At what FAS score should there be a shift from managing a bird with Gentle Control to providing conscious sedation?

The correct score indicating a shift from managing a bird with Gentle Control to providing conscious sedation is when the FAS score reaches 4. The Fear Free Animal Stress (FAS) scoring system is designed to assess the level of stress and discomfort in animals during veterinary care, with higher scores reflecting increasing distress.

At a score of 4, the avian patient exhibits significant signs of stress and discomfort, such as notable vocalizations, increased respiration, or aggressive behavior. At this point, Gentle Control techniques may no longer suffice, and the animal's welfare could be compromised if the situation is not addressed more effectively. Administering conscious sedation can help manage the stress levels, ensuring a safer and more humane approach to further handling or procedures.

Lower scores, such as 1 or 3, indicate that the bird is more relaxed or manageable and can typically be handled with Gentle Control. A score of 5 reflects extreme distress, which often calls for immediate intervention, but is typically a signal that sedation or advanced medical management should have already been considered if the score were at this level. Thus, recognizing the importance of the shift at a score of 4 allows for timely and humane care that prioritizes the bird's well-being during veterinary practices.