Veterinary Center for Birds and Exotics Blog

Are Guinea Pigs Good Pets? Here’s What to Know Before You Bring One Home

Guinea pigs can make great pets, especially for families with children who are looking for an interactive, low-maintenance animal. They tend to be affectionate, hardy and fairly easy to care for. Before you rush out and buy or adopt a guinea pig, take time to learn about their care, so you can be sure a…

Video: What You Need to Know About Keeping Birds as Pets

Birds, such as parrots, canaries and finches, are highly intelligent and can be wonderful pets. Their beauty and intelligence make them very popular, but it’s not uncommon for new owners to be surprised by the degree of daily care and attention these animals require to be happy and healthy. Before you purchase or adopt a…

What to Consider Before Adopting a Parrot, Rabbit, Guinea Pig, Iguana or Other Exotic Pet

When people hear about adopting pets from a shelter, they naturally think of dogs and cats. However, exotic pets of all kinds can be found at shelters, too. From parrots to rabbits, guinea pigs to iguanas, even potbellied pigs — there is a shelter for nearly every species. Exotic pet shelters and rescues can be found…

Top 5 Things Toxic to Birds

Birds can be like toddlers: They are both very oral and like to check things out by putting them in their mouths. Just like children, when pet birds are out unsupervised, this habit of tasting things can get them into trouble. As an avian veterinarian, I treat birds every week for getting into toxic substances.…

5 Facts That Will Change the Way You Think About Rats

The word “rat” for many people immediately conjures up the stereotypical vision of a beady-eyed, pointy-nosed rodent that scurries around at night in the trash. But actually, domesticatedrats can make phenomenal pets and are far from the invasive vermin that people commonly think of when they think of rats. Here are five rat facts you likely…

Is Your Rabbit Eating His Poop?

It may seem gross, but rabbits normally eat some of their feces once a day, either early in the morning or late at night. These special feces are called cecotropes, or “night feces.” They are produced through fermentation of food in the part of the rabbit’s digestive tract called the cecum. Cecotropes are soft feces…

New York Metro Reptile Expo on Sunday April 19th

Join Us at the NY Metro Reptile Expo in White Plaines, NY Sunday April 19th  10:00am- 4:00pm Westchester County Center 198 Central Ave White Plains, NY Just off of I-287 Exit 5 Corner of Central Park Avenue (Rt. 100) and Tarrytown Road Click here for directions Admission- cash only Adults: $10 Children 7-12: $5 Under 7: free…

Are Guinea Pigs Good Pets? Here’s What to Know Before You Bring One Home

Guinea pigs can make great pets, especially for families with children who are looking for an interactive, low-maintenance animal. They tend to be affectionate, hardy and fairly easy to care for. Before you rush out and buy or adopt a guinea pig, take time to learn about their care, so you can be sure a…

Want a Pet Hedgehog? Here’s What You Need to Know

The popularity of the hedgehog — a small, spiny-looking mammal in the insectivore family — appears to be increasing. When they are handled often and socialized, hedgehogs can make adorable, loving pets who can learn to recognize and bond closely with their owners. At first, it may be easiest to handle your hedgehog with a…

How to Keep Your Pet Reptile Safe in Winter

When cold weather comes, especially in areas that experience significant climate changes with the seasons, there are some steps reptile owners should take to help ensure their pets stay happy and healthy. With a few minor differences, the concerns for snakes, lizards, turtles and tortoises are the same. Keep Them Warm First, all of these…