What to locate avian vets in San Francisco, CA? If you keep birds of any kind, and this includes chickens, you should locate an avian vet nearby in case of emergencies.
Avian vets specialize in the care of birds. A lot of regular vets will also treat birds, but if you can find a vet specializing in avian care you’ll get the best possible standard of care.
Here is a list of veterinary practices and animal hospitals I was able to verify offered avian services at the time of publishing:
Table of Contents
List of Avian Vets in San Francisco, CA
| Name | Location | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berkeley Dog & Cat Hospital | 2126 Haste St, Berkeley, CA 94704 | 510-848-5041 | berkeleydogandcat.com |
| Balboa Pet Hospital | 3329 Balboa St, San Francisco, CA 94121 | 415-460-7786 | balboapethospital.com |
| Bay Area Bird & Exotics Hospital | 2145 Taraval St. San Francisco, CA 94116 | 415-566-4359 | birdandexoticsvet.com |
| Exotic Bird Hospital inc | 269 S Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94103 | 415-861-5725 | vcahospitals.com |
Berkeley Dog & Cat Hospital
Address - 2126 Haste St, Berkeley, CA 94704
Phone - 510-848-5041
Contact - Contact page
Website - berkeleydogandcat.com
Balboa Pet Hospital
Address - 3329 Balboa St, San Francisco, CA 94121
Phone - 415-460-7786
Contact - Contact page
Website - balboapethospital.com
Bay Area Bird & Exotics Hospital
Address - 2145 Taraval St. San Francisco, CA 94116
Phone - 415-566-4359
Contact - Contact page
Website - birdandexoticsvet.com
Exotic Bird Hospital inc
Address - 269 S Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94103
Phone - 415-861-5725
Contact - Contact page
Website - vcahospitals.com
What Do Avian Vets Do?
Avian vets specialize in caring for birds. They’re sometimes called exotic vets or small animal practitioners and have experience treating birds.
Birds are very different from cats and dogs, so sometimes vets will not see them. I’ve run into this problem myself, calling a vet only to be told to find an avian specialist.
If you want to provide the very best care for your chickens and birds, as I’m sure you do, I recommend finding the closest avian vet to you in case you find yourself in need of veterinary care.
This said they do graduate with the same Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) as other vets.
Some vets will pursue further qualifications in relation to birds, however. If you see “AAV” or “ABVP” next to their name, this shows they are members of the Association of Avian Veterinarians and/or the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners.
Their duties include everything to do with providing healthcare for birds. From nutritional advice and checkups to performing life-saving surgeries.
Signs a Chicken Is Sick
Chickens, like most animals, are good at hiding when they’re sick. It’s important you know the signs and symptoms to look for that they are sick however and act quickly if they are.
The most common symptoms or signs a chicken is ill in some way include:
Lethargic behavior - Signs that a chicken is not as active as they usually are is a sign they’re not feeling well. You know your chicks well, if they’re laying or sitting instead of socializing and foraging, take a closer look.
Pale comb/wattle - Chickens use their combs and wattles to help regulate their temperature. If you notice a change in color, especially if they’re turning pale, this is often a sign that they’re sick.
Diarrhea or vomiting - If any of your birds are experiencing diarrhea or vomiting, it’s usually a sign that they’re unwell. It might be a passing bout of gastro issues, but it may be something more serious.
Not eating or drinking - Any animal that’s off their food is displaying that there is something wrong. If you have a chicken that isn’t eating, especially if you offer them a treat, you know you have a sick bird on your hands.
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 have a sick chicken - or any bird - first of all, don’t panic. Secondly, separate them from the rest of your flock.
There are two reasons why you should isolate sick chickens. The first is that they may infect other chickens if they have an illness or disease that’s able to be passed around.
The second is because chickens can quickly turn on members of their flock they see as weak. That’s the last thing you want as it causes some internal unrest and if not spotted, chickens can cause some serious injuries to one another.
Once you have them isolated, you can take a better look at them and evaluate their condition. As well as monitor how much they’re eating and if they’re improving.
It’s a good idea to call an avian vet at this point. Even if just to make contact and ask for advice over the phone. It’s better you know where you stand regarding what’s best for your bird.
Related articles; check out avian vets in Charlotte, NC, and Columbus, OH.
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
