Library

Birds + Preventive Care & Wellness

  • The physical examination is a crucial part of assessing the health of a new pet bird. Avian veterinarians may perform special test along with a complete physical examination to determine the bird's true health status. The visit should also include a thorough discussion of proper nutrition, housing, care, grooming and training/socialization of your new bird.

  • Running a veterinary clinic has a lot of overhead and behind the scenes cost that many pet owners aren't aware of. Human healthcare is far more expensive and less efficient than you realize. Plan ahead and take preventive steps to help reduce treating costly problems.

  • During the spring and summer, it is not unusual to encounter a wild baby bird on the ground. Often, people respond by taking the little "orphan" home before they figure out what to do with it. This handout provides important information should you encounter a wild baby bird.

  • The purpose of clipping a bird's wings is not to prevent flight completely, but to ensure the bird is unable to achieve or sustain upward flight, preventing escape, unwanted roaming, and exposure to dangerous situations. Typically, the primary feathers are trimmed about halfway between the base and the tip of the feather. The secondary feathers should not be clipped, and no feathers should be clipped shorter than midway from base to tip. Newly growing pin or blood feathers (that retain blood in the shaft until the feather matures) will bleed quite profusely if accidentally cut.

Merivale Papanui Veterinary Clinic
375 Papanui Road 
Merivale, Christchurch 8052 

Phone: 03 3529279
Email: admin@merivalepapanuivets.com



For all emergencies when we are not open please contact the 'After Hours Veterinary Clinic' on 033661052, cnr of Antigua and Disraeli streets, Christchurch.



Clinic Hours

Monday 8:00am – 7:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am – 7:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am – 7:00pm
Thursday 8:00am – 7:00pm
Friday 8:00am – 7:00pm
Saturday 8:00am – 12:30pm
Sunday Closed