Archives: Exotic Care

• Household Dangers for Birds

  March 1, 2015

  

  Have you recently decided to bring a little feathered friend into your household? Colorful, enchanting, and musical, our avian pals make wonderful pets, and can truly liven up your home. Caring for a bird is quite different than taking care of a dog, cat, or pocket pet, however, so first time bird owners face a bit of a learning curve. One area that bird owners need to become familiar with is learning what poses dangers … Read More »

• Setting Up Your Birdcage

  October 15, 2014

  

  Have you decided that your Saint Lucie County home should have a bird and birdcage? Choosing the right birdcage is the most important thing you can do for your new feathered friend. There are many options when it comes to size, shape, and materials for birdcages. You’ll want to do a little research on your bird to find out what type of cage is best for him. In order for your bird to be happy, … Read More »

• Bathing Your Iguana

  September 1, 2014

  

  Is there an iguana hanging out in your Treasure Coast home? Florida is a great place for iguanas. These tree-dwelling modern dinosaurs can do quite well here; so well, in fact, that feral iguanas are popping up all over south Florida. The reason iguanas do so well in Florida is that our climate offers two things iguanas need to live: heat and water. If you have a pet iguana, you’ll want to give it regular … Read More »

• Basic Parrot Care

  August 1, 2014

  

  Saint Lucie County is home to many beautiful birds, both wild and domestic. Parrots are lovely and intelligent, and make wonderful pets. They rank among the most intelligent bird species, along with ravens, crows, and magpies, and are best known for their uncanny ability to mimic human speech. These colorful beauties have very long lifespans, so if you are considering getting a parrot, make sure you are able to truly commit to your feathered friend. … Read More »

• How to Gauge Your Ferret’s Mood

  June 1, 2014

  

  If you have recently brought a ferret into your Treasure Coast home, you’ve likely been kept on your toes by this curious little cutie. While ferrets all have individual personalities, there are some mannerisms they share as a species. Here are a few tips that may help you decipher your little pal’s frame of mind. Fear Ferrets definitely react strongly to fear. They can hiss, screech, or release a very unpleasant stench. If your ferret … Read More »

• Respiratory Infections in Birds

  March 1, 2014

  

  Respiratory ailments are one of the most common health problems that veterinarians diagnose in pet birds. Here, a Treasure Coast vet discusses these dangerous disorders in more detail. Causes There are different types of respiratory infections, and each has various causes. Fungal spores that cause infections can be found in water, food, nests, incubators, and various other areas. Your bird could come in contact with the spores and be infected. The spores lodge in the … Read More »

• The Basics of Owning a Ferret

  February 1, 2014

  

  Are you considering purchasing a ferret as an alternative to the more-standard cat or dog? Ferrets can make great pets. Learn more about their basic care needs from a Treasure Coast veterinarian. Diet Your ferret should be kept on a high-quality ferret kibble diet for maximum health and nutrition. Ferrets are carnivores, so they need a diet based on animal protein. Most ferrets can have food left out for them at all times—unlike some pets, … Read More »

• Choosing a Good Starter Bird

  October 15, 2013

  

  “Starter birds” are those that are generally easier to care for and require bit less of a time investment than others. Of course, the final choice of bird is completely up to you, but consider these breeds if you’re new to bird ownership and don’t want to jump headlong into an 80-year relationship with a parrot. Canary Canaries are fairly inexpensive birds, and they don’t require a huge amount of human interaction. Canaries tend to … Read More »

• Combating Obesity in Ferrets

  September 1, 2013

  

  An obese ferret is not a happy ferret. If your pet ferret’s body weight is obstructing his ability to move and function normally, something needs to change. Of course, it’s easiest to prevent your ferret from becoming obese in the first place. Read more below as a Treasure Coast veterinarian discusses obesity in ferrets, how it happens, and what to do about it. What Causes Obesity in Ferrets? Just like other pets—as well as humans—a … Read More »

• Do Chinchillas Make Good Pets?

  July 15, 2013

  

  If you’re looking for an alternative pet to the standard dog or cat, and considering something more in the exotic realm, chinchillas are one of the options. When considering a chinchilla as a pet, there are several factors to consider. Below, a Saint Lucie County veterinarian gives you the pros and cons of chinchilla ownership. Pros Personality – Chinchillas have lively dispositions. They like to explore and are busy by nature. While it may take … Read More »