Looking for an exotic or avian vet in Atlanta? If you have a sick chicken or bird of any type, it’s best you visit an avian vet near you as they specialize in caring for birds.
Birds are different from common household pets like cats and dogs. In fact, some vets will recommend you find an avian specialist if you have chickens.
To help you locate an avian vet near you if you live in Atlanta, I’ve put together a list of animal hospitals and veterinary practices offering avian services:
Table of Contents
List of Avian Vets in Atlanta, GA
| Name | Location | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| For Pet’s Sake | 3761 North Druid Hills, GA 30033 | 404-248-8977 | forpetssake.com |
| Lavista Animal Hospital | 2804 Lavista Rd, Decatur, GA 30033 | 404-325-9924 | lavistaanimalhospital.com |
| All Creatures Animal Hospital | 2482-C Mt. Vernon Road, Dunwoody, GA 30338 | 700-393-3400 | allcreaturesanimalhospital.com |
| Animal Medical Center of Monroe | 218 Highway, Monroe, GA 30655 | 770-267-3776 | amcmonroe.com |
| Riverview Veterinary Hospital | 3300 Cobb Parkway, Suite 102, GA 30339 | 707-956-8004 | riverviewvet.com |
| VCA Briarcliff Animal Hospital | 1850 Johnson Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30306 | 404-874-6393 | vcahospitals.com |
| The Ark Animal Hospital | 288 14th Street NW Atlanta, GA 30318 | 404-584-7478 | thearkah.com |
| Windy Hill Veterinary Hospital | 2170 Windy Hill Road, Suite B, Smyrna, GA 30080 | 770-333-9030 | windyhillvet.com |
For Pet’s Sake
Address - 3761 North Druid Hills, GA 30033
Phone - 404-248-8977
Contact - Contact page
Website - forpetssake.com
Lavista Animal Hospital
Address - 2804 Lavista Rd, Decatur, GA 30033
Phone - 404-325-9924
Contact - Contact page
Website - lavistaanimalhospital.com
All Creatures Animal Hospital
Address - 2482-C Mt. Vernon Road, Dunwoody, GA 30338
Phone - 700-393-3400
Contact - Contact page
Website - allcreaturesanimalhospital.com
Animal Medical Center of Monroe
Address - 218 Highway, Monroe, GA 30655
Phone - 770-267-3776
Contact - Contact page
Website - amcmonroe.com
Riverview Veterinary Hospital
Address - 3300 Cobb Parkway, Suite 102, GA 30339
Phone - 707-956-8004
Contact - Contact page
Website - riverviewvet.com
VCA Briarcliff Animal Hospital
Address - 1850 Johnson Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
Phone - 404-874-6393
Contact - Contact page
Website - vcahospitals.com
The Ark Animal Hospital
Address - 288 14th Street NW Atlanta, GA 30318
Phone - 404-584-7478
Contact - Contact page
Website - thearkah.com
Windy Hill Veterinary Hospital
Address - 2170 Windy Hill Road, Suite B, Smyrna, GA 30080
Phone - 770-333-9030
Contact - Contact page
Website - windyhillvet.com
What Do Avian Vets Do?
Avian vets are practitioners specializing in the care of birds. They’re often referred to as “small-animal” or “exotic” animal vets.
You’ll often find that avian vets are also separated in two categories sometimes; poultry and companion birds.
This means, some vets specialize in treating chickens and other poultry. While some specialize in songbirds, parrots, and other birds that are treated more so as household pets.
As for qualifications, all vets must have graduated with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM). Avian vets can also pursue further qualifications.
You may also see the letters, AAV or ABVP. These demonstrate a vet is a member of the Association of Avian Veterinarians and/or the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners.
They perform anything in regards to healthcare for birds. This means, performing check ups, advising you on nutrition and healthcare, taking blood samples, performing surgeries, and more.
If you have a chicken in need of medical attention, I recommend contacting your nearest - or recommended - avian vet.
Signs a Chicken Is Sick
Like most animals, chickens are good at hiding when they’re sick or injured. It’s up to us as owners to spot the signs that something may be up.
To help you out, the most common symptoms and signs that a chicken is sick include:
Lethargic behavior - If your chickens are acting lethargic, such as lying or sitting around and not being as active as usual, it’s a sign something is up. It might be subtle, or it might be obvious, you know better than anyone how they usually act.
Pale comb/wattle - Chickens use their combs and wattles to help regulate their temperature. The color and appearance of these red dangly bits are also an indication of their health. If they’re fading, pale, or changed color, it’s often a sign of illness.
Diarrhea or vomiting - Diarrhea and/or vomiting is always a sign that something hasn’t agreed with a chicken. It may be as simple as a passing bout of gastro issues, but it may be an indication of illness.
Not eating or drinking - When a chicken isn’t gobbling up their food, especially treats, you know something is wrong! On a serious note, it’s important they are drinking and eating enough, otherwise, their condition will worsen.
Stopped laying eggs - There are a number of reasons why chickens stop laying eggs, and it may or may not be due to a health issue. It’s worth investigating though, especially if it was a sudden occurrence.
What To Do if You Have a Sick Chicken
If you notice any of the above symptoms or know you have a sick chicken on your flock, the first thing you need to do is separate them.
Weak chickens will get picked on by the others. They will peck at them and generally bully them, and there is a risk of spreading disease and illness.
Put them in a pet crate or give them some of their own space. This way you can keep an eye on how much they’re eating and drinking, and if their condition is worsening closely.
It’s a good idea to call a vet to be on the safe side. See what they recommend, they may want to see the bird or they may recommend some form of treatment you can carry out.
Did You Find an Avian Vet Near You?
I hope you now better understand the role of avian vets. More importantly, I hope you were able to find one locally should you need them in the future.
Related articles; check out avian vets in San Antonio, TX, and San Diego, CA.
Disclaimer -These were veterinary practices offering avian services at the time of publishing. I cannot be held responsible for any changes in services, personnel, or otherwise in the meantime. If you spot any inaccurate information, please contact me and I will verify and change it. Many thanks.
Image credits – Photo by Joey Csunyo on Unsplash
