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HE is on a mission to help our pets  . . . and is here to answer YOUR questions.

Sean, who is the head vet at tailored pet food firm tails.com, has helped with owners’ queries for ten years.

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Polly the parrot has started plucking out all her lovely colourful feathers[/caption]

Q) POLLY my parrot has started plucking out all her lovely colourful feathers.

It looks awful and I fear she might be hurting herself in the process. Is it painful and how can I stop this?

SALLY ANN STEVENSON, Edgware

A) Sadly, it is likely to be painful if Polly is pulling them right out rather than chewing them off.

Feather plucking always signifies something is wrong.

Several possibilities range from infections, inflammation and nutritional deficiencies to stress, behavioural issues (eg, reward seeking or compulsive disorders) and even psychological or neurological problems.

Without a long, detailed conversation and physical exam it’s hard to give you even my hunch.

Find an avian vet specialist to look into this before it gets out of hand.

Q) WHAT is wrong with my ferret Fergus? He seems to sleep up to 18 hours a day.

Is he sick or depressed? I imagined he would be a much more playful pet and admit I am a bit disappointed.

KIM MAYNARD, Edinburgh

A) This is very normal for ferrets, and one of the reasons they make great pets for busy people. They tend to sleep all day, get active in the evening and then head back to bed. They are marathon snoozers.

I would suggest getting Fergus a ferret friend though, as they are playful and sociable creatures and he may be a little depressed on his own leading to more napping than usual.

Withdrawal or lethargy in pets can be a sign of depression or unhappiness with a lack of social interaction.

Q) I HAVE been saving up for a new aquarium for my tropical fish but I’m feeling overwhelmed by all the options.

Do I really need a special thermostat and artificial lighting and is “cycling” a new tank something that only needs to be done once?

MATTHEW BURNETT, Braintree, Essex

A) Tropical fish need a thermostatically controlled heater — just buy one suited to the size of the tank. Your local aquatics shop can advise.

Artificial lighting on a timer is also good for fish, mimicking natural day and night cycles. It’s critical if you want live plants —  which I recommende as they oxygenate and clean the water plus provide cover for fish. “Cycling” is more tricky but only needs to be done once when you first set up your aquarium.

After that, careful filter maintenance and cleaning will maintain the aquarium’s natural cycle.

Read about the ammonia cycle in fish tanks. Once you understand that you are keeping water quality as much as you are keeping fish, you will find a routine that works.

It’s a delicate ecosystem, and a relationship between the number of fish, the amount you feed and the capacity of your filtration system.

Q) WE have just found out our rabbit Petra is pregnant.

While it is exciting, we are worried as they can have as many as ten baby bunnies. Is this right?

JAMIE COPLEY, Doncaster

A) Rabbit pregnancy lasts about a month, and although the average litter size is five to eight, they can sometimes have 12.

They can also get pregnant again within hours of giving birth so it’s important Petra is separated from whatever companion got her into this.

Once the babies are weaned and active, at about six weeks old, separate them into single-sex groups as they breed at a very young age too.

Before you know it you’ll have an army of rabbits. So I advise neutering after this little family parts ways.

Star of the week

COCKAPOO Murphy spent years bringing happiness and joy to his family – until he sadly passed away this week at the age of 12.

The cheeky pooch persuaded the Bell family to give him toast and sausages at breakfast time.

And he barely used his dog bed – preferring to sleep next to his owners Matt and Siobhain or snuggle up on the sofa with their daughters Emily, Lucy and Maisie.

Matt said: “If we went out Murphy loved laying down with his head next to someone’s slippers or shoes and would race to jump up and lick the girls whenever they came through the front door.

“We will miss him, he was loyal and loving. We feel so lucky to have had him in our lives. Farewell Murphy – thank you for all the memories.”

Sticky issue of clingy ‘velcro dogs’

A LEADING UK charity has vowed to reduce rising numbers of “velcro dogs”.

The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals says separation anxiety is rife in 2025, but a new guide can help prevent anxious pets clinging to their owners.

PDSA Vet Nurse Gemma Renwick explains: “These dogs may feel so dependent on their owner, they may suffer psychologically when left alone. It’s important to teach your dog to be comfortable by themselves.”

Changes at home, possibly a pandemic hangover as more owners work remotely, boredom, poor socialisation or a scare, all contribute.

Warning signs include pacing, peeing indoors, barking and whining and destructive chewing.

Walking your dog before you leave and adding a safe space with your scented clothing can help. So do chew toys and pet-safe puzzles to distract them.

Owners can build independence by gradually increasing their dog’s time alone in a separate room and rewarding calm behaviour with healthy treats.

Gemma, from pdsa.org.uk says: “Younger, older or unwell dogs should not be left for too long, while a healthy adult dog shouldn’t be left alone for more than four hours at a time.”

A reader thinks that the launch timing of the Switch 2 is very much to Nintendo’s benefit, given the current state of PS5 and Xbox.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) - One person is dead after a shooting in Augusta Saturday evening. The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office says at 6:10 p.m. deputies were dispatched to the 1900 block of Cooney Circle in reference to a gunshot victim. Upon deputies arrival, they located a male who had been shot at least one time in [...]

A TOP American water brand that was sold in major UK supermarkets including Tesco has now been discontinued.

US cult-favourite water brand Liquid Death has announced it will “temporarily pause” international expansion and focus on its domestic market.

The brand, which controversially showed children going bonkers after bingeing on its beer-like cans, is being pulled out of the UK after just two years.

Liquid Death went viral by only revealing that it was water, rather than booze or energy drinks, at the end of its adverts.

Last year it was valued at £1billion and had invested heavily in the UK, including sponsoring the heavy metal Download Festival.

A four-pack of cans cost £5.50 at Tesco

A spokesman told The Grocer: “Despite strong demand we are pausing international efforts since we no longer have production capabilities outside the US.”

The spokeswoman added that the brand was looking forward to “meeting the international demand in the future when our supply chain can support these efforts”, the outlet reports.

The US cult-favourite water brand had amassed a huge cult following.

This was achieved with the help of its beer can packaging, hilarious viral video content, and celebrity partnerships.

The brand has partnered up with the likes of skateboard legend Tony Hawk, notorious American chef Martha Stewart, and Jackass’s Steve-O.

Meanwhile, chocolate fanatics were left at a loss after a popular US snack was discontinued in the UK.

The brand has confirmed that their customers may miss the flavour but a new offering has been launched that “fans will love”.

Back in 2018, Flipz Pretzel Snacks unveiled their UK debut to include white and dark chocolate variants.

The brand has since expanded to include Cookies & Cream, Salted Caramel, and White Chocolate.

Ever since its release, the White Chocolate flavour has often been a hit with shoppers with many commenting on social media.

Those hoping to nab the White Chocolate Pretzels may be saddened by the news that Flipz has confirmed the flavour will no longer be available in the UK.

PRINCE Harry got all wrapped up for Valentine’s Day.

The Duke of Sussex took part in a traditional blanket ceremony in Canada.

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Prince Harry takes part in a traditional blanket ceremony in Canada[/caption]

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Harry posed for pictures with members of the community[/caption]

He received the honour on a visit to the Tsleil-Waututh Nation in British Columbia.

The sacred gesture symbolises protection and respect.

Harry, 40, said that he had been “profoundly moved” by the experience.

He posed for pictures with members of the community.

He also stopped at a daycare centre to spend time with youth ambassadors.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex later released a joint statement describing the visit as “special”.

Harry is in Canada for his Invictus Games for wounded veterans.

Wife Meghan, 43, has returned to their kids in ­California.

She posted a ­picture online of son Archie, five, and daughter Lilibet, three, making cakes.

NETFLIX will host their BAFTA afterparty at swanky hotel The Twenty Two after original venue Chiltern Firehouse burnt down.

Organisers of the coveted bash scrambled to book the luxury location and are hoping to easily transfer everything they had already set up.

Andrew Styczynski

Netflix will host their BAFTA afterparty at swanky hotel The Twenty Two after original venue Chiltern Firehouse burnt down[/caption]

Andrew Styczynski

A fire broke out on Friday evening at the Chiltern Firehouse hotel which is popular with A-listers[/caption]

The event was thrown into chaos when a fire broke out on Friday evening at the Chiltern Firehouse hotel, which is popular with A-listers including Sir Elton John and David Beckham.

More than 100 people were evacuated.

The two locations are just a 12 minute walk from one another in central London.

A source said: “Who could have thought that something so awful would happen at Chiltern.

“Netflix organisers were in shock but they acted quickly and managed to secure The Twenty Two.

“It’s close to Chiltern so they’re hoping they can transfer everything they had already set up quite easily. It’s a heroic effort by all involved.

“They still want to throw the best BAFTA after party, even if their original choice burnt down.”

Guests at the party will be served BAFTA themed margaritas, French 75s and a cocktail called Clair de Lune as well as Lindisfarne rock oysters.

The Twenty Two is described as “a luxurious haven blending cultural elegance with timeless charm in London and New York.”

Set in a storied Edwardian manor on Grosvenor Square, it adds that it is “a cultural space dedicated to the art of lingering.”

It boasts 31 rooms with marble bathrooms and stand-alone baths starting at £515 a night as well as a private members club for those who “delight in the discreet”.

Celebrities previously spotted at the hotel include Jeff Bezos, Tom Cruise, Kylie Jenner, Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss.

Actresses Selena Gomez, 32, and Zoe Saldana, 46, had been among those set to check in to Chiltern Firehouse – and are now expected to stay at The Twenty Two.

Speaking about the fire that engulfed the hotel, a Firehouse worker said: “Every floor has been destroyed. There’s no roof left, it has basically collapsed in on itself. Only the ground floor is still somewhat intact.

“We’ve heard it will be at least a year before we can even think about opening again.”

Yesterday the street remained wet and littered with debris from the blaze, as crews continued to inspect the damage.

The London Fire Brigade said the blaze started in ducting and spread through the four-storey building.

The roof and third floor were destroyed, while around half of the second floor and a small part of the ground floor were damaged.

One shaken guest said: “I stepped outside and saw thick black smoke pouring out of the windows.

“It was like a disaster movie.”

A local business owner added: “It was really chaotic and scary. The whole day was just a blur. The stress just stank of smoke.

“We could see firefighters kicking down the doors of some of the residences.”

Assistant Commissioner Paul McCourt said: “Crews worked hard over a number of hours in arduous conditions in a complex and historically significant building.

“Firefighters successfully contained the fire to one property, preventing it from spreading to neighbouring properties.

“The cause of the fire is under investigation.”

YOU can save a lot of dough by making your own loaf.

And with Real Bread Week under way, here’s all you need to know to give it a go.

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Find out how to save a lot of dough by making your own loaf of bread[/caption]

FLOUR POWER: You can make a satisfying loaf with the most basic ingredients.

Strong bread flour, fast-acting yeast and a little salt are the essentials. To find out how to make a simple loaf, head to the Real Bread Campaign, sustainweb.org.

Along with the ingredients, you need a generous dose of patience, as even the most straightforward loaf can take up to half a day to prove.

EASY SPEEDY: You can still enjoy a fresh slice if you’re tight for time. It is easy to turn around a loaf of soda bread in around 45 minutes.

You just need to mix 350g plain flour, a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda and a teaspoon of salt.

Add a 285ml tub of buttermilk (or use plain yoghurt instead) and mix to make a dough.

Shape into a loaf, make a deep cross almost all the way through the middle and bake on a floured baking tray for around 30 minutes at 170C.

FLAT BREAD: It’s easy to impress with homemade flatbreads, to serve with dips and curries.

Knead together 350g self-raising flour, a teaspoon of baking powder and 350g natural yoghurt. Divide your mixture into six pieces and flatten with a rolling pin until just a few millimetres thick.

Fry in a hot pan for a few minutes on each side.

OH CRUMBS: We throw away 24 million slices of bread a day.

Use your loaf to create a huge range of delicious dishes from leftovers, from treacle tart to bread and butter pudding, as well as creating crunchy croutons and soothing bread sauce.

Use breadcrumbs to coat chicken or fish, dipped first in flour then beaten eggs, or sprinkle them with cheese to give pasta bakes an instant upgrade.

• All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability

Deal of the day

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This HP 14in Chromebook is reduced at ao.com[/caption]

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Cheap treat

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Try the Street wireless headphones from panasonic.co.uk for £32.99[/caption]

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Shop & save

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Grab a ten-pack of Birds Eye Omega 3 fish fingers for £1.45[/caption]

FOR an easy mealtime win, a ten-pack of Birds Eye Omega 3 fish fingers is down from £3 to £1.45 with a Tesco Clubcard.

SAVE: £1.55

Hot right now

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Head to Morrisons cafes for a stack of eight pancakes[/caption]

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FOUR out of ten couples have tried shower sex but it put a dampener on things for half.

Slips, bumps, scalds or twinges meant their lathery loving was a washout, researchers found.

Their poll found that 28 per cent of those who had tried the bathroom bonking said they had hurt their back in the throes of shower seduction.

Twenty per cent had slipped, 15 per cent suffered a bruise, while getting the water temperature right was a problem for nine per cent.

Five per cent got soap suds in their eyes.

Dating site illicitencounters.com polled 2,000 of its members.

The website’s ­Jessica Leoni said: “Sex in the shower is on everybody’s fantasy bucket list.

“But it’s a bit like sex on the beach.

“It can get tricky when passions run high and you find yourself grappling with slippery surfaces.”

She added: “Proceed with caution, invest in a non-slip mat.

“And maybe keep the more ambitious moves for drier ground.”

A US clothing giant is set to open 10 new high street stores in the UK this year.

The Ohio-headquartered retailer currently has 10 British stores and employs around 100 people at its London head office.

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Abercrombie & Fitch is considering opening ‘between eight and ten new stores’ in the UK this year[/caption]

It is understood Abercrombie & Fitch is planning to open “between eight and 10 new stores” in the UK this year, including a location on London’s Kensington High Street.

The lifestyle retailer is looking at both new high street and shopping centre locations for its upcoming stores, the company’s EMEA managing director Scott Clarke-Bryan told Drapers.

Abercrombie & Fitch, which also owns Hollister, opened the doors to its two latest London sites less than a month ago.

New stores on Oxford Street, near Bond Street station, and Long Acre, in Covent Garden, welcomed shoppers for the first time on January 31.

The chain also currently has stores on Edinburgh’s George Street, London’s Carnaby Street, and shops in Battersea Power Station, Westfield London, and Manchester’s Trafford Centre.

This is alongside outlets in both Ashford, Kent, and Cheshire Oaks in the Wirral.

Scott said: “We will accelerate our store expansion this year.

“We want to be in the very best locations [and] we are really excited that we’ll be coming to Kensington High Street.”

Outside the UK, the chain is also looking to expand its presence in Germany, where it currently has five stores.

The Middle East is also a target, with the retailer operating two locations in Kuwait, six in the UAE, two in Qatar, and four in Saudi Arabia at present.

This comes as its subsidiary Hollister announced late last month that its only store in Aberdeen, Scotland, would close in February.

The shop, located in Union Square, was the first site for the brand in Scotland when it opened in 2010.

However, the store, which occupies the ground floor unit will soon disappear.

The closure is set to take place at the end of February, but an exact date is yet to be confirmed.

A spokesperson for Abercrombie & Fitch, said: “We can confirm we will be closing our Union Square Hollister store at the end of February.

“We believe stores matter and we are exploring new store opportunities in the UK, including in Aberdeen, to provide a great shopping experience for our customers.”

Hollister’s nearest outlet is located at the popular Braehead Shopping Centre, in Glasgow.

With the closure of the unit in Aberdeen, there are only three remaining stores across the country.

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The retailer confirmed one of the new stores will be on Kensington High Street in London[/caption]

FOODIES are rushing to Tesco to buy a new ice cream flavour that fans claim is beter than Biscoff.

The retailer is selling 900ml tubs of Caramelised Biscuit Ice Cream for just £2.50.

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Foodies are rushing to Tesco to buy the new Caramelised Biscuit Ice Cream flavour[/caption]

The treat dessert has beenm described as “Sweet and Crunchy” that conmes with toffee sauce and topped with a caramelised biscuit crumb.

Shoppers have expressed their excitement at the new release from Tesco.

A post on Facebook group Food Finds UK read: “NEW CARAMELISED BISCUIT ICE CREAM spotted in TESCO!!”

One fellow shopper commented: “That looks great!”

Another customer said: “Need to get this.”

It comes after  a new Reese’s Peanut Butter ice-cream was spotted at Tesco.

The American chocolate, which features milk chocolate and peanut butter, comes in many forms but now it appears it is expanding its frozen range.

One eagle-eyed customer shared the news on social media that the tubs are available to buy at Tesco.

Writing in a social media post they said: “This tub is incredible.

“Smooth and creamy Reese’s peanut butter ice cream with loads of chocolate pieces throughout the tub, tastes like pure Reese’s goodness. Now available at Tesco.”

Meanwhile, Morrisons is sending shoppers into a frenzy with a jaw-dropping ice cream deal that’s too sweet to miss.

The supermarket has slashed the price of Ben & Jerry’s tubs to just £1 — a massive 81% off the usual £5.50 price tag.

It comes after shoppers have also rushed to Morrisons to get their hands on a viral “Dubai chocolate” cake bar.

The supermarket has dropped an exciting new pistachio product as the food trend sweeps the internet.

Some shoppers have snapped up bars of Pistachio Kunafa Dubai Chocolate cake.