CDC Warns of Salmonella Outbreak in Backyard Poultry

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has traced a recent Salmonella outbreak that has sickened almost 1,000 people around the US to recently acquired chicks and ducklings. Salmonella is a type of bacteria that causes the foodborne illness known as salmonellosis.  It is commonly found in raw or undercooked meat and poultry, eggs, …

Small Pet Socialization Tips

There’s lots of information about how to socialize dogs and cats out there, but what about small and exotic pets?  They can learn polite behavior too! The San Diego Humane Society’s San Diego Pets Magazine recently shared some tips on how to socialize your rabbits, rodents, birds, and reptiles.  Here are a few highlights: Rabbits …

Environmental Enrichment for Pet Birds

The Veterinary College at Texas A&M University has put out some very helpful tips on how to provide your pet birds with environmental enrichment and mental stimulation. They report that birds are happiest when given many different forms of enrichment.  Not surprising given their intelligence, curiosity, and sociability! Here are a few tips, but be …

Video: Very Good Dog Saves Wild Bird

Need a smile?  Check out this sweet video of one very good dog named Gus. A wild bird got trapped in the sun porch at his house and started to panic.  Gus quickly and gently took the bird in his mouth and placed it carefully on the ground outside. The lucky little bird flew away …

New Study: Escaped Pet Parrots Living Throughout the US

A study of former pet parrots living and breeding in the wild (called “naturalized” parrots) was recently published in the Journal of Ornithology. The findings show that our escaped pet birds are living, and in many cases thriving, in nearly all US states, including those with cold climates. 56 species of naturalized parrots have been …