Did you know that ferrets can get dental disease just like cats, dogs, or you? Unlike people, who can communicate that their teeth hurt and make a dentist appointment, our ferret friends are unable to tell us when they are uncomfortable. In fact, unfortunately, sometimes we only find out that ferrets have dental disease when …
Unfortunately, a lot of people feed their ferrets the wrong thing. We don’t know as much about ferret diets as we do cat and dog diets, but we do know that just like cats, ferrets are carnivores. In the wild, they eat meat and they shouldn’t eat a lot of carbohydrates. Unfortunately, a lot of …
A pellet contains a balance of all the essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, that seeds lack and that your bird needs to stay healthy. Pellets also are lower in fat than seeds so that they are better for your bird’s liver and cardiovascular system. Why are pellets best for your bird? Pellets …
By Dr. Laurie Hess, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian Practice) Happy vacation season! While summer is the perfect time to take a trip, it’s important to create a game plan for your pet during your travels. Whether you’re voyaging on a cross-country road trip or escaping to a relaxing resort, keep these tips in mind for …
By Dr. Laurie Hess, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian Practice) Just as people like to choose the foods they eat, birds prefer to pick their own food. By offering food with a variety of colors and shapes, eating becomes more appealing to your bird. The pellet conversion method “Birdie’s Choice” has proven successful for small birds, …
“Birdie’s Choice” Conversion Method: Give Your Bird the Power Read More »
By Dr. Laurie Hess, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian Practice) There is a misconception among pet bird owners that because wild birds eat seeds, pet birds should. However, this is not the case. A wild bird’s lifestyle is completely different than your pet bird’s, and that must be taken into consideration for your pet bird’s best interest. …
Facing the Facts: Companion Birds Don’t Need Seeds Read More »
Supporting Future Exotic Animal Veterinarians For more information contact Jennifer McDaniel at 913.982.0935 or veterinaryscholarship@zupreem.com ZuPreem is proud to show its dedication to veterinary students by providing $5,000 in annual scholarships to second, third and fourth year veterinary students who want to pursue specialization in one of the four exotic animal fields. $5,000 in scholarships available …
By Dr. Laurie Hess, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian Practice) Pets of all kinds can be great companions, giving their owners someone to talk to, cuddle and spend time with. For someone considering a new pet, a bird may not be the first thought, but there are many benefits to owning a bird. Along with their …
By Dr. Laurie Hess, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian Practice) Converting your bird from an unhealthy, high-fat, all-seed diet to a nutritionally balanced and complete pelleted bird food diet can be stressful – not only for the bird, but also for you. Birds are creatures of habit who often prefer sticking to what they’re used to, rather than …
“Slow and Steady” Bird Diet Conversion: Switching Foods At A Gradual Pace Read More »
What is in a bird food pellet? A pellet contains a balance of all the essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, that seeds lack and that your bird needs to stay healthy. Pellets also are lower in fat than seeds so that they are better for your bird’s liver and cardiovascular system. Why …
