If you’re raising backyard chickens in Chicago, it helps to know where your nearest avian vet is in case of emergencies.
Avian or poultry veterinarians specialize in the fields of birds. Regular vets may also be experienced with chickens, but if you have an avian vet locally I recommend taking your flock members to them.
To help save you time, I’ve put together a list of all the avian veterinary practices or vets specializing in birds I was able to find in Chicago:
Table of Contents
List of Avian Vets in Chicago, IL
| Name | Location | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Niles Animal Hospital and Bird Medical Center | 7278 North Milwaukee, IL 60714 | 847-647-9325 | nilesanimalhospital.com |
| VCA Ark Animal Hospital | 3235 N. Kedzie Avenue, IL 60618 | 773-442-6500 | vcahospitals.com |
| Animal House of Chicago | 2752 West Lawrence Avenue, IL 60625 | 773-878-8002 | animalhouseofchicago.com |
| Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital | 3757 W. Dempster St. IL 60076 | 847-329-8709 | exoticpetvet.com |
| Midwest Bird and Exotic Animal Hospital | 7510 W North Ave., IL, 60707 | 708-453-8181 | midwestexotichospital.com |
| Harper Animal Hospital | 1460 W. Algonquin Road, IL 60067 | 847-358-6767 | harperanimalhospital.com |
| Paws and Feathers | 3674 N Elston Ave, IL 60618 | 773-866-1351 | pawsandfeathersvet.com |
Niles Animal Hospital and Bird Medical Center
Address - 7278 North Milwaukee, Niles, IL 60714
Phone - 847-647-9325
Contact - Contact page
Website - nilesanimalhospital.com
VCA Ark Animal Hospital
Address - 3235 N. Kedzie Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618
Phone - 773-442-6500
Contact - Contact page
Website - vcahospitals.com
Animal House of Chicago
Address - 2752 West Lawrence Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625
Phone - 773-878-8002
Contact - Contact page
Website - animalhouseofchicago.com
Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital
Address - 3757 W. Dempster St. Skokie, IL 60076
Phone - 847-329-8709
Contact - Contact page
Website - exoticpetvet.com
Midwest Bird and Exotic Animal Hospital
Address - 7510 W North Ave., Elmwood Park, IL, 60707
Phone - 708-453-8181
Contact - Contact page
Website - midwestexotichospital.com
Harper Animal Hospital
Address - 1460 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine, IL 60067
Phone - 847-358-6767
Contact - Contact page
Website - harperanimalhospital.com
Paws and Feathers
Address - 3674 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
Phone - 773-866-1351
Contact - Contact page
Website - pawsandfeathersvet.com
What Are Avian Vets?
If you’re new to raising chickens - or just find yourself in need of a vet for the first time - the term “avian vet” might be new to you.
The term “Avian” means ‘relating to birds’. In veterinary terms, it applies to vets that specialize in treating birds.
Sometimes this comes under the banner of exotic pets, as parrots, in particular, are exotic, and sometimes it comes under the term of poultry vet.
Either way, if you have chickens it’s always better to find a vet that specializes in treating birds. This way, it’s more likely they are able to give you the best possible care.
This is why I put together a list of vets and animal hospitals that have at least one vet specializing in the care of birds.
Signs a Chicken Is Sick
If you’re concerned one or more of your flock is ill, the most common signs to look out for that a chicken is sick include:
Not eating and/or drinking - The first sign any pet is unwell is often when they’re not drinking or eating as much as they should be.
Pay close attention and offer them some of their favorite treats if you want to see them eating. If they aren’t tempted by treats, something is definitely wrong.
Lethargic behavior - There is nothing more upsetting than seeing a chicken sitting or laying around and not being themselves.
You’ll know if one of your chickens is not themselves. Pull them out and take a closer look if they’re displaying lethargic behavior.
Pale comb and wattle - The color of a chicken’s comb and wattle is a good general indication of their health. If they are pale, purple, or changed in any way to what color they should be, it’s a sign something is wrong.
Diarrhea or vomiting - Another obvious sign that a chicken, or any pet for that matter, is unwell is if they’re suffering from diarrhea or vomiting.
What Should You Do if You Have a Sick Chicken?
If you’ve spotted any of the above symptoms, or any other signs that give you cause for concern the first thing you should do is isolate any sick chickens.
Chickens that are sick and unable to stand up for themselves often get picked on. It’s the natural pecking order that takes place within a flock. But it just worsens their condition.
Give them their own space in a crate or cage, or even some outdoor space if you have it. This way you will be able to keep a closer eye on how much they’re eating, drinking, and if their condition is improving.
It’s a good idea to call a vet’s office for advice to be on the safe side. They might recommend some antibiotics or may ask you to bring them in.
Did You Find an Avian Vet Near You?
Hopefully, you now know the role of an avian vet and why it’s important you locate one near you if possible.
If you’re raising backyard chickens, it’s a good idea to locate a vet that can help in case of emergencies in your area.
I hope you’ll never need to call them, but you never know.
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
