VCBE News

Are you having problems getting your bird on a nutritious diet? So often, the Veterinary Center staff hears owners say that they have tried getting their birds on pelleted diets, but that the birds don't like them and refuse to eat them. Most of the time, the owners have only been trying for a day or 2 and then give in, going back to the same old (often all-seed) diet. Or, they mix the pellets wit...h seed, hoping the bird will chose the more nutritious pellet over the seed. The emotions of the owner worrying that his/her bird will starve often get in the way of transitioning to a better diet. We can help you! With our Great Pellet Exchange Program, we can get your bird on a pelleted diet in just 1 week if you board the bird with us. We will weigh your pet daily and make sure that he/she maintains his/her weight while adapting to a more nutritious diet, and we will send you home with tips on how to continue this improved diet at home. Call us today, and get your bird off to a healthy new year!

 

Don't miss our own Dr. Laurie Hess as she discusses nocturnal pets on the Hallmark Channel show, "Pet Keeping with Marc Morrone," Thursday, January 19th, at 12:30 pm Eastern. Check out this link to find out what channel the Hallmark Channel is locally in your area. http://www.hallmarkchannel.com/petkeepingwithmarcmorrone/home

Listen to Dr. Hess and Dr. Ravich on the next edition of their radio show, "Birds Eye View," as they discuss what diseases and illnesses birds develop as they progress through life. Have your birds encountered any of these problems?
 

Come meet the staff of the Veterinary Center at the Winter NY Metro Reptile Expo this Sunday, January 8, at the Westchester County Center in White Plains, NY, 10am-4pm. Chat about your new reptile or ask questions about your current pet. The staff can't wait to meet you and tell you all about what they do! 

Are you traveling for the holidays? Have you made arrangements for someone to care for your exotic pet while your away? Let the Veterinary Center give your pet a vacation while you take yours! Throughout the holidays, the Veterinary staff will be caring for our feathered, furry, and scaly patients so that they are kept safe, happy, and entertained. Call the Center today to inquire about boarding your special pet so you can travel worry free.

Listen to Dr. Hess and Dr. Ravich on their radio show, "Birds Eye View," as they tell you the reasons why. Just paste this link, http://www.petliferadio.com/birdseyeviewep1.html, into your broswer, and hear why!

Do you want to learn more about sugar gliders, parrots, hedgehogs, snakes, tortoises, ferrets, or giant breed rabbits but don't have the time or money? The Learning Annex has filmed our Dr. Hess and Dr. Ravich discussing these species and demonstrating how to examine and care for them. Just click on this link http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ustream.tv%2F&h=aAQHvc9AoAQFewc3v-BprXLlst-dDowkQMLWbN8T91Uax0g to see free, 20-minute clips of each of these pets. We bet you'll really enjoy them! Thanks to all our Veterinary Center patients who are the true stars of these videos.
 

Did you know that November is National Diabetes month for both pets and people? While diabetes is not as common in exotic pets as it is in dogs and cats, it can occur in ferrets, birds, and often in rodents like degus. Dr. Hess is a type 1 diabetic, herself, so she has a special sensitivity for diabetic pets. The best way to help ensure that your exotic pet doesn't have a chronic disease like diabetes is to have your pet checked and blood tested regularly. Do you or your pet have diabetes? Be sure to have your exotic pet checked annually for this and other serious illnesses. Call the Veterinary Center today for an appointment.
 

Interested in enriching the lives of your pets? Want to learn how to teach your bird, ferret, rabbit, rodent, or reptile to forage like they do in the wild?  Did you miss our exciting and unique Foraging Workshop at the Veterinary Center on Sunday, November 13th? Well, if you come to the Veterinary Center for a check-up with your pet, you can still learn about foraging!

In the wild, exotic animals have jobs and spend a large amount of time searching for food, mates and shelter. In captivity, food is often handed to them, and shelters and nest sites are provided, potentially leading to boredom and stress for these pets. At the Veterinary Center, we teach you about what foraging is and how important foraging is for your pets. We will also discuss how to create foraging toys of your own from simple things you have around your house that can be used to make exciting, inexpensive foraging toys for your exotic pet.

So, if you want to find out more about foraging and other ways you can enrich the life of your exotic pet, call the Veterinary Center today to make an appointment!

It’s that time again; the New York Metro Reptile Expo is back! The show is one of the largest in the Northeast with over 200 vendors and, of course, all the scaly skinned creatures you could ask for. Dr. Hess, Dr. Ravich, and the staff of the Veterinary Center for Birds & Exotics will be there, as always, to answer any questions you may have about these unique exotic pets. The show is at the Westchester County Center in White Plains this Sunday, November 27, from 10am-4pm. Visit www.reptileexpo.com for more details and directions.