Veterinary Center for Birds and Exotics Blog
Holiday Hazards In Exotic Pets
By Laurie Hess, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian Practice) Like human infants, rabbits are very oral creatures; they like to put everything in their mouths to check things out. Unfortunately, also like babies, they put inappropriate, and sometimes dangerous, things in their mouths that can potentially injure or even kill them. That is why rabbit owners…
Common Health Hazards and Toxins for Small Mammals
When people hear about commonly kept small mammal pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, hedgehogs, ferrets, rats, hamsters and gerbils, they don’t usually think of them being at high risk for getting into trouble in the home. However, if you own one of these pets, there are certain home hazards you should be aware…
Think You Know Ferrets? Take Our Quiz
Some people have preconceived ideas about ferrets, many of which simply are not true — or at least not the whole truth. If you have ever thought about sharing your space with a ferret, take this quiz to learn some interesting facts about this furry fellow. Take Our Ferret Quiz 1. True or false: Ferrets…
Most Common Obese Exotic Pets: No. 5 Turtles
Which species of exotic pets tend to pack on the pounds? This week, we’re looking at the top five species I treat for obesity. So far we’ve covered parrots, hedgehogs, rabbits and rats. What’s No. 5 on my list of obesity-prone pets? Turtles! When turtles want to hide, they pull their heads and limbs into…
Most Common Obese Exotic Pets: No. 3 Rabbits
Which species of exotic pets tend to pack on the pounds? This week, we’re looking at the top five species I treat for obesity. No. 3 on my list of obesity-prone pets are bunnies! Dangle a carrot in front of a rabbit, and that bunny should hop. But if he is overweight, as are many…
Most Common Obese Exotic Pets: No. 4 Rats
Which species of exotic pets tend to pack on the pounds? This week, we’re looking at the top five species I treat for obesity. No. 4 on my list of obesity-prone pets are rats! Rats are known for their ability to squeeze through small spaces and get into everything. It’s amazing the narrow cracks and crevices…
Most Common Obese Exotic Pets: No. 2 Hedgehogs
Species of all kinds suffer from being fat, and as an exotic animal veterinarian, I constantly tell my patients’ owners to increase their pets’ exercise and limit their junk food consumption. This week, we’re taking a look at the top five species I treat for obesity in an effort to get everyone off to a…
10 Everyday Items That Are 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.…
Most Common Obese Exotic Pets: No. 1 Parrots
Does Polly want a cracker? Maybe. But should Polly have a cracker? The answer is no. Polly, like many pet birds and other types of exotic pets, is prone to obesity. With little exercise and too much time to sit around and eat out of boredom, too many captive animals become overweight. With the extra…
5 Things You Don’t Know About Cockatiels
Cockatiels are phenomenal birds and perhaps the most popular bird I see in my veterinary practice these days. Why are these little animals so beloved? Here are five facts about cockatiels that may surprise you. 1. Cockatiels make great first pets — feathered or otherwise. Without a doubt, cockatiels, which are one of the smaller species…