Hiya :-)
I usually take my birds to the vet every year for a general check up. They don't need shots, etc, like a cat or dog, but the vet takes a bloodtest and gives the bird a good look over, and also trims their beaks and nails if need be. Be sure to call around and make sure the vet you take your exotic to is an avian vet.
Hi Janet
Thank you for your answer! I just bought the other day the new issue of 'Bird Talk' and they have a list of most (I think) avian vets in the nation. I'll check the ones in my area so I can take my Quaker parrot.
Also a very silly question...
How come you see a lot of exotic birds banging their heads up and down? Does it mean that they are happy, or there's something that disturbs them?
It can mean alot of things. If you see a happy well adjusted parrot "head bopping" he is just letting off some steam, or being playful...could be aggression in some cases as well, I suppose. They also do it to music. My Congo Grey loves to bop her head to music with me, if I start, she'll quickly follow. But, if you see a bird that is totally cage-bound, with no human interaction, no bird companion, and no toys to entertain themself, they are many times maladjusted emotionally, and will make repetitive movements with their heads, or bodies. I have seen large macaws caged in petshops that do constant "figure 8" movements on the door, wanting to come out. And that is really sad.