Posts from — March 2008

He might not be the best looking fish, but the the Chinese Algae Eater is certainly the hardest working. If you are battling algae in your aquarium, this little fish can help clean it up in no time at all!

The Chinese Algae Eater (Gyrinocheilus aymonieri) is not striking in appearance, he is a light brown with a dark stripe down the back. His mouth is located underneath which is typical of a loach and this placement helps him to grip onto rocks and things so he can remain in place in the current. In your tank you will often see his underbelly as he hangs on to the glass eating the algae and acting as a fast and efficient tank cleaner. While it may seem like one fish cannot do the job, believe me you will be surprised as he can literally clean up your tank overnight, and keep it clean.

In the fish store, you will find mostly young Chinese Algae eaters that are about ½ inch to 1 inch in size. Even for this small size you will find that they eat an amazing amount of algae. Young fish will pretty much just go about their business, but older ones can be territorial so it is not advisable to have more than one Chinese algae eater in your tank.

This tropical fish thrives in most aquariums and his optimum temperature is between 77 and 82 degrees. They can probably tolerate lower temps, but if your tank gets below 69 degrees, the Chinese Algae Eater will stop eating so be sure to keep the tank warm so that your little living vacuum will keep doing his job.

Eating a herbivorous diet, your algae eater will need, of course, lots of algae in the tank so you will need to be sure that the tank gets light in order for the algae to grow. If it seems like he is not getting enough food, or you want to give him something different you can hang a bit of lettuce or spinach on the side of the tank.

You may find that your Chinese Algae Eater hangs around mostly at the bottom of the tank, and that is where he is most comfortable. Of course, he will scour the tank regularly for algae so you will also see him on your rocks, decorations and sides. Although rather small at first, this fish can actually grow to 11 inches so you might want to be sure you have enough room to house him as an adult!

The Chinese Algae Eater can be purchased at your local aquarium store and is readily available. If the salesperson doesn’t know what a Chinese Algae Eater is, then try asking for an Indian Algae Eater or a Sucking Loach which are other names for this interesting fish.

So if you want a fish that is more practical than pretty and that will do your cleaning for you without asking for a weekly wage, the Chinese Algae Eater is a sure bet!

Lee Dobbins writes for fish-tank-guide.com fish-tank-guide.com where you can learn more about everything to do
with your fish-tank-guide.com/fish-tanks.html fish tank.

Dogs are arguably one of the best companions that a human can find, so it goes without saying that getting one has probably crossed your mind at least once before. If you have gone beyond just thinking about it and have begun to seriously consider the option of getting a dog, then it is important to know what you will be getting into. It is very easy to see the appeal of owning a dog, but there are many responsibilities and commitments that are involved.

For one thing, owning a dog is a usually a 10-15 year commitment, since that is how long a typical dog will live. This means that your dog will be with you through whatever life stages you live through, including dating, marrying, and having children.

Along with this, having an adorable, friendly canine companion around you for so many years will inevitably lead to some attachment. No one likes to think about death, but sooner or later the reality of mortality will come into full view, and you should be prepared to deal with the loss. If you are married with children at the time of your loss, the pain will affect more people than just yourself.

Dogs, just like children, require a lot of your time and attention. Though they don’t need constant attention 24 hours a day, seven days a week, they do require you to spend at least a few hours a day to play around and exercise outside. Dogs that do not receive enough attention or care may develop behavioral issues.

Dogs will also be very affectionate and will want to be around you for much of the time you are at home. They will even sleep near you when they take naps and may even want to sleep in the same bed as you. Be prepared to take a firm stance on this if you do not want your dog to sleep in the same bed as you do.

On the other side of the coin, not all the time you spend with your dog will be fun. They require you to feed them, give them water, clean them, and pick up after them. Periodic visits to the vet are also something you should be prepared for. Whether it’s for a yearly checkup, an examination regarding an illness, or emergency visits, visits to the veterinarian will cost you some money.

After talking about all of the responsibility of owning a dog, it should also be noted that there is a great deal of comfort, joy, and fun that come with having a dog. They are not nicknamed “man’s best friend” for no reason. After experiencing the joys of having a dog, all of the responsibilities and commitments listed above pale in comparison and won’t even be burdensome when you realize who you are taking care of.

doggyjournal.com doggyjournal.com

The primary concern of any aquarist is to keep their fish healthy. There are many problems that can occur in a fish tank and fish can be afflicted with a number of diseases and illnesses. Fish can be affected by bacteria and parasites, both of which are encouraged to reproduce when the water conditions are bad. Thus it is important to keep an eye on the quality of water in the fish tank. This article will look at the common parasites that cause illness in fish and how they can be treated.

The most common form of parasite in an aquarium will be the Ichthyophtirius multifiliis, commonly known as ich or ick. This is a ciliate protozoa that measures between 0.5 to 1 mm in adults. The parasite reproduces at a rapid rate and can quickly infect all the fish in a tank. The most common sign of this infection is white spots on the fish, particularly round the gills. If untreated a fish will die from the infection. Chemical treatments for ich can vary but the common types are formalin and malachite green.

Another common parasite is the Hexamita. This parasite often causes an illness called hole in the head disease. Hexamita are a flagellate protozoa that is very small and impossible to see with the naked eye. It is thought to exist in the intestinal tracts of a wide variety of fish and is aggravated by excessive feeding or malnutrition. This combined with poor water quality can cause a fishes immune system to lose control of the protozoa and they reproduce at a rapid rate. Ultimately this will lead to hole in the head disease that starts with a small bump or lesion around the head. This lesion will usually get bigger if untreated and will cause death. Treatment for early infection with hexamita is Metronidazole and quinine sulphate in later stages.

Another disease that is caused by parasites is known as velvet or gold dust disease. The dinoflagellate parasite is responsible and will cause the fish to have gold spots on the body (hence name). Fish will appear distressed and rub or scratch themselves against objects in the tank. A medication known as acriflavine can be used to treat this condition.

Gill and skin flukes are another common parasite that will infect fish. These parasites are a type of flatworm known as Trematoda. They are characterized by grappling hook-like appendages that they use to attach themselves to a host organism. Under normal circumstances they will exist on fish but the fish will be healthy enough to live with them. If the fish becomes stressed for some reason then they may not be able to resist the flukes and they will become a problem. The more serious condition is when they attach themselves to the gills. This will cause the gills to become red and swollen. The fish will try to scratch or close it’s gills as the infection increases.

If you think your fish have a disease or infection then it is a good idea to quarantine the fish in question. This may prevent infection of the other fish in your tank. Identify some of the key symptoms and get advice from your aquarium shop on the proper treatment. Also ensure that the water condition is suitable for the type of fish you are keeping.

Find all the products you need for your aquarium at fishtank-supplies.com fishtank-supplies.com

The site has features of proper fish tank cleaning and finding the fishtank-supplies.com/Fish_Tank_Filters.html best fish tank filters. Adrian Whittle writes about keeping both fresh and saltwater fish.

Just like humans, when cats get older, their needs and interests may change. A once active kitty may sleep more, or if he once liked to climb to the highest point in the room, he now chooses to sleep on the floor. As cat owners, we need to be sensitive to their different needs and concerns. Here are a few ways to make your senior cat feel even more contented, healthy and loved.

Does your cat get cold easy?

There are heated pet beds for sale now. They can be purchased online in places such as Ebay or at pet stores. Using a heating pad in a bed is too dangerous, because they can get hotter and burn kitty by mistake. If you don’t have a heated bed, you can always move the cat bed to a warm place, for example near a heating vent. Just make sure the bed is in an area that is free from drafts and allows kitty to feel safe. A hot water bottle (they are flexible and plastic, found at drug stores) under a towel in his bed may help, too.

Does your cat have aching bones or joints?

First, consult your vet to see what he or she recommends. They may give you pet vitamins with glucosamine in them. I bought some off of Doctors Foster and Smith website. They have a lot of good products for senior cats. Another good item to have is a memory foam cat bed or cushion. Memory foam contours to your pet’s body, and takes the stress off of old bones and muscles. I have a slab of it on my bed, and it takes away my back pain completely. Memory foam is definitely a good thing, for humans and pets.

What to do if your cat stops eating

First, immediately call your vet. Your cat needs to eat and drink, so he doesn’t get dehydrated and go into shock. They may tell you to bring him in to be checked. If so, do it. Sometimes, the vet will inject a saline solution into your cat’s skin to rehydrate him. My cat had this done and returned to his normal self immediately. What a relief that was.

When I was a young woman, we had a cat who stopped eating. The vet recommended a tube of food/paste that is highly palatable to cats who won’t eat. I saw it for sale on the Doctors Foster and Smith website, so it’s still around. Get your vet’s opinion before doing this, however, just to be safe. If he says it is ok to feed him, then he’ll give you a syringe (no needle just the plunger) and show you how to give kitty liquid food. I was taught to tip the head up, and shoot the liquid food into his mouth from the corner of it, at the back of the mouth. Then, stroke the throat to get kitty to swallow. I’ve done it, and it works. This is to be used if your cat won’t eat, and only if the vet says that it’s ok to do so.

Give your older cat a general vitamin

All my cats have lived to be over twenty years old. I attribute their long lives to keeping them indoors and giving them daily vitamins if they want them. There are chewable ones that cats think are treats, these are the kinds I’ve given my pets. I use different kinds, to keep them interested. Most pet stores and pet health websites carry cat vitamins. Don’t use vitamins labeled for dogs, make sure to get the right ones, especially formulated for cats. And, stick to the dosage instructions, even if kitty wants another one. These are carefully measured nutrients, he only thinks they’re treats.

Attention and gentleness

The older your cat gets, the more fragile he may become. He may throw up more than he used to, so don’t scold him if he does. I use the kind of dry food for sensitive stomachs that seems to help curb the barfing. Also, those little bones are more brittle than they used to be. If kitty has trouble jumping up on the couch or bed to be with you, help him. There are cheap, fleece-covered pet steps that are for sale nowadays so kitty can climb up in bed with you without help. Or, put it near his cat condo, so he doesn’t have to strain himself getting to a higher level of it. Be sensitive to what your cat wants and help him to do it. And brush or pet him to stimulate him. He will appreciate the extra attention.

It is beneficial to your pet’s health to keep him happy and show him that he’s loved. One of my cats got outside once and came back sick (poisoned, I think), and nearly died. I stayed with him, stroking him and giving him saline solution in his mouth until he was stablilized enough to take to the vet. When he got stronger, I rushed him over there. He lived and is now 18 years old. Having me with him was encouraging to him, the vet told me. Be devoted to your pet, as he has been for you. It matters more than you may know.

Carolyn McFann is a scientific and nature illustrator, who owns Two Purring Cats Design Studio, which can be seen at: cafepress.com/twopurringcats cafepress.com/twopurringcats . Educated at the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York, Carolyn is a seasoned, well-traveled artist, writer and photographer. Besides handling numerous assignments in the US, she has lived and worked in Cancun, Mexico. Clients include nature parks, museums, scientists, corporations and private owners. She has been the subject of tv interviews, articles for newspapers and other popular media venues.

What happens when you run out of pet food in the middle of the day? The quickest way is to dash to the nearest pet store and replenish your pet supplies, as most online orders are not delivered immediately.

It requires a lot of energy and time to provide the best pet care to our animals. The pet store is the most convenient place to purchase all the pet supplies for your beloved pets, as they will usually have stocks on the products or services that are in high demand or most commonly bought by customers.

In a large city or big town, there should be dozens of pet stores situated near every residential area. You should look for a store that keeps their goods in a neat and hygienic manner. Perishable products such as food or anything with a shelf date should be sold within the validity date.

In addition, an up-market store should have the latest products that may help pet owners minimize on the amount of time spent on pet care.

Firstly, there is a need to groom your pet under a daily, bi-weekly or weekly schedule, as the activity is necessary to keep the animal’s coat healthy and shiny. Grooming is also essential, as it will also eradicate fleas and other parasites. The pet store should have hygiene and grooming products such as shampoos, skin lotions, bathing foams, deodorizers as well as a good range of grooming tools like nail clippers/files, rakes, combs and brushes. It should also have products on dental care and commonly used medications.

Other useful innovations that can be found in an up-market store are the automatic feeders and watering gadgets. These products give your pets access to food and water whenever there is a need, without the owner’s presence to attend to their meals. In addition to convenience, automated feeders build in the control of releasing food to animals with dietary needs. As animals usually tend to dehydrate more quickly, it is important to have water readily available to them.

There should also be some varieties of traveling aids such as specially designed harness, car seats and soft cages in the pet store. Pet owners can buy these aids when traveling with their pets in cars. If you choose to bring your pet out in a bicycle, there should be a range of baskets with different safety and security features available in the store.

Most of the pet store will usually stock up a variety of leads and collars for dogs or puppies. In addition to holding your pet’s registration tags, collars also give the animal a unique identity whereas the leads can be belt around your waist as you jog or stroll with your pet. You can buy a pocket pouch from the store to carry your pet if is a small animal like the Chihuahua. A muzzle will most likely be necessary if your pet is a large or dangerous dog, especially on occasions when humans need to be kept safe.

You should be able to find a good range of bedding materials in a variety of sizes and styles in the pet store. These will probably include kennels and mats for dogs, basket and cushion products for cats, cages for the birds and rodents as well as aquariums for fishes and tortoises. Rugs and blankets are also needed to keep your pets warm during cold weathers. These accommodations will ensure that your pets are able to rest comfortably.

In addition, you should be able to buy secure enclosures such as safety pet fences or cat fences at the store. These are soft wire mesh enclosures that can be placed in backyards or on balconies. Such blocking enclosures will keep your pet safe and prevent them from wandering off while having a stretch of exercises outdoors.

Finally yet importantly, your pet will enjoy the endless list of toys sold in the pet store. These may include balls, Frisbees and bones for dogs, scratching posts and tunnels for cats, mirrors for birds as well as racing tracks for rodents.

You may even find more pampering products, unusual toys, specialty clothing and other ‘hidden treasures’ when searching through the bigger pet store(s). A trip there will bring you and your pets plenty of joy and fun together.

Ske Chay of funny-pets.com www.funny-pets.com
Providing information on funny-pets.com/petstore pet store at funny-pets.com/petstore www.funny-pets.com/petstore

Ok, so you’ve got a problem. Your dog is using those shiny, pointy teeth of his for something other than chewing his kibble.

What can you do about it?

Well, as a concerned dog owner you need to figure out the cause…what’s triggering this behavior…I mean, if my dog bites, I need to know the reason right?…and so do you…and you need to address that reason as well as the behavior itself…otherwise, you won’t change it.

First, let’s look at some of the usual reasons.

Fido may be nipping because he’s afraid of something. If you acquired an adult dog, maybe he was abused and now fears anything on two legs. Maybe he fears his new surroundings. In any case, you’re going to need to soothe those fears away.

At first use your voice; just talk to him quietly and calmly for a few minutes, several times a day, and from a non-threatening distance. Over time, work your way closer. Then, when he’s ready (not you), use your touch. Pet him gently while you’re talking. You’ll be making deposits into his “trust bank” and, when the balance is high enough, you’ll start to see a change.

Maybe your dog bites when he gets too excited. If you play rough with him for too long, you’ll likely over-stimulate him. Then he might lose his “doggy cool” and take a shot at you. Not good, and especially not good if your kids are the ones doing the stimulating.

So learn to stop sooner than later and give your buddy some time to “chill out” before you handle him again. My father, a pretty good amateur handler, used to tell me this over and over when I played rough with our dogs. Then finally, (tired of me not listening), he just let me learn the hard way. I still have a little scar on my right hand to remind me.

Lastly, maybe your dog is biting because he’s going through a challenging phase. He might be challenging you or your family members in order to earn a higher position in “the pack.” Remember, he thinks everyone in the house has a certain rank and his nature is to challenge that notion every so often. He wants to raise his own rank…he wants to be the “Top Dog.”

If this is the case, you need to put him in his place. He needs to know that everyone else (and I do mean everyone) in your family has a higher rank than him.

Start off by ignoring him…don’t let anyone give him any attention unless he earns it by obeying a simple command or two first. Later on (days not hours) you can give him more attention, but only when he’s not actively seeking it. In this way he’ll start to get the idea of who’s really in charge.

Another powerful technique to teach your dog his place in your “family pack” is to feed him last. Make sure the entire family has finished eating before you feed Fido. This might sound cruel, but it’s not. Out in the wild the “Top Dog” eats first and when he’s finished, the rest of the pack eats according to their rank. Your dog will have enough instinctual memory to understand this. And he’ll get a strong message.

Oh, and don’t let him beg or get excited before you feed him…make him sit or lie quietly for at least a few minutes before he gets his meal.

Now, let’s look at how to address the behavior itself.

You want to give your dog a “correction” and to do that you must catch him in the act. If he bites and you wait (even just several seconds) before making your correction, it will do you absolutely no good. Ten seconds later, your dog’s brain is already on to his next thing and he won’t make the connection between his bite and your correction.

And how do you make the correction you ask?

Well, first, resist the urge to punish him with a smack. He’ll get mixed signals from this and you might make things worse.

A better way is to challenge his biting behavior immediately with a loud, long “Nooooo.” Or my personal favorite; growl at him (and show some teeth when you do it!). Then chase him away, back to his bed or into a corner.

And then ignore him.

This will let him know that play-time just ended. Don’t give him any attention for awhile, and then, make him earn it by obeying a command or two.

This approach can have a very positive effect on a lot of biting behavior. But remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day and the same goes for your relationship with your pooch. You’ll need to use patience because you may need to repeat these techniques for days or even weeks before you see the results you want.

I hope this helps a bit and that “my dog bites” soon becomes “my dog used to bite”…thanks for reading.

Did you know that biting is just one of the five most destructive and embarrassing behaviors your dog can exhibit? Need help with the other four? Then check out the-dog-zone.net/Dog-Obedience-Training.aspx?code=DA001 The-Dog-Zone.net.

the-dog-zone.net/index.aspx?code=DA001 My Dog Bites – What Can I Do?

This is an old saying that many of us have grown up hearing since we were children, but the problem is improving on an invention that has been around for years. This is especially true for simple inventions like the common pet identification tag, or dog tag as it is normally referred too as. The pet identification tag has been a staple of our society for hundreds of years as a way to identify the owners of a particular lost pet, but it was not until World War I that the pet tag became famous and picked up its moniker as the “dog tag.”

The idea was simple, it was a piece of metal worn around the collar to identify the owner of the pet, and this tag usually contained the pets name, and owners contact information. During that time it was all a pet owner needed if their pet was lost, because generally they worked for one company for forty years, brought their home and lived there for about the same amount of time, so there was no need to change the contact information. Today it is completely different with the average stay on the job lasting about five years, and the turnaround time in the average house lasting only five to seven years. Because of this, the average pet owner will have to purchase a new pet tag almost every three years to update contact information, and this brings us back to improving on that mousetrap.

With pet owners constantly on the move in an ever upwardly mobile society changing addresses and phone numbers, purchasing a new pet tag every couple of years has become a waste of time and money, because there is a service that allows the pet owner to purchase only one pet identification tag, and update their contact information free for the life of the pet. This company also links that pet tag to their contact page on its website, so if the pet is ever lost, no matter who finds it they will have up to ten ways to contact the owner to return the lost pet. This owner locating service is internet based, so it is accessible around the world to anyone that has access to the internet, this makes it especially valuable for those who travel with their pets.

The company that has, if not built, improved on that old mousetrap is RecoveryPets.Com, and they specialize in the global recovery of lost pets for those registered with their service. This company has taken the pet tag and linked it with their website to provide a service that out exceeds the original purpose of the pet tag. They provide for their registered pet owners a webpage that contains the pets name, a complete description, a photograph, and up to ten contact phone numbers or email addresses.

RecoveryPets.Com has a mission to help pet owners feel more secure that if their pet is ever lost, the person that finds them will be able to return them to the owners. The company is also working with various agencies to get the word out about their services in an effort to have these agencies have a one-stop location to identify lost pets for possible reunification with their owners. They will work with animal shelters and rescue agencies in any geographical location to set up services and distribute information about their services, all the agency has to do is contact them by email at partners@recoverypets.com for more information.

Now that the common mousetrap has been greatly improved, and their is a service that offers pet owners the ability to register once for a service that provides all the benefits that RecoverPets.Com provides, it is time to take the steps needed to ensure that our family pets will be returned if they should ever become lost. To get more information on the services provided by this company, all a pet owner has to do is log-on to their website at: recoverypets.com.

Thaddeus Collins is the owner of RecoveryPets.Com and they specialize in the global recovery of lost pets using a unique tracking number. For more information visit recoverypets.com recoverypets.com

The summer is one of the best times to spend outside with your dog. But it is also the time of year that can cause a lot of overheating or even heatstroke. There are many ways to prevent your dog from suffering from excessive heat. I have found that these are eight of the most important and I believe easy ways to keep your dog cool in the summer heat.

1. Never Leave Your Pet in a Parked Car: Not even for a few minutes with the windows cracked. If the outside temperature is 70 degrees, the inside car temperature can reach 150 degrees in a matter of minutes. It’s the number one cause of heat stroke.
2. Always Provide Plenty of Fresh Water: Dogs need plenty of fresh water available to them. Did you know that dogs can only sweat through the pads of their feet and by panting? Evaporation from the wet surfaces of their mouth and nose helps lower body temperature.
3. Hot Pavement: Their sensitive paws burn very easily.
4. A Cool Spot: Outdoor pets need shade during the heat of the day. Make sure that they have a cool place to rest. If it’s an indoor dog use the air conditioner to keep them cool. A sprinkle with a hose wouldn’t hurt and some dogs may even enjoy it.
5. Sunburn: If you have had sunburn before than you know how it feels. Dogs can get burned also, especially dogs with short hair and those with pink skin and white hair.
6. Exercise and Diet. Do not encourage excessive exercise during the hottest part of the day. If they don’t eat as much, that’s a good thing. Overeating can lead to overheating.
7. Lakes, Rivers and Streams. Animals that are put in the water for the first time should not be thrown in or chased in. Ease them in and they are more likely to enjoy it in the future. Don’t let them drink from pools, streams, or the ocean. And, if they swim, rinse them off. Salt and minerals can damage a dog’s coat.
8. Parasites. Fleas, ticks and ear mites thrive in the warm, humid environment. Use preventative programs.

If you think your dog has heat stroke check for these signs, rapid panting, hot skin, twitching muscles, and a dazed look. If these signs are present than wrap them in a towel soaked with cool, not cold water. Heatstroke can be fatal, so see a veterinarian as soon possible.

I believe that all these steps can easily be done to keep your dog cool this summer. Look at it this way, if you are outside and get thirsty than so is your dog, if you are minding the heat and need some shade, than your dog needs shade too.

Dan Willie lives with his wife and two dogs, Lady and Jill. Dan specializes in loving, caring and outright spoiling his ” girls”. Visit us at ahomewithdogs.com ahomewithdogs.com to find lots of information on dog care,health and what you need to know when you have a home with dogs.

Incubation

After the time of incubation, which proceeds for 13 – 14 days , the baby – birds start hatching . The knock the shell from inside with the help of “ the egg – tooth ”, which is a small chalk tentacle on the upper side of the beak and with its help baby – birds manage to make a hole, which they broaden gradually . At last they are able to get out of the egg , breaking its obtuse end . According to some people the just – born birds look like “touching beasts ” – nestlings with some fluffs , big raised shut eyes and wide open hungry beaks .

Family life

Only the female bird warms babies and just on the next day it starts feeding them . On the day of hatching they do not need any food – the yolk that it still in their abdominal cavity as reserve is enough . The male canary takes care of providing food – it often feeds the babies by pouring grounded food into their beaks . The female bird looks after the cleanness into the nest – she either eats alone or takes out of the nest the excrements of the babies that are covered in mucus . In about 7 – 8 days the mucus membrane stops forming and small birds sit on the nest ‘ s edge alone , put their posteriors out and shoot their excrements away . Cares in the nest take about 16 days . After that young birds leave the nest, but their parents continue to feed them additionally for a certain time .

ADVICE : If the bird cage is big enough , leave the family together . But if the female bird starts pulling its feathers out to build a new nest you should separate the young birds from their parents .

Controlling the nest

You can quietly look in the nest until the 14 th days. Then it is better to leave everything in peace . If small canaries stay deeply crouched and cuddle into each other into the nest , it is very dangerous if you put your hand inside . They can get freighted and to go out of the nest and thus to hurt themselves.

ADVICE : If it happens so that a small canary falls out of the nest, take it into your palms and hold it at least for half an hour near the radiator . Only then return it back to the nest .

Feeding

During the time of incubation and breeding the small birds :

Give calcium to the female birds. Generation of eggs spends calcium in great amounts from its body .

Add additional nourishing mixtures for the growth of small birds (they can be found in zoo – shops ). They should be at disposal of parent birds all the time while they feed the baby – birds . Besides, often control these mixtures to be fresh . They should be loose and easily to break them to pieces .

Growth of baby – birds

1 st – 5 th day . Baby – canaries are still with eyes shut and take up embryonic position ; they lie down with their bellies up without stretching their necks .

6 th day . They open their eyes . The tubules on feathers can be clearly seen

7 th – 8 th day. Canaries start shooting alone their excrements out of the nest .

12 th day . The tubules covering the feathers now get torn and feathers grow .

17 th – 18 th . Yong canaries leave the nest, but they are still additionally fed by their parents .

30 th day . Young birds are fully independent .

2 nd – 6 th month . Languishing because of “ youth change “. All feathers are changed except for the flying ones . All feathers get the same full color that old birds have and now the young ones are sexually mature .

Geomil Georgiev is owner and editor of birdscomfort.com birdscomfort.com where you can find information on every type of pet birds. birdscomfort.com BirdsComfort provides detailed information in decorative, large, custom, acrylic, antique, wooden, and discount bird cages sale, as well as cage covers,bird cage playstands, bird perches, bird toys, bird swings and bird foods

Your dog’s nutritional health is in your hands. One hundred percent, completely in your hands. Only you can control and provide the nourishment he needs for a smooth, shiny coat, dental health, bone growth, muscle tone, energy requirements and proper digestive function.

A dog’s loyalty, love and trust in you make him an easy target for substandard care. We are all guilty, from time to time, of not treating our dogs as well as they deserve. But since they aren’t likely to complain, we in turn can find it easy, too often, to turn a blind eye to his blind trust.

After all, isn’t it a betrayal of trust and a void in our personal integrity to knowingly feed our dogs food that is nutritionally inferior? Would you feed yourself or any other member of your family from a can, for every meal, day after day? And you do consider your dog a member of your family, don’t you?

This is one time you don’t want to let yourself off the hook. Don’t take your dog’s silence as absolution. Their final act of innocence may be a slow, painful and tragic death. The guilt you will feel will be insurmountable.

I fed my dog substandard food and he did die a slow painful and tragic death, don’t make the same mistake.

And the real kicker of it all — giving your dog the best possible diet is easy! It can seem daunting, at a glance. But, in reality, it doesn’t take a whole lot of time, effort or brainpower to do the right thing.

While the loose regulations on dog food labeling leaves us somewhat in the dark as to what exactly we are feeding our pet when we use commercial dog foods, good home cooking allows for flexibility and purity. It also gives us total control over our dog’s nutritional needs. We can be assured that all ingredients are of the highest quality, and add up to a balanced, toxin-free diet. We can also maintain complete caloric discretion, modifying as necessary to accommodate our dog’s ever-changing demands.

And, let’s not diminish the importance of the one ingredient that only we can add, and which most certainly will be lacking in any commercial dog food — love.

Don’t you owe it to yourself, and to your “best friend” to give him the best possible chance at a long, healthy life? We think so, too.

We provide healthy, easy-to-prepare recipes for your perusal. We offer tips on all aspects of canine health, including veterinary visits, vaccines, grooming, exercise and first aid — so that all the information for your dog’s health is at your fingertips.

Because, as we said, your dog’s health is in your hands. And, we wish you and your dog many healthy returns.

dogsfoodsecret.blogspot.com/2007/05/your-dogs-health-is-your-responsibility.html dogsfoodsecret.blogspot.com/2007/05/your-dogs-health-is-your-responsibility.html

May your dog have a long and happy life,

A Lewis