Rat breeders

Young male rat pups are easy to sex, even before maturity, by the relatively long ano-genital distance. The testes should have descended into the scrotum by about three weeks of age. Hold the buck (male) in a vertical position, with its head uppermost, to be sure of spotting the testes if you are in any doubt. A rat can withdraw them back into the body but nipples are visible in does (females) about one week after birth. It is common practice to separate rats into single sex groups by the time they are seven weeks old; after this time they will be approaching sexual maturity. Does are not usually used for breeding purposes until they are about thirteen weeks old and over 200gm (7oz) in weight. By comparison, males of a similar age under 275gm (9.7oz) are not usually recommended for stud purposes.

Various mating systems can be used. One particular method is to place one or two males with up to six females. This will serve to stimulate oestrus, or pheromones in the does as they respond to the male odors. Female rats cycle about every five days. Because of this, successful matings are likely to take place soon after the introduction of a buck. The level of lighting appears important for successful breeding, since their natural proliferation declines during the darker days of a temperate winter. Ideally, provide sufficient artificial light to give a total daily exposure of about fifteen hours. The normal gestation period is three weeks, or so, but will be longer if mating has taken place almost immediately after the doe has given birth. She will be ready to mate again in this so-called 'postpartum' breeding period within two days of producing pups, but the developing embryos will not implant into her uterine wall as rapidly as normal. It is often best to remove the doe to separate quarters to give birth, especially if she normally forms part of a colony. Two does may be housed together quite successfully in this way.

A litter may consist of up to fourteen pups. These will be independent about three weeks after birth with each young rat weighing about 50gm (1.8oz) at this stage. The doe will be ready to mate again within a week of weaning being completed if she did not conceive at the 'postpartum' heat. Rats can breed almost until the end of their lives but their reproductive capability declines after a year or so. Rats generally live between two and four years under normal captive circumstances but older individuals are not uncommon.

Visit Legacy Cages for a quality rat cage and cat cages to keep your pet rat safe during play time.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Derrick_R_Anderson

Raw diet for dogs: advantages

The raw food diet for dogs is gaining its momentum steadily, becoming an easy favourite among pet lovers. This is mostly because the diet is really promising with so many benefits. For one, you can finally say goodbye to bad dog odour when you give this to your pet.

You also allow dogs to clean their teeth naturally as they chew on the raw food. Also, their digestive system is given ample time to release the necessary acids to break down the nutrients of the food as they chew on it. You'll know that dogs get so much nutrients out of this diet because they produce smaller stools than they would if they eat commercialized dog food.

The raw food diet for dogs maintains its stake against commercialized dog food in more ways than one. Among them is that dogs are meant to eat naturally, just as any type of animal. It is said that cooking can ruin the actual nutritional value of food if not diminish it. Experts also say that dogs are supposed to eat raw real bones because it helps strengthen their neck and jaw muscles because of the mastication process. Also, bones help them clean their teeth naturally. Because bones are harder than most edible foods, it also gets digested much longer in the belly. This in turn helps the dog from overeating-something that's hardly controllable when feeding kibble.

If your dog has been feeding commercialized kibble for a long time, it can admittedly take more time before you can make them eat raw. As an owner, you need to allow them an ample amount of time to be able to successfully transition into raw food diet for dogs. This is most common for older dogs, who may even turn against raw food just by smelling it. Aside from old dogs, smaller breeds are also known to be picky against eating raw. There are careful steps that can be taken to avoid such problems. Among them is to begin removing treats from their daily food source. Fasting your dog can also help them work up an appetite for raw meals. You can also add a few bribes-such as cheese, garlic powder, or egg yolk-to make the meal more appealing.

Younger ones would be more accommodating when it comes to eating raw food. But you still need to take careful measures to ease them into this type of feeding process. Aside from taking them to the vet, you should also closely monitor their stools and watch out for any vomiting or changes in appetite prior and during the raw food diet introduction. Start replacing their kibbles with an eight of raw food.

{When another three sets of meals goes past again, you can increase the raw diet for up to half and so on until the entire meal is replaced entirely with raw food diet for dogs.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

Diet For Dogs

While the raw diet for dogs is becoming a more and more stylish topic among dog owners lately, it's really not anything new as many pet owners might suppose. It has gained a renewed awareness and found its way into the spotlight recently due partly to the many recalls of commercial dog food in the past year.

Alarmed for their dog's health, pet owner's have begun the search for healthy alternatives to commercial pet food and the raw diet for dogs has become the passionate topic.

The raw food diet for dogs, also called the B.A.R.F diet (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food or Bones And Raw Food), is relatively effortless and it basically mimics what your dog would normally eat if it lived in the wild: raw meat, raw meaty bones and raw vegetables.

If you are considering putting your dog on the raw food diet, here is some essential information to keep in mind:

Altering from commercial food to the raw diet for dogs, it may be best to start with just the meat and bones for the first few days until your pet gets adapted to it.

Raw meaty bones that can be eaten include beef, chicken backs, necks, wings, or turkey necks. The chicken and turkey bones are pliable enough for a dog to chew and eat and they provide and exercise for your dog's jaw and upper-body muscle. It is very important to know that the bones give your pet are raw. Cooked bones can splinter easily and these pieces can cause severe internal damage to your pet.

After your pet has becomes accustomed to the meat and bones, you can then start adding in some of the more bland vegetables like carrots. Once your dog has become adjusted to bland vegetables, the other kinds of vegetables you want to give your dog are completely up to you. However, besides understanding the basic nutritional value of vegetables, you should make yourself knowledgeable of any unwanted side effects they might cause.

For example, carrots are wonderful because of their vitamins, potassium and calcium. Watercress and mustard leaf help clean out the intestines. On the flip side, potatoes are not easily digested, large amounts of onions can cause stomach problems and broccoli and cabbage can increase the amount of your dog's gas.

Some of the advantages pet owners report as a result of putting their pet on the raw food diet for dogs include: lower veterinarian bills, nicer smelling breath, improved skin and coats and an improved immune system due to the balance of pure nutrients and fatty acids.

Is the raw diet for dogs correct for your pet? While it has its advantages, no one diet is right for every dog anymore than any one diet is appropriate for every human. You should fully examine dog diets and nutritional needs and carefully weigh your options based on your pet's individual needs.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

Care of Parrot

You don't have to be a veterinarian to be able to take care of an injured bird on your own. Of course, anything major is beyond your control but you can do some first aid before hand. It can save the bird's life.

1. Heat

Temperature is important with parrots. At least 85 degrees are needed to keep these birds warm. If they are warm enough, they will use their metabolic energy and their resources to keep their body temperature to at least 104 degrees.

This is the reason why, you need to increase the temperature if you have a sick bird in your hand. You will be able to save a lot of their energy when the temperature is close to what their body needs. This will allow them to conserve most of their energy to fighting the illness.

2. Humidity
Humidity is vital when you are dealing with an illness that is caused by a respiratory problem. If it is just a wound or a physical energy, humidity is not that essential. This is because humidity allows the parrot to breathe easily as it eases the passage of air. Respiratory problems in parrots are often seen through the odd noises that they make when they breathe. Their breathing will be wheezy and raspy. There will be significant movement in the tail when they have problems in breathing.

Another sign is when they hold their beaks open to breathing. If you have it in your house, use a vaporizer or a humidifier to help keep the humidity stable. If you don't have this, you can improvise and take the parrot inside a bathroom. Turn the hot water faucet on. This will help keep the room humid.

3. Water or liquids
Like humans, parrots need water or liquid to keep them going. High temperature such as fever and problems in the body can drain the body of its fluids. To give water to parrots, you can use a spoon or syringe. Your finger can even be used. Do not use just water. Grape or apple juice are good choices. So is a bottled water with honey on it.

4. Taking it easy and rest
Rest is what everybody needs to help the parrot regain its strength back. An injured or ill parrot may be placed in a dark room where he cannot do much of anything but sleep and rest. Noise will jar them awake while the lure of toys and colorful and shiny stuff will only tempt them to move around.


Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

vet science

As a veterinarian dedicated to sharing my profession with children, I have met with hundreds of kids between the ages of 8 and 12 years old who want be veterinarians. I have also talked with the parents of these children and helped them to understand what they can do to help their children explore their passion. During these times, I am often asked, "If you could give just one piece of advice to a future veterinarian or the parent of a future veterinarian, what would it be?" That's easy. If you or a child you know wants to become a veterinarian, attend a veterinary camp or zoo camp.

I am not the only veterinarian who is making this recommendation. Recently, my company surveyed practicing veterinarians across the country and asked them what advice they had for 8 to 12-year-old future veterinarians. Their top two answers were to "study science" and "get as many animal experiences as possible". Where can you do both in a fun and safe environment? Veterinary camps and zoo camps.

I have spent the past year attending, writing about and filming these camps in order to share them with the members of my website community. During that time, I have interviewed both the campers and their parents. What makes these camps perfect for future veterinarians is that they bring the science of animals to life in a fun and exciting way.

Zoo camps take children behind the scenes. Campers explore the areas where animals are kept and fed. As they explore, camp attendees meet with the zookeepers and learn about the animals they care for. In addition, most zoo camps have classroom time where campers get to touch and interact with the zoo's collection of smaller classroom animals.

Veterinary camps give children the same opportunity to interact with animals. In addition, campers have the chance to explore veterinary medicine in a realistic environment. At many veterinary camps, attendees get to do physicals on various animals, observe surgeries, learn the basics of radiology and spend time in pathology and anatomy. This fun, hands-on approach makes veterinary science come alive for the campers.

What I like most about veterinary camps and zoo camps is they solve one of the biggest dilemmas of the future veterinarian - getting animal experience. Even though the vast majority of veterinarians recommend that all children between the ages of 8 and 12 interested in veterinary medicine get as much animal experience as possible, it is easier said than done.

Most humane societies and veterinarian hospitals will not let children volunteer until they are well into their teens. This is because there are significant liability issues associated with having younger children in an animal facility. Zoo camps and veterinary camps are the perfect solution. They offer a way for future veterinarians to get animal experience and learn the science of animals in a safe environment.

Unlike other professions, the ages of 8 to 12 are some of the most critical years for a veterinarian. Nationwide surveys of practicing veterinarians have shown that these are the years when the vast majority of practitioners made their decision to become an animal doctor. These are also the years when a parent can best help their child explore their passion and get a head start on fulfilling their dream. Make zoo camps and animal camps the first thing you explore. They are just what this doctor recommends.

For more information on veterinary and zoo camps visit Ichabod Ink.

Dr. Carpenter is considered the Veterinarian for Kids. He has written books and articles for children on veterinary science and presented at schools and camps. A member of the American Veterinary Association and the National Science Teachers Association, Dr. Carpenter recently launched IchabodInk.com http://www.ichabodink.com/, then go to website for children who want to be veterinarians and parents who want to help their child explore their dream.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Carpenter_DVM

Avian vet

It's 2:30am, you hear a crashing sound in your bird's cage and rush to investigate. Your bird has crashed to the bottom of the cage from a night fright and appears to have a broken wing. What do you do? Hopefully you never find yourself in this position but if you do, are you prepared? Often the most critical part of any emergency plan is having a good Avian Vet. And 2:30am is NOT the time to fumble through the yellow pages to find an avian vet. Right now is the time to start your search for an avian vet BEFORE you have an emergency! Here are the top ten questions to ask when looking for a good avian vet.

1. Are They Recommended? - Use all available sources to create a list of recommended avian vets in your area. Here's a list to start with. Can you think of more?
   • Local, State and National veterinary associations
   • Local Veterinary schools
   • Local and National pet and bird groups
   • Local Animal Shelters
   • Local Pet owners
   • Local Pet breeders
   • Local Pet stores
   • Local Yellow pages and newspapers for veterinarians
   • Local avian rescues and sanctuaries
   • Local Zoos
   • Your friends and family
   • Internet Search Engines
   • Internet bird boards and forums
2. Are They Avian Certified? - Check to see if they're a Board-Certified Avian Veterinarian and/or a member of the Association of Avian Veterinarians. Warning Flag - If they are not certified or a member, this doesn't immediately disqualify them. But it should raise a very serious warning flag.
3. Do They Treat Birds? - Not all veterinarians treat birds so be sure to ask if they treat birds. If they do, ask them how many avian patients they have and how frequently they have avian patients. Do their patients routinely visit them or do they use them mostly for emergency cases? If most of their patients use them for routine checkups then that may indicate that they have a happy and dependable patient list. Warning Flag - If they mostly treat emergencies then it may be an indicator that they are just the most convenient vet and not necessarily the most qualified. Don't forget to ask how long they've been treating avian patients.
4. Will They Provide References? - If they're willing to provide references, call the references. Ask the references if they're willing to give you additional names of people and contact information for people that also use the veterinarian and call them too. Warning Flag - Refusal to give references should be a warning flag.
5. Are They Up To Date? - How do they stay current on avian knowledge, procedures and treatments? Avian veterinarian science isn't as mature as that for dogs and cats so it's important for veterinarians to keep up to date on the latest procedures and technologies. Warning Flag - It may be difficult to evaluate their plan for staying current but they should at least HAVE a plan.
6. Is Their Facility Clean and Orderly? - Take a tour of their facilities and don't forget to leave the pets and kids at home for this tour so you don't cause any disruptions. This should be just a quick walk-through tour and not a site-seeing guided tour. Are all areas (public AND non-public) clean and orderly? Obviously all areas won't be dining room clean but you should get the impression that all areas are routinely cleaned. Warning Flag - If they won't allow a quick walk through tour this could be an indication that they have something to hide.
7. What Are Their Hours of Operation and Emergency Plans? - What are their normal working hours? Do their normal hours mesh well with your work/school/family schedule or if not, are they flexible? More importantly, what is their plan for emergencies that occur after normal working hours? Warning Flag - Not having a plan for after hour emergencies is a major problem. Murphy's law dictates that this is a requirement.
8. What Type of Personal Pets Do They Have? - Does your vet have pet birds at home? While this is obviously not a disqualification, it gives you an idea about their interests and may indicate their area of expertise.
9. OMG! It Costs HOW much?!?!?!? - Compare their cost of routine services to other comparable vets. While this shouldn't be high on your list of qualifications, it should be considered. Warning Flag - Routine costs being abnormally high or abnormally low could be a warning flag. If their costs are way out of line compared to other vets, make sure you ask why their costs are not comparable to other comparable vets services.
10. What is Their Staff Like? - Make sure to interact with their supporting staff when contacting the vet and when visiting the vet. They should be courteous, helpful and knowledgeable. The Proverb "Birds of a feather flock together" is very appropriate in this situation. A good vet will surround themselves with a good supporting staff and a good supporting staff will flock to a good vet. Warning Flag - If the vets entire organization doesn't work well together, this may be a warning flag of other problems in the office.

Selecting your avian veterinarian may be the most important decision you make for your pet. You owe it to your pet to make a careful and informed decision. So please use this top ten list to help make your decision BEFORE you and your pet bird have an emergency requiring a good vet.

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. For more articles about African Greys and other Parrots, check out Kibibi's Parrot Article Archive.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_B_Weber

Vets for birds

We've all been there, done that. Made an appointment with a vet that claims to see birds, only to find out that the only bird they 'see' on a regular basis is the one that eats from the feeder outside their office window. How do you find a good vet in your area? Take the following questionnaire and see if it can't help you in your search.

1). Is the vet you are considering listed in the AAV -Association of Avian Veterinarians?

2). Is this vet recommended by any local clubs or rescue organizations? (1 point)

3). Go visit the clinic. Is it clean? Does the staff seem friendly and knowledgeable? Are there bird magazines or other tell-tale paraphernalia in the waiting area? (2 points)

4). Call other local vets and ask for a referral to a 'bird' vet. What names do you get? Do any of them suggest the prospect? (1 point)

5). Does the vet you are considering own a pet bird? (yes, 1 point) Do they breed birds? (if yes, add an additional point)

6). How many years has the potential vet been treating exotics?

1-3 years (1 point)

3-6 years (2 points)

6+ years (3 points)

Suggested Evaluation:

14 points or more: Is that the choir I hear singing? Book an appointment!

10-13 points: Probably a decent bird vet.

6-9 points: Worth a try, if this is one of the few in your area.

Less then 6 points: Is this the only vet you can find? Yikes! Be very careful.

Now that you've found a vet you want to try, lets go over some basics for the first visit.

The First Visit:

1) Are there any other birds waiting? Can you hear any other birds in the back?

2) Are there appropriate bird related items in the exam room? For example, towel, gram scale, perches, etc.

3) How does the vet handle your bird? Is he/she confident, and gentle? Pay close attention to how your bird reacts around the vet- their intuitive feelings are oftentimes better then ours. Does the vet talk to the bird? Does the vet ask the bird to step up instead of just grabbing it?

4) Be sure to ask questions! If the vet gets annoyed with your desire to understand as much as possible, be aware. Most vets automatically explain the process of what is happening (eg, "Now I am going to towel Pickles and palpate the breastbone"). Are your questions answered carefully and thoroughly?

5) Is the vet explicit about home care, and what to do with the bird once back at home. Does he/she provide any information about the best possible home setup for a sick bird, and offer any additional advice? If the vet is recommending measures such as handfeeding, giving medication, or other measures, can they explain the proper protocol for carrying out their instructions? Are they willing to show you how to best restrain your bird and give them oral medications?

6) If possible, consider paying the first bill with a credit card. That way, if anything is to go wrong, you'll have someone 'on your side' with leverage- you can dispute the charges and the vet won't get paid until or unless the card company is satisfied. The vet is more likely to try and satisfy you if they have not yet received payment.

Finding a good avian vet can be a long and often frustrating process. Don't be afraid to ask questions, seek recommendations, and interview any prospects before actually bringing your animal into the clinic. Once you find that gem of a vet, you'll want to keep them for years to come!

If you read this article and found it helpful, consider stopping by my website http://www.BirdToys.com

You can also find me and over 22,500+ other parrot owners at http://www.BirdBoard.com where you can ask questions and get immediate feedback.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kelli_L

Vets for pets

Good health and hygiene are as important to animals as they are to their human masters. With proper nutrition and regular exercise domesticated animals can maintain a healthy coat and good physical condition. By visiting vets in Brooklyn dog and cat owners can receive an annual checkup that gives their pet the attention needed to keep them in top form. However even with a good bill of healthy animals should still be exercised regularly and taken out of their home to be walked or run. Dogs in particular need to be exercised daily. That does not mean tying up a dog and leaving him outside on a small balcony or area on the ground floor where they can have a little space to roam. It means walking around the block or going to a dog friendly park where the animal can be let off their leash to run free for an hour. 

For many pet owners in New York a cat is a good choice because these animals are very independent and require little attention. Even when they cuddle up to their owner and want to be petted, a cat will not need as much exercise nor have the same energy as a dog. Within the confines of an apartment building there are house cats that are content to be left inside all day. In addition to cats some pet owners in Brooklyn also have exotic animals, birds or reptiles as their companion. 

Making an ideal pet for a small space, reptiles, amphibians and fish can be kept in an aquarium or terrariums where they are able to live quietly in a glass enclosure without taking up much room or disturbing the neighbors. With a choice of pets to select from there is something that can be a comfort and friend to people of all ages. With every option from aquatic, to reptilian, to canine, to feline and aviary or birds having a pet that is healthy and strong helps many New Yorkers to maintain their own level of well being. Through their care and attention healthy animals are able to provide comfort and relieve stress for their owners. Through a physical examination from one of the vets in Brooklyn pet owners can keep their animals in perfect health. 

There are times however when even the healthiest of animals can become ill and need the services of vets in Brooklyn to restore their health. Being able to diagnose and treat a variety of dogs, cats and exotic creatures the medical professionals that work for the health of animals are able to keep the pets of New York in their best physical condition

.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com