Chicks Becoming Egg Layers

Since the previous post, the young ladies have blossomed into egg layers. Expect eggs from smaller breeds as early as 4 months. The eggs will be quite cute.
The rewards of proper food and fresh water for the youngsters will be realized in their delicious eggs. Also, provide ample space in their laying area and play zones. A private setting is good for egg layers to reduce stress, as well.
This winter's forecast is said to be cold. Don't be alarmed if the chickens stop laying. It may have more to do with the change in daylight hours.

Here are some pictures from August and September. The young hens are out in a section of their play area.

Chicks Ready For The Coop

Readying Baby Chicks For The Coop

When the little ones hatch, the mother hen is the source of instant warmth and nurturing. Chicks will huddle beneath their mom for security and to maintain their temperature. 

Suppose the chicks are purchased from a farm or store - a minimum of 6 in some areas of the country. They are living in the house with all the fixings of feed, biodegradable ground layer and a temperature controlled environment. Sweet peeping sounds and soft down surrounds them. And then they grow. And quite fast.

A good gauge for putting the growing girls outside is their feathers. Body temperature is regulated by the many feathers which capture the heat against them. Different breeds however do not mature at the same rate.

Seasonal factors are an issue as well as the safety of the coop. Movement and sound are like a sonar for sky predators of eagles and hawks. They will observe from the trees - much easier in spring with impending blooms.

Older girls will have seniority and establish themselves in the pecking order. The young chicks may not be ready for the pecking of the bigger hens.

Having the coop to themselves with hay, future nesting boxes and safe places to perch, hide and explore is ideal.  Happy and adapted adult chickens will bring multi-colored and nutritious eggs. They are a part of the family and ready for the world.

Chickens of the Fall

Free range chickens delight in the fall.  Blending in color with the variety of leaves, chickens begin their autumn gardening.  Beneath the fallen leaves, are small treasures of protein-enriched bugs and seeds. Chickens love to scratch and peck. Working the soil allows for aeration and compost material from the shredded leaves.

Treats of the season come in the form of pumpkins. Vitamins and phytonutrients support the health of the chicken. Pumpkin seeds help in ridding worms. Promote good digestion after the pumpkin melee with grit. Foods that can attract predators should not be near the coop. A sturdy coop also protects the flock from animals like raccoons, opossum, foxes and skunks.

Look out for the fall, sky predators - the owls of the night, and the hawks of the day. Eagles are stalwart hunters as well. The presence of larger pets will deter some of the planned attacks. Backyard chickens have good instincts. Even without a rooster, the hens will take the lead. They sound the alarm to others that a predator is overhead. Chickens have distinct communication calls. When a warning is given, chickens will heed and seek cover.

As the days grow shorter, chickens wander back to the coop progressively earlier at dusk. Temperatures tend to become cool and crisp at night. Chickens will huddle, arranging their thousands of feathers for maximum warmth.

Molting, a time of feather turnover may begin with the colder weather of the fall.  More feathers will be on the ground and less on the chicken. Feathers consist of  keratin, a protein fiber  Feeding chickens extra protein during this time will help with their energy. Also, when molting the hens may stop laying eggs.

If nature sees fit, babies born in the fall will become egg layers in the spring. 

Chickens of the fall are survivors.

Overcome Dog Separation Anxiety

Dog separation anxiety is an affliction brought on by the angst of being left alone. Like wolves, dogs are pack animals and naturally do not like to be separated. Canines associate their human family as members of the pack. A dog with separation anxiety will become exceedingly hyperactive and quite upset. This will manifest in desperate attempts to reunite with other pack members and finally on some level, devastation of the home.

To begin the cure of dog separation anxiety, good training and socialization must be achieved.  If not properly socialized, a dog will assume the position of pack leader. They will be upset with you for leaving, because this action  was not on their authority. They will extend this behavior to times of play and in demands of attention.  Of course, it is endearing when a dog wants to initiate play as long as they understand that the human family ranks higher in the pack. Also, whatever their place in the hierarchy of the family (perhaps surpassing a cat), a well-trained dog will be happy, accepting and confident with their rank. Uncertainty breeds destruction and fear.

Their distress, however, may be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. In this case, medication for such problems as depression, dog separation anxiety or obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) can be prescribed by a veterinarian. These medications will ease their levels of anxiety, and your pet will be able to cope. Your animal will not be permanently drowsy and some training techniques need to be applied as well.  Genetically, certain breeds are predisposed to separation anxiety. These include German Shepherds and Border Collies. Both of these herding breeds are highly intelligent and quite aware of their environment.

Initially, a dog owner must diagnose the situation of chaos. Did the dog destroy the house because of boredom or teething? Are they suffering from a severe psychological disorder? Are they physically ill and trying to get your attention? Were they fearful of a disturbance to their environment such as a loud passing thunderstorm?  Remember, dog separation anxiety is no one's fault including your pet.  You must help your loyal pet overcome their fears.  Aside from damage to the home, the poor dog may hurt themselves in the process.

Some basic analysis follows.  In many cases of separation anxiety, a dog will be with you constantly. They will be unnerved when you leave the room even just to go outside for a few moments alone. A dog will cry and whine when they sense you are leaving. Often they will try to beat you out of the house. A dog will win this foot race. After the melee of leaving, the dog will scratch at the door or window if within reach. Upon your return home, they are beside themselves with hyperactive glee. With separation anxiety, your pet may drool incessantly. They may go to the bathroom all over the house. These symptoms  of dog separation anxiety can be very stressful to the family as well.

Try these options to overcome dog separation anxiety before seeking professional advice. Since dogs are quite habitual, try varying the doors and duration of time in which you leave and come home. Practice this. Limit the level of excitement upon exit and entry, so the dog will not feed on the energy. Make sure your dog has had a nice meal and walk before leaving for many hours. Always make sure your dog is not dehydrated. Like humans, water balances melatonin and serotonin levels in the brain which help in sleep and well-being respectively. Have some toys for your dog to occupy their time. Most likely, they will nap after being well fed, hydrated and tired from their exercise. Dog separation anxiety will be eased.

Dog Skin Problems

Dog skin problems are caused by many factors such as allergies.  In dogs, allergies usually manifest as troubling skin conditions,  while in humans they are presented through the respiratory system.  An allergy is a result of a bodily system being unable to recognize a specific substance.  Normally this is a protein which is a large molecule.  A dog's immune system sees the allergen as potentially harmful and works to dispel it.  Canine allergies can occur from  pollen, mold, fleas and food. Great discomfort from excessive itching and scratching ensues.

When exposed to pollen for the first time, a dog's immune system will produce antibodies, thus becoming sensitized to the foreign protein. Inhalant or atopic allergies are the most common form.  Nutritional modifications can help with pollen.  To cut down on mold allergies, keep their environment less humid to disable mold spores.   Regarding food, a pet may be allergic to the protein percentage of grains.  Wheat gluten is often a source for itching as well as dog food with soy.  Food allergies in pets account for roughly fifteen percent of cases.  Flea bites can pose greater problems due to the severe scratching from flea saliva. This is not limited to the location of the bite.  Maintain your pet's preventative flea regimen, especially during the warmer months.

Constant scratching can cause secondary infections such as superficial pyoderma - a bacterial infection of the epidermis and hair follicle near the skin surface.  Excessive scratching damages the skin and breaks down the animal's natural defenses.  Bacteria then penetrates the skin.

Dog hot spots are warm, moist, swollen areas of skin that can smell very awful.  Oftentimes, pus is excreted.   This is an extremely painful  dog skin problem.  The dog further irritates the area through incessant chewing.  Unfortunately, dogs with thick  fur like a German Shepherd, will be in terrible distress – sometimes ripping out pieces of fur.  Specifically in canines with long coats, moisture gets trapped more easily in those areas  adjacent to their skin.  Hence the developed bacteria invades.

Since dog's skin has a different pH value than humans, use shampoo formulated for canines. The letters pH stands for potential hydrogen and reflects the measure of alkalinity or acidity of a substance. The pH scales ranges from 0 to 14 with 7 being neutral. Human skin pH is more acidic. The skin and fur pH values for a canine tends toward a more alkaline measure. Dog shampoo will not upset the pH balance. By washing your pet thoroughly, some of the excess bacteria and dirt, can also be removed.

There are dangerous dog skin problems.   One type is mange or canine scabies.  Tiny microscopic mites attack the dog's body and reproduce on the skin surface.  They feed on the nutrients of the dog's body. A rapid spread of mites is very serious and will require prompt medical attention.

When not presenting in the ears, unhealthy yeast infections are difficult to ascertain.  Yeast is a single cell organism found on your dog.  It normally resides in the mucous membrane of the digestive tract.  Yeast toxins adversely affect the immune system and cause many infections. Once the immune system has been compromised, yeast will grow. Toxic activity will increase.  Proper diet and nutrition can keep yeast under control.

Ninety percent of canine yeast infections occur in the ear, where in canines the ear canal is also an extension of their skin.   An obvious sign of infection is noticed when a pet is scratching their ear relentlessly.  The ear is crusty and red. There is discharge.  There is a bad odor from an overproduction of sebum.  Possibly, the dog may appear off-balance.  It's time to see the doctor.  They can determine if the yeast is either a primary or secondary infection.  Mange also could mimic these symptoms.  In these complicated cases, dog skin problems are harder to diagnose.

Sometimes a dog may acquire a contact allergy such as ringworm - a fungal disease affecting the skin.  Soil,  animals and people are the homestead for fungi.  When contracted by your pet, the fungus resides in dead skin cells found on the surface and expands in an outward ring.  The skin becomes red and swollen eventually becoming crusty.  After spreading, patches of hair are lost.

Here are some preventative actions for dog skin problems.

• Good grooming:  Simply brush your dog.  
• Make sure their ears are clean.   
• Dry your dog thoroughly after a bath or swim.  
• Keep up with flea and tick medications for parasite prevention.  
• Try a nutritional supplement with dog food. 
• Have an annual wellness check after the puppy stage of development.

If your dog shows signs of skin problems and distress, seek veterinary advice.  Delaying treatment can cause more complications and heartache.  A dog is loyal and eager to please, even if suffering from health issues. Dog skin problems can be helped so your pet can thrive.

The Five Senses of Cats

Cats rely on their senses for survival. The five senses of cats are utilized for the purposes of hunting, navigation and protection.

The Sense of Hearing
Cats are adept at hearing high-pitched sounds - 1.6 octaves above humans and 1.0 octave above dogs. The ears of a cat will swivel in the direction of a sound, while their ear flaps can move up, down and sideways to pinpoint the source of sound.

The Sense of Sight
 Studies show that cats have good night vision. Cats have a reflective layer behind the retina that sends light that passes through the retina back into the eye. In very bright light, the iris closes over the eye, reducing the amount of light on the retina. This improves their depth of field which is beneficial to hunting.

The Sense of Smell
Cats have a stronger sense of smell than human beings. Cats have approximately two times the number of receptors in their olfactory epithelium as humans do. They also have a scent organ in the roof of their mouths known as Jacobson's organ. When a cat lowers its chin and their tongue hangs down this is called gaping and they are using their sense of smell through their mouth.

The Sense of Taste
Scientist theorize that cats are obligate carnivores due to a genetic mutation regarding their sweetness sensory receptor. Therefore, they would not feed on plants which have high contents of sugar. A diet high in protein would stimulate their sense of taste.

The Sense of Touch
The whiskers of cats help in navigation and in the sense of touch. The upper and lower rows can move independently from one another, giving the cat greater tools to measure objects within the vicinity. Also, whiskers have nerve endings where the cat can sense nearby movement or stationary objects. When the whiskers point forward, a cat is said to be friendly and curious. A defensive attitude is reflected when the whiskers lie flat against the face.

The Five Senses Of Cats

History of Cats

The Esteemed History of Cats

Throughout the esteemed history of cats, felines have been skilled hunters and survivors. When wildcats became more domestic, many civilizations were helped by their mission of keeping the rodent population in check. This has been invaluable to farmers, sailors and even the silk industry.

Domestic cats are claimed to have descended from five species of wildcats: the Southern African wildcat, the Central Asian wildcat, the Chinese desert cat, the European wildcat and the Near Eastern wildcat. Today, the closest relative of our pet felines, is the Near Eastern wildcat, who resembles a tabby.

Agriculture Changes the History of Cats

A consensus of the time period for domestication is nearly 10,000 years ago when agriculture was born in the Middle East's Fertile Crescent. Wild wheat and barley flourished. The large scale storage of grains became a food source for mice and rats. The wildcat was to follow this abundance of prey and began living near human settlements. Cats being obligate carnivores, their prey satisfies their dietary requirements for nutrition and hydration. A cat's prey is basically 75 percent water. Thus, the wildcat had an endless supply of meat and hydration, while farmers had loyal and determined rodent control workers.

The oldest archaeological evidence of domestic cats was found at the village of Shillourokambos, in southern Cyprus, a Greek isle. This was a significant event in the history of cats. The grave of a cat was positioned next to the grave of a human being who was buried with ceremonial artifacts of flint and stone. The discovery date of the burial was estimated to be around 9,000 B.C., a time of the Neolithic era or Stone Age. Further, an excavation by the British Archaeological Institute in Ankara of a site near Hacilar unearthed 22 small terracotta statues of women playing with cats. The figurines from Hacilar, which was an early settlement in southwest Turkey, are said to be from 6000 B.C. The theory of domestic cats being common in the late Neolithic time is supported.

The History of Cats Revered

 During the era of the New Kingdom (16th century B.C. - 11th century B.C.) in ancient Egypt, cats were exalted to godlike status. Aside from their duties of warding off snakes and rodents, cats became sacred. The history of cats saw statues placed outside homes to guard against evil spirits. The cat goddesses of Bastet and the lion-headed Sekhmet were praised by the ancient Egyptians. Domestic cats were thought to be the embodiment of the goddess Bast (a woman with the head of a cat) or Bastet (the cat in full form.) A necropolis at her principal temple at Bubastis contained over 300,000 mummified cats.

Since ancient Egypt was an important trading port, cats were taken on ships to control vermin. It is surmised that cats were introduced to Rome aboard these trading vessels. As the Roman empire expanded, the geographic history of cats saw their spread northward into central Europe and westward to Britain. They continued to move north and east in Europe. Admired as great hunters, cats were adopted quickly. The Vikings used cats as both rodent hunters and pets. The Viking goddess of love, fertility and war, Freyja, was associated with cats. Winged cats drew her chariot, and a custom was made to give new brides a kitten in her name.

When domestic cats arrived in Asia (most likely with European missionaries), they protected the silkworm cocoons from rodents. Cats as hunters thus helped with the silk industry and were cherished. Cats were often subjects for drawing and painting in China. Also, they protected ancient manuscripts from rodents.

In Japan, the "Maneki Neko" portrays a sitting cat with one paw raised and bent. These are considered good fortune. This legend in the history of cats rose from the story of a Japanese landlord who was saved from being struck by lightning. Intrigued by a cat seemingly waving at him, he left the deadly spot before impact. Replicas of this waving action are often found in businesses to draw in money.

An unfortunate event happened during the Middle Ages when felines were deemed as witches and familiars. This superstition led to their demise causing a black mark within the history of cats. However, the Europeans suffered for their cruelty. With the deaths of many cats came an uncontrolled rodent population which helped spread the Black Death in the 1300's. Almost one fourth of the European population died from the plaque.

Eventually, the cat's hunting prowess was respected again. By the 1600's, the French people began putting little holes at the bottom of their doors. Cats could enter and leave whenever they wanted. Perhaps, this coincided with the decree of King Louis XIII in the 1630's to end the practice of superstitious beliefs and harming cats. The history of cats prevails.

Today, domestic cats still hunt. The cat is a unique creature. Revered in every household, a cat appears to have the same outlook throughout its history. Cats have found us.

Article Claire Milligan

Photo Courtesy Diana Antal

History of Cats