Quarantine- quick question

[Eric&Rebecca]

Our new bird Red Rump parakeet will come will full vet check paperwork. That does still mean I have to implement 30 day quarantine though right?

[marie83]

Yes I would because some illnesses hide in the nervous system until the animal becomes stressed. This makes diagnostic tests harder when the disease is dormant.

[Michael]

It also protects the new bird from contagions from the existing birds too. They may harbor some mild bacteria that their immune system suppresses but may affect the new bird.

[Eric&Rebecca]

That's what I thought. Thanks guys. New bird will get rechecked ASAP even though I have paperwork

[Michael]

I don't think a recheck is nearly as important as the actual quarantine.

[marie83]

I would agree with Michael in that there isn't much point in doing the vet check again unless there is anything that makes you suspect something is wrong during the quarantine but I would also base that decision on what the initial vet check involves, if its just a quick physical check then it may be something you wish to persue to go more in depth.

The other option is just submitting a few feceal samples as this is completely non invasive to the bird. Alot of virus, bacteria and parasites can be tested through the poop samples though may not be as accurate in some cases. Poop tests also seem to be cheaper than bloods though tbh I've not found any of the basic testing to be as expensive as I thought it would be as a one off, although it does start adding up when you put all the tests my two have had together but that does depend on where you go. Obviously financial availabity is different for different people, just in case you are interested my two have had, 1 x-ray, 4 seperate lots of medicines, 2 lots of nutritional support powders, 2 blood draws, 3 sets of feceal tests, 1 lot of pro-biotics, 3x basic physical feather analysis, 1x day boarding, not to mention the consulation fees and all that has come to under £300. The latest bill was £20 something for consultation, 1x feceal testing and a 3ml bottle of metacam so it needn't be too expensive if it helps set your mind at rest. It is completely up to you, the only thing I would urge you to do is to be really strict with your quarantine procedure

[Michael]

^Good advice

[friend2parrots]

I agree with marie and Michael above that the 30 day quarantine is necessary.

behaviorally, i think the quarantine will work in your favor - edmund will be able to hear the newcomer for 30 days without seeing him. that will help edmund get used to the new bird's presence in a gradual way. you can then begin the introducion procedure as soon as the quarantine is over, because they willl already be aware of each other by then i'm sure (they probably will have done some call and response contact calls by the time 30 days pass) .

[Eric&Rebecca]

I agree and of course we will definitely implement quarantine for the 30 days. I just wanted to double check.

The paperwork will include PBFD screening, Giardia, parrot fever and a full examination. It doesn't say how they've done it though, poops or bloods I assume each test is different. The bird has also been DNA sexed. He will also come with hatch certificate.

The only reason I thought we could just him looked over AGAIN is because Edmund needs to go to the vets for a pedicure and his health check up so I thought as we were there we would take both birds. Money isn't a problem for our birds, we have a little contingency fund set up for this and also the emergency credit card.

We've set up for quarantine already ahead of his arrival so it shouldn't be a problem. The cage we have was previously used for a different bird but it has been throughly cleaned washed out with hot soapy water and birdy safe disinfectant. All food bowls have had the same treatment and I have ordered a completely new set of perches and toys. This is all in a completely separate room in the house and we have even separated the food portions into separate air tight containers (again new!)

Thanks for all your help guys .