of birds and are very well versed in avian medicine. Avian certification really doesn't mean anything more than they paid more money and took some tests. I do agree that a lot of these emergency places probably don't have good avian vets on staff but I don't think you need a certified avian vet to have a good avian vet. You need to do your research on the vet you choose, that's the bottom line.
 

ThatDarnBird

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I think a bad veterinarian is just a bad veterinarian, certified avian or not. Many people do not have access to or the funds for a certified avian vet. There are vets out there that are skilled at treating birds but are not certified. There are vets in my town that I wouldn't take any animal to. You have to be careful who you take your pets to period. Certification means they have taken the classes and passed the boards, it's not a guarantee of skillful, compassionate treatment or a skillful, compassionate staff.
 

Birdiemarie

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I was impressed when a local non certified vet I brought Ruby to decided on his own to call a CAV for a consult with me in the room. That is a vet I will use again because he used all his abilities and then had no qualms to seek other qualified sources. I've also been to a CAV who I would never go to again because of incompetent care so titles mean nothing to me. Quality care is important to me.
 

Bokkapooh

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I like my regular Avian Vet. The clinic has all avian and exotic vets on staff and none are certified. I'm ok with that. Certified means squat to me. Ofcourse I would never take my bird to a 24hr emergency vet clinic that doesn't have an avian vet on staff. I'm glad the exotic clinic I go to is also an emergency vet clinic for exotics :)
 

Cynthia & Percy

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I went to a certified avian vet for my zebbra finch spent 500 and had to put the finch to sleep due to the care I got and have had better care from another vet avian but not certified:hug8:
 

crzybrdldy

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The important thing here is if you choose not to use a BCAV that is all very good just know to do your homework before you need a vet.

I just about lost my Sam;because I was inexperienced, all vets that I had been referred to were at the big get together they have every year and when I was told about this shiny new vet clinic as the last resort, I thought well I don't have a choice as I knew something was going on with Sam just didn't know what.

I get to said clinic get called to the back and all H**l breaks loose, this vet had no clue how to restain my bird to check him out much less a vet tech to assist, I broke down and had to help. By the time it was over and done with I was sobbing and shaking for what my precious boy just went through.

It wasn't until I started educating myself that I realized how close I came to losing the little bird that saved me.

So the best thing to do before you need a BACV or just a vet do your homework and see exactly how many patients they have that are avian and if you have the ability to speak to some of their patients and get their feelings for the vets and vet techs. It will save a lot of heartache in the end.
 

Annamacaw

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Scary and so sad.....
 

CeddysMum

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I'm am so lucky that I have a good a-vet only 10 minutes drive away!

However, they don't have emergency services as such although they can be reached by leaving a phone msg over weekends.

If it was a severe life-and-death emergency and/or an injury I'd have no qualms about taking Ceddy to the vet clinic I used to take my dog to although they don't have a certified a-vet. They have - not even sure - but I think about 8 to 10 good vets - and 24/7 emergency services. They're also the local vet clinic for wildlife emergencies (I have taken several injured wild birds to them over the years) and it's only 3 minutes away - those 7 minutes could make all the difference and certainly overnight or on weekends 'cause there's always someone on emergency standby.

I also really appreciated their honesty when I researched vets before Ceddy came to me. They said they can and do care for birds, especially emergencies, but they're not specialised and they gave me the details for my now a-vet, suggesting that for regular vetting it would be best to have a certified a-vet.
 

Jen0087

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Yikes! How sad. The closest avian vet is over an hour away from me. I always go to Dr. Johnson and he is wonderful! When I had tweety, he felt bad that she had to keep coming back and gave me some medicine and tests for free. The tests didn't show anything so he called someone who was certified. The entire time he was more compassionate and helpful than any vet I've been to. A lot of vets (and doctors) just want to get in and out. They haven't accepted new bird clients for a long time but he added me both times when I needed Little Bird and Wall-E to be seen. I'm so lucky that he is only 5 minutes away!
 

Leza

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My AV is not certified, but he is considered the father of Avian veterinary practice in Phoenix... so I think I'm in good hands! :)
 
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