Ask our expert
PDSA Vet Nurse Nina Downing answers all your pet questions
Dear PDSA Vet, I’m thinking of buying a budgie for my children – where is the best place to buy one from? Saskia
Dear Saskia, budgies are very social birds who need the company of their own kind, so you’ll have to include this in your budget.
Pre-purchase research is vital so you can be sure that you can meet their welfare needs and fund their lifestyle and veterinary needs comfortably. Your budgies will need plenty of space to fly and stretch their wings – an aviary or ‘indoor flight’ (a large cage with lots of flying space) is ideal. Contact rehoming centres as they may have budgies needing a nice home.
Breeders and reputable pet shops should be your next step after this.
Make sure that anywhere you consider is clean and hygienic, that the birds look healthy, well cared for and the staff are knowledgeable. Visit www.pdsa.org.uk/budgiewelfare for more.
Dear PDSA Vet, How do I know when my hamster’s nails need trimming? Richie
Dear Richie, hamsters are busy animals who spend most of their waking hours scurrying around, which is usually enough to wear down their nails.
However, if your hamster’s nails seem to be growing at an odd angle, or are very long and curling round, they may need to be trimmed by your vet. Older hamsters sometimes need regular nail clipping, but you must take care not to cut into the quick (the blood vessel that runs through the middle of their nail). Your vet or vet nurse can show you how to do this properly and recommend a suitable pair of nail clippers if you feel confident to do this yourself.
Dear PDSA Vet, I’ve noticed my rabbit is starting to get a bit chubby recently. She has a run but doesn’t like to go out much, and I’m concerned she’s getting overweight. How can I manage her weight? Harriette Dear Harriette, rabbits need companionship from other rabbits for many reasons, including stimulation to move!
A lonely rabbit often stays still to not attract attention, so slowly introduce and bond neutered companion and you’ll find them enjoying life and exploring their run. Rabbits’ daily diet should consist of at least their own body size in fresh hay, a handful of fresh, rabbit safe vegetables morning and evening, and a tablespoon of rabbit nuggets to supplement their hay. Feeding the right diet and urging activity and weight loss with friends and toys aids weight loss and a vet can give you a safe weight loss programme.