How To Keep Your Pet Rats Happy And Healthy As They Age

By Colin Patterson

With pet rats, most aging symptoms are similar to those of humans. And as with people, it takes caring and patience to assist your dear rattie through her last stage of life.

The best preparation is to know what to expect. For example, old rats have the tendency to develop incontinence, urinating all over themselves. All you can really do is give them frequent baths. Otherwise, their fur will have a yellow tint and foul smell. Also, their bones and teeth can become sore; so be sure to lay down extra soft bedding and feed them soft, water-rich foods.

Putting fruits and veggies through a juicer is a great way to continue feeding them. Put the juice into their water bottle along with ice chips to keep it fresh longer. At that point, stop feeding them lab blocks.

When arranging the furniture, adapt the living environment to their abilities. Once rats get old, they are no longer able to run, climb and jump as they used to; nor are they able to recover from injuries as easily. Be sensitive to this and make their cage as safe as possible by lowering all their platforms and making their food and water available lower.

As rats age, it gets more difficult for their bodies to regulate their temperatures. That means they will be most prone to hypothermia in the winter and overheating in the summer. To keep them warm, in extremely cold weather place a heating pad or electric blanket below (not inside!) their cage. Ice cubes and a powerful fan (placed far away) can help cool an elderly rat during a heat wave.

There are other tell-tale signs of rat-aging. Once their appetites decrease, they’ll lose a lot of weight. Don’t be surprised if their bones begin to show. After awhile, they will become less interested in grooming themselves. As a result, their hair will be disheveled.

It is not uncommon to see a rat that is on the brink of death frantically get up and start running and hopping around in circles. On the other hand, elderly rats frequently suffer from hind leg paralysis and spend the rest of their lives falling or dragging their hind quarters around. Eventually, your rats will suddenly begin struggling to breathe, passing away within days or hours.

Dealing with the loss of your dear friend can be the most difficult part of being a pet rat owner. You gave all your love to your rat and took the best care of them that you possibly could... but your efforts were ultimately in vain. However, you did the best you could and gave your rattie the best possible life during his short time with you.



Colin Patterson is author of a pet rat book called 'Pet Rats: How to Easily Train and Care For Your Ratties... To Have a Happy Life Together' -- check it out by going to http://petratguide.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Colin_Patterson
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How to Groom a Bird

By Grant Carroll

Just like dogs and cats, birds also require grooming to maintain optimum health and happiness. The basic essentials to bird grooming are wing clipping, nail clipping, beak filing, preening and bathing.

Wing clipping is one of the most important parts of bird grooming. Not only does it help prevent the bird from flying away or flying into something and hurting itself, it helps the taming process and builds a bond between bird and owner. Be sure, however, that an alternative form of exercise is available since they will no longer be able to fly easily. Big cages and play pens are great for a bird to walk and climb around. The best method for wing clipping is to clip the outer primaries of both wings below the level of the primary coverts. When the new feathers grow in after a few months, wait until they are completely mature before clipping again. New feathers contain a pulp of blood vessels and nerves that will cause profuse bleeding and pain for the bird if clipped.

Nail clipping is essential for both the bird’s and the owner’s comfort. The bird won’t enjoy walking around on long nails and it will be uncomfortable for the owners arm skin if the bird decides to perch there. Be sure not to wait too long before clipping so that the quick doesn’t get any longer. Don’t cut the quick or just as in dogs there will be a lot of pain and bleeding.

BIRD TALK - 1 YR

Grant Carroll proud father of four dogs and co-owner of http://www.littlepamperedpets.com with Dog Clothes and Small Dog Sweaters
Visit Elizabeth Austin Wholesale for Wholesale Dog Clothes and Wholesale Pet Supplies
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How To Avoid Disease In Your Aquarium

By Lee Dobbins

There are many diseases that can affect your aquarium fish and once your tank is infected, there’s a good change that all your fish can get sick. Luckily, keeping a disease free tank is not that hard. Most disease is a result of poor water quality so not overcrowding your tank and keeping a regular maintenance schedule is a must.

Most aquarium disease can be avoided by making sure your aquarium water is healthy. If disease does break out, doing a water change and treating the water for the particular disease is the best way to nip it in the bud. If you don’t do these two things your tank is a disaster waiting to happen.

Neglecting the appropriate tank maintenance and partial water changes will allow toxins to build up in the water, basically polluting your fish’s environment. As the water becomes more toxic your fish become more “stressed”, the more stressed your fish becomes the easier it is for the micro organisms present in your aquarium water to infect your fish with various diseases.

I addition to insuring your aquarium has good water quality, you should also keep an eye on your fish each day so that you can be alerted to any signs of stress right away and take the appropriate action.

So how do you tell if your tropical fish are stressed?

Tropical fish don’t react the same way to stress as people do, but there are some tell tale signs you can be on the look out for. Some things to look for include; fish rubbing themselves against the gravel or aquarium décor, fish hiding in the corner or under plants or rocks all the time, fish bobbing around with their fins close to they body and any growths or white fuzzy spots are some of the things that indicate aquarium disease.

Of course, the first step in treating aquarium disease is preventing it. Here’s some steps to make sure your aquarium remains free of disease.

1. Don’t overcrowd your fish tank. Your tank can only support so many fish - the more fish you have the more waste they create and if the filtration cannot handle the waste you end up with toxins in the water that can accumulate to dangerous levels over time. The larger the tank, the more fish you can have.

2. Acclimate new fish to the tank properly. When you bring a new fish home form the pet store, it’s already been through quite a bit. Shipped from the breeders to the new store and put in a new tank, then transported into your tank all can be stressful to the fish. To acclimate your fish properly, make sure you float him in the bag in your aquarium for 10 minutes then open the back and introduce some of your aquarium water into the bag, let that sit for about 10 minutes and then let the fish out into your tank.

3. Make sure to have great water quality. Since poor water quality is the greatest case of fish disease and death you’ll want to be diligent about your tank maintenance and partial water changes. Also, make sure to test the PH and nitrite / nitrate levels and adjust the tank accordingly. This is quite easy and there are test kits made for testing as well as adjusting the water.

Keeping your aquarium disease free is not difficult and will help you enjoy beautiful healthy fish for years to come!


Lee Dobbins writes for http://www.fish-tank-guide.com where you can learn more about aquarium maintenance and fish disease. Visit the Fish Tank Guide to learn more about diseases that strike tropical aquarium fish.
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Caring Guide For Hamster Babies

By Jalte Aimal

One can’t just take his eyes off hamster pups, as these tiny cute little creatures will sure have your attention. Baby hamster are born without any fur and are closely attached to their mother. Though you may have the desire to hold them, bare in mind that there is nothing you can do within two weeks period after delivery.

REMEMBER NOT TO TOUCH THE BABIES!! Your action might harm the babies and change its scent thus confuses the mother. She will think that they are not hers, abandon them and worst she might even eat the babies (it did happened to my hamsters). Not to cause any stress to the mother, avoid cleaning up the cage within this period. It is advisable to place the babies at the bottom of the cage as none of them had opened their eyes yet.

After this two weeks ‘vital’ period, you can hold them but only for a brief period as not to disturb or stress the mom or babies. You can also clean up the cage and place fresh beddings in most of it. Remove just the soiled parts in the nest area and put a good portion of the old bedding in it. Put the babies back in the nest after it is cleaned up followed by the mother.

Once the babies eyes are opened (which should occur on the 11-12 days, but some take less/more), they should figure out how the bottle works. In order for them to reach it easily, put it lower and in an area where they frequently go. If they haven’t figured out how to use the bottle and you are worried about them not drinking enough, you can give them pieces of cucumbers to prevent dehydration. Do not put water in a bowl to prevent them from falling in and drown or catch a cold.

At three weeks, you can separate the babies if you observe any fighting among them but if they seem immature, less developed and not quite independent enough to leave mom just yet, let them stay together until they are four weeks old. When they reach five weeks old, independent and have a healthy development, they can be placed in new homes and play in new surroundings and environment.



About the Author: Jalte Aimal is the owner of site http://MyHammie.com. You may freely reprint this article as long as nothing is changed, and bio is included with all links intact. http://www.myhammie.com The most recent version of this article could be found at http://www.myhammie.com/baby_hamster.php
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Raising A Healthy Bird.

By Robert Michael

1. If you want your bird to live a long life it is important to feed it in a nutritionally sound way. Birds often die too young because they are malnourished or they pick up a disease because they were not being fed correctly.

2. Birds who are part of the parrot family should be fed a variety of foods. Seeds are used by most as the only part of the bird’s diet and this is a mistake. Seeds have too much fat, not enough protein and almost no vitamins. Seeds should not make up more than 50 percent of your bird’s diet.

3. Try healthy table foods like items that contain whole grains and pretzels, pasta and whole wheat bread. Many birds can be persuaded, given time and encouragement, to eat dairy and poultry products. Try serving your bird low-fat cheese, yogurt and chicken. Avoid any food that is high in fat and stay away from avocados, they are toxic to birds!

4. Beans and legumes as well as fruits and vegetables are good sources of nutrition for the pet bird. It may take quite awhile to get your fine-feathered friend to except these changes, (up to a year) but it will be the best thing for your bird.

5. When you get ready to make these changes do it slowly. Offer the fresh foods twice a day for about an hour at each feeding. Don’t leave the fresh food in the cage longer than that. It becomes unappealing and can develop bacteria.

6. Feeding your bird twice a day is a good idea. Your bird will become hungry between feedings and this practice produces a more active bird. With a healthy appetite the bird is more likely to try new foods. You will also be able to keep a closer watch on how much your bird is eating. (If your bird is sick,laying eggs, caring for young, or nesting they should always have food available.) When food consumption drops, a bird is usually not feeling well.

7. If your bird is having a hard time getting used to the new diet, try warming the food or cooking the vegetables. It will take a little time to discover what works for your bird. Offer seeds only at meal time and along with other foods until you see that your bird is eating enough to stay healthy. Birds often do better with new diets when they are fed outside the cage.

8. Water is the final key to your bird’s nutritional success. The water must be fresh and all bowls should be thoroughly cleaned each day with hot water and soap. Disinfect these bowls with bleach every week. Be sure all the bleach is totally rinsed away from the bowls. Adding a multivitamin to the bird’s water daily is a good idea until you know the bird is getting enough vitamins from the fruit and vegetables. Birds are delightful pets and feeding them properly allows them to enjoy a healthy lifestyle and this practice can extend their life expectancy.

About the Author: Robert Michael is a writer for Las Birds which is an excellent place to find birds links, resources and articles. For more information go to: http://www.lasbirds.com Source: www.isnare.com
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The Kuvasz

By Michael Russell

The Hungarian Kuvasz has the Turkish word for "protector" as its name and its country of origin is most likely Tibet, yet this breed was used for many centuries in Hungary as a herding dog and flock protector. Herding dogs generally are used to herd cattle or sheep from one spot to another, while flock protectors are strictly used to guard the flocks and fend off predators. The Kuvasz is unusual in that it performs both of these functions admirably and was also used as a boar hunter.

Today the breed is used in both North and South America as a flock guardian. and sometimes more rarely as a family pet. It is a dog that can be quite formidable and is highly prized as a breed that will ward off coyotes and even cougars when it functions as a flock guard. Sometimes the breed is confused with the Great Pyrenees but there are considerable differences. The Great Pyrenees can have some biscuit coloring while the Kuvasz is always white. The Great Pyrenees has double dew claws on the rear feet. The Kuvasz never has dew claws on the rear, let alone double ones. The Great Pyr has a soft deep muzzle almost as deep as it is broad, while the Kuvasz has a longer narrower muzzle. Both dogs perform the function of a flock guardian quite well, but the Great Pyr seems to be a dog that is more able to accept integration into a household as a pet.

The Kuvasz is 28-30 inches tall and can weigh up to 115 pounds. The coat may be slightly wavy and is long and double. The coat is generally flat (does not "stand off" from the body) and is about two to four inches long all over with the exception of the muzzle and the front of the legs. The ears are dropped and slant forwards. The Kuvasz is a handsome dog and has a very strong instinct for protection.

The Kuvasz Club of America advises new owners that the Kuvasz often is "impervious" to pain. This is a typical trait of dogs which are bred for predator attack, especially in the neck and chest, which usually has thicker skin and coat in that area so teeth will not grip easily. The Kuvasz therefore will not pay attention to electric fences and needs to be kept in a tight enclosure. Furthermore this is not a breed that should be allowed to play off leash in dog parks.

As a family member the Kuvasz must be exposed as a young dog to any children that will be part of its family. As it grows it will begin to think of his human family as part of his flock and will be a great watchdog, however care must be taken to introduce this breed to obedience early on because it must learn that the owner is the dominant pack leader or it will take over the position and can be extremely loyal to the extent of being threatening to visitors. If properly trained and socialized, especially to children, the dog will accept the introduction of strangers. It is highly important to socialize any dog to children and strange situations while it is young, taking any dog to obedience classes and exposing it to crowds and urban environments will help the dog to accept new and different situations in any case, but for a Kuvasz that has such strong guardian instincts it is an absolute necessity to provide such early socialization. Kuvasz which are going to be used primarily as country dogs and flock guardians are trained up in a manner which will expose them to the the cattle or sheep which become their flock, often they are turned out with the flock and simply grow up with the animals an outdoors on the farm, where they will then function as nature intended them to.


Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Dogs
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The Importance Of Calcium, Magnesium, And Kh In Aquariums

By Carl Strohmeyer

Many aquarists overlook the need for calcium, magnesium and the effect of a proper Kh (Carbonate hardness) in their freshwater aquarium. Kh is basically the buffering capacity of your aquarium, a Kh above 80 ppm helps prevent sudden drops in ph (You can convert dH [German hardness] ppm by multiplying your dH by 17.9). This is especially important with livebearers, goldfish, African cichlids, brackish and many other freshwater fish. The production of Nitrates (nitric acid) will slowly reduce your ph, but a proper Kh will keep a more stable ph.

Calcium carbonate in your aquarium will keep a more stable Kh, while magnesium is another important element that works with calcium. A proper amount of Calcium and Magnesium in your aquarium will affect the fish’ health positively. Besides helping to keep a stable Kh, magnesium and calcium have been shown to increase resistance to degenerate diseases by lowering the acidity in the body. This will help with prevention of ich, fungus, and general “wear and tear” in your fish.

A product called a “Wonder Shell” will help with your calcium, magnesium, and Kh of your aquarium. Wonder Shells also come in a medicated version for control of aquarium ich and fungus. Here are a few of their attributes:

* Helps keep aquarium clear

* Maintains stable ph

* Adds necessary minerals (electrolytes)

* Removes chlorine

* Great for Goldfish, livebearers, cichlids, and more

* Contains Calcium carbonate; sodium thiosulfate; major, minor, and trace elements including magnesium sulfate. Magnesium and calcium been proven to help fish (and humans) during stress and to help prevent disease due to acid buildup in the body.

By Carl Strohmeyer


Calcium, magnesium, and Kh in aquariums blog
American Aquarium Products- Wonder Shells
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Sponge Filters, An Often Overlooked Form Of Aquarium Filtration

By Carl Strohmeyer

Sponge filtration is an often overlooked type of filtration for freshwater and even marine aquariums. Many persons look past their simplicity as ineffective, but therein lies their quality. I have used them for my aquarium maintenance for 27 plus years with excellent results. Here then is a list of their attributes:

[1] Simple to use, most run on very basic air pumps or power heads.

[2] Excellent biological filtration, they are very porous and can maintain very large bacterial colonies in proportion to the space they occupy.

[3] Mechanical filtration, although they are not the best mechanical filters, they still do a good job for their small size and make excellent supplementary filters.

[4] Very few “dead” areas trapping pockets of noxious bacteria, unlike under gravel filters and even wet/dry filters (which in my experience are over rated).

[5] Simple to clean, simply remove the sponge and squeeze or rinse in old aquarium water or dechlorinated tap water.

[6] Excellent compliment to “live rock” filtered reef aquariums.

[7] Probably the best choice of filtration for breeding tanks, hospital tanks, and even discus aquariums, due to the fact that they do not “suck” in baby or weak fish or attract noxious bacteria.

[8] For cichlid breeding they excel, as they are not easily disturbed by cichlids tendency to dig.

[9] Inexpensive

[10] Now available in larger sizes for aquariums over 60 gallons.

[11] There also are sponge filters that are used as a "pre-filter" for intakes of canister, wet/dry, power filters and more. They offer increased bio-filtration to your existing system, as well as protection from baby fish, plants, or anemones from being sucked into the intake of your existing filter.

By Carl Strohmeyer



Aquarium Filters
Sponge filter Blog
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Pasturing a Horse

By Paul Hegarty

Pasturing a horse year round offers easy maintenance and is low-cost compared to stabling a horse. However this does not mean you can leave your horse in a field and forget about him. A horse that lives outdoors most of its days can turn a suitable field into an unsuitable eye-sore if left alone to graze. To maintain the quality of grazing and to offer your horse a suitable field you will need to maintain the field for your horse. Good field maintenance is important to your horse’s health.

In order to maintain the quality of grazing for your horse, field rotation is best. A horse requires a minimum of 1 acre (0.4 hectares) for grazing. Dividing the area into separate fields will enable you to rotate the grazing. Horses graze selectively, so a field left unmanaged will result in areas grazed right down and other areas that the horse has left untouched will become overgrown with weeds.

Requirements for a suitable field:

• Fences should have rounded corners to prevent injury
• Supply fresh drinking water
• Fence off any poisonous trees
• The grass should be weed free and of equal height
• The field should not be too steep
• The field should offer shelter and security
• The field needs to drain well, particularly at the water trough and gate
• Avoid low lying areas as these tend to get muddy in winter
• An access road must be accessible in all weather conditions
• Position the shed with safety in mind
• Remove droppings from the field weekly
• Pasture is free of trash and foreign objects
• Check fencing and gates often and do any repairs if you note anything that needs mending.


Proper field maintenance will prevent your horse from escaping and straying or injuring itself. Select your hardware with your horses health and care in mind, such as when selecting the type of fencing for your field. Barbed wire is fine for sheep or cattle, but your horse is more than likely to sustain an injury as horses have fine skin.


Your horse guide. Get information on buying, owning and caring for your horse, learn more about Your Horse.
Paul Hegarty is the owner of learningfromdvds.com. Price compare Fitness DVDs, read reviews, download free E-books. Read this month’s e-book on "How To Spot A fraudulent Email". Grab your free copy today.
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Where to Find the Best Insurance Providers for Pet Health

By Simon Oliver


Just like regular medical bills, your pet’s medical fees can be very expensive. For this reason, pet health insurance is helpful when taking care of your dogs. Often, our pets have been an important part in our family just like everyone else. The only thing is that we tend to forget our pets when it comes to deciding whether to get insurance or not. Some people are not even aware that pets have insurance programs and services. The good news is that these services are available if you are willing to take advantage of them.

We sometimes take our pet’s health for granted. If this is so, they can have severe illness or they can get into a serious accident. This is where you need to have a pet health insurance to take care of all the medical expenses that are incurred. If you don’t have enough money at the present time but have your pet insurance, you will no longer have to worry because it is taken care of. This may seem to be an unnecessary expenditure, but the bottom line is that you never know when your pet will become seriously ill or involved in an accident.

Almost all pet care insurance provides health cover that includes cuts, illnesses, accidents, abrasions and also dental expenses. You can get different pet insurance quotes so that you can choose from the best pet insurance services.

There are several insurance companies that offer pet insurance online. Some pet owners choose this as the best option to give their pets insurance. Getting insurance through online services is very easy and convenient. Via a simple Google search, you can find companies that provide pet insurance online. You won’t even have to leave the comforts of home.

When purchasing pet insurance online or requesting a quote, you will have to fill out a form that asks for standard information such as the breed of your pet, etc. The rest will be taken care of by the pet insurance providers. You should also know the different insurance covers and make sure that they really cover those kinds of expenses.

If you can’t locate desirable insurance companies online, you can find pet insurance in your town. Some would prefer consulting pet insurance companies personally so they can freely ask the questions that spring to mind. If some things are not clear, you can question an employee personally.

The best pet health care insurance companies that offer services online are petplan.co.uk which is for UK residents only. Others are petlifeplus.com, ptcareinsurance.com, petinsurance.com and healthy-pets.co.uk. Pet insurance depends on your area and location. So it would be advisable to do more research and investigations before you reach into a conclusion.


Simon Oliver has an interest Recreation & Hobbies related topics. To access more information on pet health information or on pet health care information, please click on the links.
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Cat Behavior 101: Can Cats Really Be Encouraged To Bond With You?

By Cassandra Mandello

If you're a cat lover, listen up, as this special insight into cat behavior may surprise you.

Do you seek your cat's affection quite lovingly? Well, let's face it, there are two big questions that have been asked by cat lovers, and others alike. And these are:

1. Are cats really capable of bonding with us?

2. What can we do, as desperate cat lovers, to encourage more affection from our beloved cats?

In other words, can cats be encouraged to relate to us in an affectionate way, and to share mutual companionship, just like their dogs can?

Well, let's have a look at what could be possible answers to these two deep-rooted questions that have been bugging cat lovers, and dog lovers alike, for decades!

And you'll get some untold hints on how to better bond with your cat in the meantime!

Well need to firstly look at the very nature of a cat's very essence, their souls if you will, to give us some clues to answer this question on cat behavior.

When you have an animal that's been with humans for over 5000 years, there must be something profound that the humans, as well as the cats, are getting out of this relationship. Something that's keeping them together for so long, and no doubt for eons to come!

Imagine, in say the year 3000, we may have technology to travel through space in luxurious aircraft, and of course, one of the first things that people will want to bring with them is their favorite book, favorite music, and... their cat!

But why is this so? There must be a level of bonding between cats and humans that is beyond that of many other animals, that make us feel so attached to them, want to share our life experiences with them... because our feelings tell us that these feelings goes both ways.

But is this really the case? Do cats use us for food and warmth mainly? Or is there a level of feeling behind the cat behavior that's on a higher level than that, and resembles the feelings that we have for them?

These are valid questions. Let's first have a look at our human emotional responses to our cats.

Our obsession with cats - yes let's admit it!

When humans first met cats, it was presumed to be at a camp fire. This is not proven, though it is a strong possibility.

Why a camp fire?

Well cats love warmth and probably couldn't resist sitting around a man-made camp fire. So they sat, appreciating the warmth, and also may have found they don't have to hunt for. And then the humans were attracted to their cuteness. More likely, it was their kittens that may have clinched this bond. As when interacted, they would have shown cute playfulness, and when nursed, would snuggle up.

Now the question is whether a cat can have snuggling up and playfulness without the emotions of tenderness and enjoyment?

We'll come back to this in a moment. Let's take one more example from history.

It was documented 5000 years ago that cats were domesticated into both Egyptian culture as well as Indian culture at roughly the same time. In fact, for period of over 2000 years in Egypt, there was such respect and admiration for the cat, that the penalty for anyone killing a cat, was death.

During this period, a Roman soldier accidentally killed a cat and was nearly lynched by a crowd who witnessed this event. This became a political conflict, and is thought to be one of the events that led to the war between Egypt and Rome!

So, the humble cat has caused all this! An animal causing people to be irrational over them.

But, does the cat reciprocate our feelings?

One example that could help us with this question is from Jeffrey Masson, who wrote The Nine Emotional Lives of Cats. Among his many examples of bonding is where he discovers that his cats will put up with getting soaked, just to be with him:

"Like most cats, mine do not like rain. Yet when Leila, Ilan, Manu and I walk up the hill in the evening in the rain, such is the cats' devotion that they come with us... it is beyond question that the cats are doing something because they want to... Moreover, since they walk in the rain only when we are there, never alone, the love of our companionship must be a strong component of their pleasure..."

It gets even better. The strength of our bond actually increases depending on the extent that our cat's range of behavior and emotional responses matches our emotional needs. Some people who really love attention from their cat, and want the full gamut of personality, do find heaven, and so does the cat, when they have for example, a Siamese cat that is able to show a strong desire to lie on their laps for comfort every night, run around like crazy when they play with, and is also slightly neurotic and anxious when there is too much happening...

So there's some food for thought for you! You know have an insight into the secret workings behind cat behavior, how both humans and cats really feel about each other, and how cat behavior may be linked to their deeper feelings about us, more than we ever thought so before.

Watch out for part 2 of this article, which will be coming soon.

What to do now

In part 2 of this article, you'll learn specific techniques, but for right now, all I want you to do is to be aware of your emotion when you're about to communicate with your cat.

When you want to convey a message to your cat, such as "There you are, I'm glad to see you!", be very aware that you're communicating with each other on a deep level of emotion. And when you're aware, your emotional message will come through in your tone of voice and body actions, and the bonding starts...

And once the bonding starts, you can't stop it, it just gets better!

So begin the process right now. You will be surprised before the next lesson how much your relationship will improve with just this first step.

So go ahead, and practice this on your cat now.


Cassandra Mandello helps you to go from cat novice, to bonding with and training your cat, quickly and easily. To get more "must have" tips and hints on how to bond and train your cat, go now to this site on understanding cat behavior.
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Llama Information

By Michael Russell

Although it might seem strange, llamas actually make great pets. They have sweet, gentle personalities and are usually very affectionate with their owners. You can even train them to do certain things!

Llamas originated from the plains of North America. They have been around for about 40 million years! They are now found in South America because they migrated there 3 million years ago. Llamas started to be domesticated about 5,000 years ago by Andean tribes. They are actually one of the oldest domesticated animals around today! They started being kept in the United States in the 1800s.

The llama is a very strong animal. They can carry 25 to 30 percent of their own body weight for up to eight miles! They measure up to six feet tall and weigh up to 450 pounds. They also come in uncountable numbers of colors and their hair has different fiber textures.

Llamas can be really good guards for your house because they will spit at people if they frighten them. Spitting is used when they are threatened or to establish dominance at feeding time. However, if you spend a lot of time with your llamas and care for them very well, they probably will never spit.

Llamas are very smart and you can even train them to do things like carry a pack, come when you call them, or wear a bridle. They are also very hardy animals that don't tend to get diseases. For their protection, you need to provide them with a shelter. If you live in a warm climate, a three-sided shelter will work fine, but in colder environments, they will need a barn. If it is hot where you live, then you will need to provide shade trees and a cool gravel ground.

The same plants that are poisonous to cattle, horses and sheep, are also poisonous to llamas. Be sure your pasture is okay before you let your llamas graze. You will also need to supplement their diet with grain. Some llamas don't graze at all so if this happens feed them timothy hay or grass. Do not feed your llamas alfalfa or oats because they can cause many problems with their bones, reproduction, or digestion.

Llamas do need to be groomed. Use a very gentle brush and be extremely delicate with them or you could irritate their skin. Some people bathe the llama before brushing and use a conditioner to remove tangles. If your llama's hair becomes matted, it might be easier to just shear them. You will also need to trim their toenails. If you don't want to trim the toenails, you can put down rough gravel or concrete by their water. This will wear down the toenails.

Llamas are very social animals so you need to get at least two of them so they can keep each other company. They will enjoy being together and will even "talk" to each other. Males and females don't do well being housed together though. They should only be kept together at breeding time.

As you can see, llamas have been around for a long time. Many people have kept this animal. Today it is most commonly used as a guard, a companion, a fiber producer, a show animal, or a light pack worker. They are very interesting creatures.


Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Animals
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Bullfrog Information

By Michael Russell

The bullfrog is the largest frog in North America. The bullfrog population is not as abundant as it used to be because people kill these frogs to eat their legs! This is a fascinating creature that needs to be protected.

The bullfrog is most common in the Southern part of the United States. They are known for their large size, throaty call and their extraordinary leaping ability. Bullfrogs can grow to be six inches in length, but when they stretch out their legs this adds another seven to ten inches in length. They can also jump up to six feet away!

The frog's calls are heard throughout the summer when they are mating. The male makes a call to get females and then the females respond with another call. Sometimes you may see two males fighting because they are very territorial. The frogs are not seen in the winter because they are hibernating.

If you want to keep these frogs, it is best if they have a shallow pool that they can get in and out of very easily. Try not to use tap water in the pool because it has chlorine in it, which could hurt them. Tadpoles are especially sensitive to this. To get rid of the chlorine in your water, either filter it or let it sit out for two weeks. Frogs like the water to be around eighty degrees. Only fill the pool so that the depth covers the frogs half way. You should also put pebbles or stones on the bottom.

If you keep Bullfrogs in captivity, you can feed them all kinds of insects, baby mice and feeder fish. Be careful if you are going to keep more than one frog together, because they will usually eat anything that is smaller than them, including other frogs.

When the female bullfrog lays eggs, she can lay up to 20,000 eggs at once. These eggs will then become tadpoles. The tadpole stage lasts between six months and two years, depending on the weather. When the eggs first hatch, the babies cannot swim so they just cling to plants. Very soon they begin to develop hind legs. Once these legs are fully-grown, they use them to swim and push through the water. The tadpole continues to develop into a frog by having skin grow over the gills, having lungs develop, having front legs grow and having the tail disappear.

If you want to take care of tadpoles, you should keep them in an aquarium. The water in the tank should be filtered. Don't put any fish in the aquarium with the tadpoles because they might hurt them. It is best if you only put between two and four tadpoles in a tank together. They will swim together and are very active if kept in small groups. Tadpoles can be fed pellets, flake food, water plants and algae. When they get bigger you can also feed them bloodworms.

It is so amazing the way a frog changes from an underwater creature to a land creature. They are very fascinating and fun to see in the wild. Fortunately, laws have been passed to regulate how many frogs can be caught and eaten. Hopefully this will help build their population back up.


Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Animals
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Aging Cats' Nutritional Needs Change After Age 11

(NewsUSA) - America's most popular pet, the cat, lives more than half of its life in the senior years. Although advances in veterinary care, better nutrition and better educated owners have helped improve the quantity and quality of these years, studies reveal that senior cats continue to struggle with weight as the result of reduced activity levels and a steady decline in senses, nutrient absorption and fat digestion.

"One of the most important goals when feeding senior cats is maintaining an ideal weight and keeping that weight stable," said Dr. Arnold Plotnick, who developed a senior wellness program to address the special needs of aging cats at his veterinary clinic, Manhattan Cat Specialists in New York City.

Owners of senior cats can help their aging felines maintain an ideal body weight throughout the senior lifestage by feeding a diet that addresses their unique nutritional needs. Purina Pro Plan, for instance, has reformulated its entire line of senior cat foods to address the changing nutritional needs of aging cats in two different phases of the senior lifestage: ages 7 to 11 (mature) and 11 and up (senior).

As cats age, there's a gradual decline in the body's ability to repair itself, maintain normal body functions and adapt to stresses in the environment. Disease and weight changes are common throughout the senior lifestage.

Cats are more likely to face weight gain during the mature years when activity level declines and metabolism slows. But around age 11, weight loss becomes a greater concern.

The 11-plus years are particularly problematic for cats because their sense of smell and taste often diminish at this time, which affects their interest in food. The ability to absorb key nutrients and digest fat declines, making eating itself less efficient.

The undesirable result is that more food passes through as waste and less is used for energy, causing a drop in lean muscle mass and body fat that leads to potentially harmful weight loss.

In addition to providing the proper diet, owners of senior cats should pay close attention to their cats' activity levels, weight, and eating, grooming and elimination habits and report anything new or different to their veterinarian.

Though many of these changes are a normal part of aging, others may signal a more serious problem. Scheduling veterinary visits at least twice a year is good practice during the senior years as many potentially serious conditions are treatable if caught early.

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Plants For Your Fish Tank

By Lee Dobbins

Plants can help enhance the look of your fish tank but did you know that they also provide your fish with a great place to spawn and hide? Not only are fish tank plants decorative, they actually help to keep your aquarium water healthy for the fish by reducing the carbon dioxide level.

The key to growing plants in your fish tank is the lighting. Most plants require high levels of light and if you have tried to put plants in your tank only to have them wither and die after a few weeks, this is most likely the reason. It’s a simple matter of getting a brighter bulb for the tank and you can have lush green plants that give your aquarium a natural look.

Planting natural aquarium plants is quite easy. Most plants you buy will have a root system which needs to be planted into the substrate. To do this, grasp the root end of the plant between your thumb and first finger while making a little hole in the substrate with your free fingers. Gently push the roots down into the hole and hold in place while swooshing back some of the substrate to cover the root ball. Rootless plants can be planted much the same way, instead of pushing the roots into the gravel push the bottom of the stems in.

There’s many different kinds of fish tank plants available at your local pet store or even for sale here on the internet. Here’s a list of some of the most popular aquarium plants.

Amazon Sword
The Amazon Sword (Echinodorus amazonicus (bleheri)) has long narrow flowing leaves that sway in the current. This plant can grow up to 50 cm tall. It requires good lighting and fertilization so is a bit harder to keep than most plants. If given the right environment, however it can be a fast grower, sending out shoots to reproduce. It prefers aquarium temps of around 30 degrees c. with a PH of 5.5 - 9.

Anubias Anugustifolia
Although the name is a mouthful, this plant is really quite pretty with long narrow leaves. This is a great plant to keep in your aquarium if you have a lot of herbivorous fish as they will not eat it. It does not need a lot of light so is rather easy to grow in most any aquarium. This plant is a slow grower but will reach up to 15 cm. It likes temperatures of betweeen 20 and 30 c and a PH of 5.5 - 8.

Moneywort
Moneywort (Bacopa monnieri) is another plant that is easy to grow in most fish tanks. It has a long stem with small leaves in pairs all along the length. This plant is a pretty good investment as you can propagate it by taking cuttings and then planting those right in the aquarium. It does like a lot of light and a PH of 6-9 in a tank that is between 15 and 30 degrees c. Given the right conditions, this plant to grow up to 30 centimeters.

Wisteria
Wisteria (Hygrophila difformis) doesn’t look anything like the vine that grows in your yard, but it is a wonderful aquarium plant with large oaky leaves. This plant also helps to prevent the growth of algae in the tank by absorbing nutrients from the water. It does need a lot of light but is a fast grower and can grow up to 50 cm. Plant Wisteria in a tank that has a PH between 5 and 9 with temps between 22 and 30 c.

Java Moss
This fish tank plant is different from the rest as it has a more mossy appearance and actually almost resembles coral in the way that it grows. It attaches itself to rocks or wood in the tank and it’s mossy tendrils extend upward to a height of 5cm. Requiring minimal light, this is one of the easiest plants to grow. It will tolerate most water conditions but prefers temps of 15 to 28 c. This plant may be a slow starter but is very hardy.

So now you know, plants add ambiance, help keep your tank clean, provide shelter for your fish and are not hard to grow provided you give them enough light and good water conditions.

Lee Dobbins writes for http://www.fish-tank-guide.com where you can get more articles on aquarium care and setup.
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Hedgehog Basic Care

By Michael Russell
Hedgehogs are very interesting, fascinating pets to own. These pets are not for everyone though. Before you get one, you need to learn how to take care of them and make sure they are right for you.

Hedgehog fossils have been found that date to as far back as the dinosaurs! They are one of the oldest animals alive today. There are many different types of hedgehogs, but the one that is most commonly kept as a pet is known as the African Whitebellied or the African Pygmy Hedgehog. This species is actually a cross between two other African species, the Pruners and the Algerian hedgehogs. This mixing has created many different color varieties and sizes of the animal.

The first thing you will need for a hedgehog is a cage. The minimum cage size is 24" by 24". If you keep them in a smaller cage then they can become fat, bored, and sick. In the wild, hedgehogs are used to running a lot while hunting so pet hedgehogs still have this urge to run. You should keep a wheel in the cage for them to run on and get the exercise they need. Try to pick a wheel that has a solid surface so that their feet do not fall between bars and get injured.

Hedgehogs cannot tolerate cold climates so be sure you keep them warm. If they are kept in temperatures below seventy degrees then they can become seriously ill or even die. You will also need to provide a shelter for your hedgehog. There are many acceptable shelters sold at pet stores, but you can even use a small box. They will need bedding in the shelter too. Just make sure you do not use cedar, corncob, or clay cat litter for bedding. These can cause health problems. Pine or aspen chips work well, but you can even use recycled newspaper, pelleted prarie hay, or pelleted aspen.

Some hedgehogs can be litter trained, but others cannot. Watch your hedgehog and see if they go to the bathroom in the same spot regularly. If they do, then you can use a litter pan. This makes cleaning much easier. Other hedgehogs may use the bathroom in different places or constantly use the bathroom while running in the wheel.

Your hedgehog will need to have food and water at all times. A water bottle works better than a water bowl because it cannot be knocked over or dirty. There are many commercial hedgehog foods at the pet store to choose from. Try to get a food that has at least 30% protein and 15 to 20% fat. Meat should be in the top few ingredients and it should not have a lot of corn in it.

Hedgehogs also need things to play with and attention or they can become very depressed. Try to get a variety of toys for your hedgehog such as tubes, boxes, balls and ferret toys. You should also spend as much time as you can with your pet.

After you get your cage and accessories, then you are ready to bring home your hedgehog. Hedgehogs do not require as much maintenance as other animals. You will need to clean out the cage at least once a week and occasionally clip their nails. Hedgehogs do not require regular baths, but every now and then, you can give them one so that they will smell nice.

Overall, hedgehogs make great pets. They do not require as much work as many other animals do and are really fun to watch. Just be aware that some hedgehogs can take awhile to get used to being handled. You must have patience and consistently handle your hedgehog.


Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Pet Care
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A Brief Introduction To Saltwater Aquariums

By: Sam Weston

This introduction to saltwater aquariums was designed with the beginner aquarist in mind. There are many reasons for setting up a saltwater aquarium, not least of which is its beauty. The beautiful colors of fish and coral, interesting algae, soothing sound of bubbling water and the fun involved in creating a fabulous marine world are all reasons why keeping saltwater aquariums gives people so much fun and pleasure.

For the beginner even a brief introduction to saltwater aquariums can seem a bit daunting. This is because not only are marine systems a bit complex to set up and maintain they can also be expensive. Saltwater aquariums are not for everybody and even the simplest marine tank can cause headaches. Fish keeping can be tricky and marine fish in particular take a lot of time and effort to keep healthy.

This is because marine species are far more sensitive to water quality and temperature changes so you will need to be informed about the needs of all your fish as well as the tank itself. Saltwater aquariums require patience and a degree of know-how to make it work. You will also need to make sure that you can afford to keep the tank in a healthy state.

Which saltwater aquarium you choose will depend on your aims for the tank and your personal preferences. There are many different options available in terms of the fish and animals you can keep in your tank as well as the equipment you can choose from. Some saltwater aquariums are not suited for the absolute beginner.

The first thing to decide when setting up saltwater aquariums is what kind of fish you want to keep. The next step is finding out as much about each one as you can. Not all marine species are suited to beginners so you might have to adapt your wish-list to suit your level of expertise. Never take on species that are for advanced fish keepers or you could well run into trouble.

There are two main kinds of saltwater aquariums namely 1) ‘fish only’ or 2) ‘fish only with live rock’ OR ‘reef tanks’.

The first is probably the easiest saltwater aquariums to attempt. This is because in saltwater aquariums of this nature, lighting is not really an issue and you can use a simple tank with its usual equipment and only a few extra bits like protein skimmers, powerheads and live rock or sand.

These kinds of saltwater aquariums will usually be either a community tank containing species like clownfish, damselfish, gobies, wrass, and dottybacks, or an aggressive tank where you will find species like lionfish, triggers, eels, groupers, and larger predatory species.

Before you choose your fish, make sure you know EXACTLY which species live well together to avoid your tank turning into a complete massacre. If you are a novice to saltwater aquariums start with a tank that is at least 10 gallons in size. This is because most if not all of your fish will easily outgrow the tank.

Go for the largest tanks you can afford. The bigger saltwater aquariums are easier to keep in tip-top shape.

Most important to the health of saltwater aquariums is water purification in your tank. This means that even the smallest amount of impurities in the water can hurt your fish Remember most of these animals are found in natural coral reefs where the water is very pure. So you will need to make sure that the water in your tank is clean at all times.

In small (10 gallons) saltwater aquariums you can use a Brita filter or water purifier column or you can use distilled water. These methods won’t work in bigger tanks, however. The best bet for any size tank is an RO/DI (reverse osmosis/deionization) system.

Filtration is quite complicated in saltwater aquariums but depends to a large degree on the fish species you intend to keep and how many. In a fish only tank you can use a freshwater filter for example canisters, power filters and the like. You can also try a wet-dry trickle filter. If you decide to keep a reef tank you might want to use a natural filtration system like live rock or sand or a refugium.

Protein skimming is also important in saltwater aquariums and it is strongly recommended that you do it, especially if you have lots of fish in your tank. A protein skimmer uses foaming bubbles to separate fish waste that floats up to the water column from the water’s main flow.

The foundation in your tank will require the laying down of live sand. In saltwater aquariums sand doesn’t only act as a substrate it is also the breeding ground for millions of vital bacteria. These bacteria help the nitrogen cycle to work efficiently. The sand is also home to the small animals that help control the waste products in your tank.

The best sand for saltwater aquariums is calcium carbonate (aragonite). You can get this from crushed corals, or finer sands. You can also use silica and quartz sands but they are not as good.

What about live rock? Probably one of the most expensive features of saltwater aquariums, prices may put off many a budding marine aquarist. Live rock can be bought by the pound and it is expensive because it’s the real thing. In the sea live rock makes up a reef structure with little calcium carbonate structures produced by corals. Since live rock is harvested from nature and laws govern this harvesting you can begin to understand why it is so expensive.

Live rock is important to saltwater aquariums for the bacteria it introduces into your tank. These little organisms keep your water filtered in the same way it does in nature. It also acts as a home and shelter for your fish and a place for coral to grow. It is well worth the high price you pay. ‘Fiji’ rock is a good choice if you can find it. Try to avoid any live rock that has a mantis shrimp on it as they multiply very quickly.

Let’s move on to the lighting in saltwater aquariums. In a fish only or fish and live rock tank lighting is not really an issue. In a reef tank, however, it is critical. This is because light is needed for most corals and anemones to grow. Special lights are needed for a marine tank so use one of the following:

Power Compact Fluorescent (PC)
Very High Output Fluorescent (VHO)
Metal Halide (MH)

Remember you will still need to cycle your tank and perform the necessary water quality testing before you add any of your livestock. So there you have it – the basics of what to start thinking about as you set up saltwater aquariums. We suggest doing plenty of further research to make sure you know exactly what you are doing before you get started.

Marine tanks are not for everyone, so make sure they suit you before you spend a lot of money.


About the Author:Finally, All The Information You Will Ever Need To Begin A Wonderful Love Affair With Fly Fishing! Active hyperlink must remain with article.
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Abyssinian Cats - Active, Intelligent And Beautiful

By: Luka Enzo

There are many conflicts about where the Abyssinian originated from and what it is crossed with. The Abyssinian is believed to possibly have come from Ethiopia back in the 1800’s, but others believe it came from the coast of the Indian Ocean/ South East Asia. The British believe the Abyssinian originated from crossing a British “Bunny” ticked cat and various silver and brown tabbies.

Abyssinians are said to be a good cat to have around children. They love to play so the more your child plays with them the happier they will be. They do well with other household pets, and will play fairly well with them.

You will want to brush your Abyssinian weekly. If you start brushing your cat while they are young, they will learn to like it quickly. You should bathe your Abyssinian cat at least once a year, again if you start this when they are at a young age they will learn to tolerate a bath. You should clip their claws every few months or when you notice they become too long.

Abyssinian cats are usually pretty healthy cats. It is important to take your cat to the vet every year and have its annual vaccinations. They are prone to gingivitis, renal amyloidosis (a common, genetically inherited disorder) and sometimes P K Deficiency (an inherited disease due to recessive gene mutation). They do require a lot of exercise because they are highly active cats, and they love to play with cat toys.

Abyssinian Cats are ideal for an apartment, because they do not require a huge area to run and play in. They should be kept as strictly indoor cats. They are medium in size and weigh about 8 to 10 pounds. They usually live between 12 to 15 years. Their colors are usually warm glowing red ticked with brown, blue ticked with slate blue, fawn ticked with a coca brown, or ruby brown (ticked with black or brown).



About the Author:

Luka Enzo is a writter for http://www.cheappetstore.com the internet's best pet products website. The prices are unbelievably cheap. Products cover everything from dogs to horses. Thousands of great informative articles on everything pet related. Bonus: they make it easy to buy.
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Cichlid Fish Care

By Michael Russell

The cichlid fish has a very colorful appearance which makes them one of the most popular fish to own. Their care is not that difficult but they do have requirements that must be adhered to in order for them to be healthy.

Most cichlids come from Africa, but they are also found in Central and South America. They are found in many different kinds of waters, such as rivers, lakes and ponds. There are many different cichlid species and many different color variations.

In your cichlid tank, you must provide places for them to hide, such as large pieces of driftwood or rock caves. If you have a large species of cichlids, it is best not to put plants in their aquarium because they tend to dig up substrate materials. Other species, like the angelfish and discus prefer a planted tank.

Most cichlids like to be in water temperatures in the mid seventies. The Discus species prefers slightly higher temperatures. The staple food of your cichlid's diet should be a large flake food, but you should also feed many different types of live and frozen foods. It's good to have variety in their diet. If you have a large cichlid, it can even be fed earthworms and crickets.

Cichlids are very territorial which makes them aggressive. You must watch out for this aggression. If you have a mating pair, the male will usually drive away the female after mating. There needs to be somewhere for her to hide or else she can be killed. Because they are so aggressive, you should only keep them with other large fish that can stand up against them.

If you carefully select the fish, cichlids can be kept in a community tank. Dwarf cichlids work extremely well for this. They can be kept together pretty easily with schooling fish like Characins. If you keep cichlids in a tank together just make sure there is enough room for them to claim their own territory.

Large cichlids should only be kept with fish of the same size and temperament as themselves. Do not keep any large cichlid with a small fish because they will probably make them a meal.

If you decide to breed cichlids, you need to realize that there are two different types of breeders. Substrate brooders lay eggs out in the open on a surface or hidden in a cavity. They will fan the eggs to increase oxygen supply and after they hatch, the fish will look after the young until they are eating on their own and free swimming. After that, the parents will still protect the young against predators. The parents will be extremely aggressive during this time.

The other type of breeder is called a mouthbrooder. They put the eggs and larvae in their mouths. They keep them in their mouths until the young are free swimming. Most mouthbrooders stop looking after the young once they are free swimming, but others do continue to care for them by letting them go back into their mouths when there is danger.

Cichlids are really fun fish to own. There are so many different kinds of cichlids and some of the colors are truly stunning. Before you get cichlids, just try to do as much research about them as you can.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Aquariums
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Betta Fish Care

By Michael Russell

A Betta fish is a beautiful freshwater fish that comes in extraordinary color patterns. It is one of the most inexpensive fish to keep and doesn't need much care at all. You will have a healthy fish if you follow these simple care requirements.

The Betta fish is one of the most well known aquarium fish. It comes in many colors including red, blue, purple, green and white. The males have much brighter colors than females and also have longer fins. Bettas are originally from Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, parts of China and Vietnam. They are usually found in very shallow waters, such as rice paddies and shallow ponds. Bettas can live to be two or three years old.

Bettas may look like regular fish, but they are actually very different. Unlike most fish, the Betta breathes air by going up to the surface of the water. This makes them very easy to keep because it is not necessary to have any airpump, filtration, or aeration at all in their tank. They do well in small bowls; you won't have to buy a large, expensive aquarium for this fish.

You must be sure not to keep two male Bettas in a tank together because they will fight to the death. Females can be kept together though. Many people think that Bettas cannot be kept with any other fish but this is not true. Male Bettas and female Bettas can be kept with other peaceful fish species. Just don't put them in with any aggressive fish that may nip their fins.

Bettas must be fed once a day. Be sure you don't overfeed this fish. Don't leave any uneaten food in the bowl. They can be fed freeze dried brine shrimp or freeze dried blood worms. They don't usually like freeze dried worm cubes or flake food though. There are many foods sold at pet stores specifically for Bettas. Any of these will do.

Be sure to clean your fish bowl once a week if you don't have a filter on it. For the water in the tank, start with tap water and add a product that removes chlorine. Follow the directions on the package. Also add one teaspoon of aquarium salt. Make sure any water you add to the bowl is the same temperature as the water in the bowl.

Keep a lid on the bowl because the Betta can jump out if you don't have one on. Just make sure that there are holes in the lid so the fish can get air. It is also good to have a live plant in the fish bowl. Bettas love to rest on plant leaves. They even have a plant called "Betta Bulbs" that you can use. If you put a plant in the bowl, you will need to have gravel. Gravel gets dirty easily so you must be sure to clean it regularly. If the tank gets dirty, your Betta will get sick.

The Betta is a tropical fish, so keep the bowl in a warm spot. They like to be in temperatures around 75 to 80 degrees. Just don't put the bowl in direct sun or in a drafty spot.

If you follow these simple requirements for this fish, it will be healthy and happy. Bettas are absolutely striking fish to watch. You will surely enjoy this fish!

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Aquariums
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The Komondor of Hungary: The "Mop Dog"

By Michael Russell

When one first sees a Komondor, it is an unforgettable experience. This dog quite literally resembles a very large white floor mop. The heavy mass of hair is completely "corded" over the whole body, including the face, to the extent that one wonders how the dog can see at all. About the only recognizable part of the body that can be seen besides the coat is the nose and maybe the tongue is the dog's mouth is open. The Komondor is a Hungarian breed of ancient origin, as long as there have been sheep in Hungary, there has existed this large white flock guarding dog. The corded coat serves a dual purpose, for it not only protects the dog from the elements and makes it appear to be a sheep, which is a camouflage for the dog, but it also creates an impenetrable barrier against the teeth and claws of predators.

The Komondor is the largest of the Hungarian herding dogs. It can weigh as much as 150 pounds although 110 is about average, with a height of 25-27 inches. the standard requires a height of no more than 25 inches but the working dogs do not necessarily follow the standard. The Komondor is a popular working dog in many countries, it is very well suited to the work it does. Wherever there are sheep men and cattlemen whose flocks require protection from predators, the Komondor is often the solution. This dog is sometimes a pet and often is a show dog, but it has a natural propensity and desire to work and will be happier if allowed to have something to do. Furthermore, any person who should wish to keep the dog as a pet alone often has no choice except to keep the coat quite short, for the care of the coat if the dog is expected to be in a household is way more than the average pet owner can contend with.

This coat can not be brushed if it is kept as a corded coat, the only way to get it clean is to soak the entire dog in a tub of water with some sort of shampoo and then carefully squeeze out the shampoo and soak the dog again in several "rinses" and then towel dry the dog by squeezing each cord and putting the dog in front of a fan or dryer on low for air drying. The time to wash a fully corded adult Komondor is at least a full 6 hours. Breeders and exhibitors who show the Komondor also take time as the coat is growing to "train" the cords by wrapping the hairs around a central point as the dog grows. If left to itself the coat still "cords" but with less order to the whole picture.

This is a a dog that requires early training and exposure as a youngster since it possesses a great deal of independence and a strong desire to be protective. This can become aggression towards strangers if the dog is not trained from the beginning to follow the commands of its master. This is not a fault of the breed but rather a part of its natural makeup. The Komondor when trained and brought up within a family is a loyal and protective pet who should not attack without provocation. It has also done well as a police dog and general guard dog.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Dogs.
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Quaker Parrot Care Requirements

By Michael Russell

The Quaker Parrot is a medium sized bird that makes an excellent pet. They are the best talkers out of all mid-sized birds and are relatively inexpensive. Quakers do require lots of time and dedication though.

Quaker parrots originate from South America. They are also known as Quaker Parakeets. They are mainly found in Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay and Bolivia. However, today there are even some Quakers that live in the United States. The ones living wild in the United States are escaped birds that have established themselves there. There are many Quaker parrots living in Florida.

The average Quaker is around eleven inches long and weighs around 90 to 120 grams. They are about the size of a cockatiel, but are much stockier. The predominant color of these birds is green, but other mutations such as albino, pied, cinnamon, lutino and blue-cinamon are available. They also have very beautiful blue and green tail feathers. Their bill is either light yellow or horn colored.

In some places, Quaker parrots are illegal, so be sure you make sure that you can own one before trying to bring one home. They are prolific breeders and if the birds escape, they can form very large populations. This could become a problem, so this is why some states have laws against them. States in which they are illegal include California, Tennessee, Kentucky, Wyoming, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania and Hawaii.

It is very important that you put your bird on a good diet to maintain their health. The base diet should be pellets, not seeds. Other foods such as vegetables, fruits, breads and grains should also be offered. Variety is always good in a diet. You should not feed too many seeds. Some things you should never feed are caffeine, chocolate, alcohol and avocado. These are toxic to all bird species. Food and water needs to be in the cage at all times.

The minimum cage size for Quakers is 18 inches long by 18 inches wide by 24 inches tall. Try to get the biggest cage you can for your bird. Some Quakers tend to get territorial around their space, which is their cage. You can usually prevent this by having a "bedroom" in the cage. A sleeping box works great for this. You should also get many different types of toys to keep your bird busy.

You will need to keep your bird's wings clipped and their nails trimmed. Almost all Quakers also love baths. Just fill a dish with about an inch of water and let your bird take a bath. Try to provide bath water as often as you can. You should at least let them take a bath once a week. This will really help their skin and feathers, as well as provide entertainment for your bird.

Quakers are very sweet birds that always want to be around you. They are very loyal to their owners and playful, but can be stubborn as well. They have a great talking ability and are very entertaining birds.

Be aware before you purchase a Quaker parrot that they are noisy birds. They love noise and this is what makes them such good talkers. Talking isn't their only noise though. They will often make loud screeching noises that can be very annoying.

Quakers do best in homes that spend plenty of time with them. You need to realize that these birds need lots of love and attention. Be sure that this bird is what you want before you get one.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Driving Tips
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell


Please note that these articles are supplied to our visitors as a courtesy. We are not responsible for their accuracy or content, nor are we responsible for or necessarily share the opinions and views of the authors.

African Grey Bird Care

By Michael Russell

The African Grey parrot is the most popular pet parrot kept today. They are extraordinary speakers and are also very lovable and sweet. However, they do require lots of love, patience and time. Make sure they are the right bird for you.

The African Grey parrot originates from Central Africa. It is medium grey in color and the feathers on the head have white edging. It also has a bright red tail and a solid black beak.

One of the things African Greys are most well known for is how well they speak. Their speech is very clear and easy to understand. They can even learn over 2000 words and can mimic any sound! However, don't buy an African Grey just for this reason. Some of them never speak at all.

African Greys are extremely intelligent. It is said that they have the intellectual capacity of a five year old child and are probably the most intelligent of the parrot species. Some have even been known to understand concepts like color and shape. This also makes them very demanding pets. They require constant attention and many toys to keep them busy.

African Greys form very strong bonds with their owners and can even respond to our different emotions. When you are sad, a bonded African Grey will comfort you. They learn so much from their owners! Once you win the trust of an African Grey, they will be your best friend. They are not very outgoing with strangers though. They are very loyal and dedicated birds.

The minimum cage size for African Greys is 18 inches long by 18 inches wide by 30 inches tall. Try to get the largest cage you can. Place the cage in a well lit area that is free from any drafts. You will need to get plenty of toys for your bird so they can get the mental stimulation they need.

A good diet is very important for any bird. Seeds should not be the only thing you feed. African Greys need a good pellet diet as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. Some fruits and vegetables that are good for them include broccoli, green peas, black eyes peas, brussel sprouts, banana and cantaloupe.

A major problem that many African Greys develop is feather plucking. This is actually a form of self mutilation. It can be caused by many things such as medical problems, behavioral problems, or stress. If you see your bird doing this, take him to the vet as soon as possible before it becomes really bad.

The hardest thing about keeping African Greys is the amount of time you must spend with them. Once your bird bonds with you, it will not want to be without you. Your bird will demand attention from you all the time. If this bird doesn't get enough attention or mental stimulation, it will likely form behavioral problems. Make sure you aren't going to be too busy to spend time with this bird before you purchase one. This bird is not right for everyone.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Driving Tips
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

Please note that these articles are supplied to our visitors as a courtesy. We are not responsible for their accuracy or content, nor are we responsible for or necessarily share the opinions and views of the authors.

Cockatoo - Is This The Bird For You?

By Michael Russell

Cockatoos are sweet, loving, beautiful birds. They make great pets if they are given the proper care. However, they can be a handful. Make sure you know what you are getting yourself into before you bring one home.

The first thing you must do before even thinking about getting a cockatoo is to consider cockatoos to be like children. You would not leave a child alone all day. Cockatoos also cannot be kept alone all day. They need plenty of interaction. If no one is going to be at your house during the day, then I would not recommend getting one of these birds. The cockatoo is the most emotional bird species and needs human interaction every day.

Another thing you must realize is that cockatoos live for a very long time. They can live to be 100 years old! You will be taking care of this bird probably for the rest of your life. This is also a very expensive bird. The bird, cage and accessories really cost a lot!

Cockatoos need a very large cage. Many people even suggest you keep them in an aviary! The minimum cage size for these birds is 36 inches long by 36 inches wide by 48 inches tall. Inside the cage they will need perches, toys, food and water.

Toys are something that your bird must have. If they do not have toys then they will not get the mental activity they need. This can lead to serious health problems. You also have to change the toys as least once a month. Birds get bored if they have the same toys all the time.

For your bird's diet, you cannot just feed seeds. A little bit of seeds is okay but buy a food that is mostly pellets. You will also need to prepare fruits and vegetables every day. Take out any fresh foods once they have been in the cage for a while.

Cockatoos have dust in their feathers and must be given weekly baths or showers to prevent dust accumulation. If you have allergies, this bird is not recommended for you. Also, the wings, beak and claws need to be kept trimmed.

Every day you will need to clean out the food and water dishes and also wipe off feather dust from the cage bars and perches. Twice a week you need to clean the bottom tray of the cage. Once a week you will need to clean the whole cage and all accessories.

Cockatoos do not do well with small children. Some birds have even been known to attack small children for no reason. If you have small children, never leave them alone with the bird.

Cockatoos develop very strong bonds with their owners. They are extremely lovable and affectionate. However, they are very much like small children and will demand your attention. If you aren't giving them attention then they will scream, knock things over, or even bite to get your attention. Someone needs to be home most of the time with this bird.

If you give lots of attention to your bird, you will be greatly rewarded with a very sweet, lovable bird. Just be sure you have enough time to spend with the bird. These birds can cause serious problems if they aren't given enough attention. Many people buy these birds not knowing what they are getting themselves into and then end up having to give them away.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Driving Tips
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

Please note that these articles are supplied to our visitors as a courtesy. We are not responsible for their accuracy or content, nor are we responsible for or necessarily share the opinions and views of the authors.

Draft (Draught) Horses - The Clydesdale

By Michael Russell

History
This heavy draft horse traces its roots to the early 19th century in the Lanarkshire (formerly Clydesdale) district of Scotland. There was a strong need for this large horse not only in the agricultural area but in the commerce area as well. The horses were used in the coalfields of Lanarkshire and for hauling wagons in the streets of Glasgow.

To achieve the desired traits of a horse with a longer stride and larger feet, that were necessary on draft horses who worked on the soft soils of the Scottish lands, English and Belgian stallions were imported and bred with the smaller local mares. The result was the founding line of the modern-day Clydesdales.

The breed's reputation grew to the point that Scottish breeders began exporting them to Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States. Today the Clydesdale is almost exclusively the only draft breed in its native Scotland, and is still favored in the other four countries as well.

In fact there is one very large and popular brewery in the United States which uses Clydesdales, exclusively, for pulling replicas of its original beer wagon in parades and at special events around the country. They make these magnificent animals available for one to go into their temporary stables and actually walk up to the horses for a close-up view. The horses are sort of goodwill ambassadors for their company. And darn good ones too, one might say.

Description and Conformation
Today's Clydesdale typically weighs in from 1600 to 2000 pounds (113.6 to 142 stones). He stands 16 to 19 hands (162.5 to 193 cm., or 64 to 76 in.) at the shoulder. While this is larger than the original Scottish horse, today's breeders have retained the large feet, the sound legs, and the distinctive looks of the ancestral Clydesdales. The colors of the coats are very vivid, the face is usually white, and the most popular trait for a performing team of these magnificent horses is four white socks which reach the knees. The legs are usually "feathered" in white hair from the knees down, and the most common color is a bright bay. Once can, however, still see Clydesdales in black, brown, and chestnut. And those are perfectly acceptable for registration as purebreds.

The overall take on this breed is that of a thoroughly well-built horse which is full of strength and activity. They naturally hold their heads high and seem very proud, almost aristocratic. One can see the strength, agility, and docility in their stance even while they are stationary. And once seen in action the Clydesdales leave an even more lasting, and awe inspiring, impression!

-Michael RussellYour Independent guide to Horses
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Please note that these articles are supplied to our visitors as a courtesy. We are not responsible for their accuracy or content, nor are we responsible for or necessarily share the opinions and views of the authors.

Horses - The Lipizzaners

By Michael Russell

Some History of the Lipizzaners

The aristocratic Lipizzaners are descended from the Iberian Horse, which is the oldest breed in the world. Iberians were used as war horses from 4000 years before Mohammed, when camels were used as mounts in warfare and their Lipizzaner descendants today are trained to perform movements which were originally taught to military mounts so that they were more effective in battle.

The breed was first established in 1590, by the Archduke of Austria, Charles II. He began the first stud farm in Lipizza, then a part of Italy, and began breeding the Iberian with the native breeds of Italy. Until well into the late 1700s, these horses were crossbred with the finest of horses from Spain, Italy and Arabia. They were used, during that time, as family and carriage horses for the Royal Court in Vienna.

In 1735, Charles VI of Austria established the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. It is the oldest riding school in the world (so named for the Spanish horses who were a large foundation of the breed), and for more than 400 years has trained riders and horses to perform the classical dressage movements which have made the Lipizzaner famous. When Charles began the school, he also began recording the bloodlines of the breed.

Of the nine original studs used to establish the breed, six bloodlines are used solely for breeding at the Spanish Riding School and Lipizzaners of South Africa at Kyalami. These are the ones which they recognize as the purest of the breed. Those six stallions were:

Pluto, born in 1765, grey in color
Conversano, born in 1767, black in color
Favory, born in 1779, dun in color
Neapolitano, born in 1790, bay (brown) in color
Siglavy, born in 1810, grey in color
Maestroso II, born in 1819, grey in color

Although the two breeders mentioned here tend to favor the light-grey and white stallions for showing, they consider it bad luck if there is not at least one bay horse in their stables.

Lipizzaners are branded with a special symbol to indicate from which bloodlines they descended. They bear the symbol of their sire, and the symbol of their dam's sire. This is called the "ancestral brand". Foals are branded with a number so that one can easily locate them in the foal registry. In addition to these two brands, each Lipizzaner also carries the "brand of descent" on its left cheek. This is quite often an "L".

More recently, two other bloodlines have been internationally recognized as purebred. Those are:

Tulipan, born in 1850, no color stated Incitato, no date of birth or color stated

While not indicated as being recognized by the two aforementioned breeders, these bloodlines are acceptable to many modern-day advocates of the bloodline purity.

In 1920, the decision was made to move the Lipizzaners from Lipizza (now in present-day Slovenia) to Piber, Austria. During World War 2 the entire inventory of the stock was moved to Holstau to prevent the animals from being seized and used in battle, or requisitioned as food supplies by hostile forces. The line almost became extinct (only 250 horses survived), and would have been wiped out completely without the intervention of General George Patton. He and his troops rescued the survivors so that they could move on to continue their incredible history.

In 1948, after having fled Europe, Count Elemer Jankovich-Besan moved some of the surviving horses to South Mooi River in South Africa. He gifted one of the stallions to Major George Iwanowski who, in turn, started the Lipizzaners of South Africa School. This is one of the two accredited Lipizzaner Centers in the world, the other being the Spanish Riding School.

Description and Conformation of the Lipizzaners

Foals are usually dark or black-brown when born. They go through several different color changes before finally achieving their adult color between the ages of four and ten. Most often, the color is light-gray or white. However, there are also duns and bays. They are simply not as common and it is a rarity to have an adult Lipizzaner be totally black-brown or black.

The breed is long-lived, and has been recorded to live as long as 34 years. It is not uncommon for a Lipizzaner to live well into its 20s. They are very loyal and are well-known for their magnificent stamina, agility, strength, and courage.

For training and showing, only stallions are used. And the breeders/trainers look for a certain conformation in those horses which are eventually trained for dressage. These include:

the stallion should be 15.2 to 16 hands (a hand is four inches, or 6 cm) high, that is 155 to 160 cm the head is slightly aquiline to gently Roman in shape, and the eyes are a good width apart
the neck should be crested, but not appear too heavy at the top nor too thick underneath
the back and the neck should be of equal length
the chest should be strong, and of medium width
the shoulders should have a good slope
the legs should appear shorter, so that the horse is better conformed to perform the "Airs Above the Ground"
the musculature should be pronounced, without making the horse appear too heavy the hind quarters should be well-rounded
the mane and tail should be thick and full, but fine and soft to the touch.

"Classical Dressage"

The "Airs Above the Ground", when performed and observed, bring to mind the movements of a ballerina. In a manner of speaking, the Lipizzaner is the ballerina of the equine world.

The exercises performed by these magnificent creatures include:

the levade: a 45 degree position in which the horse is "haunched" over the ground the courbette: the horse balances on his hind legs before jumping, and keeps his forelegs off the ground and his hind legs together while "hopping" the capriole: the stallion leaps into the air, tucks his forelegs under him, and kicks out with his hind legs at the height of elevation the piaffe: a cadenced trot which the stallion performs while standing in place the croupade: similar to the capriole, but both front and hind legs are tucked under the body at the height of elevation

and many more. It is fascinating to watch these horses in performance, and it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience which true horse-lovers should experience. They are stunning and, at times, awe-inspiring. They truly are the ballerinas of the equine world, and a marvelous site to behold!

The Slovenians consider the Lipizzaner to be the first pure-bred ever established in their country. As such, it will most likely be pictured on their new euro coins. This horse is highly prized in their country.

The breed is rare today, with only about 3,000 horses registered as purebreds. But, the numbers are increasing as breeders use the horses more in harness. Slovenians use the stallions for dressage display and to cross-breed with their own native stock for use in agricultural work. The Lipizzaner is still the only breed used by the Spanish Riding School in Austria.


Michael RussellYour Independent guide to HorsesArticle Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell
Please note that these articles are supplied to our visitors as a courtesy. We are not responsible for their accuracy or content, nor are we responsible for or necessarily share the opinions and views of the authors.