Hi Lyn & Tony,
An annual Vet check is really a personal decision you have to make. Your Vet will usually check the bird over physically, check the weight, check the stool and recommend a blood panel. This can help detect an issue before it becomes serious – either by noticing a weight or physical change, or something in the bloodwork. Most birds do just fine and it’s also a good chance to have the nails trimmed as well as the beak if needed. Some birds stress very easily, and in that case, sometimes a Vet visit isn’t routine. I know Dr. Lamb was asked this question and she suggested taking the bird every 2 or 3 years. If your birds never board anywhere or travel anywhere with you, they rarely have issues if their environment is stable. As they get older, a Vet check might be more important. But, without blood values and weights from their younger years, the Vet won’t know if something is different. Bloodwork is tricky with birds – something might be normal for one bird, yet be considered a high or low value in general. So it really comes down to a family discussion and knowing your bird and how he reacts to traveling somewhere and being examined by a Vet.
Thank you for asking Lafeber,
Brenda
