necropsy

[newfinchmom]

Here's some interesting information for those of you who have or will ever need a necropsy (which I hope will never be something you need):

I contacted a different vet today because my remaining bleu is a little puffy, but still active and singing. He said this may be because I've given it a new home and a new cage mate and it is trying to "be tough" or impress the other. As for my dead bird, he said it is a crime for vets to charge $300 for a necropsy (which is what I was quoted). He said he sends all birds to Utah State University for necropsy and they charge $35, which includes cultures, labs, gross exam, microscopic exam, report and disposal. I called them today and they take animals from all over the country.

I am not going to do the necropsy because at this point, I've done all I can do for my bird. The vet told me that bleus are difficult to maintain and are quite fragile. He suggested that if anything happens to this bleu, that I stick with society finches for awhile to reduce the heart break.

[Hilary]

Wow! That's a difference! The second quote is a lot more in line with what I've heard on other forums, though. And don't let him scare you off the cordon bleus - I have three pairs and they haven't proven to be any more "delicate" than any of my others. They have additional requirements (protein, etc), but generally are happy little guys.

Hilary