Study: Parrots Need Plenty of Mental Stimulation to Thrive in Captivity

A recent study on captive parrots found that they suffer from a lack of mental stimulation more than other captive birds. Their high intelligence and natural food gathering behavior require a lot of human intervention to ensure that they do well as pets and in other captive environments like zoos. The researchers found parrots that …

How to Protect Your Pets from Wildfire Smoke

The American Veterinary Medical Association has created a fact sheet for pet owners on the dangers of smoke from wildfires. Animals are as susceptible to poor air quality as people, especially if they suffer from respiratory or cardiovascular health problems. What are the signs of irritation from smoke inhalation in dogs, cats, and other animals?  …

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 …