How to Prevent Birds from Biting When Being Handled

Just like our cats and dogs, birds should not be punished for bad behavior such as biting. Punishment can lead to increased aggression, fear, apathy, and avoidance behaviors. It’s important to see through the eyes of the bird and determine whether it bites out of fear, aggression or avoidance.

Tips to handling a bird that bites
• Use a wooden perch and teach your bird “up” and “off”.
• Reward the bird with tiny treats
• Once the bird is comfortable on the perch, use this as a means to move your bird.
• Eventually, train your bird “up” and “off” on your still hand.

A bird can just as easily learn that certain behaviors will be followed by a positive reinforcement.

Salmonella

Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal infections in people (Salmonellosis). Clinical signs include diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever and cast last up to 4-7 days. It is usually contracted through the ingestion of food contaminated with animal feces. Birds and reptiles (such as turtles, snakes and lizards) naturally carry salmonella and therefore should be handled with care.

Illness can be prevented with simple hygiene practice:
1. Wash hands with soap before eating;
2. Cook all meat;
3. Do not use raw eggs;
4. Wash kitchen surfaces and utensils with detergent;
5. Wash hands after handling reptiles or birds especially after coming into contact with their droppings

What to feed your rabbit

Rabbits require a diet high in fibre and roughage.

One of the most common problems encountered in rabbit medicine is dental disease. Rabbits have teeth that are continually growing so they need to be worn down when eating.

Feed a good quality fresh hay or fresh grass. Avoid feeding lucern hay as it is too high in calcium.

You can also offer your rabbit fresh leafy greens and vegetables such as brocoli, cabbage, spinach leaves, brussel sprouts

Do not feed a sole diet of rabbit pellets or mixes.

Caring for a Rabbit

Rabbits are small mammals that can make great pets if give the right amount of care and attention. They can range from 2 pounds to 16 pounds depending on the breed. And they live to 8-12 years.

Routine Care:
• Need fresh water and food every day
• Need supervised play every day
• Brushed every day
• Litter box cleaned daily
• Once a week they need their cage cleaned and disinfected
• Annual vet check
• Toys
• Fresh bedding regularly

Ever Considered a Pet Pig?

The thought of a pet pig does seem quite novel and they are so cute. However, there is a lot to think about before owning a pig. Every year, many pet pigs are abandoned to shelters because their owners did not fully understand what they were getting into. Pet pigs are very high maintenance, plus, your council may not even allow them.

Pigs will be pigs. Just as in the wild, pet pigs will explore everything with their snout. Your home or yard can be turned upside down in a short period of time. Being omnivores they will eat almost anything but a special diet is needed in order for them to remain healthy. They need to be taken to a veterinarian regularly for vaccines and health checks. And, you need to find a veterinarian who is experienced in treating a pet pig.

Pet pigs can be trained on the leash and to go to the toilet in the right area like a dog. But, they tend to be territorial so training and discipline is key.

What happens during a bird exam?

Like cats and dogs, birds should be checked by the veterinarian every year. If possible, it’s always a good idea to bring the bird to the veterinarian’s in its cage. Do not clean the cage before bringing it in as the cage will say a lot about the bird's health.

The veterinarian can learn a lot about your bird by it’s home environment. They will be looking at the:
- environment,
- food,
- feeding arrangement
- droppings on the bottom of the cage

The bird will then be securely restrained to prevent injury to person or pet and examined in depth physically. Any abnormal changes in the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, skin, feathers, wings, legs, vent, chest or abdomen will be noted.

Rats and Cowpox Virus

Europe has reported cases of coxpox virus infection in humans. The virus causes black skin lesions in humans and is suspected to come from pet rats.

This is a good reminder to ensure that even a rat should be checked frequently by a veterinarian to pick up any problems sooner than later.

The vet will:
• Check the eyes for discharge
• Listen to the breathing for sneezing, wheezing or difficulty breathing
• Nasal discharge
• Check that the claws are not overgrown
• Check the weight
• Check if the rat is alert and responsive
• Check for early lumps

Rats make great pets. They are extremely intelligent and great companions. They live for approx 2.5-4 years.

Unfortunately, rats are prone to illnesses such as respiratory disease, congestive heart failure, cancer, dental problems and sudden death.

Avoiding Swine Flu

Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by the highly contagious H1N1 virus. Like other viruses, it can mutate to infect other animal species and in this case, humans. It is spread through the air from the coughing and sneezing of infected animals and people.

Prevention:
• Wash your hands with soap and warm water
• Frequently use alcohol-based hand cleaners
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
• Avoid close contact with ill people
• If you do get sick, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue and limit contact with others
• Contact your physician immediately if you think you have contracted the virus

Visit CDC for further information and updates.

Setting Up a First Aid Kit for Your Pet

A first aid kit comes in handy when owning a pet as well as for traveling with your pet.

Here is a list of must-have items:
• Adhesive tape
• Sterile cleaning devices i.e. nonstick pads, gauze squares and cotton balls
• Board or towel for makeshift stretcher
• Cardboard or wood for splints
• Elizabethan collar to prevent licking of injury
• Examination gloves
• Sterile Saline to clean wounds
• Ice pack
• Large blanket
• Magnifying glass
• Muzzle
• Penlight flashlight
• Diluted Povidone iodine
• Rectal thermometer and lubricant
• Roller gauze (self-adhering), cotton roll and elastic bandage
• Tweezers
• Scissors

Dangerous Pet Turtles

Children are often drawn to the very cute pet turtle. Their slow and harmless nature seem perfect for a child.

Unfortunately, they naturally carry harmful bacteria, Salmonella. These bacteria can cause serious gastrointestinal tract disease that results in severe diarrhoea, fever, vomiting and dehydration.

According to the FDA, over 70,000 cases of Salmonella are reported each year in the USA.

If you have a turtle, make sure you:
1. Wash your hands with soap after playing and before eating
2. Regularly clean the turtle's environment

Further information at the CDC

A Two-Nosed Bunny

A two-nosed bunny has been discovered in Connneticut, USA. With no other apparent defects, this bunny is enjoying its new home and friends.

It should, however, remind us to take care when breeding animals as according to Beardsley Zoo director, Gregg Dancho, this deformity can be a result of inbreeding or parental exposure to pesticides or poisons.

Check this out at
Connecticut Post

How to Help the Australian Wildlife

Unfortunately, it is all too common to come across injured wildlife. With natural disasters such as flooding and fires, our wildlife must flee from their homes.

Here is a list of wildlife hotlines for you to call when you come across an injured wildlife:
NSW 13000 WIRES or 1300 094 737
VIC: 1300 WILDLIFE (1300 9453 5433)
ACT 132 281 or RSPCA Wildlife - (02) 62878100
NT Wildcare - (08) 8988 6121
QLD (07) 5527 2444
SA Fauna Rescue - (08) 8289 0896
TAS (03) 6233 6556
WA Wildcare - (08) 9334 0333

When handling wildlife:
• Approach the animal slowly
• Gently cover them with a towel or blanket to calm it down
• Do not attempt to feed it

For more information go to or
Wildlife Victoria or Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service