Client Education
The following are useful educational handouts which can be downloaded, printed and made available to your clients.
Adrenocortical Disease in the Ferret
Adrenocortical disease is a common endocrine disorder in middle-aged to older ferrets.
Aggression in Rabbits
To the uninitiated, rabbits have a reputation for being docile, passive creatures. Any aggressive actions from a rabbit can be surprising–even alarming–to new owners…
Are Rabbits Right For You?
This handy guide details the key facts you need to consider before committing yourself to a pet rabbit.
Visit the Make Mine Chocolate website and download the PDF handout
Are You the Right Pet For Me?
What you need to know before adopting a house rabbit.
Aspergillosis
Aspergillosis can develop in any bird, but companion birds most frequently diagnosed with aspergillosis include…
Avian Influenza
Avian influenza or “bird flu” is a group of viral infections that occur naturally among birds. Some wild birds like…
Avian Polyomavirus
Avian polyomavirus is one of the most important viral diseases seen in the companion parrot.
Avian Polyomavirus
Avian polyomavirus (APV) is an important disease in psittacine birds. APV is of greatest concern in young birds…
Client handout donated by Dr. Eric Klaphake.
Avian Reproductive Behavior
The onset of reproductive or “broody” behavior varies with the species.
Bearded Dragons, Care of the Australian
Bearded dragons are omnivores that accept a wide variety of foods. Variety is the key to good nutrition and foods offered should include..
Behavioral Modification Techniques in the Companion Parrot
There are a number of medical reasons for feather picking and a complete diagnostic evaluation of your bird’s health status is always recommended. The following techniques may be helpful, however, whether the underlying cause of the feather picking is behavioral or medical.
Biting in Companion Birds
The parrot beak is not inherently a weapon. Instead it is a sensory organ used to touch and explore the world. Much of the exploration parrots do with their beak is not biting, however this exploration can get a little rough, or even…
Blue-Tongued Skink
The blue-tongued skink is a stocky, cylindrical lizard with small legs and a large head, known for its deep, vivid blue tongue…
Breeder Checklist
…or How to Interview the Source of Your Future Lifelong Companion
Bunny Proofing Your Home
The measures taken to protect your house rabbit and your furniture are commonly referred to as “bunny proofing” or “rabbit proofing…
Caging the Companion Parrot
The ideal bird cage should be spacious and clean, with multiple perches and stimulating toys. Specific cage requirements will vary with the species and the amount of time your…
Cats Indoors
Every year, cats kill hundreds of millions of birds in the United States alone. Download the American Bird Conservancy PDF brochure that advises clients on the best way to protect birds and cats.
Visit ABC’s website and download the PDF brochure.
Chinchillas
The long-tailed chinchilla is native to the mountains and foothills of the Andes in South America. These rodents are known for their large ears and soft, luxurious fur…
Chronic Egg Laying
Chronic egg laying is the production of an excessive number of eggs or repeated clutches (or collections) of eggs. Chronic egg laying often occurs in the absence of a normal…
Cockatiel Concerns
The small, affectionate birds we call cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) have undergone extensive modification through their breeding in captivity. Color variations or mutations have increased in number over the years…
Client educational handout donated by Dr. Larry Nemetz.
Cold Weather Tips for Exotic Animal Pets
While most exotic pets are housed indoors, there are still some key concepts to keep in mind when winter comes around.
Client educational handout donated by Dr. Eric Klaphake.
Converting Your Bird to a Healthy Diet
Conversion to a healthy diet will improve the health and feather quality of your pet bird. Before beginning a dietary conversion, your bird should be…
Corticosteroids
Dispense this client educational handout to owners of insulinoma ferrets and other patients on steroids.
Egg Laying Problems
Reproductive problems are a common occurrence in many of the smaller avian species—particularly cockatiels, budgerigars (parakeets), lovebirds, finches, and canaries. A female can produce eggs without a male being present, but…
Client educational handout donated by Dr. Eric Klaphake.
Feather Destructive Behavior
Feather destructive behavior represents a range of actions from excessive preening to feather plucking or feather picking to self-mutilation.
Feather Picking
Feather picking is the most frustrating condition seen in pet birds from both the veterinarian’s and the owner’s perspective—and most likely from the bird’s perspective too!
Client educational handout donated by Dr. Eric Klaphake.
Feeding Your Pet Bird a Healthy Diet
In their native habitat, some parrots like cockatiels, budgerigar parakeets, as well as many cockatoos and macaws are seed-eaters. These birds are able to balance their diet because of the…
Ferret, Care of the Pet
Ferrets are playful, friendly animals that can make excellent pets for the right person…
Forgaging Behavior in Companion Parrots: Behavioral & Environmental Enrichment
In the wild, parrots exhibit four main behaviors: social interaction, grooming, foraging, and sleeping. The vast majority of their days are spent foraging or searching for food.
Green Iguana, Care of the
The green or common iguana (Iguana iguana) is a tree-dwelling reptile native to the tropical and subtropical regions of central and South America and parts of Mexico. The iguana is a solitary creature. Soon after hatching, the young go…
Guinea Pigs, Care of Pet
The guinea pig is a docile rodent native to South America. Guinea pigs are lively, lovable pets that require relatively easy care.
Hedgehogs
The African pygmy hedgehog, also known as the 4-toed or white-bellied hedgehog, originates from central Africa.
Holiday Hazards
The companion parrot is part of the family! When including our feathered friends in the holiday season we must keep them safe.
Household Dangers
There are a host of potential household dangers that may confront our winged companions…
Insulinoma in the Ferret
Insulinoma, or pancreatic beta cell tumor, is an abnormal growth of the pancreas that secretes excess amounts of insulin. Unfortunately, insulinoma is an extremely common disease of middle-aged to older ferrets.
Lead Poisoning in Birds
Lead poisonings in birds most commonly occurs from ingestion of substances containing lead. Lead can be found in many household items…
Litter Training the House Rabbit
Rabbits naturally choose one a few places (usually corners) to deposit their urine and most of their fecal balls. Therefore training a rabbit to urinate in a litter pan involves little more than…
Medicating Your Bird
Keeping your pet healthy is everyone’s goal. However if your bird becomes ill, effective treatment will require that medications are given at the right dose and frequency for the…
Mouse, Care of the Pet
Mice are good-natured, inquisitive creatures that make great, inexpensive, low-maintenance pets.
Normal Parrot Behavior
Pet bird behavior is complex, and it is crucial that bird owners have a realistic understanding of what to expect from their pets…
Orphaned Wildlife: Baby Birds
This 4-page manuscript provides guidance on what to do when one finds a baby birds
Orphaned Wildlife: Baby Birds SHORT VERSION
This 2-page document provides guidance on what to do when one finds a baby bird.
Orphaned Wildlife: Mammals
Cottontail rabbits hide their nests in plain view in the middle of a lawn, in brush piles, or long grass…
http://www.lafebervet.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Orphaned-Wildlife-Mammals.pdf
Parrot Toys & Toy Safety
Parrots are extremely intelligent creatures; and toys are one of the most important items we can purchase for our birds. Many avian behaviorists recommend four types of toys…
Plants and Branches for your Bird
Few studies have been conducted to determine which houseplants are toxic to birds, so all plants that contain known toxic chemicals have been excluded from the Safe Plant List below…
Prairie Dogs
The free-ranging black-tailed prairie dog is a social rodent that lives in “towns”. Prairie dog towns consist of…
Prepare Your Home For Your New Baby Bird
The more prepared you are as a new owner, the easier your baby bird’s adjustment will be to his new home. Use this checklist to smooth the transition.
Prevent Problems with Boas & Pythons
According to the Humane Society of the United States,17 deaths and many more injuries have been related to large constrictors since 1978. Given the tens of thousands of large constrictors sold, the incidence of fatalities and injuries is relatively low, however every incident—including the death of four babies in their cribs and three additional children—is particularly tragic since these cases are completely preventable.
Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease
Psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD) is an important disease of psittacine birds or parrots. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation out there on PBFD and there is also a lot of information that is still unknown.
Client handout donated by Dr. Eric Klaphake.
Psittacosis in Birds & Humans
Psittacosis is an infectious disease of birds and people caused by Chlamydophila psittaci…
Rabbit Care
A good rabbit diet should be made up of good quality pellets, fresh hay, water, and fresh vegetables. Anything beyond this is a “treat” and should be given in limited quantities.
Rabbit Introductions
Does my rabbit really need a companion? Many experts on house rabbit care agree that most individuals are not meant to live in solitude, away from members of their own kind…
Download the PDF Handout with color photos or the black and white version.
Rat, Care of the Pet
Rats are clean, friendly, playful, and quiet, and of all the “pocket pets” they are considered uniquely responsive to their owners.
Responsible Reptile & Amphibian Ownership: Know the Facts On Salmonellosis
“Simply having a reptile in the household increases the risk of Salmonella spp. infection”. Learn who is most at risk and what you can do to minimize your family’s risk of contracting disease.
Download the 2-page black & white PDF handout or the 3-page color handout.
Savannah Monitor, Care of the Pet
The Savannah monitor (Varanus exanthematicus) is native to the savannahs of eastern and southern Africa. In the wild these monitors are scavengers covering large distances as they..
Signs of Illness in Your Bird
It is a natural instinct for parrots to hide signs of illness. In the wild, this skill serves them well, and in fact, may save their lives…
Spaying and Neutering Pet Rabbits
Should I have my rabbit “fixed”? In most cases, the answer is an unqualified YES. If you are not planning to breed your rabbit, then spaying or neutering will extend your pet’s lifespan and make your rabbit a better companion…
Sugar Glider, Care of the
Sugar gliders are small, nocturnal marsupials native to Australia and New Guinea.
Syringe Feeding Small Herbivores: Rabbits, Guinea Pigs and Chinchillas
Why syringe fed? A cornerstone of treatment is delivery of food containing high dietary fiber. Proper syringe-feeding technique is essential..
Flier includes color images!
Teaching Bathing skills
Many companion parrot species originate from tropical environments with high humidity in which they bathe often. Even parrots from arid environments enjoy and benefit from…
Toxic Plants
Toxic plants reported in small animals include aloe vera, Amanita mushrooms, Amaryllis sp…
Training Basic Skills
Many parrots instinctively strive for a position of dominance within their flock (your household). Many of the behavioral problems that can arise from such a situation, may be prevented when…
Vitamin A
Vitamin A plays an important role in maintaining a healthy….
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is one of the most common deficiencies in pet bird medicine, especially in South American species like…
Client educational handout provided by Dr. Larry Nemetz.
Water Dragons
Chinese or Green water dragons are tree-living, semi-aquatic lizards native to the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia…
Why Does My Rabbit..?
House Rabbit Behavior: Common Questions Answered–
In many instances, rabbits kept in hutches, pet stores, or laboratories do not receive enough stimulation or physical space to demonstrate their full behavioral repertoire. Owners of house rabbits know these are intelligent creatures with distinct personalities and a range of behaviors…
