Birds

Bird Examinations

We recommend two annual routine health examinations for your pet bird. The veterinarians at our Istanbul clinic will give him or her a complete physical examination, trim the beak and nails as needed, and trim the wings if desired to limit flight. We will do our best to answer all of your questions. Wellness testing is done yearly to assess your bird “inside.”

Avian Nutritional Guidance

The common cause of many health problems in birds stems from poor nutrition. In addition, different bird species frequently have different dietary requirements. Increased awareness and research into birds’ dietary needs means bird owners should always keep on top of the latest information available. You can do this with the help of your veterinarian. Call our Istanbul clinic if you’d like to schedule an appointment.

Wing Clipping

Clipping a bird’s feathers can protect your bird and your home.  Wing clipping is a pain-free procedure that ensures the safety of your bird in his or her environment and keeps your bird from chewing holes in your doors and window frames.  It limits your bird’s ability to fly, removing the risk of injury from flying into a ceiling fan, onto a hot stovetop, or into (or out of) a window.

Having your bird’s feathers professionally clipped helps ensure that the right feathers are removed without irritating the skin. Improperly clipped wings can cause your bird to pluck or chew his or her feathers.  In addition, inexperienced wing clipping can result in a blood feather being accidentally trimmed, a situation that can become life-threatening.  We can perform this procedure safely while preserving the aesthetic appearance of your bird.  Please feel free to call our Istanbul Clinic and discuss if this option is right for your bird, as well as any concerns you might have, or to set up an appointment.

Beak Trims

Beaks continue growing throughout birds’ lives. Although birds’ beaks usually wear evenly, some birds develop beak problems and require veterinary assistance.  Incorrect beak trimming can cause your bird pain and may prevent him or her from eating, which is why we recommend having your bird’s beak professionally trimmed.  Do not attempt to trim your bird’s beak at home. Call our Istanbul clinic to schedule an appointment.

Toenail Trims

Most birds need to have their nails trimmed regularly. However, the process can be detrimental to your bird if his or her nails are trimmed too short. We can take care of this procedure for you so that you don’t have to worry about nicking the blood vessels inside the nails. Call our Istanbul clinic if you’d like to schedule an appointment.

Be careful if you perform this procedure at home. In fact, we only suggest that you attempt this at home if your bird is small and has white nails (which allow you to see the blood vessels). We also suggest you keep a caustic agent, such as styptic powder, on hand in case a nail bleeds.

Please be aware that bird’s first appointment and exam procedures take at least an hour in our clinic.

Bird services we provide:

DNA sexing :
A must for large birds

Physical Examination:
Pre-adoption check-ups and new bird exams.

Blood Tests:
We have special blood profile equipment for birds and small mammals in house.
Other needed tests sent to an avian specialty laboratory.

Microbiology:
Bacterial and parasite identification and analysis

Virology:
Tests for common viral infections,
most using advanced DNA technology

Boarding:
Supervised bird sitting and “birdie bootcamp”
for medically managed dietary conversion

Routine:
Wings, nails and beak trims, fecal analysis,
behavior counseling

Exotics

Our veterinarians are experienced in providing specialized care and treatment for exotic companion mammals, including, but not limited to: rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils. We understand their specialized physiology and are aware of their unique health needs and can provide diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical services, as well as counselling on nutrition, behaviour, and general care. These unique animals can be enjoyed by people of all ages, but many may not be suitable for everyone. Book an appointment with our Istanbul clinic to help us start your research on whether a specific species is right for you!