We get asked a lot of questions which is great. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and answers. If you have a specific query, please send us an email from our contact us page.

Pet Birds

Here are our most frequently asked questions and answers to help you with your pet bird ownership.

1. What is the difference between a hand raised or reared and a hand tamed bird?
   A hand-tamed bird means it has been raised by its parents and then handled and tamed by a human. Hand reared means exactly just that, the bird is reared by a human from hatching. It will usually be fed every four hours until self sufficient. A hand reared bird makes a better pet but is usually dearer to purchase for obvious reasons.
   
   
2. What sized cage will I need?
   This is hard to answer, as everyone has a budget. Look at the wingspan of the bird in question and try to get a cage that is at least twice the wingspan of the bird. Imagine yourself cooped up in a small area all day, the larger the better for all species. We have over 100 cages on display at all times, so we should have a cage that's suits your requirements, décor and budget, as part of our stock.
   
   
3. What should you feed your seed eating bird varieties?
   Little seems to be known about bird nutrition. Most people give them seed, water and a little greenery and think that they are doing a good job. Birds need a lot of protein in their diet as their feathers are made up of mostly proteins. To make sure your bird has all of its dietary requirements met, please read the following diet:
   • Good quality seed - must have high proportion of plain canary seed in it. Just because it is a well known brand, does not necessarily mean it is a good quality product.
   • Fresh sprouts - available in punnets from leading pet stores, this food source gives them instant energy (and they love it).
   • Egg and Biscuit - very high in proteins and amino acids for feather building and feeding babies.
   • Fruits and vegetables - no lettuce or leafy greens and remember to worm them regularly.
   • Calcium in the form of shellgrit, cuttlebone or supplements daily.
   • Please contact us to ask for a more specific diet for your particular bird.

Here are our most frequently asked questions and answers to help you with your pet fish ownership.

1. What do I need to put in the water before adding fish?
   You need to add chlorine neutralizer, conditioning salts and a bacteria starter. The fluoride (Chlorine) in tap water can have harmful effects on both the fish and the good bacteria in the tank. Conditioning Salts add minerals and electrolytes to Melbourne's soft water to create the right conditions for your fish. Bacteria, good bacteria will colonize in the filter to help breakdown the waste generated by the fish and other pollutants such as food.
   
   
2. What causes algae (green water) in my fish tank?
   Green cloudy water and algae growth can be caused by a number of things. The most common causes are:
   • Food: Poor quality foods are often high in phosphates and not very digestible. The waste produced then feeds your algae.
   • Light: Direct sunlight, a cool white household tube instead of an aquarium tube or the light being on for too long, can cause major algae growth. A household tube gives a different colour spectrum that will promote algae growth in your tank. A light left on for more than 10 hours per day will also make your tank go green or light from a window/skylight will also cause problems. Choose a position for your tank away from a window, use a good quality aquarium tube and set it to a timer for 8-10 hrs a day. Change your tube at least every 12 months blown or not, feed good quality food and use a gravel siphon when changing your water. These simple steps will help keep your tank looking great.
   
   
3. How often should I do a water change?
   Tanks need small water changes often. Use a gravel siphon so that you are removing the waste from the bottom rather than taking the clean water from the top. Aim to change 10% weekly. Please age the new water in buckets with neutralizer and salts for at least twenty minutes, before adding them to your tank. Also, remember to get the right advice regarding what is a suitable filter for your situation.
   
   
4. Tropical or Coldwater fish, what are the differences?
   The maintenance, water quality and equipment are the same for both except for the addition of a heater and Thermometer for the tropical varieties of fish. So if you looking for an aquarium of 20 litres upward, do not be put off by thinking that tropicals are hard to care for. There are some very hardy tropical varieties and some very delicate coldwater ones as well.

Rabbits, Mice, Rats and Guinea Pigs

Here are our most frequently asked questions and answers to help you with your small animal ownership.

1. What is the most suitable breed of rabbit for a young child?
   Dwarf or Miniature Lops seem to be the most popular choice of rabbits for littlies. They are quite placid and don't mind being cuddled. They stay small so are easily handled as well. Other placid breeds are Dutch rabbits or the larger French lops. We have a large range of accessories and hutches.
   
   
2. How do I keep my rat/mouse cage from smelling?
   We use and recommend absorbent bedding made of peat. This bedding actually absorbs the urine and keeps the cage smelling fresh for days. We recommend cleaning once a week for a single rat or pair of mice and, of course, more often if housing more rodents. Use the peat to about 1cm thickness and then top with shavings. Peat also helps to keep your friends warm in winter.
   
   
3. What care is required for small animals such as mice, rats, rabbits and guinea pigs.
   • Salt licks help keep your pet's mineral intake at the right levels, as they can be lacking in salts if they are not grazing daily Small animals need to be wormed regularly, just like cats or dogs
   • Good quality food, such as pellets or meal, plus fruit and veggies - No lettuce or Cabbage. (Guinea Pigs need extra vitamin
   • Parasite Control. Check for mite or mange regularly and then spray as required
   • Good clean, warm bedding
   • Regular cleaning of their environment
   • Things to chew, as rodents need hard chew toys to keep their teeth in good shape.

Hermit Crabs and Yabbies

Here are our most frequently asked questions and answers to help you with your pet Hermit Crab or Yabbie ownership.

1. Why do hermit crabs die?
   Hermit crabs come from the region of Darwin to Broome, as such, they like a warm, humid environment. When keeping crabs in Melbourne, it is important to use some form of heating, such as a coloured light or heat pad to keep their tank at 20°C or above. Crabs should be kept on sand or shell grit, not gravel and they also need a sea salt bath daily. Always keep spare shells in their tank and feed a variety of foods. And no, they do not get lonely!
   
   
2. What do yabbies eat?
   Pet yabbies, such as blue claws or electric blue marrons, will happily eat prepared crayfish pellets. For some variety, also give them pieces of whole frozen fish, a garden worm, frozen beans, carrots or a piece of mussel. Make sure each yabby has a cave to feed in and never feed meat. Meat will pollute your water and this will kill your yabby. Make sure you keep a calcium block in the tank at all times.

Reptiles and Amphibians - Bearded Dragons, Lizards, Snakes

Here are our most frequently asked questions and answers to help you with your pet reptile and amphibian ownership.

1. How do I get a license?
   Licenses are obtained through the Office of Sustainability and the Environment, formerly The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife. Ring them on 136 186 during weekday business hours and ask them to send you a license application form. Once filled in and returned with the appropriate licence fee, it will be accessed. If approved, your license will be sent to you with a license record book and appropriate papers. Normally it takes approximately three to four weeks to arrive. Please note that you will need to show your licence when purchasing reptiles.
   
   
2. What reptiles do we recommend for beginners?
   Bearded dragons. Once you have the right environment, such as a thermostatically controlled reptile unit. Bearded dragon lizards are easy to care for, easy to handle and good feeders. They don't mind being picked up and will actually follow you when you walk past their enclosure. They will feed on crickets, pellets, fruits and veggies and gents (fly larvae). They are a good confidence builder.
   
   
3. The best snake for a beginner would be a diamond python.
   They are normally always placid and if kept in the right conditions will live a long and healthy life. They do not grow overly large and are beautiful to look at. Come in and ask to handle a snake or lizard before you purchase one. This will give you an idea of what is involved and wether or not this is the pet for you. Our reptile expert works from Tuesday to Saturday, but there are staff on every shift that can help with reptile questions.