Keeping Your Pet Fit With A Dog Treadmill!

By Christopher W Smith

It's a lot of fun having a dog, but it can be a lot of work, too. You need to be responsible for his basic needs, such as food, on a daily basis. You also need to make time for exercising him each day in order to keep him healthy and fit. He's depending on you for the things he's unable to do for himself. Keep in mind though, when grumbling about taking time to exercise your dog, you're also keeping yourself in shape, too.

Your dog loves you, but he really doesn't understand when you don't make time for going for a walk or playing with him. He wants to go out and run no matter what the weather is like out there, and you need to see that it happens. Being able to run and exercise every day is vital to his overall well-being.

With all the new technology we see constantly, is it any wonder that they now actually make doggie treadmills. Buy your pooch his own treadmill, and you won't have to worry about going out in bad weather to walk him ever again. He'll be able to run and exercise every day and won't have to wait for you to make time in your busy schedule to take him out. You'll find that it's a perfect answer to the problem of giving him enough exercise, and he's absolutely going to love it.

Of course, once you buy a treadmill, you'll have to take the time to train him how to use it. After all, he can't read the directions. You'll find that it won't take long though. When you try for the first time, it's likely your dog is going to act nervous. He may even be afraid of this new gadget. Keep petting him and offering reassuring words. When he calms down, try turning the treadmill on low and placing him on it. Once again he's not going to understand what's happening, and most likely he'll just jump back off. Be patient!

You can try walking next to the treadmill in order to demonstrate for him what you want him to do. Keep reassuring him that there's nothing to be afraid of, but also be firm with him and don't just give in. Dogs are smart. He will soon figure out what you're asking of him and comply.

It will take him a number of tries before he's able to stay on his treadmill. Once he gets the hang of it, though, he's going to start loving it. After awhile you'll even find him going to his treadmill on his own. It's just that you'll need to have a lot of patience with him while helping him learn. Getting angry won't serve any purpose at all.

You'll still want to take him outside when you are able to. The treadmill is not the whole answer to his exercising needs. He needs fresh air and sunshine in order to thrive. Plus, he needs the quality time the two of you spend together while you're out exercising, and, face it, you need it, too!

Visit us for more information on top treadmill ratings, how to get a good treadmill workout and treadmills for dogs

A Cool Cat Book - Book Review on the Beauty of Cats

Ever wonder what cats are thinking, why they keep schedules, or sleep all day? Yes, indeed, no one can deny that sleep is a wonderful thing, who can deny it. Indeed, in my next life I am coming back as house cat in a really nice family. I will expect gourmet food and a comfy couch to nap on and some cool play toys! Most cats seem to take these things for granted, but really they are happy to have a nice home, that's why they purr so much. Would you like to learn more about cats? Well, let me recommend a very good book to you then;

"The Beauty of Cats" by Howard Loxton - 1972.

The book starts with a couple of great pages of Cat Poetry, then gets into things in the first chapter discussing the issues with the big cats, like lions, tigers, cheetahs and wild other ferocious cats like Mountain Lions, bob cats and such. Much different than house cat species as the author shows through pictorials and explanation of some of the most popular cats that people own as house cats or show cats.

Learn about the history of sacred cats, cat art and the mystery of cats. The book also gets into the types of food cats in the wild eat and the types of cat food they love, and the unfortunate parasites and diseases that they attract and how and when it's time to see a vet. This is a wonderful coffee table book about cats that is great for young or old, cat lovers or cat owners. I highly recommend this book, if you love cats.

"Lance Winslow" - Online Blog Content Service. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/. Lance Winslow's Bio

 

The Advantages Of Adopting A Dog Or Cat

There are many advantages to adopting a dog or cat. Adopting a pet can be a great way to reduce our every day stresses and anxieties. In addition, there are many other reasons why adopting a dog or cat can be important in your life.

For instance, pets can help us to relax and help us to focus on the good things in our lives. This can be very helpful when we are overwhelmed by the stresses and anxieties of our lives. Playing with our pets can help reduce our fears and anxieties in any situation.

Pets can get our minds off of our problems. A person could do an activity with their pet or other animals that will give them a fresh perspective on things. Spending time with animals will get your mind off of the problem and give you the energy to do other things. Most importantly, playing with animals will give you the self-confidence that you can cope and that you can get through a stressful day.

Spending time with a pet can reduce loneliness and can be a great source of companionship. A pet can help us to feel better. Also many people talk to their pets and this can help us to get their problems out in the open. Animals can be of good company to all of us and can prevent the fear of being alone during our troubles.

Taking care of dog or cat can be a great way to increase our happiness and self-confidence. There are many animals out there who could benefit from your time and talents. Doing something that will help your pet or other animals can give you a source of pride and accomplishment. Getting involved in your community can help you to meet new people. This is a great way to prevent loneliness.

Pets are 100 percent faithful and will be by your side through the good and bad times. Everybody deals with anxieties, stresses and other life problems, and it is during those times when you need someone by your side to talk too. People in our lives come and go, but your pet will never leave you regardless how bad your problems may be.

There are also many different breeds of dogs and cats we can choose from which can accommodate our life styles. If you want a certain type of pet that will suite your life style, all you have to do is talk to a pet expert or a veterinarian. These people will work with you to determine what type of dog to get that will fit in with your household.

By adopting a pet, you will be saving a life; a life of an animal that could very well become your best friend. A pet will love you unconditionally during his or her lifetime. Don't let a few obstacles prevent you from gaining a faithful companion in your life. Adopting a pet can be beneficial to your health and be one of the best things that you can do in your life.

About the Author

Stan Popovich is the author of "A Layman's Guide to Managing Fear" an easy to read book that presents a overview of techniques that are effective in managing persistent fears and anxieties. For additional information go to: http://www.managingfear.com

 

PetSmart Coupons - PetSmart

By Darren Davis

PetSmart, Inc. is the largest retailer of pet products and services. In the United States and Canada, there are over 1,000 stores featuring more than 13,000 products, all offered at low prices. Products cover everything from pet food, to leashes, to gift items, aquariums, dog houses and cat trees. If you have a tarantula, you can find everything you need for your little furry friend. If you have a goldfish, you can find just the right aquarium equipment and decorations. If you have a Golden Retriever, you can find the perfect water dish.

Services offered by PetSmart include pet training, pet grooming, boarding and even adoption services. PetSmart salons are a great place to take Rover for a good bath, and a style. They also clean ears, trim nails and brush teeth, so your dog's breath stays fresh and his teeth and gums healthy. Each stylist receives training and must be able to complete the safety certification.

Training offers pets and their humans to learn to be well behaved. Behavior problems are the number one reason that dogs are brought to shelters. PetSmart training customers are 100% guaranteed satisfaction or they can repeat training for free.

PetsHotels offer overnight and daytime boarding and care for dogs and cats. Caregivers are trained and on the premises around the clock to ensure your pets comfort and safety. Pet adoption services are offered for those looking to add a loving pet to their household. The adoption services are part of PetSmart Charities, and have helped to save the lives of over 3 million pets by finding them wonderful homes.

One of the other great services that PetSmart offers is Banfield, The Pet Hospital. These veterinary clinics are located close to many PetSmart stores and provide a full range of emergency and non-emergency pet care services.

PetSmart is a company that really cares about pets and their people. You can find all the items you need to keep your pet happy and healthy, along with adoption, grooming and training services. If you are a pet owner, PetSmart can provide you with everything you need.

Get the latest PetSmart Coupons at http://hubpages.com/hub/PetSmart-Coupons

Traveling With Pets: Road Trip Tips For Your Furry Friends

Traveling with pets is a growing trend and can be a pleasant experience for both you and your pet if you plan ahead. Family pets are often a big part of the family, and sometimes it's hard to leave those adorable faces behind when you leave town. Failing to carefully plan a road trip with your pet can lead to an endurance ride of hourly stops, nonstop whining and barking as well as a lack of pet-friendly places to stay. By using the internet for researching and planning, you can be assured that your vacation will be pleasurable and relaxing for everyone.

 

Here are a few things to consider when traveling with your pet:

 

Temperament - Make certain that your four-legged pal enjoys traveling before taking him on a long trip. Take time during the weeks leading up to your vacation to take him on several short trips so that he will be more accustomed to the sights, smells and sensations of riding in a car. If your pet is aggressive, ill-mannered or simply terrified of traveling, you may want to consider a qualified pet sitter or reputable boarding facility.

 

 Manners - It is only proper and responsible that you to make sure that your pet will be a welcomed guest at your destination. You may be a sight for sore eyes for your favorite aunt, but your dog or cat may not be! Make certain that your pet is well-behaved and if you have a dog, make sure that he understands basic commands before going on you trip. Take along some favorite toys to make sure that your pet doesn’t become bored and find destructive ways to entertain himself with.

 

 Medical Needs - If you’re going away for a long trip, or if your pet is chronically ill, take it to the vet for a pre-vacation check-up. Make certain that all vaccinations are up to date and take the proper documentation with you. In the unlikely event that your pet gets into a fight or bites someone during your trip, you'll want documentation that the pet has had its shots. Your vet may prescribe your pet a mild sedative or suggest a safe motion sickness remedy if your pet has suffered in the past. It’s also advisable to obtain the names of a couple of veterinarians at your destination just in case of emergency.

 

 Accommodations - As more people take to traveling with pets, more and more hotels are catering to pet travelers. By using the search term “pet-friendly “ in your query, you will receive a wealth of information about pet-friendly accommodations and destinations, RV parks, dog parks, beaches and campgrounds. Major online travel agencies, like Expedia, Travelocity and Orbitz, allow you to limit your hotel search results to only those who allow pets.

 

 Safety - When traveling with pets it is important to ensure their safety and not to do anything that could put them in danger. Always have your dog or cat on a leash and never allow a pet to roam freely in the vehicle, as it could get tangled around the driver's feet or get in the driver's sight of the road. Always crate your dog or cat in a sturdy, well-ventilated carrier big enough for them to stand up and turn around in comfortably. It’s a good idea to get them used to the crate a few weeks prior to departing. Also be sure to have collars and I.D. tags for your pets in the event that they become separated from you. Investing in a microchip may also be something to consider if your pet has a tendency to get loose.

 

 Food, Water and Potty Breaks - Pack food and water bowls and avoid chances of stomach upset by packing an adequate supply of your pet’s regular brand of food. Switching pet food under any circumstances can cause abdominal distress and can be extremely unpleasant for all concerned…especially while confined in a car! Stick to their regular feeding routine and give the main meal at the end of the day or when you reach your destination. Traveling with pets can also lead to dehydration so it’s important to stop frequently not only for potty breaks and exercise, but also to let them get a fresh drink of water. Make sure to keep a supply of “doodieâ€� bags handy so you can comply with local ordinances when necessary.

 

Preparing in advance for traveling with pets and keeping its best interests in mind on the road will help make it an enjoyable trip for everyone.

 

About the Author

 

Kelley Falgout is a theme park enthusiast and publisher of http://www.FamilyThemeParkVacations.com, a vacation planning tool and continuously growing database of all theme parks, amusement parks and water parks located across the United States.

 

Use aromatherapy to pamper your pets

by Geet Singh

Pets can enjoy the therapeutic effects of aromatherapy as much as humans can. Aside from possibly eliminating bad odors and giving your pet a pleasant perfume, essential oils also serve many practical functions such as boosting your pet's immune system, fighting off bacteria and viruses, preventing the growth of yeasts and molds and repelling insects.

Aromatherapy is used by enthusiasts, groomers and pet salons to treat mild ailments such as skin inflammations, itchy skin ear infections, rashes, bad breath, flatulence and motions sickness. Psychologically, certain oils also have a calming or relaxing effect on animals. For example lavender oil not only helps kitties repel insects but it also makes them feel sleepy or content. Roman chamomile can be used to treat an ear infection as well as soothe the nerves of a dog in pain.

Essential oils are also frequently used as home remedies. However before you attempt to use aromatherapy on your own pets, keep in mind that essential oils are always diluted before they are applied to a pet's skin or sprayed on their coat. Almond oil, olive oil and jojoba oil are common base oils to which a few drops of the essential oil is added. Usually all that is needed is about one ounce of the base oil combined with two to three drops of the essential oil.

Essential oils can also be diluted in a spray bottle and misted onto the pet or the pet's bedding. You can simply dilute a few drops in distilled water or you can use water and a mixture of aloe, witch hazel or cider vinegar. The traditional recommendation is to use 20 to 30 drops of oil per eight ounces of liquid. Any less might not be effective and any more might be toxic to the pet.

Oils can also be diluted in vodka or brandy and dabbed on the bottom of the pet's paws or on an acupressure point such as the tips of the ears. This is the technique to use if you are dealing with a panicky pet. Never feed your pet alcohol or essential oil directly.

Essential oils are also effective flea and tick repellents and are nearly as effective as sprays and powders that contain a lot of toxic chemicals. Oils such as peppermint, citronella, lavender, eucalyptus, lemon, geranium, bay and myrrh have been components of herbal flea sprays and flea collars for many years. You can easily make your own flea and tick spray by combining about 25 drops of any of these oils into eight ounces of water. Shake the mixture well and spray it on your pet, being careful to shield its eyes from mist. This mixture can also be sprayed anywhere that you suspect there may be a breeding bug infestation.

When using essential oils it is also essential for you to remember that a dog or cat's sense of smell is much more acute than our own. Signs that an aromatherapy treatment is too overwhelming for your pet are tearing eyes, sneezing, pacing or whining. Cats may lick themselves excessively and dogs may rub their head on the ground in order to escape the smell. Many pets also have allergies to essential oils. For instance, chamomile is related to the ragweed plant, which is a common allergen for both pets and humans. This is why it is so important to use a mild solution at first and use your powers of observation the first few times you use an essential oil mixture on a pet.

About the Author

Did you find this article useful? For more useful tips and hints, points to ponder and keep in mind, techniques, and insights pertaining to guides on perfumes and aromatherapy , do please browse for more information at our websites. www.infozabout.com www.perfumes.infozabout.com

Does it Make Sense to Search for Top Quality Persian Cat Breeders?

Does it Make Sense to Search for Top Quality Persian Cat Breeders?

Among cat breeds, the unique design of the Persian cat makes it one of the most popular cats. The Persian cat is often described in terms of its regal appearance and variety of colors as it charms cat lovers with a look all its own. Persian cat breeders have sprung up all across the United States to try to fill the ever increasing demand for Persian cats.

Unfortunately, many Persian cat breeders aren't all that qualified as breeders and don't have enough concern for the well-being of the cats and their owners. The kitten mills that have resulted have often treated cats in a manner that would be shocking to the prospective owners of these cats if they knew what would be taking place.

Many of these so-called Persian cat breeders do not even care for the health of the mother when she is pregnant. Who knows what this will do to the physical and psychological health of the kittens?

In many cases, the Persian cat breeders of these kitten mills do even more unthinkable things. If they do not have pure enough Persian cats, they may breed siblings or parent and child that have the right look just to make sure the kittens will look right. Those with external abnormalities at birth are simply discarded, while those without apparent abnormalities are sold. The result is often tragic in terms of very high pet bills, chronic mental or physical disability, or even early death.

If you just want a healthy cat with the Persian cat look, consider animal shelters where you can make a difference in the life of an orphaned Persian cat. The cat may not be pure, but it will typically be in good health. For cats that are purely pets, shelters may be the best option.

If you are out to get a high-quality, purebred Persian cat, do your due diligence in finding Persian cat breeders with strong local reputations among pet stores and other breeders. Take the time to go to their facilities and see for yourself how they care for the cats. Ask to see the parents of the cat you might adopt. Don't be afraid to ask prodding questions to see how they really feel about cats and how much they really know about cats.

Likewise, if you are buying from a pet store, you need to ask questions about where they get their cats. Not all pet stores are diligent about their cats. Fortunately, many do get only the highest quality animals. If they don't give out information and you don't have a good reason to trust them, you probably ought to look elsewhere for your Persian cat.

No matter where you buy your Persian cat, the underlying feeling you should get from the seller is a genuine concern for the animal. One of the best signs of good Persian cat breeders is that they show an interest in asking you questions about what kind of home you will provide.

About the Author

Rob Forchet is a cat behaviour researcher and is helping cat owners with practical tips and advice on cat breeds and cat breeders

 

Top 10 Pet Website Voted In 2008 By 0.1 Billion People

by Jaycn

Top 10 Pet Website Voted In 2008 By 0.1 Billion People

Perhaps one of the most popular things to do on the Internet is upload and broadcast pictures of your beloved animals. Everything from pictures and videos to podcasts of pet shenanigans have found ample homes online. Unfortunately, the vast majority of pet sites are of the nausea-inducing "cute" variety. Since pets can induce hours of laughter (regardless of whether they're wearing Groucho glasses or ladies' hats or not), we here decided to scour the Web for pet sites, and we found quite a few. What follows is a sampling of our favorite pet sites, some old, some new. Funny, of course, depends on the mind of the beholder, but we'd be lying if we didn't admit that we pretty much guffawed at every last site on this list. Check them out....

All these websites are voted on Misery Business(http://www.ucredit.org). You can get more infomation from there http://www.ucredit.org.

1.American Kennel Club < http://www.akc.org >
Browse dog breeds by name or group, learn about national breed clubs, breed rescue groups, and responsible breeding, or get a breeder referral. Registration for a litter also available online.

2.Petsmart.com < http://www.petsmart.com >
Buy food and pet supplies for dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and small pets. Browse categories for each pet type, or use the quick re-order feature for repeat items. Figure out how much food to buy with their food calculator.

3.ww.Pets8.org < http://www.pets8.org >
With information on pet care and nutrition for all pets, from horses to mice. Contact information for the Animal Poison Control Center, a list of toxic plants, and more. Many many resources too numerous to list. It has more than 10,000 articles and is updated everyday.

4.Prepare.org < http://www.prepare.org >
Pet first aid information from the Red Cross, available in 14 languages. Includes a list of essential first aid items and basic first aid procedures for dogs, cats, birds, small mammals, and reptiles.

5.LoveToKnow Cats < http://cats.lovetoknow.com/Main_Page >
Addresses all aspects of cat ownership; everything from the all-important What to Name the Kitten question, to the Declawing Debate, and articles on specific diseases such as Feline Leukemia.

6.Petplace.com < http://www.petplace.com >
A library of pet-related articles, updated frequently. Check out the Medical Center and the Drug Library. Catalogue your pet's medical records and generate interactive reminders in the myPet area.

7.Test Your Pet < http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/animals/pets >
Tests for your cat, dog, fish, bird, or small mammal. Tests include right or left "hand" preference, problem-solving skills, and "object permanence" comprehension.

8.iVillage < http://home.ivillage.compets/topics/0,,4tn6,00.html >
A wealth of pet information. Check out the Breed Selector, the Pet Name Finder, and the Pet Symptom Solver. There are also pages on pet loss support, pets and kids, traveling with pets, choosing a vet and other veterinary issues, and guides to local pet resources. There's much much more-- far too extensive to list here.

9.petswelcome.com < http://www.petswelcome.com >
Extensive listings of pet-friendly hotels (U.S. and Canada), ski resorts, campgrounds, beaches, B&Bs, amusements parks, and more. Also search by route, or look for apartments, kennels, pet sitters, or emergency vets. Make reservations at discounted prices from the site.

10.Only Natural Pet Supplies < http://www.onlynaturalpet.com?Click=5 >
Natural pet supplies and pet care store. Browse their herbal and homeopathic remedies, vitamins and supplements, and natural grooming products, or search the list of common ailments to find remedies.

About the Author

Nowadays, Jaycn run a website about Making Money Online. It talk about Misery Business, Auto Karta Slovenije, Najbolje Auto Igrice All are free. Your can visit here for more details: http://www.ucredit.org

Alpacas - Cuddly Pets - Wool Producers and Attractive Investment

Alpacas are found indigenously only in South America, mostly in Peru, Chile and Bolivia, but there are now breeding herds in countries as far widespread as Australia, England, Canada and the United States. Alpacas are camelids, related to the camels of Africa and Asia, and also to their nearer cousin the South American llama, being themselves generally softer and smaller. There are two types: Huacaya and Suri. Huacaya alpacas have a sheep-like fleece, whereas suris carry long silky hair. Ninety-five (95%) percent of alpacas are huacaya.

The ancient Peruvians domesticated their llamas as beasts of burden but they kept their alpacas for the soft fleece which for centuries was reserved for royalty. After the Spanish invasion of South America the alpaca went into decline but its fleece became fashionable once more in the nineteenth century. This revival is largely credited to the English industrialist and social reformer Titus Salt who took a risk in buying a consignment of unwanted wool at the port of Liverpool, and experimented in his Bradford textile mills until he found a way of weaving the fibre into a fabric which became recognised as the ultimate in luxurious softness.

Alpacas are mostly pleasant-natured, and easy to train, which makes them good to have around. Alpacas are safe animals, making wonderful pets in addition to producing fine and valuable fleece. They sometimes get a reputation for spitting but this is mostly reserved for other alpacas, not for humans. Alpacas rarely spit at people unless frightened or abused. Most alpacas will readily accept being stroked or petted.

In their pasture areas alpacas cause very little disturbance to the earth and eat mainly the tops off the grass. They adapt to widely varied habitats from sea level to from 15,000 feet. Alpacas can generally be kept at between 5 and 10 per acre. They don't require highly specialised shelter or care and have a good life span of from 15 to 20 years. They are sheared once a year for their fleeces. They are beautiful animals, coming in a great variety of colours, 22 in all. They can provide a satisfying addition to an investment portfolio, and if you keep them yourself can also contribute to a healthy lifestyle.

David Murray is joint-owner of BrunleaBooks.com and in recent years has developed an interest in the alpaca, having first come across them in any major way at the local agricultural show near where he lives in Newark, England, which also hosts a major annual alpaca show. He is currently building a web site about alpacas and alpaca products at: fine-alpaca.co.uk

 

Commercial Fencing of Rabbits

By Paul Savory

Rabbits consume about 150 grams of dry matter per day so a large population can do serious damage to a commercial crop of vegetable crops in a short space of time. The additional consideration is the wastage caused by vegetables being discarded as they do not meet strict consumer requirements due rabbit damage.

Large scale commercial vegetables are difficult and expensive to protect by conventional fencing and the only viable option is to use portable electric fencing.

If you are serious about your gardening, (rabbits love garden vegetables, especially leafy greens) and tired of losing your prize plants to rabbits or just want to keep rabbits out of your yard, then electric rabbit fencing is the perfect solution.

Traditional rabbit fencing usually consists of expensive wire mesh with a portion of that buried underground to stop them burrowing under. These had to be substantial constructions, time consuming and expensive to erect. Luckily, these are no longer necessary.

Effective Electric Fencing can be erected via two methods:-

1. Flexinett Electric Netting. This is highly effective, very portable and very easy to use. All netting systems are resource hungry and do require a larger energizer to run an equal distance.
2. Parallel wire systems. These require more precise erection but may still be regarded as temporary. They are cheaper and require fewer resources than a netting system.

The efficacy of the two systems may be judged by the results of a trial carried out by the Central Science Laboratory on behalf of the Horticultural Development Council in Cornwall. Both systems proved to be over 95% effective in excluding rabbits and far more effective than the farmers own attempt to protect his cauliflowers. No more than a single rabbit was ever seen in either of the two systems; by contrast, as many as 1 per square meter was seen in the farmers control on any night.

The majority of rabbits touch the live wires of the fence with their noses, receive a shock, and retreat into the harbourage. This created the psychological impression associated with Electric Fences and prevented their return. The sharp sting experienced by rabbits when they touch an electric fence creates a strong psychological imprint on the rabbits' brain that the animal cannot visualise so they are unable to ascertain the outer limits of this barrier. As a result of this, Rabbits were not found to have burrowed under the fences at all and a few were seen to jump through. These could have been eliminated by the use of bait caps to re-enforce the efficacy of the fence. Rabbits seen to touch the fence reacted sharply by retreating into the nearest harbourage and were not seen to test the fence for a second time. The number observed testing the fence will also decrease with time with up to 65% fewer observations in weeks of erecting the fence.

The farmer on whose land the research was conducted estimated that the additional profit arising from subsequent yield increases was sufficient to cover the costs of Electric Fencing in one year and of Electric Netting in two.

Trials to determine the number of years of useful life of electric netting fences were terminated after seven years at the end of which they were working effectively. However, if maintenance is poor or nets are regularly moved, the useful life of the fence will be considerably shortened because of the damage rabbits will do to it by chewing and mechanical damage to the filaments.

Electric netting is purchased as a stand-alone product supplied with posts moulded into the mesh and are normally supplied in 50m lengths. A standard height is 50cm but there are taller 75cm nets available.

Erecting the netting is quick and easy once familiarity is achieved and the only precaution is to ensure the bottom live strand does not come into contact with the ground. These nets are then attached to a suitable energizer. Netting is very resource hungry and requires strong energizers. Research the capacity of the energizer carefully, establish how many nets it will run and then go a bit bigger. A wimpy energiser will result in a wimpy fence.

Line fences are constructed using standard fencing equipment. In addition to the four wires suggested, it is advisable to put a return-earth wire against the ground. This is connected to the earth stake and is not energized. The function of this is to improve the contact between the rabbit and the ground and will increase the effectiveness of the fence. The fence will be further enhanced by utilizing Bait Caps on the fence. These are small absorbent pads in a metal cap. This material is soaked in an attractant such as neat Apple cordial and attached to either type of fence. The rabbit will approach them and use its' nose or tongue to investigate it. Both the nose and tongue are highly enervated and extremely sensitive to stimulation. Both these techniques will increase the effectiveness of the fence.

The majority of Electric fence problems arise from 2 sources, the energizer was inadequate to start with or the underground post being incorrect. Sort those two out and you should have good results. A rusty piece of metal buried a few inches underground is not an adequate earth post. Rust is not a good conductor and the long-term chemical reactions between the soil and metal are the cause of the majority of problems. 12v systems and above require an earth post at least 1m long driven into wet soil to be totally efficient. The greater the soil/metal contact that can be achieved, the easier the current will flow back to the energizer, the stronger the fence will be.

If a good fence is installed and a few criteria are adhered to, the maintenance on an electric fence may be LESS than other fences.

Agrisellex Electric fencing are Internet based suppliers of the largest range of electric fencing products available in Europe. Utilizing a range of couriers we deliver direct to your door at competitive Internet prices. http://www.agrisellex.co.uk http://www.agrisellex.co.uk/x1878.html

Do You Have Any Bacon?

By Cher King

On our farm we raise our own meat, something that was important to us. We have raised pigs in the past, which would give us an abundance of bacon. We have ours sliced thick. It is a luxury after buying the thinly sliced stuff from the store. There is a menu board on the wall of my farm stand where items are listed with a price. If I am sold out of an item, it is labeled in bright red marker "sold out". It is very bright in color and hard to miss. I usually tend to have out-of-state city people that camp in the surrounding area. I have to remember they do not always understand farming and how things are in nature. A certain out-of-state couple stopped and looked over the menu board. They asked for bacon. I looked at the board which has the bright red message of "sold out" right beside it.

"Sorry we are sold out," I said.

"When are you going to get more" they ask.

This is the part I dread because no matter how bluntly I say what I am about to say they are not really listening.

I start my little speech as follows:

"When it says sold out, it means for a whole year we will not have any bacon at all because there is no more. Wait, I'm not finished," I say because if you pause you're opening up for questions. "You see it takes about six months to get my pig up to 400 to 600 pounds so I will have plenty of bacon. This is fall; I will not get a pig until spring because I do not like raising pigs in the winter, so that is another six months of waiting. So to answer your question, No pork now until next September."

I wait for confirmation that they understand the process, no pig, no bacon.

They seem to understand what I had told them and they left. Finally someone had actually listened, that is until I saw them drive in my yard the following week. Usually the only reason they stop is for bacon. They know I do not have any because I gave them the circle of life story. So I wait for them to come in and they stand there and ask for bacon. I point to the sign where it says, "sold out". I ask them if they remember the whole story I told them how bacon is made and how we have no pigs.

"Oh, are you saying you have no bacon?" they ask.

"Yes that is what I am saying, no pig, and no bacon," I say as politely as possible.

So they leave again empty handed and I think ok, they got it now. They cannot be that thick. Right?

The next week comes around and they show up. I was thinking to myself, they seriously couldn't be here to ask for bacon. They came into the store and boldly asked for bacon.

"That is it. What part of I have no bacon do you not get?" I ask.

I have not even taken a breath yet and I still have more in me that has been building up for the past three weeks.

"I explained to you that I have no pork, if I did have one right now, it would go to the butcher. He would take a week to cut the meat. Then if I want ham or bacon, the butcher sends it to a smoker. That's what gives bacon and ham that wonderful flavor. He keeps that for a month and gives it back to the butcher and it takes another week for him to slice it and call me up for pick up. So I told you I am not going to buy a pig until spring and it is September now. So I will count for you, so 6 to 7 months until spring. If I kept the pig until August I still wouldn't have bacon until near the end of September. No bacon, don't make me tap the sign where it says in bright red letters "sold out"." I said.

"Oh you don't buy it from someplace else" they ask.

"What would be the point in that of advertising organic and we raise our own meat, why the heck would I buy outside meat?" I said.

"Oh I thought you could get it for us?" they stammered.

This is the point where I understand they really weren't listening the three other times that I had explained in full detail on how we process our meat.

Ok, I make our own cheese and we raise our own meat, I do not buy it from a wholesaler. To me having a farm stand means I personally raised or made the products I sell here, that is my niche. Now you have other pork products to choose from for breakfast, sausage and ham steaks. You would probably like the ham steaks since it has been smoked and closer to bacon, right?

Oh, I thought you bought items from a bigger store and sold them here, she said. Well I guess we could try the ham.

Why was that so hard? I really am not sure since I had explained why I did not have the bacon available. They should have understood the process better. I guess people are not interested in the process but whether I have the product or not.

Frogs and Salamanders are Amphibians

Not many people know that the common garden frogs and toads come under special category called amphibians. They are called amphibians because they can live both on ground and inside water. They have a special set of lungs that assist respiration irrespective of the location of the animal. The term amphibian is so commonly used these days that any thing that relates to dual life inside water and on ground is referred to as amphibious. They are also called amphibians because there is involvement of water at one particular level in the life cycle of the animal. Let us examine these amphibians one by one.

The amphibians include the general garden frog, salamander, giant salamander, newt, Caecilians, South African Ghost frog, Dancing frog, Bull Frog, Dart Frog, Tree Frog and Gardenia Seychelles. All these animals lead a dual life. They spend more or less equal amount of their life cycle on water and land. For instance, it has been found that amphibians find it extremely difficult to survive in the absence of water. Even, the common garden frog is found in places where there is a lot of moisture. You can even find the garden frogs inside the water tank or fountain in the park or house garden. The frogs are fond of water for several reasons. Whenever they mate, the breeding takes place inside water. The frogs need water as the medium to lay their eggs. The initial phase of the newly born tad poles also known as younglings of frogs need water to sustain a living. These tadpoles contain a special set of gills using which they breathe while in water. Interestingly if the tadpoles are taken out of the water, they will not survive for long. Such is the bonding between the frog's life cycle and water.

After spending a larger part of their life inside water, the tadpoles transform into frogs. During this transformational period, these tad poles rely extensively on water for their food. They feed on a lot of microbial animals called planktons. It is said that a garden water tank is always clean in the presence of frogs. In the absence of water, frogs find it extremely difficult to breed. Some tree frogs, which live inside the jungles with little or no flowing water, have found an innovative way to breed. These frogs rely on the flower dew and tree sap for breeding. For instance, the frogs lay the eggs inside the dew collected flower in which the tadpoles become active once the egg hatches. The tad poles have very little space to move around. However, they continue to survive in such as small space. Unlike garden frogs, which lay eggs in thousands, the tree frogs lay only a few eggs. Since the absence of the ecosystem for breeding is poor when compared to that of the garden frog, the number of eggs laid is less.

Newts are some times tadpoles that fail to grow into the full size of a frog. Such conditions are very normal in the amphibian world. The limbless amphibians are also found in the fresh water.

Article written by Cassaundra Flores, owner of skyfireproducts.com

 

Integrated Pest Management for Large Livestock

We breed bucking bulls here at the 4B Ranch and pay big bucks for top genetics. The last thing we want to do is damage that pricey DNA by using pesticides for fly control. But let unchecked, flies can cause disease and decrease weight gain and milk production along with lots of misery with their biting, buzzing and swarming. We've found we can control these pests organically with an integrated approach.

Our recipe for relief has multiple interlocking parts. First, good sanitation is key. Manure is cleaned up daily into composting piles. There is no standing water or pooling urine. Spring through fall we release fly parasites on an every three week schedule. These small insects disrupt the fly life cycle.

Fly parasites have been around for more than 20 years and are available from several reputable vendors that you can find on the web. These beneficial insects only affect flies and are both easy to use and economical. You can get good fly traps and bait from many of the same companies. These vary quite a bit so I recommend you read product reviews before buying a system.

We also move our cattle through fly boxes daily during fly season when they come in for grain feeding. Fly boxes are covered frames that are coated with adhesive bait on the interior. Flies jump off the cows and stick to the inside of the box where they die. We also have free range laying chickens that are free to roam our pastures. The birds do a great job of eating fly larva and parasite eggs. And we get wonderful rich yolked eggs as a side benefit.

If the weather is really hot and humid, or we get an influx of flies from a neighboring farm, we use some organic pesticide application directly on the animals but most of the time, this is unnecessary. We have not needed to place insecticide ear tags. That's it. And I can walk around out in my pastures and not get eaten alive. My cattle can relax and concentrate on chewing their cuds, making babies and watching their chickens unworried by nasty biting pests.

By author Dr. Eileen Schweickert. For more information on pest control and other topics about livestock please check out our web site. http://www.bluewaterbaybuckingbulls.com