July 14, 2021

 

Feature:

Garter Snakes

"There are many types of garter snakes found all across North America, from Mexico to Canada. They have a variety patterns & markings, & can be brown, tan, olive, or black with yellow, red, orange, or even blue stripes down their sides & backs. Some are all black. They can grow to be over 4 feet long, but most adults reach only 2–3 feet in length.

Often called 'gardener snakes,' they earn that name by eating grasshoppers, slugs, grubs, & other insects. A large adult garter snake may even eat mice. (Unfortunately, they also eat some critters such as frogs, toads, salamanders, & earthworms.) To eat large prey, they unhinge their jaw from their skull. Back-curving teeth keep the prey from escaping.

Since they grow throughout their lifetime, snakes need to shed their skin when it gets too small. To do this, they rub their head on something rough to hook the skin near their lips & as they crawl out of it, the skin is turned inside out. 

Garter snakes won’t bite you unless provoked. They won’t chase you. They are really very shy & are not looking for a fight!

Garter snakes do produce a very weak venom, but the venom is so mild that it rarely has any effect on humans (it can cause light swelling in those who are allergic, however). The snake uses its venom to subdue larger prey items, like frogs & mice.

Active year-round in the south, in the northern half of North America they hibernate below the frostline in the winter, congregating in large numbers in burrows & crevices to keep warm during the cold months. In the spring, they emerge & mate.

Females only breed every 2 to 3 years. They bear live young in the late summer, usually having between 4 & 20 babies, though some can bear up to 85! 

It takes 2 years for garter snakes to reach maturity & they can live to be 10 years old in the wild."

From: Garter Snakes: The Gardener's Friend 

Why Snakes Are Good For Your Garden

almanac.com

by Robin Sweetser

July 7/2021

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July 7/2021

 

Feature:

Exploring the Sea Urchin’s Exceptional Longevity

"The sea urchin, historically a model organism in developmental biology, has only more recently been recognised for the exceptional lifespan displayed by some species. In 2003, carbon-14 dating showed that the red sea urchin M. franciscanus contained ‘bomb carbon’ from early nuclear weapons testing, & this species is now confirmed to live 100 years or longer, with some even reaching the age of 200.

The longevity of some sea urchins has interested scientists seeking to understand the ageing process. Sea urchins display negligible signs of the biological processes we have come to associate with ageing & continue to grow, reproduce & regenerate throughout life. At the cellular level, telomeres, the protective caps of the chromosomes that usually shorten each time a cell divides, are maintained throughout a sea urchin‘s life by continuous expression of an enzyme called telomerase.

Telomere shortening is thought to be an important component of the ageing process in multicellular organisms, & so one can speculate that the lack of telomere shortening seen in sea urchins might be the key to their longevity. Yet perplexingly, some sea urchin species live comparatively short lives (4 years at most in the case of the green sea urchin), despite sharing the telomerase activity of their centenarian cousins.

This raises an interesting question: if sea urchins show negligible signs of ageing, why do they die? The mortality of sea urchins is not well understood. Further study of organisms that do not fit with our classical understanding of biological ageing could lead to important insights into what actually determines lifespan across different species, including humans."

Growinglife.com

June 4/2020

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June 30/2021

                            

Feature:

9 Breeds of Long-Haired Guinea Pigs With Amazing Manes

"When thinking about guinea pigs, most people have a picture in their minds of the well-known, common American guinea pig breed that has a short coat. However, unbeknownst to most people, guinea pigs come in a variety of breeds with different shapes, slightly different sizes, & different coat colors & lengths...

So, if you’re considering getting one of these adorable little rodents as a pet, be sure that you get a proper guinea pig cage, including guinea pig supplies such as water & food dishes, guinea pig food & bedding. You should also purchase a wide-tooth comb or soft-bristled brush to do daily brushing of your long-haired guinea pig.

While the different long-haired breeds of guinea pigs all share the feature of a mane-like coat, they each have their own unique characteristics that make them special...

Abyssinian Guinea Pig

Originally from South America, these guinea pigs have a rough-textured, spiky coat that can grow nearly 2 inches long. Their coat grows in swirls or cowlicks, called rosettes, that are paired across their body, typically with 8 rosettes total. Their hair comes in a variety of colors & patterns, including brindle, roan, tortoiseshell, & solid. Abyssinians are known to be very affectionate & outgoing but can get into trouble for being too curious. They make great first-time guinea pigs for families.

Peruvian Guinea Pig

With extremely long, straight hair all over its body, the Peruvian is harder to care for when compared to short-haired guinea pig breeds. Their coat can grow as long as 24 inches, & it requires a lot of daily grooming. Once referred to as Angora guinea pigs, Peruvians have hair that hangs over their foreheads like bangs, which may grow long enough to cover their eyes.

Their coats part down their backs, hanging down on both sides of their spines. Typically, their hair is arranged in 2 rosettes—one in which the hair extends forward, & the other in which it extends backward. Peruvians bond closely with their owners & are often considered the most alert & engaged of the guinea pig breeds.

Texel Guinea Pig

Also called Curlies, Texels are originally from England & have stout bodies & broad heads. They have soft, thick fur that is arranged in curls all over their bodies (including their bellies) & is often parted in the middle of their backs. They usually have shorter hair on their faces & may have longer curls behind their ears & along their lower jaws. Due to their long ringlets, Texels require quite a bit of daily brushing to maintain their coats free of tangles; thus, this breed is not ideal for children or very busy adults.

Silkie Guinea Pig

Also known as Shelties, this breed of guinea pig comes from England & is called a Silkie because of its long, soft, smooth, shiny haircoat. Unlike some of the other long-haired guinea pig breeds, the Silkie has a coat that is not parted or arranged in rosettes. Instead it sweeps backward, like it’s slicked back, away from its face, giving its body a teardrop shape. Although sometimes shy at first, Silkies are known to be gentle & laid back & are good family pets, as long as their coat is brushed daily to keep it free of debris & knotting.

Coronet Guinea Pig

Sometimes called the English guinea pig, the Coronet resembles the Silkie in that they have smooth coats that grow backwards over their bodies. However, unlike the Silkie, the Coronet has a rosette, or coronet, of hair in the center of its head. The rest of their hair is not parted. The Coronets are known to be affectionate & inquisitive & can make wonderful companions.

Lunkarya Guinea Pig

Occasionally called the 'Lunk,' the Lunkarya is originally from Sweden & is rarely seen in the US. The Lunk has rough-textured, dense, long, curly hair that sticks out in all directions & cannot be combed flat. There are 3 breed variations: the Lunkarya Peruvian—with a distinct forelock on its head, the Lunkarya Sheltie—with hair flowing back over its body, & the Lunkarya Coronet—with a crest of hair on its forehead.

Sheba Guinea Pig

Originating in Australia, the Sheba mini yak, or Sheba for short, has a stocky body & a tousled-looking coat. Their dense hair is arranged in rosettes, similar to that of the Abyssinian & the Peruvian. They have square heads & hair arranged around the sides of their faces, so it looks like they have mutton-chop whiskers. They are gentle & curious & make excellent family pets if someone is willing to groom them each day.

Alpaca Guinea Pig

These guinea pigs are also called the boucle, English Peruvian & curly coated Coronet. They have wavy, coarse hair, similar to that of the camel-like alpaca. Each strand of hair varies in color from its root to its end. They also have a rosette of hair on their foreheads. As a result of their thick coats, they should be kept indoors or they risk overheating outside in warm weather. Alpacas are extremely high-maintenance guinea pigs because their dense hair requires daily brushing & detangling.

Merino Guinea Pig

Also called the English Merino & the Merino Peruvian, the Merino has a curly coat like that of a Texel. The hair is short on their broad heads & is arranged in a crest-type rosette right on top, between their eyes & ears. They make wonderful pets, as they are typically sweet & gentle.

While the different breeds of long-haired guinea pigs have subtle differences in personality & more extreme differences in appearance, in general, they all require quite a bit more grooming than short-haired guinea pigs to keep their long coats healthy. So, if you’re thinking about taking one of these precious piggies home, just be sure your schedule can accommodate extra time for daily brushing & care."

Laurie Hess, DVM, DABVP

Oct. 31/2018

petmed.com

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June 23/2021

 

Feature:

Do Cats Need Wet Food? The Benefits of Wet Cat Food

"If your cat loves munching on dry kibble, you may have wondered if cats need wet food in their diets as well. In general, dry kibble has little moisture, so your cat needs to get water from a different source, such as a water bowl. If you’re concerned about keeping your cat hydrated, feeding both wet & dry food is a great way to ensure she gets more water...

3 Benefits of Wet Cat Food

If you’re wondering whether or not your cat needs wet food, here are 3 ways it can benefit your cat:

1. It Keeps your Cat Hydrated

Did you know that in nature cats tend to avoid standing water? This is because it’s typically a breeding ground for bacteria & insects. So, many cats are finicky about drinking water from a bowl or dish.

However, water is vital for your cat’s health, making up 60% of your cat’s body. So, you must make sure your cat is getting enough water daily.

How do you get cats to drink more water? Making sure to provide fresh water daily or purchasing a cat water fountain can help. You can also increase her water intake through feeding wet cat food. While wet cat food doesn’t replace water altogether, it can help keep your cat hydrated.

2. Helps Promote Lean Body Mass

Wet cat food is typically high in protein, which helps support strong muscles. It can also help maintain muscle mass throughout your cat’s life – from adulthood into your cat’s senior years.

Your cat’s body weight is made up of lean body mass (LBM) & fat mass. Muscles, ligaments, bones & organs are all part of LBM. Organs & muscles are the main sources of metabolic activity, helping to support vital functions, like immunity, mobility & more. Typically, as cats age, they can lose LBM. Wet cat food that’s high in protein can help maintain LBM as your cat ages.

3. Gives Variety to Meal Time

Many people would get tired of eating the same food every day. In the same way, your cat can get bored with her food. Feeding only dry food may not satisfy your cat’s craving for variety.

Because of wet cat food’s small portions, you can try a variety of flavours easily to see what your cat loves. Not only are there many flavours to choose from, but you can also choose different textures too – from paté to wet cat food in a hearty gravy.

Other Benefits of Wet Cat Food

Wet cat food is highly digestible & it contains all the same essential nutrients as dry food. This includes vitamins & minerals such as:

Iron: To help support healthy blood & tissue.

Zinc: Which helps support immune system development & maintains the eyes, skin, & bones.

Biotin:  To help regulate energy release from food & promote healthy skin by maintaining skin integrity.

So, do cats need wet food? It’s not a necessity, but a combination of wet & dry food can give your cat the benefits of both. Wet food can increase your cat’s water intake & give her a variety of flavours. On the other hand, kibble can help keep her teeth clean..."

purina.ca

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June16/2021

 

Feature:

Fainting Goats

   "A Fainting Goat, also known as Tennessee Fainting Goat or Myotonic goat, is a unique breed of domestic goat. Domestic goats are a subspecies of the wild goat (Capra aegagrus), & all of the various breeds share the same species. This breed, is best known for its propensity to 'faint.'...

Description of the Fainting Goat

Like all goats, these creatures have hooves on their feet, with 2 primary 'toes' rather than a single hoof like that of a horse. Many also have a pair of horns. This breed comes in a variety of different colors & patterns. They grow between 17 & 25 in. tall at the shoulder, & weigh between 60 & 175 lbs. or so.

Interesting Facts About the Fainting Goat 

This interesting breed of goat has a number of unique traits & behaviors...

Fainting Behavior – The first thing you’ll notice about this breed is that they 'faint.' When surprised, individuals stiffen up & fall over. This is not a true 'faint,' as the goats do not lose consciousness.

The Mechanics – These goats 'faint' because of a genetic disorder known as Myotonia congenita. To put it simply, this disorder causes the muscles to contract & stiffen when something frightens the animal.

Why Fainting Goats? – Hypothetically, you wouldn’t want to breed a goat with a genetic disorder, so why have breeders continued this line of goats? Farmers originally kept this breed as a 'sacrificial lamb.' If a predator attacks a herd of expensive farm animals, it will eat the Myotonic goat because the goat is easy prey, saving the farmer money.

Modern Purpose – Nowadays, people tend to keep this breed as a novelty. They raise them as pets, & breed them to maintain the fainting behavior. Some individuals 'faint' more than others.

Habitat of the Fainting Goat

This breed came from other fully domestic goats. People domesticated those goats many years ago. They have always lived in manmade habitats.

Generally, people keep these goats on farmland or pasture with plenty of grass & shrubbery to eat. However, some also keep them in forests, mountainous regions, marshes, woodlands, & more.

Distribution of the Fainting Goat

The original ancestors of this breed came from Tennessee. You can trace their ancestry back to a single herd of goats. The breed quickly garnered popularity & interest, spreading across the state & throughout the nation. Now, you can find this breed in various regions of the world.

Diet of the Fainting Goat

Like all goats, this breed has herbivorous feeding habits. They will eat a wide variety of different plants. Unlike horses & sheep, goats do not only graze on grass, but browse on just about any plant. This means that their diet contains grass, shrubs, leaves, bushes, & virtually any edible plant matter.

Fainting Goat and Human Interaction

Like any domestic breed, this goat would not exist without human interaction. Farmers have used this breed historically to protect more expensive livestock. When the Fainting Goat falls over, the predator attacks them & leaves the more valuable livestock. Now people also keep them as pets, breed them, & use their meat.

Domestication

The original ancestors of this breed came from other domestic goats. A farmer in Tennessee had a herd of goats with this genetic deformity. From this herd, people continued to breed the goats to expand the genetics. Breeders select goats with the strongest 'fainting' behavior to reproduce.

Does the Fainting Goat Make a Good Pet

Yes, this breed of goat can make a wonderful pet, but they are not house pets. Properly socialized individuals have a friendly demeanor. If you keep this breed, you must provide ample space & pasture for them to graze & exercise, medical care, & shelter from the elements. You should do your research before purchasing any pet.

Fainting Goat Care

All goat breeds have social behavior, & you must house them in groups. They need plenty of space to exercise & forage for food, & you should provide them with additional hay or grain to supplement their diet. Additionally, this breed in particular can fall prey to predators quite easily, & you must have secure fencing to keep them safe.

Behavior of the Fainting Goat

The most notable feature of this breed’s behavior is its propensity to 'faint.' When frightened, be it by a person, dog, loud noise, or unknown object, the goat’s muscles stiffen & some even fall over. Some individuals have a stronger reaction to a frightening stimulus, while others have a less severe reaction.

Reproduction of the Fainting Goat

Though females reach sexual maturity at just a few months old, you should not breed them until they reach about 6 to 9 months of age. Males reproduce with multiple females. After mating, the gestation period lasts about 5 months. The females give birth to 2 or 3 offspring, known as 'kids.' A single female can breed every 6 months."

Animals Network Team

animals.net/fainting-goat

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