Summary: AnimalsPedia
Animal world into one site. The largest community of animal lovers.
Millions of people around the world have pet birds. Birds can
satisfy the need to have a pet when living in an apartment or
other housing that does not allow cats or dogs. Birds are
relatively easy to clean up after; their food is reasonably
priced, they don’t bark and when their owners give them the
proper care and attention they are animated and very loving
animals.
With all of the pet birds in the world, a surprising number of
their owners do not know how to properly care for their birds.
Here are a few tips to help with ‘bird knowledge’:
1. Birds are intelligent and inquisitive little beings. They need
to be stimulated to keep them happy. One way to do this is to
have at least 3 toys in the bird cages. Not only are the toys
good for the birds, it is very entertaining to watch them play
with their toys.
2. Birds need to eat things other than seed. In the wild, birds
do not live on seed strategically placed in little dishes around
the trees. They find fruit trees, vegetable gardens and greenery
to munch on. Birds need people food! Place pieces of fruit,
bread, vegetables, cereal or whatever you are eating in the cage
and watch your bird chow down! It will not take long for you to
know what your birds’ favorite food is. (Birds tend to love
scrambled eggs!)
3. The only things you cannot feed birds are avocado or
chocolate.
4. When looking at bird cages to purchase, be sure to get one
that allows your bird to spread his wings without touching the
sides. This is essential to avoid harm to your bird.
5. Pet birds need to have their wings clipped to prevent them
from flying away or hurting themselves. But, they also need to
have their nails and beaks trimmed periodically (every 3 to 6
months, depending on the bird). Do not do the trimming yourself
unless you have been properly trained; an untrained person can do
great damage to a bird. Call the local bird shops, if that fails
call an avian vet and have them do it.
6. Birds need human interaction on a daily basis. Do not expect
to leave your bird alone for two or three weeks only throwing
water and seed into the cage, and expect him to rejoice when you
finally have a few minutes to spare with him. More than likely
your bird is mad at you and will ignore you.
Click here
to shop for the best selection of bird cages and accessories
online!
Date Published: Mar 25, 2012 - 6:54 pm
A message from Joann
We got our Boxer in 2002. My husband was not really
thrilled and said he was no way going to get attached to her..
After a while, the relationship and bonding got strong with them.
My dog FOllowed my husband everywhere, spent hours with him
outside. My husband got very sick, and when he was passing,
we were all around him.. my dog crawled under his hospital bed
which he had never done before, and stayed there. My
husband passed away.. my dog hasn’t been the same.. After 4
months or so, my dog got cancer too. She is the most awesome pet
we have ever had. She and my husband is a fighter.
She is still with us even though the Vet is astounded
because she is beating all the odds! Just wanted to share
this story with you…
Date Published: Nov 02, 2011 - 3:13 pm
The
mammals are the best known group of vertebrates,
which give birth to live young and feed them with the milk
produced by their mammary glands. They are easily adaptable to
any environment and they adjust their behavior to ever-changing
circumstances. They dwell on land, water and in the air.
Mammals have a single jawbone, in which the mandible is directly
articulated to the cranium.
Mammals are the only animals that are covered with
a layer of hair. Hair appears under different forms: whiskers,
spikes, spines, horns (rhinoceros). The most
common form is fur, which usually consists of an insulating
undercoat and a protective coat that stands out, protecting the
animal’s skin and giving coat color.
In some species, hair in the form of whiskers also has a sensory
function. The most important is the animal’s skin. Their long
existence is due mostly to the ability of maintaining a constant
internal body temperature, regardless of changing external
conditions.
The skin is composed of two layers: an external protective layer
made of dead cells, called epidermis, and an interior layer,
called dermis, containing blood vessels, nerve endings and
glands.
Sebaceous glands secrete chemical substances which help mammals
communicate with each other, the mammary glands produce milk with
which they feed their newborn, and the sudoriferous glands,
together with the hair, play an important part in adjusting body
temperature.
Mammals are able to maintain a constant body temperature, which
enables them to remain active under high temperature conditions,
as well as under low temperature conditions. There is a specific
area of the brain, also known as the hypothalamus, responsible
for monitoring body temperature and adjust it when necessary. The
manner in which mammals adapt their behavior also contributes to
regulating body temperature.
In warm climate areas, mammals avoid overheating by resting when
temperatures peak during the day. Panting is another cooling
mechanism of mammals. Panting helps lower body temperature as it
favors the evaporation of water from internal surfaces, like the
tongue.
During the cold season, some mammals preserve energy through
hibernation. During hibernation, body temperature lowers,
metabolism rates fall to an almost imperceptible level, and they
no longer eat; they survive based solely on the accumulated fat
deposits. During hibernation, mammals are numb and difficult to
wake up.
Aestivation is a phenomenon similar to hibernation, which entails
lack of activity during the summer.
Like hibernation, aestivation helps save energy when food is
insufficient.
Date Published: Feb 19, 2011 - 7:49 pm
The
Chinese Crested
Dog is one of the rarest hairless dog breeds. However,
it is not an unknown breed; on the contrary, it is in fact a
highly appreciated breed, both in dog shows, and as a
pet. Although it has a long history, the breed was not recognized
by specialized organizations until recently. The geopolitical
unrest of the 20th century was not at all beneficial for this
breed, as it was, like many others, on the brink of extinction.
History
As it was previously mentioned, this Chinese dog
has a long history. And this is precisely why it is so
controversial. Hairless dogs are found in many
areas of the world. This particular dog breed appears to have
originated from Eastern Africa, on the shores of which Chinese
traders landed their ships. They took this small-sized dogs on to
their ships in order to extermine rodents. This is how the breed
was introduced in China. In Europe, it was introduced around the
1800s and only much later in the United States. The breed was
recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (World
Canine Organization) in 1987, by the Kennel Club (UK) in 1981 and
by the American Kennel Club only in 1991.
Genetics
There are two varieties of this breed: hairless and powderpuff.
Genetic heritage is of great importance for this breed. Its
situation is similar to that of the Peruvian Hairless
Dog. The gene that produces the hairless variety is the
dominant one. The powderpuff variety appears when the dominant
gene is missing. The zygotes with the dominant homozygous gene
pair are not able to survive, being absorbed by the uterus. In
other words, a pair comprising two dominant genes is not viable.
Therefore, all hairless specimens are heterozygous, which means
they have one dominant gene (the hairless one) and one recessive
gene. The powderpuff variety has a pair of recessive genes and
that is why the specimens of this variety are covered with hair.
When two specimens of the hairless variety are mated, their
offsprings will be of the powderpuff variety. However, when two
powderpuff specimens are mated, their offsprings will also be
powderpuff, because the dominant gene that causes the absence of
hair does not exist.
Description
The Chinese Crested Dog is a small-sized dog,
listed by the FCI in its 9th group, namely that of Companion and
Toy Dogs. This dog is perfect for holding and cuddling. The
specimens of the hairless variety have a soft skin, similar to
the human skin. They have soft tufts of hair on their legs
(“socks’), tail tip and head. Some “hairless” specimens can be
rather “hairy” on the rest of their bodies. That is not to say
they belong to the powderpuff variety. The difference between the
two varieties is that the hairless variety has only on type of
coat, while the powderpuff has a double layered coat: a coat and
an undercoat. Both varieties are accepted in dog shows. The
powderpuff dogs enrolled in beatuy pageants have their muzzle
hair trimmed. If they have long hair in this area, they will end
up resembling a terrier. They have a long, cone-shaped muzzle
with a prominent stop. The nose can be dark- or light-colored,
depending on the rest of the body’s color. They have large, erect
ears. They have an overall robust, muscular build. Coat color
varies from even to stripped or spotted. More often than not,
they may lack a set of premolars, but this is not considered a
fault. Their soft coat does not shed, which is why they are
considered a hypoallergenic breed, suited for those who are
sensitive to dog hair.
Temper
They are energetic, docile and loving dogs. They are
affectionate towards children and very playful. However, they
should not be left unsupervised around a young child, because the
lack of a protective coat layer makes them vulnerable to skin
injuries. They make delightful and entertaining companions to
their owners. They are a bit shy around strangers, but they feel
very comfortable around family. They should not be spoiled when
young, as they might turn out to be shy later on. Moreover, they
could develop the “Small Dog Syndrome“, which
means that they are excessively spoiled, they act as the leaders
of the “pack” and they can no longer be reasoned with.
Socializing and training should be started from an early age.
They must become famliar with different types of situations and
noises. They love to dig and climb. They are intelligent, but
stubborn. They get along well with other pets and they don’t bark
too much. They are considered to be good “whistlers.”
Care
Powderpuffs need to have their coat groomed periodically. As they
have a long coat, formed of two types of hair, they need to be
brushed two or three times a week, in order to prevent tangling.
The hairless variety has no specific odor and they are not prone
to external parasites. Their skin, however, does require special
care. Just like humans, they can suffer from acne, dryness or
sunburn. They should not be exposed to sunlight for long periods
of time with no protection, especially the light colored
specimens. Many owners use baby sunscreen for their pets
protection. In order to prevent dryness, the application of a
moisturizing cream every two or three days or after bathing is
recommended. They must be bathed once a week. Some specimens of
this breed may be allergic Lanolin, so be cautious when using a
cream that contains this ingredient. This dog is ideal as an
apartment dog, but as it is very energetic, it does require
physical exercise. It must be taken out for a walk every day.
Being a small-sized dog, it is prone to obesity, so pay close
attention to its diet. It cannot be kept exclusively outside in
the yard. Its unprotected skin is sensitive to low temperatures.
During the cold season, it is best not to take this dog out; or
if it’s necessary to go out, it should be dressed.
Some specimens of this breed make great candidates for “ugliest
dog” competitions, especially if they have been crossbred with
other small-sized breeds. However, most specimens have an
appealing, distinctive look. With such a dog on your leesh,
people will be sure to turn their heads; usually in admiration.
The Chinese Crested Dog is an ideal pet, a breed
certainly worth considering when looking for an animal companion.
Date Published: Feb 17, 2011 - 6:40 pm
The state of its coat will tell you whether it is time to trim
your dog’s hair or not. A tangled coat will maintain heat and
humidity, causing skin redness, irritation and unpleasant odor.
You dog’s coat needs to be thoroughly brushed as frequently as
possible in order to prevent tangling, skin conditions and
discomfort. When the coat becomes excessively tangled, not even a
professional groomer from a canine beauty salon will be able to
untangle it through brushing; in this case, trimming will be a
necessity.
The best strategy is to trim your pet’s hair over the course of
the entire year. Most dogs need their hair trimmed every six to
nine weeks, and dogs with fluffy or long and straight coat need
their hair trimmed even more often than that.
You should seek professional advice regarding your dog and its
needs. It is the best way to determine what you dog’s grooming
needs are.
Thus, one might say that for all dogs with heavy coats, whether
they participate in dog competitions or not, there is one
indispensible hygiene procedure: hair trimming.
Tips for choosing an appropriate coat style for your dog
Just like their owners, each dog has its own personality. Each
breed is different and each dog is different. So before choosing
your dog’s coat style, make sure you:
- know what the standard coat style is for your dog breed.
Especially if you intend to enter your dog into canine
competitions, you should know that each breed has its own set of
rules and standards regarding appearance. If you want your dog to
be successful in canine competitions, then your dog’s coat must
meet the specific breed requirements.
- choose your dog’s coat style based both on aesthetic
principles, as well as how easy it is to care for in the future.
Having a beautiful looking dog is less satisfying when you have
to spend hours to an end each week in order to groom your dog’s
coat.
- consider the fact that your dog’s type of coat is important
when it comes to trimming. Short-haired breeds (like the Beagle)
do not require as much grooming as long-haired breeds.
Curly-haired dog (like Poodle, Brichon Frise and Water Spaniels)
generally need brushing and combing, but they do not necessarily
need to have their hair trimmed, even though they might look
better afterwards.
Date Published: Feb 10, 2011 - 2:18 pm
The Pipidae family comprises around 30 species
of primitive, tongueless frogs. They live in the
tropical areas of South America (the Pipa genus) and Sub-Saharan
Africa (all other genera: Hymenochirus, Pseudhymenochirus,
Xenopus and Silurana). The frogs in the Pipidae
family are exclusively aquatic frogs and they exhibit numerous
morphological modifications adapted to their natural habitat. For
instance: they have palmate feet, their body is flattened, their
ears are adapted to capturing subaquatic sounds and they have
lateral lines on both sides of the body – The Pipidae
Americana frogs have no tongue and no vocal cords;
instead, they have a set of bony rods in the larynx that help
them produce sounds. Their body length ranges from 4 to 9 cm.
Their feet resemble a palmate leaf and they have claws on one or
more toes.
The Tongueless frog was introduced in North
America as well; populations of this species have been reported
in: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, Nevada,
New Mexico, Carolina de Nord, Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
Back in the 40s and the 50s, the Tongueless
frogs were used in pregnancy tests: when a Pipidae
Americana female frog was injected with the urine of a pregnant
woman, the frog started laying eggs. When new methods for
determining pregnancy were discovered, the Tongueless frogs were
released into the wild.
The most peculiar feature of this frog is related to its
reproduction. The skin on the females’ back is very spongy and it
exhibits a set of “dimples” in which the males lay the eggs. The
eggs become well fixated in the females’ skin and they
hatch directly from there. The baby frogs pop
off their mothers like popcorn.
Date Published: Feb 09, 2011 - 9:52 pm
Fear of snakes is more than just a
fobia, as deadly snakes are a reality. Their living
environment comprises both land and ocean. The sea
snake has evolved from the Australian land
snake and it is a close relative of the Cobra.
It is a venomous reptile that dwells in warm
waters and tropical areas, from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific.
The sea snakes‘ venom is the most powerful
neurotoxin in the world. Their bite, though not painful, attacks
the nervous system, causing symptoms like: spasms, rigidity and
even respiratory paralysis, which can occur within an hour. While
sea snakes attack only when provoked, their
venom is much more powerful than that of land snakes. However,
they can become more aggressive during mating season.
Rattlesnakes are native to the dessert areas of
America. There are numerous rattlesnakes species out
there, but their common feature is the rattles in the their
tails, which act as warning signals for their enemies. The
rattlesnake is considered to be very dangerous because of its
attack speed, which is usually underestimated by its victims, and
the effects of its venom. Their hemotoxic venom destroys tissues
and causes organ decay. Some species have a neurotoxic venom,
which blocks the nervous system. Both types of venom can prove
fatal, if the victim does not seek treatment in time.
The Inland Taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus) is
considered to be one of
the most venomous
snakes in the world. It dwells in the dry areas of
Australia, and its venom is so toxic that it can kill a human
being in less than 45 minutes. Fortunately, this kind of snake is
shy and withdrawn and there is an anti-venom available. However,
the most venomous snake in the world is not necessarily the most
dangerous one as well. The Sri Lankan Russel’s Viper is
much more dangerous, given that in its country of origin an
anti-venom for this species is not available, which causes many
fatalities.
Date Published: Feb 07, 2011 - 5:28 pm
The African continent’s largest rodents, the
porcupines, also known as quill pigs, are
creatures with over 30 000 long needle-like quills on their back,
sides and tail. These animals are active mostly during
the night and they make a grunting noise when looking for food.
The porcupines have several distinctive
characteristics, namely:
1. The term “porcupine” means: “the one that rises in
anger.” These nocturnal
species is hard to find during the day, as this is the
time wneh they prefer to sleep. Also known as master-climbers,
the porcupines have strong legs, cruved claws
and flat paws, which are all very useful in climbing trees. Some
of them can even use their strong tails for this purpose.
2. Porcupines do not hibernate. They prefer to
dwell in shaded places, like forests, hills, grasslands and
desserts. They usually pick a cave, a tree or a snowbank where
they hide from predators. Their homes are called dens.
3. Porcupines are herbivores, which means they
do not eat meat and feed mainly on leaves, thistles, weeds, the
bark of tress, pine needles, etc. They use their sharp, strong
teeth to chew through the hard wood and the seeds; they use their
long incisors to peel off the bark of trees.
4. Porcupines are renowned for the thick, rigid
quills that cover their entire body, except for their face and
the underside of the tail. The quills protect them from predators
like: coyotes, dogs, bears, foxes and even humans. The quills
that have lost their protective quality are soon replaced by new
ones. Even though porcupines are not aggressive animals, you
should stay away from them because the injury caused by their
quills is very painful and in extreme cases, it might even be
fatal.
5. Their mating season starts in late summer and early autumn.
Their babies are born with soft quills that harden in a few
hours. In about six months, after they have learned to survive on
their own, they are ready to leave their mother’s side.
6. There are two main groups of porcupines: Old World porcupines
that live manily under ground, in long, low galleries and New
World porcupines that are tree climbers. Common porcupines can be
found in North America, from the forest areas of Alaska to
Mexico.
7. In the past, Native Americans used the porcupines’ quills to
decorate clothes and mocassins or as hairpins.
The porcupines were an important source of food
as well.
Today, some people believe the porcupines to be dangerous
animals, but in reality, these shy beings can be very useful to
other living creatures. Feeding mostly on common tree species,
they ensure a better natural lighting in thick woods by chewing
off leaves from the trees’ foliage. Sometime they may tumble down
from trees, because their sight is not very good.
Date Published: Feb 07, 2011 - 5:21 pm
