Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Outdoor Bird Feeders--What Food Should You Use

If you are trying to encourage birds to come into your yard you, not only, need to consider their homes but, also, their diets. Different types of bird seed are suited to different species of birds. Choosing the right type of bird feeder for your anticipated visitors and bird seed for the species of birds found in your area ensures that your visitors stay happy, healthy and well fed. That will keep them coming back year after year.

* Sunflower seeds are the ideal food for species such as sparrows, doves, chickadees, cardinals, blue jays and finches. Most types of hanging feeders can accommodate sunflower seeds. The only thing one must consider is that the bird feeder for the birds be hung fairly high off the ground. You should, also, consider that the feeder offer some sort of protection against squirrels, since squirrels are, also, very fond of sunflowers.
* Another popular seed with birds is corn. Corn attracts birds such as blackbirds, starlings and cardinals. Most large song birds and some smaller ones enjoy corn. So if you want to attract song birds, hang your bird feeder high off the ground with plenty of room around it so that the birds can congregate. Providing platforms and perches at different levels will enable several birds to feed at the same time. Wire caged feeders and mesh are ideal for corn because they keep squirrels and other unwanted visitors away from the feeding station.

It is important to keep your bird feeders clean. Old seed shells and leftover seeds should be removed from the bird feeder periodically. Spilled seed tends to attract rodents. Make sure that the bird feeder gets washed with a soap solution or bleach and water on a regular basis in order to avoid mold and mildew. Taking care of your bird feeder and providing the proper food will insure a happy experience for your bird visitors and you.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Tropical Fish Aquariums: Do They Need To Be Different? By Brittney Foster

Brittney Foster

Are you interested in adding a collection of fish to your home or your office? If so, have you decided which type of fish you would like to have displayed? When it comes to fish keeping, there are a relatively large number of individuals who are interested in owning tropical fish. Are you one of those individuals? If so, you may be wondering what type of aquarium you need to purchase. Better yet, you may be wondering if you can use a traditional aquarium or if you need to have a tropical fish aquarium.


What type of aquarium you need to use for tropical fish is one of the most commonly asked questions, especially among first-time tropical fish owners. When searching for aquariums, you may come across fish tanks that are labeled or described as being tropical fish aquariums. This leads many individuals to believe that they need to have a special tropical fish aquarium to own a set of tropic fish. Honestly, that isn’t always the case. After a close examination, you will likely see that tropical fish aquariums are like any other type of aquariums, including saltwater aquariums and freshwater aquariums. Many times, the only difference between these aquariums is the way that they are set up.


When it comes to setting up a tropical fish aquarium, there are a number of important factors that should be taken into consideration. One of those factors is the tropical aquarium fish that you would like to purchase. This is important because there are some tropical aquarium fish that require special care and have special needs. Familiarizing yourself with the specific type of tropical aquarium fish you have or are about to have is one of the best ways to ensure that you go about setting up your tropical fish aquarium correctly. To do this research, you can either perform a standard interenet search or speak with the individual who sold you or is about to sell you your tropical fish. Doing this research ahead of time will help to ensure that your tropical fish are placed in an aquarium that will allow them to live long and healthy lives.


When setting up your tropical fish tank, it is extremely important that your water is in optimal condition for the fish. One mistake that many first time tropical aquarium fish owners make is using tap water. While it is possible to use tap water, will you not want to place your fish into the aquarium right away. In fact, you will need “cycle” the aquarium water and test your water and make sure that it is chlorine free. This is important because certain levels of chlorine can be dangerous to many fish, including tropical aquarium fish. It may be best to fish tank water test supplies to determine the exact condition of your aquarium water. These supplies may include a tap water conditioner. It is also advised that you allow your aquarium to run or “cycle”, once the filtration system has been set up. This will help to clear your tropical fish tank of harmful chemicals.


Since, as previously mentioned, the aquarium that you use isn’t necessarily as important as how you set it up, you are advised to examine your wants and needs when it comes to purchasing an aquarium for your tropical fish. You will want to keep your preference in mind, appearance wise, as well as the space that you have available for an aquarium. When it comes to purchasing tropical fish tank supplies, such as a filtration system or a heater, you may want to seek the assistance of a professional for more information. This assistance can come from a professional tropical fish keeper or from a fish tank supplier or manufacturer, such as Tenecor, who is willing to assist you with buying one or more of their products.


By keeping the above mentioned points in mind, you should easily be able to go about finding, purchasing, and setting up a tropical fish aquarium. If you would like to learn more about tropical fish, you are encouraged to perform a standard internet search and review the numerous tropical fish websites that can be found online. It might also be a good idea to invest in a topical fish keeping book or resource guide. The information that you may learn may help you for years to come.


Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=154539&ca=Pets

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Marine Aquariums: What Are They Ideal For? By Sandy McBride

Sandy McBride

Are you interested in having fish displayed in your home or your office? If so, you will have a number of important decisions to make. Those decisions tend to focus on the type of fish that you would like to own, as well as the type of fish tank that you would like to purchase.


When it comes to choosing fish and a fish tank, it may be best to first decide on the type of fish that you would like to own. This is important because of the type of fish that you would like to own may have a direct impact on the type of fish tank that you need to purchase. For example, if you are interested in purchasing marine fish, sometimes referred to as saltwater fish, your fish tank will need to be different than if you were to own freshwater fish. To save yourself money and an unwanted purchase, it is advised that you examine all of your fish options and choose the one that best fits your needs or your wants.


As stated above, the type of aquarium that you will need to have for saltwater fish may vary from the type of aquarium that you will need to have for freshwater fish. Although you might assume that there are different aquariums styles or types that need to be purchased, there really isn’t. Although there are some fish tanks that are designed or tailored towards saltwater fish, such as marine aquariums, you will find that most traditional aquariums may work just as well. In all honesty, the difference is how your fish tank is set up and maintained; not how it looks.


It has been noted that marine aquariums are more complicated to set up and maintain than freshwater aquariums. While there is some truth to that, it is important to note what happens after set up. As long as your marine aquarium is set up and installed correctly, with the proper supplies and accessories, you may find it easy to maintain your marine aquarium in the future. That is why, despite what you may hear, you are advised against letting the maintence or the setup of a marine aquarium sway you from purchasing one. If you have your heart set on purchasing saltwater or marine animals, you are advised to do so; however, it may be a good idea to examine a number of important factors before making your decision.


One of the most important factors to consider, when determining whether or not you should purchase a marine aquarium, is where your aquarium will be displayed. Although marine aquariums are fine for the office, you may find their setup or installation a little bit difficult to get started. That is why marine aquariums are commonly found inside homes, but they are also popular among some business owners. It is also important to examine your financial resources. Fish keeping, as you may already know, can be a relatively expensive hobby. If you are interested in having saltwater fish, you will need to care for them in the proper way; this care often involves extra money. If you do not have the money or the time needed to maintain a marine aquarium, it may be in your best interest to go with a freshwater aquarium.


If you are still unable to decide whether or not a marine aquarium is the perfect purchase for you, you are advised to further examine marine aquariums and the maintence that they may require. You can easily do this research with a standard internet search, with the purchase of a marine aquarium resource guide, or by speaking to a well-known supplier of marine aquariums, such as Tenecor. When it comes to making any purchase, including a marine aquarium, well informed is the best way to make the decision that can best fit your needs.


Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=154524&ca=Pets

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Guinea Pigs Health Problems By Florian Ross

Florian Ross

When you first decide to bring a guinea pig into your home, you should be sure that there is a vet who specializes in small pet care in your immediate area. Many people may not consider the expense of veterinary care for other small pets like hamsters or gerbils who live an average of two years, but guinea pigs are not disposal pets. Because they can live on average 4-8 years, they should be considered long-term members of your family, just like a dog or a cat.


Why should you find a vet this early? Because guinea pigs can become ill quickly and deteoriorate rapidly. If you wait to try to find a vet after your pet becomes ill and run into difficulties, it might be too late to save your guinea pig.


With dogs or cats, owners generally take them in for a check-up when its time to renew their shots. Since guinea pigs don't need shots, it can be easy to take their good health for granted. Your guinea pig should see his or her vet at least once a year as well.


Not all vets will treat guinea pigs, so if you have a vet already who treats your other pets, you may want to ask him or her first about whether or not they will be able to care for the new addition to your family. If they don't, ask them to recommend a vet who does.


If you don't already have a vet, then you can check with your local yellow pages to find one. Most advertise that whether or not they accept small pets. Another option is to use an online vet finder, such as the one available at http://www.aracnet.com/cgi-usr/seagull/vetfinder.cgi. You simply enter your state, and a list of vets who work with guinea pigs will appear. This particular service is not comprehensive, but it will serve as a good starting point for your search for a vet.


Once you purchase your new family member, it might be a good idea to take him or her to your vet for a thorough check-up, especially if you will be bringing it home to other guinea pigs or pets.


As I mentioned above, a guinea pig can become sick quickly and things can go from bad to worse before you realize it. For that reason, it is important to always keep a watchful eye on your cavy because there are a few signs that should immediately alert you that your guinea pig may be sick.


Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=155265&ca=Pets

Monday, October 26, 2009

Bathing Bearded Dragons - How To Do This By Florian Ross

Florian Ross

Bathing Bearded Dragons is one of the parts your lizard pet will enjoy much and help it remaining healthy. Many bearded dragons owner don't know how to bath and keep a dragon clean, so this should give you the basics about.


Many Beardie keepers come to appreciate the benefits of bathing their lizards. Not only do most Bearded Dragons prefer to potty in the tub (making it very easy for their keepers to clean up after them and disinfect the surfaces). Baths also help during shedding, keeping the loosening skin soft and pliable, ensuring its easy separation.


It seems to be that some Beardies are afraid of the bathtub, whether or not it has water. Some do fine in the empty bathtub, but freak out when you start to run water. So, you should expect that when first introduced to the bathtub your dragon could wriggle and resist. If this is the case you should try a tap or just use a shower. Dragons usually enjoy a bath under running water in the wash basin or bath tub. So probably they will love this experience.


Some Beardies are comfortable bathing in the sink or the bath tub and others may not like bath time at all. You can try placing a see-through Rubbermaid container on your countertop and gently placing your Beardie inside. He may feel more comfortable resting on your hand while it is submerged in the water. Or you could try rolling up a wash cloth and letting him rest his arms on it. They need to feel secure or they will never enjoy bath time.


While bathing your Bearded Dragon, the bath water should ideally be warm on your wrist and not hot, much like bath water for a small child. Make the water only as deep as your Beardie’s chest or half way up their front arms. You should never leave your Beardie unattended in the bath because accidents only take a second to happen.


The ideal temperature for the bath water should be around 95-99oF and remember, if it feels too warm to you then it's definitely too hot for them. Do pick up your Beardie out of the bath water if he decides to poop in it. After bathing gently clean your dragon with a hand towel.


Reptile and amphibian cages and equipment should not be cleaned in the kitchen. Sinks or tubs used for cleaning equipment or bathing reptiles should be disinfected with a bleach solution afterwards.


Bathing is an important part in keeping a healthy dragon and regular bathing will help improve the Beardie’s overall hydration status and keep the Beardie clean. It also helps to relax the muscles thus making it easier for them to go to the bathroom.


Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=154853&ca=Pets

What Horse Supplies Do I Need To Enjoy Riding? By Candice Sabrina

Candice Sabrina

If wishes were horses, then beggars would ride. Or so the old saying goes. However, wishes were horses but not horse supplies as well, then the beggars in question would not be riding.


To begin with, anyone who wishes to ride a horse, will need horse supplies in the form of tack. Even the roughest rider who enjoys bareback riding will require a bridle, and most of us would prefer to have a saddle between us and the horse's spine.


Most saddlers will stock a variety of bridles and saddles, along with a selection of different types of bit, depending on the needs of you and your horse. Other tack items available at a good retailer of horse supplies should include halters, cruppers and breastplates. Other horse supplies are more concerned with the horse’s comfort and well-being.


A horse kept stabled will require good quality food, ranging from the traditional hay and oats to more modern pellets and grain mixes. Racehorses and show horses in particular will require very high quality, high energy feed and supplements in order to perform at their peak.


A horse kept outdoors in pasture will also require hay and other feed supplements, especially over winter. A horse kept in pasture will also require a cover to protect it from the elements, and occasionally an additional neck rug.


Even if you are using your horse for everyday hacking rather than competitions, you will still require a few more items in the way of horse supplies. Grooming is a pleasure for both horse and rider, and for this you will require a body brush or dandy brush at the very least.


A hoofpick is also a vital piece of equipment in order to ensure that your horse's hooves are in good condition and to make sure that the sensitive frog of the hoof is not being damaged by stones or other hard objects.


If you choose to leave your horse 'barefoot', you will still need to care for your horse’s hooves, which sometimes means filing them - which in turn means a specialized file. Stables and fields alike need to be kept clean from droppings, so a good set of implements such as a shovel, a rake and a wheelbarrow are vital, although you do not need to buy these at a specialist horse supplies retailer - any good garden or hardware shop should stock these.


If you wish to use your horse in competitions, you will need further equipment, and extra grooming equipment such as curry combs and hoof oil are just some of the items on your list. A horse trailer is vital for transporting your mount to the location of the competition.


The feet and legs of your horse will need to be protected with brushing boots and/or bandages. As turnout is an important part of many shows and gymkhanas, you will also require a collection of ribbons for braiding into the mane according to competition standards. Western riding, of course, has its own set of equipment and requirements, chief of which is the specialized Western saddle.


Other supplies could be better referred to as 'people supplies.' These are the essential items for the rider. The most important of these is the hard hat or helmet, which comes in a range of styles and types, depending on your needs and any showing you hope to be doing.


Jodhpur boots are robust enough to work outdoors in or if a horse accidentally treads on your foot, but are also shaped to slide in and out of the stirrup easily - hiking boots and Wellington boots run the risk of being caught in the stirrup, which can lead to horrific consequences in the case of a fall. These items of protective clothing, plus others, can easily be bought at a good horse supplies retailer.


Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=156190&ca=Pets

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Wholesale Aquariums: Helping You Start A Business By Alan Winters

Alan Winters

Are you interested in starting your own business? If so, you are not alone. Each year, there are millions of individuals who think about starting their own business. While a large number of individuals do end up doing so, there are others who do not. Financial reasons are often considered one of the most common reasons for the failure to start a new business, but that it not the only reason. There are some individuals who are unable find something that they are passionate about. The good news is that there are a number of ideas and business topics out there, including the fish keeping hobby. Yes, fish.


If you have a love or a passion for animals, namely fish, you may want to think about starting a business centered on those marine animals. Although your first thought may be selling fish to the general public, like a pet store, that is not your only option. In fact, there is another option that is not only more interesting, but it may be more profitable. That option involves selling fish tanks. What is nice about opening up your own fish tank supply business is that you have a number of different options. For example, if you would like, you could have your own storefront retail location, an online store, or an aquarium setup and service business.


Although it is nice to know that you could make a living supplying the general public with fish tanks and aquariums, you may be wondering exactly how you can go about doing so. The answer is by purchasing wholesale fish tanks. When it comes to purchasing wholesale fish tanks, you need to find a product manufacturer to do business with. Once you have found that manufacturer, everyone involved can work out an arrangement. That arrangement often involves purchasing wholesale aquariums. What is nice about wholesale aquariums is that you are not only able to purchase a large number of aquariums at once, but you also tend to receive them at a discounted price. When it comes to making money, discounted supplies is the best way to make a profit.


As with starting any type of business, even a fish tank supply store, you are advised to develop a business plan. A business plan will not only assist you in getting the financing that you may need to get your business off the ground, but it also gives you a plan or a guide to follow. That guide, as long as it is detailed is helpful in ensuring the success of your business. Although a business plan includes a number of different points, it is important that your business plan includes a supplier. Before going with the first wholesale aquarium seller that you come across, you are advised to thoroughly examine all of your options. In fact, it may be a good idea to make sure that your business plan includes the contact information of multiple wholesale fish tank suppliers who are willing to work with you.


Speaking of fish tank suppliers, it is important that you keep a number of factors in mind when choosing one. When it comes to wholesale aquariums, you will find that a number of individuals and companies offer wholesale aquariums for sale. These aquariums are not only offered at different prices, but they also come in different sizes, shapes, styles, and quality. Since the wholesale fish tank supplier you choose to do business with will ultimately have an impact on your business and the way that it is perceived by the general public, you are advised to proceed with caution. In addition to taking the cost of wholesale aquariums into consideration, you are also advised to keep the quality of those aquariums in mind. That is why it may be best to review the feedback or customer ratings of fish tanks produced by the supplier in which you are interested in doing business with. This small step may help to ensure that your business is a success.


Starting your own fish tank supply store is a business venture that may help you generate income; however, it is important to remember that your success depends on the decisions that you make. That is why it is extremely important that you keep the above mentioned points in mind and choose your wholesale aquarium supplier wisely.


Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=154542&ca=Pets

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Miniature Horses, Ponies - What's The Difference? By Candice Sabrina

Candice Sabrina

When most of us start out learning about horses, we are told that a horse is a member of Equus caballus that is over 14 hands high (a hand, we quickly learned, is 10 cm). A pony, on the other hand, was defined as a member of the same species that was less than 14 hands. Now, miniature horses are always much smaller than 14 hands, so why are they called miniature horses rather than ponies?


The answer lies in the proportions. Most ponies are cobby in build (rounded and stocky - think of drawings by the cartoonist Thelwell), while many breeders of miniature horses (often affectionately referred to as 'minis') prefer to breed for proportions that are more like that of a 'regular' horse. The American Miniature Horse Registry (AMHR) suggests that a 'mini' is ideally 'a small, sound well-balanced horse' that, if photographed without anything to give a sense of size, should look identical to a full-sized horse.


As expected, size matters. The AMHR recognizes two categories of miniature horses: those in the 'A' division are less than 82 cm (34 inches) at the withers, which is defined as being the last hair of the mane, while the “B” category covers horses 34–38 inches at the withers. The American Miniature Horse Association, however, does not recognize horses over 34 inches. A miniature horse is always measured in centimeters or inches, but never in hands.
If they were measured in hands, the largest 'minis' would be around 8 or 9 hands (by way of comparison, an average Shetland pony measures 10 hands). 'Minis' come in all color types, including the more exotic types like pinto and palomino as well as the more mundane bays, greys and chestnuts. Whatever size of color they are, miniature horses have been in the world for a surprisingly long time.


In the Renaissance and Restoration periods, they were occasionally found in private menageries as curiosities. At the other end of the economic spectrum, miniature horses also had their uses as pit ponies hauling coal in the mines.
There are also some who hold the view that some of the fossilized horse remains classified as ancestors of Equus caballus are actually the fossilized remains of 'minis.' There may be some uncertainty about the dating, but the fossils certainly have the right size and skeleton structure.


Since the 20th century, miniature horses have been developed as a breed and refined to the animals that they are today, and this work is ongoing. The most widely known breed of miniature horse is the Falabella, which originated in Argentina.


'Minis' are still kept as curiosities in petting zoos and farm parks, but they also have a wider range of roles. They are, of course, unsuited as riding animals, because of their size, but are often shown competitively and can be used for light harness work. Their most noteworthy work is therapeutic, as they are often used to provide interaction and comfort to the elderly, and in working with autistic children.


Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=154684&ca=Pets

Friday, October 23, 2009

Keep Your Dog Healthy With Homemade Dog Food Recipes By Stephen Alfred

Stephen Alfred

Lets face it, do we really know what goes into the food that we feed to our dogs.Personally, I had no idea until I started doing a little research on exactly what goes into the making of dog food.After reading certain articles written by doctors, I was shocked to find out that most dog foods were all made with a variety of unhealthy chemicals. At this point it is clearly not a secret, but it again still needs to be pointed out to those people who are great animal lovers,with dogs being in particular. Having read this, I decided to go about doing a small amount of research on how I could go about making my own healthy homemade dog food, just to experiment and change my dogs diet. This is when I came across a website after a great deal of searching which was created by a doctor himself who was marketing his own dog food recipe book for dog owners.The guide contains some 250+ home made dog food recipes which exclude the usage of harmful products which are infamous for mineral deficiencies. The guide does not only contain healthy dog food recipes but also other aspects of keeping your dog healthy such as:


1. Healthy dog food recipes for both younger and older dogs
2. Natural recipe to keep fleas away
3. Gourmet Biscuit recipes
4. Dozens of recipes for delicious, economical, healthful dog food
5. Various other treats


Just like I do,I'm sure most of you who care greatly for your dogs have probably spent hours talking to dog experts,as well as reading many books on dogs in order to get the sort of information available in this guide. So before you go and spend more money on expensive vets and other dog experts, do yourself a favour and take a look at my personal homepage which talks more about this dog food guide.I'm sure it will be worth your while to try this ebook, because by the time you have finished reading this guide, you will probably know more than the professionals know about what really makes a dog healthy.


Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=154435&ca=Pets

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Bearded Dragons Foods And Feeding - The Seven Foods You Must Keep Away From Your Bearded Dragon By Florian Ross

Florian Ross

Feeding bearded dragons is quite simple and should give no problem to any bearded dragon owner. The type of food you feed your dragon can vary depending on its age. At the earlier stages of life a dragon will need more protein and fewer greens, but it is advisable to introduce greens as early as you can. If you shun these, your pet may not take to them later as it matures. Bearded Dragons are omnivorous - they eat bugs and vegetation.


Your dragon will feed only if both the food you give it and its body temperature are right and will not show any appetite if the conditions are wrong and even if it would show an appetite and feeds, it cannot digest the food if the temperature is wrong.


In good condition your bearded dragon should be a hearty eater and considering the importance of various conditions that influence its feeding and digestion, here is a short nutrition checklist:


- Pay attention to the health of insects you store for feeding your dragon.


- Wash greens / vegetables thoroughly.


- Adequate light and heat - both are vital for your bearded dragon's satisfactory food intake.


- Try and hand-feed insects to your dragon.


- Clear uneaten greens / vegetables from dragon's cage daily. Clean dish.


- Guard against vitamin A overdose.


- Gut-load insects before you feed them to your dragon.


- Choose younger prey because of its lower chitin content. - Supplement normal food with mineral (calcium) and vitamin additions.


- Make feeding age-appropriate.


- Chop greens and vegetables finely.


- Fasten suitable larger greens to a peg for your dragon to nibble.


- Match size of prey to size of your dragon's mouth. (Prey size half the width of the mouth)


- Offer water to your dragon through spraying, misting (greens and vegetables) and in dish.


Beside these, always remember to never-ever feed your dragon the items not recommended them (see the list bellow).


What not to feed your Beardie:


If you know what food you should be feeding your bearded dragon, you should also know that there are some things that you shouldn't feed them. If you accidentally feed your bearded dragon something from them, that is not poisonous, just watch him or her carefully for signs of illness. However, you'll want to call or take him to the vet immediately if he or she has ingested something poisonous. Here is a short lis what to watch for:


- Do not feed wild insects or insects found around the house to your Bearded Dragon. They may carry diseases that could be deadly to your pet.


- Lightning bugs (also known as fireflies) are deadly poisonous (they contain phosphorous).


- Avoid also spinach as calcium binds to it and will not be digested by your animal.


- Avoid feed citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruits).


- Do not feed dog or cat food to your Dragon.


- Carrots should only be used as a treat though due to the high amounts of vitamin A. Any food with high amounts of vitamin A should be avoided, as reptiles do not absorb a lot of vitamin A.


- NEVER iceberg lettuce.


You should also take care not to over feed your dragon. Especially the adults will usually eat much more than they need and this can get them to overweight.


Even if bearded dragons are omnivorous eaters you should remember these simple rules that will help you feed your dragon.


Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=154855&ca=Pets

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Bearded Dragons Shedding - Is Skin Exfoliation A Problem? By Florian Ross

Florian Ross

A beardie sheds its skin regularly. In order for this to happen, he requires the correct conditions. In captivity these conditions are aided by a basking lamp and warm environment. Together with exfoliation would be the sun lamp. As I mentioned, dragons love to bask in the sun. To create this environment, we give them a basking lamp under which they sit for hours. (Don’t forget natural sun is very important for him - being a desert creature, he needs large amounts of Vitamin D). The skin comes off in large patches. Don't help them to pull it off--you can damage the new skin underneath. Letting them soak in shallow warm (98 deg) water or misting them helps shedding.


Exfoliating dragon


Going into shed is not a real fun thing for beardies. Most get rather cranky during this time, with some becoming hissy or snappy, objecting to being held or touched. The best thing to do is to respect their ill-feeling as much as possible. Some beardies will greatly reduce their food intake during a shed, others stop eating altogether until after they have shed. Offer a nice warm bath to help keep the skin moist and offer fluids for beardies that are off food.


Problems during Shedding


A problem shed is a shed that isn't happening like a normal, healthy shed should. Adult beardies normally shed in pieces, a problem shed would be where it is taking too long, or where skin is retained in problem areas, such as around toes, spikes, and tails. A problem shed is a sign of an even greater, underlying problem. When a problem shed occurs, or one that is too slow to start or finish, you need to figure out why it is happening and correct the problem.


- First, analyze the environment, diet, etc. Are their any signs of pain and discomfort?


- Correct the problem (adjust heat, lighting, photoperiods, diet, etc.).


- If the beardie has started shedding, but not properly completed a shed, you can help it along. Soak them in a tub of warm water (95-99 degrees F) for 10-15 minutes, then begin gently rubbing their skin. Make sure the skin is removed from their toes, spikes, and tails.


- If there is still retained shed in these problem areas, wrap the wet beardie in a warm damp towel, then wrap that in a dry towel. Sit down with it for 5 minutes or so, then expose a small area of the crest, or a foot, and begin to gently work at the retained skin.


- If there are several layers or one very resistant layer, rub some mineral oil into the area while the beardie is still wet from the bath. This will help lock the moisture from the bath into that area. Do this for a couple of days (bath followed by the mineral oil worked into the skin); this should get enough water wicked up between the layers of skin to make them very easy to remove.


You might wonder as to where all the shedded skin has gone. Some beardies will occasionally eat some of their shed. This is not a problem as long as the beardie is maintained in a clean environment.


Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=154856&ca=Pets

Wall Aquariums: What Are They By Brittney Foster

Brittney Foster

Have you been searching for a new aquarium to display your fish in your home or office? If so, there is a good chance that you have come across aquariums which are known as wall aquariums. Have you? If so, they may have piqued your interest. After all, wall aquariums are rapidly increasing in popularity. Each year, a relatively large number of individuals make the decision to purchase wall aquariums for their home or their office. Although you might assume that wall aquariums are pretty self explanatory, you may find that they are not. This is because, like many other aquariums, wall aquariums come in a number of different sizes, shapes, and styles.


One of the most highly sought after types of wall aquariums are “in wall” aquariums. In wall aquariums are aquariums that are installed directly in a wall. These types of aquariums are sought after because they allow homeowners or business owners to save space, while displaying a collection of fish at the same time. In fact, that collection of fish can be a fairly large one because in wall aquariums come in a number of different sizes. A large number of businesses, such as professional medical offices, have large in wall aquariums displayed in their waiting rooms or in the entranceways to their facilities. Whether you are looking to have a wall aquarium installed in your home or in your office, you may want to further examine in wall aquariums and how you can go about getting one.


Speaking of getting an in wall aquarium, you will find that you have a number of different options. There are a number of pre-built or pre-designed aquariums that can be used as in wall aquariums. These in wall aquariums are ideal because they are low-cost and easy to install. Although pre-built or pre-designed in wall aquariums are nice, you may be unable to find exactly what you are looking for. If that is the case, you may want to think about having a custom in wall aquarium built. These types of aquariums can often be built into an existing wall of yours or a new wall for your home or office can be built, just for your new wall aquarium; the choice is completely yours to make.


Wall aquariums also include aquariums that are known as living picture aquariums. Living picture aquariums, with a quick look, resemble a traditional wall portrait or painting. The aquarium is built right into a picture frame and hangs on the wall. Depending on the type of living picture wall aquarium in question, you may find that a small cabinet is used to hold the aquarium. That cabinet is often installed directly into your wall. This cabinet installation is one of the many reasons why living picture aquariums are often referred to as wall aquariums.


Similar to living picture aquariums, are another type of aquarium. These types of aquariums are aquariums that are mounted onto a wall shelf. Due to their positioning, these types of aquariums are also considered wall aquariums. With wall aquariums that are mounted onto a wall shelf, you will often find that they are small and slim in nature. The size of these aquariums also makes them ideal if you are looking to have a collection of fish displayed in your home or office, while saving space at the same time. As the popularity of wall aquariums continues to rise, you will likely find a large selection of wall shelf combatable fish tanks available for sale, especially if you make the decision to do your aquarium shopping online, with an online retailer such as Tenecor.


Whether you make the decision to purchase a pre-built wall aquarium such as a living picture, order a custom built in wall aquarium, or an aquarium that can be positioned on a wall mounted shelf, you will likely be pleased with your decision to go with a wall aquarium. In addition to the saved space, you may also be pleased with the elegance and professionalism that is brought into your home or your office.


Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=154541&ca=Pets

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Get Your Dog To Stop Whining On Your Command By Zane Madisson

Zane Madisson

Do you find the dog whine annoying? It is annoying to many people and you are not alone in your feelings. Dogs whine because it is a part of their nature to do so. They are trying to get your attention and this is one of the ways they can do that. Is your dog neglected by any chance? Does it lack some kind of shelter or protection? You should feed your dog on a regular basis and make sure it is clean. Overlooking any of these things can and will lead to problems.


A good thing to look out for is the moment your dog begins to act up. Try and see if the activity is the same when your dog whines. If this keeps happening, it must be something you are doing, or something related to the activity taking place. If the whining is taking place in a more random manner, then you might have a harder time trying to come up with a solution. Always make sure your dog has proper hygiene though.


Does it whine a lot or just a tiny bit? If your dog is whining all the time then something is seriously wrong. But hey, everyone and everything has their own mood and maybe your dog is just in one of its moods. That could certainly be one of the possibilities. One of the most common reasons the dog is whining is because it wants food, and it wants it now. You should try to stay clear of feeding your dog from the dinner table because this is going to set a bad precedent.


Canines need to eat their own kind of food, dog food specifically. But have no fear, as most of these problems are just plain old common sense. It really is amazing how many problems people do not pick up on. I hope this can be of some help to one of you out there. Take care and all the best.


Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=155366&ca=Pets

Monday, October 19, 2009

Guinea Pigs Foods And Feeding - The Seven Foods You Must Always Keep Away From A Guinea Pig By Florian Ross

Florian Ross

What should you avoid to feed a guinea pig?


If you know what food you should be feeding your guinea pig, you should also know that there are some things that you shouldn't feed them.


If you accidentally feed your guinea pig something from this list that is not poisonous, just watch him or her carefully for signs of illness. However, you'll want to call or take him to the vet immediately if he or she has ingested something poisonous.


- Do not feed your guinea pig iceberg lettuce. While most leafy greens do provide an excellent source of Vitamin C for your guinea pig, iceberg lettuce does not. You're better off purchasing kale or cabbage for your pet.


- Do not feed your guinea pig long stalks of celery. Those stringy pieces that can get wound up in your garbage disposal are just as hard for your guinea pig to digest. If your guinea pig likes celery, you need to cut it up into smaller pieces before you give it to them.


- Do not feed your guinea pig any shelled nuts or seeds. Your guinea pig can easily choke on the pieces of the shell. Also, be careful about the guinea pig treat sticks that are sold in pet stores because these often contain shelled seeds.


- Do not feed your guinea pig rhubarb, beans, or potatoes with green spots. These are all poisonous to your guinea pig.


- Do not feed your guinea pig certain types of plants. While some plants, like dandelions and clover, are safe for your guinea pig, many others are poisonous to him or her. Daffodils, hyacinths, poppy, and buttercups are some of those too avoid.


- Do not feed your guinea pig any dairy products. Although some people may suggest feeding their guinea pigs yogurt in order to clean out their digestive systems, you should avoid feeding any dairy product to your guinea pig because they are lactose intolerant, which means their bodies can not properly process daily products. Also, excess calcium will cause guinea pigs to develop kidney and/or bladder stones.


Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=155264&ca=Pets