Bird and Avian Veterinary Care in Concord MA
Birds are remarkable companions. They are intelligent, social, and full of personality. They are also very good at hiding signs of illness, which means health problems can go unnoticed until they become serious.
At West Concord Animal Clinic, we provide experienced avian veterinary care for pet birds in Concord MA and surrounding communities. We see parrots, cockatiels, parakeets, conures, lovebirds, canaries, finches, and other pet birds.
Whether your bird is due for a wellness visit or you have noticed something that does not seem right, our team is here to help.
Bird Wellness Exams
Annual wellness exams are one of the most important things you can do for your bird’s health. Birds in the wild instinctively mask illness to avoid appearing vulnerable to predators. Pet birds carry that same instinct, which means they can appear healthy even when they are not.
During a wellness visit, our veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam. We check weight, feather condition, beak and nail length, eyes, and breathing. We also talk with you about diet, environment, and anything you have noticed at home.
We may recommend a fecal test or bloodwork to get a fuller picture of your bird’s health. These tests can reveal infections or nutritional concerns that are not visible on exam.
Bird Emergency Veterinary Care
Birds can deteriorate quickly when they are sick. If your bird is showing any of the signs below, please call us right away at 978-610-6870.
- Open-mouth breathing or labored breathing
- Tail bobbing up and down with each breath
- Sitting on the floor of the cage instead of a perch
- Puffed up feathers combined with unusual stillness
- Not eating for more than a day
- Discharge from the nostrils or eyes
- Sudden loss of balance or coordination
- A visible injury or bleeding
During our regular hours, please call us first so we can prepare. For emergencies outside of our hours, please contact one of the 24-hour emergency hospitals listed on our emergency page and let them know you are bringing in a bird.
Avian Surgery
Sometimes birds require surgical procedures. These may include removal of a growth, treatment of an internal mass, reproductive surgery, or other soft tissue procedures.
Avian surgery requires careful anesthetic management because birds have a very different physiology than dogs or cats. We take every precaution to keep your bird safe before, during, and after any procedure.
If your bird has been recommended for surgery, we will explain the procedure in detail, answer your questions, and make sure you feel confident about the plan. Learn more about our approach on our surgery page.
Bird Beak, Nail, and Feather Care
Beak and nail overgrowth are common concerns in pet birds. When the beak becomes too long or misshapen, it can make it difficult for your bird to eat. Overgrown nails can catch on cage materials and cause injury.
We perform beak trims and nail trims in a calm and gentle setting. We also evaluate feather condition as part of every wellness visit. Feather quality can tell us a lot about a bird’s nutrition, hormone levels, and overall health.
If your bird has been over-preening, plucking feathers, or has visible abnormal feather growth, we would like to take a look.
Nutrition and Environment Guidance
Many health problems in pet birds are related to diet. Seed-only diets are a very common cause of nutritional deficiencies, and over time they can lead to serious health consequences.
We are glad to go over your bird’s diet at every visit and make recommendations based on their species, age, and current health. We can also talk through cage setup, lighting, humidity, and social enrichment.
Getting the environment right is just as important as getting the food right. Our goal is to make sure you have the information you need to help your bird thrive.
Species We See
We care for a wide variety of pet birds, including:
- Parrots, including African greys, Amazons, macaws, and cockatoos
- Cockatiels and parakeets
- Conures and lovebirds
- Canaries and finches
- Doves and pigeons
- Other companion birds
If you are not sure whether we see your species, please give us a call and we will be happy to let you know.
Your Trusted Avian Vet in Concord MA
West Concord Animal Clinic is located at 29 Domino Dr. in Concord, MA. We are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
We know that birds are deeply loved members of the family. We treat every avian patient with care, patience, and respect. Our appointments are never rushed, so you have time to ask questions and feel comfortable with your bird’s care plan.
If you are ready to schedule a visit, we would love to meet your bird.