Bird & Exotic Pet Veterinarian in Lenexa, KS
At Mariposa Veterinary Wellness Center in Lenexa, KS, our avian, small mammal and exotic patients are examined by one of our three exotics-trained veterinarians. We care for birds, rabbits, sugar gliders, guinea pigs, ferrets, lizards, snakes, turtles and other pocket pets, as well as the occasional goat and pig, with the experience, compassion and dedication your unique companion deserves.
Why Exotic Pet Owners Choose Mariposa
- Three veterinarians who see birds and exotic pets: Dr. J.C. Burcham, Dr. Anthony Carrier and Dr. Amanda Kinnon
- An integrative approach combining conventional and complementary medicine
- Advanced diagnostics, including digital radiography and ultrasound, which few Kansas City facilities offer for exotic pets
- Acupuncture and laser therapy when appropriate
- Extensive client education on nutrition and husbandry
- Experience caring for everything from parrots to raptors, and rabbits to reptiles, ferrets, hedgehogs, pigs and backyard poultry
Preventive Care for Birds and Exotic Pets
Birds and exotic pets instinctively hide signs of illness, so problems are often advanced by the time symptoms appear. Regular wellness exams allow us to identify subtle changes before they become emergencies while ensuring proper nutrition, housing, lighting and husbandry. Our doctors have personal experience owning exotic animals and regularly attend continuing education focused on these species and their special medical needs.
Birds
We treat all kinds of parrots, including cockatoos, African Greys, Amazons, macaws, Poicephalus species and conures, as well as finches, canaries, chickens, ducks, geese, toucans, birds of prey and just about anything with feathers. Avian services include comprehensive physical exams, wing trims, nail trims, beak trimming, blood work, fecal analysis with Gram stains and direct exams, DNA sexing, microchipping and testing for various diseases and toxicities. We also offer laser therapy for injuries and arthritis.
Species-specific handling: Birds experience stress differently than dogs and cats. Our team uses gentle handling techniques, species-appropriate restraint and a calm environment to minimize fear. When appropriate, anesthesia is used to reduce stress during procedures. Please complete our avian history form from the forms page before your visit.
Ferrets
Ferrets are unique pets prone to a specific range of medical problems. We offer comprehensive physical exams for all ferret life stages and recommend routine blood work to screen for disease. Treatments for adrenal disease include Lupron injections, deslorelin implants and surgery.
Rabbits
Rabbits require a veterinarian familiar with their physiology and behavior. Our veterinarians bring the experience and compassion every rabbit deserves. Preventive care, including careful examination of the teeth for abnormal molar or incisor growth, and proper nutrition are the keys to keeping your bunny healthy. Learn more about rabbit dental disease and RHDV2 vaccination. We also provide spay and neuter services for rabbits.
Rodents
Guinea pigs, chinchillas, rats, hamsters and other rodents each have specific needs for diet, cage setup and environment. Wellness exams and preventive care are a must for a long, happy life, and every exam includes a thorough dental evaluation because dental care is especially important in these species.
Reptiles & Amphibians
Snakes, geckos, bearded dragons, iguanas, chameleons, turtles and tortoises, monitors, tegus, salamanders and frogs are just a few of the unusual species we see. As with most exotics, a review of proper husbandry, including cage setup, heating, lighting, diet and feeding methods, is essential to comprehensive care. Ultrasound can also help us identify problems such as follicular stasis in bearded dragons. Reptile owners should complete our reptile history form before their visit.
We are proud to be a BioDude Affiliate. Visit BioDude for more information about bioactive substrates for reptiles.
Other Exotics
Pot-bellied pigs, goats, wallabies, sugar gliders, hedgehogs and exotic cats do not fit neatly into the categories above, but all are welcome here. If you do not see your type of pet listed, call us at (913) 825-3330. The only animals we do not treat are fish, venomous snakes and lizards, and primates.
Resources for Exotic Pet Owners
- GuineaLynx – Medical and care guide for guinea pigs
- GuineaPigCages.com – Instructions for building your own guinea pig cage
- Rat Guide – Health, medication and responsible care for pet rats
- Oxbow Animal Health – Quality products for small, furry pets
- House Rabbit Society – Rabbit rescue and education
- Anapsid.org – Melissa Kaplan’s Herp Care Collection
- UV Lighting for Reptiles – In-depth information on reptile UV lighting
- MyToos.com – Important reading before getting a cockatoo
Explore our other veterinary services and conditions we treat.
Bird & Exotic Pet FAQs
What exotic pets does Mariposa Veterinary Wellness Center treat?
We treat birds, rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, chinchillas, rats, hamsters, sugar gliders, hedgehogs, reptiles, amphibians, pot-bellied pigs, goats and many other exotic species.
Are there animals you do not treat?
Yes. For safety reasons we do not treat fish, venomous snakes and lizards, or primates.
How often should my bird or exotic pet have a checkup?
Most birds and exotic pets benefit from at least an annual wellness exam, and older pets or those with health conditions may need more frequent visits.
Why do exotic pets need a specialized veterinarian?
Exotic species have unique anatomy, nutrition and husbandry needs and tend to hide illness. Veterinarians with exotic training can recognize subtle signs and provide appropriate care.
Do you spay and neuter rabbits?
Yes. We provide spay and neuter surgery for rabbits, rats and some other species.
Can you perform ultrasound on exotic pets?
Yes. We are one of the few veterinary facilities in the Kansas City area able to perform ultrasound exams on exotic pets.
What should I bring to my exotic pet’s appointment?
Bring your pet in a secure carrier, along with information about diet, housing, lighting and heating. Bird and reptile owners should complete the species history form beforehand.
Schedule Care for Your Bird or Exotic Pet
Whether your companion has fur, scales, feathers or scutes, our team is ready to help. Call (913) 825-3330 or request an appointment with Mariposa Veterinary Wellness Center.