July, 2023 - Barky.com.au

July 30, 2023

How to Trim Cockatiel Nails: 7 Vet-Reviewed Steps

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Supplies
Steps
What If My Bird Starts Bleeding?
Why You Need to Trim Your Cockatiel’s Nails

If you’re a first-time cockatiel owner, you may not realize that one of your responsibilities as a bird parent is trimming your pet’s nails. While your cockatiel can file his nails a bit if you provide the right type of perches in his cage, you can’t overlook the importance of trims. Not only will a nail trim protect your skin, as bird nails can get razor sharp, but it will keep your cockatiel safe, too.

We recommend having the nails trimmed initially by a veterinarian until you feel comfortable with how to do it.

Keep reading to learn how to trim your cockatiel’s nails and live to tell the tale.

Before You Start: Gather Your Supplies

The supplies you’ll need for trimming cockatiel nails are:

Bird or even humannail clippers
A light source (your smartphone flashlight will do)
Styptic powder (to stop bleeding if you accidentally nick your cockatiel)
Q-tip (for the styptic powder)
A light-colored towel (such as a tea towel)

The 7 Steps for How to Trim Cockatiel Nails

1. Inspect the Nails

Once your supplies are gathered and all within reach, allow your bird to leave its cage. Hold him in one hand and check his nails with your free hand.

hand touching cockatiels beak — Image Credit: libor.pal, Shutterstock

2. Wrap Your Cockatiel in a Towel

Drape the towel over your bird’s back, leaving his head uncovered. Hold him firmly at his sides, but do not press against his chest. Birds don’t have diaphragms, and too much pressure on the chest can cause suffocation.

It’s unlikely that your cockatiel will like this stage, so you’ll need to restrain his head in one hand to ensure you don’t get bit. Place your index (pointer) finger on one side of its head and your middle finger on the other. Hold the head firmly enough that he can’t turn his head freely but be careful not to cause injury.

3. Find the Quick

Cockatiel nails have a blood vessel inside known as the quick. You need to avoid cutting the quick. Hold his feet before your light source to help you determine where this blood vessel is.

If your bird’s nails are pale, it should be easy to see the blood vessels as the pink area in the nail’s center. If his nails are dark, you’ll need to proceed carefully and trim only a small bit.

4. Speak Softly & Calmly

Being held for long periods against his will is likely to stress out your cockatiel, so speak calmly to him throughout the process. Additionally, be prepared to work as fast as you can to avoid keeping him in this awkward and stressful situation. You may need to only do a couple of nails at a time and come back to it another day.

cockatiel with harness — Image Credit: Daria_vg, Shutterstock

5. Snip the Tip

Carefully snip off the tip of the nail at a 30-degree forward-sloping angle toward your cockatiel’s foot. If you cannot see the quick, don’t clip off more than 1/16 of an inch. It’s better to be safe than sorry about this. Though it may seem minor, snipping the quick can cause heavy bleeding. Birds can die from this kind of injury if it’s not handled properly or fast enough. This is why we recommend having the styptic powder on hand and familiarizing yourself with how to use it properly well before the need to use it ever arises.

6. Know When to Stop

You can expect your cockatiel to express his unhappiness about his nail trim in some capacity, but if he appears to be having difficulty breathing or is moving too much for you to keep a firm hold on him, stop and put him back in his cage. You can try again once he’s had time to calm down.

Nail trims can be stressful for you and your cockatiel and sadly birds are susceptible to dying due to stress. If either of you isn’t up to the task, it’s best to leave the job for the professionals. You can take your pet to a skilled veterinarian or bird groomer who can do it for you.

7. Offer Praise & Treats

Offer plenty of praise and treats after your cockatiel’s nail trim so it can associate the experience with something positive. This will help you in the future when it’s time to do the next trim, as your bird may be less afraid if it knows it’ll get a treat at the end.

Ideally your bird would be trained to be accepting of nail trims before you need to do it. Spend time training them to be relaxed about having their feet handled and associating the nail clippers with treats.

Cockatiel eating strawberry — Image Credit: michael sheehan, Shutterstock

What If My Bird Starts Bleeding?

As difficult as it may be, you must stay calm if you accidentally snip the quick and your cockatiel starts bleeding. The quick can bleed profusely, and it can be difficult to stop the blood flow, however most of the time it is not this bad.

Using a Q-tip, dab some styptic powder on the wound. It should clot and stop bleeding quickly. Alternatively hold a cotton pad on the nail for as long as your bird will tolerate. It may take a minute for the wound to clot. However, if the bleeding does not stop, you need to get your bird to the vet immediately.

Since cockatiels preen their feet and inevitably ingest whatever is on the surface of their nails, clotting agents like styptic powder should eventually be washed off after the bleeding has stopped.

yellow cockatiel on a human hand — Image Credit: tenenbaum, Shutterstock

Why You Need to Trim Your Cockatiel’s Nails

You never hear of a bird in the wild needing its nails trimmed, so you might wonder why you should be trimming your cockatiel’s nails in the first place.

Birds in the wild don’t have anyone trimming their nails because they get filed naturally. Every time a bird walks or lands on rough surfaces, its nails get filed.

You need to trim your pet’s nails because companion birds generally don’t have the same access to varied rough surfaces as their wild counterparts. Additionally, overgrown nails are hazardous as they can curl round and become infected or can get snagged on cage bars, perches, toys, and pretty much any other surface your bird encounters. This can result in nails breaking or, worse, being ripped off entirely.

Final Thoughts

Trimming your cockatiel’s nails for the first time can be extremely stressful, especially when you factor in the possibility of cutting the quick. Our step-by-step guide should help you with the process, but it’s best to let a professional handle the job if you’re not feeling up to the task. Bird groomers and vets are experienced with nail trims and can have your cockatiel in and out in just a few minutes.

Read Also:

Sources

Featured Image Credit: Marlon Roth, Shutterstock

The post How to Trim Cockatiel Nails: 7 Vet-Reviewed Steps appeared first on Pet Keen.

July 29, 2023

How to Tell Which Cat Is Dominant: Vet-Reviewed Signs & FAQ

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Why Are Cats Dominant?
Signs
When Is Dominance a Problem?
Stop Hostile Behaviour

In a multi-cat household, it’s common to have one cat wear the crown. Cats that display specific behaviors that overshadow the other cats are considered the dominant cat of the group.

At its core, dominance is a sign of competition. It’s a way for each cat to know their place. Cats have their reasons for doing this, and they all vary. In this post, we explain what those reasons are and how you can tell which cat is dominant in your cat group.

Why Are Cats Dominant?

Cats enjoy being social, but not as social as other animals. For instance, domestic cats don’t hunt in packs or mate for life. They’re pretty much on their own most of the time. When cats do allow other people and animals into their lives, they are selective socially within their circle.

There is no linear hierarchy within a cat colony, meaning cats don’t have roles as some animal packs do. However, conflict can stem from limited resources, territory, or hormonal fluctuations.

Three Maine Coon cats on a DIY cat tree — Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock

The 6 Signs for How to Tell Which Cat Is Dominant

1. The Dominant Cat Gets the Best Napping Spots

In a multi-cat household, you could have several napping spots for the cats, but only a couple of spots are deemed as first class. This could be a sunny spot by a window, the top of the cat tree, or a cozy spot on the bed. In any case, the dominant cat gets first dibs.

2. The Dominant Cat Is a Scrapper

Dominant cats are likely to throw the first punch to assert dominance over another cat, usually for territory or to express displeasure with something. Intact male cats, in particular, like to pick fights with other males.

two cats fighting — Image Credit; Vshivkova, Shutterstock

3. The Dominant Cat Gets the First Pick at Treats

If you drop treats onto the floor, the dominant cat will usually have the first bite. The other cats will either find another treat or walk away entirely, depending on the cat’s personality.

4. The Dominant Cat Marks Territory

Cats are territorial, so when another animal or human invades their space, they take it upon themselves to set the boundaries. All cats mark their territory, but dominant cats can be more prone to doing so. They will rub their cheeks, flanks, and paws over areas that they claim as their own. Some cats might also use urine to mark their territory.

cat rubbing against the sofa to show territory — Image Credit: bombermoon, Shutterstock

5. The Dominant Cat Is Usually More Muscular

Intact male cats have testosterone coursing throughout their bodies. This leads to more muscle, and a thicker head, neck, and face.

6. The Dominant Cat Initiates Playtime

Not all dominant cats will initiate play time, but if they are set on first dibs for anything, you can bet that they’ll join in on the fun, no matter what.

two cats playing — Image Credit: AltamashUrooj, Shutterstock

When Is Dominance a Problem?

Dominance shouldn’t be confused with hostility or aggression.

Dominant cat behavior isn’t a problem unless you notice the following:

Other animals being attacked (different from normal play)
Cats urinating/spraying outside the litter box
Other cat(s) not eating or drinking
Submissive cat(s) presenting anxiety or excessive grooming and licking

How to Stop Hostile Cat Behavior

So, you believe that your dominant cat is being hostile. What’s the next step?

Modifying cat behavior takes time, as there are many steps and conditions to consider, but generally, there are three areas you want to address.

asian woman playing with cats in a cat cafe — Image Credit: Boyloso, Shutterstock

The Cat Colony

Have you brought a new cat into the home? Is one cat reaching sexual maturity? Is one cat being attacked more than the others? Pay attention to your cats’ relationships and make adjustments based on what you see. All cats need freedom from pain and discomfort, so aggressive cats need to be separated from the other cats to prevent injury. This doesn’t have to be the norm forever, but cats need time to be introduced, socialized, and adjusted to new animals, people, and territory. Otherwise, their stress builds, and they take it out on other pets or worse, you.

The Environment

The only way to know if an environment is good for cats is based on the cats’ behaviors. Cats need the freedom to express their normal, instinctual behaviors like hunting, climbing, and scratching, so your cats should have everything they need to satisfy these behaviors. The more resources are available, the less hostility there will be (ideally).

A good place to start is by adding more litter boxes, cat trees, scratchers, tunnels, and water fountains to mimic the great outdoors. You can even go a step further and add cat-friendly plants or build a catio so your cat has a space to decompress.

two cats on a cat tree — Image Credit: Arina Krasnikova, Pexels

Your Cat’s Health

Sometimes cat aggression is a sign of physical pain and discomfort. If you notice sudden behavior changes in your cat, call the veterinarian and schedule a nose-to-tail examination.

Conclusion

Cats are hard to read, but picking out the dominant cat in a group is fairly simple. However, dominance shouldn’t be confused with hostility. If you notice your cat acting hostile toward the other cats or people, it’s time to take action.

Sources

Featured Image Credit: COULANGES, Shutterstock

The post How to Tell Which Cat Is Dominant: Vet-Reviewed Signs & FAQ appeared first on Pet Keen.

July 29, 2023

Can Turtles Eat Crickets? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Benefits

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Can Turtles Eat Crickets?
Digestion Aid
Environmental Benefits
Incorporating Crickets

If you’re a turtle owner, you may have found yourself wondering if your shelled friend can eat crickets. It’s not uncommon to want to mix up your turtle’s diet, and crickets can seem like an exciting addition to their meals. However, before you start tossing crickets into your turtle’s enclosure, it’s important to know whether they’re safe and healthy for your pet to consume. Generally crickets can be a great source of nutrients for turtles and are safe for them to eat. In this article, we’ll explore more about whether or not turtles can eat crickets and what you need to know before introducing them to your pet’s diet.

Can Turtles Eat Crickets?

Yes! Feeding crickets to your turtle is an excellent way to provide them with a variety of essential nutrients. Crickets are a fantastic source of protein, which is critical for the growth and repair of tissues in your turtle’s body. They’re also rich in fiber, which aids in digestion and helps keep a turtle’s GI (gastrointestinal) system in check. In addition to protein and fiber, crickets are also high in calcium, which is vital for maintaining strong bones and a healthy shell.

One of the great things about feeding crickets to your turtle is that they are an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals. Crickets are rich in vitamin A, which is essential for maintaining healthy vision, and B vitamins, which work to help their bodies produce red blood cells. They’re also an excellent source of iron, which is essential for healthy blood circulation, and zinc, which helps to support a healthy immune system.

Overall, crickets are an incredibly nutritious food source that can provide your turtle with a wide range of essential nutrients. By incorporating crickets into your turtle’s diet, you can help to ensure that they’re getting everything they need to stay healthy and thrive.

Greenhouse Camel Cricket — Image Credit: Tomasz Klejdysz, Shutterstock

How Crickets Aid in Digestion for Turtles

Another significant benefit of feeding crickets to your turtle is that they can aid in digestion. Crickets are high in fiber, which helps to keep your turtle’s digestive system healthy and functioning correctly. Additionally, crickets contain chitin, a complex carbohydrate that’s difficult for turtles to digest. This means that when your turtle eats crickets, they must work harder to break down the chitin (polysaccharides) in their digestive system, which can help to keep their digestive system active and healthy.

In addition to aiding in digestion, crickets can also help to prevent constipation in turtles. Constipation is actually a common problem in turtles, particularly in those that aren’t getting enough fiber in their diet. So by feeding your turtle crickets, you can help to ensure that they’re getting the fiber they need to maintain a healthy digestive system and prevent constipation.

Low-Budget Option for Feeding Turtles

Feeding your turtle can be expensive, particularly if you’re buying pre-packaged turtle food. However, feeding your turtle crickets can be a low-cost way to provide them with a nutritious and varied diet. Crickets are widely available and relatively inexpensive, making them an excellent option for pet owners on a budget.

In addition to being cost-effective, feeding your turtle crickets can also help to reduce waste. Many pre-packaged turtle foods contain fillers and other ingredients that turtles really don’t need, which can lead to excess waste. Feeding your turtle crickets allows you to provide them with only the nutrients they require, reducing waste and keeping your turtle’s enclosure clean and hygienic.

edible whole roasted crickets — Image Credit: Marc Bruxelle, Shutterstock

The Environmental Benefits of Giving Turtles Crickets

You may not realize this, but in addition to being a cost-effective feeding option for turtles, feeding your turtle crickets can also have environmental benefits. Crickets are an excellent source of protein and are often used as a sustainable food source for humans and animals alike.

Feeding your turtle crickets that are organically raised and sustainably harvested can even help to reduce your turtle’s environmental impact. Additionally, crickets require less space and resources to raise than other common sources of protein. So, by feeding your turtle crickets, you can help to reduce your pet’s environmental impact and promote sustainability.

How to Incorporate Crickets into Your Turtle’s Diet

If you’re interested in incorporating crickets into your turtle’s diet, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it’s essential to ensure that the crickets you are feeding your turtle are healthy and nutritious. Look for crickets that are organically raised and free from pesticides or other harmful chemicals.

When feeding your turtle crickets, it’s essential to provide them with a varied diet. While crickets are an excellent source of protein and other essential nutrients, they shouldn’t be the only food your turtle eats. Be sure to provide your turtle with a variety of fruits, vegetables, and other protein sources to ensure that they’re getting everything they need to stay healthy.

baby turtle eating — Image Credit: Pixabay

Wrapping Things Up

So yes, your turtle can definitely have crickets in most cases. In fact, it can be a great way to provide them with a nutritious and varied diet. Crickets are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and everyday nutrients, and can aid in digestion and promote healthy growth and development. Additionally, feeding your turtle crickets can be a cost-effective and sustainable food source that can help to reduce waste and environmental impact. So don’t be afraid to head to your local pet store to add these low-cost insects to your turtle’s weekly meal plan.

Sources

Featured Image Credit: Robert Lessmann, Shutterstock

The post Can Turtles Eat Crickets? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Benefits appeared first on Pet Keen.