Archive for General

Measurements and Numbers for Chicken Coop Designs

Saturday, October 3rd, 2009

If you are a backyard chicken farmer, you may be thinking of designing your own chicken coop after looking at all the different chicken coop designs on the Internet. This can be easy enough to do, but there are a few basic measurements to keep in mind when coming up with your own chicken coop designs.

What you should think about and consider is that every chicken needs at least 4 square feet each to be comfortable all the time. Doors on the chicken coop only need to be about a 1 foot high and 1 foot wide. Make sure they close tightly and latch, you can make them a little larger though. A raccoon is as smart as a toddler, so keep that in mind, since they love stealing eggs.

Roosts can be made from tree branches or old broom handles and step ladders, as long as they are about an inch and a half thick. Most chicken coop designs allow 18 inches between roosts, walls and other surfaces such as the roof or floor. Allow ten inches per chicken at a minimum and just make sure you can easily clean underneath them. Bantam chickens like a smaller diameter roost for comfort, so an inch is more appropriate.

When it comes to nesting boxes, most chicken coop designs allow for 1 foot wide, 1 foot deep and at least a 1 foot opening in the front. Putting at base on the front of 4 inches or taller will help keep the nesting material in. Also, a deeply sloped roof is the most desirable. You can estimate that you will need a nesting box for every 4 or 5 chickens, on the average.

Most chicken coop designs plan for an outdoor run so the chickens can be free to go in and out of the house. Chickens like to dig in the dirt, so loose soil 4 to 6 inches deep will allow them to roll in the dust, dig for grubs and enjoy the outdoors. The chicken coop needs to be roofed with a solid surface or fencing to keep predators such as hawks, eagles or owls from attacking you chicken. The fence shouls be 4 feet high.

When you are building protective fencing or the chicken run, most chicken coop designs recommend that you bury the fencing 6 inches deep and the outside of the perimeter should have the meshing bent upward in a 90 degree U-shape to discourage predators like dogs, rodents, raccoons and snakes that can come under the fence and steal eggs or chickens.

Chicken coop designs that allow for above ground chicken coops, such as mobile and stilted chicken coops that are in areas prone to flooding, recommend that above ground chicken coops have an inner floor that is 12 inches off the ground to prevent flooding and allow for ventilation, and keep the chickens off of the cold, moist ground. Also, the roofs should have a slope, at least 45 degrees, to ensure that the snow or rain won't accumulate inside your chicken coops. There are some chicken coop designs that are A-frames for this reason.

These are some of the basic guidelines that are common to many chicken coop designs but you can alter them slightly to fit your circumstances.

What About That Laser Gum Surgery?

Saturday, October 3rd, 2009

gingivitis

Surgery of any kind is not something to look forward to. It can be unpleasant, not to mention painful and nerve wracking. One type of surgery that a lot of people put off having is surgery for diseased gum tissue as it can be very painful for some time after. Thanks to the latest technology people who need this surgery can now have a laser procedure which is much less invasive. If you would like to find out more about laser gum surgery here are some facts.

Two tools that might help you to avoid gum disease in the first place are oral irrigators and ora md.

When laser surgery is performed a tiny amount of energy will be aimed at the gum to be treated. This will quickly eliminate any tissue which is diseased from the gum, treating it efficiently and effectively. Something which most people look for when they are having to undergo gum surgery.

During the treatment there is no incision made into the gum at all. This is unlike traditional surgery which can require a deep incision to get rid of tissue that is diseased. Laser gum surgery therefore does not carry the risk of infection that many other gum surgeries do as there is no wound left behind.

For the majority of people who have laser gum surgery there is little or no bleeding. This is because the laser cauterized the wound as it is getting rid of tissue. In addition to this the laser will also seal the nerve endings which means that the aftercare period is minimized as is discomfort. Many people who have gum surgery are still recovering 4 weeks after surgery. With laser gum surgery this period is just a few days.

Now that you know about laser surgery you might want to consider the expense of this option the next time you have a gum disease problem. It is fast, hygienic and has a minimal recovery time, what more could you ask for with a surgical procedure? However, why have to go through the expense of surgery at all? Even laser surgery is expensive! Next: Follow the links below to get your free report on stopping gum disease and preventing it from returning again.

Disclaimer: If you have or think you might have gum disease or any other health problem, please visit your doctor or periodontist for advice, diagnosis and treatment. This article is for information purposes only and does not intend to provide advice, diagnosis or treatment for any health condition.

Dog and Cat Meds: How to Decide on the Best?

Friday, October 2nd, 2009

During the times your dog or cat needs to take vet prescribed medication you may have to confront choices like which medicine suits your pet better, fluid or powder? Commercial or holistic? Making the right choice can be critical to your pet’s health, and sometimes you have to consider many factors and not only just what your vet recommends.

Factors to think about:

The vet does not prescribe harmful medications for your pet, but most cat or dog meds inevitably have some problematic issues.It is a good idea to ask the vet the optimal duration of the medication necessary for the best result for your pet.To avoid any side effects from vet-prescribed medications, give your vet full disclosure about the allergies your pet may have towards certain medications, as well as any existing treatment your animal is undertaking.When using the prescribed medication given by the vet be sure that the product you are using is the most effective for that particular condition and is not costly.Keep these medications out of reach of children, and please be careful regarding any reactions which may take place.

What pet meds suit you best?

Since you will be administering the dog drugs, a good question to ask is, “What works for me?” Are you available to administer dog medication every four hours, or do you need something longer-lasting? Are you comfortable administering a pill, or would you rather the vet gave your dog an injection? The easier the dog medication is to administer, the greater the chance that your dog will get it on schedule, and for the full course of the medication. And that benefits you, and your dog.

What pet medication to go with:

The best dog or cat medicine for your pet is the one which has least and less serious side effects, is most effective and long lasting, and impacts your pocket the least.It should be safe to administer and cost effective, but always consult your vet regarding the breed, sex and age of your pet before any giving any medication.There are many different ways to go, however, as you can decide between different brands or whether or not to go with a natural or holistic remedy instead of a commercial one.Remember that not all medications are effective for all pets all of the time. If you try a new medication and it seems not to be working, or are using a familiar drug but noticing no effect, consult your local vet and consider a different one.

Advice on safety:

Always read and follow pet meds label instructions to ensure your pet gets the right dosage to avoid side effects and get the best result.Ask the vet about suitable medication according to the age and breed of your pet. Under no circumstances should you give cat treatment to a dog or visa versa!Holistic medication has sometimes been proven to be effective without serious side effects for certain ailments and is therefore a realistic alternative to commercial products in some cases.Before administering any organic or natural home remedies or holistic medication, it is always a good idea to consult your vet to avoid any potential side effects. Cats in particular are susceptible to adverse reactions from herbs.

Things To Think About When Building A Chicken Coop

Friday, October 2nd, 2009

Building your very own custom-made chicken coop is a very rewarding and fun project. Not only is raising a fun group of chickens very rewarding, but if you construct your own coop you’ll be able to tailor-make it to the specific needs of your methods and space.

If you’ve got the right designs and guidance it’s actually very easy to construct your own coop. You’ll definitely want to get as much info as you can, especially if this is your first time constructing a coop.

Using a template is probably the best way to go. One great book is “Building A Chicken Coop” by Bill Keene. It’s a quality resource with plans and materials, as well as step by step leads to ensure your hencoop has all the essential features you’ll want.

Some Basic Chicken Coop Guidelines

When entertaining the thought of constructing your very own backyard chicken coop, there are many affairs that you must remember.

First of all, how many chickens are you thinking about keeping? If you already have some chickens you’ll know the answer to this question. However, if you’re a first timer then think about starting small so you don’t overwhelm yourself at first. You can always add more later and even build a whole chicken run!

Another important element is the consideration of the weather in your area. If you live in a hot climate your coop will be different than if you lived in a cold climate. Whether or not the coop will be in a shady or sunny area, and where the chickens will be spending their time are also considerations.

Coop Plan Selection

When thinking about how to construct a chicken coop you should definitely consider a few things when selecting your coop plans.

Your chickens will need air, so ventilation is a very important part. If you don’t put enough vents in your coop then your chickens could definitely get too hot! This will not make for very happy keepers or flocks!

Lighting is another important factor when thinking about how to construct a chicken coop. If you’re constructing a chicken coop in a well lit space then it’s a positive idea to think of positioning the coop in order to best take advantage of that natural illumination. Make sure you build enough light openings if your coop is in the shade or in a dark area of the yard. You could even install some light fixtures to help.

The setup of the feed is very important as well when making your chicken coop plans. Obviously it’s important to feed your chickens, and it’s also important to consider just how many chickens you have when planning out feeder locations. Make sure that they are easily accessed by your chickens and you.

Gum Graft? – How To Tell….

Thursday, October 1st, 2009

dental health

The question “How do you know if you need a gum graft?” is often asked by people who meet a dentist in a social setting or at some function or another with some frequency. This is a bit surprising, considering how most people not only don’t want to see a dentist but how they never want to meet up with one in any sort of setting, dental-related or not. Those with gum disease are at particular risk of requiring such a treatment.

For some reason, the thought of having to be treated by a dentist chills people far more than having to be treated by a medical doctor. Perhaps, though, if people would take better care of their teeth the annual visit to the dentist wouldn’t be quite so unsettling to many. Regarding the matter of gum grafts, which seem to be more common with every passing year, there are a few indicators of possible need. Those who use an oral irrigator, such as the hydrofloss, might have a better chance of avoiding gum disease.

For one, a person would benefit from a grafting might have a root exposed, though he or she wouldn’t be able to see it just by looking in the mirror. Generally, it’s painful to brush that exposed root. Also, a dentist might see a lot of plaque buildup on the same root or the root of the tooth may even be decayed. A good graft can cover and even protect that root from further harm.

Another good indicator that a gum graft might be called for is what dentist’s call “tooth hypersensitivity.” Just the phrase is enough to conjure an ache of the tooth, most people would say. Many times, covering that hypersensitive root area with a gum graft can help eliminate such sensations. Lastly, an exposed or decaying root can make a tooth look unattractive. A graft can help correct that.

Gum graft surgery has a high success rate and complete healing of the gum and the area of the palate from which the tissue that goes onto the gum was taken will usually take from 4 to 8 weeks. About 14 days after surgery, the tissue over that donor site will begin to thicken and pain in the area will decrease markedly.

Author: Scott W.

Disclaimer: If you have or think you might have gum disease or any other health problem, please visit your doctor or periodontist for advice, diagnosis and treatment. This article is for information purposes only and does not intend to provide advice, diagnosis or treatment for any health condition.

Pet Health Is The Owner’s Responsibility

Wednesday, September 30th, 2009

Most people feel that a house isn’t a home without a pet in it and the UK is known for its love of pets. Some animals are prone to certain health issues so be sure to do your research before your pet purchase – once you have it, it is your responsibility to look after that animal for the rest of its life.

Just like human beings, pets need looking after to make sure their health remains in tip top condition and you are doing all you can to take care of it, so never neglect your pet’s health. Before adopting your pet you need to consider many things, but the most important is about pet health care as this will help you to look after your pet much easier.

You don’t just have to consider your pet’s health, but also how that pet may impact on you and your family, considering allergies etc. As we all know that every pet carries germs in their body which may affect you and your family through air, water or some other way, so we have to be careful and try and minimise the health issues animals pose to humans.

Animals can suffer with a wide range of problems from internal parasites to skin problems, and these can be quite common in all pets, so be sure to make pet health your number one priority to reduce the chances of the pet getting ill.

Look into getting some pet health insurance to cover any unexpected costs arising from illnesses etc. This helps you to take care of your pet from accidental injuries, emergencies and illnesses and also routine care. Head online and see if there is a great quote available.

Contact a vet for advice before you get your new pet so that you can make sure you have everything sorted in advance. The Internet is a great place where you can study about pet health care and find information on how to keep a healthy pet in your house.

Pets are the loves of many lives, so be sure to look after yours and make its life a long and happy one.

Chicken Coop Designs - Designs For Leftover Easter Chicks

Wednesday, September 30th, 2009

If you are a hobby chicken farmer, then you are looking at chicken coop designs and wondering how the children’s Easter chicks can turn into a backyard investment you hadn’t planned on. The cost of lumber can be quite high in some parts of the country, so chicken coop designs that use very much of it may not be what you had in mind.

A large dog house or a child’s play house can be made into attractive chicken coop designs. This will be good for a small chicken farming with just 4 or less leftover easter chicks. Sometimes, this is how chicken farmers start the part-time hobby on their backyards.

Simple triangular A-frame will be good in some areas as long as it has proper ventilation, insulation and lighting, have proper food and water supply and enclosed in a fenced are that is safe from predators. If you only have a few chickens, the easiest options for chicken coop designs might be to use large doghouses- a grown chicken should have at least 4 square feet and preferably 10 square feet.

For two chickens, a 3 by 3 feet doghouse or playhouse would be enough to accommodate the chickens as long as the can also run. Some chicken coop designs are mobile and you can install it onto a child’s wagon or a square, wheeled floor dolly for portability. This way you can have all parts of your yard and garden fertilized by the chickens as you move them around and at the same time keeping grubs and insects under control.

If you have an old garden shed, you can find chicken coop designs to convert it. The same is true of any existing outdoor buildings you aren’t using, as long as they protect the chickens from the elements, are well-ventilated, and secure from predators. Of course, many people don’t have existing outbuildings and the look at chicken coop designs to build their own.

You can use existing items to make it more affordable to build your own chicken coop. Ingenious chicken farmers have converted bunk beds, old furniture, old cabinetry, bookshelves, entertainment centers and more into chicken coop designs for their children’s Easter chicks that are now laying eggs.

If you convert a child’s playhouse they have outgrown, using chicken coop designs, you might find that the child has a new interest in visiting the chickens and taking care of them. The best thing about converting existing items into chicken coop designs is that it costs very little and usually takes less time than building a chicken coop from scratch, (pardon the pun).

Make sure to find solutions for feeding and watering the chickens, and ventilation is important, as is protection from extreme hot and cold. Of course, you can always buy chicken coop designs if you are good at woodworking, and you can buy kits on the Internet, if you decide to get aggressive with your chicken-raising hobby. Some are able to get enough supply of organic, fresh eggs, which they really like.

Of course, Easter chicks take a little bit to start producing eggs, so it gives you time to consider chicken coop designs before deciding which route to take.

Dog Halloween Costumes

Monday, September 28th, 2009

Ever heard of dog Halloween costumes? If you have, you love your doggie and you know that Halloween isn’t just for children. Dogs and their owners have joined the experience and are celebrating the holiday together. Halloween costumes for dogs come in all types and sizes. There are costumes such as football players, pirates, pigs, frogs, superman, batman, Dracula, crocodiles, Frankenstein, skeletons, and hippie dog. Today, dogs have just as much variety of costumes as people have.

Including your dog in the fun this Halloween is one of the most enjoyable things you do. Make the day more exciting and enjoyable for everyone involved. You can dress him up in a cute little dog Halloween costume, even if he’s a bigger breed. There are all sorts of styles and sizes available, and the trick-or-treaters that arrive at your door are going to be delighted to see your adorable pooch dressed in an outfit as they get their candy. Some top costumes for dogs are the Jailbird, Angel, Devil, Superman, Bride & Groom, Pirate, Clown, King or Queen, Animals, or Flowers. Many people enjoy dressing up their beloved pooch, but have you ever thought that dressing up your pooche for Halloween would become a popular part of the holiday itself.

Everywhere you look, you will find Halloween costumes for women, but what about costumes for dogs?, online at ecommerce sites or in the nearest pet store. People just love to dress up their dogs. One good way to increase a child’s enjoyment is to let the family dog trick-or-treat with the kids. You never know, some dog loving households might just have a doggie treat on hand for a dressed up canine. The kids may feel more secure going up to a stranger’s house and ringing the bell if they have their pooche is beside them. One very cute idea is to get the child and dog matching Halloween costumes. This just might earn the team more in the way of candy.

 

 

The Basics of Caring for Your New Cat

Monday, September 28th, 2009

A cat can be the perfect pet choice for lots of people. The main reason for this is the easier care and the flexible time requirements. Cats can be quite independent, and once they are litter trained, you do not have to walk them or let them outside.  

Cats can even feed and water themselves using the bulk feeders on the market. However, cats are not self-sustaining, and they do require care. Here, you will find the basics of caring for your new cat.

The number one rule is never to let your cats outside. Some pet owners think it is cruel to confine a cat inside, but in my opinion this is not the case. Indoor pets will live a much healthier, longer life than one who stays outside.

Cats who are allowed outside all the time or who go back and forth indoors and out are at risk of disease, from parasites and from other animals. When cats are outside, dogs could injure them, and they could be hurt by moving vehicles or by other people. There are many cat health problems lurking outside, for your little friend, and he is much safer inside.

Choose the right diet for your pets

Second, choose the right healthy cat food for your animals. Note that the feline will do very well on a boring but steady diet. Digestive system issues can develop from too much variety in their diet.

Make sure that your cat is healthy. Although the mighty feline is quite independent they will still require health care at times just like other pets.  Make sure kitty goes for regular veterinarian visits to keep him free of parasites and illness.

Consider getting your cat spayed or neutered. There is a huge amount of unwanted, stray or feral cats in the country. Getting your cat neutered can help reduce the population of stray felines.

Although cats are good at keeping themselves clean, you do want to consider grooming them. Since cats do lick their own fur, hairballs can be a problem. Brushing your new cat on a regular basis can eliminate issues with hair balls. This is more important for pets with long hair.

When you have litter box trained your new pet, keep in mind that you need to make sure that litter box is always clean. This is for the obvious reason that you want your home to be a clean and healthy environment. In addition, cats are pretty meticulous about their own cleanliness. A dirty box may cause hard to correct litter issues.

New cat play time

Finally, the most important rule when it comes to cat care has to do with playtime and attention. Just because your cat wants his time alone sometimes does not mean that he will not want your attention. Cats demand quality time with their owners.

You must schedule some quality time with your new cat to make sure he will interact with your family properly. Look for cat toys that require your interaction like laser pointers, or remote controlled mice. This quality time spent together is beneficial to your cat and to you.

Chicken Coop Designs Can Be Adapted

Saturday, September 26th, 2009

 

When you are considering raising your own backyard chickens, chicken coop designs are the next thing you consider. There are many free ideas online for chicken coop designs. There are several things you can learn by looking at the different chicken coop designs, even if you design your own. There are several factors that can be adapted to suit your individual needs.

Some things stay the same, no matter what chicken coop designs you look at. Insulation needs to be added for cold weather climates and ventilation is needed for the health of the chickens. Chicken coop designs normally design holes for feed and watering containers and those should be placed about the height of a chicken’s back. If you are considering larger chicken coop designs, you may need more than one centrally located feeding and watering station. Also, you will need nesting boxes, lighting and a sloped floor is desired for ease in cleaning.

After you have narrowed down the chicken coop designs you like best, you can start to make the adaptations for your situation. {If you want a movable chicken coop, then you can add a frame with wheels, but keep in mind r that chickens may get stressed when you move them every now and then}. If you plan several smaller chicken coops, you can alter original chicken coop designs by dividing measurements in half, for example.

You need to allow at least four square feet per chicken, no matter what adaptations to chicken coop designs you consider. Avoid having too many chickens in a small space because they might pluck each other’s feathers out of stress and may not lay eggs.

Some chicken owners adapt chicken coop designs by adding skylights to let natural light in and warmth. A loft is placed on nesting boxes by few people so they can easily access the boxes and gather eggs without having to bend over. Extra windows are good for ventilation, so they may alter chicken coop designs to add closeable and lockable shutters over the mesh for night and bad weather.

You can adapt chicken coop designs by adding a chicken run, where you allow an opening for an outside, strong meshed fenced, chicken run. This lets the chickens be protected, yet have a place to stretch their legs and get fresh air. You also need protective fencing for an open chicken yard, if you are looking at chicken coop designs that are fixed, on stilts and concrete footings.

You want to allow enough distance off the ground to keep the chicken coop from flooding and some people want them fairly high to keep predators, such as dogs out of range. Some houses are built on concrete footings into the ground but have a slight vent for drainage.

Whatever adaptations you make to chicken coop designs, you need to write them down, so that you will remember as you are building the chicken coop. It is easier to incorporate them during the building process than to add them later. Even if you are purchasing a kit, they still have to be assembled in the majority of cases, so you can make the notes in the assembly steps for any adaptations you plan to make. Raising chickens is a sure fun hobby and aside from enjoying you’ll also get fresh eggs for your needs. The chicken coop designs you decide on can make your chickens happier and make your life easier.