matters such as joint supplements
with glucosamine for dogs and
your general everyday puppy care
Archive for July 2010
Detecting Stress and Disease in Reptiles
Many factors affect the health of a reptile. Internally must be healthy, with their systems working properly. Although never be fully wormed, your immune system must be able to control the colonies of bacteria, parasites and germs to not play too much and begin to affect the normal functioning of the body.
The skin of a healthy animal looks good corresponding to each species. For most reptiles, this means that look “filled”, without too many folds in the skin that could be evidence of dehydration. The color should be full and bright. A healthy animal usually behaves according to its kind, attentive around, thermoregulated during the day, eats, drinks water and defecate regularly (according to the cycle of each individual). Read the rest of this entry »
Choosing a hedgehog
Known as African Pygmies, are actually a mixture of two species of sea urchins. The Four Fingers or White Panza (Atelerix albiventris) and Algerian hedgehogs (Atelerix algirus) as well as those of Pruner (Atelerix frontalis / Atelerix Pruneri) tend to be well behaved, and very rarely, if ever, come to bite its owner.
The four fingers or white belly, face more often have a white or clear, while Pruner has a darker side or mask. The most obvious difference is the number of toes on the hind legs. The Pruner urchins and those of Algeria have five toes, while the white belly are also known as “four finger” for obvious reasons (but only on its hind legs)
Egyptian urchins or long ears (the size of the ears are the most obvious differentiating factor) are reputed to have a more aggressive personality and often bite.
The best age to buy a hedgehog is shortly to have been weaned (after the 6-8 weeks of age). Hedgehogs are completely independent at this age, and adapt to the new owners much more easily while they are young. This does not mean that an older hedgehog can not get used to and be friendly to you. Only required a little more time and patience! Choosing a hedgehog
Hedgehogs have historically been considered solitary creatures that usually do not get along with other sea urchins, and only approach each other to reproduce. Although this view is changing, with many breeders who maintain at least female groups together, and in some cases, groups of males. If you have more of a hedgehog with, be sure to provide enough space. Hedgehogs seem very happy when they have them individually, except when they have been partners in other urchins.
How to Handle a Hedgehog
Most of the hedgehogs do not like (at least initially) caress their spines. Hold your hedgehog gently, and allowed to unscrew in your hands. Let it scan your hands and arms, and eventually begin to feel comfortable when you realize you’re not dangerous. You reach a point where you can pet the hedgehog along the back, some enjoy the scratching among the thorns, but this level of trust takes time to achieve.
Something you should do before raising any hedgehog, is to let you smell their hands before lifting. That way, you learn that is sure to be raised.
The recommended way to build a hedgehog is with hands on either side of him, then gently on your hands and lift his hands to form a cup. Never lift a hedgehog in any way mean that your fingers could be in the middle of their spines if you decide to Roller. Being in the middle of a hedgehog ball is an extremely painful experience. How to Handle a Hedgehog
Most hedgehogs will learn to get on your hands as you know. Once in your hands, you can go to your friend to your leg (I recommend placing a towel