Responsible Bird Owners Opt for a Bird Autopsy When Their Beloved Pet Passes
Why You Should Always Get a Bird Autopsy When Your Pet Bird Dies
The last thing you want to think about is your pet dying, but the fact of the matter is that eventually everyone must pass over the Rainbow Bridge at one time or another. When that happens to a pet bird, it's important that a bird autopsy be done. Why is I so important? This article explains.
Birds of a Feather
Some birds die of old age. Many do not. When a pet bird dies it's critical that the owner understand why.
The reasoning behind this is simple. If you have more than one pet bird and one dies of unnatural causes (disease, diet, etc.) a bird autopsy can protect the other birds in your flock. If the bird was sick your other birds can begin treatment. If you do not have an autopsy done, treatment may not begin until it is too late for your other feathered family members.
Even if you have no other birds but you plan on adopting another feathered family member in the future, you need to know if something in the environment contributed to your pet bird's death. If you do not have a bird autopsy performed you will never know if your environment will be safe for another pet bird.
How to Do It
If your pet bird does pass away and you decide to do the responsible thing and opt for a bird autopsy, immediately put the body in a bag and put it in the refrigerator (NEVER the freezer) and call your vet. Autopsy rates start at about $45, but if the bird needs to be sent to a lab for tissue sampling, it can go way up. That is, however, part of the expense of being a bird owner.
I really hope you have no need for this advise anytime soon, but I've seen people lose entire flocks because they decided not to do an autopsy when a pet bird died. With that in mind, please do the responsible thing if your pet bird dies - contact your vet and schedule a bird autopsy.