Acockatiel needs social interaction in order to thrive. Cockatiels like to do things like eat, groom themselves (preening) and play with members of their flock, so these are some basic needs you will have to fulfill. If you don’t have much spare time to spend wth your bird, consider buying two cockatiels of the same sex so they can interact with each other. Two same sex cockatiels kept together in a large cage will form a strong social bond between themselves.

Cockatiel Care Basic – Maintenance and Cleaning
Change the cage paper daily. Black and white newsprint is alright to use, but don’t use the colored print or glossy advertising inserts. Many of these are colored with lead ink.

Take your cockatiel out before cleaning the cage. For cleaning the cage, the Oxyfresh line of products are ideal. Rinse all toys and the cage thoroughly. Perches should be scraped clean. The product Pet Focus is very good for disinfecting and comes in a ready to use form.

Cockatiels’ down gives off a powdery dust. This is a sign of a healthy bird.

Cockatiel Care Basic – Food and Water
Your cockatiel needs various components in his diet to keep him healthy. Do not feed your bird only seed. You will also need to feed (organic is best) pellets and healthy fresh greens and beans. Foundation Formula and Harrison’s are two organic pellets that can be purchased.

The remainder of your cockatiel’s diet should be organic and consist of greens like rinsed, fresh spinach and kale. Lettuce is not very nutritous and consists mostly of water. Other additives to their diet should be cooked vegetables like pasta, beans, corn, and rice. The use of organic foods are stressed here because there may be pesticide residues on produce and seed that is not organic. Roudybush is not organic, but is a high quality food naturally preserved. Cockatiels prefer this food and will thrive on it.

When you are feeding a diet with pellets, do not add vitamins to the water. Most pellets have vitamins added to them Read the manufacturers instructions on the bag.

Provide clean, fresh water for your cockatiel on a daily basis. The stainless steel cups should be cleaned twice daily if food gets in the water. Do not place the bird’s perches above food and water dishes. If droppings should get in the water, change the water immediately.

Cockatiel care basic is essential if you are going to have a healthy, happy bird. Please visit us at Cockatiel Care Secrets for more free information on caring for your cockatiel.

This article is free for republishing
Source: www.articlealley.com.

Try not to confuse the dog, instructive commands should be kept short and simple.

Avoid giving your dog commands that you know you cannot enforce. You will only be teaching that commands are optional.

Avoid giving your dog combined commands which are incompatible. Combined commands such as “sit-down” can confuse your dog. Use either “Sit” or “Down”. Pick one and stick to it.

When giving your dog a command, your tone should be calm and authoritative, avoid using a loud or harsh voice.

Whenever possible, use your dog’s name positively, rather than using along with punishment. Your dog should trust that their name relates with praise, never hesitancy or fear.

When correcting your dog, good timing is essential. Try to catch your dog right before or during an event, never after. Dogs relate to the immediate.

Don’t give attention to a dog that is misbehaving, this only reinforces the behavior.

Control your anger. Never train your dog when you’re feeling irritated, grouchy, or impatient. Earning your dog’s trust is never accomplished by handling your dog in a harsh manner. Never “get even with your dog”. If you’re taking an abusive approach, you are only succeeding in undermining your trust.

Train your dog humanely, and whenever possible, teach him using positive, motivational methods. Training should be a happy, gentle experience for both dog and owner.

There are many pet owners nowadays and most of them are willing to do everything for their beloved animals, especially when it comes to protecting them from diseases and fleas. For most of them, their pets are part of the family, so money is rarely a problem as far as k9 advantix dogs and advantage cats is concerned. Since these are the most popular pets all over the world, we’ll discuss the usefulness of such treatments.

First of all, those of you who hear for the first time about K9 Advantix Dogs should know that this is one of the most popular flea, tick and mosquito control for dogs and puppies. This treatment is so efficient that it stops fleas and kills ticks and mosquitoes, allowing you to enjoy your pet’s company. Another great thing about K9 Advantix Dogs is the fact that it remains effective even after your dog has been swimming or bathed. Studies have shown that Advantix has killed fleas, ticks and mosquitoes even after bathing.

Furthermore, the ingredients of K9 Advantix Dogs work synergistically against external parasites. The ingredients effect parasite nerve cells and they kill the parasites by acting on their central nervous systems. Although K9 Advantix Dogs is very efficient, keep in mind that it is meant to be used only on dogs because it has certain ingredients which should never be used on cats. If you are looking for a product that is available both for dogs and cats, we advise you to try advantage products.

These products are available not only for dogs but also for cats, being able to control both fleas and heartworms. Our Advange Cats products were invented by Bayer and they are meant to take care of the flea infestation on your cats. This product has very simple instructions and its effect lasts for about 30 days so it is not necessary to apply it daily on your pet. Furthermore, Advange Cats has been tested and they enable pet owners to keep your cats happy.

This product has been used by millions of cat owners all over the world and pet owners are satisfied with the results. We all know that flea bites often cause skin irritations and allergic reactions. The Advange Cats product lasts the entire month and it will help you improve greatly the health of your cat. The most important benefits of advantage products that are worth mentioning are: quick relief by stopping fleas from biting in a very short time and your cat can lick itself as much as it pleases without canceling the effect of the product.

This product can be applied easily; all you have to do is take the applicator out of the package, remove the cap, flip it and place it back on the tube, thus turning the cap into an opening device. Next place the Advange Cats tube against the skin of the cat and squeeze the product until you empty the tube. Advantage stops fleas from biting in a couple of minutes, giving your pet immediate relief. All the fleas will be killed within 12 hours and the larvae will be stopped. It is best to apply the medicine on the neck of the pet, so that it can’t lick the product.

About the Author:

All in all, there’s nothing as self rewarding as seeing our pets happy and safe. Thus, it is your pleasure to put at your disposal accessible k9 advantix dogs products. Furthermore advantage cats medicines are the best on the market for your beloved felines.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/k9-advantix-dog-effects-771233.html

Congratulations, you have a new box turtle. But how do you take care of your precious new friend? Taking care of a box turtle can take some work, but there are simple steps to ensure that your box turtle is happy in his new home.

First you must decide housing for the turtle. Will you keep it indoors or outdoors? If you decide to keep the turtle outside, make sure that the area is similar to the turtle’s natural habitat. There should be plenty of sun since box turtles are reptiles, but also shade in case the turtle becomes overheated under the constant heat of the sun. Provide water for your turtle so that it is deep enough for swimming. The home should have weed-like plants and insects for consumption. An outdoor setting is probably the home a turtle would choose. However, an indoor home properly made will keep your box turtle just as happy and safe.

If you build your turtle a home indoors, use a container like those made by Rubbermaid. The best option is to have a large, dark container that the turtle cannot see through. A turtle can become perplexed and frightened looking out of a clear container. One of my box turtles constantly tried to climb through the wall of his clear container, so I had to move him. The container should be large and filled a few inches deep with a substrate such as “Bed-a-Beast.” Then provide a hiding place for the turtle such as a hollow log. You should make a pool for the turtle since that is where a turtle usually poops. I used the plastic lid of a container for food. Make sure that the pool is not too deep. Every day, keep the entire tank moist by spraying the surfaces of the home.

Inside the home of the turtle, keep the temperature fairly warm in the lighted area- about 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Use UV-B light to keep the turtle healthy and active all day. Another option is to take your turtle outside to soak in the sun for about an hour a day. The natural sunlight is tremendously healthy for your turtle, although he may not enjoy it at first. Just remember, you know what’s best for your turtle. Keep an area away from the light so that the turtle can rest there when he’s had enough light. This is why it is important to have a container that is large enough for two distinct areas.

Identifying Box Turtles — powered by eHow.com

The food a turtle eats is obviously very important to its health. A person must watch his or her own diet. It is your responsibility, however, to feed your turtle healthy foods. A turtle will eat almost anything, from fruits and vegetables to insects and worms. Another factor you should consider is providing edible materials with high calcium levels such as boiled eggshells or a cuttlebone that you can buy at any pet store. One final hint to feeding your turtle- have fun with it. Be creative in feeding your turtle from day to day because you do not want to create an addiction to one food by feeding it the same thing each day. Keep the turtle’s diet balanced with half plant and half meat.

I have a few final hints below on how to take care of your new box turtle.

1. If your turtle does not eat, try soaking the food in water first. Or, if you are constantly there watching your turtle, he may never come eat the food. Unfortunately, you can easily frighten turtles, so leave your turtle alone to eat peacefully.

2. Change the water in an indoors home every day to keep it clean since that is the most likely place a turtle will defecate. When coaxing a turtle to do this, use warm water to help him.

3. If a turtle burrows deep into the substrate and does not come up for a few days, don’t worry. This is completely natural since turtles enjoy being in tight spaces. However, make sure that your turtle gets enough food.

4. Feed your turtle on a rock because this will help him scratch away extra-long toenails.

Just follow the easy tips above, and you will be an expert caretaker for your new turtle. Do not neglect your turtle since it is helpless without you. Be responsible and enjoy your friendship.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/box-turtle-care-172457.html

About the Author:

Joshua Park loves sports and music. Currently, he lives in the Chicago area. To learn more about turtles or to read other articles written by Joshua Park, visit http://www.true-money.com/jpj28574

There is a financial cost to owning a pet. For those who have owned pets before, the cost of adding another pet isn’t anything new. However, if you’re a first time pet owner, or have only had low maintenance pets, you may be in for a surprise.

Of course, you can’t put a price on the unconditional love and loyalty you receive from owning a pet. Those who have owned pets know this. One look at those longing eyes and you’re hooked. It doesn’t seem to matter about the cost of cat carriers, dog crates, pet beds, food, medicine or vet visits, you’re all in.

In today’s economic times, it really is important to know the financial impact of owning a pet so that you’re sure you can handle it. Too many pets have been abandoned at shelters because their owners could no longer care for them.

So what is the financial impact? The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) gives some guidance on the subject. These costs are based on expected costs of pet ownership and do not include any unexpected costs, which should also be taken into consideration. Expected costs include standard items like food, normal medical care, toys, pet beds, collars, leashes, dog crates, cat/dog carriers, and other miscellaneous supplies. Many of these items, such as dog crates and carriers, are one time expenses typically purchased during the pet’s first year, so the cost will be higher in the first year. As your pet matures costs typically increase, so plan to spend a bit more during their senior years.

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So what does the ASPCA have to say? Here are their guidelines:

Small Dogs: Little dogs cost less for food, but expect to spend $1,314 a year for a 5 to 20 pound dog.

Medium Dogs: Pounds increase from 20 to 45 and spending increases to $1,580 per year.

Large Dogs: 45 or more pounds cost $1,843 annually.

Cats: Costs are less than with dogs. Typical cost per year is $1,035.

Guinea Pigs: These little guys actually use more litter than cats and annual costs are about $705.

Rabbits: Approximately $1,055 the first year.

Gerbils/Hamsters: About $340 per year.

Small Birds: One of the least expensive pets. Around $270 the first year.

Fish: Although their needs are different, costs run about $340 annually.

So if you’re considering becoming a first time pet owner, you now have some figures to make an informed decision. Please don’t get a pet if you can’t make the financial commitment for the long haul. If times are tight, use your money on the essentials like food and vet visits rather than extras. Spend time daily giving love and attention to your pet. That goes a long way by itself, and it doesn’t cost a penny.

Caring for parakeets is the most important step in keeping parakeets as pets. Remember their immune systems can be touchy. This means that at the first sign of illness, you should contact your veterinarian immediately. Even a simple virus can turn deadly overnight. A regular care and checkup of your parakeet can keep you away from visiting the vet too frequently. Caring for parakeets means:

A regular checkup of their plumage - birds keep their plumage in peak condition by preening. You can encourage this by occasionally misting it with warm water.
Selecting the right cage for your parakeet - choose a cage that is large enough to allow it plenty of exercise. Most cages come with 2 perches. For more specialized caring for parakeets, you can attach a cuttlebone to the side of the cage. It will help keep the bird’s beak in good condition and will serve as a source of calcium and other minerals.
A proper and adequate diet – this is the single most notable aspect in shaping the health, vitality, and permanence of your parakeet. Give them leafy green vegetables, rice, tofu, some seeds and fruits like orange and papaya. These would give them all the required nutrients to keep them healthy.
Regular bathing of your parakeet – give your parakeet a regular shower of 5-7 times a week in the summer and 3-5 times a week during the winter. This routine will help you keep your parakeet clean and avoid skin related diseases.
Proper grooming of your parakeet – proper and regular trimming of the toenails is very essential. Consult a veterinarian if you wish to clip its wings.

Lack of parakeet care can result in feather plucking, moody and ill-trained parakeets at home. It is always a good idea to know what injuries and what diseases can affect your parakeet, what is the ideal diet for a parakeet, how many times a week should you give it a bath. These would help you undertake foolproof caring for your pet parakeets.

A healthy parakeet is more likely to be immune to diseases and can stay around for a long time to make you laugh, make you entertained and give you a moment to smile…

Feline obesity is a threat to the health and lifespan of your cat. This article will help you work with your cat to lose the needed weight with minimal struggle.

Feline health is, in many ways, common sense. Since cats are mammals like us, many of the same basic premises apply.

When a cat is overweight, he or she is at risk for heart problems, diabetes, and the exact same complications obese humans experience. Good feline health practices for reducing obesity are the same tactics used for people who need to shed a few excess pounds.

Essentially your cat needs to take in fewer calories and get a little more exercise. That’s all there is to it unless there is some genetic setback causing the feline obesity.

You might think it’s hard to get your cat on a diet and exercise program, but in truth it’s quite easy. Where you lead, your feline friend will follow.

The first step is to ask your vet what your cat’s target weight should be. Your veterinarian should be able to give you a good range to shoot for with a basic physical exam.

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Fewer Calories In Your Cat’s Diet

Once you have a target weight goal, you’ll need to start by adjusting your cat’s caloric intake. Your vet can recommend a good food with fewer calories.

Also you can adjust the current feeding schedule. If you’re leaving food in the bowl all day long, start feeding your cat twice a day instead.

Take the bowls up after your cat eats in the morning and set them out again for the evening meal. Again, once the cat has had a good meal, take the food up again until the next morning.

Clearly if you have multiple cats it might not be as easy to manage
your obese feline’s diet. If you don’t want to put all cats on a reduced schedule just find a food with fewer calories and eliminate treats until the target weight is reached.

And certainly stop giving your cat people food! Especially in cases of feline obesity it is counterproductive to share people food with your cat.

Feline Exercise Program

Chance are your cat is already somewhat active. Even cats who “sleep all day” have at least one activity period during the day.

Felines are polyphasic, meaning they have multiple periods of sleep and activity during the day. You may simply be unaware of when your cat is running and playing.

Your job is to get your cat involved in a period of exercise and brisk physical activity for about ten minutes each day. And you can do this by simply playing with him or her.

Drag a string, throw a catnip ball, or do something else to intrigue your cat into motion. Keep him/her running, jumping, and swatting for ten minutes or longer without stopping.

You can use catnip to stimulate your cat if needed. Many felines get a rush from this herb and will become more active for several minutes after rolling in or eating it.

It takes a little focus on your part to correct a feline obesity problem. But you owe it to your cat to put forth the effort on this because after all, you are the parental figure in this relationship.

Visit the author’s feline health site now for more great tips. And be sure to grab your free information package on cat health insurance that can protect your feline friend from illness and injury.

You’ve made up your mind, it’s the American Pit Bull Terrier you want as your companion. Are you ready for this breed? Read this article and then decide if you want to go ahead with your decision.

Does your lifestyle fit the American Pit Bull Terrier lifestyle?

These dogs are packed with energy from head to toe. Craving a good run like a champion athlete. Exercise is critical to a heathy, happy bulldog. High energy is their middle name and is a large part of their personalities. Play, work, and activity is something you must be able to give these dogs

If you’re a couch potato you should find another breed to live with.

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Do you have the security?

American Pit Bull Terriers are the Houdini’s of the canine world. Able to leap tall fences with a single bound, dig under them with amazing speed and stealth, and unlock gates that people would have trouble with.

You should have 6′ privacy fence, beware of dog signs, hot wiring at the top and bottom of the fence, out door housing that keeps them out of the sun (even if they live indoors), and supervision are required for these dogs. You can’t leave them alone for long outside because one of two things may happen:

1. They escape. 2. They’re stolen.

Are you prepared for the scrutiny of neighbors and friends?

American Pit Bull Terriers are notorious. They have a bad name and the misinformed public is out to get them. It seems like everyday another “Baby mauled by pit bull” story runs, diminishing your choice of breed.

People will dislike you for your choice. Some may even try to kill your dog. Others will direct comments at you, vulgar, hateful comments, and friends and family may also be in conflict with your choice.

Be prepared for some rude behavior and protect your dog by teaching food refusal from strangers.

Can you train your dog?

There are two methods of training. One is to train your dog by showing it how to sit and lay down and then quitting. The other lasts forever. Real training is life long training that starts when the puppy arrives at your home and ends with death.

Unless you’re prepared to work with your dog 5-10-15 minutes per day, everyday, all week, every week, all year, every year, you may want to rethink your decision to get a Pit Bulldog. Actually, if you’re not prepared to train your dog, you should rethink getting any dog. Training is a fact of life and must be done in order to prevent a lot of trouble down the road.

If you can not control your dog, you don’t need one.

Can you afford them?

Dog food, vet bills, training, leashes and collars, and dog houses all cost money. Money you may not have right now. A quality dog food can cost as much as $800 per year. Do you have this kind of extra money to spend on food? If not, wait until you do before you bring home that puppy.

Do you want a American Pit Bull Terrier to impress people?

If this is the case, stop! Do not, repeat, do not bring one home. You’re doing yourself and the dog a great injustice.

American Pit Bull Terriers are in demand because of their all around strength, agility, great looks, and mystic. Breeders are pumping puppies out like unleaded gasoline. Puppies are being neglected and bad breeding practices are producing unstable dogs. Beware before you make any final decisions.

If I may point you in a different direction. Every day there are thousands of great bulldogs put down because no one will adopt them or they are deemed “unadoptable” by shelters.

Consider a Rescue Dog.

People who love this breed have created rescues for these dogs and hundreds of dogs are available for adoption.

Rescues are a win-win-win way to go. You give a dog that would otherwise not have a home, a home. You give your money (which in most cases is a small adoption fee) to the rescue so they can continue their work, and you get an awesome dog that will 9 times out of 10 deliver more than any pure-bred dog could on their best day.

In closing, before you run out and buy a American Pit Bull Terrier, think about your options, make sure you have what it takes to provide and care for the dog, and take your time to find a dog that matches your desires.

About the Author:
Jason Mann is a American Pit Bull Terrier fancier and freelance writer. He also owns and operates http://www.PitBullLovers.com a website devoted to educating the public and dog world about the American Pit Bull Terrier.

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

I
n this article we look at the 10 things which are essential when it comes to caring for a cat whether old or young.

1 - Fit your cat with a collar and attached to it details relating to you including your telephone number. This way if your cat does happen to get out and goes missing then the chances of them being returned to you will be greatly improved.

2 – Today you will also find that it is a legal requirement that your cat is actually micro chipped. This is something that your vet needs to do and normally they will inject the small device between the animal’s shoulder blades. As well as you having a copy of the identification information this is then entered into a database
and so if animal is lost a quick swipe of the animal will tell if it is the one.

3 - Although many cats like to be able to go outside if you live in a built up area it is best if you keep them confined to your home. Ideally look at providing them with plenty of things such as a scratching post so that they don’t get bored and start to damage your furniture instead. Plus it is a good idea when you go out to restrict them to one room only in the house (i.e., the kitchen) and make sure that they have everything that they need.

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4 - It is important with any pet including cats that they go to the vet regularly not just for checkups but for boosters of their vaccinations. If you are unsure which vet to use, ask a friend, neighbour or a family member if they can recommend someone.

5 - You may not like it but having your cat spayed or neutered is extremely important especially if they are allowed to roam outside. Not only will your cat be a lot healthier but this will help to prevent you ending up with more cats than you wanted.

6 - You need to ensure that you provide your cat with a well balanced nutritional diet and make sure that they have a good continuous supply of fresh water. If you are unsure just what you should be feeding your cat then speak to your vet and they may recommend something for them. Certainly it is best for young cats (kittens) and older cats that they are give food specifically designed for them. A quick search online and you will see there are plenty of products now available suitable for all types of cats no matter their ages.

7 - As mentioned you need to prevent your cats from doing things that you find undesirable. Although you may not believe it but just like dogs a cat can be taught to do things. However, it will take quite a lot of time and effort on your part and certainly you will need lots of patience with your animal if you want to stop such problems from arising such as them jumping up on to kitchen counters or tables.

8 – If you want your cats coat to remain looking good then you need to be regularly grooming them, especially if the cat has long hair. Grooming long haired cats regularly will help to prevent their coats from becoming matted, plus it also helps to remove loose hairs as well. Although short haired coats don’t need so much grooming as long haired breeds by brushing them regularly you are stopping them from ingesting the loose hairs when they groom themselves. If they ingest too much hair it can form into hairballs which if they cannot expel can lead to other health issues for your cat.

9 - You may not believe it but it is a good idea to actually spend some time playing with your cat especially if they are kept in the house all the time. It not only helps to stimulate them physically but mentally as well, plus the bond between the two of you will be strengthened.

10 - Finally whenever you spend time with them carry out your own checks. This way if you spot any abnormalities in your pet you can take them immediately to the check to have the problem looked at further. When doing your own checks start at the head and work your way down the body. Check the ears make sure that they are clean and they are not producing any unpleasant odours. Next look at their eyes are these clear and bright and focus on you and check to see if there is any discharge. Then you come to the teeth this may be difficult but once you are able to make sure the gums are pink and there hasn’t been any build up of tartar on them. Plus you may not want to but see if their breath smells bad. The final thing to do is check their nose for any kind of discharge and when touched it should feel warm and dry.

Above we have shown you 10 ways to care for your cat as long as you keep these in mind then you will find that you will have a healthy and happy animal.