Sometimes when pets are weaned too early, it results in an obsession and should be treated by your vet. Vets sometimes prescribe a relaxant for your pet. Dietary deficiency could also be another cause of compulsive chewing - when they are trying to alleviate something uncomfortable in their digestive system or just a simple sore throat. (Yes they can have sore throat too). Some veterinarians recommend wheat-grass sprouts for fiber-deficient diets.

Crashing into windows by birds -

Q. I work in Dania Beach and flocks of tiny birds keep flying into a large window. Is there anything we can do to prevent the birds from hitting the glass? What is the best thing to do for the birds that appear to be knocked out?

- J. Salley, Dania Beach, Florida

A. A bird stunned by a window collisions can be protected until it fully recovers by placing it carefully into a small box with air holes and giving it a chance to rest. You also can place a kitchen colander over the shaken bird. Make sure you place it in a safe, shaded area out of harsh sunlight. check the bird every 15 minutes - usually, they recover and take off quickly to rejoin the flock. If the bird appears injured- beyond being temporarily knocked out, - call for help immediately.

Migrating warblers are, indeed m, very tiny - about five inches in length. I spoke with Ellen Plachter at the Wildlife Care Center in Fort Lauderdale. She suggests taping a silhouette of a hawk on the window. The flock will see the image of a predator and fly away to avoid an encounter. Silhouettes and help with injured birds re available at the center . The center's number is 954-524-4302

(source: Roberta Silvershaw, Critter Tales
hometown@herald.com)

(source: Dr. Fox, The Herald's Tropical Live, Florida)