Benefits of a Fancy Bird House Instead of a Traditional One

When people hear the term nautical bird house, they think that it is something that is intended to accommodate sea gulls, pelicans, and other sea birds. This is completely untrue because those sea birds will not be fit inside. This type is only intended to accommodate common song birds. It got its name because it is built to resemble a nautical structure. Light house design is the most popular one.

A nautical bird house is one example of fancy bird houses. Many people think that it is only a kind of box structure with four walls, a floor, and a small roof. However, the design has become advance recently and the finished product can resemble various objects, such as Victorian mansions, fire stations, barns, and old stores. Most of these designs are multileveled or have more than one chamber with separate entrance hole. Therefore, more than one family of birds can nest in without causing any territorial fight.

Traditional bird houses are relatively easy to make. However, when it comes to nautical and other fancy ones, general bird watchers will not be able to make one. The design is usually complicated and it will be hard for anyone besides professional carpenters to make it. You should be able to get one from craft stores, feed stores, and pet stores.

Why fancy bird house?

Perhaps you are wondering why people want to buy a such a house. It is only used by birds and obviously they cannot differentiate whether the design is beautiful or not. Furthermore, it costs much more than the traditional bird house. The reason is because those people intend to use the intricate appearance of this house to decorate their garden. Some of them even use the house only for decorative purpose and thus they close the entrance hole and do not allow birds to use it. They put this house in a prominent place so their guests can comment on its beauty.

However, if you also want it to function fully, then you should find a strategic spot to mount it. You should make sure that predators like cats and raccoons cannot access if. Furthermore, you should clean it regularly after birds have moved out.

A fancy bird house may attract the same types of bird as the traditional one. However, for some people, attracting birds are not the only goal. They also want to beautify their garden.

Cindy Heller is a professional writer. To learn more about humming bird house plans, please visit how to build a bird house

Kirby Carpet Shampoo and Cleaners Can Tackle Any Cleaning Job

By Alan Kirchain

We all know how great Kirby vacuum cleaners and cleaning systems are about as good as it gets, so you should not be surprised that Kirby carpet shampoo and other cleaning products are some of the best in the business as well.

Basic Kirby Shampoo Works Great

Their basic carpet cleaner is anything but basic. Kirby Allergen Control Carpet Shampoo not only gets your carpets incredible clean, it will also kills all of those dust mite particles that are floating around inside the fabric of your carpet. People don't realize how much this affects their allergies, but you will be amazed at the difference just one cleaning with this shampoo will make in your quality of breathing and the cleanliness of your carpet.

Pet Owner Rejoice

Kirby also has a Carpet Shampoo for Pet Owners that will have people thinking that you got rid of your pet. Between the vacuum cleaner and the carpet shampoo for pet owners, the only trace of your pet will be when you see them walking around. It has the ability to deep clean every surface that it touches and gets rid of all that pet dander buildup and pet stains that our best friends can leave us as a constant reminder of their existence. Cleaning and deodorizing has never been easier.

Remove Gum and Other Difficult Items

Of course, there are those special situations where you need something a little stronger than just a normal carpet cleaner and Kirby covers just about every situation that you can think of. They have just released an Ice-N-Clean Gum & Residue Remover that is quickly becoming the best on the market. Not only does it remove gum, it also gets rid of things like candle wax and caulk!

Make Your Old Carpet Look Even Newer

In fact, Kirby has a complete line of cleaners like a Brightening Oxygen Additive to brighten up the appearance of your older carpet, a pre-treatment for the areas of the house that see heavy traffic and need a little more attention and they even have an upholstery protector to give you that added insurance against those really tough stains that can absolutely destroy furniture. You wanted an all in one cleaning supplier and now you finally have one!

Genuine Kirby Carpet Shampoo can be shipped directly to your door. If you are searching for Kirby carpet shampoo please visit http://www.squidoo.com/kirbycarpetshampoo

How Much Will a Saltwater Aquarium Cost to Setup? The Cost of Setting Up Saltwater Tanks Examined

Setting up a saltwater tank costs money, that fact cannot be argued. Most people think that it will take a lot of money and this keeps them away from the hobby. But figuring out how much will a saltwater aquarium cost is not that hard and the article below will help you understand the costs involved with setting up and caring for a saltwater tank.

How Much Will a Saltwater Aquarium Cost To Setup

While figuring out your marine aquarium setup to the penny would be pretty tough you can get a very close estimate of the overall cost by using a cost per gallon factor. If you are setting up a marine aquarium that will only have fish in it you can easily use the number of $20-$25 per tank gallon.

If you are setting up a reef aquarium the added equipment can drive this number to around $35 per tank gallon. The reef tank can go much higher then this if you are buying very high end equipment or exotic corals.

The above prices will give you a good estimate and should get you a tank that is completely set up ready to go with a basic fish or two. Additional fish will obviously add more money but because the prices of saltwater fish vary alot it is hard to gauge the extra expense they will add.

How Much To Maintain My Saltwater Aquarium

The cost involved to take care of marine aquariums will be different for each tank. But as a general rule of thumb the average saltwater tank will cost about $.50-$1 per tank gallon to run and maintain. A reef aquarium will be much more and you will be safe to figure in around $1.50-$2 per tank gallon in operating and maintenance costs each month.

To create an easy-to-maintain saltwater aquarium grab a copy of our Saltwater Aquarium Guide. This illustrated guide will show you step by step how to properly set up your aquarium. It's crammed with tips and secrets that the pros use to create stunning aquariums! Learn more at http://www.saltwatermethods.com

Creating Play Areas For Pets and Your Children

By Fran Sloan

Creating a backyard that is friendly for both, your pets and your children does not have to be a difficult task. Pets need a friendly environment to feel at home whether it is in the house or outside. Bringing the house outside creates a friendlier environment for the pet that includes safety features for the family dog or cat. The family cat will love having a place to climb and recline in the sun, so consider one of those wooden cat exercise boxes for your little friend.

Dogs need to have enough space to run and play without causing harm to the children. Plan to fence in a dog run so your dog gets both exercise and is not totally isolated from the family. Animals really do need socialization and react when they are deprived. They want to have natural grass and run space to keep their limbs healthy. Make sure the run error is free of any sharp edges and broken glass, which prove to be harmful both to pets and children. When the children are visiting, place folding chairs in places that give the children ample access to encourage play from the animals.

Place some large plants to encourage shade while providing sunshine for both children and animals. Some animals prefer running water to the still water of a pan so incorporate a pond with flowers on the top. You might even put a frog or two in the pond to encourage inquisitiveness on your animals and family members. You can place rugs on the wood areas or stone areas to bring the inside out. These rugs make your open areas look more comfortable and part of your home.

Incorporate wooden play yard equipment for the small children and table and chairs for the older children who wish to play board games and talk. Place rugs on the floor so if there are accidents while playing, they don't hurt themselves. The table and chairs can have the same fabric as the adult outdoor furniture. The unique quality to the cushions is they can be taken in and stored during the winter months and put back out in the spring. Some of the cushions' covers can be replaced for a more updated version especially if the children are growing older and want something more in tune with their ages. To make the best use of your outdoor furniture, you may opt to change cushions at the end of the summer or early spring as the companies have the sales. There will be more of a selection to choose from.

Large selections may not always be the best way to go, but check out what is being offered and if you are handy with a sewing machine, you could make your own unique cushion covers for your very own yard. Best of luck and enjoy your decorating adventure.

Discover where Interior Design experts go to shop for their pink rugs.

Working With Shelters & Humane Societies With Your Pet Store

Rescuing a pet can be a very rewarding experience for both the organization providing the adoption and for the adopter. Most people are unaware that 25% of the pet population in Humane Societies and shelters are purebred and 3-4 million dogs and cats are euthanized each year. Most breeders are reputable, however, puppy mills, "backyard" breeders, and lack of spay and neutering in this country are creating more pets then can currently be adopted. Stephanie Hiemstra, executive director of The Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe states, "The pet overpopulation problem in this country is an unnecessary tragedy. It could be solved if people would simply get their pets spayed and neutered. The irresponsible breeding of dogs and cats leads to millions of animals being euthanized in shelters each year for no reason other than there is no place for them to go."

How can you as a business owner turn the problem into a positive for both the sheltered pets and your business? Hosting monthly adoption programs with your local shelters and humane societies can increase awareness of the overpopulation problem, find countless homes for pets and create a positive business reputation within your community. If the adoptions are held frequently enough, they can also increase your sales. According to Stephanie, "Offsite adoption locations are really great ways for rescue organizations to find homes for their animals. Manpower is the main issue when setting up an offsite adoption whether it is just for the day or for the long term. If we [The Humane Society] are organizing a daylong adoption event at a store, we have to recruit a lot of volunteers, bring out all of the cages and set everything up. However, all the work is well worth it if we find homes for any of our animals."

Most humane societies advertise their adoptions and locations and your business can benefit from the co-op advertising as well as positive exposure. The newly adopted pet will need to be outfitted with collars, food, beds, etc and what better place to do so then where the pet was adopted. Celia Sack, owner of Noe Valley Pet Co. in San Francisco, CA hosts adoptions regularly. "Adoptions attract many people, which is always good for business. It also feels great to see them find new homes and customers always feel a connection to your store when they adopt their pet from your business" says Celia. Holding adoptions can be a win-win situation for both your business and the local rescue groups. However, before calling your local Humane Society or SPCA to set up an adoption at your store, consider the pros, cons and tips below.

PROS:

- Builds a positive reputation for your business within the community.
- Business benefits from co-op advertising from the humane society - ads that promote their adoptions and locations.
- Increases sales from walk in traffic
- Increases sales from customers outfitting their new pet.
- Creates lifelong bond with adopted pet's owner and your business.
- Dogs & cats that may have been otherwise euthanized are adopted into loving homes.

CONS:

- Need a space large enough to host several dogs and cats.
- Creating a space for the pets may involve rearranging layout of store.
- Involves extra time and payroll for setup, staffing, etc.
- May be difficult to find rescue organizations with enough volunteers and equipment to hold adoptions regularly.

TIPS:

- Host the adoptions regularly to maintain a set time and place for customers looking to adopt.
- Ask the Humane Society or shelter for volunteers to keep your additional staffing at a minimum.
- Make sure the organization you choose is easy to work with and flexible with your needs and has a positive reputation throughout the community.
- Make sure to review the policies and procedures of the rescue organization.
- Add the monthly or weekly adoption times and dates to your own advertising plan.
- Make sure staff and volunteers arrive an hour before each scheduled adoption to allow time for setup and organization.
- Offer a 10% discount to increase the products purchased for the new pet adopted.
- Have fun with the event!

By Lori Dotterweich from http://www.tailsbythelake.com

Microchipping Your Pet Bird - 10 Reasons Not to Do It

By David B Weber

 

Microchipping is the process of implanting a device under you pet's skin that can be read with a scanner and used to positively identify your pet. There are reasons to have you pet bird microchipped and some reasons not to have your pet bird microchipped. This is often a personal decision that can/must be made by you and only you. There are some good resources on the internet about this topic and this list just briefly covers the subject. Check out the links at the bottom of the list to get more information about microchipping your pet bird.

1. The Procedure Requires A Vet Visit - A hypodermic needle is used to implant the device. The method and placement is critical so the procedure must be done by a vet.
2. Not Everyone Scans For Microchips - Not all vets, Sanctuaries and Rescues scan for microchips. While some scanner companies provide scanners free to SOME shelters, the scanners are expensive so not all organizations can afford them if they aren't provided for free.
3. There is No 'Standard' Microchip - There's more than one 'standard' chip so scanners must scan for all of them. The "Universal" scanners in use today do not scan for all microchips. Be sure to call your local rescue or shelter BEFORE getting a microchip implant to see if their scanner will scan the type of microchip that you are considering.
4. The System Isn't 100% Fail Proof - The 'Recovery' system fails if you don't update your registry record when it changes (phone, contact, address etc). There's usually a one time fee for maintaining your information in a national registry. Depending on the registry that you use, there may be an annual fee. Some registries such as 24petwatch are free.
5. It May Be Expensive - Microchips are more expensive than a leg band. There is a charge for the implant ($25-$50) and there may be a charge for maintaining your registration.
6. Microchips Won't Prevent Theft - The device will not prevent theft and isn't designed to prevent theft.
7. There is a Risk Of Complication - There is a small risk of complications with all medical procedures that break the skin such as infection.
8. The Microchip May Migrate Under The Skin - The microchip may migrate under the skin and make it harder to find/scan if implanted incorrectly. Some chips like the HomeAgain microchip has the Bio-Bond™ patented anti-migration feature which minimizes or eliminates this problem.
9. Microchip Scanners Aren't 100% Reliable - Not only do "Universal" scanners not read ALL the different variations of microchips, according to at least one study, the scanners don't have a 100% sensitivity for the microchips the scanners were designed to scan!
10. The Microchip May Need Replaced - Studies have shown that chips typically last at least 25 years which is enough for most animals (considering their lifespan). Most studies to date have been conducted on dogs and cats which have a considerable shorter lifespan than parrots. Is this long enough for some parrot species which some claim to live to 75 years old in captivity? More studies may be required as more long lifespan parrots are implanted.

Looking for more information? Here's a few links that you may want to check out.

• Kibibi's Top Ten Reasons to Microchip - Check out the other side of the coin before deciding if you want to microchip your pet bird or parrot.
• HowStuffWorks - Microchipping - Great source for understanding the Microchipping process.
• Dolittler - Microchipping - Great source for looking at some of the 'cons' for Microchiping.

The Author is the creator of the InfoSuperFlyway.com. It's a webpage dedicated to Kibibi a Congo African Grey Parrot with parrot recordings, funny parrot videos, top ten lists, parrot jokes, clicker training info and a large database of parrot articles.

 

Never Be Deceived by a Fake Dog Food

Of all the things you've heard about commercial dog foods and all their scams would still feed your pet with their products? Or you think that some companies are just messing other companies successful business strategies that they tend to deceive the public. Well for one thing those claims and accusations do have basis. It is true that they are using ingredients that are good for an animal's growth and well-being but they definitely fall short. Most of the substances or rather ingredients that they are using are corn and wheat. There is no question whether it is good for the animals because your pets need to get their nutrient requirements in one way or another.

Vegetables are chock full vitamins and minerals so they are absolutely good stuffs. However dogs are considered omnivores and they need to eat lots of meat to support their heavy protein needs. But most commercial dog food companies do not include that in their products. And to make things worst they substitute protein with other chemicals that are harmful to your pets. Do not be deceived by their intensive and powerful marketing because they are really great in that aspect. They can make you believe whatever they say in the labels or in their posters that their product is the ultimate food your pet could ever wish for.

Then they drain your pockets without you knowing it. The sad truth is they tend to get away with your money plus they left you a malnourished and chemically sick pooch. You bought their product with the thought that it can make your pet healthy and happy. But the results are just devastating because they do not only make a healthy animal sick but they also make a sick animal face death earlier. Of course you do not want any of your pet to have that ugly end. These dog food companies better be sent to jail for all of their false statements.

Although there are some or a few concerned companies that create quality products you still cannot get access to them maybe because their marketing strategy is nothing compared to the big fraudulent ones. The only time you will know that you have been fooled is when your pet is getting sick already. Another great milestone for those uncaring dog food companies is their attractive and very appealing labels. Maybe you too have been deceived by a cute puppy happily eating its meal. What they want to tell you with that picture is you can achieve a happy and contented puppy when you but their products.

For all you know, they might have starved that pup for days so when it gets its first sight of food it literally looks excited and craving for its meal. Don't be bewitched with their fake ads. If you are already aware of these things then you know better than to be led to get their products immediately and pay it to the counter because you are just putting your money in the drain. So next time you shop for real dog food try to scrutinize the products well. Check who manufactured it and find a back ground information if you can.

Your pet's food is its investment for its future so make a wise choice.

The author of this article Alex De La Cruz is a Dog Trainer who has been successful with several dog training courses for many years. Alex decided to share his knowledge and tips through his website http://www.doggyweb.info. You can sign up for his free newsletter and enjoy a healthy and submissive dog.

Tips For Shipping Animals Overseas

Shipping animals requires research and choosing an experienced cargo shipping company. When you ship an animal, there are many different things that you will need to consider. Among the most important is which shipping company you are going to use, and what kind of documentation you need to ship your animals.

Picking Your Air Freight Service

If you are shipping small animals, then you will need an air freight service that can tell you exactly what you need to make the process quick and efficient. Since you will need to care for the animals while they are begin held in quarantine, knowing what you need to provide is just a small portion of the whole shipping cycle. You will also need to bring in documentation that gives you permission to ship the animals.

The right shipping company can prepare you for the shipping, and help you prepare the documentation you need for shipping and customs. If you are shipping a rare or protected animal, then you will also need to provide accurately completed documentation from the country that you are shipping the animal from, and from the institution where you are shipping the animal to. It is illegal to ship animals without going through the proper channels and with inaccurate documentation; the animal could be stuck in customs for quite some time.

Common Issues

Shipping animals can be frustrating if you have chosen the wrong cargo shipping company. You can be prepared for the most common imports and customs issues by talking to the customer support center for the shipping company, who should be able to provide you with all of the details that you need to ship your animals.

Typically, when you are shipping animals, you will need to have proof of vaccinations, permission to take the animals out of the country or ownership documentation, and may have to allow the animals to spend some time in quarantine. This is especially true if you are carrying an animal overseas which can have potentially damaging effects on the natural flora or fauna of the country that you are shipping to. There are exceptions, however, such as shipping animals to zoos or other government recognized institutes.

The Costs

The costs of shipping animals will vary greatly depending on the type of animals that you are shipping and the kind of care the animals will need during the transportation process. For particularly rare or dangerous animals, a professional handler may be allowed to accompany the animal on board the air carrier or ocean cargo ship.

You will also need to consider the care of the animals while they are being shipped, especially if they are on an ocean cargo ship. Shipping animals can be complicated, but with the help of a good shipping company, you will have nothing to worry about.

The last factor that you will need to consider is the actual price of the shipping services from the company that you choose.

Shipping Animals overseas does not need to be complicated. Amerijet International, Inc. is committed to making Shipping Animals as simple as possible. We also offer international freight shipping services.

Top Ten Clicker Training Questions

Here are 10 common questions asked about Clicker Training..

1. Does Clicker Training really work or is it just a fad? Yes it works and no it isn't just a fad. Clicker training is based on theory of Operant Conditioning. Clicker Training is used by successful animal trainers around the world.

2. Do I have to use a Clicker? No, a Clicker isn't absolutely required but it is highly recommended. You may also use you mouth to make the noise, use a click-able writing pen, or any other means to simulate the clicker noise. The Clicker is inexpensive, makes a distinct sound, makes the same sound each time, and is easy to use.

3. Will I have to carry a Clicker and Treats with me everywhere I go? No, the Clicker and Treats are only required during the training of a behavior and for periodic reinforcement after the behavior is perfected and on cue.

4. Can I use the Clicker to fix behavioral problems? Yes, there are several methods to fixing behavioral problems using Clicker training such as Extinction or Substitution.

5. How long to training sessions last? This depends on the animal and the trainer. The key is to keep the session interesting and fun for the animal. Sessions can last anywhere from a couple minutes to 30 minutes. Most sessions last around 10-20 minutes depending on the interest level of the animal.

6. What should I use for a treat? This depends on the animal but most trainers use some form of food for a treat. It may be food, petting, praise, a quick play session, or anything else the animal is willing to work for..

7. How do I get the bird to do something for me to Click? There are several methods to get your animal to offer a behavior that you want to train. These include Capturing, Luring, Shaping, and Modeling..

8. When can I raise the criteria when training a new behavior? The criteria (your expectation) can be raised when the success rate is at least 80% (8 out of 10). This is a general rule. Raising the criteria too quickly may cause confusion.

9. When can I add a cue to a new behavior? A cue (verbal or nonverbal command) can be added to a new behavior after the behavior is perfected and after it is perfect approximately 90% (9 out of 10) of the time. Adding the cue too early will result in a "less than perfect" trained behavior and may require more time.

10. Where can I get Clickers? There are several places on the web to get clickers. There are also Clickers and other training equipment frequently for sale on eBay.

The Author is the creator of the InfoSuperFlyway.com. It's a webpage dedicated to Kibibi a Congo African Grey Parrot with parrot recordings, funny parrot videos, top ten lists, parrot jokes, clicker training info and a large database of parrot articles.

 

Animal Communication Tips and Tricks

Today I'll share some animal communication tips by telling you a little story.

My calico cat, Molly, is well known to participants of my animal communication workshops and she stars in many of my articles. Our latest development is our big move in September from Whidbey Island, WA, to Portland, OR.

Since moving to Portland, Molly misses the richness of living on acreage, of communing with bunnies, voles, mice, and snakes. She used to spend hours napping in tall grasses and navigating blackberry bush mazes. Once she arrived home with two blackberry thorns lodged in her nose. She looked like a tiny rhinoceros!

Despite missing the island, Molly is adapting well to city living. For one she gets to stay out later because there are no bald eagles flying overhead, no coyotes walking the streets. And she has a cat door. She got the hang of it without hesitation or trial and error. I simply showed Molly a movie - telepathically - of her stepping through the flap. Presto! She sauntered over to the cat door and went out for the day. Now I've just got to remember to show her a movie of entering through the flap as well!

Tip: I have found that movies, or sequential narratives, help with training. For example, I've used them with scent tracking dogs who lose the scent in certain situations. Showing them how to backtrack and pick up the scent trail is sometimes all it takes to help them through a difficult training hurdle.

Molly does face some new challenges here in Stumptown. The neighbor cats regard my house as an extension of their territory. One goes so far as to body slam the Queen Anne front door and glare through the glass at Molly. I'm learning that my little country cat is a lover, not a fighter.

As I write, Molly is lying on the couch, eating bon bons, while I figure out how to convince the neighbor cats to change their ways. My take is that they want what Molly has: a home, love, and private property (one cat has sneaked inside several times and checked out Molly's many toys).

Tip: Simply ordering animals to do what we want doesn't suffice - they have free will. It's about being in relationship. It's about learning what motivates each animal.

It's often in the dance of human-feline community that cats can be wooed away from reactive, instinctual behavior. That's what I'll be asking of the neighbor cats. I'll be inviting them to call in their sentience to the fullest degree and choose from the wider range of options visible from that vantage point. I'll invite them to choose peaceful coexistence with Molly over rubbing her out.

Tip: Dog-aggressive dogs, horses that buck unpredictably, and cats who spray all have the problem of reactivity. A stimulus triggers a response. In other words, they react instinctively before deliberating. In our communications with animals, if we can teach them how to build in a delay before responding, we have created the precondition for choice, the choice of an adaptive rather than reactive behavior.

Here's the catch. Neither neighbor cat has a name. The twosome, a tortie and a muted tortie, live in their front yard 24/7, just as the three dogs in the household live in the backyard 24/7. They don't live in meaningful relationship with humans. The way I see it, I'll be inviting them into relationship for what may be the first time. Through calling them in, I may convince them to grow and change their ways.

Tip: I define animal communication as the art of creating deep, loving connections with animals on the fly.

Fast forward a few months. It's February, and I have been working with the neighbor cats as proposed. They come to the names I have given them. The tortie, Radha, contentedly spends time in the house with Molly and me. The muted tortie, Smokey, ventures as close as the wicker chairs on the front porch. We have indeed achieved peace by coming into relationship, first through intuitive connection, next through gestures of kindness.

Jacqueline Sowell, MA, works with clients on five continents. She welcomes calls for private consultations and seminars. Soulful Transformation for the Whole Family | Certified Professional Animal Communicator | http://www.jsowell.com | (503) 799-7282

Your Gerbil Should Live in an Aquarium

To understand why your gerbil should live in an aquarium we'll first have to look at gerbils in the wild.Gerbils are a burrowing animal, they dig up the ground and create underground tunnel systems in which they reside.The other noteworthy trait of a gerbil is that it is a rodent, which in short, means they like to chew allot.

Gerbil movement is more like hopping than running, and their large back feet are furry on the bottom to protect them from the heat of the sand. Gerbils are fast but overly inquisitive. In their natural environment, they mostly eat insects, and additionally gain moisture from desert plants that store water in them. A gerbil has fur all over its body, including the tail, as this prevents it from getting sunburned.

There are several quite obvious reasons why aquariums make better housing for a gerbil:

When the gerbil starts to dig around through his bedding, the bedding is contained within the aquarium and isn't splashed sideways on the floor (which I just finished cleaning of course).

Cages that have more than one level can become a serious danger, especially to pups. They run around and play around and a fall or stumble and can end up with a broken leg.

Gerbils also tend to chew the wires of the cage which isn't particularly good to the cage or good to the gerbil.

Moreover Gerbils are social animals, and prefer to live in groups. Often very large groups live well together, as long as the living environment is big enough; otherwise, the gerbils may become frustrated and attack one another.That's why it's very important to have a large roomy aquarium for you gerbils. Aquariums tend to be bigger than cages thus provide to the little ones more room play in. Moreover hamster wheels can easily be fitted at the top of an aquarium.

The other choice would going with a plastic habitat. IMO these aren't very good as a gerbil may chew them up and from experience escape is far too easy using those.

If you don't have a gerbil, get one!

Gerbils are a very popular house pet, and there are several reasons for that. They are typically non-aggressive, and they rarely bite unprovoked or without stress. They are small and easy to handle, since they are sociable creatures that enjoy the company of humans and other gerbils. Gerbils also have adapted their kidneys to produce a minimum of waste to conserve body fluids which makes them very clean with little odor.

James Taylor lives in Orange County. He enjoys spending time with his 4 gerbils. You can learn more on how to create the perfect gerbil habitat also visit Jame's blog

Are Ant Farms the Best Option For Kids Pets?

For many kids, their first interaction with animals of any sort is with insects. Often toddlers will watch a few ants on the path or take a close interest in a ladybug that has landed on their jumper. Kids like insects. As long as they are not stung by a wasp or a bee at an early age then they are quite likely to maintain that interest if it is nurtured properly.

And that is why insects make such good pets for kids, and for adults too, for that matter. When I say pets, it should be realised, of course, that no insect is ever going to show any of the attributes of a dog or cat. No affection, no run-and-fetch not even a warm furry body to stroke. So we are really taking about small animals that children can watch and learn from and also learn about the responsibility of looking after them. Research suggests that people who have had to care for pets during childhood go on to become more responsible parents than kids who have never had that experience.

So what options do we have?

We need to think about running costs. Many of the large, spectacular insects are from tropical habitats and require heated terrariums if they are to survive. Obviously you will need to think about running costs, depending on where you live. You may also find that some carnivorous species will only eat live prey, and so feeding costs will be an issue.

In all these cases the outlay is comparatively small, compared to say, the costs of feeding a dog, but, of course, the experience of keeping a dog and a tank of insects is completely different.

The main insect groups pan out like this:

Ants (Order Hymenoptera)

• Ants make great pets.
• You can buy an ant farm for under $20
• Very little maintenance is required
• They eat virtually nothing yet are active all the time and perform remarkable feats of tunnelling and social interaction.

Stick insects (Order Phasmidae)

• Very interesting when newly hatched, they are active and fun to watch.
• As they grow they become much less active and look like, well, sticks.
• Children's interest is likely to wane as the insects become more and more static.
• Require fresh vegetation on a regular basis.

Crickets (Order Orthoptera)

• Crickets can make very good pets.
• The many different species vary considerably in their appearance and show quite a bit of sexual dimorphism (that is, the males and females look different)
• They can be quite active, particularly at warmer temperatures and some will sing, given the right encouragement.
• Require fresh vegetation on a regular basis.

Bees (Order Hymenoptera)

• Definitely not for kids.
• Bees are fascinating to keep, and can earn you a little honey money.
• They require a good deal of equipment, and care.
• Dangerous stings!

Cockroaches (Order Blattodea)

• Some parent might blench at the thought of cockroaches in the house but, provided they are properly caged then they are the same as any other insect.
• Very active, may show cannibalistic tendencies if food is short, and which some kids might find upsetting.
• Will eat pretty much anything.
• Hissing cockroaches are very impressive insects.

Millipedes (Order Myriapoda)

• Interesting to watch but can spend long periods in an inactive coil, which is pretty boring for kids.
• Prefer warmer temperatures.
• Eat detritus.
• Giant millipedes can be up to 12" long and as thick as your finger so you will need a large tank or terrarium.

As you can see, there are many ways to go when choosing an insect pet. Although I find all insects interesting, I think, for children, ants in an ant farm is likely to offer the best chance of success. The ant farms themselves are cheap, and there are many types to choose from. The ants are usually active and will capture the interest of a child and running costs are virtually nil. There is also a lot to learn from their social behavior.

John Richards has kept ants for years. Discover the world of ants and ant farms and how to look after them for yourself at http://www.antfarmcentral.com

Why Turtles Make Good Pets

Turtles and tortoises can make for good pets and can be immense fun to just observe and interact with. The more time you devote researching about the needs of these very affectionate reptiles, the better your time with your turtle will be and better suited type of turtle you will get. Though turtles are not cuddly and can not be hugged for warmth, they are still cute and make great pets.

Prior to getting a turtle as a pet, it is quite important to do all the research pertaining to raising a turtle as a pet. You must, primarily decide what species of turtle you desire to bring home supplemented with information about their food pattern and habitat requirements. Aquatic turtles enjoy a long life span, very often as long as a human and with a properly cared for and regulated lifestyle can live for as much as 20- 50 years. Of course, all this can be only accomplished by a pet owner who is committed and diligent enough to care for them that long. The more common pet turtle kind is the small terrestrial and fresh water turtle and is very popular with children. Outside pens are an ideal habitat for turtles because nothing can surpass natural sunshine, fresh air and lush green grass to graze on. Turtles are also economic pets because of their low maintenance and lifestyle. Turtles love to eat from the hand, though hands should be washed immediately after feeding.

The best turtle type for children is the Mud or Musk turtle. Turtles serve as a great, exotic and affectionate pet only if the pet and master relationship is perused with commitment, integrity and sincerity. Pet owners should be attentive about their pet's comfort which includes a large tank, special lighting, good filtration and lots and lots of cleaning. For rookie pet parents, the best choice of species would be the red eared sliders who adapt more easily to different climates, are used to a captive environment and respond graciously in the presence of people. They are also less likely to harbor any diseases and parasites. If the tank is regularly cleaned and washed thoroughly, special lighting is also provided with an artificially heated source and if the turtle is regularly exposed to UV light for the manufacture of Vitamin D, then pet turtles will be a thrill to watch grow healthily and will be prove to be the right choice of pets. Feeding your turtle with only commercial turtle food isn't always enough and should be supplemented with raw meat, fish, worms, insects and aquatic animals as well. Most turtles are omnivores and will eat anything.

While it may all seem like a demanding job, turtles still make for rewarding and wonderfully exotic pets if taken care of by right hands. They are especially good for reptile lovers and people who want an easy to care for pet.

Matt Kepnes has numerous pet turtles and has been writing and caring for turtles for a number of years. His pet turtle JJ is his favorite. You can find more about turtle care at his website. There you'll find all the information you need on turtles, how to clean them, and what to buy for a pet.

All About Ferrets

By Dustin Green

Can ferrets be pets?

The answer is yes just like owning a cat or a dog. All you have to do is provide them with the same kind of attention you would with any other animal you choose to have at home so they will be able to stay with you for a long time.

Ferrets are considered to be "unusual" in the pet industry because a lot of people would still prefer a bird, cat, dog, fish or hamster. Whether you are trying to get a pet ferret, living with someone who is crazy about ferrets or simply interested on the nuances of these musk-producing mammals, there are a few basic things that you can consider first as you get started with your ferret passions.

Biological Structure

Ferrets are like skunk's cousins since they are also able to produce musk. Some countries allow that the glands responsible for their musk production be cut so that they will not stink as much, In fact, some states in North America and a few countries do not even allow you to own a ferret.

They are furry creatures with natural oils that make them shiny and smooth. Frequent bathing may remove some of these oils, but they are not really the type who resists regular showers. They also have the tendency to get long nails so a consistent nail-cutting session is in order for ferret owner wannabes.

Color, Type and Age

There are many different colors available for aspiring pet owners. The younger the ferret is, the more delicate they are and difficult to maintain. But then you get the privilege to train them for their relatively short life span, normal 7-10 years

As they grow older, they seek company of other ferrets. Older ferrets, may actually display domination or superiority to the younger ferrets. They also have the tendency to develop cliques and may not be as open to accept new ferrets in their circle easily.

Behavior, Habits and Idiosyncrasies

By nature, ferrets are adventurous and curious creatures. You will have to set them free from their cages at dusk or dawn so that they can roam and satiate their curiosity and be happy under your care. They like dancing in a strange manner when excited and may even look like ready to attack but in reality, they are just expressing their glee.

Maintenance

Since ferrets are highly adventurous creatures, you will have to have them checked frequently. They may have the tendency to swallow objects that can be poisonous or damaging to their digestive tracts. On top of that, they may be prey to some other animals like snakes and hawks.

Cost

This question has been frequently asked by interested parties who are considering getting a pet ferret. But there are actually many possible answers to this question, depending on which angle you choose to see it.

Normal the average store or breeder ferrets will cost around $100 with Premium breed ferrets costing $200 plus. Cages and supplies will normal cost around $100. Finally there will be the cost of a quality vet visit for your new friend.

Conclusion

Ferrets are now considered to be the third most popular pet in the United States. If you think you have the time to spend with such a cute little animal, go ahead and get one. You may not bring it around the neighborhood like a dog but you can spend quality time in the comforts of your home.

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Chinese Fish Farms Full of Pollution - Steer Clear of Them

By Jason Witt

When you receive the Seal you begin to care about your health. You may want to eat more seafood, since it is so good for you. Unfortunately if your fish is from China the health problems likely outweigh the benefits.

China is the only country in the world to "farm" more fish than it gets from fishing in the sea. It has become a big industry, with over 5 million Chinese employed as fish farmers.

But with the boom of the industry came severe pollution. Many fish farms are inland and practically all of those are heavily polluted. The waters of many fish farms are considered unsafe even for people to touch.

The coasts are not much better. Fish farms line the whole eastern coast of China, and the waters there have oil in them. And lead, mercury, and copper. Those are the heavy metals that end up in the fish and then in whoever eats it.

Those heavy metals are toxic to humans. With the explosion in the number of Chinese factories has come an explosion in pollution. Many factories simply dump waste into the water--the same water used for fish farms.

In fact, the water is so polluted in many places that the fish farmers put illegal veterinary drugs in the fish feed just to keep the fish alive until they can sell them. These drugs are also toxic for human consumption.

Many of the fish farms were originally founded by the Japanese or with Japanese money. And much of this fish feeds the Chinese or Japanese. But China farms so much fish that it is sold to the West too.

This is a serious problem and is one the United States and European Union are watching. Just like the factories, the fish farms themselves have no waste disposal and their waste stays in the water indefinitely.

The fish are always sick in those polluted waters. The fish become distressed all the time because they are sick enough to die, and reportedly many of the fish go insane too.

So the fish farmers use veterinary drugs and also antibiotics and pesticides. Regular farming, you say? Not at all. Often these drugs are illegal and in the West where they do screening they are catching large numbers of illegal shipments.

So the aquaculture waters have rotting fish feed, fish feces, and the drugs and chemicals in them. And those drugs and chemicals are illegal for a reason. They have been found to cause cancer and other ailments.

China produces more than two-thirds of all the fish farmed anywhere in the world. Yet in 2007 43 shipments of fish were rejected by the FDA in the US for the first 11 months of the year.

China has exploded in economic growth. But measures to sustain the environment are usually nonexistent. Without being sustained, the environment is already polluted so much it is unsafe to eat the fish.

When you are sealed you will begin to notice what you eat. You will want to eat healthy, and God will show you how. One of the things you will learn is how good fish is for you.

But seafood supplies worldwide are being used up and fish farming is now where much of the fish comes from, and where it will come from in the future. And if you get your fish from farms in China, you are risking your health instead of benefiting it.

That is not what God showed you. God shows you how to save your life, not to lose it. So you know how to avoid what is hurting you and even threatening your life.

When you are sealed you will take care of your health because God will take care of you. But you need to be aware of what you eat because God wants you to have a long life so you can share with others the gift of the Seal.

Jason Witt is a sinner healed and sealed. He has been transformed by Jesus, who came and made His Home in Jason's heart and in his mind. Come and see what Jesus foretold that is starting to happen today. Jason Witt dot org

 

Important Reasons Why You Should Spay or Neuter Rabbits

By Amanda Isbitt

If you own pet rabbits, you might be wondering whether it is a good idea to have them spayed or neutered. The answer is an emphatic yes. This is true even if you only have one rabbit, and there is no chance of your rabbit coming into contact with another rabbit to mate.

There are a number of health and behavioral benefits to spaying or neutering your pet rabbit. These include:

1. A longer and healthier life. Un-spayed female rabbits are at greater risk of ovarian, uterine, and mammary cancers. If you spay your female rabbit, you can almost completely eliminate this risk. Neutered male rabbits are less likely to become injured in fights with other rabbits, since they won't take out sexual aggression by provoking conflict with other rabbits.

2. Better temperament. When you spay or neuter your pet rabbit, they become calmer and more amenable to handling. Once the inclination to mate has been removed, both male and female rabbits are less likely to exhibit destructive behaviors like chewing and digging, or aggressive behaviors like biting, lunging, and growling.

3. Curtailment of offensive behavior. When you spay or neuter your rabbit, male rabbits no longer spray, and both sexes can more easily be litter trained.

4. Avoiding overpopulation. Spaying or neutering your rabbit will eliminate the risk of unwanted offspring. Abandoned rabbits are at risk of starvation, sickness, predators, and other hazards. Even if a rabbit ends up in a shelter, he may not fare much better since animal shelters are crowded, poorly stocked, understaffed, and euthanasia is common. This suffering can be preventing by spaying and neutering pet rabbits.

5. Companionship with other rabbits. If you spay or neuter your pet rabbit, you can safely introduce other rabbits for friendship or play. Unaltered rabbits cannot have friends whether of the same or opposite sex, due to hormonally related sexually aggressive behavior.

At What Age Should I Have My Pet Rabbit Spayed or Neutered?

Female rabbits can be spayed once they reach full sexual maturity. This typically happens around 4 months of age, though some veterinarians prefer to wait until a female rabbit is at least 6 months old to reduce the risk of complications.

Male rabbits can usually be neutered from the age of about 3.5 months, provided the testicles have descended. Again, some veterinarians prefer to delay the procedure until a male rabbit is 5 months of age.

It is important not too wait too long to have your rabbit spayed or neutered, since the risks increase in older rabbits. Many veterinarians recommend that rabbits should not be spayed or neutered after 6 years of age, and it's actually a good idea for any rabbit that's 2 years old or older to have a thorough health check before undergoing the procedure.

Is It Safe to Have My Pet Rabbit Spayed or Neutered?

Spaying or neutering a pet rabbit involves a surgical procedure. While there are some risks involved, these are minimal, especially when the surgery is performed by an experienced rabbit veterinarian. The most risky part of the procedure is administering anesthesia, which causes death in 0.1% or less of cases. The most important thing is to make sure you choose an experienced veterinarian to spay or neuter your pet rabbit.

For all of the latest information and to see pictures of our mini lop rabbits please visit Mini Lop Rabbits

 

Top Ten Ways to Save Money While Traveling With Your Dogs

So you want to take your dog out on the road with you? You have trained them to be a good dog, you need a vacation and you want to take him with you, but your budget is running short this year. Here is a list of the top ten ways to save money while traveling with your dog by your side.

1. Do your research. Once you decide on a destination, get informed; find anything you can about the area, buy books, go online and prepare.
2. What kind of vacation do you want to have? Which sounds better to you? Staying at a campground, hiking and canoeing with your pooch by your side; or staying at a four-star hotel, lounging by the pool and getting room service? Make sure that your vacation really is something that your dog can do with you. If not, maybe he should be kept with family/friends or boarded. There are now many locations that will allow your dog to come with you, and some even offer pet sitting services. Again; do your research.
3.  Check out many different places before making a decision. Unless you are totally set on one place to stay at, shop around. You would not buy the first car you see would you? No, you would shop around until you found the right car for the price you are willing to pay, so traveling is no different. This is not a new concept, just look at all the online discount travel sites. 
4. Ask.   If you find the perfect cabin, campground, hotel etc. that you want to visit, but they are a little over your budget; call and ask if they offer any discounts. But be sure to let them know that you are traveling with your canine pal. Some businesses will make you pay extra for bringing your pet. Try to get them to wave the fees, some will; some will not.
5. Offer to help out. We have found that if we call a cabin rental establishment and they have a house cleaning fee for people who bring pets, we offer to bring our own sheets, blankets and vacuum the whole place before we leave.   ALWAYS leave the place better than it was when you came. We have one rental company that was not sure about our dogs staying with us the first year, but the next year we called them and they willingly gave us a discount because we had left the cabin spotless when we left the previous year. Treat it like your mother-in-laws house; no one wants a messy visitor in their home.
6. Search for off-season rates. If you are traveling to a heavy travel destination, check and see when they have the least amount of visitors. For example, if the place is a summer destination, look at going in the spring, fall or winter. Most businesses have different rates for their off seasons. If you can be a little flexible on when you can travel, this is a great way to get that wonderful place at a great price, and a lot of the businesses will be more flexible on allowing pets. As always; do your research; if you want to go to the mountains to go boating and hiking, going in the middle of winter would not be an option, so go online and research the area and make sure it would work for you.
7. Make an agenda. No, you do not have to plan out day-by-day, minute-by-minute, but do not go totally unprepared. Know what you want to do while you are on vacation and decide how long and when you will do it. Why do this? Because you will find that you can save money if you know what you are willing to do with your dog. If you have an expensive destination, you can plan it for one or two days of your vacation, then plan a couple of days of doing no-cost days.
8. Spend some days doing free stuff. If you brought your dog with you, there are plenty of things you can do for free that will bring great memories forever. We have stayed at many beautiful locations with our canines, but the most that I remember about our vacations are the times we spent with our dogs, not where we went. Go hiking, dogs love the great outdoors and it usually does not cost a thing! Go swimming, dogs love the beach! Go to the park; most cities have off-leash dog parks now, take your pooch and let them meet up with some of the locals. Staying at a hotel? Take some time out and leash up your dog and go walking. You will get to see so much more and meet more people when you are out browsing the town. Who would not want to stop and pet a friendly dog?
9. Take a car tour. Okay, so the cost of gas is off the roof, but there is still nothing better than renting a good gas mileage vehicle and hitting the open road with your dog. Open the window let him stick his head out and hit the pavement. We often will take a time-out day from hiking on our vacation and just spend the day traveling from small town to small town. You will get to see some of the best stuff if you get off the beaten path. Other than the cost of gas, this trip does not have to cost a thing, pack a lunch, grab some dog food and water and go. In the summer, we have a school yard tour, we make a habit of stopping at schools in every town and letting the dogs run in the baseball fields or any area that is fenced. (Be sure to pick up after your pets, we do not want any kids stepping in a surprise!) Of course do not do this when school is in session! It gives our dogs an opportunity to stretch their legs and keeps them quite in the car as we continue our drive. And guess what?  It will not cost a thing to stop!
10. Get some help! There is such an overwhelming list of information on the web, use it to find discounted travel sites, and pet friendly businesses. Check out our site: http://www.campingpet.com We are a dog friendly membership club that offers discounts to our members on stays at campgrounds, cabin rentals, canoe rentals, pet friendly restaurants and so much more.

About The Author: The authors of Campingpet Adventure Club are avid pet lovers and adventure travelers. The Price's travel often in their pop-up trailer and tent with 3 large dogs (Buddy, Rusty and Fred) and take them hiking, camping and any outdoor adventure that will accept their dogs! They have stayed in campgrounds, public lands, state, Federal Parks, and cabins. They own a membership club for people who like adventure travel with their pets. Subscribe at http://www.campingpet.com Written by: Debbie Price

Feline Urinary Crystals and Three Ways to Prevent Them Naturally

You may not know this, but if your cat is prone to feline urinary tract infection, he may have urinary crystals in cats. Feline urinary crystals are a major cause of cat urinary problems. Here are three natural ways you can prevent these crystals from forming in the first place.

Your Cat's Diet Is Very Important

Most people who are owned by felines are very conscientious these days about feeding their cats a diet low in magnesium. Back in the 1970's and '80's, struvite stones in cats were a lot more common. It was found that if a cat was fed a diet high in magnesium, he was more prone to developing mineral crystals in his bladder, which often led to a feline urinary tract infection. Cat food manufacturers changed their formulas, and everyone thought the problem was solved.

But are you aware that if you feed your cat only dry food, he's probably chronically dehydrated? Since kidney failure is the leading cause of death in older cats, it makes sense to put these two things together.

Dry cat food has a very low moisture level, usually under 10%. This is great if your only concern is to keep mold from growing on it, but if you're worried about the amount of water your cat is taking in, it's not so good.

Cats normally don't seem to drink a lot of water. This is because a cat in the wild gets most of his water from the prey he eats. Did you know a mouse is 98% water? Canned cat food has a moisture level of around 75%. You can also add a little water to it to bring the moisture level up to a cat's natural diet.

Of course, your cat should always have plenty of clean, fresh water to drink at all times.

Stress Cause Feline Urinary Crystals

Cats are creatures of habit. They really don't like change at all. Introducing a new pet into the household, moving, and even going to the vet are all stressful events for your kitty.

A stressed cat can develop many different types of health problems, including urinary crystals in cats. If your cat is stressed, the best thing you can do is to give him lots of extra attention and reassurance.

Natural Remedies For Pets Can Prevent Cat Urinary Problems

Many cat owners use herbs and homeopathic remedies to treat their own ailments, so it's only natural that there would be rising interest in natural remedies for pets.

Uva ursi and barberry are two herbal remedies that people have been using for centuries to treat human bladder complaints. Homeopathic remedies used for urinary tract infections in people include Cantharis and Staphysagria.

Wouldn't it be great if you could give these safe, effective remedies to your kitty to support bladder health and prevent inflammation from urinary crystals in cats? Well, now you can.

There's a remedy available now that combines all four of these traditional remedies for urinary problems. This product has been specially formulated for pets, which is a very important safety consideration. It's made by a long-established company that has a sterling reputation for producing only the highest quality natural remedies for pets.

So there you have it; three natural ways to prevent feline urinary crystals and support your cat's bladder health.

Darlene Norris has combined her long-time interest in natural healing with her experience working at a vet clinic to bring you her new website, Natural Pet Urinary Health. Learn how to prevent feline urinary crystals, and find the best place to buy herbal pet remedies at http://naturalpeturinaryhealth.com

 

Cat Care During Cold Weather

In spite of the fact that a cat has an external covering of fur coat which is supposed to keep it warm, the fur coat may provides little protection during the cold winter. Have you ever experienced the coldness during very cold weather even with your winter coat on? If yes, you should be able to understand how freezing cold your cat could feel if you leave it unprotected for some time. This is not something that can be taken lightly as the coldness may leads to hypothermia, and when such medical condition get worst, it can be life threatening.

It is important for you to be aware where your feline is during very cold winter. If your cat has the habit of answering to the call of nature outdoor, make sure it is back in the house within minutes. Kittens, cats suffering from any illness or cats with thin covering of fur coat should be restricted from getting out of the house. Try using litter box in the house during cold days. Make sure your feline's fur coat stays dry during this period, and if for whatever reasons it get itself drenched, make sure you dry it immediately even it happened indoor.

It is the best option to keep your pet indoor during cold days. Make sure it cannot find its way out to the cold world because if it gets too far and the visibility is down to a few meters due to heavy snowing, your pet would stand a high chance of loosing its way home. And if it is out in such freezing environment for too long, the risk of capturing hypothermia will definitely be high.

So what exactly is hypothermia? Well it is a medical condition resulted from extreme coldness which could lead to malfunction of organs in the body. If your cat is exposed to extremely cold temperature, frostbite might occur as its body needs to warm up the important organs by shutting down less important body parts. Observe your cat carefully and if its movement starts to slow down, body begins to shiver and breathing becomes shallower, it most probably suffering from hypothermia. Do what it takes to gently warm your pet up or else, it would eventually pass out and die.

To make your cat warm will be good for it but it is best advice not to do it too quickly like putting directly into warm water. A quick sudden increase in temperature will only do more harm. Warm your feline's body slowly by covering its body with warm blanket and providing it with warmer environment. You may also use a hairdryer, but make sure you turn the setting to a lower mode and do not get too near to avoid burning its body. Ensure that your cat has really warm up and that you have covered its body with enough protection from cold before you take it out of the house to visit the vet.

You may have ensured that all doors and windows are closed, but cats being cats still stand a chance of getting out of the house. Remember to check out your pet cat frequently and observe its behavior to see if it is shivering from the coldness. If your feline is showing any symptom of being cold, warm its body slowly by using the tips as mentioned. This advice is crucial to the life of your pet.

Any responsible cat owner will provide the best care for his or her feline. Learn more about the caring of pet cats from the experts at http://www.catcare.expertreviewslist.com/

Ever Wonder Why Squirrels Chew on Houses and Sometimes Enter Attics?

Squirrels are an interesting breed of animal. Most people like to see them as they race around in the yard and trees, doing their natural things such as gathering food, playing, building nests, etc. They are commonly seen raiding a bird feeder and many a person has had fun watching the creative ways these animals try to get to some bird feeders, even the ones with "squirrel guards" on them. Rarely do you find one that will work. I have personally observed squirrels jumping from high up in a tree to try and land on the bird feeder in the middle of the yard, then they miss and go back up the tree and do it again til they succeed. These are the animals most people enjoy.

But there is a side to these animals that many people, (maybe like yourself), don't understand, and that is the territorial side. Squirrels guard their territory and mark it their own distinct way. Dogs, Cats, and other wild animals such as moles, etc. mark there territory by leaving urine in places. Squirrels do too but they also tend to chew on things, namely houses. This is a way to mark their territory on your house or someone elses. sometimes not a big spot, but just enough to show this is their area.

The other reason they chew alot is because of a fact not widely known of squirrels and that is their teeth continually grow, they don't stop growing like our teeth. If they didn't chew on things that are hard, their teeth would grow in a half circle and eventually be so long they couldn't eat and they would starve to death. Wood is a good hard substance and your home usually is full ot it. This is another reason they chew on houses, maybe yours.

There is a third reason they chew on houses and this is the one i generally get called in for squirrel control where i service. They want to get rid of squirrels in their attic.

I get a call that goes like this. "Uh yes, I have noises in my attic, I generally hear them early morning, then throughout the day at different times and then right about dark I hear alot of noise and then it quiets down just a couple hours after dark, do you know what this kind of noise might be?"

I say, "Yes, that sounds like squirrels, they generally spend their day out and about, sometimes visiting their den site (your attic) at different times, then come back in during the night when their major predators such as hawks, owls, etc are commonly out hunting. What I can do for you is come out and do an inspection for $XXX and determine exactly what the noise is and figure out where they entered your home. At that time I can set up squirrel traps, generally over the hole and a couple baited traps with a system that works well for me. When squirrels are caught and I need to make a trip back it is $XXX for each trip back. I will at that time give you a quote for repairs where the entry point is to ensure this problem does not happen again. I will do a 62 point inspection and let you know if there are any other areas that could be problem areas in the future and give you my recommendations for repairs at that time."

The main reason I get calls like the one above is because as squirrels, raccoons, birds, etc. move around a house, they often times find places that either a bird like a woodpecker drilled a hole or the contractor maybe didn't completely seal a dormer, soffit/fascia edge, gutter line, etc. that leaks air from the attic to the outside. These squirrels feel that warmer air and start to chew their way into the attic. Once inside they find that an attic is much like a glorified hollow tree, much warmer, much safer, so they take up residence and don't pay you rent. You hear the noise, and wonder what is going on up there, and squirrels are naturally curious and will sometimes wonder what is going on down there and chew a peak hole just to look and then seal it up with insulation that is available. It generally doesn't mean they are moving in to the living area.

Squirrels can be controlled when they are chewing on your home and gaining access in the attic. The best and safest way to solve the problem is to contact a professional in your area.

Feel free to email me at TriState@AAllAnimalControl..com for more information. Joshua S Jones President A All Animal Control of Tri-State http://www.WeTrapMoles.com Servicing SouthWest Missouri and SouthEast Kansas Galatians 2:20

Dog Heartworm Disease - How Much Worse Can it Get?

By Anne Ming

What's tricky about this disease is the fact that its symptoms doesn't show right away. In fact, it may even take a full year before your dog suffers from its common effects like coughing, fatigue, or blood discharge. Worse, it could even be too late for your dog to recover from the disease at this point. The more complicated cases of heartworm may lead your dog's death in just a few days after the full incubation of the disease. And oftentimes, this happens exactly when the major symptoms show.

Heartworms are parasites that live inside the dog's body. If fleas and mange infest the outer skin and hide of the dog, heartworms attack the vital organs. Heartworms do look like worms, thus its name. They are very small and multiply in the blood vessels. They travel throughout the body, more particularly to the heart and lungs. They also invade the liver and kidneys of your pet. When the worms take full control of the organ, failure follows. This is the main reason why dogs die due to the disease.

To treat heartworm, it is best that you consult with the vet right away. Do it the moment you see even the faintest symptom of the disease. But in this case, regular health checkups with the vet are most advisable. If you live in a place where mosquitoes thrive, give your dog anti-heartworm shots or medicines to keep it from suffering from this disease unnecessarily. Anti-heartworm shots and medicines are available from the vet. Visit your veterinarian as frequently as possible to monitor your dog's health.

If ever your dog is diagnosed with heartworm, make sure that you give all its medicines on time, all the time. While dog heartworm can be fatal, it can easily be prevented as well. By knowing what you have to do, you really need not worry about the implications of this disease. Being well informed can save your dog's life.

It also helps to boost your dog's immune system. Dogs with stronger bodies are more likely to live longer and healthier. Diseases like heartworm won't infect them easily, as the parasites deposited in the blood stream are easily eliminated by the dog's antibodies. There are many ways you can possibly make your dog immune system stronger. Give dog vitamins, provide good nutrition, and follow good hygiene - these are all the things you can do to make sure that your pet is in pink of health at all times.

Dogs are man's best friends. But parasites are their biggest enemies. Keep your dog protected. Prevent heartworms before they infest your pet. Give your dog the protection and love that it deserves all the time.

DogHeartWorm.Org - heartworm in dogs articles dealing with the main causes and treatments for heartworm in dogs.