The Pet Tree House - Where Pets Are Family Too

Sunday, August 16, 2020

Tips for Ferrets

We are seeing a large number of ferrets at our hospital, as we have the expertise of Dr. Tracey Ritzman, DABVP. This week’s post will just offer a broad overview of Ferret Ownership.

Background

Ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) are members of the weasel family that have been domesticated for over two thousand years.

HEALTH

Ferrets have a lifespan between 6 to 8 years. They will require routine visits to your veterinarian for regular vaccinations (including canine distemper and rabies virus) and annual examinations. Ferrets are at risk of heartworms and fleas, so monthly preventative treatments should be used.

To read more on this story, click here: Tips for Ferrets

Pet Birds and Air Travel

You may have seen a fellow traveler bring a small dog or cat into the airplane cabin or take a larger dog with them as checked baggage. But did you know that a few US airlines allow you to bring your pet bird with you on your flight, provided you meet certain conditions?

Species

Each airline specifies which birds are permitted as carry-on baggage or as checked baggage. Typically, your bird must be a "household" bird, a pet, in other words, not a wild bird, and it must be odorless and quiet.

Hawaiian Airlines, for example, says that your bird must be "harmless, inoffensive, odorless and not require attention during the flight." Most airlines that accept pet birds will not allow you to bring chickens or other poultry, only pet birds such as finches and parakeets.

To read more on this story, click here: Pet Birds and Air Travel

Cat Falls Out Of Sky And Onto Pensioner’s Head Knocking Him Out

‘It’s raining cats and dogs’ is a saying most of us will have heard throughout our lifetimes whenever it’s chucking it down outside. But did you ever think you’d be using the phrase literally?

Nope, me neither, but mark this date in your diary because something of the sort has happened in China – and the whole thing was caught on camera.

That’s right folks, the bizarre moment a cat fell from the sky, knocking out an elderly man walking on the path below in the process, has been documented for all to see.

To read more on this story, click here: Cat Falls Out Of Sky And Onto Pensioner’s Head Knocking Him Out

National Zoo Says Panda Mei Xiang Appears to be Pregnant, Could Give Birth Soon

The zoo said there could be panda cub, or cubs, within a few days.

Keepers at the Smithsonian's National Zoo said Friday they were thrilled to detect what looks like a fetus during an ultrasound earlier in the day on giant panda Mei Xiang.

"Theres no denying that a giant panda is a charismatic animal, this is a huge success story," zoo spokesperson Pamela Baker-Masson told ABC News. "We have million's of people watching our panda cam program every year around the world."

To watch panda cam, click here: Mei Xiang

To read more on this story, click here: National Zoo Says Panda Mei Xiang Appears to be Pregnant, Could Give Birth Soon

Saturday, August 15, 2020

Pet Travel - Bringing Five or Fewer Pet Birds into the US

The USDA APHIS Veterinary Services (VS) defines a shipment of pet birds as five (5) or fewer birds brought into the United States (U.S.) that are not intended for resale. This does not include birds classified by VS as poultry (chickens, doves, ducks, geese, grouse, guinea fowl, partridges, pea fowl, pheasants, pigeons, quail, swans, and turkeys).

If you are bringing six (6) or more pet birds or any number of birds classified as poultry into the U.S., view the requirements for importing commercial birds and zoological birds and importing live poultry.

To read more on this story, click here: Pet Travel - Bringing Five or Fewer Pet Birds into the US

Bald Eagle Attacks Woman Along North Shore: ‘It Was Terrifying’

LUTSEN, Minn. — A scary attack between a young bald eagle and a woman took place along Lake Superior Thursday – and it was all caught on video, as FOX 21’s Dan Hanger reports.

The aggressive bald eagle was seen attacking the woman Thursday morning just 100 yards away from the Cascade Lodge and Restaurant along Highway 61 in Lutsen.

Head Kitchen Manager Bernie Banks ran to help the woman — a guest at the lodge — using his chef’s jacket to safely stop the raptor from charging on.

To read more this story, click here: Bald Eagle Attacks Woman Along North Shore: ‘It Was Terrifying’

The National Zoo's Giant Panda, With A Yearly Window of 24-72 Hours to Become Pregnant, May Be Expecting

(CNN)When Mei Xiang went in for an ultrasound on Friday, her results were shared around the world.

The 22-year-old giant panda could deliver a cub in the next few days, the Smithsonian's National Zoo announced, after imaging revealed what appeared to be a fetus.

Mei Xiang has had a team of experts supporting her through the process since March, when they performed an artificial insemination. The beginning of her journey toward expectant motherhood also marked the country's shift to life under a pandemic, with zoos temporarily shutting their doors around the nation. And now, the possible birth could mark another moment -- one of wonder amid a time of continued uncertainty.

8 Top Friendly Pet Bird Species

It's no surprise that many people want a pet bird that is friendly, gentle, and well-suited to being a companion. These traits are even more important for people with limited pet bird experience. It's easier to bond with and care for an animal that has a naturally friendly disposition, rather than one that tends to be timid or aggressive. Here are eight of the friendliest pet bird species that typically make excellent companions.

To read more on this story, click here: 8 Top Friendly Pet Bird Species

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Sunday, August 16, 2020

Saturday, August 15, 2020