Current hedgehog owners will tell you that paying attention to detail and asking your vet Golden Valley, MN for advice will create a much better hedgehog shopping experience. Even though you want to make the purchase decision on your own it’s always best to have that second person walking alongside of you. When looking at a potential hedgehog you’ll want to make sure his eyes are free of discharge and that they are bright and alert. The nose should be clean and not runny. The hedgehog’s ears should be short, clean and free of bruises or sores. The hedgehog’s spine should have no bare spots as this indicates an unhealthy animal. You should check his pen for green droppings or diarrhea as well. In addition, ask yourself if the hedgehog looks fat. Place him on a standard surface and watch him walk. His stride should be between a waddle and a shuffle. To know more, visit this website ... Read more »

Did you know that there is a breed of guinea pig that is almost completely hairless? Just ask your vet Golden Valley, MN and he will tell you that hairless guinea pigs are known as Skinny Pigs. The Skinny Pig is an almost hairless breed meaning that it does have a little fuzz on its odd shaped body. The hair or fuzz is usually located on the pig’s muzzles, feet, and legs. The rest of the body is pretty much without hair. Some Skinny Pigs do have a small, thin layer of fuzzy hair on their backs. The Skinny Pig has smooth skin with few wrinkles around the legs and neck. These particular pigs come in a variety of colors and patterns including Dutch, Tortoiseshell, and Himalayan. The Skinny Pig originated from a cross between a haired guinea pig and a laboratory hairless strain of guinea pig. To know more, click here.

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Preparing for a bird show can be a big ordeal and often tiring. Be sure to find time to rest while preparing for the show so that you and your bird are ready for the big day! If you need help in the show process, ask your vet Minnetonka, MN if he knows of other bird owners that frequently show. Enlisting the help of someone with experience can be of great help. Try your best to arrive early on show day. Unload your birds onto the provided tables and return their water bottles to their cages. Give your bird a check over for any damaged feathers, dirty spots, etc. Double check to make sure your paperwork is correct and your birds and cages are properly labeled. The stewards or handlers for the judge will need a copy of this information. Make sure you keep a copy as well. Once check in is complete you’re all set to show. Learn more here.

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The Budgerigar is a common pet parakeet or shell parakeet often referred to as a budgie. These birds are small, long-tailed, seed-eating parakeets. Your vet Minnetonka, MN can tell you more about this particular bird. In general, the budgie is a native wild bird of Australia. They are naturally green and yellow with black, scalloped markings on the neck, back, and wings. Budgies in captivity can be bred to include blue, white, yellow, and grey colorings and even have small crests. These particular birds are a popular among pet bird owners around the world mainly due to their size, low cost, and easy keeper status. It is the third most popular pet in the world after the dog and cat. The budgie is a generally friendly bird that loves to mimic human speech although he is not always easy to understand. Budgies are typically easy to train and are usually tame. Learn more here.

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If you have a playful pup then you may want to pick up some extra dog toys to help keep him entertained. Your vet Minnetonka, MN staff may have a few suggestions for toys. For instance, larger dog breeds enjoy playing with durable toy tires and just about anything that involves a rope. Dogs tend to enjoy playing tug-of-war. You may also want to roll a ball around with your pup. Different size tennis balls are available for larger dogs and for toy dog breeds. Don’t be surprised; however, if your pup grows out of the toy phase or if he isn’t interested in toys at all. Some breeds like the Labrador retriever are aggressive chewers and destroy toys in no time. Other breeds like the Pomeranian tend to play with their toys and snuggle with them later. Some breeds just don’t see the point in toys and may have to be taught to “play.” More information here.

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With so many species of birds to choose from, finding the right feathered pet for your family and lifestyle can be a challenge. You will have to sort through birds of all sizes, shapes, and colors. Here are some important factors to consider to help you narrow down the choices for the right feathered pet for your family.

• Know what birds species can be legally kept as pets in your area. Checking your local regulations will help prevent unfortunate incidents later on.
• Some species of birds, like parrots, can live longer than humans do. Thus deciding to share your home with a feathered pet is a serious commitment. Some species of birds (such as finches and doves) have shorter lifespans than parrots. Knowing the average lifespan of a particular bird will help you plan for its future care.
• The responsibility of keeping a pet bird can be qu ... Read more »