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Ask the Lazi Birds!
Steve and Diane Lazicki have been rescuing and working with birds for over 8 years, as well as raising them as pets since childhood. They live with over 150 birds in their "bird house," so they have a wealth of bird expertise. Direct your bird related questions to the Lazi Birds.
Q: Dear Lazi Birds,
My aunt has quite a few finches. She said they are Zebras? They range from mostly white to different shades of grayish brown. They all have these little orange circles on the sides of their cheeks and are adorable. She has each one in a separate little cage because she doesn't want babies. She must have six of them and they are each in a tiny cage. I asked her why she had so many and she said she loves the little sounds they make. My question is: could they possibly be happy in tiny cages? They don't get to come out and fly around. Are having the cages side by side enough? Is there a better way not to have babies?
Thank you, Pam
A: Well Pam, I have GREAT news for you, your aunt and especially the finches. The orange circles on their cheeks indicate they are all males... There is no need to have to clean six cages daily. They can all go into one good size cage together. Your aunt will need to be careful with bar spacing on a larger cage. The spacing shouldn't be wider than 1/2 inch to be safe. I recommend the largest cage she can afford and will fit nicely into her home. It's a true joy to see them flying. We put artificial plants in out flight. Greens that hang like vines, a few silk flowers for color (which we change with the seasons) and little finch nests. Our little guys are so happy and the overall 'look' is pleasing to all. Even with all the birds we have here, I still go in and watch them. I really enjoy 'finding' each finch. A lonely little finch sitting in a tiny cage isn't pleasing to anyone, especially the finch! Allowing them to have each other and some cool 'hiding' places, not to mention flight, and you have a total entertainment center.
I hope this helps.
Grammie & Pa
Ask The Cat Lady!
Sally Bahner has spent the last 10 years specializing in writing on cat-related issues, specifically nutrition, holistic care and multiple cat behavior. She was editor-in-chief of "The Whole Cat Journal" and has contributed to "Catnip", "Catwatch" and the new "Whole Cat Journal".
Q: Dear Sally,
I will soon be moving into a house with Toby, a kitty I am adopting from a friend. My new roommate already has a kitty and I want to make the transition as smooth as possible. Any tips?
Elizabeth
A: Dear Elizabeth,
A lot of changes are going on here and you all need to go slowly to make a successful introduction. You and Toby are both in a new environment and the resident kitty is experiencing a change in his environment, which may make him feel insecure. The resident kitty has to be assured that his territory is still safe, and Toby needs to feel secure in his new environment.
First off, keep the two cats separated for a few days before attempting any kind of introduction. They’ll both know something is up soon enough anyhow. Flower essences can be helpful here in addressing feelings of insecurity. Spirit Essences (www.spiritessence.com) has an adjustment remedy, Ultimate Adjustment remedy, (that can be started before the move) and Peacemaker remedy – these can all help. Bach flower essences are also good. Rescue Remedy is an old stand-by. Walnut offers protection from change and Mimulus and Aspen work on fear. Bach remedies are available at health food stores.
After a couple of days, you can start a "scent exchange" by taking a towel or T-shirt with the scent of one cat and introducing it to the other.
The next step is to do a room exchange. Let the new kitty explore the resident kitty’s territory and vice versa.
Depending on the reactions to these steps you can proceed to a "formal introduction," a supervised meeting with both owners present. You may consider putting the new kitty in a carrier and introducing them that way – let the resident kitty sniff the new kitty and if that goes well, let out the new kitty.
Under your supervision, try feeding them together or engage in some play with a fishing pole toy. Try to keep the atmosphere relaxed.
Some growling or hissing or posturing is not unusual. Keep the introductory sessions short and continue until the cats seem comfortable with each other. Keep up the flower remedies as well.
All cats are different – some may become best buddies, others may tolerate each other, and still others may never get along. But slowly introducing the kitties will give them the best chance to start out together on the right paw.
Sally
Ask the Vet!
Lauren Mascola is the veterinarian at Petcare Veterinary Services in West Hartford. She studied at UConn for undergraduate and Tufts for Veterinary Medicine. She has over 10 years experience and 2 dogs and 3 cats of her own. She is excited to answer your questions!
Q: Dear Dr. Mascola
How much longer do I need to apply flea and tick preventatives on my pets?
Tom
A: Hi Tom,
It is safe to stop your flea control because it has become too cool for that parasite. However, tick control is still a must. Until there is a stretch of freezing weather, ticks are viable and active. This might not be until well into December. If you apply your tick control product on the first of every month, that would include a dose for November. There is never a set time to start and stop control because of the weather being unpredictable. In the Spring, as soon as the ground starts to thaw, ticks can become active. My standard answer to the question of when to stop and start prevention is, "Watch the weather."
Dr. Mascola
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