Avian & Pet Links
Local Bird Clubs (Los Angeles) Bird clubs are wonderful places to meet other bird lovers, hear great (and educational) speakers, and hang around with folks who won't wonder why your shirts are full of little holes (and poop stains). With that in mind we offer the following two warnings: Most bird clubs have "bring your birds" meetings. Although this is seemingly a fun activity, please be aware that it is also a quick and easy way to expose your flock to potentially sick birds. We suggest you leave your birds home and just enjoy everyone else's birds. Make sure you use bio-safety measures (change your clothes, wash your hands with antibacterial/anti-viral) BEFORE you handle your birds upon your arrival home. Many bird clubs have an "adoption program". We at Parrots First do not believe in bird club adoption programs for many reasons, the biggest being the fact that adoptions are a sideline for bird clubs. We also know that many birds are taken in and passed around (adopted or fostered) without medical testing or even a basic exam by a vet. When "adopting" a bird from a bird club always have a "buyer beware" mentality. Make sure that any bird you take for fostering or adoption has at LEAST been SEEN by an AVIAN veterinarian. Ask to see the vet records and see what tests have been performed on the birds. Do not take anyone's "word" that the bird has been tested. If they don't have vet records for you to see the bird has most likely NOT been to a vet. Ask to speak to the vet! QUARANTINE any birds you may take BEFORE putting them into contact with your birds for 30-60 days (ask your avian vet his/her advice); even if the bird has a "clean bill of health" Here at Parrots First we give all adopters and foster homes copies of all vet records and test results. Because we have volunteer veterinarians and our own account at a laboratory (Avian Biotech), our foster homes pay nothing for vet care in the event a bird becomes ill; with a bird club, you will probably be asked to "foot the bill". Medical expenses for a sick bird can easily run into hundreds if not thousands of dollars.
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