A note to our young members

This week, a dear friend came for a vacation visit. She is a certified Avian Veterinarian, working in Avian Behavioral Research. She is also a consultant for the World Wildlife Fund, the Parrot Trust, San Diego Zoo, New York Bronx Zoo, and various bird rescue groups. Sixteen years ago, she came to me, a 12 year old girl interested in birds. She wanted to learn about birds, and I gave her her first pet bird, a Budgie that she named "Mr. Peeps". That started a lifelong love with birds. She studied hard in school, got good grades, and kept learning all she could about birds. She worked in a pet store, and then for a breeder, while in college. The point of this is to let you know that the world needs more Avian Vets, and people who want to learn about, and help, birds. There are so many opportunities to work with birds in so many ways. Research, pet veterinarians, conservation, rescue, and lots of other ways. When I was young, there was no such thing as Avian Vets. There was not the variety of birds offered as pets like today. And, people like me were considered "that crazy guy with all those birds". I turned my love for birds and animals into a lifetime of rescuing them. I have helped many, many birds. But, spent my time with more dogs and cats than birds. I'm not complaining. It's just that in my day, there was no way to specialize in birds only. I've enjoyed my work, and have made those animals' lives better. It's very different today. And you can make a difference on any level that you choose. Please consider the idea of expanding your love of birds into something more than just a personal fancy. Do it for the birds, they need you.

Thank you Im 12 and I just got my first bird, a cinnamon green cheek. I love him and I've always wanted to be a vet when I grow up. Now I think that I want to specialize in avians

I've always wanted to be a vet but im terrified of blood so that ended my dream...perhaps one day when im not so scared of blood...I've been out if school for so many years so im afraid to go back...lol. but I know its never too late, if my best friend can go to school at 56, I can do it anytime from mow til then....I fell in love with birds since I was very young, absolutely fascinated with them. Used to go bird watch by myself as a kid. Other kids made fun of me because I was so into animals, discovery channel, books on animals, etc. That's all I do! Maybe one day ill pursue my dreams once I've gotten over my fear....

MikeyTN said:

I've always wanted to be a vet but im terrified of blood so that ended my dream...perhaps one day when im not so scared of blood...I've been out if school for so many years so im afraid to go back...lol. but I know its never too late, if my best friend can go to school at 56, I can do it anytime from mow til then....I fell in love with birds since I was very young, absolutely fascinated with them. Used to go bird watch by myself as a kid. Other kids made fun of me because I was so into animals, discovery channel, books on animals, etc. That's all I do! Maybe one day ill pursue my dreams once I've gotten over my fear....

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Mikey thats exactly how I am No one makes fun of me, but im always the one that reads about animals and im always the girl who has a gazillion pets xD

Atwee, keep the dream of being a vet. You can do such good things. I wish you luck. Mikey, don't give up on yourself. Maybe veterinary medicine isn't for you, but there are many ways for you to help our birds. And they don't involve blood. Conservation, research, rescue...the list goes on...Like I said, "Do it for the birds, they need you".

I'm 13 and want to be a Certified Avian Veterinarian
Always wanted to be a vet

Ratzy said:

I'm 13 and want to be a Certified Avian Veterinarian
Always wanted to be a vet

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You will be a fantastic Avian Vet Ratzy, you have got what it takes. Your love and commitment for birds is what it takes
YOU HAVE GOT THE ENTIRE PACKAGE...... Live your dream

Cheers to all of the young animal lovers here! My 12 year old son doesn't want to be a vet due to lacking the temperament for coping with the "blood factor" (for lack of a better term) in any medical field, but he's a giant animal lover. It makes me so proud when young people have empathy and a deep love of animals.

I'm a senior in college and looking at grad schools right now. I'm a marine science major and for a couple of years now I have had my heart set on coral reef research but lately I have been thinking about studying marine birds. I have always loved birds and I want to save them and educate people about them, but I also want to do the same for coral reefs! I don't know what to do!