How to Find a Veterinarian for Ostriches

Finding a veterinarian for an ostrich is not as easy as looking in your local telephone book for someone who claims ostrich expertise. However, due to increased specialization in veterinary colleges, finding a qualified vet for your ostrich is not as difficult as it used to be.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Start your search by calling your nearest college of veterinary medicine and asking for a large-animal vet with experience and training in caring for ostriches. Universities are centers for specialization and research and most have a large referral network. You may be able to seek care at the University facilities or to contract with one of the staff veterinarians.

2. If you purchase ostrich feed from a local feed mill or co-op, ask the staff there for a referral to a large-animal veterinarian in the area who may be willing to work with an ostrich. They may know of such a vet and they will certainly know of other local ostrich owners who would be able to give you a referral.

3. Call your state board of animal health and ask for a referral.

4. If you have a relationship with a small-animal veterinarian who cares for your other pets, ask him or her for a referral. Vets make up a closely connected community and they are familiar with other vets' reputations.

Tips & Warnings

• When you locate a veterinarian with the experience you are looking for, ask him or her about their education, background and expertise. Ostriches are easily stressed animals and require someone experienced with their temperament.
• Because ostriches are skittish animals, you will need to get them accustomed to being touched and handled from a very young age. Gently touch and stroke them all over so they do not become alarmed when a veterinarian has to probe them.

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