Regular health exams are important. Symptoms of disease in birds tend to be subtle and early detection of problems greatly increases the chances of resolving them.

Your avian vet should take a complete history of your bird's background. This includes information on origin, age, sex, diet, housing, husbandry and habits. You should bring any information from previous health exams, treatments and procedures with you to share.

The physical evaluation should start with observing the bird for any abnormalities as he sits comfortably on a perch or table. His weight should be taken in grams and recorded. The hands-on exam should cover from the tip of his beak to the ends of his talons, checking for abnormalities of the skin, feathers, eyes, nares, beak, ears, oral cavity, bones, muscles, abdomen and vent.

The bird's droppings should be examined grossly for any abnormalities and microscopically to get an impression of the flora and look for parasites.

Depending on your bird's history and the results of the physical exam, your avian veterinarian may suggest further diagnostic testing and certain vaccines.