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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,
We are a working couple and thinking about getting a bird. We would like to know how long a bird will live normally. My girlfriend had a cockateil that lived for almost TEN years! We are thinking of getting a cockatoo or, african grey. Should we look for a hand fed baby?
Thank you, Curious George & Caring Cathy
A. Dear George & Caring Cathy
I'm so glad you are asking questions unlike those who don't ask until it's too late for both them and an unfortunate bird. KUDOS to you. I'm sorry to say, your friends teil died young.. A healthy teil can live in excess of 17 years! Parakeets average 10 years. Conures vary but you can expect a range of 30 to 40 yrs. Cockatoo's up to 80 (having second thoughts yet)? African greys - 60 to 80 years. If you want a bird that will live a "long" time, a macaw can live in excess of 100 yrs. These figures are based on several factors such as, proper diet, exposure to natural sunlight, regular vet checkups, out of cage time/interaction and a 'bird safe' home. These are just the basics...
More important than a hand fed baby is a bird that has had a lot of human handling and interaction. I am giving you my opinion based on a 'rescue' view point. We take in birds from finches to macaws. Some of these guys have never been handled or, were handled improperly. The word 'rescue' says it all. Some are even wild caught. We have been able to turn the majority of the most aggressive birds around. DON'T get an aggressive bird with the intention of 'taming' it. Exotic birds are WILD ANIMALS! Success can take years if at all. If a bird was handled properly as a chick, I find it similar to a hand fed baby.
Good luck, Lazi Birds
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,
I would like to brush my dog's teeth. What is the best way to do it?
Thanks, Cooper
Dear Cooper,
Brushing your pet's teeth is a great idea. If your dog is reluctant to have his mouth touched, start with just rubbing his gums with your fingers. This will get him used to having your hands in his mouth. When he becomes more comfortable, choose a toothpaste made for animals, and rub it on his gums with your fingers. Do not use human toothpaste because he will swallow it and get an upset stomach. If he gets comfortable with finger application of toothpaste, then you can try using a soft bristled toothbrush. Daily brushing is ideal, but even once weekly will help with his oral health.
Good Luck! Dr. Mascola
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”. She is also a member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. "Send your cat questions to Sally!
Q: Dear Sally,
My 13-year-old kitty, Samantha, has started yowling late at night, usually a short while after I turn off the lights and go upstairs to bed. In the past she would follow me to bed, but if she’s sleeping on her favorite chair, I don’t want to disturb her. She seems healthy otherwise though I’ve noticed she has lost a little weight. What do you think is going on?
Eleanor
A: Dear Eleanor,
The first thing I would suggest is a geriatric check-up with your vet, including blood work. Excessive vocalization and weight loss can be associated with hyperthyroidism, so be sure to have her T4 checked. As cats age, they may experience feline cognitive dysfunction, which can be compared to senile dementia. They may miss the litter box, become more aloof or clingy, or disoriented. Your vet should rule out physical causes before making that diagnosis. Samantha may be experiencing hearing loss – if she is sleeping soundly, she doesn’t hear you go to bed, she wakes up confused and wonders where you are. If her health checks out fine, you may want to give her a bedtime snack and play with her a bit to assure her that all is well.
Make sure she is eating a high quality diet to maintain her immune system, weight, muscle mass and coat. Older kitties can benefit by frequent smaller meals. Some good information on geriatric cat care can be found at the Winn Feline Foundation website,
Sally
“The Fish Doctor”
The Fish Doctor is an Aquarium Installation and Maintenance company, it is designed to help people achieve success in the fish keeping hobby. For more info please visit www.TheFishDoctor.net. Direct all your fishy questions to “The Fish Doctor.”
Q: Dear Peter,
I would like to keep and breed Angelfish. Can you tell me how to purchase a male and a female?
Fish Lover
A: Dear Fish Lover,
Your best bet is to purchase 7 or 8 young fish, odds are some will be males and some will be females. As they grow, they will pair up on their own. Good luck!
Peter
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