Wednesday 16 April 2014

Feather Cover in Chickens

Why is feather cover important? Without feathers, a chicken will not be able to regulate its temperature, keep protected from sunburn, dust bathe, or preen.

Losing its feathers can also lead a chicken to experience stress, injury and pain. In some cases it leads to cannibalism. It will also likely require more feedings and reduce the productivity levels of your chicken.
How do chickens lose their feather? One cause of feather loss is injurious feather pecking. This is distinct from aggressive behaviour. Here, chickens will pull out each other’s feathers, peck each other’s vents, and cannibalize one another. Majority of feather loss will likely occur in the chicken’s back and rump.

This is abnormal behaviour in chickens and is likely misdirected foraging behaviour. It could mean that there is disease in the flock or that the chickens are stressed out.


Visit a veterinary clinic Reynoldsburg. Head here.

Hazards in the Home for your Pet Bird

There are so many potential risks for pet birds in your home. Birds tend to be naturally nosy and love to explore with their beak, leading to potential ingestion of foreign body, toxicity, or injury.

Some of the hazards that may be present in your home include the following:

• Carbon Monoxide

Birds are highly sensitive to gases and fumes compared to humans. Their highly efficient respiratory systems make them more sensitive to toxins which are airborne. High concentrations of carbon monoxide may come from space heaters, poorly vented fireplace, gas stoves, or other combustion devices. Installing CO detectors can help protect you and your pets.

• Electrocution

Birds will chew anything, even electrical cords. Electrocution can potentially cause burns, spinal fracture, cardiac arrest, and possibly, death.

• Teflon

Birds are particularly sensitive to the non-stick coating in Teflon, the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). These chemical may also be present in waffle irons, roasters and turkey roaster bags, griddles, ironing board covers, and other heating appliances. When overheated, these items can give off PTFE fumes that can damage the respiratory system of birds, which can eventually lead to suffocation.

Be sure to have your pet bird checked by a veterinary clinic St Clair Shores. Click for more information.

Caring for the Coupari Cat

The Coupari is also known as the Longhair and Highland Fold. The breed is the long-haired version of the Scottish Fold.

The Coupari looks like an owl, with large round eyes, full cheeks, and a short nose. Its distinct feature, however, is its folded ears, a trait that do not manifest until the cat is three months of age. Its long, single-layered coat comes in a variety of colors and patterns.

Extremely affectionate and passive, the Coupari loves to be in the company of humans. He will rub against your leg to tell you he wants a quick pet. In fact, they can become vocal when they feel lonely and demand for attention.

They can get along well with children and tend to get attached to one person in the household. The Coupari is extremely intelligent and can be trained to walk on a leash or play interactive games.

For more information about your cat's dietary needs, visit a veterinary clinic Brighton, check out the link.

Sunday 13 April 2014

How to Properly Position Your Red-Eared Slider Turtle’s Basking Lamp

The goal when your red-eared slider basks is to have the top of its shell reach a temperature of approximately 90F to 95F. In order to achieve this, the lamp needs to be placed above the slider. Use a thermometer to ensure that the temperature is correct. Make sure that there is no way that your slider can reach the lamp and conversely, be sure that it isn’t too close that your slider could get burnt. Splashing water should also not be able to reach the lamp as this is extremely hazardous. Do not position the lamp above a glass surface.

Some options for a heat or basking lamp include an incandescent lamp, a ceramic heat emitter, a red heat bulb, halogen bulb, or a mercury vapour bulb. Be sure to use a ceramic or porcelain socket.
Visit an animal hospital Poulsbo. Click here.

The Irresistible Burmilla

The Burmilla is a cat breed that resulted from the accidental mating of a male Chinchilla and female Burmese. The breed looks like a Burmese, except for the Burmilla’s silver color.

The Burmilla can easily be recognized by its striking large green eyes which have a black outline, making it appear that the cat is wearing eyeliner.  The breed’s main distinguishing feature is the soft, dense silver coat with an undercoat. The coat may be tipped or shaded by various colors.

The Burmilla is a “people-cat”, always keeping their owner company. He will surely bask in attention and will often beg to be caressed.  He won’t take to strangers immediately, but will eventually warm up to them in time. Your Burmilla gets along well with children and other pets in the household.

Since the Burmilla is a shedder, you should groom him at least once a week. Thorough brushing can remove dead hair. Ears can be cleaned using a damp cloth. Tooth brushing should be done at least once a week.

Bring your cat to the veterinary clinic Brighton for regular wellness check.

What to Feed Your Pet Rat

The key to feeding your pet rat a healthy, beneficial and nutritious diet is balance. If you achieve this, you are on the right track. First, purchase a commercial pellet diet at a pet store or vet clinic.

Secondly, supplement your pet rat’s pellet portion each day with small servings of fruits, grains, veggies, cooked egg, and/or grains. Rats are omnivorous creatures and not that difficult to feed. Be sure to feed them only small portions of the aforementioned as doing otherwise could lead to an obese or sick pet rat.

Third, make sure your pet rat has access to clean and fresh drinking water 24/7. Use a water bottle as opposed to a bowl so that the water doesn’t become contaminated. Provide multiple bottles if you have several rats so that they do not compete.

Visit a vet Rapid City for more info. Click Here.

Tuesday 8 April 2014

Top Behavior Issues in Dogs

Well-behaved dogs are a product of training, positive reinforcement and socialization. Here are the top behavior issues in dogs which have been identified:

• Jumping on people

When dogs jump on people, they can scratch legs or ruin clothes. Jumping on children and old people may unintentionally knock them down.

• Nonstop barking

Although barking is a normal canine instinct, it can become irritating to you and your neighbors when your dog does it all the time. Some dog breeds tend to bark and yap particularly when there are strangers or they hear noise that is out of the ordinary.

• Gnawing and biting

Puppies pass through a phase when they are cutting teeth. During this time, they chew on anything they can get their teeth on including shoes, books, furniture, etc. They usually outgrow this phase however there are growing and older dogs that may chew on things for various reasons.

If you are having problems with your puppy's behavior, talk with a veterinarian Brookfield.