If you’re in the Dallas area and you are raising backyard chickens, you need to know that there is an avian vet nearby in case of emergencies.
Avian or poultry veterinarians specialize in the care of birds. They are typically able to provide expertise for treating chickens that regular vets are not.
Below, I’ve put together a list of all the avian vets I was able to find in the Dallas area. Hopefully, you’ll find one near to you that you’re happy with:
Table of Contents
List of Avian Vets in Dallas, TX
| Name | Location | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summertree Animal and Bird Clinic | 12300 Inwood Road, TX 75244 | 972-387-4168 | summertreevet.com |
| VCA Lakewood Animal Hospital | 6363 Richmond Avenue, TX 75214 | 214-826-6601 | vcahospitals.com |
| Parker Animal and Bird Clinic | 2129 W. Parker Rd., TX 75023 | 972-985-0036 | parkeranimalbird.com |
| Carrollton West Pet Hospital | 3729 Old Denton Road, TX 75007 | 972-492-1828 | carrolltonwestpet.com |
| Texas Avian and Exotic Hospital | 2700 W State Hwy 114, TX 76051 | 817-953-8560 | texasavian.com |
Summertree Animal and Bird Clinic
Address - 12300 Inwood Road #102, Dallas, TX 75244
Phone - 972-387-4168
Contact - Contact page
Website - summertreevet.com
VCA Lakewood Animal Hospital
Address - 6363 Richmond Avenue, Dallas, TX 75214
Phone - 214-826-6601
Contact - Contact page
Website - vcahospitals.com
Parker Animal and Bird Clinic
Address - 2129 W. Parker Rd., Plano, TX 75023
Phone - 972-985-0036
Contact - Contact page
Website - parkeranimalbird.com
Carrollton West Pet Hospital
Address - 3729 Old Denton Road, Carrollton, TX 75007
Phone - 972-492-1828
Contact - Contact page
Website - carrolltonwestpet.com
Texas Avian and Exotic Hospital
Address - 2700 W State Hwy 114, Grapevine, TX 76051
Phone - 817-953-8560
Contact - Contact page
Website - texasavian.com
What To Look for When Choosing a Veterinary Practice
Choosing a good vet is a big deal. We love our pets, and it’s stressful and upsetting when they’re sick.
I’ve done my best to pick the best-rated animal hospitals with vets that specialize in treating birds, so chickens included.
Still, it’s always a good idea to do a little research before committing so you know you’re putting your trust in a good vet.
Here are some of the things I recommend trying to do:
Ask for recommendations - It’s always worth asking around if anyone has experience with a vet and can recommend them. This is the best way to get some reassurance when using a vet for the first time.
Check reviews - It also helps to read through some reviews from previous customers. Keep in mind, however, that people tend to be quicker to leave a review for a bad experience, rather than a good one.
Avian specialty - I did my best to find vets that specialize in treating birds, known as avian vets, as birds are not as commonly seen by vets as cats, dogs, and other household pets.
I’ve had vets recommend I contact an avian vet before when calling them about one of my chickens. So I know firsthand that it’s not something all general vets are comfortable with.
Experience and qualifications - It doesn’t hurt to quickly check any vet you’re going to visit is qualified and has experience treating chickens.
You should see the letters DVM next to their name on their website. This stands for Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Seeing ABVP which means they are also members of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners tells you they’re further qualified too.
How To Tell if You Have a Sick Chicken
Chickens are fairly hardy and in my experience, they don’t get sick that often. It does happen though, and as owners, we have to keep an eye out for the signs they’re sick and do something asap.
The main symptoms that a chicken is unwell are:
Lethargic behavior - You know your chickens better than anyone, it should always be obvious if they’re not acting right.
This usually means being lethargic, reserved, sitting or laying down a lot, and generally not interacting with you or their flock mates.
Not eating and/or drinking - The first sign any pet is unwell is often when they’re off their food and water.
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.
Pale comb and/or wattle - A chicken’s comb and wattle is a good indication of their health. If you’ve noticed either going from bright red to a pale red, purple, or any other shade, it’s a bad sign.
This also applies to the color of their face and the general state of their coats.
Vomiting and diarrhea - Another classic sign that a pet is unwell is vomiting and/or diarrhea. Here is some good advice on what to look out for when a chicken has diarrhea.
What To Do With a Sick Chicken
Vets cost money and it can be a hassle booking an appointment and getting your chickens to them. So, I understand a lot of people want to be sure it’s totally necessary before calling.
If you’ve spotted any of the signs I covered above, the first thing you need to do is isolate your chicken.
This will stop them from being picked on by the other chickens. As well as limiting the spread of any diseases they may have.
You could call a vet’s office for advice at this point, or try and nurse them round. You will be able to see what the state of their health is and how it’s changing day by day and make the best decision.
Did You Find an Avian Vet Near You?
I hope this article has helped you find an avian vet near you. If you’re raising chickens or keeping parrots, budgies, etc. I hope you never need to call a vet, but it’s important that you know who to call should that need arise.
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
