Question 1

What makes 'Melbourne Bird Veterinary Clinic' different from other clinics?

Accepted Answer

Melbourne Bird Veterinary Clinic is Victoria’s only bird-exclusive veterinary practice, established for over 20 years. Unlike general veterinary clinics or mixed-animal practices, we treat birds only, every day.

Our clinic is built around:
 • Advanced avian-specific diagnostics (CT, ultrasound, fluoroscopy, digital radiography, endoscopy, cytology, in-house lead testing)
 • Specialist-level surgical and medical care
 • Microsurgical equipment designed for very small birds
 • A highly experienced, avian-dedicated clinical team

This focus ensures birds receive the most accurate diagnosis and safest treatments possible.

Question 2

Is 'Melbourne Bird Veterinary Clinic' a franchise?

Accepted Answer

Melbourne Bird Veterinary Clinic is separate and independent from other businesses.

• Dr Pat Macwhirter, who is a registered avian specialist originally founded Bird Vet Melbourne in Burwood.
 • For the past several years, Dr Pat has partnered exclusively with Dr Matthew Gosbell at Melbourne Bird Veterinary Clinic.
 • As a result, all of Dr Pat’s specialist consultations and referral services are performed at our clinic, not at Bird Vet Melbourne or any other clinic.

This means:
 • When you book with us, your bird is treated by one of two clinics in Victoria that includes an avian specialist on staff. 
 • We provide both primary care and specialist referral services from the same location.

Question 3

Are you a specialist clinic?

Accepted Answer

Yes.

Our clinic includes:
 • Dr Patricia Macwhirter, a Registered Specialist in Avian Medicine and Surgery
 • Dr Matthew Gosbell, who has achieved Avian Registrar status and lectures Pet Bird Medicine & Surgery at the University of Melbourne

Together, they provide specialist-level diagnosis, medicine, and surgery for all pet bird species.

Question 4

What advanced equipment do you have on site?

Accepted Answer

We are one of Australia’s best-equipped avian clinics.

Our tools include:
 • CT scanning (Vimago HD CT)
 • Ultrasound with avian-specific protocols
 • Fluoroscopy
 • Digital radiography
 • Endoscopy (rigid & flexible)
 • In-house lead testing
 • In-house cytology & haematology
 • Microsurgical suite designed for delicate procedures on very small birds

This equipment allows same-day, high-precision diagnosis of complex conditions

Question 5

Do you offer behaviour consultations?

Accepted Answer

Our clinic offers comprehensive avian behaviour consultations with a veterinarian who is both a qualified avian vet and a qualified behaviourist - a unique combination of expertise in Australia.

This allows us to assess behaviour from both:
 • A medical perspective
 • A behavioural-science perspective

We can assist with:
 • Screaming
 • Biting & aggression
 • Feather damaging behaviour
 • Anxiety & phobias
 • Hormonal issues
 • Environmental stress
 • Housing, enrichment, and training plans

Because our behaviourist is also a veterinarian, we integrate:
 • Medical assessment
 • Diagnostic imaging (if required)
 • Hormonal evaluation
 • Evidence-based medication options
 • Behaviour modification programs

Question 6

Do I need a referral to see you?

Accepted Answer

No. Anyone can book an appointment for routine or primary care.

However, veterinarians from across Victoria and interstate refer complex cases to us due to our specialist expertise and advanced diagnostic capabilities.

Question 7

Do you accept emergencies?

Accepted Answer

Yes. During clinic hours we prioritise bird emergencies and offer:

• Same-day urgent appointments
 • Rapid triage
 • Immediate imaging (CT, radiographs, ultrasound)

Outside clinic hours, we provide guidance on the nearest emergency options.

Question 8

Which species do you treat?

Accepted Answer

• Parrots such as budgerigars, cockatiels, macaws, lorikeets, cockatoos, conures, eclectus, amazon etc.
 • Passerines such as finches and canaries
 • Poultry & backyard chickens
 • Pigeons & doves
 • Waterfowl
 • Wildlife

Question 9

What if I have more questions?

Accepted Answer

We’re always happy to help.

Call (03) 9764 9000, email vet@melbournebirdvet.com, instant message @melbournebirdvet on Facebook or Instagram or Book Online (https://pawsapp.com.au/Book?ClinicId=5576&IsIframe=false&Style=5576.css)for assistance.