Calico Creek Feed and Pet

02/14/2025

02/13/2025

A Pineapple Green Cheek Conure is a unique and beautiful color mutation of the Green Cheek Conure, which is a small, energetic parrot species native to Central and South America. The "Pineapple" term refers to the specific color pattern and hue that is lighter and more pastel-like compared to the standard green cheek conure.

Here’s what makes them special:

Physical Traits:
-Coloration The Pineapple Green Cheek Conure has a beautiful blend of soft, pastel hues. Their feathers are a mix of light yellow, pale green, and a slightly reddish-orange hue on the cheeks and under the wings. Their back and tail feathers are still predominantly green but often with lighter tips.
Size These birds are typically small, about 10 inches in length from head to tail, making them ideal for apartment living or small spaces.
-Head and Beak They have a rounded head with a short beak, typical of conures, which is designed for cracking seeds and nuts.
Personality:
Friendly and Playful: Green Cheek Conures, including the Pineapple mutation, are known for their affectionate nature. They form strong bonds with their owners and are often very cuddly. They are playful and curious, enjoying toys and games.
-Quiet (for a Conure) While they are still vocal and may make chattering sounds, they are generally quieter compared to other conures. This makes them a bit more suited to environments like apartments where noise may be a concern.
- Social These birds love to interact with their human companions and other pets. They can be very social and will seek attention, which they enjoy immensely.
Training Green Cheek Conures are intelligent and can be trained to do tricks or mimic a few words, though they're not as advanced in speech as some other parrot species.
Care:
Diet They thrive on a balanced diet of high-quality pellets, fresh fruits and vegetables, and occasional seeds. They especially enjoy berries, apple slices, and leafy greens.
Exercise Like all conures, Pineapple Green Cheek Conures need daily exercise. Regular time outside the cage, in a bird-safe environment, helps keep them active and mentally stimulated.
Social Needs They require a lot of attention from their owners. If left alone for too long, they can become bored, which may lead to behavioral problems like excessive screaming or feather-plucking.

Lifespan:
- A healthy Green Cheek Conure, including the Pineapple mutation, typically lives around **20 to 30 years** with proper care.

These birds are a great choice for people looking for a small, friendly, and relatively low-maintenance companion. Their stunning coloration combined with their sweet and sociable nature makes them popular as pets!

02/13/2025

Deadly Avian Flu Outbreak: What You Need to Know to Stay Safe

Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects birds but can also pose risks to humans and other animals. As outbreaks continue to be reported worldwide, understanding the disease, its transmission, and protective measures is crucial for both public health and animal welfare.

What is Avian Flu?
Avian influenza is caused by influenza A viruses that naturally circulate among wild birds. While many bird flu strains cause only mild illness, some, such as H5N1 and H5N8, are highly pathogenic and can lead to severe disease and high mortality rates in poultry. In rare cases, these strains have also infected humans, leading to serious illness and even death.

How Does Avian Flu Spread?
The virus spreads through direct contact with infected birds, their droppings, or contaminated surfaces. Wild migratory birds can carry the virus over long distances, potentially spreading it to domestic poultry. Pennsylvania has recorded outbreaks in a commercial upland gamebird farm in Northumberland County in December 2023 and backyard flocks in Wayne and Schuylkill counties in February 2024. Since 2022, 4.7 million birds in Pennsylvania have been affected by HPAI. The virus has also been detected in dairy cattle, raising concerns about cross-species transmission. Humans can become infected by handling sick birds, touching contaminated surfaces, or inhaling virus-laden particles, although human-to-human transmission is rare.

How to Protect Yourself and Animals
• To minimize the risk of infection, both individuals and poultry owners should take preventive measures:
• Avoid Contact with Wild Birds: Do not feed or handle wild birds, particularly those that appear sick or dead.
• Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling birds or their environments.
• Secure Poultry Farms: Keep domestic birds separated from wild birds by using enclosures and proper biosecurity measures.
• Cook Poultry Properly: Ensure that all poultry products are cooked to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to kill any potential virus.

What to Do If You Find a Sick or Dead Bird
If you encounter a sick or dead bird, do not touch it. Instead, report it to local wildlife or agricultural authorities, who can assess the situation and take necessary precautions. You can contact the PA Game Commission at 1-833-PGC-WILD (742-9453) or the PADLS 24/7 hotline at 717-772-2852 (leave a message, and a veterinarian will return your call). If you suspect exposure to infected birds and develop flu-like symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

While avian flu remains a global concern, staying informed and following preventive steps can help protect both human and animal populations from potential outbreaks. By working together, communities can reduce the risks associated with this serious disease and safeguard public health.

02/12/2025

RUGG'EGG' RANCH INCUBATOR
Egg incubator features an auto turning tray that rotates your eggs like a mother hen would.
Produces well-grown eggs and protects embryos from mortality and premature hatching.
Clear top makes it easy to watch your eggs hatching without opening the incubator.
Incubator holds up to 30 chicken eggs
Forced air humidity helps keep humidity at the optimum level for your baby chicks to hatch

02/12/2025

Our custom dog tag engraver is back up and running. Stop in and get your pet a new tag today. Prices for tags starting at $5.99.

02/11/2025

We are super excited to say that we have successfully found forever homes for 8 kitties that have been waiting to find their families. We have teamed up with
Heidi’s Furry Friends Rescue Inc for several month now and are excited to tell you that they are looking to buy a bigger and better cage to house even more cats looking to find a home. We will be setting up a table with pictures of these already adopted kitties as well as more that are still waiting. While in the store shopping drop your spare change in the jar for your favorite one and help support the new cage fund.

02/10/2025

Dr Marty's Nature Blend Bone Broth Complete and Balanced Meals. These formulas are perfect for dogs who prefer wet food or need more hydration in their diet. Essential Wellness in Turkey Bone Broth is rich in protein from premium turkey, beef, salmon, turkey bone broth, and duck. This formula supports your dog’s easy digestion, youthful energy, and overall wellness
Serve as a meal OR mixer by replacing a portion of your dog’s food for a boost of flavor and hydration
Feed one 6.3 oz box per 20 lbs of body weight. Refrigerate after opening

02/08/2025

Poppy has found her forever home! Her sister Pepper is still available and would love to go to a home soon too

02/07/2025

Check out our February specials of the month from our Astro Rewards Program. Scan the QR code to download the app to see all the savings you can get from our frequent buyer programs and monthly specials, only at Calico Creek. Ask an associate to sign you up in store and start earning your rewards today!

02/07/2025

Experience the delight of Nulo's Himalayan Yak Chews, lovingly crafted in the Himalayas and perfectly smoked and sun-dried for over a month to bring out their maximum toughness and taste. These durable sticks are perfect for promoting your pup's pearly whites, plus they're all-natural and a top choice for sporty pups everywhere.
Get them now for $2.00 through February.