Ask a Vet

Pet ownership isn’t always easy — but we’re here to help. Noticed a behavior change in your animal recently? Not sure if you need to bring them in for a visit, or just wait it out? Send us your questions.

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Q. My 5 year old Indian Ringneck parrot has orange discoloration on her nostrils, and is plucking herself excessively on her belly and her wings. She is also sneezing 3 times in a row about every half hour.

Thanks for your question. It sounds like your parakeet has 2 separate problems. One is the sneezing, the other is feather destructive behavior. The first step in diagnosing and correcting these problems is a thorough physical exam by an experienced … Continue reading →

Q. My Quaker parrot has suddenly become very aggressive when I go to take him out of his cage and when he first comes out. Once he’s out for awhile, he’s as sweet as can be. At one point, I sat near his cage door and he came down like he wanted to come out, so I approached with my hand. When I did, he backed away and began chattering like he does when he’s upset. I sat back and watched as he went down to the bottom of his cage and threw a tantrum…..screaming, throwing his toys around, and nervously shaking his head up and down. Why is he acting like this all of a sudden? He’s been like this ever since my brother watched him for a weekend for us. Please help.

Thanks for your question. There are multiple reasons why your pet may become cage aggressive including seasonal territoriality, a negative experience while out of the cage, fear, or a medical problem such as pain. The first step in solving the … Continue reading →

Q. My Love Bird has stopped eating as much, been losing weight, throwing up, and has been kind of had a drooping head and body overall, also has a bald spot that looks irritated. Our love birds have their water changed 3 times a day, their food changed twice a day and clean cages as well as those anti mite things on their cages. We don’t know what to do as we fear one of our love birds is getting worse and worse, could you help?

Small birds, such as lovebirds, need to be examined by an experienced avian veterinarian at the first sign of disease. There are many illnesses that could cause the signs that you describe. Please call us to set up a convenient … Continue reading →

Q. Is it possible to acquire a disease-free Silkie chicken. I don’t want to threaten the health of my 20 pet budgies, but I was considering a “lap chicken” as a pet. Are there any viruses inevitably endemic to domestic chickens that are a danger to my budgies? Are vaccinations available or recommended for chickens? The hen would be a house pet, and never exposed to wild birds, or mosquitoes.

Thanks for your question. Before acquiring a pet chicken, be sure you check with your local code enforcement to see whether you are allowed to have farm animals where you live. They are prohibited in many areas. Disease-free poultry are … Continue reading →

Q. Do you treat ducks?

Yes we have extensive experience in the treatment of ducks and other types of birds. Dr Peter Helmer is a Board-Certified Specialist in the care of birds and has worked on lots of waterfowl as well as chickens and other … Continue reading →

Q. My 3 year old Quaker Parrot has been self mutilating. What can I do?

Q: My 3 year old Quaker Parrot has been self mutilating. It started on his neck and legs. But now he has pulled all the feathers from under his wings. Now he has a raw spot under one wing. Should … Continue reading →

Q. Our eclectus parrot Tattoo is a patient of Dr.Helmer. We are having some home maintenance done and I need to know if there is any interior paint that is not toxic to birds. Thanks.

Thanks for your question. In general, latex (water-based paints) are a much safer alternative than oil-based paints. Pet birds should be kept in a separate, well-ventilated room until the paint is completely dry and no longer has a smell associated … Continue reading →

Q. Should birds get vaccinations?

It is very important that breeding birds and young chicks be protected against polyomavirus through appropriate vaccination. There is little risk to the routine use of the vaccine in adult pet birds; however … Continue reading →

Q. We have a cockatiel who is 32 years old and is dying. It is so sad to watch him die. Is there anything we can do to make his passing less painful?

I’m sorry to hear that your pet’s quality of life is declining. One of the really special aspects of having a pet bird is how long their lifespan is and the incredible bond that is formed during that time between the pets and their owners… Continue reading →

Q. My parakeet has been sleeping alot and is all fluffed up, what does that mean?

Birds tend to hide their disease symptoms longer than other pets, so any change in their usual routine should prompt a visit to an avian veterinarian. When birds appear fluffed, it is their way of showing that they have a … Continue reading →