Skip to content

Birds

Avian medicine is a distinct branch of veterinary medicine, where much more is often possible than initially thought. When a bird is ill, it does not immediately mean the end. However, it is important to be able to intervene as quickly as possible, as this significantly increases the chances of survival.

Prevention is, however, more important than cure; this applies to all animals. We prefer to assist you with the basics, providing advice on the best nutrition, housing, and care. Maintaining a consistent weight for the bird is an important first step in this process.

If, despite all precautions, the bird is not feeling well or is seriously ill, please call us as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. We aim to work by appointment as much as possible, but if immediate scheduling is not possible due to high demand, the bird can often be brought in for emergency care. Warmth, hydration, and energy are of vital importance during the initial phase of illness.

Sometimes further investigation is required to establish a diagnosis, such as fecal examination for bacteria, yeast, or parasites, a crop wash, an X-ray, or an endoscopy.

Even when a wing or leg is broken, it can usually be repaired with a splint or surgery under (gas) anesthesia. If you are unsure whether a certain treatment is still viable or meaningful, you are always welcome to contact us to discuss the possibilities.

VetPlan Bird

Birds often only show they are ill at a very late stage. Therefore, an annual health check is extremely valuable, especially since many birds can live for decades.

Included:

  • Annual health check, including advice on nutrition, housing, and care
  • Annual fecal examination
  • Annual vitamin injection, wing clipping, or beak/nail trimming service (depending on needs)
  • Basic blood work (red/white blood cells and proteins)
  • 10% discount on nutrition and comprehensive blood work (including disease testing)
  • 50% discount on microchipping – extra identification for birds that can fly or occasionally travel

 

VetPlan Plus Bird

For seniors or birds where regular monitoring is of extra value.

Including annually:

  • Additional check-up
  • X-ray examination (heart, respiratory tract, bones, etc.)

Vetplan Bird

Keep your bird healthy for as long as possible with VetPlan preventive care

Bird emergencies

Birds only show signs of illness late — every change is suspicious.

Tip: Keep your bird warm, dark, and calm in a small box during transport.

  • Not eating or drinking
  • Fluffed-up feathers and lethargy
  • Difficulty breathing (open beak, tail bobbing)
  • Losing blood, even in small amounts
  • Has fallen or is no longer flying well
  • Unable to pass an egg (egg binding)
  • Has come into contact with toxic substances (metal, Teflon, cleaning agents)

Frequently asked questions birds

If your question is not listed here, please feel free to contact us!

This is a serious sign – call us immediately. Birds hide illness for a long time.

Do not eat avocado, chocolate, caffeine, onion, alcohol or salt.

Provide fresh air, no drafts, and never use Teflon pans (the fumes are toxic).

Molting is normal, but bald spots or itching may indicate parasites or (internal) stress.

Call right away, she may have egg laying problems. That’s urgent.

Yes.

We help with:

  • assessment of the current diet
  • transitioning to pellets
  • guidance for picky eaters

This can be done via a short consultation.

No. Harrison’s is not banned.
The current poor availability is likely due to import and distribution issues, not a quality issue.

We are currently seeing:

  • limited stock at European importers
  • logistical challenges from the US
  • stricter controls on products with animal ingredients

As a result, many webshops are temporarily out of stock.

Not directly, but:

  • suddenly switching feed can pose risks
  • especially for birds that are strongly accustomed to pellets

That is why a gradual transition is important if necessary.

We currently have limited stock via a European supplier.

➡️ Contact us for:

  • current availability
  • reservations
  • tailored advice

There are several high-quality pellet feeds, but:

  • not all feed is equivalent
  • acceptance by the bird varies greatly

👉 We are happy to advise on an alternative that suits your bird.

This is common.

Tips:

  • mix slowly
  • offer food in different ways
  • prevent the bird from stopping eating entirely

⚠️ Is your bird still eating poorly? Please contact us.

Pellets are specially formulated to provide birds with all essential nutrients in the correct proportions. Unlike seed mixtures, where birds often eat selectively, a bird consuming pellets receives complete nutrition with every bite.

Benefits of pellets:

  • Complete and balanced: contain vitamins, minerals, and amino acids
  • Prevent deficiencies: such as vitamin A and calcium deficiencies
  • Reduce selective feeding behavior: birds cannot simply pick out their favorite seeds
  • Support health: contribute to better physical condition, plumage, and resistance

Important to know:

Pellets ideally form the basis of the diet, but should preferably be supplemented with:

  • fresh vegetables
  • (limited) fruit
  • enrichment and variety

👉 Are you unsure if your bird is receiving the correct nutrition? We are happy to assist you.

A ZOO Bijzonder team

Meet our passionate team.

Our team consists of experienced veterinarians and veterinary nurses with a big heart for animals – large or small, exotic or everyday.

Rick

Karolien

Annemarie

Sharona

READY TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?

Or do you simply have a question about your animal? We are here for you – by phone, email, or WhatsApp.

Customer experiences

What our customers say

Attentive care isn’t just noticeable in your pet; you feel it as an owner too.
Read about our customers’ experiences at Zoo Bijzonder: