Q: One of my hen’s combs has drooped. The other three hens have their usual upright, bright red combs. What could be wrong?
RK, Dorset
A: A droopy comb should never be ignored: it’s a sign that a hen is seriously unwell. The best answer is to take her to a chicken-friendly vet (see chickenvet.co.uk for listings).
Q: My rescued Labrador is a compulsive eater. I’ve tried giving him bulk low-calorie vegetables along with his usual meals. No effect. Any ideas?
DN, via email
A: Give him his daily meals in food-releasing toys such as Kongs or one of the gadgets made by Nina Ottosson (nina-ottosson.com). Offer him smaller amounts through the day, so that the pleasure is drawn out rather than scoffed all at once. The only way to deal with food-grabbing is to gain more control of him using a leash, head halter and patient, repetitive training.
Q: My six-year-old cat Charlie is terrified of men cleaning windows. When they are around, she rushes upstairs and squeezes between a bed and a radiator, where she stays for hours. How can I help her?
AB, Bingley
A: She’ll always have this fear, so the best you can do is help her find somewhere comfortable to hide. Set up a den in a warm, quiet location, line it with a blanket and install a calming diffuser (Feliway pheromones or Pet Remedy aromas). She’ll be much comfier there than in her bolt-hole.
Recyclable cat litter – including the litter box
Fed up with cleaning the cat’s litter tray? Install a new biodegradable cardboard litter box every week, placing the old one in designated organic waste bins. Visit poopycat.com to find out more.
Rescue pet of the week
Holly is a rescued ex-battery hen who would love a home with other hens. Contact British Hen Welfare Trust at bhwt.org.uk or call 01884 860084.
To learn the outcomes of the rescued pets featured in this column, see petsubjectsrescue.petethevet.com
Send pet problems to pete.wedderburn@telegraph.co.uk. All sick animals should, of course, be taken to a vet.
