Question: My budgie, Kipper, is only a year old, and I adopted him last week. A friend who has dogs suggested I schedule a vet visit, but Kipper seems healthy and happy. Vet visits can be costly, and as a college student, I’m on a budget. Is it truly necessary to take Kipper to the vet, or is my friend exaggerating? I know her dogs need vaccinations, but birds don’t require yearly shots, so it feels unnecessary.

Answer: Congratulations on adopting Kipper and welcome to bird ownership! Budgies are delightful birds, and with proper care, you’ll have many happy years with him. The key to this is _proper care_! Your friend is right about scheduling a vet visit for Kipper, and here’s why: As a new bird owner, your first task should be to find an avian vet you trust and build a relationship with them. You’re Kipper’s guardian, ensuring he receives the best healthcare if he gets hurt or becomes ill. Scheduling a vet visit for a check-up ensures you’re on the right path.

You never know, Kipper may now have very subtle symptoms a vet could identify. A check-up when adopting a new bird ensures there are no hidden issues. Birds hide illness well to avoid predators in the wild, but this makes it difficult to identify health problems in captivity.

While vet visits can be costly, scheduling a check-up for Kipper now might save you money in the long term. If Kipper has an illness, catching it early means less expensive treatment than if it progresses. Additionally, it saves you the heartache of knowing you could have prevented severe illness with a vet visit.

The benefits of scheduling a vet check-up for Kipper outweigh the cons. As your friend suggested, do this annually, regardless of illness. This ensures your feathered friend’s health and happiness. There are many ways to save on bird care without sacrificing health. Being creative and resourceful will help prioritize Kipper’s well-being.