Answered by PDSA Vet Nurse Nina Downing

Dear PDSA Vet,: I’m thinking of buying a budgie for my children – where is the best place to buy one from? Saskia

Budgies are very social birds who need the company of their own kind, so you’ll have to include this in your budget. Pre-purchase research is vital so you can be sure that you can meet their welfare needs and fund their lifestyle and veterinary needs comfortably. Your budgies will need plenty of space to fly and stretch their wings - an aviary or ‘indoor flight’ (a large cage with lots of flying space) is ideal. Contact rehoming centres as they may have budgies needing a nice home. Breeders and reputable pet shops should be your next step after this. Make sure that anywhere you consider is clean and hygienic, that the birds look healthy, well cared for and the staff are knowledgeable. For more information on budgies, visit www.pdsa.org.uk/budgiewelfare

Dear PDSA Vet: How do I know when my hamster’s nails need trimming? Richie

Hamsters are busy animals who spend most of their waking hours scurrying around, which is usually enough to wear down their nails. However, if your hamster’s nails seem to be growing at an odd angle, or are very long and curling round, they may need to be trimmed by your vet. Older hamsters sometimes need regular nail clipping, but you must take care not to cut into the quick (the blood vessel that runs through the middle of their nail). Your vet or vet nurse can show you how to do this properly and recommend a suitable pair of nail clippers if you feel confident to do this yourself.

Dear PDSA Vet: I’ve noticed my rabbit is starting to get a bit chubby recently. She has a run but doesn’t like to go out much, and I’m concerned she’s getting overweight. How can I manage her weight? Harriette

Rabbits need companionship from other rabbits for many reasons, including stimulation to move! A lonely rabbit will often stay still so as not to attract attention, so slowly introduce and bond a neutered companion and you’ll find them enjoying life and exploring their run. Rabbits’ daily diet should consist of at least their own body size in fresh hay, a handful of fresh, rabbit safe vegetables morning and evening, and just a tablespoon of rabbit nuggets to supplement their hay. Feeding the right diet and encouraging activity with their friend and toys will aid weight loss, your vet can support you with a safe weight loss programme.

Dear PDSA Vet,: I have two guinea pigs and one has a white lump near the bottom of her back. It seems painful as she squeals if I touch it. Can you help?

Lumps in guinea pigs can be caused by a variety of things, so it’s crucial that you get your furry friend checked out by your vet who can investigate and provide treatment and pain relief. One possible cause is an abscess, which can arise anywhere in the body - this is a soft swelling that may be hot, and being painful to touch is a key indicator. An abscess may be caused by scratches from sharp flooring or wire doors in their cage, or even a fight with another guinea pig. There are other conditions like boils, cysts and tumours that can cause lumps, so I’d suggest you make an appointment as soon as you can.

PDSA is the UK’s largest vet charity providing a vital service for pets across the UK whose owners struggle to afford treatment costs for their sick and injured pets. For many vulnerable pets, PDSA is there to help when there is nowhere else for their owners to turn. Support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery helps us reach even more pet owners with vital advice and information. www.pdsa.org.uk