Pets are not always that are kept in a cage or locked in your place and adore it. They are some times left free or natural in state and still referred as pets, just like humming birds.
Humming birds come in all colors of the rainbow. A special feature of humming bird which attracted many people is that the color of the humming bird feathers change in sun light. Fortunately, people today have recognized that the feathers look great on the bird, rather than separating them from the bird.
In broad-spectrum, wild humming birds are not good pets, because these birds need a specialized diet and when not fed properly they get sick and die soon. A humming bird has very high metabolism rate.
They eat much food and need 3.14 to 7.6 calories per day. When compared with human’s metabolism, the bird’s metabolism rate is 77 times higher. A humming bird can digest a big fruit in just 10 minutes.
Humming birds prefer to live in large territories, which do not have any limits, where they can use their specialized flying techniques for finding food and mates for company. All these are impossible to provide in a small cage.
How to attract humming birds and maintain them as pets?
You do not need any big set up to attract humming birds; all you need is a garden full of flowers and a humming bird feeder (which attracts wild birds).
There is nothing more relaxing than having a sight of humming birds flying in your garden. Rather than shrubs, plants that bear flowers attract hummingbirds, as they drink nectar from the flowers.
Azalea, Butterfly Bush, Cape Honeysuckle, Manzanita, Mimosa, Red Buckeye, Coral Honey Suckle, Cypress Vine, Morning Glory, Trumpet Creeper, Bee Balm, Cardinal Flower, Columbine, Coral Bells, Four O’ Clock, Hummingbird Mint, Penstemon, Yucca, Fuchsia, Jewelweed, Petunia and Shrimp Plant attract humming birds to your garden.
It is a myth that hummingbirds are only attracted to red colored flowers. Humming birds apart from red colored flowers attracts to other colored flowers and light colored flowers.
Do not spray pesticides to kill the insects on the flowers. These pesticides can also harm your humming birds because these birds also feed on insects. So, stop bothering about insects that will spoil your plants and flowers. Humming bird will help in removing all the insects from the plant.
Bird feeders:
Usually the hummingbirds are not fed in bird feeders; they can search their food which is sufficient for their appetite. But, in winter, there is lack of food as the flowers shed and bird feeders are necessary to help feeding the birds.
Selecting a proper bird feeder is important. Primary need of a bird feeder is that should be in red color. Providing red color bird feeder will initially attract the birds and once they are used to the bird feeder, the feeder can be in any color. Some times, they can also be hung or kept in between flowers to recognize food source.
The main source of food that is provided in the feeder is nectar and even seeds can also be provided some times. Never use honey or artificial sweeteners in the feeder.
Honey is different from nectar, nectar is pure form obtained from the flowers and honey is fermented form with added sweetness.
Tips for caring bird feeder:
• Feeder should be cleaned every time before it gets refilled.
• Nectar should be changed for every 3-4 days.
• Never use harsh cleaning agents to clean your humming bird feeder.
• Rinse with hot water every time you change the nectar.
• Do not fill nectar in the feeder to its neck, maintain some space. Half fill the feeder, as the birds will not drink all the nectar and satisfy their hunger. Keep in mind that humming birds love to search food.
• If ants find your bird feeder, steps should be taken to control them. Ant moat is a small plastic cup that keeps ants away from the bird feeder.
If the birds find your plants interesting or your bird feeder interesting, they will visit again and again. Maintain a clean and hygienic garden and bird feeder to attract humming bird. Visit Pets Central Blog
2008年8月24日星期日
2008年8月19日星期二
Was the Hound of the Baskervilles really a Galician Palleiros?
OK hands up those who are familiar with good old Sir Art C-D’s book about the legendary sleuth Sherlock Holmes and the amazingly savage pooch he encountered somewhere on Dartmoor.
For those not familiar with the plot, the story goes thus: Holmes and Watson are visited by Dr. James Mortimer, who wishes to ask their advice before he meets with Sir Henry Baskerville, the last of the Baskervilles, and heir to the Baskerville estate in Dartmoor. Dr. Mortimer is unhappy about letting Sir Henry go to Baskerville Hall, owing to a supposed family curse.
He then proceeds to explain to them the legend of the Hound of the Baskervilles, a strange and savage dog that first killed Sir Hugo Baskerville several hundred years ago, and is believed to kill all Baskervilles in the region of Dartmoor.
Holmes as per usual dismisses the whole story as a fairy tale and then Mortimer tells them the story surrounding the recent death of Sir Charles Baskerville, Henry's uncle. Although he was found dead in his garden without any trace of physical damage, his face was distorted as if he died in utter terror. Dr. Mortimer then reveals something that he had not mentioned at the official inquest. He alone had noticed footmarks at some distance from the body when it was found; the footmarks of a gigantic hound.
So that’s a brief resume of the basic plot. Holmes travels to Dartmoor and with the help of Watson and some others solves the plot, shoots the dog and most of the cast live happily ever after (excepting the dog of course).
Now in truth the story behind what sort of dog the Hound actually was really falls into two camps. It is alleged that good old “Sir Art” had actually spent some holiday time spent in North West Spain and had become rather enamoured with the Galician Barn Dog – the Palleiros. Quite why he would want demonstrate his apparent affection with this type of dog by turning it into a slavering, half mad, canine vision of hell on four paws nobody is too sure about but it is a good story nonetheless.
In truth, the Hound was probably more based on a cross between a Bloodhound and an English Mastiff but this is not one hundred percent accurate either but in all probability is more believable.
In real life Palleiros (the Galician Barn Dog) are strongly built dogs and have been a likened by many to wolves which they most definitely are not. They come basically in four colours: wheaten, cinnamon, chestnut and black. Basically Celtic Shepherd's would have been bred by the Galicians as an all-purpose farm dog. They were used for herding watching livestock and hunting. As far as temperament goes they are intelligent dogs, calm but they are reserved to strangers. They can be gentle and loyal and they can get along well with children and sometimes other animals.
So in reality the above description hardly fits the bill of the large savage beast that inspired an entire story by Conan-Doyle but since when has the truth ever got in the way of a good story?
For those not familiar with the plot, the story goes thus: Holmes and Watson are visited by Dr. James Mortimer, who wishes to ask their advice before he meets with Sir Henry Baskerville, the last of the Baskervilles, and heir to the Baskerville estate in Dartmoor. Dr. Mortimer is unhappy about letting Sir Henry go to Baskerville Hall, owing to a supposed family curse.
He then proceeds to explain to them the legend of the Hound of the Baskervilles, a strange and savage dog that first killed Sir Hugo Baskerville several hundred years ago, and is believed to kill all Baskervilles in the region of Dartmoor.
Holmes as per usual dismisses the whole story as a fairy tale and then Mortimer tells them the story surrounding the recent death of Sir Charles Baskerville, Henry's uncle. Although he was found dead in his garden without any trace of physical damage, his face was distorted as if he died in utter terror. Dr. Mortimer then reveals something that he had not mentioned at the official inquest. He alone had noticed footmarks at some distance from the body when it was found; the footmarks of a gigantic hound.
So that’s a brief resume of the basic plot. Holmes travels to Dartmoor and with the help of Watson and some others solves the plot, shoots the dog and most of the cast live happily ever after (excepting the dog of course).
Now in truth the story behind what sort of dog the Hound actually was really falls into two camps. It is alleged that good old “Sir Art” had actually spent some holiday time spent in North West Spain and had become rather enamoured with the Galician Barn Dog – the Palleiros. Quite why he would want demonstrate his apparent affection with this type of dog by turning it into a slavering, half mad, canine vision of hell on four paws nobody is too sure about but it is a good story nonetheless.
In truth, the Hound was probably more based on a cross between a Bloodhound and an English Mastiff but this is not one hundred percent accurate either but in all probability is more believable.
In real life Palleiros (the Galician Barn Dog) are strongly built dogs and have been a likened by many to wolves which they most definitely are not. They come basically in four colours: wheaten, cinnamon, chestnut and black. Basically Celtic Shepherd's would have been bred by the Galicians as an all-purpose farm dog. They were used for herding watching livestock and hunting. As far as temperament goes they are intelligent dogs, calm but they are reserved to strangers. They can be gentle and loyal and they can get along well with children and sometimes other animals.
So in reality the above description hardly fits the bill of the large savage beast that inspired an entire story by Conan-Doyle but since when has the truth ever got in the way of a good story?
2008年8月12日星期二
Want To Start With Dog Shows? Show Small Dogs!
The lights, the ring, the glamour! Ever think you might like to become involved with showing dogs? If so, then starting with "toy" or small dogs can offer a great way to enter into this hobby with fewer demands on your time and space than a larger breed might involve.
The purpose of a dog show is to compare all entered dogs of a specific breed against a pre-established, written breed standard of perfection. The winners, or Best of Breed dogs, then compete against each other for Best in Group within one of the seven basic groups to which their breed has been assigned (the Herding Group, Hound Group, Non-Sporting Group, Sporting Group, Terrier Group, Toy Group or Working Group). The winner of each group then goes on to compete for the coveted Best In Show title and hopefully, earn more points toward a Championship.
As a new entrant to the world of dog shows, you'll find there are advantages to showing small dogs over larger dogs.
Sitting Pretty
First, small show dogs generally take less time and effort to bathe and blow dry before a show. You may think this detail almost inconsequential, but after you attend a number of shows it becomes more important. Small show dogs are also easier to lift in and out of a tub, and require less water, soap and conditioner. With the exception of long-coated breeds, less dog equals less hair, which equals less drying time. As a result, it's possible to thoroughly bathe and groom six toy-sized show dogs, like Chihuahuas, in the time it takes to groom one large Standard Poodle show dog!
Git Along, Little Doggies
Secondly, showing small or toy dogs means you can show more dogs because they take up far less space. Each small show dog requires a small traveling crate, but crates of that size are light to transport and simple to store. Small show dogs also require the use of grooming tables, but as long as they get along, two small show dogs can share one table.
Easy Does It
The third factor is, showing small dogs requires less physicality on the part of the person handling them. You'll seldom see small show dog handlers huffing and puffing as they race around the ring. Instead, small show dogs work harder to cover ground and keep up with the handler, whereas large show dogs cover ground in great strides, requiring the handler to work to keep up. In addition, "setting up" a small dog for viewing is a simple physical task, whereas a larger dog can involve much more effort.
As you can see, showing small dogs enjoys a bit of an advantage over showing large dogs. As a result, you may find that showing small dogs makes a very rewarding start to a downright addictive hobby that you and your mini champ can enjoy together for years.
The purpose of a dog show is to compare all entered dogs of a specific breed against a pre-established, written breed standard of perfection. The winners, or Best of Breed dogs, then compete against each other for Best in Group within one of the seven basic groups to which their breed has been assigned (the Herding Group, Hound Group, Non-Sporting Group, Sporting Group, Terrier Group, Toy Group or Working Group). The winner of each group then goes on to compete for the coveted Best In Show title and hopefully, earn more points toward a Championship.
As a new entrant to the world of dog shows, you'll find there are advantages to showing small dogs over larger dogs.
Sitting Pretty
First, small show dogs generally take less time and effort to bathe and blow dry before a show. You may think this detail almost inconsequential, but after you attend a number of shows it becomes more important. Small show dogs are also easier to lift in and out of a tub, and require less water, soap and conditioner. With the exception of long-coated breeds, less dog equals less hair, which equals less drying time. As a result, it's possible to thoroughly bathe and groom six toy-sized show dogs, like Chihuahuas, in the time it takes to groom one large Standard Poodle show dog!
Git Along, Little Doggies
Secondly, showing small or toy dogs means you can show more dogs because they take up far less space. Each small show dog requires a small traveling crate, but crates of that size are light to transport and simple to store. Small show dogs also require the use of grooming tables, but as long as they get along, two small show dogs can share one table.
Easy Does It
The third factor is, showing small dogs requires less physicality on the part of the person handling them. You'll seldom see small show dog handlers huffing and puffing as they race around the ring. Instead, small show dogs work harder to cover ground and keep up with the handler, whereas large show dogs cover ground in great strides, requiring the handler to work to keep up. In addition, "setting up" a small dog for viewing is a simple physical task, whereas a larger dog can involve much more effort.
As you can see, showing small dogs enjoys a bit of an advantage over showing large dogs. As a result, you may find that showing small dogs makes a very rewarding start to a downright addictive hobby that you and your mini champ can enjoy together for years.
2008年8月11日星期一
Building A Chain Link Dog Kennel
For those of us that already own dogs finding a place to keep them can be as easy as a fenced backyard. But what if the backyard doesn't have a fence or one day your wife and kids come home with a cute puppy but you have no place to keep the new family addition. Fencing in the entire backyard can be cost prohibitive but keeping the little guy in the house all the time is not a good idea either, particularly if he grows up to be a big dog. The answer to the problem may well be to build a chain link dog kennel.
This type of kennel is not difficult to build. Of course before you build your dog kennel you will have to formulate a plan and decide how big the kennel needs to be. The size of the kennel will depend on the size of the dog when he is full grown. A small dog will obviously only need a small space but a bigger dog will need plenty of room to move around, not to mention the size of a shelter or dog house in the kennel. The height of the fence needs to be considered carefully for bigger dogs because some breeds have the ability to easily jump a four foot fence.
After you decide how big to make your chain link dog kennel the next step is figuring out where you will build it and what materials you need to build it with. There are different types of chain link fence out there with different spacing between the wires and different heights that can range from three feet to ten feet. Planning ahead will make certain that you choose the correct materials before you start building your dog kennel because you don't want to have to tear it down and start over after you find out you didn't make it big enough for that cute little puppy that's now over one hundred pounds.
When choosing the posts for your kennel you can go with the standard metal posts that most chain link fences are built with or you can choose landscape timbers. Metal posts will have to be cemented into the ground which means the kennel will be permanently located in the position you have chosen. Landscape timbers don't necessarily have to be concreted which gives you the option of moving the kennel or even taking it with you if you move.
Building your own chain link dog kennel can be done rather quickly and easily if you plan correctly. It is also cheaper then hiring someone else to build it or buying a pre-built one.
This type of kennel is not difficult to build. Of course before you build your dog kennel you will have to formulate a plan and decide how big the kennel needs to be. The size of the kennel will depend on the size of the dog when he is full grown. A small dog will obviously only need a small space but a bigger dog will need plenty of room to move around, not to mention the size of a shelter or dog house in the kennel. The height of the fence needs to be considered carefully for bigger dogs because some breeds have the ability to easily jump a four foot fence.
After you decide how big to make your chain link dog kennel the next step is figuring out where you will build it and what materials you need to build it with. There are different types of chain link fence out there with different spacing between the wires and different heights that can range from three feet to ten feet. Planning ahead will make certain that you choose the correct materials before you start building your dog kennel because you don't want to have to tear it down and start over after you find out you didn't make it big enough for that cute little puppy that's now over one hundred pounds.
When choosing the posts for your kennel you can go with the standard metal posts that most chain link fences are built with or you can choose landscape timbers. Metal posts will have to be cemented into the ground which means the kennel will be permanently located in the position you have chosen. Landscape timbers don't necessarily have to be concreted which gives you the option of moving the kennel or even taking it with you if you move.
Building your own chain link dog kennel can be done rather quickly and easily if you plan correctly. It is also cheaper then hiring someone else to build it or buying a pre-built one.
2008年8月7日星期四
Lowchen Puppy And Dog Information
The Lowchen is a small lap dog that is often cut to resemble a lion. They are a proud breed and make good watch dogs. They are affectionate dogs and are generally good with considerate children. They may be aggressive enough with other dogs to assume the top position in a family of more then one dog. They are considered intelligent, easy to train, and are generally good with non canine pets. They do not need a lot of room for exercise and brisk walks will do.
*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the Lowchen is 10 to 13 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 9 to 18 pounds. The female ranges smaller then the male
*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Lowchen is no exception. Although considered a healthy breed, be on the look out for patellar luxation, skin irritation and eye irritations by hair. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.
She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.
*Grooming. The Lowchen has a silky, long coat that needs to be professionally groomed to achieve the lion look. She should be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, avoid mats and help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.
Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.
Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.
*Life Span. The Lowchen can live between 13 and 15 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.
*History. The Lowchen came from France. At one time they were considered the rarest breed. They are a bit more popular now. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1995.
Some Registries:
*Lowchen Club of America
*UKC United Kennel Club
*NKC National Kennel Club
*CKC Continental Kennel Club
*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
*AKC American Kennel Club
*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
*ACR = American Canine Registry
Litter Size: 3 to 6 Lowchen puppies
Category: Non-Sporting
Terms To Describe: Lively, bright, small, proud, positive, outgoing, intelligent, affectionate, inquisitive
*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
Good watch dog.
This dog does not shed.
Very affectionate.
Easy to train.
Quick learner.
Wants to please.
*SPECIAL BAD POINTS
Poor guard dog.
They may dig.
They may be noisy.
*Other Names Known By: Little Lion Dog
*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.
*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the Lowchen is 10 to 13 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 9 to 18 pounds. The female ranges smaller then the male
*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Lowchen is no exception. Although considered a healthy breed, be on the look out for patellar luxation, skin irritation and eye irritations by hair. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.
She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.
*Grooming. The Lowchen has a silky, long coat that needs to be professionally groomed to achieve the lion look. She should be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, avoid mats and help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.
Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.
Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.
*Life Span. The Lowchen can live between 13 and 15 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.
*History. The Lowchen came from France. At one time they were considered the rarest breed. They are a bit more popular now. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1995.
Some Registries:
*Lowchen Club of America
*UKC United Kennel Club
*NKC National Kennel Club
*CKC Continental Kennel Club
*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
*AKC American Kennel Club
*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
*ACR = American Canine Registry
Litter Size: 3 to 6 Lowchen puppies
Category: Non-Sporting
Terms To Describe: Lively, bright, small, proud, positive, outgoing, intelligent, affectionate, inquisitive
*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
Good watch dog.
This dog does not shed.
Very affectionate.
Easy to train.
Quick learner.
Wants to please.
*SPECIAL BAD POINTS
Poor guard dog.
They may dig.
They may be noisy.
*Other Names Known By: Little Lion Dog
*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.
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