Are you ready for a bird? Check out these pointers

Dear Readers: Here are some important pet pointers to keep in mind if you are considering bringing a bird into your home.

• Learn the responsibilities that come with owning a bird. Many people think birds don’t require much care, only to be surprised to find that they do!

• Birds are extra-sensitive to vapors, odors, drafts and cigarette smoke, and are prone to stress if their routine is changed.

• Birds need vitamins, pellets, fresh seed, vegetables, fruit and a lot of attention.

• They are not pets that can be left alone for long periods of time while the owner is on vacation. To make it easier for someone to pet-sit while you are gone, premix the food and put it in a sealed plastic bag marked for each day. Write specific instructions. You might want to add a few extra feed bags in case your return is delayed.

• Most birds like to be lightly sprayed with warm water. Use a spray bottle, thoroughly cleaned or new, and fill with warm water. Be sure it’s on fine spray. Our two cockatiels (now in Valhalla) loved to be sprayed so much that they would even lift their wings so they could better catch the mist. Be sure to observe your bird’s reaction to see if it enjoys the misting; it will let you know!

• Many birds are clever enough to figure out how to open their cages. This can cause problems. They can fly into a window, ceiling fan, wall or mirror and kill themselves or be badly hurt. You can use a paper clip or clothespin to keep that cage door closed.

Heloise

Dear Readers: Marie Davis of Avila Beach, Calif., sent a photo of her Chinese pug, Miss Puggy, with a giant pumpkin in the background. Marie says, “I just love it when she gets that bewildered look on her face, as if to say, ‘What am I supposed to do now?’” To catch a glimpse, visit www.Heloise.com. Heloise

Dear Heloise: You should see my dog when I massage his favorite spot. He gives me that “please don’t stop what you are doing” look. There are several areas my dog just can’t reach, so I massage these spots, and he loves it. M.G.M. in Boerne, Texas

Who doesn’t enjoy a good massage? It also gives you some one-on-one time to spend with your pet, and you might feel a lump or bump that your vet may want to check out. Heloise

Dear Heloise: I like to give my cat a treat now and then. But the little bags of treats are so expensive. So, we’ve found another way. My daughter and I feed our cats different brands of pretty good quality dry cat food. We exchanged small jars of this food. Our cats think it’s a great treat, and it doesn’t cost us anything extra. Florence Wic, via e-mail

SBlt Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.

King Features Syndicate