Pet Bird & Poultry Services
Birds and poultry have unique health needs that require specialized knowledge and gentle handling. Our Pet Bird & Poultry Services are designed to support the wellness, nutrition, and preventive care of companion birds and backyard poultry.
Pet Bird & Poultry Services in Scotts Valley, CA
Parrot species we work with include:
- Conures
- African Grays
- Macaws
- Cockatiels
- Budgerigers / parakeets
- Amazons
- Eclectus Parrots
- King Parrots
- Indian Ringneck Parrots
- Cockatoos
- Lovebirds
- Parrotlets
- Pionus
- Lorikeets
- Quaker Parakeet
- Caiques
Poultry species we work with
- Chickens
- Ducks
- Geese
- Turkeys
- Pheasants
- Quail
- Peacocks
- Swans
Other bird species we work with
- Pigeons and Doves
- Finches and Canaries
- Hawks, Falcons, and Owls
Services We Offer
Poultry and pet birds need specialized veterinary care to stay healthy, and our clinic offers services tailored to their needs.
Wellness and Preventative Care
We recommend annual visits to a veterinarian for all poultry. During these visits, your pet will have a physical exam to check for abnormalities and our doctors will discuss any symptoms or concerns you have. We can also advise on proper care, feeding, and housing for your pet. Regular check-ups and testing allow us to catch underlying illness, decrease in organ function, parasites, or infection even before your pet shows signs of being sick.
Blood Testing
We can run in-house blood tests for poultry such as packed cell volumes and chemistry panels. We partner with a laboratory to provide expedited complete blood counts, with results that return in hours rather than days. Complete blood counts examine red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Chemistry panels evaluate kidney function, liver function, glucose, blood protein, and electrolytes like calcium, sodium, and potassium. Other, more specialized blood tests can be run by shipping a sample to a laboratory as recommended by our veterinarians, such as screening for viral or bacterial diseases.
Ultrasound
Ultrasounds, a non-invasive imaging technique using ultrasonic waves, can be used to create images showing the size and shape of organs and tissues in real time. This allows us to examine the abdomen of chickens and other poultry to determine the presence of fluid or masses without a more invasive procedure.
Other Diagnostic Testing
We offer Gram stains, fecal exams, and cytology exams in-house. We work with multiple laboratories around the country that offer specialized tests for poultry, including bacterial and fungal cultures, PCR tests for viral and parasitic diseases, assays for lead and zinc, biopsies, and more.
In-Hospital Pharmacy
Our hospital pharmacy is stocked with medications commonly prescribed for poultry. If we prescribe a medication that we don’t have in stock, we will ensure that your prescription is filled by a reliable and accredited veterinary pharmacy.
Medical Grooming
We offer grooming services for poultry including nail trims, beak trims, and sanitary trims.
Emergency Services During Business Hours
In case of emergency, the highly-trained veterinarians and staff at the Exotic Pet Clinic of Santa Cruz are here to help pets who are suffering from life-threatening trauma and disease. Please call us in advance so we can block off time to see your pet and can set up needed equipment in preparation for your arrival.
Senior Pet Care
Just as our health care needs change as we age, your pet’s health care needs also change. Nutritional needs, exercise habits, and many aspects of your pet’s daily routine can change as your pet ages. As with humans, some health issues that affect older pets can begin with very subtle changes that may go unnoticed until the problem has become serious.
Regular wellness visits are important for every stage of your pet’s life, so don’t forget to keep your senior pet’s scheduled wellness appointments. Senior pets that are on medications may need to have their dosages adjusted, or have their medications changed. We are here to help ensure that your pet is safe and happy throughout all stages of their life.
Radiographs
Our clinic has a digital radiography (X-ray) machine, which enables us to take high quality radiographs. Radiographs can identify bone breaks or fractures, and eggs, and can screen lungs, heart, and other organs for disease. X-rays can also help identify tumors, foreign bodies, arthritis, and more.
Computed Tomography (CT) Scans
CT scans are a non-invasive imaging technique that uses X-rays to create a detailed three dimensional image of an animal’s body by taking many pictures and combining them together. This allows for the evaluation of bones, organs, soft tissues, and blood vessels. A CT scan can be done with intravenous contrast to give additional information about organs and other soft tissue structures.
Surgery
We offer soft tissue surgery and microsurgery services for all the pets we see. We have specialized monitoring equipment and highly trained technicians to ensure the safest possible anesthesia for your pet. Our specialized radiosurgical equipment ensures that blood loss during surgical procedures is kept to a minimum.
Our advanced analgesia protocols include local anesthesia, multimodal therapy, constant rate infusions, nerve blocks, and more. We work hard to make sure your pet’s experience with us is free of pain and anxiety.
Lice and Mite Control
Chickens commonly have lice and mites, especially if they have close contact with wild birds. Our veterinarians can prescribe specific medication based on the type of parasite found.
Hospitalization
When your chicken or other poultry has suffered a difficult trauma or emergency or needs specialized care, we are here to help. We offer intensive care for our critical patients, including intravenous fluid administration, oxygen therapy, nutritional and heat support, nebulization, and necessary medications. Your pet’s hospitalization will be tailored to meet his or her unique medical needs.
Our Services
Pet Bird & Poultry Services
Small Mammal Services
Reptile Services
Wildlife Services