Drinkwell Original Pet Fountain
Every cat owner knows their pet(s) must drink plenty of water for good health. Fresh water is as necessary to your cat's well being as good, nutritious cat food. My two certainly drink lots of water - especially in hot weather. However, stagnate water in bowls loses its freshness fast. It also accumulates cat hairs, dust and debris - not very appetizing. Drinkwell Pet Fountain for Cats encourages pets to drink all the water they need because there's always a supply of clean flowing water. Re-circulating water, with greater exposure to oxygen, provides fresh-tasting, cool, filtered water with lots of health benefits. Encouraging cats to drink more water helps ensure proper kidney function and may decrease the incidence of urinary disease.
The charcoal filter, which is a feature I really like, absorbs bad tastes and odors. The fountain has a six cup capacity, and you can purchase an additional six cup capacity with use of a refill accessory. The additional water supply is wonderful, especially if you go away for the weekend frequently.
The weather has been really warm, recently, in my neck of the woods. I bought my Drinkwell Fountain at the end of April and my cats, Dapple and Max, love it. I still change the water every two days or so, wash the water dish, and I check the water level daily - but that's me. Also, be sure to remove any pet hair that has accumulated near the intake propeller every few days. When the water level is kept above the intake valve, there is no noise except the soothing sound of flowing water.
The cats are also fascinated by the running water, and just hanging out by the water fountain encourages them to drink more. Who knows what they gossip about.
My cat Toby would only drink from a slow running faucet in the bath tub and it was a problem if we wanted to leave him for a couple of days. I got this fountain over 5 years ago and it is still in great running condition. You should do general cleaning about once a week and do a complete cleaning about twice a year. Remove any pet hair that has accumlated near the intake propeller every couple of days with just a swipe of your finger. As long as the water level is kept above the intake valve it is VERY QUIET and soothing. If you don't mind keeping a water dish clean and don't mind doing a little routine maintenance from time to time then this is the water bowl for you. I HIGHLY recommend the water reservoir as the water will last about a week. This is the best price around for this item.
One of my cats loves drinking from the faucet. However, she's older and has been ill, so she can't jump up anymore. Also, she has hyperthyroid and wants to drink a lot even though her blood work and thyroid levels are good. She LOVES this fountain and so does the family. She loves the waterfall flow of the water and it is always so clean. I add a few small pieces of ice, which she loves. Anytime I fill it, she comes right over and drinks.
My other cat didn't use it at first because the older cat "rules" everyone, including the 2 dogs! But eventually, he used it and loves it too.
Some reviewers mentioned the motor noise. The fountain does make an annoying noise when it is not filled with enough water. I have to add water several times a day, so I just bought the reservoir.
The price is fantastic!!! I'd also recommend getting the reservoir and the cleaning brushes. We only need to clean it about every 2 weeks and it's easy. A GREAT PRODUCT!
Friday, July 30, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
Best Advantage™ Once-A-Month Topical Flea Treatment for Cats
Advantage™ Once-A-Month Topical Flea Treatment for Cats
My cats have fleas! Or, at least, they had fleas. I have used over-the-counter, less expensive items (flea powders, flea collars, etc.) up to and including other topical products like this one, and nothing worked. The flea collars were less than worthless - they actually caused patches of fur to fall out on at least one cat. The powder was unwieldy, and the other topical applications (save one) did not work at all.
I must give credit where credit is due - I have used Frontline before for my cats, and have been very satisfied with the results from that one. However, I decided to try Advantage this time, as I'd heard good things about it, and it was on sale at a discount when I needed it. I couldn't be more pleased. Unlike most other topical applications where the flea substance is put on the shoulder blades of the cats and stinks (STINKS!), this has no easily discernable smell.
This is a good thing. Also, the cats seemed to settle down from their scratching and biting at fleas within just a few minutes. Last night was the first night in weeks that the cats have all rested peacefully. There were no signs of flea-dirt left in their usual sleeping spaces last night. I am very pleased indeed.
My cats are also happy. While I still have an appreciation for Frontline, I am happy to have Advantage as a viable alternative.
The cats give this a sixteen-paw salute! (Four cats, four paws each, you know...)
Ordered Advantage for Cats over 9 pounds in the 6 pack size. Amazon had the best price I could find. Bayer makes this product which is very effective for immediately kills adult fleas (as opposed to othe products that only kill the eggs). However, it appears that Bayer has, and continues, to spend a lot of time and resources to make sure that no one any where sells this product below a certain price they want which I've documented going up every month and is rapidly approaching $10 a month per treatment (per cat). I have 5 rescued cats so the price adds up to $50 per month to treat them for fleas. Every source I could find that sold this product at bargin prices has been forced to cease selling it. This use to be called price fixing. Nevertheless, the product works very well. As soon as I can find another product that will kill adult fleas for less money than the outrageous price of Bayer's Advantage, I will switch. My order arrived very fast and was well packaged. I will use this merchant again. The 5 star rating is for the retail merchant.
My cats have fleas! Or, at least, they had fleas. I have used over-the-counter, less expensive items (flea powders, flea collars, etc.) up to and including other topical products like this one, and nothing worked. The flea collars were less than worthless - they actually caused patches of fur to fall out on at least one cat. The powder was unwieldy, and the other topical applications (save one) did not work at all.
I must give credit where credit is due - I have used Frontline before for my cats, and have been very satisfied with the results from that one. However, I decided to try Advantage this time, as I'd heard good things about it, and it was on sale at a discount when I needed it. I couldn't be more pleased. Unlike most other topical applications where the flea substance is put on the shoulder blades of the cats and stinks (STINKS!), this has no easily discernable smell.
This is a good thing. Also, the cats seemed to settle down from their scratching and biting at fleas within just a few minutes. Last night was the first night in weeks that the cats have all rested peacefully. There were no signs of flea-dirt left in their usual sleeping spaces last night. I am very pleased indeed.
My cats are also happy. While I still have an appreciation for Frontline, I am happy to have Advantage as a viable alternative.
The cats give this a sixteen-paw salute! (Four cats, four paws each, you know...)
Ordered Advantage for Cats over 9 pounds in the 6 pack size. Amazon had the best price I could find. Bayer makes this product which is very effective for immediately kills adult fleas (as opposed to othe products that only kill the eggs). However, it appears that Bayer has, and continues, to spend a lot of time and resources to make sure that no one any where sells this product below a certain price they want which I've documented going up every month and is rapidly approaching $10 a month per treatment (per cat). I have 5 rescued cats so the price adds up to $50 per month to treat them for fleas. Every source I could find that sold this product at bargin prices has been forced to cease selling it. This use to be called price fixing. Nevertheless, the product works very well. As soon as I can find another product that will kill adult fleas for less money than the outrageous price of Bayer's Advantage, I will switch. My order arrived very fast and was well packaged. I will use this merchant again. The 5 star rating is for the retail merchant.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Marineland Eclipse Acrylic Aquarium System
Some people seem to think that this is the worst tank they've ever used and all the good reviews are merely a product of overhyped propaganda. They're welcome to think that, but don't let that deter you from the Eclipse (and Aqua-Tech) aquarium systems.
Marineland® Eclipse Acrylic Aquarium System
I've been keeping freshwater fish since I was old enough to say "fish." I've used every tank setup with every filtration method. Until seven years ago, I always used the "beloved" standard glass tanks (20+ gallons) with the usual filters that sit on the side or back of the aquarium. When I tried out this aquarium system, I abandoned all other systems and now any new tank I add will be compared to this. So, why do I like this tank system if it's not just overhyped propaganda?
1. It's QUIET. Power Whisper (and similar type) filters are noisy. They make loud humming sounds and if you're unfortunate enough to have a pump that sits out of the water, will vibrate it's way off anything it's sitting on or just vibrate incessantly against anything it comes into contact with. The Eclipse filter and pump is so quiet that the only time I notice it's on is when I look at it. There is no splashing noise.
2. Speaking of splashing, unlike the standard power filters, this system does not splash water. Every Whisper-style filter I've had has splashed water out the back or side, no matter what I did. Even if it was only a tiny amount, you can imagine what happened after several months of sitting on top of a bookshelf. The Eclipse system is enclosed. There is no water splashing out. Escape artist fish can't escape. Shrimp can't jump out. Fiddler crabs can't climb up tubing and out of the tank. You can set it pretty much anywhere and not worry about getting things wet.
3. It keeps the water clear. In standard systems, I had constant problems with cloudy water. I was always changing the water, adding clearing chemicals, everything I could. Nothing worked for very long. It drove me insane. The ONLY time my water got cloudy in this tank was when the temperature reached 90 degrees in the house (AC was out) and the goldfish started stressing. As soon as they had cooled back down, the water cleared and has been clear ever since.
4. Easy to set up and use. You plug it in and go. No hooking up pumps and filters, no worrying about tubing. I don't know why the other reviewer said you can only feed the fish from the top panel; I've always been able to easily change the filter through there. Just takes a few seconds.
5. Easy to maintain. All I need is some aquarium salt, bowl buddies, and nitraban and my tank will run for months before I need a full water change. In fact, with regular filter changes (once a month), I only need a 25% water change once a month. And when I do a full water change, the parts come out easily, go back easily, and it's light enough to carry outside or to the bathtub to drain and wash down.
6. The lighting is bright and illuminates the entire tank clearly. The only downside is the lights tend to heat the tank a bit, but it has no impact on tropical fish. It's only a problem to coldwater fish (like goldfish) when the room temperature reaches 85 or above, but then the room temperature is already the problem.
Only cons I have are the motor assembly and getting parts. It would be nice if it wasn't sealed together, in case I needed to fix a part and is a pain to clean ONLY IF I'M NOT DOING REGULAR TANK MAINTENANCE. Getting replacement parts is kind of a pain since it's an all-or-nothing thing, but so far, I haven't had one of these break on me (and I have several for the past 7 years).
Yes, the hood and lid can be annoying to deal with, but no more or less annoying than any other standard tank hood I've worked with.
Yes, the lights are integrated and the tank goes "dark" when it's removed, but that's why I usually turn the lights on in the dining room when I clean the tank. A magnetic cleaner doesn't even require the hood to be completely removed and I've found it to be the best option for quick algae cleaning.
Yes, the water isn't going "through" the filter, but the filter is actually working. If it didn't, all that gunk that builds up wouldn't be on the filter and would just go back into the water.
Yes, the biowheel sometimes stops. However, I've discovered it only stops when I turn the power off or I've neglected to change the filter for months (which happened only once because I was out of town). If you properly maintain your tank, as you should every tank, then the wheel won't stop.
I absolutely recommend this tank to beginners and anyone who wants an easy tank to maintain. It's simple to set up, easy to maintain, easy to clean, quiet, and can be placed just about anywhere.
Standard systems may be cheaper if you build it yourself, but I'd rather pay a few extra bucks to pick up a box that has everything I need in it. Aquarium snobs might say I'm not a true "enthusiast," but unlike them, I'd rather spend my time enjoying the fish than maintaining my tank.
Marineland® Eclipse Acrylic Aquarium System
I've been keeping freshwater fish since I was old enough to say "fish." I've used every tank setup with every filtration method. Until seven years ago, I always used the "beloved" standard glass tanks (20+ gallons) with the usual filters that sit on the side or back of the aquarium. When I tried out this aquarium system, I abandoned all other systems and now any new tank I add will be compared to this. So, why do I like this tank system if it's not just overhyped propaganda?
1. It's QUIET. Power Whisper (and similar type) filters are noisy. They make loud humming sounds and if you're unfortunate enough to have a pump that sits out of the water, will vibrate it's way off anything it's sitting on or just vibrate incessantly against anything it comes into contact with. The Eclipse filter and pump is so quiet that the only time I notice it's on is when I look at it. There is no splashing noise.
2. Speaking of splashing, unlike the standard power filters, this system does not splash water. Every Whisper-style filter I've had has splashed water out the back or side, no matter what I did. Even if it was only a tiny amount, you can imagine what happened after several months of sitting on top of a bookshelf. The Eclipse system is enclosed. There is no water splashing out. Escape artist fish can't escape. Shrimp can't jump out. Fiddler crabs can't climb up tubing and out of the tank. You can set it pretty much anywhere and not worry about getting things wet.
3. It keeps the water clear. In standard systems, I had constant problems with cloudy water. I was always changing the water, adding clearing chemicals, everything I could. Nothing worked for very long. It drove me insane. The ONLY time my water got cloudy in this tank was when the temperature reached 90 degrees in the house (AC was out) and the goldfish started stressing. As soon as they had cooled back down, the water cleared and has been clear ever since.
4. Easy to set up and use. You plug it in and go. No hooking up pumps and filters, no worrying about tubing. I don't know why the other reviewer said you can only feed the fish from the top panel; I've always been able to easily change the filter through there. Just takes a few seconds.
5. Easy to maintain. All I need is some aquarium salt, bowl buddies, and nitraban and my tank will run for months before I need a full water change. In fact, with regular filter changes (once a month), I only need a 25% water change once a month. And when I do a full water change, the parts come out easily, go back easily, and it's light enough to carry outside or to the bathtub to drain and wash down.
6. The lighting is bright and illuminates the entire tank clearly. The only downside is the lights tend to heat the tank a bit, but it has no impact on tropical fish. It's only a problem to coldwater fish (like goldfish) when the room temperature reaches 85 or above, but then the room temperature is already the problem.
Only cons I have are the motor assembly and getting parts. It would be nice if it wasn't sealed together, in case I needed to fix a part and is a pain to clean ONLY IF I'M NOT DOING REGULAR TANK MAINTENANCE. Getting replacement parts is kind of a pain since it's an all-or-nothing thing, but so far, I haven't had one of these break on me (and I have several for the past 7 years).
Yes, the hood and lid can be annoying to deal with, but no more or less annoying than any other standard tank hood I've worked with.
Yes, the lights are integrated and the tank goes "dark" when it's removed, but that's why I usually turn the lights on in the dining room when I clean the tank. A magnetic cleaner doesn't even require the hood to be completely removed and I've found it to be the best option for quick algae cleaning.
Yes, the water isn't going "through" the filter, but the filter is actually working. If it didn't, all that gunk that builds up wouldn't be on the filter and would just go back into the water.
Yes, the biowheel sometimes stops. However, I've discovered it only stops when I turn the power off or I've neglected to change the filter for months (which happened only once because I was out of town). If you properly maintain your tank, as you should every tank, then the wheel won't stop.
I absolutely recommend this tank to beginners and anyone who wants an easy tank to maintain. It's simple to set up, easy to maintain, easy to clean, quiet, and can be placed just about anywhere.
Standard systems may be cheaper if you build it yourself, but I'd rather pay a few extra bucks to pick up a box that has everything I need in it. Aquarium snobs might say I'm not a true "enthusiast," but unlike them, I'd rather spend my time enjoying the fish than maintaining my tank.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Feliway 48 Milliliter Plug In Refills
It's amazing for me. I Wish I'd Bought Feliway A Long Time Ago
I tried this product after reading an article in the Wall Street Journal and I am amazed. I have a former stray who was so neurotic she tore her fur out in chunks. The product description doesn’t mention this sympton but I was desperate to try anything. Not a week had passed when I started to see the improvement. In 2 weeks her fur started filling back in. I had her as a pet for over a year and couldn’t even pet her. Now, she has turned into an affectionate housecat. It’s hard to believe it is the same animal. I strongly suggest trying this product for ANY disfuntion and see if it helps. I wish they had a plug-in product for humans!!!
Read More Detail About Feliway 48 Milliliter Plug In Refills.
To the Feliway product description information above, I would also add, "Aids in calming cats...who manage stressful chronic health conditions."
My 4yr. old neutered male cat manages several chronic health conditions, which at times create seemingly unrelated behavioral issues, when flare ups occur that jangle his nerves. When his IBD is not well controlled, my otherwise angelic cat becomes stressed out & does deadly things - chewing through power cords, consuming inedible objects, eating plants untouched for years, climbing to & jumping/falling from extremely high places aggravating his arthritis, & more. When he's not feeling well, acting-out is his way of externalizing his bad nerves & telling me, "I don't feel well, help me".
So I bought a Feliway Diffuser for him for his birthday a few weeks ago, & the change in my cat's behavior was noticeable within the first few hours after plugging it in. Initially, I noticed a personality change - sort of a mellowing effect, reflecting a more leveled out & increased general sense of well-being. I see less lethargy, & more interest in social interaction, his environment, & play. It's a subtle overall field effect, but his happiness & joy somehow seem happier. I've noticed I've had an easier time with giving him his regular medications & brushing his teeth. It's a synthetic feline facial pheromone, but I call it "the airborne feline prozac"... And without putting more chemicals into his system that don't belong in the body, & their problematic side effects. My cat seems to appreciate the general change in the overall atmosphere of his home, & occasionally, he even sleeps underneath the diffuser.
The benefits my cat experiences also pass on to me - because if he is less stressed & upset, & doing fewer life threatening things in reaction to his nerves - then I'm less stressed out as well. I'd rather buy him Feliway, than spend money on veterinary visits & additional medication to deal with new problems he creates when he's stressed. And there have been a lot of them.
Feliway contains an odorless oil by human standards, & it does not upset my cat's severe asthma or allergies, nor my own more moderate conditions. In fact, I am wondering that if he's less stressed out psychologically - & in turn physiologically - if there might even be less asthma & less digestive upset due to a reduction in the cycle of internalized stress. And if it improves his overall quality of life, I'd much rather buy him peace instead of more doctors...
I live in a small 1 person unit, & 1 diffuser does seem to cover the entire place. I unplug ours when the window is open, & plug it back in when it's closed, while I sleep or am away, & any time I think he might benefit from it. The plastic bottle can be unscrewed from the plug-in unit & recapped to preserve it until your next use. This may help to extend the 6 week life span recommended in the packaging information, we'll find out. I would also add that the diffuser gets warm, but not hot to the touch, & certaintly not hot enough to burn a hand or singe a whisker or fur. I have handled the diffuser many times during use, & I have no fear of allowing my cat to be directly near it.
The only negative aspect of this product so far as I can determine is how much you'll want to kick yourself for waiting to buy it for long as you did... As a pet store employee recently told me, "It is one of the few behavior mod products for cats on the market that actually does work." While there is no substitute for building & maintaining a solid, trusting relationship with your pet - or for seeking competent veterinary care - Feliway does seem like it could be a great adjunct to it.
Feliway gets 2 Thumbs & Paws Up from kitty & me. =^..^=
I tried this product after reading an article in the Wall Street Journal and I am amazed. I have a former stray who was so neurotic she tore her fur out in chunks. The product description doesn’t mention this sympton but I was desperate to try anything. Not a week had passed when I started to see the improvement. In 2 weeks her fur started filling back in. I had her as a pet for over a year and couldn’t even pet her. Now, she has turned into an affectionate housecat. It’s hard to believe it is the same animal. I strongly suggest trying this product for ANY disfuntion and see if it helps. I wish they had a plug-in product for humans!!!
Read More Detail About Feliway 48 Milliliter Plug In Refills.
To the Feliway product description information above, I would also add, "Aids in calming cats...who manage stressful chronic health conditions."
My 4yr. old neutered male cat manages several chronic health conditions, which at times create seemingly unrelated behavioral issues, when flare ups occur that jangle his nerves. When his IBD is not well controlled, my otherwise angelic cat becomes stressed out & does deadly things - chewing through power cords, consuming inedible objects, eating plants untouched for years, climbing to & jumping/falling from extremely high places aggravating his arthritis, & more. When he's not feeling well, acting-out is his way of externalizing his bad nerves & telling me, "I don't feel well, help me".
So I bought a Feliway Diffuser for him for his birthday a few weeks ago, & the change in my cat's behavior was noticeable within the first few hours after plugging it in. Initially, I noticed a personality change - sort of a mellowing effect, reflecting a more leveled out & increased general sense of well-being. I see less lethargy, & more interest in social interaction, his environment, & play. It's a subtle overall field effect, but his happiness & joy somehow seem happier. I've noticed I've had an easier time with giving him his regular medications & brushing his teeth. It's a synthetic feline facial pheromone, but I call it "the airborne feline prozac"... And without putting more chemicals into his system that don't belong in the body, & their problematic side effects. My cat seems to appreciate the general change in the overall atmosphere of his home, & occasionally, he even sleeps underneath the diffuser.
The benefits my cat experiences also pass on to me - because if he is less stressed & upset, & doing fewer life threatening things in reaction to his nerves - then I'm less stressed out as well. I'd rather buy him Feliway, than spend money on veterinary visits & additional medication to deal with new problems he creates when he's stressed. And there have been a lot of them.
Feliway contains an odorless oil by human standards, & it does not upset my cat's severe asthma or allergies, nor my own more moderate conditions. In fact, I am wondering that if he's less stressed out psychologically - & in turn physiologically - if there might even be less asthma & less digestive upset due to a reduction in the cycle of internalized stress. And if it improves his overall quality of life, I'd much rather buy him peace instead of more doctors...
I live in a small 1 person unit, & 1 diffuser does seem to cover the entire place. I unplug ours when the window is open, & plug it back in when it's closed, while I sleep or am away, & any time I think he might benefit from it. The plastic bottle can be unscrewed from the plug-in unit & recapped to preserve it until your next use. This may help to extend the 6 week life span recommended in the packaging information, we'll find out. I would also add that the diffuser gets warm, but not hot to the touch, & certaintly not hot enough to burn a hand or singe a whisker or fur. I have handled the diffuser many times during use, & I have no fear of allowing my cat to be directly near it.
The only negative aspect of this product so far as I can determine is how much you'll want to kick yourself for waiting to buy it for long as you did... As a pet store employee recently told me, "It is one of the few behavior mod products for cats on the market that actually does work." While there is no substitute for building & maintaining a solid, trusting relationship with your pet - or for seeking competent veterinary care - Feliway does seem like it could be a great adjunct to it.
Feliway gets 2 Thumbs & Paws Up from kitty & me. =^..^=
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Bird
Bird with small bill, black back and head, white forehead and belly and red breast facing right on branch
Scarlet Robin, Petroica boodang
Scientific classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Subkingdom: Eumetazoa
(unranked) Bilateria
Superphylum: Deuterostomia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Infraphylum: Gnathostomata
Superclass: Tetrapoda
(unranked) Amniota
(unranked) Diapsida
(unranked) Archosauria
Class: Aves
Linnaeus, 1758[1]
Subclasses & orders
* About two dozen modern orders and several extinct orders and subclasses
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Birds (class Aves) are winged, bipedal, endothermic (warm-blooded), egg-laying, vertebrate animals. There are around 10,000 living species, making them the most numerous tetrapod vertebrates. They inhabit ecosystems across the globe, from the Arctic to the Antarctic. Extant birds range in size from the 5 cm (2 in) Bee Hummingbird to the 3 m (10 ft) Ostrich. The fossil record indicates that birds evolved from theropod dinosaurs during the Jurassic period, around 150–200 Ma (million years ago), and the earliest known bird is the Late Jurassic Archaeopteryx, c 150–145 Ma. Most paleontologists regard birds as the only clade of dinosaurs to have survived the Cretaceous–Tertiary extinction event approximately 65.5 Ma.
Modern birds are characterised by feathers, a beak with no teeth, the laying of hard-shelled eggs, a high metabolic rate, a four-chambered heart, and a lightweight but strong skeleton. All birds have forelimbs modified as wings and most can fly, with some exceptions including ratites, penguins, and a number of diverse endemic island species. Birds also have unique digestive and respiratory systems that are highly adapted for flight. Some birds, especially corvids and parrots, are among the most intelligent animal species; a number of bird species have been observed manufacturing and using tools, and many social species exhibit cultural transmission of knowledge across generations.
Many species undertake long distance annual migrations, and many more perform shorter irregular movements. Birds are social; they communicate using visual signals and through calls and songs, and participate in social behaviours including cooperative breeding and hunting, flocking, and mobbing of predators. The vast majority of bird species are socially monogamous, usually for one breeding season at a time, sometimes for years, but rarely for life. Other species have breeding systems that are polygynous ("many females") or, rarely, polyandrous ("many males"). Eggs are usually laid in a nest and incubated by the parents. Most birds have an extended period of parental care after hatching.
Many species are of economic importance, mostly as sources of food acquired through hunting or farming. Some species, particularly songbirds and parrots, are popular as pets. Other uses include the harvesting of guano (droppings) for use as a fertiliser. Birds figure prominently in all aspects of human culture from religion to poetry to popular music. About 120–130 species have become extinct as a result of human activity since the 17th century, and hundreds more before then. Currently about 1,200 species of birds are threatened with extinction by human activities, though efforts are underway to protect them.
Scarlet Robin, Petroica boodang
Scientific classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Subkingdom: Eumetazoa
(unranked) Bilateria
Superphylum: Deuterostomia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Infraphylum: Gnathostomata
Superclass: Tetrapoda
(unranked) Amniota
(unranked) Diapsida
(unranked) Archosauria
Class: Aves
Linnaeus, 1758[1]
Subclasses & orders
* About two dozen modern orders and several extinct orders and subclasses
Listen to this article (info/dl)
Play sound
This audio file was created from a revision dated 2008-01-05, and does not reflect subsequent edits to the article. (Audio help)
More spoken articles
This is a spoken version of the article. Click here to listen.
Birds (class Aves) are winged, bipedal, endothermic (warm-blooded), egg-laying, vertebrate animals. There are around 10,000 living species, making them the most numerous tetrapod vertebrates. They inhabit ecosystems across the globe, from the Arctic to the Antarctic. Extant birds range in size from the 5 cm (2 in) Bee Hummingbird to the 3 m (10 ft) Ostrich. The fossil record indicates that birds evolved from theropod dinosaurs during the Jurassic period, around 150–200 Ma (million years ago), and the earliest known bird is the Late Jurassic Archaeopteryx, c 150–145 Ma. Most paleontologists regard birds as the only clade of dinosaurs to have survived the Cretaceous–Tertiary extinction event approximately 65.5 Ma.
Modern birds are characterised by feathers, a beak with no teeth, the laying of hard-shelled eggs, a high metabolic rate, a four-chambered heart, and a lightweight but strong skeleton. All birds have forelimbs modified as wings and most can fly, with some exceptions including ratites, penguins, and a number of diverse endemic island species. Birds also have unique digestive and respiratory systems that are highly adapted for flight. Some birds, especially corvids and parrots, are among the most intelligent animal species; a number of bird species have been observed manufacturing and using tools, and many social species exhibit cultural transmission of knowledge across generations.
Many species undertake long distance annual migrations, and many more perform shorter irregular movements. Birds are social; they communicate using visual signals and through calls and songs, and participate in social behaviours including cooperative breeding and hunting, flocking, and mobbing of predators. The vast majority of bird species are socially monogamous, usually for one breeding season at a time, sometimes for years, but rarely for life. Other species have breeding systems that are polygynous ("many females") or, rarely, polyandrous ("many males"). Eggs are usually laid in a nest and incubated by the parents. Most birds have an extended period of parental care after hatching.
Many species are of economic importance, mostly as sources of food acquired through hunting or farming. Some species, particularly songbirds and parrots, are popular as pets. Other uses include the harvesting of guano (droppings) for use as a fertiliser. Birds figure prominently in all aspects of human culture from religion to poetry to popular music. About 120–130 species have become extinct as a result of human activity since the 17th century, and hundreds more before then. Currently about 1,200 species of birds are threatened with extinction by human activities, though efforts are underway to protect them.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Iguana Know List
If you own an pet iguana or plan on purchasing one, you must first become knowledgeable on iguanas. Knowing the facts is only half the battle to raising a nice, respectable pet, you must also be able to implement them. So read the below facts on iguanas and see if you are up to the task in raising this great reptile. If you find out that an iguana might be too much for you, then simply do not get one! Further, if you already have this great pet, educate yourself a little bit. You must read below.
Iguana fact #1: These reptiles belong to the group Iguanidae, which comes from the group lizards. Further, this is where the name iguana comes from, if it was already not obvious enough. Though these reptile's limbs are short, they have enormous power in them and attached are their sharp claws. These claws are used for mainly climbing, but watch out as you could potentially get one of these claws dug into you.
Iguana fact #2: The reptile's tail is its defensive weapon. An iguana's tail is extremely powerful for its size and it will whip it around at high speeds if it feels threaten. The tails are also useful to the iguana when they swim, which iguana's love to do.
Iguana fact #3: Iguana males are much larger than their opposite sex.
Iguana fact #4: These reptiles are strictly herbivores, meaning that they shall never eat any meat. Iguanas love most green vegetables and fruits. Never feed your pet iguana any dog or cat food, a common mistake.
Iguana fact #5: These reptiles love to hide, therefore your cage should have hiding places for your pet.
Get use to the above facts and you will understand iguanas a little more. Remember if you plan on getting this reptile, you must learn about this amazing pet first. Good luck in raising your reptile!
Iguana fact #1: These reptiles belong to the group Iguanidae, which comes from the group lizards. Further, this is where the name iguana comes from, if it was already not obvious enough. Though these reptile's limbs are short, they have enormous power in them and attached are their sharp claws. These claws are used for mainly climbing, but watch out as you could potentially get one of these claws dug into you.
Iguana fact #2: The reptile's tail is its defensive weapon. An iguana's tail is extremely powerful for its size and it will whip it around at high speeds if it feels threaten. The tails are also useful to the iguana when they swim, which iguana's love to do.
Iguana fact #3: Iguana males are much larger than their opposite sex.
Iguana fact #4: These reptiles are strictly herbivores, meaning that they shall never eat any meat. Iguanas love most green vegetables and fruits. Never feed your pet iguana any dog or cat food, a common mistake.
Iguana fact #5: These reptiles love to hide, therefore your cage should have hiding places for your pet.
Get use to the above facts and you will understand iguanas a little more. Remember if you plan on getting this reptile, you must learn about this amazing pet first. Good luck in raising your reptile!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
What Do Iguanas Eat? You Need to Know
In order for your pet iguana to survive and thrive in its new life, you as the owner must provide your pet with the right nutrients. So how do you know what is safe and what is not safe for your pet iguana? Well first off use this article as a reference, but also do some research. Providing your iguana with the best food is crucial and a must. Read the below foods on what do iguanas eat.
Iguanas will eat most any fruit or vegetable you give them. This does not mean though that this is necessarily good for them. A good diet for your pet iguana will consist of a variety of foods and nutrition.
Iguanas will eat and love squash of any kind and your pet will also enjoy all greens including: collard, mustard, beet and dandelions.
Now just as important as what to give your pet iguana, it is equally important as to know what to not feed your precious pet.
Note try to avoid regular feeding of broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, mushrooms, cucumbers, zucchini and bell peppers. You should use these food types only as a treat, not part of the diet.
Now for the foods you should NEVER feed your pet iguanas:
1. Dog or cat food
2. Dairy products
3. Wild flowers
Treat your iguana as your baby. Also note that you must keep your iguana's food clean. In other words if you have left out your iguana's food for too long it must be replaced! Follow these tips and watch your iguana grow up to be healthy!
Iguanas will eat most any fruit or vegetable you give them. This does not mean though that this is necessarily good for them. A good diet for your pet iguana will consist of a variety of foods and nutrition.
Iguanas will eat and love squash of any kind and your pet will also enjoy all greens including: collard, mustard, beet and dandelions.
Now just as important as what to give your pet iguana, it is equally important as to know what to not feed your precious pet.
Note try to avoid regular feeding of broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, mushrooms, cucumbers, zucchini and bell peppers. You should use these food types only as a treat, not part of the diet.
Now for the foods you should NEVER feed your pet iguanas:
1. Dog or cat food
2. Dairy products
3. Wild flowers
Treat your iguana as your baby. Also note that you must keep your iguana's food clean. In other words if you have left out your iguana's food for too long it must be replaced! Follow these tips and watch your iguana grow up to be healthy!
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