Q: My Amazon parrot's veterinarian tells me she should eat some dry food that he recommends and sells, plus a variety of "people" food, mostly chopped vegetables and fruits. But she loves sunflower seeds, and she seems depressed and angry if they're not always available. She won't eat anything else if they are available.
I have read that sunflower seeds are addictive, which would explain my bird's behavior. My vet says that's not true, but that they're not good as a regular part of her diet. What's the truth?
-- T.L., via e-mail
A: I guess the answer depends on how you define "addictive." If you mean is there a substance in the seeds that alters the body's chemistry and leads to a frantic craving, then the answer is no. There's just no evidence that sunflower seeds can exert that kind of hold on a bird.
But if you mean addiction in the more casual sense -- like my "addiction" to chocolate -- then you're probably on to something. Many birds find sunflower seeds to be the yummiest of treats.
Your vet's advice on feeding your bird is spot on. A variety of healthy foods (fruits, vegetables, pasta, cooked eggs, etc.) is key. Covering the bases with a respected commercial dry parrot food is what most avian vets would recommend.
You don't have to completely force your bird to go cold turkey on seeds, though. Since they have such a high value to your pet, use them as rewards for training. Make sure they're the unsalted kind, though.
Q: How long can my cat stay home alone if I leave plenty of food and water? I don't have anyone to care for him while I am gone, up to four days at a time for business. -- S.W., via e-mail
A: How would you like to be left with food that's getting older by the minute, water that's developing a skin of slime and a bathroom where the toilet's backed up? That's pretty much what you're dealing with if you leave your cat unattended for more than a day.
Even worse, what if the water is spilled, or your cat eats all the food on day one? And what if he gets seriously sick or injured and no one's around to help?
Although there are some time-release food-dispensers that can keep a cat covered for a weekend in a pinch, your pet really should have someone check in at least once a day.
If you don't have friends, relatives or neighbors who can help, hire a pet sitter to come to your home. PetSitUSA.com, Petsitters.org and www.petsit.com all offer searchable listings, or simply ask friends and co-workers for recommendations (and check references!).
Do you have a pet question? Send it to petconnection@gmail.com.
