Animal-World’s Featured Pet for this week is: The Parakeet!

Most likely, you or someone you know has owned a parakeet! They are one of the more popular of the smaller birds, for many reasons. They can learn to talk and whistle, have a shorter lifespan than many of the larger parrots, and are relatively easy to care for. While working at the pet store, I saw many of these birds come and go to new homes. I enjoyed cleaning their cages every day and whistling along with them!

Parakeets are also called Budgerigars, or Budgies. Their scientific name is Melopsittacus undulatus and they are part of the Psittacidae family. They come in many various color combinations, over 100 actually! This makes for a very interesting and unique looking bird! Their primary colors are green, blue, gray, white, yellow, opaline, and pied. Parakeets in general are usually very affectionate towards their owners (especially if trained while young). They are inexpensive and can be trained to do a multitude of tricks. They do require a lot of interaction because they are very social birds by nature. If you do not think you will have a whole lot of one-on-one time available to be with your bird, you should consider bringing home at least one companion bird as well. They have an average lifespan of 12-14 years with proper care.

The history of the Parakeet begins in Australia. They were first noted by European John Gould in 1865 in his book, “Birds of Australia.” These birds are actually part of the parrot family and belonged to a tribe called the Platycercini in Australia. They originate in the desert-like part of central Australia where there is little precipitation. This little to no rain environment has truly helped this bird become hardy! They are also monogamous birds in the wild as well as captivity and so will generally pick a mate for life. Unless of course, their primary mate dies.

Now onto the care and feeding of the Parakeet/Budgerigar. As I stated above, they are relatively inexpensive with fairly easy care requirements. The housing requirements of the parakeet include a roomy cage with plenty of places to climb. A play area that can be put on top of the cage is also a good idea. This will give your parakeet(s) a place to hang out when not in the cage and that helps give more interaction time with you and different scenery to your bird. Include perches and toys/swings/mirrors in the cage. Parakeets also love taking baths, so a bath house or bowl is another good idea. Free-flying time is very important for these birds for both exercise and their mental well-being, so make sure that there is a block of time most days that you can allow them to be out and flying about!

As far as food goes – they need a variety of seeds and fresh foods. A good parakeet seed mix can be bought at local pet stores. Give them fresh fruits and vegetables occasionally as well. However, some food items are not good for them, including cabbage, avocado, green beans, and several others. Good fresh foods for them include Lettuce, carrots, spinach, apples and bananas. Also provide spray millet, cuttle bones (for their beaks) and mineral blocks. Fresh water should be given daily.

Parakeets or budgerigars are pretty hardy birds. They of course can get respiratory illnesses if kept in drafty areas and that is something to watch out for. If you notice them plucking their feathers that is also a sign of a problem. If they are lonely due to not having a companion bird or enough interaction time with you, they can become bored and begin plucking their feathers.

Animal-World’s page on Parakeets/Budgerigars is a great place to start reading if you want to familiarize yourself more with these birds!

Jasmine is a team member at Animal-World and has contributed many articles and write-ups.

If you are fascinated by saltwater fish… This is going to be fun and exciting.

Under the Sea Radio Show…. Join us!

“A Beginners Look At Saltwater Fish”

Blog/Talk radio show featuring Clarice Brough from Animal-World. Learn about hardy saltwater fish for the beginning marine aquarist. The discussion will be centered around an aquarium the size of 30 gallons, and the hardy fish that are available for beginning saltwater aquarists. Included will be Damselfish, Clownfish, Cardinals and many others.

Keeping marine fish is a wonderful hobby. If you are a beginner about to start your first saltwater aquarium, you are embarking on a grand adventure. Marine fish are some of the most spectacular aquatic animals, and there is a very diverse and magnificent selection to choose from. The benefits of keeping saltwater fish are many. They are entertaining, relaxing, and make an incredibly beautiful show piece for your home.

Saltwater fish keeping is an exciting hobby for anyone interested in learning more about life in our oceans. You can see pictures and information for all sorts of marine species in our World of Saltwater Aquariums atlas too.

Want a small dog that also has a superior sense of smell? You could be in the market for that dog breed that represents fine shoes everywhere. We are talking about a Basset Hound.

Origin

Though they are short in stature, this dog has been highly prized on the European continent. It is related to the bloodhound which is known for its hunting ability and better than average sniffer. This dog was bred early as a hunting dog. Some wanted it to be used as a companion dog. There was a big argument amongst breeders who wanted one but not all of these traits for their dogs.

When the Basset Hound finally came to America, breeders decided that it could be a show dog, a companion dog and a hunting dog all in one. In fact, as a hunting dog, it was a better retriever for those who were on foot since it was slower than dogs with longer legs. Even President George Washington owned Basset Hounds.

Temperament

This small dog has a sweet disposition and is generally well-behaved. If you ever encounter a Basset Hound that is vicious with you or others, it could be a sign of a problem at home. Basset Hounds are pack dogs like many other breeds. It is important for them to know who the pack leader in the home is. When the pack leader is not clearly defined, this can lead the dog to try and assume the position.

Basset Hounds are stubborn. Housebreaking is often difficult with them. When they latch onto a smell, especially of a small animal, it is hard to refocus them to the task at hand. Early on, teach them the rules of the house. Offer positive reinforcement for good behavior and a proper training environment.

They are quite affectionate when they feel that things are as they should be in the home. Sometimes they do tricks for food.

Care

You have seen these dogs on shoe boxes and in commercials for years. They have a low body that is short and heavy. They are prone to bloat and also weight gain that can lead to problems with their hips and legs.

Their features remind you of a sad puppy dog. Their eyes are large and sunken in a rounded well-proportioned skull. Ears are soft and hang almost to the ground. Skin is loose on their body. They have large paws and a well rounded body. In show, there are no real rules on color. Most Basset Hounds are white, red, white and chestnut, black or tan.

Their coat is dense and shiny. Regular brushing will keep it under control. Only wash the dog if it is warranted. Wipe the ears and trim claws regularly.

Training

Basset Hounds are stubborn. A firm but gentle hand is needed. To satisfy their migratory instinct, take him on long daily walks. You don’t need a big yard or even a yard at all for this. You can use the park so that he can get rid of nervous energy.

Want a loving dog that is both companion and hunter? Think about owning a Basset Hound.

Zebra Cichlids

One of the most popular Lake Malawi Cichlids are the Zebra Cichlids!

Zebra Cichlids, or Mbuna Cichlids, are from Lake Malawi in Africa. These are popular cichlids – and they are known for their aggressiveness and their activeness. There are many species that belong to 12 genera and they are all rock dwelling cichlids. The word “mbuna” is African and means “rockfish.”

Zebra Cichlids are the most popular of the Mbuna group cichlids. All Mbuna Cichlids used to be in the Pseudotropheus genus, but now there are several other genera that many have been moved to. Now Zebra Cichlids include Pseudotropheus, Tropheops, and Maylandia genera. All of these cichlids are very attractive and are often kept in good size community tanks together.

A total of 9 genera are in the Mbuna species and these include many different color morphs as well. They are quite beautiful with several different bright colors and patterns. Usually Mbuna females are yellow and Mbuna males are blue, regardless of genera, however they can be colored with black bars as well… Read More

Animal-World’s Featured Pet for this week is: The Polish Rabbit!

Rabbits make the perfect pet for many people. There are so many different rabbit breeds which all have their own unique characteristics! This makes it easier to choose a rabbit that suits your particular needs and wants. I personally have had several Polish Rabbits, and I enjoyed them very much! They have one of the sweetest dispositions I have come across in all of my rabbits! One of their greatest attributes is that they are one of the smallest rabbit breeds out there (along with Netherland Dwarf Rabbits). This gives them the advantage of not needing as much living space. They can be kept in smaller areas and are better for apartment dwellers. They don’t need as much play room and are easier to pick up and handle than larger rabbits.

There actually are two different types of Polish Rabbits. They are the American Polish Rabbit and the British Polish Rabbit or the Brittania Petite. The British Polish Rabbit is the smaller of these two, with weights only reaching 2 ½ pounds! The American Polish Rabbit can reach 3 ½ pounds. However these are both very small rabbits! The British Polish Rabbit can come in many colors, however in the United States, the only color recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association is white with red eyes. The American Polish Rabbit has many more recognized colors, including chocolate, black, and blue with matching colored eyes, as well as white with either red or blue eyes.

Polish Rabbits have some other intriguing attributes. They are considered to be quite smart and can learn some simple tricks! This is mostly them learning to react to certain hand signals and voice commands by working with them repetitiously. These little rabbits also have great dispositions, making them ideal pets for young children – in fact they often love being pet by them! Their small size makes it easier for children to handle as well.

A little background on the Polish Rabbits. The British Polish Rabbit was first recognized as a breed in 1884 in Hull, Yorkshire. They were so small that they were the first rabbits considered “dwarf” rabbits. The American Polish Rabbits are descended from the British Polish Rabbits but are mixed with some other breeds of rabbit – such as the Netherland Dwarf Rabbit – which has caused them to be a little bigger than the British Polish Rabbits. Also, when you think of magicians pulling rabbits out of their hats, guess which rabbits are most commonly used?! Yes – the Polish Rabbits! Their size and disposition make them the perfect candidate!

Polish Rabbits can thrive if given basic rabbit care. This includes the proper diet, housing, and interaction. A proper diet includes grass hay, green vegetables, and cecotropes (which their digestive systems produce and come out as droppings, which they then consume). I would recommend buying a good commercially prepared rabbit pellet and giving them that along with some fresh green foods (fruits and vegetables) daily. As always, make sure they have access to clean, fresh water daily. Proper housing should include a cage large enough for the rabbit to have some maneuvering room. Give them daily access to an “exercise area” which could be run of the house for a few hours or a safe area prepared for them outside. Make sure to change the bedding regularly (a couple times a week) to keep them healthy. Remember to remove any uneaten green foods each day as well.

Rabbits in general are fairly hardy animals, however you do want to make sure to keep their cages clean. Ensure a proper diet and the correct housing environments to safeguard against them becoming sick. They can get respiratory illnesses, diarrhea, teeth problems, and many other illnesses if not taken care of properly.

Again, Polish Rabbits make great small pet rabbits and if you would like to read more about them and their care, please check out Animal-World’s Polish Rabbit page! Thank you!

Jasmine is a team member at Animal-World and has contributed many articles and write-ups.

Dogs are said to be man’s best friend but they are also good for the rest of the human race. Dogs can raise your spirits, help with health recovery and display a fierce loyalty that can save your life. With these good points can come a downside. Are you really ready for a dog in your life?

Many people are in love with the idea of dog ownership. They see them on television or in another persons home and think that they want the same thing. What they don’t see is what goes on behind the scenes so that the dog is well behaved, well fed, beautiful and an integral part of the family unit.

It is sad but true that many owners buy dogs and then give them back, often to the pound. What are the reasons? Mostly, the owner got in over their head and then couldn’t care for the dog as it needed to be cared for. So, a pet loses their home and then has to endure the threat of being put to sleep. Worse still is putting them on the street where they have to learn to fend for themselves and contribute to pet overpopulation.

You can avoid this issue by evaluating how ready you are for dog ownership. It is not a crime to accept that you won’t ever be a pet owner, or at least not a dog owner. Someone who is better suited will take them home.

What to Know before Buying a Dog

Here are a few questions to ask yourself before making a purchase or commitment.

1. What breed is right for me? – All dogs are not the same. Some need more exercise and instruction than others. Small dogs don’t need as much outdoor room to run, but may crave more play time each day. Try to choose a dog that has a similar temperament to yours for a better match.

2. Do I have the time to care for a dog? – Dogs need structure especially when they are young. Here is when you crate train, housebreak them, teach them discipline and establish a pack order with them. It can take time to get a schedule and deal with issues. If you don’t have this time you could end up with a dog that is nippy and misunderstood.

3. Is my family okay with the dog? – Check to be sure that family members do not have pet dander allergies before committing to dog ownership. It could be that a short-haired dog is better suited because they don’t shed as much if at all.

4. What will I spend on my dog? – Pets count on their owners for everything. It can take a lot of dough to feed, house, groom and take care of the health of your dog. Some dog owners spend upwards of a couple thousand dollars a year. This doesn’t include the cost if you buy a purebred dog or if there are any health problems present.

There is no shame in not owning a dog. Learn here if you are ready and the right person to become man’s best friend.

Blasto Coral
Blastomussa wellsi

The Blasto Coral is a unique coral and is popular among aquarists!

The Blasto Coral is one of the Blastomussa Corals and they have many color variations. The Blasto Coral Blastomussa wellsi is actually one of two Blastomussa corals that many people like. The other one is the Pineapple Coral Blastomussa merleti.

Most people actually prefer the The Blasto Coral B. wellsi over the B. merleti because it can be aquacultured into many colors – such as purple, green, pink, red, yellow and occasionally blue, as well as a many combinations of these colors. But it does have downfalls, such as being more difficult to care for and maintain. This coral also goes by the names Open Brain Coral, Swollen Brain Coral, Wellsi’s Brain Coral, Blastomussa Coral, Big Pipe Blastomussa, Pineapple Coral, and Blastomussa Wellsi… Read More

Large South American Cichlids

These Large South American Cichlids include some amazing and beautiful looking show

fish!

Many people really enjoy having show aquariums, especially for large American Cichlids. These cichlids tend to have very interesting temperaments, personalities, and along with their sizes – they really make great show specimens! Large South American Cichlids also interact with their owners and other fish/animals in their environment! These great personalities and behaviors really make keeping them as pets enjoyable!

Large South American Cichlids are part of the large cichlid family, which provides many different types of fish for different aquarium environments. They are usually durable fish. Some large cichlid hybrids are also available and they come in many different colors. Some examples are the Flowerhorn Cichlid and the Blood Parrot.

Some of these larger cichlids are better-tempered than most. All cichlids are aggressive fish, but some of the gentler ones include Angelfish, Discus, and the Severum. These ones can often be kept in community aquariums, whereas most others have to be kept singly… Read More

Sharks are creatures of the deep. They are similar to their prehistoric ancestors in build and purpose. If you are fascinated with this aquatic character, here are some things you need to know about buying a pet shark.

Sharks can be classified as what people call “exotic pets.” They are not the typical type of animal that one takes into their home as a companion. For many pets, there are no special requirements for living environment except comfort. With sharks, you are dealing with a different habitat – the sea.

Most sharks are saltwater fish. This means that you would need to create that same environment within your home if you want your pet to thrive and survive. But this doesn’t need to be your first consideration when deciding on this type of pet. Let’s begin at the beginning.

What to Know before Owning a Pet Shark

1. Research – Just like with any other purchase, research all there is to know about it. When it comes to sharks, this will include but not be limited to: types of sharks kept as pets, housing requirements, expense, breeders, veterinary care and maintenance.

2. Cost – Owning exotic pets often comes with a high price tag. Because sharks need a lot of room to move, this dictates a large aquarium or pool environment for them. If you don’t already own one, you’ll have to construct it. Factor in dietary needs as well.

3. What to expect – Your pet may start off at four inches long but grow to over a foot in length. This may require a larger habitat in no time at all. Also, sharks are aggressive by nature. You don’t want your choice of pet to put you or others at risk.

4. Know the law – There are different regulations in each state that govern the ownership of certain types of pets. The last thing you want is to run afoul of the law.

5. Ask the experts – Find out from breeders how to spot a sick animal so you don’t get “had” your first time out. Learn to recognize if your shark is not well and needs medical attention.

A pet shark can be a wonderful addition to your home if you are ready for the responsibility. If not, you are endangering the life of the animal entrusted to your care. To that end, establish your shark habitat before bringing it home.

Be sure that you have a large enough aquarium with the proper salt content, sandy bottom and aquarium extras (rocks, etc.) to satisfy the needs of your new pet. A minimum aquarium size is about 200 gallons (depending on the type). Your shark will grow quickly and you don’t want to have to upgrade too soon.

Give your new pet shark every advantage by doing your homework first.

Moon Polyps
Palythoa sp.

Moon Polyps received their name from the way their clusters of polyps appear –

in the shape of half moons!

The Moon Polyps Palythoa sp., are called by other names as well, including Encrusting Anemones, Sea Mats, and Zoanthid Button Polyps. They are actually colonial anemones and are fairly common in home reef aquariums. This genus alone, however, has lots of variety. They have polyps which are partially embedded in a mat and are quite short. Every polyp has flat discs that are covered with tentacles on their rims. Some species have tentacles which are very long and thin while others are knobby and short. Colors range from white, yellow, brown, cream, coffee, or yellow!

Palythoa sp. have a “mat” called the coenenchyma which connects the polyps. These polyps have little parts of sand and/or sediment that they use in the mat to make it more stiff and easier to support a colony. These extra bits of sand and sediment which make up the debris account for about 45% of the weight. The colonies grow in half-moon shapes (convex) and grow anywhere from 4″ to 12″ (10 – 30 cm) in diameter… Read More