Finding a Vet?

I think that it is time for a general exam and not sure how to go about finding a GOOD avian vet. I don't know what to expect or if I need to ask for any specific tests. Should I even have to ask? Wouldn't a good vet suggest all the appropriate tests? Help. Please.

there is a very good thread on here for listing vets in the areas of where we all live

you might want to mention that you just want a check up for your bird, and then the avian vet will take it from there. He might recommend some tests if he suspects anything.

A gram stain(testing poop) is always a good one to get, it's easy, doesn't hurt, and doesn't cost much, but gives a good indication if anything bad is lurking inside(ie: bacteria,infection etc..)

blood work is another option, but not really necessary, only if you or the vet suspect it should be done.(can be costly)

did you mention what kind of bird you have?, I didn't see it.

I checked the "vets in your area" thread and didn't see any that are close. I may not have searched hard enough, sorry.

I'm in the middle of California, between Santa Barbara and San Francisco. I think I may have found one, but I'm not sure. Do they have different credentials?

And I have an Amazon who is approximately 22-23 years old.

Thanks.

SF and Greater Bay Area Avian Vets - Mickaboo Public Space - Mickaboo Wiki

Perhaps the above link could help you locate one that's near by!

Thank YOU!
SF bound perhaps

Always use your common sense at the vet! Some would tell you to do stuffs you don't need to do or they really don't know a single thing about birds and giving you bad advice. I rarely find any vet I like, only a few....It makes me angry when they accuse me of something that I did not do, a lady vet at my clinic accused me of clipping my cat's whiskers as I told her over and over I did not do so. My partner told her that we did not and I said the same. I used to ask my partner all the time why does Fiyero break his whiskers as he is my first cat. Since my partner had cats for years, but Fiyero gets into mischief and that's how he breaks them, he doesn't do it anymore, but he used to break them all off. I was about to smack that vet that constantly accuse me over and over. I told her I'm not dumb, I know what the whiskers are for. I never see her there anymore afterwards, I wonder if she ticked off the wrong customer and she got fired....

See, that's what I'm concerned about. It takes me FOREVER to find a vet for my dogs. I practice what I call a "proactive" approach with all of my animals for numerous reasons, but the main one is it takes me a long time to find someone I trust. I'd rather go to the walk in clinics with my dogs for all the regular things then deal with vets pushing food filled with all sorts of junk that my fur babies dont need.

I'm concerned about Coco's first vet visit...

From reading reviews after reviews, that Medical Center for Birds have pretty good reviews, perhaps try that place first??? I read what the review says about the one that can be a #$&$%& but those are usually the one that really knows what they're talking about from my experience even though they're rude and stuff....go there first so you can have a peace of mind, if you don't like them, you can go somewhere else next time. That's why I change from vet to vet to vet for my birds....