BIRD-GENERAL

• Should I buy a bird from a pet shop?
  
• What do I look for when I buy a bird?
  
• Do I need to take my bird to the vet even if it appears healthy?
  
• What do I need to consider when looking for a cage?
  
• What are some important things to consider before buying a parrot?
  
• What size cage do I need for my bird?
  
• Does it matter how far apart the bars are on the cage?
• Can I buy a used cage?
• How do I clean my bird's cage?
• What size perch should I buy?
• What can the perch be made of?
• What shape should the perch be?
• What about those sandpaper perches?
• What size toy do I need for my bird?
• What kind of toy should I buy?
• How many toys should the bird have?
• What are some dangers of toys?
• Can I use some household items for toys?
• How much space will the bird need?
• Should I play with my bird?
• Where can I find an avian vet?
  
  

BIRD-MEDICAL

• How can I tell if a bird is healthy?


• Do I need to take my bird to the vet even if it appears heatlhy?


• What are the early signs of illness in a bird?


• What are the signs of serious illness in birds?


• How can I tell if my bird's droppings are normal?

• What should I feed my bird?
  
• What should I not feed my bird? What foods are toxic?
  
• Will my pet eat as much as I give him or does he know when he is full
  
• Should pets be fed milk?
  
• How often does my puppy or kitten need to be fed
  
• Is being overweight a serious health problem in pets?

• Do birds have emotional needs?


• Can my bird learn to do tricks?


• How noisy are birds? Will the neighbors complain?


• How do I help prevent my bird from developing behavioral problems?

BIRD-GENERAL

Birds that have had nutritional deficiencies of some kind may also be recognised by their beaks. The beak should be shiny in younger birds, and should not be twisted, crumbly, bleeding or broken.

Feathers should also be shiny and in good condition. Avoid any bird that has missing feathers as this may indicate either a feather plucking bird (with a behavioural problem), or it may have a viral infection. Fluffed up feathers can mean that the bird is unwell.

If it is possible, check the bird’s droppings. Make sure there is no blood apparent and that they are not loose and bright green, which can indicate a liver problem.

An alert disposition. The bird should be interested in its environment. It should be active. Avoid puffed-up and sleepy-looking birds.

Feathering: Make sure feathering is shiny and without bare patches. On long-tailed species like Macaws, take a good look at the tail. If there are thin lines running across tail feathers, it's usually a good indicator of poor nutrition. Please note that baby birds often look rather tatty, with the feathers somewhat frayed. This is normal. Lutino Cockatiels will have a bald spot, which varies in size behind their crest. This is genetic and cannot be helped. Although do try to avoid cockatiels with extremely large bald patches.

Eyes: The eyes should be bright and clear. There should be no discharge. There should be no swelling.

Nostrils should be clear of any blockages. They should be of the same size and shape. In birds with bare facial patches (Macaws) the skin should be clear and white. A flush of red sometimes indicates an infection of the sinus cavities. A scaly appearance of the cere (fleshy part around nostrils) indicates scaly face (common in Budgies) a disease caused by mites.

Upper and lower parts of the beak (the mandibles) should meet cleanly, with no signs of separation. In Cockatoos, the beak should be grayish, covered with powder. Never buy an older Cockatoo with a shiny black beak, it is a sure indication that something is wrong. Baby Cockatoo beaks will be somewhat shiny.

Feet should have all toes, although a missing toe or claw for a pet isn't a bad thing. It is however, out of the question for a show bird. More than one toe or claw gone will hamper the bird's perching ability. The bird should be able to grip its perch or your hand firmly. The feet of a young bird should be smooth and soft. Older birds have feet which are more scaly. Excessive scaliness is not good, and can be indicative of vitamin A deficiency.

Breathing should be regular and even. No wheezing, snorting or straining allowed.

Body Conditioning: The bird should not be too skinny. To check for this, ask someone to hold the bird while you feel along the sides of its keel (breast) bone. It should be well fleshed out. If you can see the keel protruding, the bird is obviously underweight, and might be suffering some illness.

While the person has the bird, have them turn it over and check the vent area. It should be clean and clear of stains or pasted feces.

Ask to handle the bird yourself. Observe it. Is the bird steady? Calm? Does the bird come readily to you? Does it show good socialization behavior? Did it bite the @!$*# out of you?

Look to see if the bird is banded. This is indicative of imported or domestic birds, depending on the type of band used.

Aside from the bands, another way (not so accurate) to tell a baby or younger bird is by looking at its beak and feet. In a young bird, these are soft and smooth. Older birds have scaly feet and beaks that show wear. Also, in some species, the eyes change color as the bird ages. Baby Congo and Timneh Greys have dark eyes which lighten. Macaws' eyes lighten, too

 Do I need to take my bird to the vet even if it appears healthy?
Taking a new bird to a vet for a check up very soon after it has been purchased is recommended. Most vets will be able to give a general check up and advice on diet etc, but you may need to find an ‘avian’ vet to discuss any serious or specific questions. Your vet may also be able to carry out nail and wing clipping, and beak trimming. Birds should be tested for a range of avian diseases and illnesses, including polyoma virus, PBFD and psittacosis. We recommend that your bird has regular check ups with the vet (at least annually), as birds are very good at hiding illnesses.

 What do I need to consider when looking for a cage?
Make sure the cage is made of easy to clean non-toxic material, and that it is as big as possible. The bird only needs to be in its cage for sleeping but should ideally out during the day if supervised. The cage should preferably be covered during the night-time period, to ensure that the bird gets a regular day-length Ensure that the cage is positioned away from draughts, and out of direct sunlight. The bird should have a selection of toys to stimulate its mind, although it may destroy them quickly.

Check for sharp corners, poor latches, shoddy paint. Paint can be toxic and if the bird gnaws on it disaster could ensue. Look at the welds. Are they smooth and virtually invisible? Give the cage a good shake. Does it stand sturdy or sway? If in doubt, don't purchase it. Be extra careful about imported cages, they can be painted with lead paint or be shoddily made. One thing that is often ignored is the tray in the bottom of the cage. Make sure it has smooth, finished edges.

General points to consider:

• Parrots often outlive their owners, and can reach up to 80 years of age.
• Birds purchased from a pet shop have probably been in contact with many other birds, increasing the risk of infections and diseases.
  
• Do you have the time for a bird?
  This is probably the most important question. Birds are intelligent, playful, and most of all, social animals. Will you have time to play with your bird? To properly care for it? Will you have an opportunity to be part of your family? Also, consider time in this sense--Birds are rather long lived. A little Cockatiel can live up to 20 years! An Amazon or an African Grey, could live 50 or 60, there are documented cases of some birds living to be 100! Can you commit to that?! It's not unusual for birds to be passed down to another generation. Don't buy a bird if you think you will quickly tire of it.
• How destructive is the bird?
  Do you have priceless heirloom furniture? Rare books? Keep in mind that birds have powerful beaks. Some birds are less prone to "chewing" than others.
• Does the bird need a special diet?
  Lories and Toucans, for example, require specialized diets. Do you have the ways and means to provide it? Once you you've done your research and decided what kind of bird you want, now is the time to go out and buy a bird. Never, ever, buy a bird on impulse

 What size cage do I need for my bird?

Get the largest you can possibly afford. This is where the bird will spend a great deal of it's time. A good rule of thumb is that the bird should be able to stretch out its wings fully in at least one direction. IMPORTANT: "outstretched wing length" refers to the span of the unclipped wings.

 Does it matter how far apart the bars are on the cage?
Yes. If the spacing is too large, a smaller birds could hang themselves. Be to purchase a cage whose bars are spaced appropriately for your type of bird.

 Can I buy a used cage?
As long as the previous bird didn't have a contagious disease, it should be fine. IMPORTANT: Disinfect the cage thoroughly. Contact your avian vet to learn what type of disinfectant they recommend. Your vet is the best source for disinfecting procedures.

 How do I clean my bird's cage?
Cold, soapy water, chlorine bleach, and a sponge work well for everyday cleanups. Bleach loses its disinfecting strength in hot water and when in contact with organic matter. Therefore, clean as much of the fecal material and food off of the cage, etc. as possible before wiping down with the bleach. For a more through cleaning (e.g. once a week) you may want to use some sort of disinfectant.Your avian veterinarian is a great source of information on types of disinfectants to use. They use them everyday in their practices so why shouldn't you?

IMPORTANT NOTE: When using disinfectants make sure you know what it will and won't kill, and how long you must leave it in contact with the surface to do the job. This is very important. Finally rinse the cage, etc. well, and make sure that everything is dry before putting the bird back.

 What size perch should I buy?
Your bird needs an assortment of perches of varying diameter, to provide exercise, to prevent foot injuries and such ailments as sores and arthritis.

 What can the perch be made of?
Wood--the plain round ones are everywhere. There's manzanita and madrone, maple, and apple wood. They can be made from PVC and from acrylic, but these should be sanded slightly to roughen up the otherwise slick surface. There are also rope perches, but some avian vets do NOT recommend these (some birds have lost toes when a piece of thread had wrapped around their little toe and cut off the circulation).

 What shape should the perch be?
They range from round to flat to elliptical. Provide at least two different shapes. The different shapes and textures keeps muscles healthy, nails trimmed and prevents sores on the feet. T-stand type perches are useful aides in the training of your birds.

 What about those sandpaper perches?
If you are going to use one, make absolutely certain the bird has another perch to sit on. Or only cover half the perch with the sandpaper cover.

 What size toy do I need for my bird?
A big bird needs a big toy, and a small bird, a small toy. If you give the bird the wrong-sized toy, injury is possible. Most toys are labeled for small, medium, large, and extra-large birds.

 What kind of toy should I buy?
Depends on the bird. Some love bells, some like twirly, spinning toys, some like rawhide leather to chew on. Some prefer "hand-held" toys over those that hang from the cage. Wood is a good choice for any bird, it exercises the beak. It all depends on your bird, and sometimes, finding the right kind of toy can be a hit-or-miss endeavor.

 How many toys should the bird have?
The bird should have a variety of toys, but only two or so in the cage at a time. Rotate the toys about every two to three weeks so the bird doesn't get bored.

 What are some dangers of toys?
Hanging, either by getting caught in a clip used to attach the toy, (avoid those metal shower curtain hangers) or by getting wrapped up in a leather strip, or a getting hooked in a chain. Fibers from rope and cloth toys can be wrapped around toes, cutting off circulation and resulting in the loss of a toe or even a foot. If the toy is shoddily made from cheap materials, it might break off, and parts could be ingested. Paint might be toxic. Make certain that the clapper in the bell cannot be pulled out and eaten. Make sure the bell, clapper or other metal toys do not contain lead or lead paint. Be careful how you attach a toy. Some birds can unscrew C-links and might tighten them onto a toe or their tongue. Others seem to alway get tangled in hanging ropes or chains. If this is the case, give your bird a "hand-held" toy when you can't be around, and carefully observe playtime with hanging toys.

 Can I use some household items for toys?
Yes. Many birds love paper towel tubes, and they're cheap! Ping-pong balls are popular, along with ball-point pen tubes (with the ink cartridge removed). Baby toys are typically MUCH cheaper than bird toys, and generally hard to destroy. Birds love interlocking plastic toys: hearts, fish, etc. You can buy them at discount and toy stores.

 How much space will the bird need?
The larger birds and even some of the smaller ones, are very active and need large cages and areas to play in. It's not fair to cramp a bird in a small cage.

 Should I play with my bird?
Play is an important part of your bird's daily activities and it's fun to do things with your bird. You can watch TV together, sail, play games, and even listen to music together. A bird is most happy when it can be part of the family and part of the action. Also, a certain amount of independent playtime--where the bird is responsible for amusing itself--is necessary, whether you are at home or not. Make certain your bird has few safe, fun and interesting toys to amuse itself with. This independent time keeps the bird mentally healthy and gives you a break too.

 Where can I find an avian vet?
Read or print this helpful article written by Dr. Don Harris, DVM.

 How do I take a stool sample?
Getting a stool sample should not be difficult. Only a small amount is required for testing. Simply scoop up an amount equal to 1/4 teaspoon and place it in a small jar or plastic bag. Keep it in a cool place if you plan to keep it later into the day or the following morning.

 What's the easiest way to take my pet's temperature?
Your pet's temperature should be taken in his rectum with a lubricated rectal thermometer. Insert if only 1/3 of the way in and leave it for at least 1 minute.

 What is a dog's normal temperature?
A dog's normal rectal body temperature is 101 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit.

 When do puppies or kittens get baby and permanent teeth?
Puppies and kittens get their baby teeth at 8 weeks and fall out gradually. At 6-8 months, the permanent teeth should all be in.

 How many teeth does a dog have?
Dogs have 28 baby (milk) teeth and 42 permanent, adult teeth.

 What is the easiest way to get a urine sample from my pet?
Getting a urine sample from your pet is not that difficult but may take more than one try. For male dogs, place a wide-mouth jar under him as he lifts his leg. For a female, use a flat pan. For cats, place wide wax paper strips in the litter box. After the cat has urinated, pour off the urine.

 What's the best way to hold my new pet?
The best way to hold your new puppy is to place one hand under the hind end and support the chest with the other hand. This gives your pet a sense of security.

 Is it normal for a new puppy or kitten to sleep a lot?
It is quite normal for new puppies and kittens to sleep a lot. Young pets sleep a great deal, especially after meals.

BIRD-MEDICAL

Birds that have had nutritional deficiencies of some kind may also be recognised by their beaks. The beak should be shiny in younger birds, and should not be twisted, crumbly, bleeding or broken.

Feathers should also be shiny and in good condition. Avoid any bird that has missing feathers as this may indicate either a feather plucking bird (with a behavioural problem), or it may have a viral infection. Fluffed up feathers can mean that the bird is unwell.

If it is possible, check the bird’s droppings. Make sure there is no blood apparent and that they are not loose and bright green, which can indicate a liver problem.

 Do I need to take my bird to the vet even if it appears healthy?
Taking a new bird to a vet for a check up very soon after it has been purchased is recommended. Most vets will be able to give a general check up and advice on diet etc, but you may need to find an ‘avian’ vet to discuss any serious or specific questions. Your vet may also be able to carry out nail and wing clipping, and beak trimming. Birds should be tested for a range of avian diseases and illnesses, including polyoma virus, PBFD and psittacosis. We recommend that your bird has regular check ups with the vet (at least annually), as birds are very good at hiding illnesses.

 What are the early signs of illness in a bird?
Birds are experts in hiding illness. They work very hard to keep up a normal appearance as long as possible, so by the time many people notice that something is wrong with their bird, the major symptoms are showing & they have actually been sick for a while. Bird owners need to learn to recognize the more subtle signs of illness so that they can seek help from their vet & begin the road to recovery.
Early Signs of Illness:

• Slight change in vocalization or eating habits.
• Dull feathers and/or color change in feathers.
• Chewed, picked or broken feathers
• Stained feathers around nares, vent, or eyes.
• Extended molt
• Crusty material around nares
• Excessive flakiness of beak or skin
• Excessive overgrowth of beak or nails
• Sores or loss of scale pattern on bottom of feet
• Favoring or lameness in limb

These early symptoms should be checked by your avian veterinarian.

 What are signs of serious illness in birds?
Signs of Serious Illness:

• Fluffed and huddled posture
• Decreased or increased appetite or thirst
• Major change in personality or behavior
• Diminished vocalization
• Abnormal, labored or noisy respiration
• Weight loss
• Discharge from eyes, nares or mouth
• Vomiting or regurgitation
• Injury or swelling on the body
• Bleeding

 How can I tell if my bird's droppings are normal?
Most of us would rather not look at the bottom of our bird's cage, but this can be a good indicator in the health of your bird. Therefore, it is important that you know what you are looking at and what you should be looking for.

Many avian vets will recommend that you use newspaper to cover the bottom of your bird's cage. It is non-toxic, inexpensive, and will give you a clean view of what your bird's droppings look like. The paper should be changed at least once a day & examined at that time.

The normal dropping consists of 3 parts:

• Stool: the coiled or partially coiled area. This will vary in color from deep green to brown depending on your bird's diet. Birds on seed will typically have green stool and those on a formulated diet will reflect the color of the pellet. Certain fruits and veggies can also effect its color.
• Urates: the by-product of the kidneys and usually snow white when dry. They are chalky in texture and will vary in size from tiny to large. It is normal to have some change in color during the day and some colored formulated foods will tinge them a creamy color.
• Urine: the liquid portion. Normally, this is clear. The volume of urine will change according to what the bird is eating. You will see more after consumption of fruits and vegetables and less after pellets.

• Watery droppings: do not confuse an increase in amount of urine with diarrhea. Remember, the fecal matter will be the same, but there will be more fluid around the feces. A change in the color of urine is also a warning.
• True Diarrhea: this may show up on 1-2 droppings due to stress, but if you are seeing it constantly throughout the day it is time for concern. The tubular formed feces will lose its shape and become mushy.
• Color Changes: feces changing to bright green or black or the texture changing to slimy is an indicator of trouble. Yellow or green stained urates is also a warning of trouble. This is part of the dropping (urates) should always be white when dry.
• Undigested seed or food in the droppings, pale or foamy droppings and a consistent change in the volume or number of droppings during the course of the day are also signs for concern.
  
  If these signs of trouble occur above, call your avian vet for advice.

 How can I check my pet for heartworms?
The way your veterinarian checks for heartworm is by taking a blood sample from your pet. It is mixed with a special solution and incubated with tracer molecules that bind with any signs of heartworm in your pet, producing a positive color change. The test is extremely accurate.

 Should I have my new puppy checked for heartworm?
If your puppy is less than 4 months old, you don't need to check him for heartworm.

 How does a mosquito pick up the heartworm larvae?
A mosquito picks up heartworm larvae by drawing blood from an infected dog. When the mosquito bites another dog, it passes on the immature heartworm know as microfilaria to that pet.

 What are heartworms?
Heartworms are worm-like parasites that grow to be about 14 inches long and live in the right side of a dog's heart. The larvae of the parasite are transmitted to dogs through mosquitoes. The growth of the heartworms can block the flow of blood to your pet's heart and eventually cause death. It is important to have your pet tested for this disease if you suspect he may have it. Cats can also get heartworms. Ask the doctor for preventative. medication.

 Is it possible to get hookworm from my pets?
Humans usually don't get intestinal hookworm from their pets. However, the small canine hookworm larvae may penetrate a person's skin and cause skin sores. Checking your pet for worms periodically and giving monthly preventative reduce spreading of worms.

 How can I tell if my pet has mange?
To tell if your pet has mange, a microscopic examination of the skin specimen is required. Because of this, you should bring your pet in for an examination by the veterinarian.

 What is the best way to put medicine in my pet's eyes?
The best way to put medicine in your pet's eye is to hold the eye drops above the eye while holding the eyelid up. Be sure not to touch the bottle or dropper to your pet's eye. Ointment can be applied under the lower eyelid.

 Is it really true that a cold wet nose means my pet is healthy?
A cold, wet nose is not necessarily a sign that your pet is healthy. The idea is misleading. Animals sweat on their noses and footpads. Your pets may be wet with perspiration. Wet noses may be normal or they can indicate that your pet has a respiratory disorder.

 Is being overweight a serious health problem in pets?
Obesity is a serious problem for animals. Being overweight can cause liver disease, pancreatitis, back and heart problems. He may become overheated more easily causing heat stroke. Difficulty in breathing is also apparent in overweight animals.

 Is it true that houseplants can be poisonous to pets?
Houseplants in general can be poisonous to cats. Many common plants are toxic to your cat if she chews or ingests them. These include Jade plants, Philodendron, Easter Lilies, Poinsettia, Iris, Mistletoe, and English Ivy.

 Just exactly what are roundworms?
Roundworms are 4 to 5 inch long parasites that attack the small intestines and respiratory tract of dogs. They are most prevalent in puppies. The worms can be transmitted from the mother to the pups in the womb. Symptoms are: mucus - stained stools, dull coat, vomited roundworm segments that look like coiled spaghetti. Pups may have a potbelly. The best treatment is to see your veterinarian for deworming. Children can contact roundworms and cause serious health problems. All puppies and kittens should be checked and treated for worms several times.

 What does it mean if my pet's stool is like black tar?
A black tar-like stool may indicate worms or another problem. Bring your pet in for an examination. Oxydized blood in stool appears tar-like.

 What does it mean if my pet has a light-colored, chalky stool?
If your pet has a light-colored, chalky stool it may be a problem with his pancreas. If you have been feeding him bones other than rawhide, this may be the cause. It is important not to feed your pet any bones, for while they seem harmless, they can splinter and cause serious problems.

 What does it mean if my pet has blood in her stool?
Blood in a pet's stool may indicate several things. Perhaps it is a minor irritation in the large intestine that could clear up in a day or Canine parvovirus or poisoning. It is a good idea to bring the pet in for an examination to determine the actual cause and appropriate treatment.

 Should I give my pet medicine for heartworms?
Before any medication can be given for heartworms, a pet must be tested to insure that active infection does not exist. Both dogs and cats can develop heartworm disease.

 How can I safely remove a tick from my pet?
If you treat your pet with flea and tick medicine, don't worry if you should see a tick on his coat. It will die and fall off. If you must remove it, place a tissue between your thumb and forefinger and grab the tick as close as possible. Pull the tick out straight and slowly. Never use a match or gasoline to remove ticks. This is very dangerous!!

 What exactly are tapeworms?
If your pet has tapeworms, your veterinarian may suggest an injection or tablets to eliminate them. He may also suggest using veterinarian approved products to rid your dog and home of fleas.

 My pet drinks a lot of water then seems to urinate a lot. Is something wrong with him?
Some pets drink a great deal of water then urinate excessively. The condition that may cause this kind of behavior is fairly complicated. It is best to bring your pet in for an examination.

 How do animals get tapeworm?
Animals get tapeworms by ingesting fleas that carry tapeworm eggs. They may also eat rodents that have been infected with tapeworms

 How often should my pet be checked for worms?
Your pet should be checked once a year for worms. If he has problems with worms than a checkup every 6 months is advisable. Anytime your pet has vomiting or diarrhea a worm check is indicated.

 What are the signs of whipworm?
Signs of whipworm are: anemia, and diarrhea with mucus. Whipworms often fail to show up in stool samples. Your veterinarian may treat your dog with an oral or injectable medication and then a follow-up dosage in 3 months. Dogs pick up the eggs when they groom their feet and hair, so try to keep your dog away from areas heavily used by other dogs.

 What are the signs that my pet is ready to give birth?
Symptoms of an impending birth are: mothers loss of appetite, restlessness and "nesting". Her body temperature will drop to about 99 degrees Fahrenheit.

 What is the normal time to wait between each delivery?
The normal time between each delivery is 1/2 to 2 hours for the mother to rest. Be aware, however, that the break should not exceed 4 hours.

 After my pet gives birth, should I bring her in for an examination?
After whelping, bring the mother and her litter in the day after or within the week for a checkup.

 What should I do for my pet if he is having a convulsion?
Sometimes animals will have convulsions that can be quite frightening. Look for signs of muscle twitching, collapse, uncontrolled shivering and thrashing about, uncontrolled urination and defecation. The best medicine is to keep the environment quiet and prevent the animal from hurting itself. When coming out of a seizure or convulsion, sometimes a pet is disoriented and may bark at you or members of your family out of fear. Speak to him in a quite, reassuring voice and allow the event to pass. Consult your veterinarian to decide if your pet needs to be on medication to prevent further episodes. This is very treatable and veterinarians can alleviate your concerns.

 My puppy is eating his own stool! How can I stop this behavior?
Many puppies will eat their own stool. To stop this habit sprinkle Adolph's Meat Tenderizer on the stool. This should end the problem, if not call the office for other recommendations.

BIRD-NUTRITION

 What should I feed my bird?
The diet of a parrot often causes problems for its owners. Remember that in the wild parrots would forage for food, and usually live off a selection of fruit, seeds, nuts and berries. Parrots in captivity often suffer from nutritional problems, as they tend to favour the high-cholesterol items such as nuts and sunflower seeds which can lead to obesity.

Many commercial seed selections sold in pet shops are nutritionally deficient. Sprouted seeds and pulses are considered to be more nutritionally beneficial for birds. In general pellet foods provide a well balanced diet, but it is a good idea to ask a vet whether additional supplements or fresh foods would be beneficial for your particular bird.

Remember that the nutritional requirements of parrots vary between species.

 What foods should I not feed my bird? What foods are toxic?
Toxic foods to avoid are: Avocados, chocolate, salt, alcohol, tea and coffee. Check peanuts and pine nuts thoroughly for mould, as they can easily become toxic.

 Will my pet eat as much as I give him or does he know when he is full?
Some pets, like humans, will eat more than they need. This will cause lethargy and obesity, things you want to avoid. Please don't let your pet get fat.

 Should pets be fed milk?
People wonder if pets in general need milk. The answer is "no". Many pets have an intolerance to milk, which can cause diarrhea

 How often does my puppy or kitten need to be fed?
One frequently asked question is, "How often should I feed my puppy or kitten?" Between 6-12 weeks feed 3 times a day. Between 12 weeks and 6 months feed twice a day. From 6 months on feed once a day. You can also try a self-feeding program by keeping his bowl full all of the time. Be sure to select a good food like Science Diet Growth or IAMS.

 Is being overweight a serious health problem in pets?
Obesity is a serious problem for animals. Being overweight can cause liver disease, pancreatitis, back, and heart problems. He may become overheated more easily causing heat stroke. Difficulty in breathing is also apparent in overweight animals.

BIRD-BEHAVIOR