Fish experts!

Art Bell and Scott Henderson are not businessmen.  They are aquatic (and reptile) hobbyists like you.  They have a combined experience of over 30 years as hobbyists and 15 years working in various pet stores in the area. Send any aquatic questions to Art and Scott.

Q: Dear Art and Scott,

I just set up a new aquarium and it has been cloudy (looking like someone poured a small amount of milk in the tank) for a few days, what causes this and how do I fix it? 

Thank you, Bob

A: Dear Bob,

First the "cloudiness" is actually bacteria that is starting to colonize in the tank.  This is a good thing, for a tank cannot run properly without it. If the cloudiness does not go away on its own within a week or two, bring a water sample to your local aquarium store to have it tested as there may be other problems causing it.

The cheapest, easiest fix is a material called "filter floss" and looks a lot like cotton (do not use cotton). The floss should be placed in direct water flow. If you have a canister filter the floss should be placed in the last container near the impeller. If you have a hang on the back cartridge style filter the floss should be tucked behind the cartridge. The floss can be changed as needed (when water flow slows down).

Good luck, Art and Scott

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 LaziBirds,

Someone told me that their bird loved to shred a roll of toilet paper. It seems like it would keep my conure busy for quite a while. I want to give it a try but would like to hear what you have to say about it first.

Just Checking Mom

A: Hi Just Checking,

I'm so glad you decided to check first. Shredding paper is a great past time for birds and they seem to just love making the mess. Toilet paper however, is dangerous. It wasn't all that long ago we heard of a bird choking on it. It's so thin and can easily become caught in the bird’s throat. Also, the glue on the cardboard roll could be in question.  A telephone book with the heavily colored pages removed is a much better idea. The ink is soy base and safe. You could drill a hole in the upper left corner for hanging and let 'er rip...

The mess in the bottom of the cage actually helps quicken clean up time as it catches all the poop and is easily removed without having to scrape and scrub the grates.

Another idea is to use register tape rolls. We find them at tag sales often. Remove the plastic center by pushing a dowel through, string and hang. Start to unroll the paper a little so it's hanging and your curious birdie will soon be in shredding heaven.

We have a lot of shredders here and another inexpensive stimulation is to roll newspaper and weave it through the cage bars. Start rolling at the corner so that you have a long roll when you're ready to weave. One over, one under then, do another row under the first row alternating under and over. You can weave as far as you want. You might want to start with one row at first until your bird is used to the new 'game.'

These are birdie versions of 'paper trails'...

LaziBirds

The Bunny Expert!

Susan adopted her first house rabbit 5 years ago and soon after got highly involved in rabbit rescue. She has volunteered at a local rabbit rescue group and a local animal shelter working with rabbits. She has since co-founded 3 Bunnies Rabbit Rescue Inc. Susan can surely answer all of your rabbit questions!

Q: Dear Susan,

I am thinking about adopting a bunny. I don't know if I should get one or a pair. I have read that rabbits like companions. What is your opinion?

New Bunny Owner

A: Dear New Bunny Owner,

We get this question often in our rescue. It really depends on your lifestyle and the personalities of the rabbits.  Some rabbits like to live alone. Some are much happier bonded to a mate, while others are happy being friends with other household pets.  If you have a lot of time to spend with a rabbit, one would probably be fine. If you work a lot, a bonded pair would probably be better. If you have a mellow dog or cat, often depending upon the personalities of all the household pets, sometimes a rabbit will be fine with another pet for a friend. However, I suggest always supervise playtime with other pets and house the rabbits in a safe, separate place.

Even though some pets and rabbits can get along, fatal accidents can happen and you want to prevent that from ever happening. Rescues will match rabbits to your lifestyle and what you want. The foster homes get to know the personalities of the rabbits and can advise you. Some people start with one rabbit and decide they want another and do bunny dates to find a partner later. However, if you want two it is much easier to adopt a pair that is already bonded.

Susan

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 just adopted a young adult cat from my local animal shelter a month ago. Amos is neutered and the shelter requires that he stay indoors as part of the adoption agreement. However, he has a tendency to run for the door when we go in and out to grill on the deck or work outside. (I think he may have been an outside cat in his previous life…) I’m afraid of him bolting and, of course, getting lost. But I hate to deny him fresh air and sunshine. What is a good compromise?

Jennifer

A: Dear Jennifer,

Congrats on adopting a shelter kitty! There are so many cats that need homes.

First make sure your kitty has access to the windows of your house – it’s like kitty TV, and the sunnier the better. You’ll need to create an indoor environment that’s as entertaining as the outdoors…well, almost. Provide Amos with a good sturdy cat tree (Arubacats has great ones, 603-382-8418), preferably placed in front of a window. Regular playtime is also important. A fishing pole toy is always popular along with balls that can be filled with treats. Clicker training is also a good way to stimulate that furry little brain.

Window enclosures are available as are enclosures that can be used outside such as those made by Kitty Walk (www.kittywalk.com), which also makes pet strollers. Teaching him to walk on a leash may be a Catch 22; either he’ll hate it or be even more insistent about going outside.

Since Amos is somewhat of a Houdini, consider microchipping him and/or make sure he wears a collar with an ID tag.

It may be best not to encourage his call of the wild by enriching his indoor environment and keeping him entertained.

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: Dr. Mascola,

My lab has chronic ear infections. Aside from having him on antibiotics constantly there doesn’t seem to be anything that will cure it. My vet recommended doing an ear flush for $400+ but even this wont be a permanent cure, as he thinks the infections will just come back. Do you have any cost effective recommendations?

Thank you, Patty

A: Dear Patty,

Thanks for the question.  Chronic otitis can be a very frustrating and expensive condition for your pet, you and your veterinarian.  There are numerous rule outs for chronic otitis, including food or other allergies, hypothyroidism, and even just their anatomy (narrow ear canals). 

It is most cost effective to try and figure out the underlying cause of the infections up front, so you can control them better, versus coming in repeatedly for treatments including ear flushes.  A hypoallergenic diet trial is very important to perform to rule out a food allergy.  I love a diet called California Natural for dogs with chronic ear troubles. Your veterinarian can explain more about a hypoallergenic diet trial.  Further allergy testing would be recommended if a diet trial did not help. 

An endocrine disease called hypothyroidism can be another cause for chronic otitis and can be diagnosed with a simple blood test.  It is easy and inexpensive to treat.  Finally, if you have ruled out allergies and hypothyroidism, there is a surgery, which can open up the ear canal making it easier for oxygen to flow through the ear.  The yeast and bacteria which cause most otitis' do not grow as well in a well-oxygenated environment.  Surgery may not completely stop the infections, but it should help decrease the frequency of them significantly and surgery makes them easier to treat.

Best of Luck, Dr. Mascola