Jim, it's good to know that you enjoy long, early morning posts, because this one certainly qualifies!
Yesterday morning, I did chores in the dark so I could drive with my Speckled Sussex hen, Bronwyn, to a veterinary practice an hour an a half away, in suburban Des Moines. This place -- which actually has "avian" in its name -- costs a lot more than what I paid when my avian vet was still practicing.
But, wow! I am still astounded by, well, just about everything! I can't begin to describe the amazing interactions with everyone there; every staff member I met was wonderful and acted as if I was the most important person they had ever met.
A text instructed me to call when I arrived in the parking lot. I wasn't sure why that was necessary. But, it paved the way for the first positive interaction with the staff. I was told to wait until someone made sure a couple with some unruly dogs were well away from the door, which was held open for me by another staffer. When I was shown to an exam room, I was asked if I would like a beverage. Just to be clear, none of them were alcoholic, and I opted for water
At exactly the time of the appointment, another staffer popped in to assure me that the vet tech, who was working with another client, would be there in minutes. And, she was!
Bronwyn got to see two doctors -- the one who treated her and a second vet who has been with the clinic for a while but is being trained to care for birds. Dr. No. 2 observed and was given the opportunity to listen through the stethoscope and, later, placed her hands on Bronwyn to mimic the physical exam by the experienced doctor. There are THREE vets there who currently treat birds, and TWO more who are being trained.
I asked why so few vets here treat chickens. I was told that Iowa State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, where I spent thousands of dollars years ago when they treated my first Keeshond and is THE Iowa vet school, doesn't spend much time teaching about avian care and currently doesn't even treat birds.
While the price was
really high, I am confident that Bronwyn got excellent care from a vet who has spent 15 years treating chickens and other birds. And who says that chickens are her favorite bird!
Bronwyn's feet had bumblefoot scabs (well-soaked in Epsom baths), but no cores. So she didn't need surgery, just a different medicine; the farm vet gave us an off-label antibiotic. This time, Bronwyn's also getting an anti-inflammatory/pain med, thank goodness. I would never tell the other chickens, but Bronwyn is my favorite
She has personality and beauty!
So, half a day later and many dollars poorer, I was exhausted by noon yesterday.
Now, with some sleep behind me, I can concentrate on how to deal with the cat situation. Ziva, the 15-year-old, last-of-her-family basement cat, is not happy about the new ones. She expresses her displeasure by growling and, often, hiding. I could not find her at all yesterday until dinner last night.
I have a friend who is trying to help me rehome at least some of the cats. I do not need five cats. Now, if I could just convince myself that I do not need ANY more pets of any kind!!
The list of outdoor projects I want to do before next week's company arrives is no shorter than it was days ago. Maybe with less heat, I can get started, although there's some rain predicted later in the day.
Hope everyone else's weather is good for whatever you have planned!
