Moulting and Feather Damage Chickens go through a natural moulting process after summer as the weather becomes colder. Your birds won't look their normal beautiful selves for a few weeks! Birds will lose their glossy feathers from the head down and they will be replaced by new pinfeathers. This … [Read more...] about Common Chicken Problems
Setting Up A Chicken Coop
Back-garden chicken coops are increasingly popular, particularly in Sussex and we see quite a few chickens every year at Heathfield Vets. Whether they are kept as pets or as an egg producing flock, chickens can make a wonderful addition to your family. If you are thinking of welcoming some … [Read more...] about Setting Up A Chicken Coop
Feeding Your Chickens
What we feed our animals affects their health and happiness, just like dogs and cats, chickens can suffer if they don't get the right nutrients in their diets or eat too many treats. It's important to keep feeders clean and to always provide fresh, clean water for your flock. Pellet Food A good … [Read more...] about Feeding Your Chickens
Parasite Control
Fleas A flea is small, dark brown, flattened from side to side and has the ability to jump huge distances. This means that only a few moments of contact with an infested animal can lead to problems for you and your pet. Flea bites are not only irritating to your pet but can lead to more serious … [Read more...] about Parasite Control
Parasite Control
There are a number of parasites that can affect bunnies, often with terrible consequences. Please read below to find out more about how to prevent them and keep your rabbit happy and healthy. Flystrike Flystrike is a terrible condition, common in warmer months, caused by the bottlefly. The flies … [Read more...] about Parasite Control
Worming
Cats and dogs, as predatory and naturally inquisitive animals, can pick up all kinds of parasites on their travels. For the sake of human as well as pet health, these parasites should be controlled by regular use of worming products, available from the surgery. Lungworm (Angiostrongylus … [Read more...] about Worming
Neutering
Although the obvious reason for neutering your ferret is to prevent unwanted litters of baby ferrets, there are other medical benefits listed below. Why is neutering important for female ferrets? Female ferrets (jills) will start to come into heat from March-September, the ferret breeding season. … [Read more...] about Neutering
Dental Care
Why is dental care so important? Ferrets use their mouths a lot, not just for eating; they enjoy chewing on cage bars, toys and moving things around with their teeth. They are susceptible to dental disease which begins with a plaque deposit on the teeth (as with humans). This hardens to form … [Read more...] about Dental Care
Dental Care
Why is dental care so important? A rabbit's teeth grow throughout their lives, at a rate of up to 12cm a year! In the wild, a natural high-fibre diet would wear down these teeth. Pet rabbits, in contrast, may not be eating an appropriate diet and may have restricted access to sunlight in a … [Read more...] about Dental Care
Neutering
If your dog is young, fit and healthy and you have decided not to breed from them in the future, we fully recommend neutering, which has a number of advantages. What are the benefits of neutering my dog? Preventing unplanned, unwanted and costly offspring. Eliminating certain … [Read more...] about Neutering
