Pet, pet, and pet!

Your Dog And Your BBQ Events

2011-07-15T19:58:00.002+07:00

It's summer time and with it comes celebration. We always enjoy a good barbeque, and so can our canine friend. Visitors come over for the celebration and everyone enjoys a good meal. There are some dangers that you need to help your pup avoid though.

Always make sure the gates are closed.

Your yard needs to be secured so that your pup doesn't escape into the wilderness of the world. Make sure that all the gates are closed, and your pup is safe. As you begin to cook, keep in mind that matches and other items should be kept away from your pup. Matches may seem harmless in the paws of a dog, but they contain phosphorous which is deadly to them. Once lit, the grille will be hot and boiling grease will likely drip down.

Burns are another great danger.

Keep your pup away from this. They may smell the grease and want a taste, leading to burns as the hot liquid drips down onto them. Also be sure to keep any trash out of your pup's reach. Bones and plastic utensils can hurt a dog's insides, so be sure your canine friend does not have access to your garbage.

Harmful foods

As you enjoy your meal, it will be hard to keep your pup under control. They smell that good food, and can't always help themselves to want it. Inform your visitors not to feed your pup, as greasy and spicy foods can build up in their pancreas and may lead to an inflammation. Other foods to be very weary of are onions, avocados, grapes and raisins. These are very toxic for a dog, and you may end up at the vet's office. Most of all, don't give your pup alcohol. It may seem funny, but it is very bad for them. The alcohol can hurt their respiratory system and dehydrate them. Treat your pup like your child, keep an eye on them, and don't let them get into mischief.

Other dangers with common summer items

There are some other dangers that come with a cookout. Things like bug-spray and other insect repellant should be kept out of reach. This is especially true for candles that give off repelling fumes. Fireworks are also a danger to your pup. They may get excited and pounce on them, and the noise can often hurt their sensitive ears. During the day, the summer sun can kiss your pups nose, so you might consider applying a dog formulated sunscreen to protect your pup. At night, glow-in-the-dark jewelry is fun for the kids just don't let them leave it around for your pup to chew on. The chemicals within are poisonous. Take care not to leave any other items around that your pup might happen into. With all the family and friends around, it can be tough to keep up with what gets left on the ground, or in a place where your pup can get to.

Having a great holiday is important, but be aware that your pup may find mischief. Keep an eye on them and don't leave anything dangerous where they can reach. They are clever animals, and enjoy spending time with you. By keeping your pup safe from dangers, you can ensure a safe and happy barbeque for you and your four-legged friend.

Grooming A Golden Retriever - Not A Chore But A Perfect Opportunity To Bond With Your Dog

2011-07-15T19:56:00.002+07:00

Golden Retrievers are a naturally beautiful breed of dogs, but that doesn't mean they don't need to be groomed. You have two choices for grooming a Golden Retriever: either go to a professional groomer or do it yourself. You might be a bit reluctant about doing the grooming yourself if this is the first dog you've ever owned. Most things you do for the first time, no matter what they are, can be a bit tricky. After doing something once, however, the task usually gets easier. Golden Retriever grooming works the same way.

You could always take your Golden to a professional groomer, but you'd be missing out on a great opportunity to bond with your pet. So, give grooming your dog yourself a try if you can. After you've done it a few times, you'll both enjoy your future grooming sessions because you'll be spending quality time together. And, it certainly beats watching all the negative news on TV!

Use a soft, gentle voice to talk to your dog while you're grooming, because it can calm and relax him. He'll come to look forward to your future grooming sessions together.

Brushing

Brush your Golden Retriever at least once or twice a week. He should be brushed at least that often because Golden Retrievers shed, and a weekly brushing can help keep his hair off your clothes. More importantly, you'll also want to brush him regularly in order to keep his beautiful golden coat gleaming and free of tangles and mats. However, the most important reason to brush him weekly is because it will help keep his skin and coat healthy by stimulating blood circulation.

Bathing

Golden Retrievers love water and they certainly love to swim. In fact, many of these dogs will jump into every pond or puddle they can. It might be a bit different, though, when you want to give your Golden a bath. He won't be afraid of the water itself, but he might be put off or even frightened by the bathtub, especially if it's his first bath. You can help him accept being in the tub by first putting him inside without adding any water. While he's inside the tub, give him a few treats and soothe him by praising him in a soft and gentle voice. Bring him out of the tub after a few minutes and give him plenty of treats and praise. Once he's used to the tub, add enough lukewarm water to get his feet wet. Repeat the process every day until he feels comfortable being inside the bathtub. After you're sure he's comfortable, you can start spraying his body with lukewarm water. Once again, praise and give your dog some treats. He's ready for his first bath when you're certain he's used to standing and being sprayed in the tub.

Nail Trimming

The most helpful thing you can do when you're trimming your Golden Retriever's nails is making sure he remains calm and still. It's essential to stop trimming before you reach the nail's "quick" - the black or reddish line running up the center of each nail. The quick is the living portion of the nail and if you cut into it, your dog will start bleeding and feel severe pain. Unfortunately, accidents do happen, and if you cut into the quick you can apply styptic powder or cornstarch to stop the bleeding.

Cleaning the Ears

You should also clean your Golden Retriever's ears on a regular basis. Because the ear canal stays moist, it can provide an environment where yeast and bacteria thrive. Ear mites and dirt can also get into your dog's ears, so you should check and clean them at least once every week.

These are the basic things that should be part of your grooming sessions. You can do some online research to learn even more about grooming a Golden Retriever.

Vibrating Dog Collar - Controlling Pets Effectively

2011-07-15T19:53:00.002+07:00

When you have a seemingly uncontrollable dog, a vibrating dog collar will truly come in handy. These collars are meant to train your dog without having to pour so much effort on it. These collars may come at a price, compared to ordinary collars, however, their prices are always worth the convenience that they bestow you.

A vibrating dog collar usually has a transmitter and receiver. The transmitter is the one that you use to send a small vibration to the dog. This vibration would then catch his attention. The receiver is found on the collar of the dog. Whenever your dog is misbehaving and you would like to correct the behavior, all you need to do is to press a few buttons and the dog would surely pay attention.

Some pet owners believe that getting a collar that has both vibration stimulation and a jolt would be the most ideal. Others however, believe that vibration is enough and that they consider the "mild jolts" as simply a means to hurt the pooch. While there may be some who really doubt on whether to use the electric stimulation or not, there are still a lot of owners who consider this method as a very effective one.

These collars come in varying stimulation levels. Depending on the manufacturer, there are collars that would have 8 levels. This allows you a good time as you choose the best level for your pooch. Some small dogs would react immediately to the lowest stimulation level, while there are dogs that would need to be stimulated at a much higher level.

Yes, the first part may require you to really extend your patience in trying to get the dog to understand and follow you. However, as soon as the dog gets the hang of it, disciplining the dog would now be very easy.

If your primary concern is your dog going out of your fence area and chase the friendly cat of your neighbor, then you could find a vibrating dog collar that creates a perimeter in your home. Once you have already trained your dog, you would be surprised that it would simply stay within your perimeter. It would just roam within your house, giving you peace of mind that it would not get itself into a vehicle accident.

So if you have a pet dog that does not listen to you, opt for a vibrating dog collar. It would create wonders when it comes to controlling the temperament of your pet.

Stop Excessive Meowing - Reasons That Cats Meow Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6229038

2011-05-05T14:06:00.001+07:00

If you are looking for a pet that will be silent or, at least, not make much noise you should look past getting a cat. While they are considered to be less noisy than a dog, they can create a lot of noise on their own and will meow more than some dogs will bark.

Cats meow to communicate. They do it to communicate with you, your family, or other animals. Some breeds of cat tend to enjoy communicating more than other breeds. Siamese, Manx, and American Wirehair are just some of the cat breeds that meow more than the average feline.

If you spend enough time around your kitty you might notice different sounds of meows. Different meows mean different things. Some reasons for a meow include hunger, thirst, interest in something, disinterest in something, discomfort, contentment, and other things. What constitutes excessive meowing? That is up to you to decide after taking into consideration the breed, health, and stress of your animal.

A cat that is being transitioned to a new home might meow a lot at first. One that is being moved indoors from an outdoor life or from indoors to outdoors will probably make more noise than normal. This should fade as your pet adjusts to the new living arrangement. During breeding season he or she is probably searching for a mate. Consider getting your feline spayed or neutered if he or she isn't already. Make sure that your kitten is getting enough food to eat and has access to fresh water to drink. If there are people showing up or leaving regularly, the meow could be a greeting or a "goodbye." Older cats, sometimes, meow more because of health issues. Some of these issues are normal problems of aging and some require professional assistance. If you suspect this to be the case contact a qualified veterinarian.

Don't rule out that your pet cat might just be trying to get attention from someone. If this is the case continue to ignore your pets requests. If you give attention of any kind in return for meowing you are, only, going to get more meowing. This is assuming that your cat gets attention from someone at some times. If no one is paying any attention to him or her I urge you to consider finding another home for your feline. One thing to remember is to never use punishment to try to alter a pets behavior. Punishment and negative rewards will only get you more negative behavior.

Is It Possible to Tame Feral Cats?

2011-05-05T13:56:00.001+07:00

For our fellow readers who are not familiar with the term "feral", when referring to cats and other domestic animals, the word is used to describe plants and animals who where grown domestically and where later taken or abandoned in the wild. As cruel and inhumane as this may sound, it does happen, and there is even a word in the dictionary to label these creatures. There is a slight difference between feral cats and stray cats, in the sense that stray cats may just be a result of neglect and irresponsibility and could probably be taken into a home once again. Feral cats on the other hand may have been born in the wild to savage creatures with little to no interaction with human beings. These animals are much more difficult to tame and may even be dangerous.

Because of their wild nature, feral cats have very little room in the human world. The fact that they are so difficult to tame denies them the option of becoming household pets. Society has come up with alternative solutions to deal with feral cats. One of them is the creation of animal caring organizations that dedicate themselves to locating these animals, organizing their capture and confinement. Once in captivity, feral cats are neutered and spayed, and then taken back to their original habitat. Some of these pet caring institutions even go as far as providing food to these animals once they have been released in nature.

It is likely that you may have been able to catch a glimpse of a feral cat around your neighborhood. These animals can be found in just about any location you can think off. Usually, they would be around public areas like parks, alley ways, farms and similar places where they are likely to find some leftover food in the garbage. You would notice a rather shy or cautious behavior pattern, and you would have a very hard time trying to catch one.

Feral cats are usually divided into three categories, in order to ascertain the level of difficulty involved when trying to tame them. Depending on the amount of contact that a feral cat has been able to maintain with a human being, they would either be total, semi or converted feral. Little interaction with humans is the primary reason why these animals cannot be tamed. However, perhaps a trainer would take his chances with a semi feral creature, as opposed to a total feral cat.

A total feral cat, or a cat who has been on it's own for years with no human contact, is likely to have crossed the line to the point of no return. These animals have grown accustomed to living on their instinct, with little or no human contact over a long period of time. A trainer would have a better chance of domesticating a converted feral, or a creature that was once a domestic animal but was abandoned in the wild. Since these cats lived a life as a pet at some point in the past, it is not as hard to bring back this behavior. It will take a considerable amount of time and effort to tame, especially when it comes to making the cat behave with love and affection once again.

If you take it upon yourself to tame a feral cat, remember some of these animals simply cannot be tamed. Take the necessary safety precautions in order to avoid an attack, remember these animals will defend themselves instinctively. Seek professional help, perhaps a trainer or your veterinarian can give you a few tips. But all these words of cautions aside, adopting and taming a feral cat will surely offer the rewards of friendship and the bond of love between yourself and a creature you rescued from the wild.

Can I Keep a Hedgehog As a Pet?

2011-02-02T23:09:00.002+07:00

Hedgehogs are cute little creatures, their faces very appealing. Of course, they have spines too so they aren't exactly great for petting or stroking, but they certainly aren't dangerous like porcupines either.

Legal:
First off, let me stress that in most countries it is illegal to keep a wild hedgehogs as a pet, and many are considered to be endangered species. The wild variety are not tamed either, and you shouldn't attempt to pet or approach one. Many people do have hedgehogs as pets though - these are specially bred species called African Pygmy hedgehogs, are actually a genetic blend of many different smaller hedgehogs than the typical wild variety. From a young age they are handled so as to be tame.

Size:
Typical pet hedgehogs of the African Pygmy variety are around 20cm in length. When relaxed, the "quills" or spines of the hedgehogs are quite safe to touch, and will only erect if the hedgehog feels it is in danger somehow.

Choosing Your Pet:
When you go to choose your potential hedgehog, take time to carefully handle it and ensure it is tame. You may also feel a certain connection with one. Make sure the nose and eyes are clear of disease or blockage, and that it isn't overly obese or skinny.

First Steps:
When you get it home (use a cardboard box for transport with a towel at the bottom for comfort), make sure you have a cage or larger box for a few days until it is comfortable with the new environment.

After a few days to acclimatize itself, you should be able to pick it up. Don;t be discouraged if it rolls defensively into a ball at first, it may take a while longer until it is used to you personally. If you continue to hold it, it will naturally sense there is no danger and will relax before exploring your hands, and you.

Ideally you will have a cage to keep the animal in, at least a rabbit hut size. It will need a small nesting box to hide in, and a litter box that is kept away from the food and water.

Food:
Hedgehogs are known as "insectivores" which means, you guessed it - they like to eat insects. You should feed a balanced diet of various insects, pet food that is clearly marked as for hedgehogs, and small amounts of fruit. Your local pet store should be able to help you out with all these.

Primates As Pets

2011-02-02T23:05:00.002+07:00

Many people have a soft spot for baby monkeys. Just one look into their oversized brown eyes and a glance over their mess of fur can disable even the hardest heart. Over the years, Hollywood has even contributed to the idea that primates can coexist with humans as pets and even friends but the reality is monkeys are still wild animals and most of the time, they are unfit to live in suburban homes as pets. Those cute, innocent baby monkeys mature sexually between 18-24 months and can often turn violent or aggressive with his or her owner and visitors.

There are rare cases where primates work well as pets but because of how unpredictable they can be, it is important to understand what exactly one is getting into when adopting a primate as a pet.

Problems with Primates as Pets

Primates can live between 20 and 40 years and need a great amount of attention from humans. Some can even develop social behavior problems if they don't get enough attention. It is important to remember:

Monkeys need a lot of attention and don't take to new people very well
Primates can be very expensive to care for
Monkeys are illegal in many states
Babies turn in to adults quickly and can turn aggressive
Primates can pass many diseases to humans
Many cannot be efficiently toilet trained and can be messy
Some will be destructive if they get bored
Above all you should remember that primates are wild animals and can resort to natural instincts in certain instances and can act violently. Taking care of a primate is a big commitment and should be treated as such.

Ferret Nation for Ferret Abode

2011-02-02T23:01:00.002+07:00

Your extraordinarily active ferret probably does a lot of moving about in the house, often meddling with your daily routine. There naturally would prop up situations where your ferret would be better off in a cage, like almost every other domestic animal, and be left to itself. Such cages, which can accommodate a considerable number of ferrets at the same time, will come in handy in ferret rescue organizations too.

If your imagination took you to a nation of ferrets, as the title deceptively suggests, you are deeply mistaken. Ferret nation is a brand of cages for ferrets, obviously used to cage ferrets, when you do not want them running around the house, or to pet them in ferret rescue services.

There are a large number of requirements you would want to put forward when you plan to buy one. Primarily, you want it to be easy to maintain and keep clean, with the least effort. You would also prefer a cage which can expand its size with the arrival of more ferrets. You would want it to be adequately spacious. You would also like it if the cage is movable, so that you can shift your ferret's abode when you are required to.

Ferret nation you look for in a ferret cage is available in Ferret nation. Ferrets cages are by no means any lesser smelly realizes the needs of a ferret owner, and the tiny animal's wants as well, and hence all that or dirty than other pet cages, and Ferret nation comes with doors that open into the cage, which lets you easily clean every nook and corner of the cage. They are less cramped as opposed to most other cages.

The assemblage of the cage is effortless, too, and is recognized as one of the best features of the brand. The hemmer tone finish makes sure that the cage remains intact, even if your furry pet takes it to be a urinal. It doesn't rust, has storage place for you to store its food, toys, etc. The latching mechanism makes it impossible for your ferret to let itself out when it is in the mood for a bit of adventure, Safe, secure, and trouble-free, to sum it all up.

How to Properly Handle the Feeding of a Pregnant Dog

2011-02-01T10:34:00.002+07:00

Our canine friends require a variety of essential nutrients in order to maintain a good health and live a happy life. If you are the owner of a pregnant dog, then proper nutrition and a balanced diet are even more important. You want your dog to get through the pregnancy without any complications along with some healthy and strong puppies. So how do you properly handle feeding a pregnant dog?

A pregnancy in dogs typically lasts for around 63 days or nine weeks. It isn't uncommon for the dog to experience fluctuations in its appetite; the amount of fluctuations is dependent on how far along in the pregnancy she is. During the first two weeks, she will probably experience nausea which will definitely have an impact on her appetite so be aware of that. You'll begin to notice her gaining additional weight and eating more food around the second stage of its pregnancy. Finally, she will refuse to eat altogether a day or two before giving birth. Contact your veterinarian if she doesn't to eat for more than two consecutive days.

One fact to always remember though is that a pregnant dog will know exactly the amount of food she should eat. My advice is to free feed your dog during this period. You want her to get the right amount of calories and nutrition so it is always better to be safe than sorry. Plus, if you don't feed her the correct amount of food, it can negatively affect the puppies as well as your dog.

Try to feed the mother a good quality dog food intended for adult dogs during the initial six weeks of the pregnancy. If your dog is already following a balanced diet and exercise regiment, it is perfectly ok to stick with that then. However, if you have any concerns or questions, talk to your veterinarian about other options. They can recommend a different type of diet if they feel as though your dog has needs which aren't being met by its current diet.

During the final stage of her pregnancy, your dog should begin a different diet. This is because her puppies will grow at a quicker rate inside the womb during these last few weeks. Make sure her new diet contains more calories; try little by little switching to a puppy food, which will have the needed nutrients for the growing puppies. Try to keep her on this high calorie diet until after the puppies are delivered and the lactation period is over. As always, check with your veterinarian to if you need any advice on a favorable puppy food.

Best Dogs for Children

2011-02-01T10:22:00.002+07:00

In this fast-paced era where ever-busy parents find it really difficult to spend lot of time with children and entertain them, pets are great companions who can keep your child engaged tirelessly for long hours. Pets teach children about compassion toward other being.

Dogs have been domesticated for centuries together; hence many breeds are quite friendly with humans. However, parents should be careful while choosing the breed depending upon the age of the children. For example, large dog breeds like Mastiff or Great Dane are not suitable if you have infants or very small children at home. Similarly, very small breeds like Shitzu, Pekinese or Chihuahuas may find it difficult to cope up with hyperactive kids.

Some of the recommended dog breeds are as follows:

• Collies are suitable for almost all age groups. They are friendly and can be groomed easily.
• Golden retrievers are very gentle with children and are tolerant to all their naughty antics.
• Beagles are one of the most social breeds but they do not like to be disturbed when they have their food.
• Poodles are loving, loyal and trustworthy breeds as long as they are not mishandled.
• Newfoundland breed is suitable for children regardless of their age. These dogs are tolerant and protective about their owners.
• St. Bernard is advisable for older children due to its large size. However, they are gentle and extremely protective if well trained.
• Basset Hounds are gentle dogs who get along really well with children who know how to handle them well.

The Effectiveness of Live Rock in Reef Aquariums

2011-01-29T22:22:00.001+07:00

Live rock is not just a decoration for reef aquariums but can be an extremely useful addition to saltwater systems. It is collected from the vicinity of a coral reef and consists mostly of aged coral rubble (branches or masses of reef-building coral skeletons) of varying sizes. It varies in quality depending on location from which it was collected. The surface of the rock is often brilliantly colored with calcareous algae, macroalgae, sponges, and even small corals. Burrowing organisms such as worms and crustaceans create a labyrinth of caves and tunnels through the rock, often giving it a very porous nature. On the exterior of the rock and in the open pores where water circulation makes oxygen available, aerobic nitrifying bacteria can be found in large numbers. These bacteria perform the nitrification that is present in virtually any biological filter. An interesting benefit to live rock is that it also harbors live anaerobic denitrifying bacteria in its deep recesses that break down nitrate molecules.

Live rock is an excellent addition to the sump of a central water system. At times I have relied solely upon it to filter the water in my aquarium. It is best, however, to rely on live rock as an enhanced source of natural filtration. The bottom of the sump can be covered with cured live rock that is void of organisms that require high light levels. Room light is usually enough to keep certain algae species alive, but a fluorescent light can improve the growth of these plants and also the nitrification of wastes. Live rock is not without disadvantages. The burrowing organisms within the rock secrete waste and when packed tightly together drastically reduce flow rates through the rock. Over time nitrogenous wastes can build up in crevices of the rock. Weekly or monthly purging of the rock will keep these wastes from becoming harmful.

Live rock should not be added directly to broodstock aquariums, as many demersal spawners will place their eggs on or within the rock. For species such as dottybacks, whose eggs must be removed for hatching, the rock makes this task extremely difficult. Gobies will find the tiniest of holes to spawn in, and removal of the fish or the spawn becomes a daunting task.

Macroalgae Filters in Saltwater Aquariums

2011-01-29T22:20:00.000+07:00

Much debate and alarm have been raised about the destruction of wetlands, mangrove forests, seagrass beds and saltmarshes. These habitats are vital to the survival of coral reefs. Terrestrial waste products leach into ground water where they eventually reach the shoreline. As the water trickles past the roots and leaves of these plants, most of the waste products such as nitrates and phosphates are stripped from the water. This concept can be used to filter aquarium water as well.

Many plant filters have been created for use in freshwater aquariums. There is no single-best design for these filters, but the concept is simple. Plants are to grow either fully submerged in the sump (aquatic species) or propped up so their roots penetrate the water's surface and strip ammonia, nitrogen, phosphates and other toxins from the water. Freshwater tanks are easily filtered with a great variety of plants. Fitting a marine aquarium with a plant filter is more difficult, since relatively few plants can tolerate sea-water. There are a few plant candidates for such filters that may or may not be suited to every marine enthusiast. These filters require a lot of space and may not fit in a small fish room.

These natural filters should not be the sole means of filtration, but are worth the time to set up. The easiest way to benefit from plants is to place a handful of Caulerpa or Chaetomorpha in the sump over some live rock, give it some light and allow it to flourish. These aquatic macroalgaes rapidly if supplied with the right conditions. The faster the plants are allowed to grow, the more waste products they will remove from the water. Frequent pruning will ensure waste removal and facilitate new growth. More elaborate systems can be set up, but simplicity of maintenance is a key issue in selection. Algae turf scrubbers remove ammonia, nitrates and phosphates, but are not easy to acquire and can be difficult to maintain.

Caution should be taken with plant filters as pH and dissolved oxygen levels may be drastically altered by the addition of a mass of photosynthesizing plants. Drastic changes can be prevented with a timer to light plants only at night or when the aquariums are unlit.

Top 7 Aggressive Cichlids Commonly Known

2011-01-29T22:18:00.003+07:00

With the large number of cichlid breeds, it is just natural that there would be a few that will stand out. In the aggressive category, there are those that one would find to be more challenging to take care of. Aggressive cichlids are sometimes hard to handle especially for beginners. However, cichlids enthusiasts are also interested in them probably because of the challenge they pose.

According to cichlid forums, the aggressiveness of particular cichlid species might differ in given scenarios. But to give you an overview, here are some of the cichlid breeds that are considered to be the kings of their tanks.

1. Nandopsis beani
Nandopsis beani has consistently been included in the most aggressive cichlids lists by expert keepers. There are a lot of comments that these cichlids are really one of the toughest of them all. Most experts are also one with saying that they should not be mixed with other fish species.

2. Telmatochromis Dhonti
Other than its 6-inch size, the Telmatochromis Dhonti is also making waves when it comes to the aggressive department. This particular cichlid specie is said to have strong jaws that makes it easy for them to tear down its opponent. It's also a bad idea mixing them with other aggressive cichlids unless you want to see them squabble.

3. Neolamprologus Christyi There have been a lot of remarks regarding Neolamprologus Christyi. Everything seem to point out that this cichlid specie is not something to mess up with. Size does matter with this 7-inch bully as it can really pick on other smaller fishes. Neolamprologus Christyi can also take on the equally competitive Telmatochromis Dhonti.

4. Tilapia buttikofferi
Tilapia buttikofferi may be underrated because it takes an expert to know that they are really aggressive. Some see this cichlid breed as easier to handle because their competitiveness subside when they are placed in a large tank. However, most enthusiasts agree that it won't be a good idea to put them with other aggressive fishes since they aren't tolerant of bullying.

5. Amphilophus festae
This cichlid type is known for its nasty temper. They are believed to be milder than their relative like Nandopsis haitiensis but they aren't too friendly either. Their temper becomes more challenging to handle when they reach their mature phase.

6. Amphilophus labiatus
This cichlid specie has earned the respect of most cichlids keepers. Common comments center on it being nasty and short-tempered. These cichlids would require a lot of attention especially if you plan on mixing them with other tank-dwellers who are not as aggressive.

7. Crenicichla strigata
It might be vicious to have this cichlid type in your tank if you have other fishes around. Crenicichla strigata has the power to kill its competitor with great ease. Its natural domineering qualities would have your other fishes bidding goodbye one by one.

Fish keepers should respect that cichlids have their own personalities too. There might be general information about them but it is still best to observe their attitude closely. After all, your pets very well deserve your attention.

How to Keep Your Koi Fish Pond Clear

2011-01-29T22:16:00.000+07:00

One of the most asked questions I get from people who own Koi ponds, is "how to you keep your Koi pond so clear"? The very first thing that I ask them is how many fish do you have in your pond and how what is the size of your pond. Keeping a pond clear is really a many step process. I have listed a few suggestions below.

First you must keep your fish waste to a minimum using the rule of thumb that one 12 inch Koi per 100 gallons of water. Most people always have more fish than their pond can handle waste. The only other way that you can alleviate this problem is to make sure your pond has a bottom drain system. This means your pump is outside of the pond. A good bottom drain system will increase the flow of water which will cycle your water more per hour.

Another important part of the pond system is your filtration. Without good filtration the waste you pick up by your pump can end up right back in your pond. I am an advocate of bigger is better, and that is also true for your pond. Next time you visit your local pond store look at the pond filters; you will see 500, 750, 1000, meaning gallons of water they can handle. Why not purchase a pond filtration system that will handle 500 gallons more than the water in your pond. However, you always want to match your pump to the filter system you buy.

Now I am going to let you in on a little secret. I use a multi-stage filtration system and in the second to last stage I use lava rock. Lava rock is great for filtering out very small particles that may get by your mesh filters, thus making your pond even clearer! But, that is not my secret; my real secret is alfalfa. If you place a tightly woven amount of alfalfa into your Koi pond, you will be amazed of how it reacts to break down waste. I even have a small ball of alfalfa in my filter box.

Using these few ideas above you should be able to maintain a wonderful environment for your Koi fish. Now you know how to keep your Koi pond clean with healthy fish that you can enjoy for many years to come. This is how I learned about pond maintenance from other people who also want to enjoy their garden pond. Feel free to explore my other resources at my website listed below.

What To Consider When Buying a 100 Gallon Aquarium

2011-01-29T22:12:00.000+07:00

When planning to buy a 100 gallon aquarium tank, whether you are keeping one just for fun, appearance, or for commercial reasons, you need to be sure to understand how to maintain it. Appropriate maintenance of a 100 gallon aquarium will guarantee a healthy surrounding for the pet fish and live rock to live in it. Before making the decision to buy a 100 gallon aquarium, here are various points that need to be kept in mind:

When you look online, there are lots of different sorts of 100 gallon aquarium tanks to choose from. Not only do they appear in a wide range of prices, but they're not manufactured from only glass nowadays.

The Construction

The more old fashioned types of 100 gallon tanks is going to have a metal framework which helps to to keep the sheets of glass that help to make the fish tank bond together. Usually, the metal structural part for these sorts of tanks are composed of either of angle steel or chrome steel, which are glued together at the corners of the frame and the glass will then position into it. As a way to prevent water from seeping out of the aquarium fish tank, a putty aquarium tank substance is used around the 4 corners of the glass and the metal construction. Even so, if these aquariums are not set on a even spot then the shape can begin to contract and might end up in the glass shattering. Occasionally the construction of a 100 gallon aquarium tank can be manufactured from wood, and generally plywood is chosen because it is less likely to burst apart if it interacts water.

Resources Used Today

Nowadays, most 100 gallon fish tanks are being constructed from acrylic substance. Most of these tanks built from this material may cost more in a few situations depending on other suppliers, but they weigh less than glass constructed aquariums and are less likely to break.

Yorkshire Terrier Puppies Health

2011-01-27T19:20:00.002+07:00

Yorkshire Terrier is a favourite dog of many people because it is an apartment dog. Some dogs do not even go out for a walk and their owners teach them to use a box. To keep your dog healthy you can play fetch games with it.

Yorkie puppies like attracting attention because they are sociable dogs. They can get irritated when playing with children because they are afraid to be hurt. Due to the fact that Yorkie puppies are of a small size, they get injuries often. Make sure that you do not treat this small dog like a toy, do not squeeze and poke it.

So, if you decided to buy this dog, you should take care of it in a proper way. There are some important tips to be considered if you want that your puppy grows healthy. First of all, bear in mind, that a healthy puppy is a free puppy.

These small dogs have some health issues that fall into three groups. They are as the following: the first one is teeth problem, the second is problem with skin, the third one is digestive problem and the fourth is problem with their fragile bones. Make sure that your dog eats enough mineral supplements and vitamins. This is very important for them to stay healthy.

Teeth problem is a common problem of these dogs. Take into account that Yorkie puppies often have tooth decay. You can solve this problem if you pay attention to what your dog eats. Do not give it soft foods, because soft foods can cause infection diseases leading also to teeth decay. You can buy good hard foods. To avoid problems with teeth, you should brush them several times per week.

Vitamins A, D and Calcium are also vital for your Yorkie puppy. Vitamin A helps in development and strengthening of the immune system. Also, make sure that your dog consumes beta carotene. Vitamin D is useful for making teeth and bones of your puppy stronger.

And finally, Yorkshire puppies are known for having digestive problems. These dogs have a delicate digestive system. All these health problems can be avoided if you watch what food you give your puppy.

Is a Border Collie Right for Your Family?

2011-01-27T19:14:00.001+07:00

The Border Collie is a herding dog that has only been documented since the early 1800's. Originally, only classified as a sheep dog, in 1915, the Border Collie name was set in stone and breeding began in earnest. What separates the Border from other herding breeds is their stare. They have a hypnotic stare that seems to make the sheep go where the dog wants them to go and spooks them into action. They set their stance and stare at the sheep and identify what needs to be done. When they are on the move, they are fast and agile and have a lot of stamina. These dogs are fine tuned herding machines. With a few commands the shepherd can have his flock of sheep out of the pasture and into the pen in a very short period of time.

A few notable Collie traits are that of craving attention, high intelligence, high energy and a love of taking care of its flock. As a member of the herding breeds, they can be a bit verbose and nippy as they shuffle there little sheep around. Therefore, they are not recommended for really little children. Older kids that can command attention and work with the trained commands are great. The Border is a dog that will watch over their family members. They are good at recognizing possible threats and raising an alarm.

Border Collie's have to be trained. They can wreak havoc on the household if left unchecked. They need an outlet for all of their intelligence and energy and they need to understand what is and isn't appropriate in regards to those outlets. Luckily, they are easy to train and eager to please. Once the basic commands like sit, stay, come and no have been mastered, more complex commands can be taught. Border Collie's can perform very complex tasks. They respond to hand signals as well as verbal cues and these can be combined to create some really unique tricks.

As a house dog, the Border Collie needs to be exercised daily. Having a fenced in yard makes things easier. You can throw the ball, Frisbee, or any other toy and they will get it in a flash. You can also set up an agility course in the backyard and work on training them to your and your Collie's hearts content. The Border is a dog that excels at agility training. Ducking, weaving, jumping and following a course at their masters command makes them jump for joy. Agility training not only exercises the dog, but it creates an enduring bond with your Border Collie.

Overall the Border Collie can tolerate many conditions, from hot to cold, from apartment to home to farm (so long as they get plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation). They are relatively healthy. They do need to be brushed two or three times per week. They are a medium sized dog averaging 40 pounds. They have a life span of 10 to 14 years. So, now that you know more about the Collie, is it the right dog for you?

Tips for Buying Name Tags for Your Dog

2011-01-27T19:01:00.002+07:00

Whether you have an outside or inside dog, you want to do everything possible to ensure his comfort and safety. No doubt you've taken care of home measures, like putting toxic foods and other items out of reach, and allowing for easy entrance and exit from the home when nature calls. Your first instinct, too, is likely to have an identification tag engraved in the event your dog should get loose. It's natural to want to give an easy way for somebody to contact you in this case, but you should strongly consider what goes on that tag.

Is it wise, for example, to have your dog's name on the tag? You might think this is good in the event your dog is found - whoever finds your pet may strike up a rapport and make it easier to hold onto your pet until you arrive. On the other hand, if somebody with a darker purpose is able to pick up on your dog's name, your pet may easily be led astray. You may not wish to believe dogs can be stolen, but it is possible. Police often advise parents not to give their children clothing with their name on it because it gives kidnappers an advantage. The same goes for your pets.

On your dog's tag, the main elements should be your last name and phone number. If there's room, you can add the word "reward" to indicate you are willing to offer one for your dog's safe return. It's never a good idea to include an address on the tag, but if you are more accessible via e-mail you can use that.

When it comes to your dog's safety if it somehow ends up loose, a dog tag with only the pertinent information needed for its return can see that you are reunited with your four-footed friend.

How to Get Rid of Dog Dandruff

2011-01-27T18:45:00.001+07:00

Dogs can also acquire dandruff for some reasons. Dandruff can be caused by diet, hygiene or environment factors. Here are some tips on how you can maintain your dog dandruff-free:

Give regular baths

When giving your dog a bath, use warm water and a mild shampoo to massage thoroughly into his skin, and rinse very well. It is advisable that you give your dog a bath once a month during winter season, and twice a month during summer. Regular baths will wash away flakes before they clump up and become dandruff.

Use pet shampoo with sulfur or salicylic acid

You can also try using a pet shampoo containing sulfur or salicylic acid. This might work better than a regular mild shampoo. When giving your dog a bath, lather the shampoo thoroughly on his skin and leave for about 5 minutes, and then rinse well. Never use medicated shampoo of humans because it can cause serious harm to your dogs, as well as prevent from using shampoo that contain insecticide because it can cause dryness to the skin of your dog.

Oatmeal as natural oil or fats storage

Oatmeal has the ability to help store natural oils into the skin, causing it to have enough moisture preventing the formation of dandruff. You can use the oatmeal soap humans use to reduce dry skin and prevent flaking. It will surely help moisturize the skin of your dog.

Oil rinse

Oil rinse also helps store moisture into the skin. You can spray generous amount of oil rinse to your dog's coat, preventing to cause dry skin. This is very useful in a dry climate.

Moisturizing lotion or cream

For moisturizing purposes as well, you can use your moisturizing lotion or cream to your dog's coat to avoid dry skin and flaking.

Natural herbs

Natural herbs mixture can also be very effective on dogs. You can mix equal parts of arum triph, viola tri, comocladia and cina plus chamomillia. Apply generous amount and massage thoroughly into the skin of your dog once a day for 4 days to eliminate dandruff.

So You Think You Want a Sugar Glider?

2011-01-26T12:50:00.002+07:00

Sugar Gliders are not a craze or a fad, they are delicate and unusual pets that need extensive care, they can be very expensive and time consuming to keep.

They need a specialist diet, you cannot pop into your local pet shop to buy what they will need.

Oh yes, they look so cute, and sweet... and fluffy..., but don't be fooled! They are ferocious predators, in the wild they will easily catch small animals, they are natural born killers!

This gives you a clue that they can and will bite, they have very small, very sharp teeth as well as very strong little feet with claws. A forum I use calls them fluffy Cobras... sounds funny doesn't it? I mean, they are so sweet, so small and cuddly looking.. well trust me on this, Snuggie owners know exactly why they have this nickname, it is a very good description.

They are fast and furious and the noise they make will make you jump out of your skin.

If you are thinking of breeding these fascinating creatures, ask yourself why, then consider if anything upsets the parents they are quite likely to kill and eat their own Joeys. If their diet is wrong, again they are likely to turn cannibalistic.

Could you cope with that?

You think you could? Fine, how about their rather delightful toilet habits? They cannot control their bowel or bladder and will mess everywhere they go... and they can get to many places you couldn't.

They are aromatic little critters, they will wee all over you and rub their scent over everything, if you scrub and clean, they will simply scent mark all the more, a vicious circle.

Sugar Gliders are not for the squeamish

I've read of stories of owners sadly finding one of their much loved pets has died, if that wasn't horrible enough, these devastated owners have found their companions have eaten the eyes from their dead mate..

Not something you'd want your child to find one morning really is it?

Still reading?

They need a large cage, the bigger the better, they need time out of that cage for the essential poop spreading they are so good at, they also need plenty of toys and things to do, they are clever little things and easily get bored, so buy safe toys and change them often to keep them occupied, yes... more expense!

make sure the cage is secure, they are fantastic escape artists!

They love live insects and during feeding you'll see just how lightning fast they can be... amazing to watch, fairly gross when they take great pleasure in throwing bits of insect back at you.

They are nocturnal and have very delicate eyes, you cannot keep them in a brightly lit room, that would be very cruel... can you live in semi-darkness?

No bright TV's or fancy lights please, that's just nasty.

So you think you can handle all that? Yeah you think you want a Glider?

No, sorry again you are wrong, you cannot have a Glider, they are social animals that live in colonies, if you try and keep one, alone... it probably will die.

They need other Gliders, without company they are highly likely to self mutilate and die very quickly never ever consider keeping a Glider on it's own, that is selfish and cruel.

So we've got this far and you're still reading... that's good, however I am no expert and would highly recommend you reading and digesting all of the information you can get hold of.

Also make sure your local Vet knows about and can help you care for your Gliders.

Ferret Hammocks - Ideal Gift for Your Pet

2011-01-26T12:49:00.002+07:00

You must have read that ferrets are very social creatures and have a lot of energy and are always up to something. This is true, but it is applicable only when they are awake. The fact is that ferrets spend nearly 15-20 hours in a day sleeping. You want to give the best conditions for your pet so that it can sleep comfortably. A ferret hammock is a very good option in this regard. It is becoming very popular and fashionable too, nowadays, to have a hammock for your pet. This is a good trend, as far as your pet is concerned.

Need

In their natural habitats, ferrets reside in cozy, dark holes. Hammocks replicate these conditions inside the cage. They fit snugly around your pet keeping it comfortable and provide it warmth, but also ensure a good ventilation since they are open. Even while awake, your pet prefers to stick to darker places and the hammock thus becomes an ideal plaything too.

Choosing and buying

Choosing an appropriate hammock for your ferret is important. You can have a small sized one if you have just one ferret or a large one for many. Also they are available in different shapes, such as flat hammocks, boot-shaped hammocks etc. Choosing the right material for the lining of the hammock is essential to provide warmth to your pet. Fleece is a very good choice and is very much preferred nowadays.

You can buy a hammock for a pet store nearby which stocks them. This lets you personally test it. The second option that you have is to buy one over the internet. This lets you choose from a wide range of products. Also, the products are reviewed by many people and this gives you better idea of which one to pick. The third option is to make one on your own. This is a very easy task and also gives you the liberty to personalize the hammock.

Having a ferret hammock for your beloved pet is a very good idea, as it not only provides comfort to your pet when it is sleeping, but also acts as a plaything. All this, at a very economical price too.

Understanding Hamsters Cages And Supplies

2011-01-26T12:47:00.002+07:00

Regardless of the type of pet you plan to adopt, always be certain you have a unique home or habitat setup specifically for them, along with, all of the essential needs specific to the particular species, as a way to minimize the trauma and stress encountered when having to adjust to life in a brand new environment.

The first step before buying your pet, should be to determine which one of the various hamsters cages will be large enough to facilitate a healthy amount of activity, safe enough to prevent injury from falls or entanglement and should be easy to clean, thereby accommodating a regular schedule for hygiene and maintenance.

Substrate and bedding are important considerations, and should always include certain precautions. Wood shavings are commonly recommended and used by many pet owners, however hamsters should never be exposed to certain types of wood. Pine and cedar can cause respiratory and digestive problems for your little dwarf hamster, so it's a much safer option to insist on Aspen. An even better choice is the readily available paper and fiber-based bedding products available at most pet suppliers. Cotton nesting material is another old favorite that can cause problems when tangled around the toes. A better alternative, and much cheaper option will be to shred toilet paper or facial tissue and allow your hamster to utilize the safer material.

Always choose a high quality commercial food for your hamster pet. Food pellets typically offer a nutritionally balanced diet that's generally better than the loose mixtures of seeds and other dried components. Like most other animals, hamsters will pick out what they like and leave the rest, which unfortunately may not be the most nutritious portion.

Hamsters food dishes should be of a style that is difficult to turn over, thus spilling the contents all over the cage floor. A shallow stainless steel or ceramic material is preferred, since it's sturdy enough to resist damage from chewing and is of a material that is easily cleaned. A hanging water bottle, with a stainless steel leak proof spout is the most commonly utilized option for providing water to your hamster.

Hamsters love a hideaway to sleep and just hang out when in need of privacy, but most options are inconvenient because of issues dealing with destruction (chewing) or soiled, smelly and difficulty in cleaning. The most convenient and least expensive is a small cardboard box. Sure, they'll destroy it, but it can easily be replaced and most likely at zero cost. Additionally, a hamster wheel or hamster ball is an absolute necessity. The dwarf hamsters will most likely require the exercise ball for issues of escape and safety. And, of course you'll need a variety of items to chew on, to maintain their constantly growing teeth and climb up and down on and expend their high metabolic energy output.

And, a final note if you promise not to laugh, is a "hamster potty". Yeah, not too many people are familiar with this issue, but you can pick it up at some pet stores. The trick is to place it in the spot where you notice the majority of droppings in the hamsters cage and your little furry friend will make his deposits right in the little potty. All you have to do is empty it and refill it with hay or newspaper pellet-type of kitty litter. Wow, what'll they think of next?

Feeding Squirrels The Right Way

2011-01-26T12:43:00.001+07:00

Few people realize the importance of feeding squirrels a well balanced and nutritious diet. After all, they're only squirrels! Good squirrel nutrition is very important for some very logical reasons. There are people who love to hate squirrels, but squirrels play a very important role in our world. For those who take the time to observe them, squirrels can offer an endless supply of zany behavior that can bring a smile to your face and amaze you with their resolute ability to entertain. Squirrels also play a much larger role in the food chain.

As much as I love squirrels, the harsh reality is that squirrels are at the bottom of the food chain. The only thing lower is the occasional insect or grub worm that a squirrel will eat. Other animals depend on the squirrel to make up part of their diet. Therefore, it's vitally important that the squirrel population be as healthy as possible. This fact is becoming even more critical as more predatory animals expand their range. Here in Ohio, the coyote could only be found in our Zoos 20 years ago. Today, coyotes have a growing population in all 88 counties. This puts a tremendous strain on the rabbit and squirrels population, that is felt all the way up the food chain! Limited numbers of game animals, such as squirrels and rabbits, will limit the ability of hawks and eagles to thrive.

Good squirrel nutrition translates into good hawk and eagle nutrition. We live in a cause and effect world. If you spray toxins on the ground, rivers become polluted and fish die. People who eat only fast food often develope problems with obesity or heart disease. The same is true with feeding squirrels. If you feed them junk food, they do not stay healthy and they become an unhealthy food for other animals.

Squirrels are like little children in many ways. They will eat almost anything as long as it tastes good. Just because a squirrel like to eat something doesn't mean it's good for them. Two common items people tend to feed squirrels are field corn and peanuts. Neither of these items are natural foods for squirrels unless they happen to live by a corn field or a peanut farm. Both have very poor nutritional value for squirrels, yet both carry a very high possibility of poisoning the squirrel. When corn or peanuts get wet, they become an ideal medium for growing Aspergillus Flavus, or Aflatoxin. Aflatoxin is a carcinogenic, (cancer causing,) mycotoxin that will attack a squirrel's liver and kill them.

Squirrels are herbivores, which means that their diet should mainly consist of vegetables. To keep squirrels as healthy as possible, they should only eat high quality vegetables, seeds, nuts and small quantities of fruit. When squirrels are in the wild and away from humans, they will naturally seek out these items. The problem comes when they depend on humans for most of their daily diet. If humans feed them peanuts and corn only, it's equivalent to taking them to a fast food restaurant, with the distinct possibility of killing them. It becomes even more of a problem when one person tries to feed them right, while all their neighbors continue to feed them junk.

This problem is not insurmountable. There are now companies that specialize in Squirrel Nutrition! Some even provide you with easy and free recipes that make food and Squirrel supplements that squirrels really enjoy, yet provide the vital vegetables and nutrients that keep them tip top health. You only need to Google "Squirrel Nutrition," to find ways to start feeding your backyard friends the right way!

Peacock Cichlid Fish Tank Setup in Just Ten Steps

2011-01-25T15:23:00.002+07:00

Okay first is the inventory you will need to complete before getting started. Below you will find all the equipment you'll need get simple basic Cichlid fish tank up and functional.

Fish Tank Shopping List:
20 Gallon Aquarium
Aquarium gravel or sand
Aquarium filter
Replacement filters
Heater
Decorations (such as hardy plants, flower pots, mini caves and other structures)
Flat stones and limestone
Aquarium test kits to test water parameters and monitor the infamous aquarium nitrogen cycle
Cichlid fish food (consult with your pet store owner)
Aquarium vacuum
Net
Aquarium Glass Scrubber
5-gallon buckets
Plastic Strainer

STEP 1: Plan your set and maintenance

Setting up and maintain a successful Cichlid fish tank is not at all, with this easy to follow road map. All your effort will be very rewording. Don't get me wrong work is required to create this wonderful environment for you and your fish. It's very important task to keep your fish tank clean.

Get a calendar and mark out a plan of action for dates to clean your fish tank. This will make it easy to keep up with your tank cleaning schedule. Here is your maintenance plan; clean the glass, pump and filter once a week, or at most once every two weeks. Every month change at least 25 present of the tank water. Everyday add feed for your fish. You will also have to feed your fish at least once a day.

STEP 2: 20 gallon aquarium is best for the newbie Cichlid owner

Cichlid are aggressive, this size tank gives everyone a little room to room. It's to introduce a small group rather that a pair of fish. Here is where the decorations like plans, mini caves, stones and overturned pots can help with places for your Cichlids to hide and retrieve as they did in the wild.

STEP 3: What does location have to do with your fish tank?

Your number one goal is to keep your fish healthy and vibrant. Temperature plays a huge role in the overall health of your aquarium. It's extremely important you choose a location not exposed to any kind of heat sources especially direct sunlight. Avoid lights of any type that gives off heat of any kind sort.

Green algae will kill your fish, warm water produces algae, keeping your fish tank at the right temperature and again cleaning will minimize algae growth. Soap can also promote algae toxics, so do not use soap when cleaning.

Your 20 gallon tank will weigh about 200 pounds, so make sure the location will support the weight of the fish tank.

STEP 4: Aquarium and equipment purchase.

A couple of points to make sure you pay attention to when buying your equipment. Get details form someone at the store you buy all these items. The filter hast to handle the size tank and amount of water it will have to keep clean.

Make sure the heater will get the job done and is reliable. You should get a UPS unit with multiple outlets for all your electrical components. I recommend a UPS unit that will serve as a power source if the power goes out. Based on the type of UPS unit you get it will support your tank and equipment for up to 8 hours without power.

STEP 5: Aquarium stand and setup.

Remember no soap or any outer type of detergents. A good double wash and glass scrub before you put anything in the tank. If, you are using a stand as the platform of you aquarium, make sure to use the appropriate tools to tighten to manufacture's specs.

STEP 6: Everything gets washed!

Anything going into the tank permanently or temporally gets wash not just a mild rinsing I really mean washed. All, yes all plants live or fake, stones, gravel, pots, and parts of the filter that is exposed to the water. Again, I said everything that includes your hands. This step in short, be sure to wash everything thoroughly without soap or detergents that's it.

STEP 7: Fill the tank

After you placed your sand, stones, plants and decoration in the tank. Use tap water fill to recommend level. Some people like to use a bowl to break the flow of the water helping to keep things in place.

Let the aquarium stand for at least 24 hours. The tap water has chlorine and will dissipate overnight. Check the PH level to ensure the level are within scope.

STEP 8: Implementing equipment

Now take some time to read all instructions of the lamps, thermostat and water filter. It you never followed any instructions in your life. Follow the equipment instructions to install each device, because your Cichlid's life depends on your attention to details in the content of the equipment directions.

My two tips let the lamp and heater acclimate to the water temperature before you ever plug them in, let alone turning them on. Normal this can take about 20 to 30 minutes.

Now follow the instructions to install the tank filter. Now once everything setup.

STEP 9. Stabilization

Let stand one more 24 hour cycle. This will do two things. One ensures everything is working as advertised and guarantees the aquarium has stabilized. I know, but you have to wait just one a little longer before you add the fish.

STEP 10. Finally it time!

If, everything is in order, it's time to start introducing your fish to their new home. Add one or two fish at a time. Float the bags containing the fishes in the aquarium. This should be 5 to 10 minutes for each group. This gives the fish time to acclimate to the aquarium and gives your filtration system the time needed to take on the increased biological load that the new fish introduce.

Goldfish - One Fish With Many Different Varieties

2011-01-25T15:18:00.004+07:00

Goldfish - Different types available

The goldfish apparently has an identity crisis. It is a fish with a single name, but many guises, some as extreme as to suggest that they belong to another species.

The goldfish has very humble beginnings, with its first natural mutation simply being a change in its colour. It dropped its brown demeanour for a yellow finish, and endeared itself to those who had initially reared it for food.

What has emerged since from such chrysalis-like beginnings has been a string of varieties with wild permutations in colour, shape and form. Even though these varieties do not resemble each other, it is easy to be carried away into thinking these are different species. Not so. So packed with gems were first goldfishes' genetic treasure chests that hidden in such meager packaging were the many fancy varieties based on the same theme. Coming at it biologically, all of the varieties of goldfish can be successfully interbred to produce viable offspring, which will continue to amaze and confound in the sheer diversity of varieties produced.

Over the years, breeders have concentrated on producing different varieties of goldfish by changing any of the physical features. Whatever the goldfish's feature, it has probably been mutated to produce a different variety at one time or another. Eye shape and position, body colouration and scalation, body shape, fin size, shape and number have all been changed to produce a different variety of goldfish.

The different varieties of goldfish can be divided quite practically into two groups. Those that will live and thrive in a garden pond (including over wintering) and those that will not, and are best kept in an aquarium full time or brought in for the pond to overwinter inside. This latter group are referred to a fancy goldfish in the trade and will generally be displayed for sale in aquaria rather than open topped troughs and tanks.

1). Goldfish varieties safe for the pond.

There is a general rule of thumb in recognising whether a goldfish variety is suitable for a pond. If it resembles the overall typical shape of a goldfish, but shows differences in colour or even fin length, then it is likely to be hardy enough to tolerate UK winters and fast enough to compete for food in a pond.

Examples of these fish include:-

The common goldfish.
Typically a very evenly pigmented fish with short and sturdy fins and tail. Often available in a number of different colour variations where other colours such as white and black appear on top of the original golden colouration.

The Comet goldfish.
These have been bred for a long tail fin, which in larger specimens may be half the length of the whole body. Comets are rarely one colour, but will regularly display white and red patterns that are more pronounced when viewed from the top. Furthermore, the comet's colour is usually more red than gold.

Shubunkin.
Compared with the other previous goldfish varieties, the Shubunkin is extremely distinctive in its colouration, with much variation occurring between individual fish. Rather than being gold, Shubunkins are blue where the colour appears to come from beneath the scales rather than from above as in the traditional goldfish. The Shubunkin has a black and orange mottling set on the bluish 'mother of pearl' like background. I remember when I first saw Shubunkins, that I was put off because their imperfect and random patterning made them appear diseased!

2). The fancy gold fish.

These are more distant relatives of the goldfish and been selected to exhibit some extreme physical features. These fish are so in-bred that they lack the vigour of their distant relatives. They will not tolerate a British winter in a pond.

Examples of these fish include:

A. Orandas
When viewed from above, their double-tail looks like a butterfly. They can adopt a variety of colours, including calico, which resembles a Shubunkin.

B. Blackmoor
Similar in shape to an Oranda, this black fish has bulbous eyes that project from the head.

C. Lionheads
These have a development on their head similar to the mane of a male lion. They too have a twin tail, but lack a dorsal fin.

D. Bubble Eyes, Pom-Poms and Celestials
These are all fancy goldfish in the extreme. Where breeders have selected for wild variations in head and eye developments.

What To Do When Your Reef Tank Has A Bad Case of Cyanobacteria (Slime Algae) and Diatoms

2011-01-25T15:11:00.003+07:00

If you plan on keeping a saltwater aquarium for any amount of time, whether it is a reef tank or a fish-only with live rock tank (FOWLR), you are likely to experience an outbreak of cyanobacteria and diatoms. Cyanobacteria or "Cyano" is also referred to as green slime algae (also comes in red and brown). As it's name implies, Cyanobacteria covers rocks and sand with a thin slimy film. And while it is easily removed by siphoning, if the conditions that support it are not improved, then it will quickly return.

Cyanobacteria and diatoms are brought on by the following factors:

- high phosphate (>.5) and silicate
- high nitrates (>25ppm)
- insufficient current/water movement
- high organics
- low alkalinity (<3.0>

Three products that work to treat the symptom (not the cause - see above) are as follows:

- Chemiclean, which will eradicate the cyanobacteria (reef safe - we've used it in our service business for years)

- Granular Ferric Oxide (removes phosphate and silicates) - we prefer Rowaphos, but there are other brands that work as well too. This is great for removing phosphate, although a bit expensive. Remember to focus on lessening the source of input of phosphate into your system (i.e. tapwater and foods). For tapwater we filter with RODI (target is zero TDS). As for the foods, we strongly recomment rinsing your frozen foods prior to feeding. You'd be amazed at the amount of gook (scientific term) that would otherwise go into your tank/system.

- Doxicyclene hyclate - it has been years since I've used this for treating RTN (rapid tissue necrosis) in corals, but we also noticed that it was great for temporarily eradicating cyanobacteria. I say temporary, because this is just treating the symptom and not the cause. As long as the original cause (see above) is still there, the cyano will likely return.

If your type of saltwater tank is a fish-only with live rock (FOWLR), you are always going to have significantly higher phosphates, nitrates, silicates and organics to deal with than you would in a reef tank - even if you had the same number of fish in a reef tank. This is because in FOWLR tanks, there are no (or very few) corals, sponges, coraline algae, clams, filter feeders, etc. to help remove nutrients from the water.

So with a FOWLR tank, you will need to be more aggressive with use of carbon, GFO (granular ferric oxide - removes phosphate) and with the removal of detritus. I strongly recommend "storming the tank" at least twice a month (during normal/ideal conditions), but I would recommend doing it once a month in your current situation.

What I mean by "Storming the tank", is putting a powerhead on a stick/pipe and blast the rock to liberate detritus that has collected in the live rock. And then having some type of mechanical filtration in use to remove the detritus now that it is suspended in the water column.

To do this you can use a canister filter, D.E. filter (diatomacious earth), or even a small powerfilter (hang-on-the-side). Or if you don't have any of these items, you can storm the tank with the powerhead and then siphon it off the surfact of the rock/sand as you do a large water change. With this method I recommend blasting with the powerhead twice during the water change, allowing it to settle out for siphoning between blasting.

So if you end up with an outbreak of cyanobacteria or diatoms in your reef tank or fish-only tank (FOWLR), consider yourself fortunate that it is just cyanobacteria and dyatoms, which are relatively easy to get rid of, and not something more difficult like bryopsis or hair algae. And remember, you are better off preventing than reacting.

The River Murray Rainbow Fish

2011-01-25T15:05:00.001+07:00

The River Murray Rainbow Fish, Melanotaenia fluviatilis,is one of the many types of Australian Rainbow fish. This group mainly a tropical and subtropical group of fishes, but this Fish's range extends into warm temperate areas and it is able to take quite low water temperatures.

Origin

The River Murray Rainbow Fish is endemic to Australia. As its name suggests it is found in the River Murray. It is also found in many but not all of the Murray's tributaries and several other river systems and lakes.

Size

They can reach 10 cm (4 inches long), but most are smaller than this. The males tend to be bigger than the females.

Temperature

Most of the articles on the internet about this Fish suggest that a temperature of between 22 and 26 degrees C is ideal for this species. My experience suggests otherwise. Although this is a very versatile fish which will certainly live healthily in an aquarium, being treated as if it were a tropical fish, the specimens with the best colour tend to be pond fish, subject to the natural rise and fall of temperature with the different seasons as well as the different weather.

Water Conditions

This fish is able to take a wide range of conditions. Most of the places it occurs naturally have a high pH and the water is quite hard. In an aquarium I suggest that the pH should be between 6.8 and 8. Excessively soft water is not ideal, but most tap waters will be of a suitable hardness. As with all fish, the Chlorine or Chloramine needs to be removed before it comes into contact with the fish.

Food

This is an omnivorous fish. Like many of its relatives it eats more plant material than most tropical fish. They will live on either Tropical or Goldfish food, but this should be supplemented with vegetable matter. Duckweed (Lemna species) is eaten very readily by this Fish. They also like many types of vegetable. I cook the harder vegetables enough to soften them. Zucchini are eaten as are cucumber, green peas and other vegetables. Like many fish they also relish insect larvae like mosquito larvae, small crustaceans like daphnia, and small worms. Our River Murray Rainbow Fish get frozen blood worms once a week as well as frozen brine shrimp once a week on a different day.

Environmental Enrichment For Your Rat Or Mouse

2011-01-20T20:25:00.002+07:00

Rats & mice are extremely active and intelligent animals, and thus require exercise and mental stimulation for optimal health. These animals are often purchased as pets for children and many are housed in smaller than adequate cages with only the bare essentials such as food, water and an exercise wheel. Just imagine how bored you would be living in a bare room with an exercise bike as the only form of mental and physical activity?

There are a number of fun and easy ways you can provide toys and enrich the environment of your pet rat or mouse:

Toys to CHEW - These are necessary for dental health, as rodents teeth grow continuously throughout their life and need to be constantly worn down. Safe chew toys for rats and mice include rawhide chews, nylabones, untreated wood, cardboard rolls, boxes and egg cartons.

Toys to SHRED - Softer items such as toilet paper or tissues, sisal rope and straw provide hours of entertainment for your pet rat or mouse. They particularly enjoy shredding these substances to use as bedding material to line their sleeping areas. Ensure you do not give your pets any toys containing soft rubber, soft plastics, leather or string as these materials can cause an intestinal obstruction.

Toys to PUSH & CARRY - Many rats and mice love to carry or push small toys around. Sturdy, hollow plastic cat toys with bells inside or acrylic toys provide great entertainment for your pet.

CLIMBING Toys - Ladders, branches, hammocks, ropes, PVC tubes, boxes and bird perches can provide numerous climbing opportunities for your pet rat or mouse. These items can be secured to the sides or top of the cage to increase the amount of play area in your pet's cage.

FORAGING Toys - Rats and mice in the wild spend much of their day foraging for food. In captivity, we often put out a bowl of food for our pet rat or mouse and that bowl is simply placed in the same area, with the same food in it every day. Our pets quickly become lazy, bored and overweight from the lack of enrichment and foraging opportunities in their lives. Provide your pet rat or mouse with mental stimulation by hiding their food in specially designed foraging toys, treat balls, cardboard rolls or tubes. Bird foraging toys made from bamboo or cholla cactus can also be used for rodents.

TUNNELS - Rats and mice in the wild use and construct tunnels from items in their environment on a regular basis. Tunnels made of sturdy plastic, acrylic or PVC can be placed in the cage or attached to the side or top of your pet's house. Ensure you select a tunnel with a large enough diameter to prevent your rat or mouse from becoming stuck in the tunnel. Blocks of untreated wood can also be hollowed out to make tunnels which rats and mice may enlarge themselves. You can provide ready-made tunnels for your pet, or allow them to construct their own from various materials provided in their environment.

EXERCISE WHEELS & BALLS - Activity wheels provide an excellent way for your rat or mouse to exercise within the confines of their cage. Solid wheels made from plastic or acrylic are safer and preferable over wheels with wire bars that can trap your pet's feet or tail.

Exercise balls are also a great fitness tool for your rat or mouse outside of the cage. Always monitor your pet while they are playing in an exercise ball to ensure they do not overheat and are always playing in a safe, flat area.

If you have a pet rat or mouse, use your imagination and enrich their life by providing them with a range of toys that will keep them entertained for hours.

Ferret Colors - The Two Main Types

2011-01-20T20:23:00.002+07:00

Usually pets like dogs and cats are classified based on their appearances and origins. This is possible because of the large variations in the different varieties. Ferrets, however, do not show many differences in their physical characteristics. They are therefore classified depending on the ferret color and pattern of coloration. The fur of ferrets is made up of "undercoat", which is the original coat, and the "guardhair," which is the long hair. Ferrets are present in many different colors. The coloration considered is that of the guardhair. However, they can all be primarily categorized into albino and sable. The white colored variant is the albino ferret whereas all the remaining colored ones are variants of sable.

Albino ferrets

Albino ferrets are so called because they lack pigments responsible for coloration. That is why they are white in color. The whiteness can vary from a pure white to a yellowish white. They usually have red eyes and pink noses. There are also some varieties with black eyes. These are called Dark eyed white (DEW) ferrets. Albinos have a very endearing appearance and are very popular among ferret-owners.

Sable ferrets

The color sable is a type of a rich brown. It is so dark that it appears black at times. Sable ferrets have brown to black colored guardhair. They have an undercoat that is cream colored and dark brown or black eyes. They also have a mask pattern across their faces. Depending on the intensity of the color, guardhair might appear chocolate, cinnamon or champagne. These are quite common and have lead to some people classifying these as different groups.

The patterning of color on the ferret is also very important and contributes to the identity of your pet. One thing to keep in mind is that ferrets tend to change their color over the natural course of their lives. Silver ferrets tend to turn into DEW ferrets. Similarly, some ferrets may gain and some may lose their color. Therefore, you must not base your choice totally on the ferret color. You must pay more attention to their personality as this is more important.

Ferret Forum - Everything You Need To Know

2011-01-20T20:13:00.002+07:00

Sometimes, everyone needs some help with their pets from people who have had same experiences with theirs. The other times they simply want to share their pets' stories and have fun. This is exactly what a Ferret forum is made for. It is a community of people who own a ferret, adore the animal or want to know more about it. Where else can you find accurate information about the little exotic pet?

About ferrets

Ferrets are small creatures, active and very smart but also mischievous. They are quick learners - use a few commands and they will start responding in a few days. If you haven't seen this animal before, imagine an animal between cats and dogs, only smaller. Ferrets are great pets and a lot of fun. You can learn a lot about this domestic animal if you search a Ferret forum - true stories, about their health and nutrition and also some tricks that you can teach them.

Teaching them tricks

Ferrets don't do tricks to please the owner - they do it to get something from them. Therefore, it's a good idea to bribe them when teaching them a new trick. The first thing you can teach your Ferret is responding to its name. Just like dogs, Ferrets also follow commands; they can easily start to recognize their name. Call them repeatedly by their names and when they look at you, reward them to appreciate the effort. Soon, they will leave everything and come running whenever you call them because they know you will treat them with something.

Roll over is an easy maneuver. Make your Ferret lie on its belly and give it a treat. Say "roll over" and roll it over to its back and give another treat. Keep repeating the exercise, giving it scratches and treats and before you know, it will roll over on its own expecting a treat.

The forums also carry information on how to discipline the Ferrets and train them to behave. They are playful and sometimes they could be a bit of trouble. The suggested method is to spray them with water when they're misbehaving but some Ferrets actually enjoy it. Thumping their nose is another way. Ferrets are not afraid of danger and they find trouble somehow. Therefore, you have to watch them carefully to keep them out of harm's way.

Miniature Dachshund Puppies - Complete Guide to Mini Dachshund Puppies

2011-01-18T00:04:00.004+07:00

Miniature Dachshund Puppies are adorable and fun little dogs to love and own. It's hard to own just one of these cute little guys. Miniature Dachshund Puppies are not AKC recognized like their standard sized friends. They usually end up weighing between 8-12 pounds, so if you're looking for small dogs that like to have fun, Miniature Dachshund Puppies just might be the perfect dogs for you!

Mini Dachshunds usually grow to 5-10 inches in height and can come in a variety of colors and coats. Miniature Dachshund Puppies can have coats that are Smooth, Long Hair, or Wire. The Smooth coat is sleek and short, the Wire-Haired coat is a double coat (the outer coat is short and hard and the under coat is soft and fine), and the Long-Haired coat is elegant, usually shiny, slightly wavy, and is longer on the neck, chest, underside of the body, and behind the legs. Their coats can have a color consisting of brindle, sable, or dapple, bi-color of black, chocolate, blue, or fawn, and solid of red and cream. Miniature Dachshund Puppies were originally bred to hunt hare, while their bigger standard sized friends were bred to hunt badgers. These Terrier puppies were originated in Germany. Mini Dachshunds are very popular pets and are even occasionally still used for hunting.

Mini Dachshund Character:

Miniature Dachshund Puppies, although small, are a robust and muscular breed. They are most well known for their short legs and long bodies. These cute little puppies are very adventurous, curious, bold, and possess an alert and intelligent expression.

Dachshund Temperament:

Mini Dachshunds are known for being devoted, affectionate, and loving. It is important to keep in mind that when they begin to mature they can become snappish when teased. You should also be careful of their small size, so they seem to do best in a home with older children. Miniature Dachshund Puppies can sometimes grow to be aggressive or jealous of other pets and can be wary of strangers, so just keep this in mind. They are great at alerting their family to visitors or out of the ordinary occurrences.

Wiener Dog Care:

It's good to know that a Miniature Dachshund Puppy is relatively easy to care for. If you own a Smooth or Wire-Haired coat puppy, they require weekly brushing to remove loose and dead hair. Wire-Haired puppies also need to be professionally trimmed twice a year. If you own a Long-Haired puppy, be sure to remember that they require daily brushing to prevent matting and tangling. They do not tend to smell like other dogs do, requiring baths when necessary. Some of the health issues that Mini Dachshunds can encounter in their lives are obesity, hip dysplasia, spinal problems, epilepsy, bloat, and eye disease. So, just be sure to look out for these health issues and try to prevent them and care for them.

Mini Dachshund Training:

Dachshunds tend to be a bit stubborn and willful, which can make training a little bit more challenging. They have a tendency to like to do things their way. They are known to be difficult to housebreak, so housebreaking combined with crate training is recommended. Be sure to socialize your Miniature Dachshund puppies early, while knowing that obedience is a must. Keep in mind that they will not respond to harsh or heavy-handed methods. In saying that, training your mini dachshund puppies must be done with firmness, fairness, patience, and consistency. Be a calm and assertive pack leader to your dachshund puppies.

Miniature Dachshund Activity:

Mini Dachshunds will do great in city or country living. Although they do not need a ton of exercise, be sure that the exercise you provide them is sufficient to prevent boredom and obesity. Be sure to keep them on a leash when out for walks, as they by nature love to chase!

Overall, Miniature Dachshund Puppies are a wonderful dog to own. They are fun-loving, loyal, full of energy, and can be great alert dogs. As with a lot of breeds, Miniature Dachshund Puppies need plenty of love, training, stability, and consistency. They do love to please their owners, so working with them will be to your benefit. Miniature Dachshund Puppies have been very popular puppies to own and probably will be for a long time. Who could resist such a cute and loveable puppy! Miniature Dachshund Puppies might just be the perfect puppy for you and can be a great addition to your pack.

Avoid Your Cat Suffering From Boredom With Cat Toys

2011-01-16T15:55:00.001+07:00

When it's time to leave your cat behind and head out for work, it's important to provide adequate cat toys for your pet to be active throughout the day. There are fantastic products currently on the market that will provide hours of play time for your cat.

Here are some ideas:

Catnip - A perfect addition to any product and your cat will love it. Catnip is both safe and natural for your pet. There is a large variety of cat toys that include catnip in all different shapes and sizes. It's good to have a few types of these cat toys with catnip around the house, as your cat will love to seek them out and will keep them active.

Treat Balls - Another great way to motivate your cat. Fill them up with your cats favourite treats and just leave it in an open space at home. By the end of the day the treat ball will be empty and would have provided plenty of playtime and exercise.

Scratch Posts / Cat Tree's - These products are essential to have in your home for your pet. Cat's love to climb and it's important to provide a post for them to scratch, otherwise they will find good use of your furniture. Cat tree's with added cat toys and levels for them to climb onto are a real bonus and will soon enough be your cats favourite area to sleep and play. They are also important if you have a cat that is indoors only. Providing them with a cat tree will certainly help them keep in shape.

The following are some great ideas for cat toys. Ensuring your cat will be busy happily while you're away at work. There are heaps of other cat toys available but just a few toys mentioned can make a massive difference to you and your pets well-being.

Homemade Cat Food - Is Your Homemade Cat Food Balanced and Safe?

2011-01-16T15:46:00.002+07:00

Feeding your cat homemade cat food is a good idea for the optimal health of your cat. However, that does not mean you can feed your cat any ol' thing and expect your cat to stay strong and healthy.

Cats, like humans, need to have a balanced diet in order to thrive to their optimal health and unfortunately many people do not realize this before they decide to give making homemade cat food a try.

Before you feed your cat things that you make, please make sure that you are doing your research. Look online for foods that are poisonous to your cat or better yet find a book that tells you how to make homemade cat food and how to make sure your cat is getting a balanced diet.

An example of something people would put in the food that is a big no-no is garlic. Garlic is poisonous to cats but since we tend to use a lot of garlic in our food we may never think twice about adding it to flavor our homemade food for the cat.

Another thing that is a big NO as far as feeding felines is tomatoes. Tomatoes are another poisonous thing we tend to want to give them.

Raw eggs are also something you should not feed them when you make homemade cat food because just like us they could indeed get salmonella. Because they are so small they have a much higher chance of dying from salmonella then we do.

You can not give your kitty raw dough. I don't know if that is something I would have considered giving my cat anyways but the reason they can't eat raw dough is because it could continue to rise in their stomachs thus causing major damage.

This is not a complete list but you get the idea. So between people feeding their felines things that are poisonous and not giving them a complete balanced meal, something wonderful like feeding cats homemade cat food has gotten a bad rap.

As I said before, feeding your cat homemade cat food is wonderful for your cat's health as long as you take the time to learn how to properly make the homemade cat food.

An Ideal Pet Rabbit Cage

2011-01-14T18:17:00.002+07:00

If you know what you are looking for, purchasing pet rabbit cages is not at all difficult. If you are an experienced pet owner then you need to have right knowledge on size, shape and material of cage. In order to know more about rabbit cages, you should follow tips mentioned in the following paragraphs. They will be of great help in choosing the right cage for your rabbit.

Nowadays, besides the type of material as well as the size, people are also opting considering the fashion aspect. You have to make a homey cage for the rabbit. Comfort is no doubt one of the most important aspects to be considered when you opt for these cages, but so is fashion. You will find plenty of trendy cages available in the market these days.

Bigger cages are no doubt recommended, but it's not that you have to opt only for the bigger cages; sometimes smaller cages prove to be better than bigger ones. Rabbits and bunnies are very restless and fidgety, thus you have to choose the size of the cage accordingly.

Your pet rabbit grows gradually, so it can outgrow the cage. Thus, you need to dump the old one and buy a new and a spacious one to meet all your expenses. So keeping these things in mind you need to get hold of a buffer sized rabbit cage. A frail one will involve braking of the cage and it will force you to shell out more extra money. Ventilation should be proper as you don't want your pet to feel suffocated inside the cage. If they cages are aerated appropriately this implies that they have fresher air to breather. You need to also wrap your pet rabbit in a comfortable way otherwise he will die due to cold.

You will find lot of rabbit cages that are made of net walls and wire floors. Wood floor cages are more preferred than wired ones. Wire cages can leads to skin cuts and endure fur loss. The base of the floor should be sturdy and lightweight.

You should make sure that the cages you are buying should be weather resistant also. Rust is one of the most common problems in these cages. So make sure you only opt for high quality cages.

Love Rabbits

2011-01-14T18:15:00.002+07:00

Rabbits are among the most adorable pets. They are very soft natured. However, there might be many reasons behind changing behavior of rabbits. This article will make you aware of some of the most common reasons behind changing behavior of rabbits.

One of the major reasons might be that your pet has not been neutered or spayed. Whenever you buy a baby rabbit, you will notice a sudden change in his behavior or personality once he or she attains the age of 3-4 months. The cause of the change of the behavior is that he undergoes a hormonal change and age of reproduction. During this phase, rabbits tend to become territorial and resists being picked up. Thus, you should not try to touch it too much. If you want to make him happy then you should put a nice treat inside the cage.

Female rabbits in particular get rebellious and they growl sometimes. Many pet owners assume that the rabbit is mean and they want to get rid of it as soon as possible. However, once it passes this phase he will cool down and will return to its normal composure. So you have to adjust to his changing habits when he is in the transition phase.

It might be very much possible that your rabbit is sick. Changing behaviors is a vital sign of medical fitness. So if your rabbit is showing a nasty behavior then do check whether he is ill or not. He might be in pain. His eating bowl and litter box are the two areas which you should check, any change in the regular eating or filling habits needs to be checked. Even small problems like mites and fleas may upset your rabbit. To counteract this, you need to get the medical checkup of your pet done.

Another reason might be that your rabbit is under some stress. Sometimes rabbit is not too comfortable with the presence of other pets. Sometime barking dogs tend to irritate the pet rabbits and thus you should make sure that they are comfortable in their cages or homes. Noise causes irritation in pets, thus make necessary arrangements. In this case, you have to move the cage to a silent room.

Rabbits are silent, soft natured and loyal. They also love to play and interact with people. All they require is little love and care and everything will work for sure.

Getting a Hamster and Giving It Your Best

2011-01-14T18:12:00.001+07:00

Your hamster deserves the best. Now you have decided on the Hamster, you will need to think comfort. If you want it to have the best possible experience you need to consider its living environment. For the most part you will need to have the right accessories in your hamsters cage.

This will ensure that your new pet has a luxury living experience and is not hampered by any unnecessary injuries that could have been avoided. The Hamster is a very cute pet to buy, and will bring joy and happiness to the whole family.

Here is something to consider when buying cage accessories

When you decide to get a cage for your Hamster, you need to think about the things that you put in the cage. What you put in the cage will keep your pet occupied. There are a number of things that you can look at such as accessories for climbing. There are a number of different climbers that can be put in a Hamsters cage so its up to you to find the best one.

The different types of accessories may involve, tubing, hamster wheels and tunnels, which will keep your pet occupied. All of these will provide plenty of variety for your pet. When you have the right balance of accessories in the cage you can sit back and watch the Hamster play the whole day. Its a nice sight to see your pet happy.

Buying accessories for a Hamsters cage is an important part of having this pet. You will need to think carefully about what you put in the cage. Having the wrong accessories in a cage may cause more harm than good. You should stay away from anything that your hamster could potential get its foot trapped in.

HOME » Pets How To Serve Pet Supplements

2011-01-14T18:10:00.002+07:00

Pet supplements can be easy for any animal to take advantage of. Many supplements for cats and dogs can work with easy to handle formulas that will not be too difficult for a person to prepare. Here is a look at how a person can easily serve one of these supplements.

A person will need to take the formula and prepare it without any additional materials. Most of these pet supplements will be in liquid forms. This is a form that will be easy to handle and measure. This can be simple for anyone to use when preparing something for one's pet.

A typical supplement should be shaken before it is given out. This is so the supplement will have all of its contents in an area. This is needed to ensure that the pet supplement will work properly. It is so the right ingredients will be in the mixture. This is critical because of how some ingredients can bind with each other during the settling process.

A correct measurement will be needed after the supplement is ready. The measurement will vary according to the weight of the pet. For example, two teaspoons of a supplement could be used for an animal who is fifteen pounds in weight or less. Meanwhile, one tablespoon could be used for an animal that is 16 to 30 pounds in weight. Four tablespoons can be used for a pet that is 31 to 50 pounds. One ounce, or two tablespoons, should be used for one that is 51 to 100 pounds in weight. Some special types of supplements will be needed for people who are 101 pounds or greater in weight.

A good part of serving supplements is that they can be mixed in some drinks. A good supplement can be mixed in a water dish. This may be used to make it easier for an animal to use the supplement. This is critical because of how some animals might not be fully interested in some kinds of pet supplements due to their flavors.

Many supplements can even be mixed into food bowls. This is where a supplement can be added to a food that is already wet. This is especially useful for animals that eat wet food over dry food. This can work to make the supplement get added into a pet's diet without any concerns. It is much easier to do this for wet food than with dry food.

It is smart to see how supplements can be served. These supplements can be handled in ways that involve getting one to receive the right materials in a supplement in an effective manner. Be sure to see this factor when getting a supplement to work for your pet's needs.

Arowana Care: Weighing Whether or Not to Use Tank Substrate in Your Arowana

2011-01-14T18:08:00.000+07:00

Most people do not like the idea of putting tanks substrate in their Arowana tank. This is because the presence of such will require additional efforts in terms of maintaining the tank. Considering the fact that Arowana tanks are generally big in size, this additional measure is a substantial undertaking. Tank substrates require such because it gathers toxic waste. Also, given the rate and manner in which these tanks are sullied by its occupants, the presence of substrates can aggravate the effect of a malfunction in the filtration system into proportions lethal to the Arowana.

The physical size of the Arowana tank, the filtering system, and the Arowana itself ultimately determine the frequency in which the tanks substrates will need to be cleaned. For example, if the filtration system is poor, toxic buildup occurs faster, hence the tank substrates need to be cleaner more often. As a general rule, vacuuming of the substrate needs to be done at least once every 10 days.

Is the extra trouble worth keeping the substrate? In answer, you should consider that it is very beneficial for the Arowana if you can give it a bottom reference point in the form of the tanks substrates. This is a common belief among many Arowana enthusiasts and is the reason why most of them undertake the extra work nevertheless.

A very good argument for keeping substrates in your Arowana tank is that it is the best option for giving a "bottom" for your pet fish. Extra work or not, it is healthy for the fish to have a bottom. In lieu of substrate, you may paint the lowest part of the outside of your tank. This method achieves the same goal as the substrate. However, in terms of the aesthetic schema, it is easy to change, replace, or remove the tank substrate while the paint option is irreversible.

Arowana Care: Test Your Arowana Tank Water

2011-01-14T18:05:00.001+07:00

The Arowana is a prized fished that requires special attention especially in terms of water care. The unfortunate end of such a pet means not only moral turmoil for the owner but also the laying to waste of a considerable amount of investment. This is why any grower or owner of the Arowana should invest much effort in making sure that the Arowana tank is safe for the fish. The best way to do this is testing the water regularly. Ideally, testing should be done at least once a week.

This minimum requirement is based on the principle that the more times you check the water, the better chances you have catching an anomaly in time. This will enable you to solve or remedy these water problems before they adversely affect the Arowana. It is much preferable for any person to fix water conditions in the Arowana tank instead of having to remedy the resulting ailments in the fish later.

Before testing the water, you should know what to test for. Elements which are deemed to be harmless to us humans or negligible in other pets may prove to be quite detrimental for Arowanas. Ammonia, nitrate and nitrate are only a few elements to watch out for. You should also keep the temperature of the water in your Arowana tank constantly in check.

Fortunately for the Arowana enthusiasts, this task is made easier and cheaper by innovative manufacturers that have come up with test kits that test for these elements instantly. Now, constant checking is both easy in terms of time, effort and resources. You don't have to go to laboratories and wait for results anymore. The only thing you need to do is to keep these test kits in good condition. Follow the guidelines for storing these kits closely to get the most accurate results.

The Arowana fish is easy to keep, but hard to master when it comes to bringing out its best colors. Expose your Arowana's true colors using the simplest, laziest but most effective Arowana fish techniques.

Don't Buy Your BiOrb Aquarium Until You Read This

2011-01-14T18:00:00.002+07:00

If you don't have the time to gather together all of the equipment that you need to setup a standard home or office aquarium or if you are a beginner aquarist and you need aquarium setup to be straightforward or perhaps you don't want to spend hours every month maintaining your aquarium then the BiOrb aquarium range is ideal for you.

Not only do all of the BiOrb range look stunning but they also have a unique built in 5 stage filter system that keeps the aquarium water crystal clear. In addition they come with special ceramic 'gravel' which is porous and is able to hold a very large number of the friendly bacteria responsible for keeping ammonia and nitrite levels down. Maintenance wise all that is necessary is to change the filter cartridge when specified and to change some of the water every month to keep down the nitrate levels.

The biggest thing to remember is that the BiOrb range is totally made up of relatively small aquaria compared with normal size glass tanks. The biggest mistake that you can make with a BiOrb tank is to fill it with far too many fish, much more than the filter and aeration system can handle. Even one goldfish in a baby BiOrb is too much and of course fish grow and can easily outgrow your BiOrb aquarium. Some fish, whatever their size are just not suitable, they may need lots of plants or more water than the BiOrb can provide.

So here is a list of advantages:

Good design and excellent lighting effects consistent through the whole BiOrb range
The baby BiOrb will fit where other tanks won't
Everything you need is in the box including full instructions
The BiOrb range is made from plexiglas acrylic which is ten times stronger than glass
The filter cartridge is easy to clean and change
The 5 stage filtration system keeps the fish healthy and reduces maintenance
and disadvantages:

BiOrb quality and design does not come cheap
The small size of these tanks limits your choice of fish and their numbers
The top opening of the globle shaped tanks can make cleaning more difficult
Conclusion

Taking everything into account there is no doubt that these aquariums look great, particularly with the special lighting effects provided by the intelligent LED lighting. For an easy entry into the wonderful world of aquarium keeping they can certainly be recommended.

7 Things to Remember When Shopping For and Setting Up Your Chinchilla Cage

2011-01-13T13:29:00.002+07:00

Chinchillas, as owners can attest, are hyperactive. Thus, when setting up your cage, don't just settle on the cheap or the good-looking ones. Here are 7 things to check first when buying/setting-up your cage.

1. Go large - the chinchillas are creature that loves to run around and jump and play. Therefore, a small cage won't do well if they can just eat and walk around a little bit. Plus, you won't have the enjoyment of seeing them in the loose.

2. Wood or metal - some prefer wood for their exterior and some prefer metals for the durability. Whatever the case, make sure it is non toxic and make sure it will last as a good value in exchange for your money. After all, it will be your chinchillas who will be the final judge.

3. Mesh - many people don't like the mesh with smaller holes due to they are hard to clean. However, bigger size mesh has been the cause of many foot and toe injuries among the chinchillas. They run around and jump so if it's not the correct size, they surely can get caught and be injured in the process.

4. Levels - will it only be a single level or two or three with ladders? Chinchillas easily get bored and may result to unwanted behavior if they can't run around and play. Just make sure that if they accidentally fall from higher level, the mesh can provide adequate cushion.

5. Play items- this includes a good Chinchilla wheel, balls, hammocks, climbing decks, etc. They are extremely playful and if you don't provide them something to play with, then you lost the purpose of keeping them...an idle chin, one that just sits and eats, is an unhappy chin!

6. Mobility- Do you have to carry the entire weight of the cage when moving it or does it have wheels for easily doing so? Are they constructed as a whole or were they assembled inside your house? Would they fit out the door for a dose of sunshine for your chinchillas or when you need to transfer?

7. Waste tray and feeders- The waste tray and the feeders should be easily removable for cleaning. The feeder should be easy to refill if you do it on a daily basis or should be functioning well if you have one of those bulk ones.

It is a fun way to spend the day when you're watching or even playing with your chinchilla.

Falconry Gloves - Essential Falconry Item

2011-01-04T13:19:00.001+07:00

A falconry glove is an essential product which an enthusiast requires before he starts with falconry art practice. It is one of the important items which ensure safety of the falconer especially when the contender is engaged with bird of prey. For few days many new birds never miss the opportunity to put down gloved hand of trainer. These birds should be handled carefully all through night and day, then only one can make these beautiful birds learn something innovative and new. Well the trainer talks to these birds very politely and carefully through out the day, but strokes them very gently. Falconer also requires training so as to learn the tricks of handling the birds of prey nicely. Trained birds are obedient and docile and if you handle them respectfully and carefully then there are chances they will hurt the falconer in future.

Some falconry goods like whistles, hoods, jesses and anklets, creance equipment, knives etc. are regarded as the best falconry products.

Arabian falconry is one such name which offers great products and service to their client. They have all types of falconry supplies like falconry bells, swivels, falconry glove, falconry hoods, falconry jesses, falconry perches and block. To know more about this falconry supplier then visit their official website and browse their different sections. This site has all the important information about the falconry region. You can learn on how you can purchase the best product. In fact we also give you the chance to win cool falconry kit. Over the years we have gained so much popularity and respect in supplying the best products. We offer the best falconry equipment from Arabian region at a very affordable price. Our products are reliable and incomparable.

Wild Bird Profile: The Rose-Breasted Grosbeak

2011-01-04T13:17:00.001+07:00

Characteristics: Rose-breasted grosbeaks are large finches with very large bills and easily identified by their plumage. Males are black and white with a bright pink patch on their breast and inside their wings. Females are olive-brown with a distinct pale supercilium on their face and their breasts are streaky. First summer males are similar to males but have browner plumage and a duller pink patch on their breast.

Distribution: RB grosbeaks breed throughout the northeastern U.S. (from the Great Plains to New England) and in central Canada (Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia). They also breed along the Appalachian mountain range. During the winter, they breed in southern Pacific slope and Gulf Slope of Mexico, the rest of Central America, and northern South America.

Movement: Based on banding data, RB grosbeaks breeding in the eastern U.S. winter in eastern Central America and South America and western breeders are found in Mexico and western Central America. Migratory flights are typically during the night.

Food: During the breeding season, RB grosbeaks eat equal amounts of insect matter and vegetable matter including fruit and seeds. During the fall, they eat primarily fruits. RB grosbeaks are often found at feeders with black-oil sunflower seeds. They will use tube feeders as well as platforms feeders.

Sound: The male RB grosbeak song sounds incredibly similar to scarlet tanagers and American robins. The song is extremely melodic with a few pauses. The grosbeak song has few pauses compared to robins and is less crass compared to tanagers.
Nesting: Males will arrive to their breeding grounds before females in May. They have eggs and nestlings between May and July and generally have only one brood. Nests are open cups and their eggs are typically pale blue or green with brownish speckles.

Similar species: Rose-breasted grosbeaks are closely related to the black-headed grosbeak but looks entirely different. They will breed (hybridize) with each other where their ranges overlap.

Interesting fact: If you open the wings of the grosbeaks, you will see a bright orange (female) or bright pink patch of feathers. This is rarely seen without the bird in the hand.

Cats and the Disease Called Heartworm

2011-01-03T22:39:00.004+07:00

What is this condition called heartworm? Heartworm is a disease that is very common yet potentially dangerous and fatal for most domestic animals, more so house cats. This disease originates from infected mosquitoes, which in turn leaves larval infections or parasites that bury themselves deeper and deeper into the different layers of the skin of their hosts, particularly house cats which may have more sensitive skin. The name heartworm is derived from the activity of said parasites within the host body wherein after making its way under the layers of skin. They also find their way through the blood stream until it ultimately reaches the heart of the host. Thereafter, it will sit pretty to grow and develop into a community of parasites that will then have enough capacity to harm the host and pose a condition so fatal as to ensure your cat's untimely demise. This is no exaggeration. Cat owners, do we finally have your attention?

Perhaps you may have thought that we were merely exaggerating and blowing up this whole issue on heartworm out of proportion because this condition is better known for pet dogs, and even species that belong to the canine family. However, this condition has never been exclusive to canines. After all, it is said that illness knows no definite target. But fortunately for us cat owners and enthusiasts, heartworm indeed has less grave effects in cats and the parasites are a lot less likely to complete the cycle and reach the heart of the infected host. Hence because of this difference in nature of cats, the only real damage these parasites cause is a side effect on the lungs instead of the heart. But at least with cats, the fewer worms and parasites survive the journey within their body. However, this is not to say that we are completely downplaying the significance more so the effects of heartworm on your pet cats. In fact, it is quite the opposite. We seek to caution all cat owners as this is a very important concern more so if you are living in areas that are seemingly saturated with mosquitoes. In this case, the best advice that we would be able to give is to bring your beloved feline to your trusted vet and have it checked for any possible signs of heartworm. Furthermore, you can ask your vet about preventive medicines or methods that would ensure your cat a worm-free heart.

Another advice would be to inquire with your vet about generic alternatives of these preventive heartworm medicines because you do not really need to buy the ones that are branded as these would only bring you nothing more than a greater dent on your budget. While research shows that there is currently no known or concrete product or medicine in the United States for treating feline heartworm infection, there are still ways of ensuring that your cat is healthy enough not to contract this lethal condition. All in all, it is our firm belief that the best mode of prevention for any illness is to keep you well informed. More so with heartworm, well aware is half there.

The Pick of the Litter: Kitty Litter and Odor

2011-01-03T22:36:00.001+07:00

Chances are if you are a cat owner then you are all too familiar with smelly kitty litter. So why is it so hard to get rid of kitty litter odor? It has to do with Uric Acid. Uric acid is one of the main components of cat urine. It is what gives off that horrible smell. The problem comes when uric acid crystallizes. It creates a strong bond to whatever material it is on, and it does not dissolve in water. So this makes for a very difficult odor to remove.

One way to mask kitty litter odor is to buy a good litter that works to mask odor.

6 best recommended kitty litters:

Precious Cat Ultra Premium Clumping Litter
World's Best Cat Litter-made from corn and biodegradable.
Odor Lockers - Fresh Scent Clumping Litter-made from wood and biodegradable.
Fresh Step Premium Scoopable Clumping Litter
Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat "Cat Attract" Litter
PETCO Scoopable Cat Litter
What are the advantages of organic, biodegradable cat litters over fine-grained, clumping clay litters? Unlike clay kitty litters, biodegradable cat litter (made of everything from corn to pine wood to recycled newspapers) can be flushed down the toilet or used as mulch or compost. Some owners also claim these litters do a better job of controlling odors.

You may want to consider a biodegradable cat litter with a new kitten. Cats are notorious creatures of habit, so if yours has been using a specific type or brand of litter for years, it will be very difficult to get it to switch. For that reason, owners report better success using biodegradable cat litter with young cats.

Also try preventative odor absorption methods. Sprinkling baking soda on top of litter absorbs the uric acid upon contact. Make sure to scoop litter on a daily basis. Not only will this make you happy, but kitty will also be happy. Keep kitty-area clean. Personally, I am a fan of enzyme products to kill odor. Enzymes work in nature as catalysts, speeding up the process to kill odor.

Cat boxes come in all shapes and sizes. We are fortunate to have options to see what works for your feline friend. Specialty pet stores sell electronic litter boxes making it possible to never touch litter again. However, some cats will be frightened by a litter box that makes noise. If this isn't an option for your cat, line your litter pan with a pan-liner.

Remember that cats are sensitive to their environment. Cats will actually refuse a dirty litter box. Keeping your cat happy will ultimately lead to a happier nine lives.

Overweight Cats

2011-01-03T22:32:00.001+07:00

Everywhere you look there are telltale signs that our waistlines are getting the best of us. At the newsstand, countless magazines have front page advertisements for articles about obesity. The local bookstore has needed to expand its section on health and diet to include more and more books about losing weight. Every grocery store now carries low calorie snack packs that are individually packaged with a specific number of calories. While you'd think we are a nation obsessed by weight consciousness, it doesn't seem to be helping.

On a recent radio program, the topic came up again, only this time is was about cats. Evidently man's furry friend is turning into man's fattest friend as well. I guess this shouldn't be a big surprise because the veterinarian on the show says that a cat's weight usually mimics their owner's weight. As the theory goes, fit owners will walk and play with their feline companions more than their overweight counterparts. During the radio program, several ideas were given to help our overweight kitties.

First, a visit to the veterinarian is the first order of business. This is always a good idea to make sure your cat is healthy. It is especially important if the weight is on one particular side or if it came on suddenly. The doctor will test your cat for all sorts of things from diabetes to thyroid problems. This is a critical part of your cat's health. No weight reduction program should be started until you know for certain there are no underlying health issues.

Barring any health problems, you vet will probably recommend two things. The first is to reduce the number of calories your cat is eating. This can be easier said than done. When counting calories, you need to consider treats and cat food. Once the vet tells you how much food and how many treats your cat needs, it will be up to you to keep your cat on this diet.

The second thing your vet will recommend is an increase in exercise. This includes walking, sometimes more than once a day, playing in or outside and overall physical activities. Yes I know this sounds strange. Walk them on the beach or in a nearby forest. The place doesn't matter. Getting the cat exercising will not only benefit him, it will benefit you as well. And before you know it, the pounds will be coming off.

Spotting Ear Mites in Cats

2011-01-03T22:31:00.001+07:00

If you have a cat, no doubt you're a responsible owner and want to keep your cat healthy? Ear mites can cause your cat discomfort making them unhappy so lets take a look at what cat ear mites are, how they affect your cat and how they can be treated.

What exactly are they and what do they do?

The ear mites that affect cats are tiny spider or crab like parasites. They consume the blood, skin and ear wax of your cat. There correct name is Otodectes Cynotis and they borrow deep into the ears of your cat. The saliva from them can cause an allergic reaction in some cats, causing your cat to scratch, often breaking the skin. This scratching can tear the sensitive skin of your cats ears and allow an infection to occur. Also continual scratching can cause the skin to thicken leading to disfigurement. This parasite also increases the wax production in your cats ear, giving the parasites more food to feed off and creating a great deal of discomfort for your cat.

How do I know if my cat has mites?

If you notice your cat shaking their head from side to side and constantly scratching their ears, there is a chance they may have them but you will need a closer look. Get your cat to sit on your lap and when they are relaxed take a look in their ears. You will need to do this fairly quickly as your cat isn't likely to stay sat on your lap for long once you start fiddling with their ears. If you can see dark flecks inside your cats ears there is a high probability that they will be these parasites and it would be best to have this confirmed with the vet.

How should you treat ear mites in cats?

These are extremely easy to deal with, however you do need to be aware that they can live in material and hard surfaces for a while so you need to clean these too to stop the cycle.

Cat Trees And Animal Health

2011-01-03T22:29:00.004+07:00

I'm a dog person. I grew up with large dogs including Labrador retrievers, huskies, Saint Bernards and Anatolian Shepherds. I love the way large dogs roam an area, protecting their turf. They're big and lumbering, full of love and play.

As much as I like these dogs, I dislike cats. To me, cats seem needy and moody, temperamental and vindictive. I don't care for the way they can take over a space or insist on getting your attention until you feel forced to give it.

It wasn't until a recent visit to a large animal shelter that I began to look at cats a little differently.

In a neighboring town there's a large shelter facility. I believe they have a contract with the city to also serve as animal control. At any rate, the facility is equipped with wings to house dogs large and small. They also have cat rooms where the more docile cats can co-exist together, and a viewing room full of caged cats for those that need to be in their own space. My guide was well versed in animal behavior and even introduced me to their on-staff behaviorist who has spent years training birds, dolphins, cats and dogs.

I learned that cats need mental and physical stimulation as much as any human. Items like cat trees give cats an opportunity to change their surroundings and see things differently. They can climb up cat trees and look down, hide in the enclosures as though stalking prey. They can use the sisal-wrapped posts as a place to scratch their nails. Cat trees are one way that shelter cats can get the physical stimulation necessary to keep them in good health (loose limbs, trim weight, etc.) but also the physical stimulation necessary to ward off bad behavior.

How To Help Your Local Animal Shelter

2011-01-03T22:20:00.002+07:00

Many people have a deep love of animals. We love to hold them and comfort them, play with them and tell our secrets to them. Dogs and cats can be faithful companions, our best friends when times turn tough.

Unfortunately, some people aren't well equipped to manage the responsibility that pet ownership requires. Whether emotions cloud good judgment or someone simply doesn't understand the level of care required by pets, sometimes the wrong people end up owning a cat or a dog. At least for a while.

Shelters take in animals that are lost or abandoned, rescued from poor homes, or from people with good intentions but without the means. Whatever the reasons, shelter dogs and cats need medical attention, food, shelter and love just as any other living mammal.

Often cats in a shelter are adversely affected by their surroundings. Even shelters which are set up to attend to their emotional and psychological needs sometimes find that cats which have been waiting for adoption for several months become restless, agitated or even a little aggressive. Part of the reason is they lack stimulation. The small cages don't afford them an opportunity to run, pounce, hide and stalk.

You can help your local animal shelter by considering a donation of some cat trees. Cat trees are furniture items built for use by cats. Constructed primarily of wood, carpet and sisal rope, cat trees come in varying heights and widths. Good cat trees may have a platform perch, an enclosure for hiding, a swing or pouch for lounging, and sisal for scratching.

Cat trees range in expense from sixty to several hundred dollars. If you're thinking of making a donation to your local animal shelter this year, speak with a representative to find out if they have the space for a few cat trees. The cats will greatly benefit, and you'll get a write-off for your taxes.

Giving Your Tea Cup Piggie a Bath

2011-01-01T20:50:00.002+07:00

Most pigs don't like the feel of water - except when they're very hot and using it to cool off. They also don't like the slippery, wet tiles in the bathroom as they can easily lose their footing. Getting in and out is a pretty difficult process as well if you have little stubby legs!

To get your pig used to being bathed, gradually start getting your piggy used to being in the bathroom with no negative experiences. Cover the floor of the bathroom with non skid rugs so he can't lose his footing. Even if you have to stuff your pig full of food to do so, get him in to the bathroom and have him used to being in there. When he is in the bathroom, give him praise and a special treat. You can also get him to perform some simple tricks like sit or spin to show him that bathrooms can be fun places too. Repeat this process every few days until your pig is happy going into the bathroom without too much trouble.

When you're at this point, you can start to turn on the taps - just to get him used to hearing the running water. Give him a treat when the water is running and turn it on and off a few times and every time you turn it back on, give your pig another treat. This conditions the piglet to understand that turning on the water is a good thing and not something to be afraid of.

Although you can use a bathtub to bathe your pig, it's easier to do so in a shower stall as he won't feel so confined. The next step in the process is to start getting him used to going into a shower stall. This may take a while, but you can slowly get him in there using a line of grapes on the floor and a small pile at the end of the line. Once he's happy going into the stall, gradually add a small amount of standing water in the stall and increase the depth of the water each training session. Make sure the temperature is perfect (use the same method as for checking the water temp for a baby) as if it's too hot to too cold your piggy won't like it. Every time your pig gets his hooves wet, reinforce it with the voice command "Bath".

When your piglet is in the stall, start introducing him to water slowly by massaging his back with wet hands. Use very little pressure. When you want to introduce baby shampoo (make sure it's mild), let him sniff it first. Of course while this is going on, you need to continually feed and reassure your pig so he doesn't get frightened. It's usually best to have a second person do this task as it gets too much for one person to handle.

When you have finished, you can towel your piglet off using warm towels straight from the dryer to give him a massage. They like the feel of the warm towel and it will reinforce bath time as a relaxing, pleasurable time for your piglet.

You can use a bath as well, but it would pay to put him in the bath when it's dry a few times for him to get used to the bath. If he tries to jump out, just command him to sit. You should also line the bottom of the bath with towels so he doesn't get frightened and lose traction.

If you can learn to associate bath time with a good experience for the pig, it will make the entire process a whole lot easier and in time your pig will learn to love it.

Hamster: The Ideal Pet For Kids

2011-01-01T20:41:00.002+07:00

Are you looking for some pets that will be safe and good for the kids? Do you want those that they can take care of themselves? If yes, then maybe the only answer to your problems is giving them a hamster. This kind of pets is very low maintenance and safe for all the kids so they can even manage to take care of them even without your help. Plus, these hamsters are very sweet and playful that they can play with them while inside the house.

Hamsters are one of the best pets a kid can have for it is not dangerous and harmful to them. They are little and very cute, just perfect for those little children's hands and they also don't need a lot of effort just to live and survive. All you need to do is to give them their basic needs and a lot of love and care and you'll have them for a very long time.

One of the most important things that one must do is to give those hamsters the essential things they need in order to live such as their food and shelter. Give them food regularly so they can have a source of their energy to play with you all the time. Just make sure to give them those that are appropriate with their little tummies and mouth. Avoid them from eating large-sized foods for it can cause them choking or their small intestine may not able to digest it that will soon be cause of their death. There are a lot of available hamster foods in the market; you can also try them to avoid bigger complications in the latter part.

In able to protect your pet hamster against sudden change of weather, of course you have to give them a shelter that they can call their own. Make sure that the hamster cages that you will provide them will be big enough for them to feel comfortable and cozy inside their house. If the cage will be a little crowded for them they will not have sufficient place where they can play and move around and it is very bad for the hamsters. Also, hamsters are into playful moves and acts, so make sure that you will place wheels and toys all over their hamster cage so they can always find time to play whenever they want it. With that, your kids would also surely enjoy watching their pets playing and moving around those colorful toys they have.

Give these hamsters all of this and you will see that they would be able to live longer and stronger. Of course, just like with any other pets, you also need to let them feel your extreme love and care for them. Treat them like their also a part of the family, always play with them and visit them once in a while so they will also be good and even sweeter to you and because their cuteness, you can also let the kids take good care of them instead of doing any other nonsense things.

Learn More About Blaptica Dubia

2011-01-01T20:38:00.002+07:00

If you have pets like geckos or chameleons, then you will need insects to feed them. They are insectivores so they like to eat bugs and in this case, live bugs. If you feed them canned crickets or mealworms, it just won't work. Feeding your pet Dubia roaches is a good option. So what are Dubia roaches? Blaptica Dubia or Dubia roaches are a roach species which can be found in Central and South America. They are also called Guyana Spotted Orange Roach. They can grow up to 1.5 inches to 2 inches and after adulthood they can live up to a year. Their size is one of the reasons why this is a good feeder roach. You will not have any problems feeding your geckos, tarantulas or monitors.

The Blaptica Dubia is a non-flying and a non-climbing insect. However, the adult male dubia has wings but it just flutters a relatively short distance while the female dubia don't have wings, only stubs. It's easy to distinguish the difference between the male and the female Dubia. A good thing about these feeder roaches is that they don't emit any foul odor plus they won't make any noise unlike crickets. So even if you have a lot kept in a glass tank, it won't be a problem. These feeders have become quite popular because of its protein. Their shells are soft which is easy to digest. It is ideal that you feed them, twenty-four hours prior to feeding your pets so that your pet is going to get a good quantity of protein.

They like to eat fresh fruits, cereals, dog food and even fish flakes. These can be mixed all together or can be rotated. Just make sure that you get rid of old food, since mold can harm these insects. You can also purchase diets for them online. These insects can be housed in a plastic container or a glass tank. Just secure an egg crate for them to breed. They should have adequate humidity and you have to mist the container from time to time to keep the humidity level intact.

Different Cichlid Types You Should Know

2010-12-28T15:21:00.003+07:00

There is no question that cichlids are fast becoming one of the most popular pet fishes. This is just understandable given the lovable characteristics of cichlids. If you want to follow the trend, you better acquaint yourself to the different cichlids types. The ones below can be considered as the most popular types of cichlids. Check to see if one of them is the one that you would like to have on your own.
• Discus fish
The Discus fish is a common choice because they are very sociable. You see, most cichlid breeds are aggressive and dominant so they are usually hard to incorporate with other fishes. Although discus fishes live in large groups, they are really very fond of schooling. The best tip when taking care of discus fish is to ensure that you get at least three of them. Their fish personality dictates that they be part of a group. Having two or only one cichlid in an aquarium would only make the discus fish sad and lonely.

• Angelfish Cichlid
You probably know it as angelfish but this type is very much a part of the cichlid breed. What you should understand is that Angelfish Cichlid is the more obvious choice for people who want fish pets that are relaxed. They are not too aggressive that most people fall in love with their natural grace. Angelfish Cichlids are also very elegant.

• Convict Cichlid
These types of cichlids are the most appealing to beginning cichlid owners. You see, Convict Cichlids are very much easy to keep. They also require low maintenance duties. The only downside is that you need to put on effort in decorating its new home. As much as possible, your tank must be very similar to its natural habitat-rocky with caves and substrate. Convict cichlids often burrow themselves so make sure you give them enough space to play around.

• Dwarf Cichlid
The Dwarf Cichlid is probably one of the most challenging to keep. However, most breeders prefer them over other cichlid types because they are less aggressive than some of its relatives like the Bolivian cichlids. They are also easy to mix with other fishes as long as they are compatible with each other. Although quite active, dwarf cichlids are very popular among breeders and cichlids enthusiasts.

• Jack Dempsey
Jack Dempsey is obviously named after the well-known boxer. They are loved because of their colors. They usually have greenish pecks in their tan bodies while they are young. They turn to purple gray when they get more mature. Their green specks usually turn to gold during these times.

• Oscar Fish
The Oscar fish is one of the toughest varieties. Their best feature is that they can stand almost any kind of water types. They also grow beyond 18 inches. They also have wide food choices including live food, flakes and pellets. It is easy to know if you aren't feeding Oscar fishes enough. Their colors wouldn't be that bright if they are unhealthy. So, it's the sign to watch out for.

Knowing these cichlid types can really help you jumpstart your hobby as a cichlid collector.

Is your cichlid always sick and unhappy? Are you looking for resources to help care, keep and breed healthy and beautiful cichlids? Larry Pearson is an Expert Author and an authority on caring and breeding cichlid fish.

What Makes a Flowerhorn Lucky

2010-12-28T15:19:00.001+07:00

Have you seen a flowerhorn? It is not a thorny flower found in the deepest recesses of the forest. Rather, it is a hybrid of various species of South American cichlids that was developed in Malaysia in the late 1990?s. The flowerhorn has a characteristic hump on the top of its head. There are also markings on the side of the fish. This unusual features of the flowerhorn adds to its charms. The flowerhorn cichlids has become one of the favorites of aquarists to care for. This is because of the relative ease in keeping them, as well as the associated luck it brings to those who own them.

There are different kinds of flowerhorn fish. There is the red dragon, the kamfa, the Thai flowerhorn also known as the Thai silk, and many more. These different types of flowerhorns share the same features.

The flowerhorn sale was at its highest in the early 2000. The hump on the fish?s head has been associated to the Chinese God of Longevity, Shou Xing. It also resembles the gourd the god carries with him which contains the water of life. The markings on the sides of the flowerhorn fish, on the other hand, resemble the Chinese characters and numbers. And in some rare occasions, they resemble the character for luck.

There were some occasions in the past where flowerhorn owners attributed their good fortune on the fish. A woman won the lottery. She claimed that the numbers she used were the numbers on the flowerhorn she owns. There are also business owners who experienced increase in sales since they placed a flowerhorn in their shop. With events like these happening around, the market for flowerhorns was stimulated.

Indeed the association between flowerhorn and of the great fortune some owners have amassed while caring for the fish is still an issue of dispute, there is no denying that the flowerhorn fish is becoming the favorite of many aquarists. There is no harm in believing that flowerhorns are lucky. Be it that you believe in luck or you just want to have a fine specimen in your aquarium. After all, there is no harm in trying. If you don?t win the lottery, at least you have a wonderful fish to have as a pet.

The Best Freshwater Aquarium: Glass Vs Acrylic

2010-12-28T15:16:00.001+07:00

Many people who are getting started in aquarium keeping will be faced with this question, and it can be quite confusing. It's not easy to decide between acrylic and glass for the best freshwater aquarium without knowing the pros and cons of each, so in this article we will have a look at why you may opt for one instead of the other.

Let's start with glass, the age-old material that has been used for many years to make all sorts of things. It is so trusted because it has its advantages, but it also has its disadvantages.

To start with, glass is much heavier than acrylic. When you consider which is the best freshwater aquarium, you will find that acrylic is the better option. It is much lighter and as a result, even the stand that you use will not be unduly strained. If you think about the possibility of an accident, you are much better off with acrylic too - it will not shatter into tiny, dangerous fragments if it ever falls down. True, the glass aquarium that you buy may be made of toughened glass and therefore hard to break, but this does not mean that it's unbreakable.

Acrylic, though much lighter, is a much tougher material. The material strands are blended in such a way that they can take a lot of strain without giving way and this is what makes it shatter-proof. Glass on the other hand will worry you if it gets even a tiny crack, because it will put strain on the entire structure especially considering that there is the weight of water to make the pressure that much more. As an aside, if you own a glass aquarium and it has a crack, consider replacing it because that is an accident waiting to happen.

Acrylic will also give you options with shape because it is mouldable without making it weaker. Glass is too, but the more you bend and play around with glass, the more delicate and brittle it tends to become. With acrylic, you will be able to get tanks in many different shapes, and you can choose the best freshwater aquarium that is something other than just square or rectangular.

If you ever need to modify your tank, maybe to put in an overflow system, go with acrylic. You can cut it easily with common tools that you can get at your tool store. Glass would require a glass expert and any holes will tend to leave the entire structure rather unstable.

Glass, because of its nature will tend to distort images and light. This means that depending on the angle from which you are looking into your fish tank, you may see that the fish and whatever else is in the tank look distorted. This will not happen with acrylic. Glass tanks also tend to be that much thicker, another factor that will distort view.

Glass does have its positive attributes though; it's a natural material and it will not discolour like acrylic. Acrylic tends to yellow with time, and because your fish tank has algae in it, if you are not very regular with the cleaning, you may find that the color of the tank has permanently changed. Glass will also outshine acrylic any day - you just can't get the same gleam however much you polish an acrylic tank. With an acrylic freshwater aquarium, you are always watching out not to scratch it - scratches are unsightly and they will affect the general attractive look of the tank.

Acrylic, because of all these qualities, will be more expensive, as well as more tasking to ship - it has to be wrapped very carefully so as not to get scratched. All that said though, you are much better off with acrylic as the best freshwater aquarium, so long as you clean it regularly enough for it not to yellow fast and avoid getting scratches on it.

Origins and Different Meanings of Koi Fish Types

2010-12-28T15:12:00.001+07:00

Koi fish meaning is the thing that people who own and breed koi fish seek because they want to believe that the koi fish means or symbolize something other than just being ornamental fish. They want to believe that caring for a Koi will bring them more than just satisfaction because it can mean something more.

For people who do not know much about the Koi fish, it is nothing but common wild carp with colored mutations. However, for people in the East, specifically in Japan, the Koi is more than just color mutated common carp. The common carp originated in China and was later on brought to different Asian countries such as Japan and Korea, and now they can be found all over the world. Over the years, since the conception of the Koi (more commonly known as the Nishikigoi in Japan), many beliefs, legends and myths have been told to explain the meaning of the Koi or what it represents.

Indeed there have been many stories that have been told about the Koi. According to Japanese myths and beliefs, the Koi can symbolize masculinity, prosperity or good fortune, perseverance during adversity and strength of purpose. In Chinese, a Koi symbolizes balance and harmony (yin and yang), courage and also good luck.

According to the most popular Japanese story about what the Koi fish symbolizes, if a Koi is able to swim up and against the current of a waterfall, at a point called Dragon Gate on a river called the Yellow River, it will transform into a dragon. Thus, explaining why the Koi fish symbolizes perseverance during adversity. The Koi fish is known to swim upstream, like that of the salmon, this perhaps best explains where this most common story about what it symbolizes have come from.

Masculinity is one of the things that a Koi is said to symbolize in Japanese Culture. Every year the Japanese hold an event they call Boys Day Festival where each son in a family participates in the form of a Koi shaped kite. The bigger the kite, the better. The Japanese consider the carp as one of the most energetic fish because it is constantly moving and motion is seen as a characteristic of that of a boy.

In Japanese culture, the Koi fish also symbolizes Family. A specific color represents a member of the family. For example, the black koi is for the father, the flame red koi is for the mother, the blue and white koi represents the son and the pink and red represents the daughter.

The colors of the Koi also have significant meanings. For example, the platinum or silver colored fish represents success in business and the gold koi represents wealth and prosperity.

Many people have taken up collecting different types of Koi as a hobby and most of them believe that the Koi brings good luck and wealth. This can be because a Koi fish can be very expensive, especially the ones that are deemed to be high quality; these kinds of Koi have perfect color markings.

A Koi can mean a lot of different thing but there are really no concrete meanings. All of these are based merely on myths and different beliefs of people. In the end, it is up to the person to decide what the Koi means for him.

Designing the Perfect Aquarium

2010-12-28T15:11:00.001+07:00

An aquarium can range from a small fish bowl to public aquaria that can house marine fish such as sharks and other sea animals including turtles and sting rays. However, the essence of an aquarium is not necessarily what living creatures contain them but how it is designed.

An aquarium can be used as decoration in some cases, to brighten up an event or simply placed in a cosy living room. If you own a fish tank or small aquarium of your own then there are tips on how you can aquascape the water filled space.

When a new fish tank is bought, one of the first things you will consider is the ornaments and plants that will accompany the inhabitants of the tank. The key is not to overload the space with novelty ornaments as it will look too overcrowded. One of the biggest dangers of designing a small household aquarium is getting too eager and filling the tank with too many objects, which makes it look crammed. Yes, we all believe the classic castle ornament belongs in our fish tanks, but too many novelty items can make it look too 'busy'. By all means keep the traditional ornament, however don't go over the top.

Another good tip is to have a good mixture of ornaments and plants in your aquarium. It is important to create a balance so the tank refrains from looking too cluttered. For example you could use artificial or live plants along with plastic figures. However, do not use too many plant forms as it is important for the fish to move around easily and sometimes artificial plants can restrict that. You could also add rocks to the bottom of the aquarium to add a more natural feel to the space.

In addition, adhering to a theme for your aquarium is an option when considering a design. Some fish tank owners like to create a sunken ship scenario or recreate the image of the barrier reef. It is up to you which theme you choose, and you can consult local aquarium or pet shops for ideas about a specific genre for your tank. On the other hand, if you're eager to keep up to date with modern designs then I urge you to go to your local aquarium shop and inquire about new trends and new ornaments available. Also, look around the shop's own displays and try and recreate their design.

Finally, when creating a design one of the aspects that must be considered are the inhabitants of the aquarium. It is important to keep the most natural living space for the fish you have housed in your tank. Look online or ask in your local aquarium shop about the natural setting of your fish depending on the species. I advise you to consider this because even though it is important to create an eye catching design it is vital that the inhabitants of the aquarium can adapt to the setting you have provided for them.

There Are Many Different Fish Tank Filters

2010-12-28T15:08:00.000+07:00

A fish tank filter is one of the pieces of equipment that you will need to get your fish aquarium set up properly. A freshwater fish filter will help to circulate the air in the water for your fish. This really helps to maintain a healthy environment. These filters help to run all the water in the aquariums through the fish tank filter at least four times an hour. It is recommended for small to medium fish aquariums to have a power filter or an under-gravel filter but a canister filter is recommended for the larger aquariums.

One of the first filters was the corner filter which set in one of the back corners of the aquariums and is one of the cheaper fish tank filters sold today. They have a less powerful flow intake which is good for those that have breeding tanks.

The canister freshwater fish tank filter is more powerful and fits best on medium to larger tanks. The canister can be hidden in the back of the aquarium and it forces water through the filter media instead of flowing past the filters. If you wish to increase the biological filtration capacity of the canister filter then you will want to add a bio-wheel. The only disadvantage of the canister filter is that it is very difficult to take apart for maintenance and cleaning and is just as difficult to get it primed and restarted.

The next fish tank filter is the diatomic filter which removes the very small particles in the water. This kind of tank filter is used most often when diatomic algae is a problem. These diatomic freshwater fish tank filters are only used for specific situations so most often standard filters are used with a diatomic insert to be used when needed.

Then there is the fluidized bed fish tank filters which use sand as the filer medium and it is a very efficient biological filter. Even though it takes a while longer for these particulate substances to mature they make excellent filters and they can be used in any size fish tank.

The most commonly used fish tank filter is the power filter. It hangs off the back and is so simple to install and maintain. It provides mechanical and chemical filtration and can be combined with a bio-wheel to help biological filtration increase.

The under gravel filter has been around a long time and is placed on the aquarium floor and then the air pump pulls the water down through the rocks along with the unwanted matter. The UGF is inexpensive and is very easy to set up. It is also maintenance free but if you use live plants in your aquariums then this can cause the UGF to clog.

Golden Retriever Puppy Biting

2010-12-23T13:40:00.002+07:00

We all know how cute puppies are, especially these ones. However, we are all guilty of mistaking them biting us as cuteness. Many owners don't realise that this so called 'harmless behaviour' can lead to aggressive and dominant behaviour in adulthood. You must therefore, ensure that you get rid of your puppy biting issue immediately.

Most Golden Retriever puppies learn to stop biting very early on as their brothers and sisters will bite them back. This usually happens around about 8 weeks old. If the biting doesn't stop after this point then it can become very troublesome to stop them biting...

Golden Retriever Puppy Biting Problems: Young and Naive

It is imperative that you act quickly and decisively as soon as you notice your Golden Retriever puppy biting problem If you have just got your pup and it is younger than 8 weeks old then at once is the time to act.

To begin, please don't hit your puppy when it bites you. This can sometimes be a major reason why they develop aggression problems in later life.

The best way to stop your Golden Retriever puppy biting is to address the cause issue. To stop your Golden Retriever puppy biting use the 'stick and carrot' method. The basic model of this is to reinforce and reward good behaviour and discourage bad behaviour. This doesn't insinuate punishing them!

Avoid any form of physical games with your puppy as this will encourage aggressive behaviour.The main aim is to be consistent in your actions. Please don't send mixed signals to your puppy such as encouraging rough games one week and not the next. This is because it can confuse them, and can lead to aggression in later life.

Golden Retriever Puppy Biting Problems: Education

Another great way to stop your Golden Retriever puppy biting is to begin some form of obedience training. The obedience classes are great because the trainers are experts at handling biting problems

By also enrolling on socialization classes your dog will become much more socialized. This also helps to decrease violence and worry problems.

Redirecting any biting behaviour is vitally important when trying to discourage biting.If you give them a chew toy instead of your finger then they will associate the chew toy with biting, not your finger.

You can teach your dog that biting is unacceptable by simply displaying pain whenever you are bit. This shows that biting is painful, and instantly discourages it.

By far the best time to train your dog that biting is unacceptable is when they are young. You can eliminate the biting problem within a few months if you start it early enough. This will cause much less stress in later life as it can grow to be much more difficult, although not impossible as the dog gets grown-up and develops habits.

Make the Outdoor Stay of Your Dogs a Comfortable One With Wood Dog Houses

2010-12-23T13:38:00.000+07:00

Dogs are pretty amazing and lovable pets. You can hug them, cuddle them and even play with them. However, when they are too many, you would definitely have to assign the others in the outdoors. Your beloved pets may be cute and adorable but you can't negate the fact that they can leave quite a mess. Their fur could be everywhere from your sofas to your clothes. And, the funny thing is that some of them can drool all over the place and even chew up your furniture or shoes.

When it becomes necessary to station your dogs in the outer premises of your home, then make their outdoor stay a comfortable one with the presence of wood dog houses. Offering safe shelters for your canine pals is entirely a must. There are certain dog breeds that couldn't withstand the extreme heat or cold conditions that present in the open. By giving them a home of their own, they will have a place they can seek some shade away from the sun or crawl into to keep dry when it rains.

Wood dog houses are great for your pets for they have amazing features. They are often made from cedar wood, a very resilient and tough wood material. Cedar possesses high natural oil content which makes it a fantastic insulating material.

It can trap some heat during winter at the same time reflect some of the heat during summer. Because of its natural oils, it is not easily attacked by termites and other pesky pests.

Another remarkable thing about these wooden-made houses for dogs is that they are available in wide range of designs. You will surely be delighted in seeing your furry friends sprawling and resting in their little villa, cabin, country-club and lodge-style shelters. Some designs can even come in duplexes while others can feature very charming front porches.

Giving A Puppy As A Gift May Not Be A Good Idea

2010-12-23T13:29:00.000+07:00

If you are thinking about giving someone a puppy as a gift, consider these important issues. Remember that a puppy needs to be constantly cared for and trained. The first year the puppy will grow quickly but will not settle down and make a good house companion until it is about two or three years old, depending on the breed it could be longer. Before you give someone a puppy as a gift you should do some research.

Being a pet owner is a big responsibility and your friend might talk about it but does not really want to commit. If you are buying a puppy for a friend, make sure they really want it. Any type of pet requires time and commitment and it should be wanted and loved.

If you are a parent buying a dog for your child, it might be hard to say no but, better in the long run. I am sure the kids will be insisting that they will take care of him but I can guarantee it will be you that does the caring. If you are not filling the bowls with food and water you will be buying it. Your new puppy will need to go to the veterinarian at least once a year and visit the groomer. When the weather is cold or the children are too tired who will be walking the dog for his daily exercise, you.

If your children are very young it could be quite a chore to teach them how to care for your new puppy. Because of their excitement and unpredictability a young child can make a puppy or any dog nervous and fearful. If this is the case your own child or one of their friends could be bitten. Children love animals but do not know how to treat them without being taught. You will form the major part of your dog's personality by the way you raise and care for him.

Adopting a dog from your local pet shelter has advantages. The handlers at the shelters can tell you a little about the dog's disposition when it comes to general behavior and how it gets along with other animals and children. The shelter will usually make sure the dog is up to date with any shots, is in good health and may even spay or neuter them.

When you buy a puppy from a breeder or pet store you can never be quite sure about what you are getting. While designer dogs are all the rage they often have health problems common to their breed. The more purebred the dog the more likely they will succumb to these health issues.

Anytime you consider buying a puppy you should do some research first. Find the breed that best suits your wants and needs before you buy. If your plan is to give someone a puppy as a gift, consider paying the expense to have the dog spayed or neutered to add the value of responsibility to your gift.

Information on Runner Ducks

2010-12-11T23:26:00.002+07:00

The Indian Runner Duck has to be one of the most fascinating of all water fowl and they were introduced into Europe around 1800 and the first evidence of the Indian Runner in Britain was about 1830. The Indian runner Duck has a perfect upright stature and is often referred to as the penguin bird simply because of its waddle.

The Indian Runner has a slim neck and a long, narrow head, the legs and shanks of the Indian runner are also incredibly short which is why the Indian Runner walks and runs very upright and straight.

The Ducks are delightful birds and do make excellent pets, they are also quite hardy, meaning they suffer rarely from any serious illnesses. Ducks will need a larger house than a normal chicken coop, especially as they stand quite tall and need to be able to get in and out of the house easily. Each Duck will need a space of 2sqf per Duck in the house to ensure they have enough room to sit. Many people prefer to lay a concrete base for the floor of the house and then build around the floor with wood to provide a good solid Duck house. Concrete floors are fine as long as there is plenty of bedding to keep the Ducks warm and straw is a perfect example of good, warm bedding. Runner Ducks are renowned for being slightly messy and their bedding will become soiled quicker than a standard chicken coop and for this reason you may need to remove bedding and disinfect the floor before replacing fresh straw and depending on how many Ducks you have, you may need to clean them out twice a week.

Runner Ducks will not usually use a nest box and will simply lay their eggs wherever they feel like it and for this reason you need to be aware that eggs may get lost in the bedding. Runner Ducks are fantastic at foraging for their own food and as well as the food you provide, they will find a lot of their own food. Ducks will eat Layers pellets and crumb and mash should be avoided as Ducks have a problem picking this up. Ducks are best fed twice a day and you can also feed some corn late afternoon which your Ducks will look forward to. Water should also be available readily and your Runner Ducks will drink plentifully throughout the day and so making sure their water supply is readily available is very important.

Runner Ducks are fantastic pets and are sweet natured and for this reason they make excellent pets for children.

Attracting Birds Without Bird Seed

2010-12-11T23:22:00.001+07:00

Many people think that the best way to lure birds to their yard is with bagged bird seed. While this does draw in birds to their yards, there are alternative ways to entice our feathered friends without visiting the store every couple of weeks.

A good water source will attract a wider range of animals than bird seed because only certain species eat seeds, but all of them require water. In the summer months most species like to bathe. Moving or dripping water will tempt them to visit even more. They are lured to the splashing sound, and the mosquitoes will be unable to lay eggs in the moving water. To accomplish this you can buy a wiggler or a pump of some sort, and if possible one that is solar powered so it does not rely on an outlet. Another way to create moving water would be hanging a bottle with water and punching a small hole in the bottom to drip into the bird bath. The water should be cleaned at least once a week to reduce disease transmission between the birds. If there is no moving water it should be cleaned every other day to prevent mosquitoes.

Another way to attract birds without any bird seed is to stop raking your yard. The added leaf litter gives insects more places to live, which will attract the birds that feed on bugs, such as Eastern Towhees. If you do not like the look of leaves all over your yard you can just rake them to one corner or under a bush. These leaves will also compost and creates good soil for plants.

Planting native plants in your yard will attract birds, sometimes more than store bought bird seed. Plants with berries are good for fruit eating birds, for example Cedar Waxwings; and plants with bright and colorful flowers will attract nectar feeding birds, including Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds. Before planting any plants in your yard you should do a lot of research, making sure it is native to the area and not invasive. The best source to check would be with your state's Department of Natural Resources.

These tips will help attract birds to your yard with less money and can attract more birds than the basic store bought bird seed.

African Grey Parrots - Are They The Smartest Parrots?

2010-12-11T23:18:00.001+07:00

There are numerous beautiful birds that exist today; some sing or talk more than others, some are more intelligent than others and some make great pets. One particular parrot is called the African Grey Parrot. This African parrot is one particular bird that is not only beautiful, it is very smart, has the ability to speak many words and makes a good pet for bird lovers.

In addition to their high level of intelligence within bird species and their ability to have a big vocabulary, the African Grey is also admired for their coloring. The colors are not vibrant like many parrots you may find in the jungle or zoo, but this parrot is sleek and elegant. African Grey's are of two different families, one is the Congo African Grey and the other is the Timneh African Grey. As the name states the bird is of a grey color but the Congo has a lighter grey compared to the Timneh whose grey is darker. Both types do have a colored tail, the Congo's is red and the Timneh's is maroon.

The African Grey's Characteristics

The African parrots are considered to be medium sized and their length can be 10 to 14 inches. Within many bird species, the male usually has more vibrant colors than the female but this parrot the coloring is the same for both the males and females. There is one physical characteristic between the males and females and that is that the female has a narrower head as well as a slender neck. The life span is quit long and they can live around 60 years in age.

When choosing this African parrot for a pet, it is best to keep in mind its long life span as well as its intelligence level. Are you willing to commit to this responsibility for a very long period of time? In regards to the parrots intelligence, just like a human, it needs constant interaction otherwise it will be bored. If a human becomes bored, they can have behavior problems and this is the same for the African Grey. Understanding the needs of this African parrot is very important so that it will receive a quality of life that it deserves as it won't be living in its natural environment.

Knowing the history and behaviors of the African Grey, it will help you to provide both physical and mental activities so that your parrot will maintain a healthy life and have a good behavior pattern. Although the parrot is relatively easy to care for, it does require discipline to keep up the good behavior. If there is no discipline or interaction with the African parrot to keep its mind occupied in a positive manner, the parrot might begin to be cranky or even show negative behavior such as feather picking, chew on its cage or even bite. If the African parrot is left unattended to for too long without positive interaction, the parrot may also begin to cause self-infliction; this can lead to very serious physical complications.

The beak is extremely hard and strong as it is used as a tool to not only search for as well as other uses. By nature, African Grey's are extremely social birds; they tend to group together and will show affection for one another. In captivity, the parrot's owner tends to be considered the parrots flock and the parrot will show certain signs of affection to the owner. The African parrot may not prefer a lot of cuddling from its owner but it does enjoy having its head petting or scratched. One deep sign of affection is when the parrot will regurgitate and may even try to "kiss" the owner's mouth (the human mouth has many bacteria that could harm the bird) so try to prevent the "kiss" of possible.

Who Is That Charming Little Creature In My Chinchilla Cage?

2010-12-10T14:05:00.002+07:00

Considering all of the unique critters on the planet, which ones are the warmest, cutest, furriest, cuddliest, most entertaining and affectionate pets of all? Well, I suppose if you ask ten different pet owners, you'll likely get ten different answers. For me, it's hard to beat the incredible little critter from high up in the Andes Mountains of South America, the chinchilla. And, that's especially true of the adorable chinchilla baby. Chinchillas as pets were imported, or more likely smuggled into North America nearly a century ago, these adorable dynamos have evolved into one of the world's most cherished pets.

The name chinchilla means "little chincha", a name associated with the Chincha people of Peru, a group who relied heavily upon the once abundant rodent populations for both food and fur. Unfortunately, the arrival of Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century ushered in the eventual demise of the larger king chinchilla and the subsequent endangerment of the remainder of the entire wild species, as the chinchilla fur trade offered an irresistible opportunity for wealth.

Thankfully, that group of a dozen or so chinnies, who were discreetly transported to California at the turn of the century, are given credit, by some experts, as having propagated the entire population of North American chinchillas. Sadly, the numbers left behind in South America have struggled for survival and while they may be protected as an endangered species, the populations appear to lack the necessary growth to offer any substantial hope for the immediate future.

The coolest thing about the species, which happens to be the softest and thickest fur of any animal on the planet, is also the one thing that's contributed to its near extinction. The demands of the fur market, for this high priced pelt, inspired an inexhaustible army of trappers eagerly waging war against the harmless and defenseless 'little chinchas'. The pursuit of profit, it would seem, has no room for conscience. And, although the demand for all types of fur has diminished worldwide, it's unlikely that any organized efforts, with regard to any type of wide scale chinchilla rescue, will ever return the number of wild chinchillas to their pre-conquistador levels of the 1600s.

Here in the United States the chinchilla pet industry has evolved into a stable and profitable enterprise, with breeders and pet stores alike, supplying the needs of a demanding base of enthusiastic and loving chinnie owners.

A few chinchilla facts reveal that this little animal weighs in at somewhere between two and three pounds, and appears to be a cross between a rabbit and a squirrel. Reaching a full-grown length of about 12 inches, the typical chinchilla is relatively easy to care for, demanding only reasonably sized chinchilla cages or enclosure and sufficient room to run about in a daily program of physical exercise. Specialized needs include the relatively inexpensive chinchilla wheel, a few chinchilla toys, and the chinchilla bath, more commonly known as chinchilla sand. The required diet, while somewhat specialized, is rather simple and generally not a challenge for the average budget.

Chinchillas are very intelligent, highly energetic and can be extremely affectionate, showing great attachment to the owners they depend on and love. They are also very delicate animals that are easily injured, a potential that demands supervised activity when young children are involved. As a nocturnal animal, the bulk of their activity occurs between sundown and daybreak, however there's sufficient time in between for you to interact with your comically playful little pet.

Getting to Know the Adorable Chinchillas

2010-12-10T14:00:00.002+07:00

Keeping a pet is a common hobby. When you are with your dog, cat, rabbit, parrot or even snake, you will as if you are unloading your stress and throwing your worries away. Indeed pet keeping has many therapeutic effects that people who are keeping animals as their pets will often find it hard to continue living when parted with their pets.

Aside from hamsters, Chinchillas are also popular pets that take the form of rodent-like built. The scientific name of Chinchilla is Chinchilla lanigera. They often live up to 15 years although it is not uncommon for them to reach an extended life of 18 to 20 years. At first look, they may be mistaken as hamsters but considering their slimness as opposed to chubby hamsters, Chinchillas stand above. Their body length can reach to 10 to 14 inches while their tail can reach to 5 to six inches. Chinchillas vary in color but the most common ones are those that have grey coats. They are just too irresistible that an audience may find it hard not to squeeze it.

Chinchilla keeping presents unique requirements. In terms of their cages, they must be wide enough for them to move around. The cage must not be a boring one. It should posses structures like platforms, ramps, perches and even wheels where they can play around like that of white mice. Aside from that, Chinchillas also love to have toys. This is necessary for their incisors to develop well as they tend to chew the toys when they play.

With regards to their habit, they usually are nocturnal in nature. They are most active at night and less playful at daytime. That is the reason why they are sometimes they are called crepuscular referring to animals whose activeness peaks at dawn and dusk. They should be kept in a quiet area during the day so as not to disturb their rest. Since they are so vigorous and playful, chinchillas need a larger cage for all their activities. The temperature that they love will depend on their variety although most love to be around a cooler temperature.

When it comes to feeding, Chinchillas require a lot of fibre. Their diet should mainly consist of a good quality grass hay along with pellets especially made for chinchillas. A total of one teaspoon per day is a usual amount given to them since their digestive system are fairly sensitive. Diet changes should by all means made gradual.

Chinchillas are very active and playful. However, there are instances when they do not like to be cuddled or touched. They can get close with their owners easily so that the owner himself will quickly grow fond of the pet in no time at all. They can be tamed easily and can be kept either in singles or with pairs for mating. Choosing one will surely be an enjoyable moment for a future Chinchilla owner. Before buying any Chinchilla, just be sure that you can give time to take care of it. Otherwise, your pet will suffer from loneliness and malnourishment.

Chinchillas For Sale - Where To Get Chinchillas

2010-12-10T13:57:00.002+07:00

For first time pet owners, a chinchilla or a baby chinchilla may be the last thing they would want to get as they may feel like it is a wild rodent and is generally dirty,. However, a chinchilla is one of the cleanest and easiest pet to take care of (as you will see in the later parts of this narrative) and for the most part, even tamer that a rabbit or a mice. These little creatures are blessed with the thickest and softest fur that makes them virtually impenetrable to ticks, dogs, cats and even birds can get fleas even if we have been constantly grooming them and giving them baths as often as every other day. There are also a lot of baby chinchillas for sale in most pet shops, so, they would be quite easy to find.

Pet lovers are everywhere but cannot seem to decide which pet or pets are suitable for them. Most of us who live in highly urbanized cities may often live in condo units or apartments that really do not give much room for a pet to move around in. Chinchillas for sale are great pets to keep us company at home. They really do not need much in terms of maintenance and are fairly even tempered when they are comfortable in your home. They do not need to be bathed in water and all you need is their specially made chinchilla dust for them to roll around and take a chinchilla dust bath in.

Where To Get Chinchillas?
Baby Chinchillas or chins may be bought from reputable breeders that advertise online or from pet shops. They can cost as little as a few hundred dollars each depending on the lineage and or background. A pure standard chinchilla is basically a pure breed and that no mutation or mixing of the gene pool from other chins was made. They are known to be generally healthier compared to mixed breeds that may have genetic complications arise as they grow older.

Breeders of these animals are quite proud of their stock and will always disclose whether their animals are pure standard or not. If you are looking to adopt abandoned chinchillas (bless your heart!) they would come in quite cheap or even free as long as you know animal shelters that have them. There are also a lot of cheap chinchilla for sale out there, one just has to know where to look. Many chinchillas are abandoned or rescued by concerned citizens who take pity on these animals as some people breed them for their fur and sell them to the highest bidder.

What kinds of chinchillas are for sale?
Chinchillas generally have two kinds; the Chinchilla brevicaudata and the chinchilla lanigera. They almost look alike but the Chinchilla brevicaudata has a shorter tail and broad shoulders. This specie is also the one mainly produced in captivity, Chinchilla lanigera is mostly found in the wild along the mountains of South America where they came originally from.

These chins come in generally four kinds of fur colors that are gray, beige, white and ebony. There may be rarer colors found but this may be a sign of cross breeding. Again, it would be wise to ask your breeder about the chins' lineage or family background.

When looking for a suitable chinchilla to bring home, take a close look at the quality of his fur. It should be soft and shiny and not have signs of "fur chewing" this can be a result of an attack by another chin or he may have done it himself. It will be hard to detect how deep the fur chewing or attack went as it is almost impossible to see through all those hair.

What Else To Check?
Second, check to see the over-all demeanor of the animal. It should be up and about during the evening and be rested during the day. They are nocturnal animals (come out during the evenings) and will keep you up for the most part as they jump and tumble inside their cage. Speaking of the cage, some chinchilla cages for sale are not that durable, so, be wise in choosing. This is also perfect for those who work during the day as you are assured that they will not do anything to harm themselves as they will be fast asleep while you are in the office or at school.

Lastly, it would be of great help to you to know more about these animals before you really and finally decide to get one. Take the time to study how they live, watch a few videos and especially learn how to give a chinchilla dust bath! It would also be of great comfort to you if you already have a veterinarian in your phones speed dial for those emergencies. Pay careful attention to your pet chin's diet as they have a very sensitive need when it comes to the kinds of food they eat.

Accessories You Will Also Need
You will of course have to buy chinchilla cages for your new pet, just like how guinea pigs need guinea pig hutches, as well as food, a food dish, a water bottle, hay, and chinchilla toys. There are so many options available and one could easily spend a ton of money getting all of these items. While these things go along with your budget you can't let your chinchilla suffer - sometimes a toy is a necessity along with food and water!

In Conclusion...
Baby chinchillas for sale, though strictly monitored, are quite easy to find and responsible breeders will never sell a chin that is less than 6 weeks old. Some pet chinchillas for sale, even if they are born with fur and with eyes wide open, does not mean that they are fully grown!

10 Things To Consider When Choosing Freshwater Aquarium Fish

2010-12-07T21:43:00.003+07:00

If you're getting your freshwater aquarium set up, then you must be thinking about what kind of fish should go in there. There's more to it that just getting pretty ones that match, and here, we will go through things that you should do as you select your freshwater aquarium fish so that you end up with an aquarium that's wholesome, fun and easy to maintain.

1. Determine the number of fish you want to keep. The temptation of course is to keep as many pretty ones as you can get in there, but you may squeeze them too much. An aquarium with too many fish means much more waste, which is not good for the fish and will force you to clean more often. When there are too many fish, there may also be a scramble for food so that there are some that are not fed enough. The rule of thumb is about 2 inches of fish for every gallon of water.

2. You need to choose your fish from a reputable dealer. This way, you are sure that you're getting healthy stock. It's not uncommon to set up an aquarium and a few days later the fish are dead - they were likely not healthy when they were bought. Look at the fish in the shop to start with; are the aquariums clean and do the fish look healthy? If you are impressed with the way the store is kept, you are more likely to get good, healthy fish. If the aquariums are dirty and the fish in them look dull, look for another supplier.

3. Learn as much as you can about freshwater aquarium fish that you may be considering. Do they have particular preferences? Do they prey on other fish? Do they require special kinds of substrate? What temperature do they best thrive in? You also need to know if they have special dietary requirements. Sometimes, this information may help you decide whether you can cope with your selection - some fish breeds are rather high maintenance. A tip here is to get school fish. There will be minimal compatibility issues and it's easier to tell when something is wrong in the fish tank because they will all behave oddly. There are some that come recommended: pearl and zebra danios are beautiful; neons and cardinal tetras too.

4. Try not to get one of everything that you like; they may all be school fish, but they still have different environments under which they thrive best. It's hard to simulate all these environments in a fish tank. 2 or 3 types are ok.

5. There will be algae, and it's always best, together with regular maintenance, to get a species of fish that feeds on it so you can control it naturally. A brittle nose, a clown plecostomus or otocinclus catfish are perfect fresh water aquarium fish for this.

6. Killifish, if you can get them, are an excellent way to start your aquarium. They are not so high maintenance, and by the time you get to add other fish species, you will have got the hang of it.

7. Think about compatibility. Most people will think about freshwater aquarium fish that prey on others here, but there are also some that grow so big in a short time that they start to squeeze out the others. Cichilds, for instance grow quite big. Angle fish can easily squeeze out smaller fish if they are in a fish tank smaller than 10 gallons. Some fish types are also rather messy, and the mess they leave behind may poison more sensitive breeds.

8. DON'T keep a piranha, unless all by themselves. They will eat your other fish. If you go for them, make sure to be ready for the expense that they bring. They need a lot more cleaning after, and they need to be fed much more to keep them from eating each other.

9. There are miniature sharks, like the Bala, that you can keep, but they still will grow rather big and you will need a bigger-than-standard fish tank.

10. Stay away from catfish. They will eat other fish in the fish tank and they never stop growing.

You are now armed with lots of information on choosing freshwater aquarium fish and choosing fish for your aquarium so follow this guidance and remember even one wrong fish in your fish tank can affect all the rest, so it's important to follow these tips.

Three Freshwater Aquarium Fish You Need Named A-B

2010-12-07T21:36:00.003+07:00

Angelfish

Great in a community tank, it moves around at a slow pace and is lovely to look at with wonderful colors. Adults can be as big as fifteen centimeters long, so think about that when you are working out how many fish your aquarium can accommodate.
Temperature wise they can endure quite a wide range and they are also happy with a variable range of foods.

This fish looks silvery, is thin and has curvy fins that sweep backwards. Distinct vertical stripes run along the body from the caudal fin to the eye. And you can tell when this fish is afraid as these black stripes suddenly fade away.
Other Angel fish such as the black one, obviously don't show these stripes as clearly. Another one, an Angel fish has lace patterns on the fins. Longer fins can be found on another Angel fish, the Veil Angel that has a marble effect.

Sexing these fish is not easy. When you do manage to get a pair they remain loyal to each other and look after they young well. When breeding you will need a well planted tank with broad leaves and the light needs to be at a low level. Sticky eggs are produced within two or three days.
Bear in mind that these fish can eat the eggs, especially if they feel afraid. The young can be fed with infusoria and then micro worms and then brine shrimps.

Badis

You cannot say that this fish has one particular color as there are lots and lots of variations. The colors vary from red to a nearly purple color and spots have even been noted. Not only that, the color changes depending on the aquarium conditions and during breeding.

Major characteristics are a dorsal fin that that might have bluish green stripes, scales with a line around them and a stripe crossing the eye.
When breeding make sure that the male is smaller than the female because she can be injured by a bigger male. As a cave dweller ensure you use something like a plant pot for it to breed in. Have a well planted aquarium with a water temp of twenty nine degrees centigrade. Remove the female after egg laying, wait for them to hatch and then remove the male. Use infusoria to feed the young.

Black Widow

The family is Characidae and the scientific name is Gymnocorymbus ternetzi. This is a popular freshwater aquarium fish as it is peaceful, fairly small at 6.5 centimetres and therefore great in a community tank. Nevertheless it is susceptible to bad water conditions and this can be identified by seeing if it swims with the head down. Food wise, a range of feeding can be used but it prefers live food.

Color wise its body has vertical dark stripes with red circled eyes and a silvery green body. Sexing is difficult a clue is that the male is not as fat in the body and it has bigger frontal and anal fins and dorsal fins that are sharper. The breeding tank must be thickly planted at on end, water at twenty degrees centigrade and you also need floating plants.

After breeding the eggs are dispersed, some adhering themselves to plant leaves and others falling to the bottom. Remove the breeding pair after spawning and you will see the fry after about thre days. Feed the young on infusoria, then brine shrimp.

Sport Horse Breeders Meet in Devon

2010-11-12T01:01:00.002+07:00

The wealth of information, people, places, and horses at the WBFSH Convention was outstanding! The first day we were taken to the Devon Breed Show to see some of the top mares and foals in the country. I was surprised to learn that in Europe they do not have breed shows like this. We had lunch sponsored by Dressage at Devon and were able to talk with many of the representatives of the WBFSH and hear their thoughts and impressions on the show.

After returning from the show we started the 1st seminar session. We were welcomed by Jan Pedersen, the president of the WBFSH, and Ekkehard Brysch, ISR/Oldenburg Registry, our host. Scott Hassler then presented a very interesting talk about equestrian sports in North American and its impact on Sport Horse breeding. He thanked the WBFSH for the implementation of the Young Horse Championships citing that he felt that they were having a very positive impact on the education of the young horse in the U.S. Even though only a small percentage of our 4, 5, and 6 year olds are competing in these classes, it has highlighted the importance of starting the training of our young horses earlier rather than later. Currently the Young Horse Championships for Dressage, Jumping, and Eventing are held at different times and different locations. The goal for 2013 is to have them all in one location at the same time.

Ekkehard Brysch then talked about the impact of thoroughbreds on the modern Sport Horse Breeding in North America. He said that originally the 1st generation of a cross with a TB was not the breeding goal, only the start. Now however, because of the larger pool of quality TB mares in the U.S., they are seeing that the 1st generation cross does produce foals that meet the breeding goal. It is important to note that they have identified a particular type of TB that is suitable. The TB horses that produce the best offspring suitable for the Sport Horse must have quality conformation and are typically out of lines that produced horses that were or are successful in the longer races. Sprinting horses will not produce the gaits desirable for modern Sport Horse Breeding.

Later in the afternoon we heard about the education and training of equestrian professionals in the U.S. by Prof. Dr. Rebecca Splan from Virginia Tech University. They have a unique program designed to educate the students in all aspects of the horse industry. Their goal is that the student be made aware of all the career opportunities available and with the help of the university, industry stakeholder support, and assistance from breed registries and other organizations, is prepared for high-level professional careers with horses. I found myself wishing I was younger and could take part in this excellent program.

Derbydown Farms was our 1st stop the next morning. There, Louise Serio gave us a demonstration of a hunter on the flat and over fences, as well as some videos of the Hunter Derby while we had lunch. She told us what she looks for in a Hunter and verified that the modern Sport Horse is proving to be more suitable than the TB in most cases. It was very educational and many of the WBFSH representatives had never seen this sport and were impressed. We then visited North View Farm, the birth place of Northern Dancer, and saw many beautiful TB stallions and heard about the state of TB breeding and racing in the U.S. Next was the amazing new Hassler Dressage at Riveredge. This facility will take your breath away - you can see pictures on the ISR/Oldenburg website as well at the WBFSH site. Scott and his partner's plans for the future are very exciting, they have a lot of fresh ideas and plans that will help the U.S. become more important in the breeding of modern Sport Horses and the training of both the horse and rider/trainer. We then had a delicious American Barbeque dinner at the farm with lots of discussion about what we had seen and heard so far.

The final day in Devon it was pouring rain from a hurricane that had been on the coast. We were lucky in that most of the day was inside. There was a meeting of the general assembly that we were allowed to sit in on that I found very interesting. It was reassuring to hear them address issues that were important to me as a breeder in their Strategic Plan. This was followed by presentations on new methods for breeding with frozen semen, stem cell uses, cloning, AI breeding practices, the Young Breeders program, horse slaughter in the U.S. and other countries, and the Universal Equine Life Number (UELN). The UELN was the subject of discussion frequently throughout the three day meeting. It has been successfully implemented in many countries, but the logistics of putting it in place in the U.S. is staggering. We do not have the kind of government control that would be required as they do in other countries.

Horse Tack Bridles - Which One To Buy?

2010-11-12T00:55:00.002+07:00

Horse bridles are different for every discipline. Deciding which horse tack bridles to buy will depend on what type of riding your do, as well as how your horse has been trained. There are also differences in a horse mouth, and some horses require a firmer bit, while others simply need a simple snaffle. Often finding the horse bridles you need will be easier than finding the right bit.

A bit is the mouthpiece on the bridle that fits on the "bars" in the horse's mouth. This is a space that is found in front of the horse's back molars, and the fit of the bit will mean that your horse is comfortable and willing to work.

There are an endless range of bits, but the two primary types of bits are snaffles and curbs. Snaffle bits are used as "direct pressure," while curb bits are used for leverage. Depending on what you are requiring from your horse will determine what type of bit to purchase.

Snaffle bits are the most common type of bit found in English horse bridles, particularly hunt seat and dressage. These horse tack bridles use snaffle bits to apply direct pressure to the tongue and lip. There may be a "joint" in the center of the mouthpiece, which acts as nutcracker effect inside the mouth to direct the horse. There are a wide range of snaffle bits, including D ring, twisted wire bits, and O rings.

Curb bits work with leverage, which puts pressure on the poll, and is considered a more severe bit. These are found more frequently in Western horse bridles, but there are no hard and fast rules. Leverage curb bits will provide more control depending on the length of the shank, as well as the type of curb. There are some bits that are solid, while others have a jointed center.

Riders are not confined to a snaffle or curb bits. With so many choices, there are hybrid horse tack bridles that work with many horses, such as the kimberwick bit, or even double horse bridles, which incorporate two bits simultaneously using four reins instead of two.

Shopping for the right horse tack bridles for your individual horse may be a process in stead of one stop shopping. Consult with other riders or trainers to find out what may work best with your horse, make sure you have a good fit, and listen to your horse.

Beginning riders may want a milder bit until they learn how to have a good seat, while an advanced rider can still be effective with a more severe bit and a light hand.

Your horse bridles are literally your steering wheel with your horse, and you want to make sure that you are in control. At the same time, you want your horse to be comfortable so you can get willing results. Taking your time and being willing to try different bits on your horse will help you get the maximum performance from your horse.

Horse Grooming Supplies

2010-11-12T00:46:00.002+07:00

When you own a horse you will need to keep it looking and feeling great and this can take more work than you may think. Horse grooming is very important as it will not only make your horse look great but also it will make them feel fantastic too. You will need to purchase the right horse grooming supplies which can help you with your task. You will also have to research the best way to groom the breed of horse that you own as some have to be cared for in different ways.

There are many different horse grooming supplies available for you to purchase and you will need to decide what you need and what can be bought on your budget. There will always be essential horse grooming items that you need and these should be bought first. Your horse should be brushed every day if possible as this can help to remove the dead hair, dirt, debris and dry skin. You will be amazed at how much your house enjoys being groomed. You will need to put in a lot of effort to ensure that you horse is brushed well.

You should always brush your house before riding them to ensure there is nothing where your saddle will go. Also when you return to remove sweat stains and make your horse comfortable you can brush them with a hard brush and a curry comb which removes the hair from the brush easily. If your horse has been clipped then you will find you need to do your horse grooming with a softer brush. As well as a dandy brush, body brush and curry comb you may also find that you need a mane comb, sweat scraper and sponges. All of these are essential horse grooming supplies which you can add to make a larger kit.

If you maintain a daily routine of grooming your horse then you will begin to get into a pattern and know exactly what order to groom your horse in. After you have brushed them properly then you may need to comb through their mane and tail. This keeps it free of tangles and knots and if you horse has a particularly thick mane then it may need pulling to keep it thin and tidy. You can find all of the essential horse grooming supplies in your local tack store. They are not too expensive and if looked after will last you a long time.

You need to ensure that your horse's nose and eyes are clean and healthy and wiping these down with a damp sponge is very important. By you grooming your horse every day you are not only bonding with them but also helping to check them over. You can tell if there are any lumps and bumps and maybe if they are showing signs of un-comfort. If you are concerned then you should speak to your vet who can check the horse out more thoroughly. If you spend the time to get to know your horse by horse grooming then they will respond with kindness and love.

8 Top Aquarium Fish Species for Starters

2010-10-19T20:13:00.003+07:00

Here are in my opinion top 8 aquarium fish species that are recommended for starters. They won't cause you a lot of trouble if you provide them with a basic level of care and love.

Zebra Danio (Danio rerio)

Size: 1-1.3 inch (5cm)

Active in the middle and top area of the aquarium, likes to school. He can be kept in water with temperature between 64 - 73 F (18 - 25 C), your ph should be neutral (7)

Harlequin Rasbora(Rasbora Hetoromorpha)

Size: up to 1 inch (4.5 cm)

Need to be kept in group ( preferably 10 or more), temperature 24-30 C, range of ph 5,5-7. The tank need to be well planted. Very active fish.

White cloud mountain minnow (Tanichthys albonubes)

Size: about 3-4cm (1inch)

You don't need a heater to keep this fish, it can survive in water temperature of few degrees Celsius above zero. Recommended is 17-22 C ( 62-71 F).

Sumatra Barb (Puntius anchisporus)

Size: 1.5 inch ( 6cm)

Very active fish, require a large space to swim but the tank should also be well planted
Likes to school, shouldn't be together with fish that have long fins.
Requires: Temperature 23-26 C (73-79 F), ph 6-7.

Albino paleatus catfish (Corydoras paleatus)

Size: 1.8 inch max (7cm)

One of many members of corydoras family. Likes to search the surface of your aquarium for food so you shouldnt have sharp gravel. My advice is to have a group of 6 or more of these.
Temperature 18-24 (64-75 F) ph - 7

Guppy (Poecilia reticulata)

Size: male 1inch (4cm) female 1.5 inch (6cm)

Popular fish for beginners, can take a lot and reproduces easily
Preferred temperature is 22-27 degrees (71-80 F) ph-7.
There are many colour variants of this fish, generally males are characterised by colorful fin, females are olive-gray.

Rainbowfish family

Size: up to 3 inches (12cm)

Group of fish that are a little bigger than the ones presented above, but they are peaceful fellas. Optimal temperature varies between particular species but generally it is a range of 22- 27 C (71-80 F), ph 6.5-8.

Neon tetra (Paracheirodon innesi)

Size: 0.25-1 inch (1-4cm)

This fish presents great in big shoal, minimum size of the group should be 10. In smaller ones neons become very shy. Water temp 22-25 (71-76 F),ph in range of 5-7.

Stay tune more on other aquarium fish species very very soon.

Its Pleasurable to Watch Rivulus Killifish Jumping Happily in the Aquarium

2010-10-19T20:09:00.001+07:00

Rivulus Killifish is a freshwater killifish. It grows much larger than the usual killifish family - up to 5 inches, making it a giant. It is a tough South American species and it can live in adverse conditions successfully.

As it does not require much maintenance of pampering, it can be safely bought by the beginners. In the nature, it can be found in many ponds, streams and polls which are located below the waterfalls. Generally it is comfortable in shallow waters.

It is fond of jumping to catch its food. It can easily catch insects which are flying just over the surface of the water. In fact it can travel on land for a small distance especially in the mud to catch insects. It can remain out of water for a long period of time and it can even remain motionless for some time. So it is always a good idea to close your aquarium with a tight lid, otherwise the fish may find its way on your carpet and on your furniture!

It is not an annual killifish meaning its life cycle is not limited to a particular part of the year. About 100 species of Rivulus Killifish can be found in various places of South America and in some parts of North America.

Its body can grow from 1 inch to 4 inches in a very short time. The male is more colorful than the female. It is found in light blue color with red dots and sometimes you can find yellow stripes on its fins. The female is usually found in brown color. However, there is usually no difference in the size of male and female.

It does not require much maintenance. It can survive within a wide range of temperature from 60 to 85° F. It is comfortable in the slightly acidic water with a ph value of around 7.0 and it can tolerate some variations in the condition of water also.

Rivulus Killifish is famous for eating guppy fish. In fact it is called a guppy predator and studies have shown that it can eat guppies very fast. So if you'll keep it in the aquarium, you will need to exclude the guppy fish specifically.

Breeding Rivulus Killifish is not very difficult. To begin with, you should start feeding it with a diet of high nutritional values. It is better to combine live food with the flaked food. Brine shrimp and blood-worms can be a treat for the fish. As its size is large, you should feed both the male and female in large quantities. If you feed them with a variety of live food, you can get large spawns.

During the breeding season, the female will continuously lay eggs. Usually, the females will prefer to lay eggs in the daytime. Rivulus Killifish is not fond of eating eggs so you can keep the adults in the same tank after spawning.

The eggs will hatch within two weeks. The small fry will require food from the very first day and they will grow very fast. Within about four weeks they will start eating like adults.

If you are a beginner, you can certainly start with Rivulus Killifish. If you can manage a bigger aquarium, you can keep the water levels a bit low over and close the aquarium with a tight lid. Then you can enjoy looking at them swimming happily all over the aquarium and jumping frequently. After some time, you can even enjoy feeding them by tossing the food and looking at their elegance while they catch it in the air!

Arowana - A Brief History Of The Arowana Fish

2010-10-19T20:05:00.002+07:00

The arowana is a very old fish dating back to the Jurassic age which is roughly between 150-200 million years ago. The middle Jurassic age was known as "the Age of Reptiles" or dinosaurs as we know them, so this gives some indication of how old this fish actually is.

Through out this time the fish itself has remained almost the same making the arowana fish we see in or pet stores today a living fossil.

A lot of people either have or would like an arowana for a pet but they don't know or realise that this fish has become endangered. The fisher man and collectors don't realise that these fish are disappearing. The stocks of arowana have become very low over the last 50 years. The three main areas today where the fish is found, are Asia, Australia and the Amazon. Luckily owners and breeders of this fish from around the world are helping it to make a comeback.

An arowana in the right environment can grow to a size of around four foot and can weigh between 25-35 pounds. They are known as a fiery aggressive fish in the wild reaching speeds of 25 mph in quick shots to catch there prey. In the Amazon they can be seen leaping from the water to catch insects or small birds in low laying branches. This has earned them the nickname "water monkeys". They are classified as carnivores or meat eaters but will eat anything like other fish, insects or small birds.

In the wild arowanas travel, hunt and fight in groups. The male and female arowanas work in unity to defend there area and family group. To defend they nip, bite, body slap and charge at whatever puts them on high alert in there own territory.

In china the arowana is known as a symbol of wealth, luck, strength and power in the feng shui circles and is commonly referred to as the golden dragon fish. In this way the Asian arowana has become expensive and highly collectible.

Hopefully this will shed some light on the mystery and hype that surrounds this ancient bred of fish known as the arowana and hopefully will promote an interest in you to look into this great fish.

The Interesting Lifecycle Of Hermit Crabs

2010-09-20T22:29:00.001+07:00

The lifecycle of hermit crabs can be quite a complex process and one that is perilous for the crab especially during hatching. So if you are looking to breed your own hermies successfully in captivity, then it might be beneficial for you to discover what happens during the early stages of a hermie's life cycle.

It is important to note that there are two types of hermies available; those which live in the sea, and those which live on land! Although the majority of the species live in the sea, the land species are the ones that the majority of people keep as pets. Therefore I am going to concentrate upon these. Another important factor to take into consideration is that all hermies, no matter whether they are sea or terrestrial types, are born in the water.

The first stage of the life of one of these crawly critters is the mating stage. The male crab has to approach the female and encourage her to exit her shell. He does this by gently knocking on the female shell and enticing her out. Once this is achieved, the male places his spermatophores into the females gonophores and fertilizes the eggs which are stored there. Once this process is complete the female will carry them around in her underbelly within the confines of her shell. This keeps the eggs not only safe from predators, but also keeps them moist.

When the eggs are due to be hatched, the female makes her way to the shoreline and empties her eggs onto the sand or rocks. It is here that the waves will carry them into the sea. This is where the life of the little critter really gets interesting and somewhat dangerous.

When the tiny hermies are hatched they are known as "zoea". They spend the first few weeks swimming around the ocean, whereby the ocean currents can send them miles off course, as part of the plankton. At this stage they are incredibly vulnerable and will easily fall prey to larger sea creatures who have a taste for plankton.

After a few months and many changes of skin, the living conditions of the hermie alter again. This time the tiny zoea begin to resemble what is more like the crab that we know and love today. Those that have survived this far have now developed into "Glaucothoe" These are tiny crabs that can now walk about as well as swim. They remain in the ocean but are still vulnerable to predators because they at this stage have no protective shell. They are in a race against time to find a shell that will offer them protection, as well as comfort, for the perilous journey back onto land. If a glaucothoe tries to make it back on to land without the aid a protective shell, then the chances of it surviving are pretty minimal.

Having successfully avoided all the pitfalls, the baby hermie eventually makes his/her home further from the shoreline where it will live nocturnally, scavenging for whatever food it may find. After several more moltings and around two years in length, the hermie reaches adulthood. It is only then that it can start to breed again and therefore can continue the intresting lifecycle of hermit crabs!

5 Top Tips For Feeding a Hermit Crab

2010-08-26T00:38:00.001+07:00

In the wild, land hermit crabs feed on a variety of foods such as dropped fruit, tree bark, plants and grasses and food that has been washed on to the shore. They locate their food by a combination of watching other crabs and by using their antennae to sniff it out. Feeding your pet crustacean in captivity isn't as difficult as you guys may think and, provided you follow a few guidelines, your pet should stay happy and well nourished. These crabs are, like people, omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. The following five pointers should help, if you have recently purchased one of these little guys, and are a little unsure what to feed him.

1. When feeding a hermit crab you can't go far wrong if you stick to a commercially produced specialized food which can be purchased at most reputable pet stores. These commercial foods are normally produced in pellet or canned form although you may need to crush the pellets if you are taking care of a smaller critter. Ready prepared diets ensure that your pet gets the right amount of supplements that he needs such as calcium, carotene and antioxidants.

2. You're little pets are not normally picky eaters and it's a good idea when giving one of these little guys food is to supplement the commercial food with a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables. Your pet will enjoy eating a wide variety of food and particularly likes fruit from the tropics, such as mangoes, coconuts and papayas although he will be happy with citrus fruit as well.

3. If you are putting your little crawly pet on a fresh food diet it is important to try and source organic, whenever possible. Always rinse the food with water and then leave it to dry naturally as he likes to munch with a crunch.

4. These crawly critters need a good supply of calcium particularly when they are molting and this can be achieved by feeding your little guy with cuttlebone, which is normally located in the bird section of your pet store, which can be given whole or shredded and added to food. Additional sources of calcium can be found in crushed oyster shell, which is also available in the bird section, coral sand and crushed egg shells, which can be boiled, dried and then crushed.

5. Lastly, your pet will need water and supplying your little fella' with both fresh and salt water is preferable. Some of the crawlers like to bath in salt water, so it is a good idea to provide a dish that is big enough for this purpose. When it comes to fresh water you must never use tap water, since chlorine is harmful to your pet's body. Instead, you can purchase drops from your pet store which remove chlorine or alternatively, use bottled water instead, although this is likely to be more costly.

Follow these guidelines and you will have a pet that will provide you with hours of entertainment and fun. To be perfectly honest with you, feeding a pet like this is nowhere near as tricky as feeding a picky adolescent.

Characteristics Of A Golden Retriever

2010-08-26T00:31:00.002+07:00

The Golden Retriever is an exceptionally beautiful large and highly energetic dog. It is also known as one of the world's best family dog breeds. They do well as bird hunting dogs as well as serve as police helpers, a guide for the visually impaired, therapy do and assist as a service dog for the disabled.

These dogs are one of the friendliest and most useful dogs in the world due to their desire and eagerness to please as well as their capacity to love and trainability. They have also been ranked as 4 out of 79 recognized breeds for their working intelligence and obedience. Golden Retrievers are quite calm as well as responsive and affectionate, although they don't make outstanding watch dogs due to their over trusting nature and lack of suspicion of strangers.

They are quite difficult to match against any other breed in the world, which is why they are such a popular pet.

Their general appearance is beautiful, strong, well proportioned body. Their coat is medium in length with a feathery feel; they are generally cream to golden in color, with part of their coat water resistant. They have a strong broad shaped head and a powerful muzzle. Soft brown eyes with dark rims and pendant shaped ears, their muscular neck and thighs as well as broad chest map out their characteristic physic.

Golden Retrievers are such well behaved, lovable, intelligent pets with a lot of charm. They are loyal and quite confident, gentle and eager to please their owners. Although they are very active they do make the ideal family pet. They enjoy spending time with people and love training as a chance to spend more time with you and have excelled in many obedience competitions.

They are happiest when they around people but if isolated they may become mischievous and can cause a bit of chaos by tearing up things around the house. But they do make tremendous companions for people of all ages and are the easiest dog to train. They are very people orientated and will enjoy spending time with someone everyday.

Ideally, Golden Retrievers need regular exercises and prefer large backyards to play and move about it. They love playing games with balls, and sticks so really, exercise for them should be fairly easy. Without adequate exercise they can become difficult in their behavior within the home.

While they are easily trained and exceptionally patient and gentle with children, supervision is a must with a young child due to the dog's uncontrollable excitement can bump young children over without meaning too. They are friendly to anyone they meet including other dogs and family pets but have limited guard dog instincts, although will bark as a form of greeting that is sometimes intimidating.

Although like other dogs they have their fair share of health issues from hip dysplasia and cataract opacity they do generally live a fairly good life span of about 14 years. With a healthy diet and exercise they will live a fulfilling life when spending time with their family, they will give many years of companionship.

Lea Mullins, a long time dog owner, provides information on characteristics of a Golden Retriever. Visit TrainPetDog.com to learn about dog breeds.

Pet Training - How to Train Your Rabbit

2010-08-13T00:29:00.000+07:00

Owners must accept that rabbits will instinctively exhibit behaviors that you may not like but are second nature for your rabbit such as, chewing furniture, digging up the carpet and marking the floor. This behavior is rare but does occur.

If your rabbit is chewing furniture consider purchasing a special spray to deter them from chewing. These are sold at all pet stores and shops such as Wal-Mart and Target. Also, be sure to provide your bunny with plenty of chew toys which you can purchase at the pet store. I like to cover the areas they like to dig with a bath mat or another large object to cover the area.

Rabbits have the urge to mark their territory with urine and certain fecal pellets. If you spay/neuter your pet this will eliminate this desire and will prevent the risk of ovarian cancer and unwanted pregnancy. To train your rabbit to use a litter box, make sure you pick a one that is the right size for the bunny. A tiny bunny will not want to use a gigantic litter box and a large rabbit will not enjoy using a litter box designed for a small bunny. Place the litter box in a corner in a private place that is quiet and will be relaxing for the bunny to use. It helps to put several poops in the litter box so they know that it is the designated area for them to relieve themselves

Rabbits respond extremely well to rewards so giving them treats for a job well done is the best thing you can do to train your rabbit. They do not respond when they are yelled at or hit and do not understand why they are being punished. Reward your bunny every time they do something great by giving them a treat. Immediately give them a treat as soon as they do the good behavior and be consistent. Make sure that your bunny knows why they are getting a treat. Make sure you use treats that your bunny loves because they will do anything possible to get that treat. My rabbits favorite treats are lettuce and pretzel treats designed especially for rabbits.

It takes time to train your rabbit and the best thing you can do is to devote at least thirty minutes a day of quality time to training. If you consistently train them each day you will see the results. Your bunny will respond more to you, you and your bunny will be closer and you will see quicker results.

How to Train Ferrets - Tips to Stop a Ferrets Biting

2010-08-13T00:26:00.001+07:00

Admirable pets with abounding energy, ferrets are habitual nippers. A Ferret bite is painful as is its habit. Ferrets bite by habit and mostly when they are playful with their peers. So, once you acquire a pet ferret you need to train these little fellows quickly. Be patient with them as you would with any puppy and use a firm but gentle method to train them. If you are tired of ferrets biting you, follow these tips to train them.

Before you commence with training your pet ferret, determine why it bites. Perhaps the pet is injured and the wound has not healed yet. So when you cuddle, you could be disturbing the wound. And every time you pick him up, he bites to get free. Your quick reaction to free him makes the ferret to realize that if he bites, he can free himself.

Another reason your ferret could bite is when the environment is unsuitable and has nicotine smells, dust or alcohol smells which might irritate the pet. Furthermore, confining the ferret can be frustrating to their playful attitude, which they may vent through biting.

Stay firm and signal your pet a staunch `NO` when he bites. If he still bites, leave him and walk away from him. He will sense your resentment to biting and understand biting is not being tolerated. Resume playing when he calms down. Repeating this process will make him understand that he should not bite. If he does not reciprocate, put him in a cage whenever he bites and let him out only when he calms down. Repeat this process every time you get nipped. Since ferrets do not like being caged, he will respond.

As has been advised in the beginning, you need to be extremely patient in dealing with your pet ferret. If he does not respond soon, you may have to be more aggressive with him. Pick him up by the neck, nudge him, shake him, and call out a firm NO. A light tap on his nose will also help him understand. According to experts, you can spray a bitter tasting spray on the paws to discourage ferrets biting.

Finally, it is your love and commitments towards you ferret that will bring out an appropriate response. And do not forget to reward your pet with his favorite food every time that he obeys.

Top 10 Most Popular Types of Parrots

2010-08-11T22:26:00.002+07:00

Parrots are becoming more and more popular as pets in captivity. People love to train them and teach them tricks and to speak phrases. In the wild, these birds have been admired because of their beauty, intelligence, and outgoingness. They have similar characteristics as humans, as they replicate human words and sounds. Parrots have very childlike behavior and thinking, with some behavioral scientists demonstrating they have the intelligence and communication skills of a 3 year old. This is why these birds make fantastic companions and pets.

There are many kinds of parrot types in the animal kingdom with varieties based on size, shape, and feather colors. The following outlines the top 10 most popular types as pets and in the wild:

1.) Parakeets - Parakeet parrots are known by their long tails, and tend to be a more favored parrot type compared to the Cockatiel for example. Known as a small parrot, the parakeet has bright feather colors. Their behavior is typically energetic and they crave human interaction.

2.) Cockatiels - Cockatiels are smaller parrot types typically identified by their notable head and tail feathers. Males have great speaking abilities, while the female Cockatiels are quieter, but are more aggressive. The females also are more likely to bite and hiss. The Cockatiels are good pets in captivity, as they are very sociable and love to interact.

3.) Lorries & Lovebirds - These birds are from South America and have been an inspiration to many as they are extremely peaceful birds with bright feather colors. They do not require much space, are able to maintain great health, and love to be with other parrots.

4.) Conures - The Conures are more playful birds that are large parakeets, which have a slightly smaller build with longer tails. These parrots are from Central and South America, and have friendly personalities, sometimes leading to louder squawks.

5.) Macaws -These birds are mostly recognized for their large frame and bright rainbow colored feathers and beaks. Originating from the tropical regions of South and Central America, the macaw shows great intelligence with fantastic speaking abilities.

6.) Amazon -Also known as green parrots (since most have an overwhelming green feather color), Amazon parrots are very smart, talkative, and friendly. These parrots are easier to train than other parrots, and can duplicate the human voice of their owner.

7.) Cockatoo -Most known by their standing head crest and arched bills, these parrots types are larger than many other parrots but have less color in their feathers. These parrots are both friendly and talkative with frequent squawking and screaming.

8.) Caiuges - This parrot type is regarded as both smart and attractive in the parrot world. These parrots have an array of different feather colors, and have been referred to as the seven-colored parrot from their vast feather colors.

9.) Poicephalus Parrots -Originally from Africa, these birds are usually on the shy side but have endearing personalities. Ranging in size from small to medium, this parrot type demonstrates good and social behavioral traits.

10.) Parrotlets - These types are also known for their smaller size. With energetic, enjoyable, and courteous attributes, they can duplicate human voice and words, but are harder to understand. In the wild, these birds travel in flocks.

Parrots can be a fun and rewarding pet to own and care for. It is important to ensure your parrot receives proper training and love with much time devoted to their parrot. Remember this is a long term commitment, since parrots can live literally decades.

Parrot Feats

2010-08-11T22:21:00.001+07:00

Ever wonder how parrots look so wise and lovable? This is because of their learned feats that parrot enthusiasts teach their pets. Teaching parrots how to acquire feats and traits are quite tricky. We do these to gain a play time with our pets and share wonderful experiences with them. It could also lessen some of the parrot's distasteful attitude sometimes.

As we do the teaching, we need to consider where we hold this important moment for our pets. The space needs to have a sense of restfulness in the air to gain the bird's undivided concentration to what we are teaching them. It would also be best for them to eliminate too much things that are not needed when teaching the bird some feats. As an enthusiast, be aware that you need a stress free environment and trusting relationship with your pets so that no bad effects would be produced in your parrot's experience of your teaching. You must also have a strong will to maintain your positiveness in teaching them feats.

A favored feat that parrots do is when they come forward to you. You need to say "step up" for them to do this. Give them a gift like a piece of food for good behavior once they follow your directions. This feat basically has rewarding outcomes when the parrot learns eventually, as well as for their breeders. In the case of small birds, you need to place your fingers in front of them to do this feat and entice them with a piece of food. As for the larger parrots, you need to place your arm in front of them or where they perch and hold out a gift as reward.

Once the parrot learns to come forward, how them how to turn in their place. These is done by holding out example, a fruit in front of them and simply go towards your pet's back for them to trail on the fruit with their eyes and give them a fruit or pellet as a reward for good behavior. Some pets easily trail on their back and grab the fruit with their beak while others need more convincing as it is for them do the feat. Now once, they accomplished this feat correctly give them food as a gift.

Do your parrots scream in the middle of the night which often bothers you? If they do you need to teach them the feat of talking. Talking could basically improve their well-being as your pets. Their vocal chords are exercised and they would be very playful with your and your family. You need to start them with some normal common words like, "hello" or "goodbye". Carefully say the word over and over again until you hear them make some kind of sound as a response. At times, family members are also encouraged to speak to the bird using the word you taught over and over for your parrot to learn that word naturally. In turn, your pet would adapt to the word and repeat them correctly.

Create a Cozy Home For Your Cat With a Cat Bed

2010-08-02T11:55:00.001+07:00

Cats are curious creatures that are drawn to small, tight spaces. Many times you will find them snuggled up in a dresser drawer or wedged between two pieces of furniture. Outside cats can often be found nestled between a building and some other object or burrowed into a crevice. They are also creatures of comfort, often seeking out bedding and other soft object to create a cozy den for themselves. Purchasing a cat bed for your feline friend will provide them a small, comfortable space to lounge and sleep in.

Cat beds come in all different shapes, sizes, colors and textures, which makes fitting them into your home easy and practical. While they come in a variety of forms, there are really only a couple of things to look for when purchasing a cat bed. First, make sure it is in proportion to the size of your cat. If you have a kitten, you will need a smaller bed to give them the feeling that they are in a small space. A larger one will want a larger bed they can fit comfortably in. Second, many are drawn to soft, plush objects, so make sure your bed has plenty of padding and is covered in an inviting fabric. Third, make sure the bed has sides rather than just a pad (bottom). This gives your pet the feeling they are in their own space.

Once you have selected the perfect bed, placement is also key. If your cat is the private sort who likes to be off away from all the action, placing their bed in an unoccupied bedroom would be ideal. If your pet likes to be in the center of attention, placing the bed in a common area such as a living room or den is more ideal. Many also like to be warm. Placing their bed in front of a sunny window or under a heat register will make their bed more inviting for them.

Cats are fun animals and make wonderful pets. Providing them with their own cat bed will give them their own space and make them feel secure in their loving home.

Huge Maine Coon Cats - How Big Are They?

2010-08-02T11:52:00.001+07:00

The Maine Coon Cat breed is known for many striking characteristics. Not the least of these is its size. Huge Maine Coon Cats are quite something to behold!

Myths and legends abound when it comes to a big Maine Coon Cat. We've all heard a story at some point about a massive cat of enormous proportions. So just how big are they, compared to most cats?

An average house cat weighs between 8 and 11 pounds. If they weigh more, they are probably on the chubby side. A female Coon usually weighs between 9 - 13 pounds. Then there are the boys. Males usually tip the scales at around 13 - 18 pounds. There are definitely some huge Maine Coon Cats out there!

The physique of this cat breed is solid. They are strong, muscular, and well proportioned. So an extra large Coon will have a frame to hold his weight. That means he'll be noticeably longer and wider than most other cats. Now, add a shaggy coat and a massive tail. What a specimen!

"What about really huge Maine Coon Cats?" you ask. It's true, many males end up growing well past the average. It's not unusual to hear of a 20 pounder, and sometimes even 25 - 30 or more pounds! These are definitely huge Maine Coon Cats.

Many people want to know where to get a very large Coon. This happens especially when there are photos of big Maine Coon Cats circulating on the Internet. Some folks see pictures of huge Maine Coon Cats and ask, "Where can I get one of those?"

That is certainly part of the allure of this breed. If you are ready to commit to a new cat in your life, you'll want to make sure this cat breed is right for you. Then you'll want to locate a responsible breeder in your area. Most breeders will not breed specifically for size. They are breeding to a standard, breeding great specimens in order to produce, with each litter, the best example possible of what a this breed is meant to be.

Also, these kittens are born to be a certain size. Feeding them extra food or supplements won't make their bones grow longer. It'll only make them fat, and perhaps raise the risk of hip dysplasia.

The kittens are already genetically predestined to be larger than an average cat. But just like in human families, there will be the occasional kitten who falls below the lowest "average threshold" and ends up being a beautiful 8 pound cat. There will also be some who are clearly going to be big, going above and beyond the high end of 18 pounds. The breeder will be able to tell you. So, put in a request for a big boy and your breeder will work with you.

Huge Maine Coon Cats are mysterious and alluring. Of course, there is a lot more to this breed than just size. If this is the breed for you, learn about their stunning physical characteristics, magnificent and gentle personality, and then fall in love with a Coon of your own!

Caring For Cats - Is Your Kitty Pregnant?

2010-08-02T11:51:00.000+07:00

There are some tell tale signs that your cat is pregnant, if you know where to look. Here are the most consistent ways to tell if your fluffy is about to have a family:

* The first sign is that your cat will stop going in and out of heat. If you know her usual cycles, you can tell that she's suddenly missed one.
* If her nipples are becoming larger and pinker (known as pinking) she's probably a few weeks along.
* She will start getting hungrier, more often. After all, she's eating for more than one. She will also get a little more affectionate.
* Like humans, cats can get morning sickness. This usually occurs in the third week of gestation. As such, they may not feel like eating whenever morning sickness strikes.
* About a month into the pregnancy, you'll start to notice the abdomen getting larger.

The normal gestation period is 63 to 65 days, though your cat can go into labor as early as 60 days or as late as 70 days during their pregnancy.

While your cat is pregnant you'll want to make sure they get proper nutrition as caring for cats is even more important during this period. A diet rich in calcium and protein is important.

If you're not sure your cat is pregnant, don't be tempted to squeeze the abdomen to see if there are kittens inside. This can harm the kittens and even cause a miscarriage. Only a trained professional should be performing this kind of examination.

As your cat nears her delivery date, restrict access to the outdoors in the last two weeks. Otherwise, you may end up having to fish a new litter out from under the house or the barn. The reason is simple, really. Cats like quiet places to give birth. So you'll want to create a birthing place in your home that is away from the kids and excitement. You can put a kittening box in the area and get your cat used to sleeping there. That way she will know where to go when it's time to give birth. An old blanket or towel will work well for a cushion in the box.

When the kittens finally arrive, don't handle them too much. Mothers have been known to kill and eat their kittens if they don't bond well or if they feel the kittens are being threatened by outsiders. Let them have lots of quality time together. You'll have plenty of time to play with the new kittens in the coming weeks.

If you don't want an additional litter, resist the temptation to let your cat go outside again too soon. Cats can get pregnant in as little as two weeks after giving birth, though eight weeks is more common. Caring for our cats is vital but also you probably don't want another litter so soon anyway.

Remember that allowing your cat to become pregnant is a big responsibility. Not only will there be more mouths to feed, but you don't want to be adding to the overpopulation problem by allowing a pregnancy without first knowing there are homes for the kittens. Shelters are filled with unwanted kittens. Be prepared for more work as you will now have many mouths to feed and cats to care for as fun as it will be most of the time.

Buying Cat Grooming Supplies

2010-08-02T11:46:00.000+07:00

Cats have a reputation of being gentle and clean; one strong proof for this is that they clean their own body. It uses its raspy tongue to comb out dirt particles and dead hair from its body. And since tongue can not reach all parts of its body, it usually licks its paw and rubs its body with the moistened paw. You might have seen how your own cats do this. They may look cute as they do their cleaning rituals, but if you ask cat owners out there, it is not enough to let your cat clean itself.

Though this animal can easily clean themselves, it is still important to help them maintain proper hygiene and groom them from time to time to keep them healthy.

This kind of animal is usually sensitive and loving to their owners, if you want them to feel your love back, you might want to consider treating them with good grooming. Though this pet has a reputation of begin independent, they still need your attention and care. Picking them up for minutes of combing and stroking is good, but taking a minute of your time to wash and clean them is actually better to keep them safe from any forms of parasites that feed on their skin.

If you are planning to purchase your cats with pet supplies, it would be wise for you to purchase those things they really need. Toys may be good, but it is important to prioritize buying those things for grooming.

There are combs specially made for pets like this, you can purchase this comb and brush your pet from time to time. Brushing them can help them get rid of their dead hair and stimulate their skin to release oil to moisten and shine their fur. This will help them feel cleaner and healthier. If your pet is having problems regarding fleas, you can use a flea comb and brush.

Some people tie their cat's hair with ribbons; these ribbons are specially made for pets. Ordinary ribbons can hurt them, and they usually get angry easily if they get hurt.

Desert Kangaroo Rats

2010-08-01T13:10:00.000+07:00

Regardless of which breed of rat you are talking about it is considered a rodent. Just the word rodent brings up poor mental images for some people but the many species of rodents have unique characteristics that make them interesting to learn about. The desert kangaroo rat has learned to adapt to the harsh conditions of deserts.

The desert kangaroo rat is a rat. They are not related to the kangaroo in any way but they do have a hop that is similar to the kangaroo. They have some biped behaviors that make them different from most other rats.

Their scientific name is Dipodomys deserti. Studies of their evolution show that they are not related to the kangaroo mouse and completely different from the desert rat-kangaroo, which has gone extinct as a species. These rats are medium sized and have a round shape to their bodies. Their hairless ears are round and they have a tail that is usually longer in length than their bodies. They have external pouches in their cheeks that are lined with fur. These pouches are used to help them store and carry food they find in the harsh desert environment.

The desert kangaroo rat is a native species to North American and populate the sandy, dry desert-like areas there. They are also, now, found in some rocky areas of Central America. These rats prefer to live in burrows, like other rodents. These burrows help protect them during the day when the heat can reach dangerous temperatures.

One of the most unique adaptations they have is that they can live their entire lives without water. They don't commonly go a whole life without water but it is possible. Their bodies concentrate urine four times as much as humans do. This allows them to get more water out of the food they find. This is probably the most important factor in their ability to thrive in desert conditions.

Their diets consist of insects, seeds, and any vegetation they can find during the night. They search for food during the night to avoid the heat of the daytime. They use their pouches to carry food back to their burrows to store. When living in a desert, it is important to save the food that is found and not eaten right away.

These rodents have high pitched sounds they create and use for communication. These sounds are also used during their mating season which runs from February to October. A liter of offspring is around four newborns. The babies are born without hair and are unable to see. They are cared for in the burrows until they are old enough to venture out safely. Females can produce three liters each year which is important because their lifespan is only three to five years.

Desert kangaroo rats are usually not considered a good breed for a pet rat, although they are kept in captivity in some situations. Most pet rats today are slightly domesticated for use as pets. This helps them become better companions for humans. Regardless, the desert kangaroo rat is an interesting study of survival in harsh conditions and their desire to survive is commendable.

Ferret Fun - Games to Play!

2010-08-01T13:07:00.001+07:00

Hey everyone, I thought I would share with you some of my favorite games that I like to play with my ferret friends.

- Tuggy
This is the simple game of tuggy, you grab your ferrets favorite toy and then shake it in front of them, they will then grab onto it and start to try and pull it off of you, the game has begun! You can now play tug of war with your ferret, being gentle of course as they are only little!

- Hide and Seek
Usually this is a game that just happens because your ferret is being mischievous! They love hiding and tunneling where ever they can, remember to be careful and not let them get where they shouldn't!

- Fetch
The idea with fetch is to start off with playing tuggy, then move onto throwing their toy, this helps a lot if their favorite toy is slightly smelly as ferrets do not have the best eye sight in the animal world, throw it slightly away from them and they will usually come back and start to try and play tuggy again!

- Reverse Fetch
This game is a strange one, most ferrets do it, but if you give your ferret tiny little toys, sometimes they will take it off you then go and hide it, if you keep giving them little treats they could do the same as well, this game is great as you can find our their little hiding place which they think is oh so secretive!

- Tummy Rubs
I love this game, if you have a really gentle docile ferret then you can slightly push them over on their back and rub their tummy, they love this, if you don't have a gentle but playful ferret, you can pick them up and lie them on your arm like a baby, whilst keeping a good eye on the mouth area, then you can tickle there tummy whilst maintaining more control as the alpha ferret!

- Chase!
Ferrets love chasing mom or dad, if you nudge them away a little using a toy then run off ferrets will mostly start to chase you out of curiosity!

Supplies For Your Chameleons

2010-08-01T13:03:00.001+07:00

Chameleons are fun and loving reptiles and they are among the most ideal types of exotic pets. However, since they are not like cats and dogs that easily adapt with the human environment, chameleons need a certain space in which they get to enjoy their natural habitat. Of course, you can't just give them that easily, especially when you are living in an urban settlement, thus you would have to use certain supplies which help in keeping up with your chameleon's needs in order to live long, healthy and happily.

Below are some of the common chameleon supplies which you will use once you start owning and taking care of a chameleon:

1. Vitamin supplements. Chameleons don't just need food in order to have a good health. They also need multivitamin supplements which help keep their bones strong, muscles lean and flexible, skin nourished, and color vibrant. These come in the form of special flakes, sprays and dusts and can be purchased in the pet store.

2. Light fixtures. Unlike other animals which remain to live the same way despite being exposed to different lights and shades, chameleons are more sensitive and rather choose to have dim lights instead. Thus, it is important that you add certain fixtures such as dome lamps, clamp lamps and fluorescent hoods to maintain such lighting and warmth inside their cage.

3. Heaters. Heat emitters and thermostats are also important for chameleons. This equipment keeps the chameleon's home warm and humid enough to act as its natural habitat. An enclosure that's too cold and dry will heavily affect the chameleon's overall well being, and may even cause certain ailments and illnesses as time goes by.

4. Care and Health. Aside from being choosy when it comes to proper lighting, temperature and humidity, chameleons are also sensitive when it comes to cleanliness. Thus, you must make good use of cleaning supplies, together with other supplements such as Repta-Aid and electrolytes to keep your reptile friend and his own home clean and tidy. Doing this will protect him from parasites and other issues caused by insects and microorganisms that may cause harm to his health.

5. Feeder Insect Supplies. Since your chameleon will be living in your place, he will not be able to go around and hunt for crickets, his favorite insect food. Thus, you may supplement his need for cricket protein by providing insect feeds, such as cricket dust, gut loads and shakers. These aids will help your chameleon in ingesting the food you give, particularly those which are artificial and powdered.

6. Watering and hydration. Chameleons also need a regular supply of water, both for drinking and keeping a humid environment. When keeping one, you should have a mister and dripper placed inside its cage, to maintain humidity. You can also spray the cage with water everyday so that it will be kept cool and humid inside. Despite the changing weathers in the outside world, chameleons won't be affected and will continue to enjoy the sweet life they've always had.

Nylon Dog Bones Warning !

2010-07-30T18:23:00.000+07:00

Should you use a nylon dog bone to help satisfy your dogs chew cravings? Many people do and get great results. I use them myself to help relieve my dog Zac's boredom or his need to chew on something like my wife's antique end tables! I'm not trying to scare you with this article, but there are some painful and expensive dog dental health concerns you should consider when giving your dog this type of bone.

Nylon bones are dangerous to dogs who are strong chewers. They're made of super hard nylon materials. When your dog chews on this type of bone for extended periods of time, he runs the risk of a slab fracture in his large molars at the back of his mouth. These teeth are the grinders and they can deliver a power that is unbelievable. When you allow your dog uncontrolled access to these hard chew bones, you put those teeth at risk. If this thin, longitudinal stress fracture occurs in a tooth,it can expose the pulp through the thin crack. This can be very painful and you also run the risk of infection and loss of the tooth.

Most nylon dog bones come in different degrees of durability. You'll often see a rating on the package. The industrial strength bone is usually labeled "For Powerful Chewers". This nylon bone is as hard as a slab of granite. The packaging often calls it indestructible, which is really stretching the truth. I've seen Zac dismantle this type of bone in two months or less. Zac is a miniature schnauzer. Imagine what a pit bull could do. The next level of durability is for the "Medium Chewers. Unless your dog is not a hard core chewer, he'll probably destroy the medium strength in a month or less.

I'm not suggesting that you quit using a nylon dog bone. They do serve a couple of great functions for a dog that likes to chew. The help battle boredom, separation anxiety and, to a certain degree, help fight plaque build-up. However,I do suggest a "medium chewers" bone and controlled chew time, as opposed to allowing your dog to chew all day long.

Often, a good time for chewing on their bone would be after mealtime. I don't "free feed" Zac, or he would look like a baby blimp. He gets a controlled portion twice a day. After he's inhaled his meal, he looks around as if to say "Okay, where's the rest?" I give him his chew bone after a meal and it seems to satisfy his need to keep chewing on something.When I'm going to be gone for an hour or two, I'll leave his chew bone out. The point here is structured chew time, rather than just letting him have his bone whenever he wants, all day long.

You might not like the extra expense of buying a bone labeled for "medium chewers". If your dog is a "powerful chewer", he'll go through this bone much faster. However, the chances of a tooth stress fracture are diminished considerably. Yes, you will have to invest in a nylon dog bone more often, but it's a lot cheaper than a dental job. The extra few bucks you'll pay to buy bones more often is well worth it.

One final note. Don't let your dog chew his bone down to half it's original size. Those nylon bits have to go somewhere. They could collect in the intestine and cause an impaction. When he's roughed up the ends of his bone and chewed them down somewhat, pitch it out and get a new one. It's penny wise and pound foolish to keep that bone, so why take the risk?

Sugar Gliders - 3 Main Reasons Why Your Gliders Are Dying

2010-07-08T13:55:00.002+07:00

Many new sugar gliders owners are running into a problem! This problem is to NOT being able to keep their exotic pets alive.

You must keep in mind that these animals are living a healthy life in the wild because they have the right diet the wild. In order to be able to keep your pets healthy and alive in captivity there are few fundamental things that you need to know and apply.

The first reason why these animals are dying in captivity is lack of calcium. Calcium is a fundamental part of the sugar gliders diet. If you do not feed them enough calcium, they will start developing health problems such as paralysis, and eventually they will die.

The second reason why captive gliders could die prematurely is because of improper diet in general. Those exotic pets diet can be very simple, but it is also very specific. You must be able to balance their need of protein, calcium, phosphorus and vitamins in such a manner that they can maintain good health and thrive in captivity.

The third reason why captive sugar gliders might not live long in some cases is because of inadequate living environment. Things as simple as the size of the cage can be a factor for the life span of your animals. For example, only tall cages are suitable for this kind of animals. Lack of quite, light, proper bedding and other details can also be vital for the surviving of your pets. Hygiene is also a must in raising and keeping a glider alive.

Caring for those adorable exotic pets is not very hard at all, but it does require some knowledge on your part. Once you have acquired this knowledge you will be able to enjoy your pets for as long as 12 to 15 years.

Chinchilla Care Tips

2010-07-08T13:48:00.001+07:00

Pet chinchillas require attention and care just like every other type of pet. Some care procedures are common sense and some needs are unique to chinchillas. Here we will go through the basic pet chinchilla care tips to keep your pet healthy.

Clean your chinchilla's cage often. This may seem obvious, but it is often overlooked or just put off until later because it isn't the most pleasant part of being a pet owner. Despite the hassle, a clean cage promotes the health of your chinchilla and can prevent the development of disease or infection in your pet. If you use a bowl for water, it is a good idea to change the water on a daily basis.

Try to use a wire mesh cage with a solid floor or a solid slide-out tray. The wire mesh is good for ventilation and a solid floor is important because if there is a wire mesh floor with space under it a chinchilla will have difficulty getting around on it. Even with bedding on an open floor, your pet risks injury just by moving around in it's cage. A slide-out tray is great when it's time to clean the cage and you will be glad to have it.

Chinchillas need a bath every two to three days. The unique thing about chinchillas is that they should not be bathed in water. Water baths will wash off the oils that these animals produce. These oils are important for their fur and the health of their skin. Chinchillas need, what is known as, a dust bath. These dust baths use a special dust that you can get at many pet stores or online. Put a couple inches of chinchilla dust bath into a bowl and let your pet use it a couple times per week. He will roll around in it and make it seem like he is making a mess but this is actually good for them. The dust bath can be reused but it is a good idea to clean the balls of dust out between uses because this is what has gathered as waste from your chinchilla's bathing.

Keep your chinchilla healthy by allowing him to exercise and keeping him from getting too hot. Some chinchillas like to use an exercise wheel. Even if you have a large cage it would be beneficial for your pet if he could run on an exercise wheel, as well as roam the cage. A pet chinchilla should also be allowed out of his cage at least once a week. This will, also, allow exercise time and provide some bonding time with you. Keep an eye on your chinchilla while he is out of his cage. These animals can fit in small places and get lost easily and have been known to chew through electrical chords.

Chinchillas are interesting animals and fun pets to have. The basics of pet chinchilla care are simple and inexpensive. Look out for the welfare of your pet and you will have a happy and healthy chinchilla in your life.

The Changes in Finches Beaks

2010-06-28T17:07:00.001+07:00

As a result of this observation, he later wrote his theories and ideas about what he thought were the actual origin of species, and which led him to write the publication, The Origin of the Species.

Although perhaps rather considered controversial during his time, it led future scientists and biologists of the modern era to investigate the matter further. Since Charles Darwin's publication of The Origin of the Species, a number of scientists travelled to the Galapagos Island to see the real deal for themselves, and to eventually disprove - or prove - Charles Darwin's theory of evolution and natural selection. Unfortunately no one was successful at either proving or disproving the said theory.

However, in the year 1973, Rosemary and Peter Grant set forth to Daphne Major, one of the islands in the Galapagos, to do their own observations and investigations. They were successful at proving Darwin's theory. They camped and stayed in Daphne Major for a few seasons and after just a few months, witnessed for themselves evolution in full action - that is, they observed changes in the size and shape of the beaks of finches found on the island.

These birds are mostly the same size, had the same brownish or black color, rounded tail that tends to get cocked to one side, and wings that are short and noticeably rounded. These were common characteristics of the finches on the island during the time Darwin first set forth in the Galapagos; only their beaks aren't the same. A few exceptions were noticed in coloring, but mostly they were similar when it comes to body shape and form - again, except the beaks.

Changes in the finches' beak shape and size were due to the finches' adaptation to available food. The beak function is for eating, a tool that helps in survival. Each specie as a result of certain fluctuations or changes in food scarcity or abundance has evolved its own unique beak design to better suit their food preference.

Some finches adapted to eating insects, therefore their beaks changed form to make them even more suitable and effective to eating insects. Other finches on the other hand, have adapted heavy and thick beaks that are more effective in cracking bigger nuts and seeds. Other finches began to have pointy beaks, because the pointier the beak the easier it is to pick small seedlings for food.

Later, Harvard Medical School researchers found the molecule responsible for the beak change. This protein molecule, called "calmodulin" regulates the gene that is involved in beak-shaping. Researchers found out that those with longer beaks such as the cactus finches have higher levels of calmodulin than those with shorter beaks. Calmodulin is then associated with longer beaks. Finches with blunt beaks were found to have low levels of calmodulin.

Preparation For Gouldian Finch Breeding

2010-06-28T17:02:00.003+07:00

The most obvious is to feed your finches the proper diet. Their environment must meet their needs and you must ensure they are healthy because an unhealthy Gouldian finch may be too sick or unsuited for breeding. Also make certain your pair is healthy is the first step to successful breeding.

You must prepare their diet in advance. A proper diet is one that is full of fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, proteins, and trace elements are all good for them. Although protein can be found in many seeds, it is highly recommended that they also consume boiled eggs, which is full of protein, insects, and green leafy vegetables as well as soaked seed and some sprouts. It is recommended to introduce them to this diet gradually so that they eventually get accustomed to the new food and will feed them to their young. In addition to their diet, ample amounts of iodine and calcium found in multi-vitamins are also needed.

Secondly, make certain sure your finches are mature. They should be a year old at least, but more preferably two years old, to be mature enough to start breeding. If you breed them too early, the female finch might experience some problems that may be deadly for her; for example egg binding or she might throw away her eggs or chicks. A young male finch on the other hand, may get over the top when impressing the female finch that he might continue building the nest right on top of the eggs, which may endanger the young birds or eggs.

Young birds in particular may feel stressed out. Another potential problem when your finches are too immature is their tendency to feel that an invader is among them, and in turn may throw away the chicks once they are hatched. Waiting until your Gouldian finches are mature enough for breeding is time well spent and at the same time you would be avoiding many issues that might disappoint you.

Heat humidity and light are also very important factors to keep your finches healthy for breeding. Female Gouldians need at least 15 hours of sunlight. This triggers their instincts for breeding. Timers can also be installed in lights to make sure they get adequate lighting. Keep their environment at least in 68 degrees during winter months. Humidity in the breeding room shouldn't be less than 55%. Humidity is particularly important to the birds because it keeps their skin and feathers in good shape and avoids over dryness in the egg membranes when the chick attempts to hatch from their shell.

You can much have success in Gouldian finch breeding if you follow the tips above. Once everything is in perfect condition, Gouldian finch owners can breed at any season.