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What exactly *is* a "certified avian specialist" anyway?

  • I keep seeing people claim that they are a "certified avian specialist" while answering, often incorrectly, bird-related questions. What exactly is a certified avian ...show more

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    As far as I can tell, it's meaningless. It's a 4-hour class with a test. Imo, that doesn't qualify as an education. It's only a brief overview, and doesn't possibly qualify anyone as an expert, which is probably why they use the title "specialist". There is no way you can achieve expertise in anything in 4 hours. There are countless species of birds and so many aspects to consider. I believe these courses can be helpful and provide some basic information, but that's about it. There is no replacement for a formal education, or hands-on experience under the guidance of real experts. Someone mentioned wildlife rehabbers. That's an entirely different story. You have to be endorsed by wildlife experts or vets, volunteer/mentor under a clinic or rehabber, study all aspects of your wildlife care and laws, pass tests, and have a full home inspection (if needed), in order to be certified and licensed by the State DNR. It isn't easy. ***** In reference to your second question Avian vets and ornithologists are "avian specialists"...but not because of a 4-hour course. Avian vets and ornitholigists are experts, who specialize in birds. They go to college for their education, and have a degree. They don't need to go to a 4 hour class to learn the basics. Here on Yahoo! the CAS's are an entirely different story. At least half are children, playing pretend, who have very little practical knowledge. Two even pretend to be vets. One can't decide if she's a vet, or a vet assistant. It changes from day to day. I don't think anyone should blindly listen to advice from anyone just because of a title, which may or may not be truthful or accurate. The answers should speak for themselves.

XW7ZUOIHTOF3WIZEMBYB7KXXCQ at Yahoo! Answers Visit the source

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They are members of the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council who have successfully completed a course in avian care. It is a multifaceted course, covering everything from anatomy to breeding to regulatory laws for breeders and retailers to customer service to avian health issues. Here are the links: http://www.pijac.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=1 (home page) http://www.pijac.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=70 (what is PIJAC?) http://www.pijac.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=143 (certifications available) http://www.pijac.org/files/public/AV_TOC.pdf (table of contents - Avian Certification) edit - you asked "So a CAS isn't a veterinarian, scientist or ornithologist, necessarily..." That is correct - anyone with the money can take the "course" and get the certificate. There is even an online "course" for anyone who does not want to travel to the location(s) where the "course" is offered. Since the course description was on a "members only" page of the PIJAC website, I assumed that only members of that organization could take it, but on further investigation, birdgirl and suzi are correct - anyone can take the course. But even if it was "members only," the PIJAC is not difficult to join. It is open to anyone in any segment of the pet industry: retailers, wholesale/distributors, companion animal suppliers, manufacturers, manufacturers’ representatives, hobbyist groups and other trade organizations.

margecutter

A certified avian specialist is someone that has been certified in their knowledge of birds habits, and care. This is just a very short course that can be completed in a day. It is not a course that teaches much more than basics. I am a Certified Avian Vet Tech, and Certified Avian Caregiver. I went to University of Ga for 21/2 years.....I was going to be a vet (which takes as long as it does to be a human doctor)...however I was unable to finish school because of a family illness where I had to be back home for a long while. I got my certifications at a community college here in south FL after taking a few more classes. I didn't have to go as long as normal because of my college classes. I had also been studying aviculture for 17 years now. I also have an extreme amount of experience with all breeds of birds. I manage a large aviary and work with a vet that I assist. I have knowledge of injuries and disease, and I'm learning more and more as I work with our vet. I help him, mostly with birds, but we treat other animals as well. Some people do claim to be what they are not, but I really have the papers . You can tell by the answers who knows, and who doesn't. Some of the answers are from people that own birds, and offer their advice and knowledge, which I think is really great. I just don't like the fakes

MamaSmurf

His/her (vet) specialty/interest is in caring for birds. May have done residency/intership in avian clinic and has specific experience with birds, their illnesses and care. Those not DVM's may have taken animal care classes in avian sector, you can be certified as avian re-habber thru DRN in our state. Don't know if you get a certificate, but one would think some type of certification should be provided on paper if authentic in nature.

wifilly

It really depends on the person. Some "certified avian specialist" go to college for the matter. Some take courses. Some gain the "title" through experience. I really think that in this day and age, with all of the denial out there, people measure what they consider an undefined term to be. I do however, get quite annoyed when twelve year olds come on here claiming to be certified bird "spechialists" after reading a book about birds. ;) Haha. Feel free to email me if you're ever having any trouble with your parrots, I don't give BS answers like you mentioned others do give here on Y!A

Lorelai [(Official)]

it is a vet that is certified to take care of birds of any breed. avain is birds they have gone to school to learn about and treat all medical problems with birds. u dont find very many "certified" vets that take care of birds. birds consist of: chickens, turkeys, hawks, wild birds, and domesticated birds. and yes they need as much as college as a regular vet. the difference between a avain vet and a normal vet is; a avian vet is a vet that takes care of specificly birds and regular vets only can take care of dogs, cats, and some small animals.

just_me

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