Why does my bird bite?

Begin teaching your bird how to stop biting by understanding why it is biting. There are four significant reasons that a bird begins to bite other birds.

Mating

When bird hormones are in full force, watch out for aggressive mating behavior from the males. This behavior could be directed at other males to win over the female or at the females themselves during courting and mating. Different species behave differently, and it’s essential to familiarize yourself with your bird’s mating habits so you can prepare to intervene.

Territory

Like most animals, birds can become territorial and try to assert their dominance. If you’re noticing one bird chasing another away from things such as toys, food, or water, keep an eye out and make sure the less dominant bird (the one being chased away) is getting enough of those resources. Most likely, this behavior will taper off as the birds work out who’s boss. If it persists, it might be time to separate them.

Unhappiness

If someone makes you mad in some way, you’re likely to retaliate, and birds are no different. Biting can be a sign that your bird is unhappy and probably angry, whether at another bird for taking a treat or toy or at you for not holding it just right. An unhappy bird is liable to lash out with a bit of biting.

Youth

Just like teething toddlers, young birds may bite more often than older birds. This should not be a cause for concern. Be on the lookout for injury to your other birds, and if the behaviors cause further problems or aren’t stopping, consider separating your birds.

Why does my bird bite me?

Besides biting other birds, your birds may be pecking you and causing painful scrapes and cuts. Here are the main reasons birds bite their humans.

Fear

If your bird is new or had a previous owner, it might possibly be biting you out of fear. Without adequate handling and acclimation to its new surroundings, your bird may feel frightened and start trying to protect itself.

Playing

Just like playful puppies who mouth your hand, your bird may be trying to play with you by biting you. Although this isn’t acceptable behavior, it’s good to bring some perspective to the situation and not assume your bird is being mean on purpose.

Pain

When you stub your toe on a chair leg, you probably don’t find a joke about it all that funny. Similarly, when birds are in pain, they are more likely to bite you or other birds. This is their way of telling everyone they want to be let alone or to protect themselves from being hurt more.

Hormones

Adolescent birds are more likely to bite you. It’s hormonal. But this behavior will probably pass as their hormones settle down and they get back into their usual rhythm. As always, if the biting persists, consider separating out the nippier ones or look into training your birds to stop biting.

How to stop a bird from biting

Birds bite for many reasons, but no matter the reason, you want your bird to stop biting you or other birds. Here are some tips and techniques to retrain your bird to stop biting.

• Listen to your bird
  • When you’re having a bad day and someone won’t let you alone, you might bite them too. Watch your bird’s body language: If it is trying to tell you it’s not in the mood, let it be. Learning to read your bird’s body language and listen to your bird will teach you to give it space when it needs it.
• Build trust
  • Building trust with your birds through listening and respecting them will mean less biting. When your bird knows you won’t pick it up when it doesn’t want to be, or that when you do, you’ll handle it with care, your bird can relax knowing it’s safe with you. Forcing your bird to do things it doesn’t want to do will not earn its trust and results in more biting.
• Ignore, don’t react
  • If your bird is biting, ignore it. When your bird bites you, and you pull back and screech, you may be giving the bird the reaction it was looking for. A dog will bark at the mail carrier every day because it thinks it wins when the mail carrier always leaves. Avoid teaching your birds that biting gets them what they want.
• Don’t get mad
  • Animals do not understand human anger. Never yell or physically discipline your bird in any way. These actions will lose your bird’s trust and cause it to fear you.
• Bite this, not me
  • One way to avoid getting bitten is to offer your bird a stick instead of your hand. This is sometimes called stick training and can be an excellent way to say, “Bite this, not me.”

Whether your bird is biting you or your other birds, it can be a frustrating time. With the knowledge of why they bite and these tips and techniques to stop biting behavior, you can get back to enjoying your birds!

What is a cat dental cleaning?

Unlike you when you get your teeth cleaned, your cat is put under anesthesia, and tools are used to scrape and clean the surface and below the gum line of the cat’s teeth. The visit could also include tooth extraction if issues are found during the cleaning.

During your cat’s annual visit or a visit for oral pain, your vet might suggest getting the cat’s teeth professionally cleaned. At first, this may seem excessive, but keep in mind that cats have just as many dental problems as humans, and many of them can be painful.

Once your veterinarian has seen signs of dental buildup, and you’ve agreed to a dental cleaning, they may suggest a few tests and checkups before the procedure to ensure everything goes smoothly. Among these tests and checkups are:

• • Blood test
  • Urine test
  • Electrocardiogram
  • Blood pressure
  • X-rays
  • Thyroid test

Since cat dental cleanings happen under anesthesia, these tests are necessary to ensure your cat’s safety during the procedure. If anesthesia makes you nervous, rest assured that anesthesia risks for cats are as low as they are for humans.

What are the health benefits?

Just like humans, cats can suffer from dental disorders like periodontal disease or tooth decay. These can be painful and dangerous to your cat’s health. Not only could they lose teeth, but dental diseases also could affect other areas of their health.

An estimated 85% of cats have periodontal disease by the time they reach 6 years old. Another 50% are estimated to have tooth resorption, an excruciating issue in which parts of the tooth, including the root, are missing due to irritation or injury. Resorption can lead to complete tooth loss.

Regular cleanings by a veterinarian and at-home care can reduce the risk of these painful diseases. At your cat’s annual veterinary appointment, the vet will inspect the teeth for signs of problems.

Here are some symptoms to look for at home that could indicate your cat is experiencing oral pain.

• • Dropping food
  • No interest in eating
  • Running away from the bowl
  • Drooling
  • Bad breath
  • Change in behavior
  • Chewing on one side
  • Trouble chewing
  • Swallowing without chewing

A cat with unresolved dental issues can also be at higher risk for heart, liver, and kidney disease. Want to know more? Check out our guide on why do cats hiss at you.

Cat dental insurance

The necessity of pet dental insurance is like auto insurance – it is something you hope you never need, but you’re glad to have it when you do. Many insurance providers, such as Progressive, offer pet insurance that covers things like dental cleanings. However, it’s important to note that not all these plans cover preventive, elective, or cosmetic procedures.

A few pet insurance companies do cover the costs of treating gingivitis, root canals, broken, chipped, and fractured teeth. With many insurance options out there, you’re sure to find one that works for you.

At-home dental care

Although regular dental cleanings are great for cats’ oral health, home care is an important piece of their overall dental care. Healthy kitty gums start with regular brushing and proper nutrition.

The type of food your cat eats can impact their dental health. Supplying your cat with the proper nutrients will give their body the tools it needs to fight off disease. Dental treats can also be a no-fuss way to keep tartar to a minimum. Similarly, hard kibble can help scrape your cat’s teeth, so avoid too much soft food if possible.

Tips for brushing your cat’s teeth

When brushing your cat’s teeth at home, here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Never use human toothpaste on your cat. Human toothpaste contains chemicals and ingredients that can harm your pet. Brush kits such as these can be found on Amazon and are an excellent way to keep up with your cat’s dental health.

Before you even begin brushing, you can expect resistance from your cat. Initiate your brushing ritual by merely introducing the brush to your cat. You may also want to try a finger brush, like this one from Amazon.

Slowly introducing the brush and offering treats when your cat interacts with it will provide positive reinforcement when it comes to brushing.

Over time, begin brushing their teeth gently and for short periods, then extend the periods bit by bit as they get used to it. Eventually, they may even enjoy it!

We all want what’s best for our pets, and our cat’s dental health is key to their overall health. Home brushing and annual vet visits will ensure your cat’s dental health is maintained.

How to tell if your pup is in pain

Unlike humans, dogs can’t tell us when something’s hurting. On top of that, many dogs have a high pain tolerance and won’t show signs of discomfort even if they are in terrible pain. You know your pet better than anyone, so here are some signs to watch for if you suspect your dog is hurting.

• Unusually anti-social: If your pup typically runs to greet you or others at the door but suddenly seems not to care, this could be a sign they are in pain. Dogs are pack animals, and when they begin to deny themselves the pleasure of being around their pack — which includes you — it’s a red flag.

• Changes in eating or drinking: If your dog has gone many days without eating (and it’s unusual for them), you may want to take them to their vet to get checked out.

• Not sleeping well: If you’re noticing them walking around the house at night or tossing and turning, or just standing at the foot of your bed, this could be cause for concern.

• Unusual vocalizations: Barking, howling, growling, whining, and yelping could all be ways your dog is trying to tell you that something isn’t right. These vocalizations typically happen during walks, feeding times, or playtime. If your dog is talking to you, listen.

• Excessive licking: Licking can be a dangerous symptom of pain if not noticed in time. Just as people might rub a bumped head, dogs can lick the parts of their bodies that hurt. Although this can be a great way for you to identify a problem, your pup could lick themselves raw and cause infection if unnoticed.

• Breathing or panting heavily: If your pup is panting or breathing heavily when they have not been exercising, this could be a sign of pain. Panting is normal for many dogs, but excessive or nonstop panting is something to watch out for.

• Moving around less: A typically rambunctious and energetic dog suddenly lying around or avoiding movement is another sign that your pup might be in pain. Stiffness or limping is an obvious sign that they might be injured. If your puppy is reluctant to jump into your lap, take them to see a vet.

• Unusual aggression: This uncharacteristic behavior can present itself during mealtime, playtime, or snuggle time — a dog that suddenly begins growling while being petted could be a dog in pain.

• Changes in posture or body: Internal pain can sometimes present itself in a change of posture. Your dog could hunch their back or hold up a paw or hang their head if something feels off.

• Trembling or shaking: Although some smaller dogs shake and tremble from habit, many times this can also mean they are in pain. If your pup shakes or trembles as they sit on your lap or while you’re petting them, it’s a good idea to get them checked out.

What to do if your pup is in pain

You think your dog might be in pain; what do you do now?

1. Begin by noting your pup’s symptoms on your phone or a notepad. Bringing that information to a vet visit will help you and your veterinarian identify what could be the problem.
2. Set up an appointment for your pup to see their vet. Even though there are many sources of information on diagnosing dog pain, it is always safest to consult your pet’s veterinarian before doing anything else.
3. After your vet has diagnosed your pet’s condition and provided medication to help, it’s critical to give the prescribed medicine exactly as your vet instructed. The best way to get your pup back to normal is to follow a veterinary professional’s instructions.

Until you get to your appointment, here are several ways you can help alleviate some of the pain your dog may be experiencing.

• Limit their activity and movement.
• Provide a soft, comfortable bed.
• Eliminate stressors such as loud TVs or rowdy children.
• Give them gentle petting and massages.
• Keep them company; loneliness can cause stress and inhibit your dog’s ability to relax.

Following your vet’s instructions and these tips will be the best way to get your pup back to their usual self.

Should you give your pup human pain meds?

The short answer is no. Although some human over-the-counter pain medications are not likely to harm your pet, without proper dosage, giving your dog pain meds from your cabinet can be extremely dangerous. Often, giving pups human medication can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, stomach ulcers, kidney failure, and more.

If your dog is experiencing pain, the best thing you can do for them is call their doctor and get them in for an appointment as soon as possible. Until then, give them lots of love and a soft place to lie. Then follow the vet’s instructions to a T to ensure a fast recovery for your furry baby.

If you’d like to know more about your puppy, you can check our guide on when you should give your puppy a bath.

Bunny vision

Rabbits are prey animals. To help them avoid becoming someone else’s dinner, their large, protruding eyes allow them to see at an almost 360-degree range. They are also farsighted: They can see things far away better than they can see things close to them. Additionally, they do not have good depth perception because their lines of sight do not overlap. Humans have excellent depth perception because our eyes face the same direction, and our lines of sight overlap significantly.

A bunny might miss a treat lying on the floor but will react dramatically to movement far away. This reaction is for rabbits’ protection in the wild and is an excellent example of how they use sight in their day-to-day lives. These attributes allow them to see predators coming and give them time to escape, although rabbits do not see well in bright light or complete darkness. Rabbits see best at dusk and dawn, when predators are hunting and wild rabbits are most active.

Color blind vs. color limited

Humans can be color blind, but not all color blindness is the same. The part of the eye that interprets color is the cells known as cones and rods. Rods work in the low levels of light range, and cones read high-light situations. Cones are also responsible for the majority of color vision and spatial acuity. Spatial acuity means being able to see the contrast in colors and shades.

Cones and rods come in a variety of ratios depending on species and genetics. In humans, defects within the eye causing rod and cone ratios to be off can cause someone to see either limited colors or more colors than the average human sees. As humans, we have three varieties of cones for different color ranges. The variety ratios will determine whether we experience some color blindness.

Bunnies have a higher ratio of rods to cones. Because rabbits have a limited number of cones, their color vision is called dichromate, which means they mainly see two colors, green and blue.

What does this mean for bunnies?

Now that we have the science out of the way, what does all this mean for your pet rabbit, and what can you do to make life easier for your limited-color-vision friend? Not only should you consider how their limited color vision affects their life, but it’s also important to remember how a rabbit sees the world. Things that may seem harmless to you could be terrifying for your bunny.

Safe space

Because rabbits are prey animals, their natural skittish tendencies keep them alive in the wild. It’s crucial to ensure your rabbit has a place to go to feel safe. They’ll appreciate having a place to go where they can feel safe and calm themselves down if they feel threatened.  Be sure to provide them with a hutch, a cage, or a cubbyhole of some sort that they can access no matter where they are.

Calm movements

To keep from scaring your rabbit, avoid quick or aggressive movements around them. Such actions frighten them, and they’ll try to get away. Slow and gentle motions are the best way to make your rabbit feel safe and calm around you.

Avoid bright or dark situations

On bright, sunny days or dark nights, avoid taking your rabbit outside. Their inability to see will make them more uncomfortable and fearful.

Greens and blues

With their color range limited to blues and greens, try giving them toys and rabbit furniture in these colors. Foods such as blueberries can be a great way to help your rabbit see when you’re giving them a treat. You might even consider wearing blue and green clothing to help your bunny distinguish between you and a predator.

Although bunnies are not color blind, their limited color vision and mostly monocular vision are important to keep in mind when taking care of them. Remembering the way your bunny sees color and perceives quick movements will help make your time together more enjoyable for you both.

Want more bunny-related content? Learn how to housetrain your rabbit with a few easy steps.

• Keep your floors clean: Without hands to grasp, dogs use their mouths to investigate the world around them. This means anything left on the floor is at risk of being chewed. To ensure your pup doesn’t get hurt or ruin something of value, move everything off the floor and out of reach.

• Hide or cover up wires and cords: Everything has a cord or wire now, and these tempting strings can potentially harm your puppy if she chews on them. Organizing and hiding cords is essential to keeping your puppy and your electronics safe.

• Keep kibble out of reach: Being curious little creatures, puppies are likely to find the bag of food and rip into it, resulting in a mess for you and a tummy ache for them. Invest in a food container that can be locked and kept out of reach.

• Baby gates everywhere: Whether you’re leaving for brunch with friends or need a relaxing minute away from your puppy, a baby gate is an excellent way to contain your puppy without putting her in a crate.

• Provide safe space: Crate training is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your puppy. Providing her with a safe place to go when she feels overwhelmed or scared can improve your puppy’s well-being. It’s also a great training tool!

• Covered trash cans: Similar to hiding their food, keeping puppies out of delicious-smelling trash is vital for their health. Your pup doesn’t know what’s good or bad for her and can end up eating something dangerous or cause a huge mess. Invest in a covered trash can.

• Remove toxic houseplants: While houseplants keep our spaces feeling fresh and beautiful, some of them can be toxic for our furry friends. If you have houseplants already or are planning to get some, be sure to research which ones are harmful to pets.

• Chew toys for alone time: When you’re out and about and your puppy is home alone, avoid a catastrophic mess by providing her with lots of toys that promote engagement. Like babies, puppies go through painful teething and will feel the need to chew. Giving them toys they can safely chew will allow you to relax, knowing they can relieve that pain without ruining your furniture.

8 tips for puppy apartment life

1. Puppy pads: When your home is many floors up, potty training can be difficult. An 8-week-old puppy needs to go potty every hour, which can demand a lot of time and energy from you — not to mention repeated walks down several flights of stairs when it’s not convenient. A puppy pad can be a great way to potty-train without going all the way outside every time.
2. Exercise: Because apartments offer limited space, it’s important to exercise your puppy regularly. Pent-up energy turns into mischief and will result in an unhappy puppy and parent.
3. Apartment breeds: While many breeds could adapt to apartment life, it’s best to research which breeds will love it. High-energy or large-breed dogs are probably not a good choice for the tight quarters of apartment living. However, many other breeds would love nothing more than to lounge on the couch or take only short walks.
4. Unattended puppy: Even if you work from home, eventually your puppy will be home alone. It’s critical to plan for this beforehand. Know where she will be, what she will have access to, and what she will need (toys, water, puppy pad) — this way, you and your pup will know what to expect when you have to run for groceries.
5. Routine, routine, routine: Nothing makes a puppy feel calmer or safer than a routine. When they know what to expect and when to expect it, they can remain calm and won’t get overstimulated. Feeding times, walks, and training will work better when done at the same time every day.
6. Unique and durable toys: Of course a basket full of plush toys is adorable, but dogs want to chew and think. This durable and engaging toy will give your pet something to do while you’re gone or watching TV.
7. Daily training: Besides teaching your puppy to be a good citizen, training provides your dog with exercise and mental stimulation to avoid destructive chewing and acting out.
8. Doggy day care: If you have a 9-to-5 job, your pup will have a lot of alone time. Consider sending her to doggy day care for socialization and physical and mental health while you’re at work. Whether it’s every day or just a few times a week, it can be a great way to allow your pup to play and have fun while you’re at work.

Getting a puppy is an exciting time! Use these puppy proofing tips and tricks to ensure your pet stays safe and won’t cause unnecessary destruction in your home.

Why does my dog smell?

Here are some of the reasons your dog might be more smelly than usual.

Bad breath from tartar buildup

One of the most common complaints about dogs is their bad breath. Buildup of tarter and possible gum disease can cause some incredibly bad breath for your pup.

Gas

Depending on their diet your dog might suffer from room-clearing gas. This stinky flatulence is usually caused by diet but could also be a sign of a more severe ailment. If your pup’s smelly gas does not improve with a new diet, it might be time to see a vet.

Skin issues

Many breeds suffer from chronic skin issues. These issues can range from dry skin to itchy skin that leads to excessive scratching and infection. If your dog is a smelly felly, check their skin for red spots or flakes.

Ear infections

Breeds with ears that hang down can easily get ear infections that smell to high heavens. Ear infections typically have a yeast smell and can be a serious and painful problem for your dog. If you smell something rotten coming from your dog’s ears and see red and inflamed skin, take them to see their vet.

Anal glands

Dogs have two glands in their rectum called anal glands. These glands hold and secrete a malodorous oil every time your pup poops. Sometimes these glands can get infected or impacted, causing the oil to secrete at other times in your home. This is a pungent and unmistakable smell once you know what it is. Take your dog to the vet to get their glands checked if you suspect this is the issue.

Lack of grooming

Dog baths are not always fun for you or your dog, and it can be expensive to take them to a groomer. Sometimes grooming can be put on the back burner, and the reason for your pup’s smell is simply that they’re dirty. Remember that over-grooming is also terrible for your dog’s skin and can cause other dry skin issues.

Seborrhea

Seborrhea is a skin condition that needs a section of its own. Scaling and flaking of the skin, seborrhea is most common in dogs with folding skin. Breeds like English bulldog, sharpei, and pugs should be checked regularly for this smelly issue. It can also be painful and cause infection if not treated.

Kidney disease or diabetes

In older dogs, kidney disease and diabetes can cause your pup to have bad breath, stinky urine, or sweaty paws. If other options have been eliminated, it might be time to look into the possibility of these more serious issues causing your dog’s smell.

How to keep your dog smelling fresh!

While dogs are still animals and will always have a bit of smell that comes with them, here are some ways to keep your pup smelling better for longer. These are also great ways to increase your dog’s health and well-being!

Daily brushing

Baths are not the only way to keep your dog clean. Brushing them regularly will help remove dead skin, dirt, hair, and other bits that might get stuck in their hair. A deep brush once a week will exfoliate their skin and keep it healthy! This is also a great way to help prevent skin conditions that could lead to infections.

Wash their bed

Humans, on average, change their sheets once a week. When was the last time the dog bed was washed? Washing your dog’s bed regularly will keep it and them smelling fresh and clean. Things like bacteria can live on their bed and cause stinky odors to stick to them.

Wipe their paws at the door

Those cute doormats say, “Wipe your paws!” and it’s a great idea to wipe your dog’s paws before they come into your home. Not only will it keep your floors clean, but it can also wipe away any nasty smells your pup might have walked in while they were outside.

Diet

Take a look at your dog’s eating habits and maybe try a new food or eliminate human food treats. Check labels and dog food ingredients so that you’re certain they’re consuming nutritious, high quality food. Some dogs have sensitive stomachs that can get gassy if given low-quality food or too many human treats.

Brush their teeth

A routine of brushing your dog’s teeth will cut down on nasty dog breath, as well as prevent gum disease and tartar buildup. It’s a win-win!

Invest in quality shampoo

Not all shampoo is created equal. If you can, invest in a higher quality shampoo for your pups bath time. High-end shampoos usually contain better conditioning ingredients to help prevent dry skin. The scent can also last longer, keeping your dog smelling fresh. Avoid overly perfumed soap! Dogs have very sensitive noses, and these intense scents can make them uncomfortable or irritate their nose.

Clean the ears

After bath time, take a few minutes to clean out your dog’s ears. Do not use a human Q-tip or any other long device to stick into your dog’s ear. It will be enough to use your finger and the towel to dry out and clean their ears. If you are noticing excessively dirty ears, take them to a vet to have them professionally cleaned.

By nature, dogs are not the most pleasant smelling all of the time, but with some extra love and care you can keep your pup smelling fresh for longer. At the same time, keep in mind that bad smells can be a sign of severe illness and should be checked into by a vet.

General tips and tricks

Most gender characteristics will not show themselves until the fish have reached their sexual maturity. This age is different for many breeds, but it is safe to say that around 2–3 months old, most fish species are sexually mature. Meaning any colorations, unique gender growths, or spawning signs will be more apparent and more easily noticed.

Colors

As with many birds, male fish tend to be more colorful. This color difference between males and females can exist for multiple reasons. Males are more colorful to attract a mate or to distract predators from their eggs. Male betta fish even chase the females away from the eggs.

Head bulges

Many male fish like tilapia or oscars will grow a distinctive bump on their forehead. Located between the eyes and above the mouth, this bump can make it easy to identify a male fish.

Growths and designs

During the spawning season, some male fish will develop impressive growths or designs. These identifying characteristics will appear anywhere on the body, including the head. For example, male pleco fish will grow long whiskers on the edge of their mouth and pectoral fins.

Spawning season differences

Spawning season is usually the best time to identify the sex of your fish. During this time, females will appear larger and rounder than their male counterparts. The surest way to know the sex of your fish is to wait and see who lays the eggs. However, if breeding isn’t a part of your fish-raising plans, you might want another option.

Aggressive behavior

As fish attain sexual maturity, many male fish will become aggressive toward other fish in the tank. These hostile manners can be observed when other fish approach them or swim into what the aggressive fish has decided is his territory. The territorial fish will charge the intruder. If you see this behavior in your tank, you most likely have a male.

Specific species identifiers

Although the tips above can help with many breeds, some fish have a unique way of showing gender. Of course, many fish are not discussed here, but many common or popular fish species will be. For more rare and exotic species, be sure to contact an expert for advice.

Goldfish

In season, male goldfish will develop bumps around their gills, foreheads, and pectoral fins. However, these bumps are there only during the breeding season. Once spring has ended, you’re not likely to find these bumps.

Betta fish

The picture of a betta fish is typically a beautifully colored fish with large, flowing fins. That is a male betta. Possibly one of the easiest fish species for identifying the sex, bettas are brightly colored when male and usually dull brown with smaller fins when female.

Guppies and mollies

For guppies and mollies, it’s easiest to look for the anal fin. Toward the back of the fish, near the tail, there will be a triangular fin called an anal fin. This three-sided appendage is present only on males and is used for reproductive purposes. Keep in mind that it might be harder to see on a smaller fish.

Pleco fish

As mentioned above, male plecos will grow long whiskers that are hard to miss. Females also grow these adorable whiskers, but they are significantly smaller and shorter than the males’. If it’s hard to determine whose whiskers are longer, watch for aggressive behavior. Male pleco fish often charge other fish that get close.

Cichlid fish

Some common cichlid fish are tilapia, angelfish, oscars, and discus. These can be some of the most challenging fish for identifying sex. Waiting until they are of mature age will help immensely. When a male cichlid is mature, its dorsal fin is noticeably larger and longer than the females’.

Gourami

As with cichlids, identifying the sex of gourami fish is difficult. But you may be able to identify the sex by looking at the dorsal fin. In males, the dorsal fin is long and tapers to a point. Females have a shorter and more rounded dorsal fin.

Tetras

Tetras have a mixture of previously talked-about signs. As with many fish, female tetras are usually longer and fuller in shape, and males are more colorful and have longer fins.

Koi

Another hard-to-sex fish is the koi. Even many experts make mistakes in sexing koi, and most shops and aquariums will use ultrasound to verify the sex of their koi. You can look for size differences. Females, once again, will be larger and rounder, while males will be skinnier.

Fish are some of the hardest pets for identifying their sex. However, with these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to try your hand at figuring out the sex of your fish.

Want more? Read on further to learn how to breed and raise minnows. Or if you want something else, learn how to train your betta fish with our top tips.

As intelligent beings, rabbits want to learn. Just as with a dog, exercising their brains is as important as exercising their bodies. And it’s fun!

You can even enhance your bunny’s quality of life by teaching him certain skills, such as potty training. A potty-trained rabbit can be trusted to roam about the house, giving them an abundance of space rather than being stuck in a cage.

Want to know more? Check out our guide on how long do rabbits live.

Rabbit behavior

To train your rabbit, you must first understand rabbit behavior. What motivates them? Does he love food, or is your rabbit more interested in your affection? These are the tools you can use to encourage your rabbit to perform different activities.

As prey animals, rabbits see, smell, and experience the world in a much different way than you. Rabbits are more attuned to danger and quicker to react and flee it. Even having their eyes mounted on the sides of their heads, like birds, means rabbits are built to scan their surroundings and identify potential threats. You’ll see proof of this as they shift their head position when you approach them. They have to: Although their peripheral vision is excellent, their central vision isn’t so great. Keep this in mind while training. If you startle or scare your rabbit, your training efforts won’t achieve much.

Timing

Short and sweet is the way to go when deciding how much time to spend on training your rabbit. Dedicate five to 10 minutes two to three times a day to training. Any longer, and you risk your rabbit’s losing interest. Keep training sessions positive and enjoyable. Don’t rush or have unrealistic expectations. Every rabbit is different, and giving yours space and freedom to learn at his own pace will ensure a happy rabbit.

Motivations

As mentioned above, finding your rabbit’s best motivation will enable you to train him effectively. You might already know their favorite treat, but if you’re unsure, slowly begin experimenting with new foods and see how they react. Most rabbits love shredded carrots!

Avoid using “bunny treats” from the store. Because you will be training often and giving these treats a lot during practice, too much of them could cause health issues. It’s best to avoid fruit treats for the same reasons. Things like carrots can be a great option. Other healthy treat options are:

• Basil leaves
• Dandelion leaves
• Parsley
• Kale
• Cilantro

No matter what treat you use, be sure to give it in pieces small enough to be eaten quickly. You don’t want to praise your rabbit for doing something only to lose momentum while he takes five minutes to eat an entire kale leaf.

At some point in your training, your rabbit will become a pro. When your rabbit is completing the tricks at a reliable rate, it’s time to start weaning him off the food treats. Slowly begin this process by giving affection every so often instead of a treat. Then increase the amount of nonfood praise over time.

Clicker training

In addition to praise and food, adding a clicker to your training can be beneficial. A clicker can precisely indicate to your rabbit the moment he is doing what you want. You can encourage him to do the trick, then click as soon as he does it and provide a treat or praise. This is especially helpful when you’re teaching behavior that requires your rabbit to be farther away from you. Any delay in reward can cause confusion, but the clicker can let him know he did a good job as you move to give him the treat. Spend five minutes on YouTube watching clicker-trained rabbits, and you’ll be convinced!

Context and locations

Context is everything. When thinking about what tricks you’d like to teach your rabbit, consider when and where these actions will occur. For example, if you’d like your rabbit to go to bed at a specific time every night, train that “trick” at the same time every night. All animals have a great sense of time, and soon your rabbit might even go to bed without your instruction. In contrast, if you’d like your rabbit to come when called, no matter the time or place, practice this trick at various times of the day and in many different locations.

As you begin training, try to eliminate distractions. At the beginning of training, remove all diversions such as other rabbits, other pets, or other people. As time goes on and your rabbit performs the tricks with regular success, you can begin to restore those distractions.

Trick breakdown

Breaking down tricks will help you keep your rabbit from getting confused or overwhelmed. Consider the tricks you’d like to teach and how you could simplify them into smaller actions. Then take those smaller steps and slowly begin to teach your rabbit each step, building onto it as your rabbit learns and gains confidence. Be sure to reward every behavior you want your rabbit to repeat by giving him his motivation treat. Whether his treat is food or a pet, immediate praise helps ensure your rabbit completely understands what you want.