Veterinary Center for Birds and Exotics Blog

Why Does My Bird Talk So Much?

Many birds chatter all day — whether they are speaking recognizable human language that they have been taught or unrecognizable “bird speak.” Parrots generally make a lot of noise because they are naturally very social; in the wild, they often live in flocks of hundreds that spend all of their time together foraging for food,…

Hoping for a Hedgehog? 10 Things to Know Before Bringing One Home

Wild hedgehogs have been living in Africa forever but only in recent years have they been kept as pets. Most North American pet hedgehogs, typically called African pygmy hedgehogs, were bred from African species and are considered domesticated. These little animals can make terrific companions when housed and fed appropriately, and their popularity appears to be increasing. But…

Backyard Chickens: Cage Free but Not Carefree

Cluck, cluck, cluck. You’ll hear these sounds in nearly every state these days. Backyard chickens have become exceedingly popular and are popping up in suburban areas everywhere. There’s plenty that’s appealing about these feathered pets — and plenty to consider before you get them. Chicken Charms Believe it or not, chickens are extremely inquisitive and…

Bird and Exotic Pet Boarding: As Fun as Summer Camp

Wouldn’t you love for your pet to go on his own vacation while you go on yours? Well, he can if he goes to a veterinary practice that caters specifically to his needs. Not sure what I mean? Check out this video on what happens when your exotic pet —  bird, ferret, bunny, guinea pig, snake,…

10 Reasons Why a Rabbit Might Be the Pet for You

Looking for a pet who is as interactive as a puppy but not as demanding? What about a bunny? Rabbits make wonderful pets in the right situations. If you live in a small home, don’t have very young children, and don’t want to have to walk a pet but have time to play with it,…

Have a Noisy Bird at Dawn and Dusk?

In the wild, most birds forage for food in the early morning when the sun rises and again in the early evening when the sun sets. During these times, they often communicate loudly about where to find food. Since most bird owners feed their parrots in the morning and in the evening, pet birds are likely communicating with their…

How to Keep Your Exotic Pet Safe When a Hurricane Hits

Thinkstock Hurricanes are phenomena no one can be completely prepared for, as demonstrated by the devastation to people and property caused by some of the powerful storms that have hit the United States in the past few years. There are so many things to think about when getting ready for a major storm that it…

Looking For A Rabbit Vet in NY?

Got a Rabbit?… Get a check-up! To help ensure pet rabbits in NY  stay healthy, as a rabbit veterinarian in NY for the past 20 years, I recommend annual examinations for all bunnies by a rabbit veterinarian.  I see many rabbit owners in NY, CT, and NJ wait to bring their pets rabbits to the veterinarian until…

My Experience As A NY Bird Doctor

Does Your Bird Need to See a Bird Doctor? When I’m out in the streets of NY, I frequently get asked, why does your bird need to see a bird doctor? The answer is simple: your bird needs to see an educated bird vet annually for a thorough check-up to try prevent illness. You, like…

Why Guinea Pigs Are The Best Pets!

Thinking of getting a pet but don’t want the responsibility of a cat or a dog? How about a guinea pig? March is Adopt a Rescued Guinea Pig month, so what better time to get a new pet and also help save a life? Guinea pigs, or “cavies,” are short-tailed, rough-haired South American rodents (family…