During an examination, how can a veterinarian ensure to reduce fear and anxiety in the bird?

Controlling the environment as much as possible is crucial in reducing fear and anxiety in birds during an examination. Birds can be highly sensitive to their surroundings, and a calm, predictable environment helps create a sense of safety and security. This can include managing factors such as light levels, noise, and the presence of unfamiliar people or animals. By minimizing sudden movements and harsh sounds, and using softer, dimmer lighting, a veterinarian can help make the examination process less stressful for the bird.

While using bright lights, speaking loudly, or wearing heavy gloves may seem like they could be beneficial in certain contexts, they can actually contribute to increased anxiety in birds. Bright lights can be harsh and intimidating, loud voices can be startling, and heavy gloves may signal to the bird that handling will be rough or aggressive, further exacerbating their stress. Thus, creating a controlled and calm environment is the most effective way to mitigate fear and anxiety during veterinary visits for birds.