Testing Information
TESTING BY VETERINARIAN:
Having your bird tested by an *avian-veterinarian is the best method because blood is taken from a vein in the bird's neck, which makes it a cleaner sample than one taken from a toenail (which could be soiled with feces or food.) Be very careful that you choose an "avian" veterinarian, because among other risks, blood is extremely tricky to take from the neck, and only experienced avian vets should attempt this. (if something goes wrong during this procedure, the bird could be paralyzed or worse...)
Keep your bird's carrier/container well-covered in the veterinarian's waiting room, because there is a small risk of exposing your bird to other airborne avian diseases. And don't be afraid to express your concern that the examination-room be as clean as possible. (after all, it's your bird's life that could be at stake).
Prices for taking your bird to the vet; usually $35-$50 -office visit fee. Individual tests can run anywhere from $20-$60 dollars depending on the individual vet, and/or test requested. This can easily add up to over $100.
Don't force yourself to go to a vet that might not be experienced with birds, because you think it's the best thing for your bird. It may not be, and taking your bird to an unexperienced vet may be worse than taking him at all.
*(Be sure the veterinarian you choose is an "avian-veterinarian" or one who regularly, successfully treats birds, and is well-versed in his/her knowledge of avian-diseases. Ask for references, and follow up on them.)
Many bird owners may not have the money to test their birds at the vet. Others may simply live too far away to drive to the vet's office. There is another option:
TESTING YOUR BIRDS AT HOME:
Another option that is perhaps a little more practical for most bird owners, is testing your birds at home. This method of testing requires that you hold your bird(s) gently, yet firmly in a towel (much the same as you would do when clipping their wings or toenails. Be very careful not to squeeze bird's chest area too tightly, as this could restrict breathing. (If you're not comfortable holding your bird in this manner, you can ask for assistance from another person who is experienced in holding birds in this manner.)
Toenail clippers should be well-sterilized before this procedure, and you should use a seperate clean towel for each bird (unless you are testing a pair of birds). Toenail clippers should also be sterilized between each bird to prevent cross-contamination.
After this, the toenail is sterilized by rubbing alcohol, and the toenail is cut about 2/3 up from the tip, causing the "quick" to bleed. (you should have "quik-stop" or cornstarch handy in case a coagulent is needed to stop excessive bleeding.) -4 or 5 drops of blood are collected in a small vial, labeled and sent to an avian laboratory. Prices for these tests can cost anywhere from $18 to $25 dollars per test. Some (but not all) laboratories offer "bulk-rates", with the individual tests becoming cheaper according to how many tests you order at once.
We have provided a listing of laboratories on the next page for your convenience.
Click Here For a List of Laboratories