The Quaker Parrot is a small hookbill from the genus Myiopsitta. Also known as the Monk parakeet, often referred to as a parakeet due to its long tail typical of the parakeets. The Quaker parrot is originally from temperate areas of South America and is a very gregarious bird and in the wild can be found in flocks of a few to several hundred birds.
By: Mark Gibson
Saturday, May 31, 2008
The Different Types of Turtles
There are hundreds of different types of turtles. This article aims to give you a brief overview of the different types of turtles. Here is a short list of some of the types of turtle:
The Pig Nosed Turtle: This type of turtle has been called the Australasian Pig-nose turtle, the pitted shelled turtle, the plateless turtle and even the fly river turtle. This kind of turtle is soft shelled and is usually found in freshwater rivers, lagoons and streams in Australia's Northern Territory and in New Guinea.
By: Steven Magill
The Pig Nosed Turtle: This type of turtle has been called the Australasian Pig-nose turtle, the pitted shelled turtle, the plateless turtle and even the fly river turtle. This kind of turtle is soft shelled and is usually found in freshwater rivers, lagoons and streams in Australia's Northern Territory and in New Guinea.
By: Steven Magill
Veterinary Pet Insurance For Exotic Animals
Before purchasing an exotic animals insurance policy, it is a good idea to spend some time researching the various policy options each veterinary pet insurance company offers. Also, it can be very helpful to do some background research on the insurance company itself, to see what kind of reputation they have. You want to be sure you are dealing with a company that has long-standing experience and solid history in pet health insurance. Asking your veterinarian about their experiences with the company and if they pay the claims promptly and reliably can also provide valuable insights into the company.
The primary purpose of having exotic pet insurance coverage is to assure that your exotic animals have adequate access to the veterinary pet health care that they require while also protecting the financial aspects of the pet owner. Another important consideration is that many varieties of exotic pets are more susceptible to an array of diseases and illnesses that are not commonly found in ordinary household pets.
The care for exotic pets is also more expensive, as some of these animals require a veterinarian with specialized knowledge and skills in order to properly care for the them. This is one reason why many owners of such animals seek out insurance. Some have even declared that they would never again be without such coverage because of the amount of money that they have saved due to unexpected veterinary pet bills.
Recent studies have reported that approximately 40% of all reptile owners have needed to take their pet in for an unplanned veterinarian visit at some point during the previous two years. The study went on to report that over one third of these cases ended up requiring three or more veterinary office visits during that same time frame. This is just one example of how pet insurance for exotic creatures is very beneficial, because for some people, such a level of care would not be affordable.
There is a common misunderstanding that exotic pet insurance is designed to simply cover health related expenses, such as vet fees and medicines. However, most of the policies that are written for exotic pets also provide a number of other important benefits, in addition to veterinarian expenses. Exactly what is covered by your policy will vary depending on the choices that you make in selecting your plan and the kinds of additional benefits that are most important for your situation.
Of course, the primary benefit of all pet insurance is the pet health insurance aspect. This is the part of the coverage that will pay for veterinary pet visits, vaccinations, health screenings, yearly checkups and booster shots as needed. Some of the policies will completely cover all of these costs. Other types of policies will only cover emergency types of care, such as surgery due to an accident. Some policies require you to make a minimum co-payment for each veterinary visit, while others fully cover such costs. Each of these variations, in addition to an annual deductible, will affect the cost of the insurance premium that you'll pay.
n addition to covering veterinary expenses, insurance policies for an exotic creature can also cover thievery, in case it is stolen. If you own a very valuable exotic pet, it is strongly advised by experts that you carry this type of insurance in addition to the pet health insurance coverage. You will want to be sure that the policy you choose provides for sufficient replacement coverage in the event of a theft.
Insurance can also provide coverage in the event of death of the exotic animals because of fire, natural disaster, accident, injury or illness. For owners who have invested a great deal of money in acquiring an out-of-the-ordinary kind of pet, this type of pet plan can help to offset the cost of replacement. Most policies will cover the value of the purchase price of the pet and some will even cover the needed vaccinations that were required. Of course, such coverage cannot compensate for the value of the relationship that has been developed with the beloved exotic creature, but it can minimize the financial impact of such a loss.
In general, exotic pet insurance policies are available to purchase either as a yearly premium or as a lifetime policy. Typically, the one year policies carry lower limits for claims and can be a risky option since the issuing pet insurance company may choose not to continue coverage when the animal reaches a certain age or develops health conditions.
As the cost of veterinary pet office visits and various procedures have increased, along with the cost of human health care in this country, more and more people are looking at this option as a financially viable and wise way to assure the best pet care is provided when needed.
By: Mark Gittelman
The primary purpose of having exotic pet insurance coverage is to assure that your exotic animals have adequate access to the veterinary pet health care that they require while also protecting the financial aspects of the pet owner. Another important consideration is that many varieties of exotic pets are more susceptible to an array of diseases and illnesses that are not commonly found in ordinary household pets.
The care for exotic pets is also more expensive, as some of these animals require a veterinarian with specialized knowledge and skills in order to properly care for the them. This is one reason why many owners of such animals seek out insurance. Some have even declared that they would never again be without such coverage because of the amount of money that they have saved due to unexpected veterinary pet bills.
Recent studies have reported that approximately 40% of all reptile owners have needed to take their pet in for an unplanned veterinarian visit at some point during the previous two years. The study went on to report that over one third of these cases ended up requiring three or more veterinary office visits during that same time frame. This is just one example of how pet insurance for exotic creatures is very beneficial, because for some people, such a level of care would not be affordable.
There is a common misunderstanding that exotic pet insurance is designed to simply cover health related expenses, such as vet fees and medicines. However, most of the policies that are written for exotic pets also provide a number of other important benefits, in addition to veterinarian expenses. Exactly what is covered by your policy will vary depending on the choices that you make in selecting your plan and the kinds of additional benefits that are most important for your situation.
Of course, the primary benefit of all pet insurance is the pet health insurance aspect. This is the part of the coverage that will pay for veterinary pet visits, vaccinations, health screenings, yearly checkups and booster shots as needed. Some of the policies will completely cover all of these costs. Other types of policies will only cover emergency types of care, such as surgery due to an accident. Some policies require you to make a minimum co-payment for each veterinary visit, while others fully cover such costs. Each of these variations, in addition to an annual deductible, will affect the cost of the insurance premium that you'll pay.
n addition to covering veterinary expenses, insurance policies for an exotic creature can also cover thievery, in case it is stolen. If you own a very valuable exotic pet, it is strongly advised by experts that you carry this type of insurance in addition to the pet health insurance coverage. You will want to be sure that the policy you choose provides for sufficient replacement coverage in the event of a theft.
Insurance can also provide coverage in the event of death of the exotic animals because of fire, natural disaster, accident, injury or illness. For owners who have invested a great deal of money in acquiring an out-of-the-ordinary kind of pet, this type of pet plan can help to offset the cost of replacement. Most policies will cover the value of the purchase price of the pet and some will even cover the needed vaccinations that were required. Of course, such coverage cannot compensate for the value of the relationship that has been developed with the beloved exotic creature, but it can minimize the financial impact of such a loss.
In general, exotic pet insurance policies are available to purchase either as a yearly premium or as a lifetime policy. Typically, the one year policies carry lower limits for claims and can be a risky option since the issuing pet insurance company may choose not to continue coverage when the animal reaches a certain age or develops health conditions.
As the cost of veterinary pet office visits and various procedures have increased, along with the cost of human health care in this country, more and more people are looking at this option as a financially viable and wise way to assure the best pet care is provided when needed.
By: Mark Gittelman
Saltwater Starter Fish - Here Are Your Best Choices
Saltwater fish must pass this test to qualify as a starter fish:
Is this fish both hardy and inexpensive? The term starter fish refers to the first fish that are added to a newly setup aquarium. Once starter fish are introduced to an aquarium a process called the Nitrogen Cycle begins. These fish "start" the process.
The Nitrogen Cycle is a natural process that breaks down organic waste making the water safe for fish. This cycle generally takes 4 to 6 weeks and can be stressful to fish. Cycling time can be reduced by adding commercially-packaged beneficial bacteria. Whether adding bacteria or not it is important to add fish only before and after the cycle.
In the past saltwater fish were all caught by divers around reefs, rock piles and other shallow parts of the ocean. Being caught and removed from their home is stressful for fish. Hatchery raised saltwater fish have only become available in the past few years. They are a great choice because they have endured less stress, will readily eat a variety of foods and have less chance to contract diseases. You can find these tank-raised fish at most local pet and aquarium stores. One of the largest groups of tank-raised fish are clownfish.
Most clownfish meet our criteria of being both hardy and relatively inexpensive. Disney's Finding Nemo has made False Percula Clownfish (Amphiprion Ocellaris),affectionately referred to as Nemo fish, the popular clownfish with children and adults alike. They are colorful, hardy and swim in a playful motion. False Perculas grow to approximately 3 inches long and several can be introduced at the same time. These are also safe to house with invertebrates and live corals.
A few other great starter fish are the Clark's Clownfish (Amphiprion Clarkii), Pink Skunk Clownfish (Amphiprion periderion) and Tomato Clownfish. Tomato Clownfish become more aggressive with age and grow to about 5 inches long. Because of their size and temperament they work better with larger or semi-aggressive fish.
Damselfish are the most popular saltwater starter fish. Their popularity arises from their bright colors and cheap price. At about $5.00 each, damselfish are very attractive to new hobbyists. The downside is their aggressive behavior towards tank mates. The least aggressive damselfish and one of the most colorful is the Yellow tailed Damselfish (Chrysiptera parasema), which is bright blue with a striking yellow tail. Yellow tailed Damsels grow to about 3 inches long and can be kept in schools. Even though they are less aggressive they can still chase smaller fish if they enter the damsels' territory. Most other damselfish stay small and will tolerate the nitrogen cycle; just be prepared to add more aggressive fish or trade your damsels back to your local fish store if they become too aggressive. One note of caution: Live rock aquariums make it difficult to catch fish once they are added. While there are many fish that will survive the Nitrogen Cycle those listed above pass both the hardy and inexpensive tests.
To ease stress on fish during the cycle control feeding and add good bacteria. Feed only once each day and the food should be consumed within 2 to 3 minutes. Adding commercially-packaged nitrifying bacteria when adding fish can both shorten the length of the cycle and keep ammonia and nitrite levels lower. Try choosing hatchery-raised fish. They cost a little more but the expense may be worth it. Before adding fish make certain the filter is running, specific gravity is between 1.020 and 1.024, pH is between 8.0 and 8.3 and the heater is working properly. Now it is time to get some fish.
By: Laurren Schmoyer
Is this fish both hardy and inexpensive? The term starter fish refers to the first fish that are added to a newly setup aquarium. Once starter fish are introduced to an aquarium a process called the Nitrogen Cycle begins. These fish "start" the process.
The Nitrogen Cycle is a natural process that breaks down organic waste making the water safe for fish. This cycle generally takes 4 to 6 weeks and can be stressful to fish. Cycling time can be reduced by adding commercially-packaged beneficial bacteria. Whether adding bacteria or not it is important to add fish only before and after the cycle.
In the past saltwater fish were all caught by divers around reefs, rock piles and other shallow parts of the ocean. Being caught and removed from their home is stressful for fish. Hatchery raised saltwater fish have only become available in the past few years. They are a great choice because they have endured less stress, will readily eat a variety of foods and have less chance to contract diseases. You can find these tank-raised fish at most local pet and aquarium stores. One of the largest groups of tank-raised fish are clownfish.
Most clownfish meet our criteria of being both hardy and relatively inexpensive. Disney's Finding Nemo has made False Percula Clownfish (Amphiprion Ocellaris),affectionately referred to as Nemo fish, the popular clownfish with children and adults alike. They are colorful, hardy and swim in a playful motion. False Perculas grow to approximately 3 inches long and several can be introduced at the same time. These are also safe to house with invertebrates and live corals.
A few other great starter fish are the Clark's Clownfish (Amphiprion Clarkii), Pink Skunk Clownfish (Amphiprion periderion) and Tomato Clownfish. Tomato Clownfish become more aggressive with age and grow to about 5 inches long. Because of their size and temperament they work better with larger or semi-aggressive fish.
Damselfish are the most popular saltwater starter fish. Their popularity arises from their bright colors and cheap price. At about $5.00 each, damselfish are very attractive to new hobbyists. The downside is their aggressive behavior towards tank mates. The least aggressive damselfish and one of the most colorful is the Yellow tailed Damselfish (Chrysiptera parasema), which is bright blue with a striking yellow tail. Yellow tailed Damsels grow to about 3 inches long and can be kept in schools. Even though they are less aggressive they can still chase smaller fish if they enter the damsels' territory. Most other damselfish stay small and will tolerate the nitrogen cycle; just be prepared to add more aggressive fish or trade your damsels back to your local fish store if they become too aggressive. One note of caution: Live rock aquariums make it difficult to catch fish once they are added. While there are many fish that will survive the Nitrogen Cycle those listed above pass both the hardy and inexpensive tests.
To ease stress on fish during the cycle control feeding and add good bacteria. Feed only once each day and the food should be consumed within 2 to 3 minutes. Adding commercially-packaged nitrifying bacteria when adding fish can both shorten the length of the cycle and keep ammonia and nitrite levels lower. Try choosing hatchery-raised fish. They cost a little more but the expense may be worth it. Before adding fish make certain the filter is running, specific gravity is between 1.020 and 1.024, pH is between 8.0 and 8.3 and the heater is working properly. Now it is time to get some fish.
By: Laurren Schmoyer
Giant Pandas
The Giant Panda is easily recognized by its large, distinctive black patches around the eyes, over the ears, and across its round body. Scientists do not know why these unusual bears are black and white, some speculate that the bold coloring provides effective camouflage into their shade-dappled snowy and rocky surroundings. The Giant Panda's thick, woolly coat keeps it warm in the cool forests of its habitat.
The Giant Panda was thought to be a member of the Procyonidae however, it actually belongs to the order Carnivora.
Carnivora is the scientific word for carnivore however, the Giant Panda has a diet which is 99% bamboo. Giant Pandas have large molar teeth and strong jaw muscles for crushing tough bamboo. There is twenty-five species of bamboo that is eaten by Giant Pandas in the wild, such as Fargesia dracocephala and Fargesia rufa. There is only a few bamboo species that are widespread in the high altitudes Giant Pandas now inhabit. Bamboo leaves contain the higher protein levels then stems. Giant Pandas may eat other foods such as honey, eggs, fish, yams, shrub leaves, oranges and bananas, if available.
There are only a few mountain ranges where Pandas can live, all in central China namely Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Gansu provinces. Pandas once lived in lowland areas. The Pandas have been pushed out of its habitat to higher altitude and limited available space. The timber profit gained from harvesting bamboo has destroyed a significant portion of the food supply for the Giant Panda. The population of wild Giant Pandas decreased by 50 percent from 1973 to 1984 in six areas of China. Giant Pandas can usually live to be 20-30 years old in captivity.
The Panda is an endangered species continued as a result habitat loss and a very low birthrate, both in the wild and in captivity. China has only 239 Giant Pandas in captivity (128 of them in Wolong and 67 in Chengdu NNR) plus another 27 pandas living outside the country. It is estimated that around 1,590 Giant Pandas are living in the wild. However, a 2006 study via DNA analysis estimated that there might be as many as 2,000-3,000 Giant Pandas in the wild.
Scientists use to think Giant Pandas spent most of their lives alone, with males and females meeting only during the breeding season. Recent studies show small groups of pandas share a large territory and sometimes meet outside the breeding season.
The Giant Panda is a subtropical mammal. However, unlike most bear, the Giant Panda does not hibernate.
Adult Giant Pandas measure around 5ft long and around 2.5 feet tall at the shoulder, males are 1/5 larger than females, Males can weigh up to 115 kg or 253 pounds. The Giant Panda has the longest tail in the bear family; it being 4-6 inches long.
Pandas and other wild animals are deceiving as babies; many people find these chunky, lumbering animals to be cute, but Giant Pandas are just as dangerous as any other bear.
Unlike many other animals in ancient China, pandas were rarely thought to have medical uses. In the past, pandas were thought to be rare and noble creatures; the mother of Emperor Wen of Han was buried with a panda skull in her vault. Emperor Taizong of Tang is said to have given Japan two pandas and a sheet of panda skin as a sign of goodwill.
By: Anthony Benjamin
The Giant Panda was thought to be a member of the Procyonidae however, it actually belongs to the order Carnivora.
Carnivora is the scientific word for carnivore however, the Giant Panda has a diet which is 99% bamboo. Giant Pandas have large molar teeth and strong jaw muscles for crushing tough bamboo. There is twenty-five species of bamboo that is eaten by Giant Pandas in the wild, such as Fargesia dracocephala and Fargesia rufa. There is only a few bamboo species that are widespread in the high altitudes Giant Pandas now inhabit. Bamboo leaves contain the higher protein levels then stems. Giant Pandas may eat other foods such as honey, eggs, fish, yams, shrub leaves, oranges and bananas, if available.
There are only a few mountain ranges where Pandas can live, all in central China namely Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Gansu provinces. Pandas once lived in lowland areas. The Pandas have been pushed out of its habitat to higher altitude and limited available space. The timber profit gained from harvesting bamboo has destroyed a significant portion of the food supply for the Giant Panda. The population of wild Giant Pandas decreased by 50 percent from 1973 to 1984 in six areas of China. Giant Pandas can usually live to be 20-30 years old in captivity.
The Panda is an endangered species continued as a result habitat loss and a very low birthrate, both in the wild and in captivity. China has only 239 Giant Pandas in captivity (128 of them in Wolong and 67 in Chengdu NNR) plus another 27 pandas living outside the country. It is estimated that around 1,590 Giant Pandas are living in the wild. However, a 2006 study via DNA analysis estimated that there might be as many as 2,000-3,000 Giant Pandas in the wild.
Scientists use to think Giant Pandas spent most of their lives alone, with males and females meeting only during the breeding season. Recent studies show small groups of pandas share a large territory and sometimes meet outside the breeding season.
The Giant Panda is a subtropical mammal. However, unlike most bear, the Giant Panda does not hibernate.
Adult Giant Pandas measure around 5ft long and around 2.5 feet tall at the shoulder, males are 1/5 larger than females, Males can weigh up to 115 kg or 253 pounds. The Giant Panda has the longest tail in the bear family; it being 4-6 inches long.
Pandas and other wild animals are deceiving as babies; many people find these chunky, lumbering animals to be cute, but Giant Pandas are just as dangerous as any other bear.
Unlike many other animals in ancient China, pandas were rarely thought to have medical uses. In the past, pandas were thought to be rare and noble creatures; the mother of Emperor Wen of Han was buried with a panda skull in her vault. Emperor Taizong of Tang is said to have given Japan two pandas and a sheet of panda skin as a sign of goodwill.
By: Anthony Benjamin
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)