Why do I need an avian veterinarian?
It is important to try your best to find an avian specialized vet. This is different from a dog/cat vet AND it is different than an exotics vet. Many exotic vets will see birds but it is best to seek out a vet that has further education regarding parrots. An exotics vet has some training in birds but an avian specialized vet has had extensive schooling on them. This is very important considering the differences in the many species.
An avian vet can help you set up annual preventative care such as wellness exams and bloodwork. This is important because birds are prey species and will hide signs and symptoms of illness until the condition is often too advanced to treat. In the wild, this would give them the longest period of survival. In captivity, it is often a death sentence. By seeing your vet yearly, you create a personalized trend of health data so that your vet will spot any changes quickly. This provides an opportunity to help your bird.