BIRD FOOD

When selecting the appropriate food for your bird it is important to think about certain things and ask yourself several questions You should keep in mind the type of bird or birds you own and their size Do they need a seed and pelleted diet cats for sale,dogs for sale,aquarium fish,betta fish,bull dog,dog food,fish food,freshwater fish,gold fish,kittens for sale,love bird,lovebird for sale,pet care,pet food,puppies,puppy Do they like to eat food from their talon or out of their dish Does your bird make a large mess when eating Does your bird have any known health problems

Some foods can help certain problems like feather picking and vitamin deficiencies With so many different types of food on the market it can be difficult and confusing The most important thing to keep in mind is that you keep them on a wellbalanced diet

One common misconception is that birds need seeds in their diet and the truth is they do not Peanuts are very high in fat content and I recommend giving your bird no more than one per day Sunflower seeds which can be prevalent in some seed mixtures are also high in sodium and fat It is ok to give your bird a few seeds but if your bird is eating them anymore than 10% of their diet that is too much Most birds need to be on 90% pelleted diet Seeds nuts and other treats can make up the other 10% Also included in most parrots diet can be fresh fruit and vegetables These can seem like a treat to your bird but are actually very healthy

There are some brands of food which are 100% organic These are best for your bird as no chemicals are used when growing the ingredients Organic foods also contain no preservatives and no artificial coloring Birds can be sensitive to those things

Human food in very small quantities can be ok for your bird but should not be practiced regularly One human food that is great for birds is the sweet potato Sweet potatoes are filled with Vitamin A which the Eclectus parrot needs in their diet because it aids in digestion They also contain Vitamin C and Iron and are relatively easy to cook and store as well.Two foods that can kill your birds are chocolate and avocado You should never feed your bird those foods in any amount.There are lots of different ways that you can feed your parrot Now some of these may require more work than others where as some of them are as easy and grabbing a bag of bird seed and pouring it into their feeder All of them can be good for your bird although feeding a variety of parrot foods as opposed to a singular food source such as seeds can make achieving a more balanced diet a little easier to achieve.

The simplest way to feed your parrot a balanced diet is to buy some quality parrot food from your local pet supplies store These come in many different forms that will include additional vitamins and minerals this means that you will not have to it any additional vitamins to their diet In fact you may not know this but adding additional vitamins and minerals can in fact harm your parrot as it could lead to bad toxic level of the vitamins and minerals in their system.You should try and choose a seed mix for your parrot that doesnt allow it to choose one seed or food item in preference to another as this will provide him with a more balanced diet Be aware that some food products will claim to be fortified seed mixes which in theory should be just right for your parrot but this claim is not necessarily true This assumes that the bird will consume all the seed that is offered instead of choosing just a few of its favourite food items.One should always try to get parrot food which uses a formulated diet without any addition fragrances or colours A lot of parrot owners may worry that this does not provide enough variety for their parrot when in fact this is not the case One can easily counter this by providing enough fresh vegetables or fruit equivalent to the amount that you would normally use with a formulated diet While fruit and vegetables may not be as energy intensive as the prepared diet because they are mostly water they will still be a good addition to your parrots diet and you may notice that your parrot will still eat the same amount of fortified food This will lead to a more rounded and balanced diet.

Try not to need any high fat foods such as peanuts or even sunflower seeds Only use them as an occasional treat as this will reduce the amount of prepared diet food that your parrot would normally eat which means that it may not receive its balanced diet

With all the choices these days it can be confusing to know what type of bird food to buy Bird food and bird feeders can be purchased at gardening stores hardware stores and even at grocery stores Different birds eat at different levels some feel more comfortable eating on the ground while others prefer to eat higher up so place a variety of feeders at a variety of heights to attract a larger variety and number of birds Keep a journal and record which feeder attracts what types of birds

Before purchasing a bird feeder examine it closely You should buy a bird feeder that is rain and snow resistant so that the food for the birds will remain fresh Also try opening the bird feeder to ensure that it is easy to fill and clean out If the bird feeder requires too much work to fill or clean chances are you wont do it and then you wont attract as many birds as you would like to

Heres a break down of the different types of food available for birds.Bird Seed Bird seeds are the most common food placed in bird feeders While there are many different kinds of bird seeds black sunflower seeds are the most common because the majority of birds will eat them If you do place bird seed out for birds to eat make sure that the seeds are unsalted Also store bird seed in a cool dry place to ensure the freshness of the seeds.Suet Suet is when berries seeds and other ingredients have been mixed into meat fat Suet is popular with nuthatches chickadees blue jays and woodpeckers and is commonly offered to birds in the winter Be careful if you put suet out in the summer as the heat can turn the fat rancid very quickly To create your own suet first melt the meat fat which can be bought at your local butcher shop Next add berries seeds and other ingredients to the fat and mix well Remove the mixture from heat and allow it to harden.Nectar Nectar is a water and sugar mixture that is offered to hummingbirds To create your own hummingbird food bring 4 parts of water to a boil and add 1 part sugar Stir and allow the mixture to cool before filling hummingbird feeders Change the mixture every three to five days in order to prevent bacteria and mold from growing Hummingbirds are readily attracted to the colour red so in the past it was common practice to add red food colouring to homemade hummingbird food This addition is unnecessary as most hummingbird feeders have a red base which is sufficient to attract hummingbirds If you want to ensure that hummingbirds will come to your feeder plant some flowers with red blooms nearby or tie red ribbons to the hummingbird feeder

CANARY

If you are considering sharing your home with a pet canary its probably because you have heard so much about their nearly constant bubbly singing Join the club Since the seventeenth century pet owners the world over have kept canaries for nothing more than the sheer pleasure of birdsong filling their homes A canary is not merely a feathered music box though and pet canary care is so much more than the gilded cage of old A canary is a living thing dependent on you for food shelter and love and canary care while not rocket science involves a certain level of avian expertise Ready to become an expert Study hard Thanks to selective breeding theres quite possibly a canary out there to suit every personality and desire Some canaries are bred for their coloration some are bred for their shape and some of course are bred to produce a very specific song pattern What kind of canary you purchase will depend on what canary resources are available near you If you can find a reputable canary breeder that will be your best option Many pet stores now however commit to purchasing healthy birds only from reputable breeders but check first to make sure that your canary was not wild caught or raised in lessthandesirable conditions If the pet store manager can not account for where your potential canary came from dont buy a canary from that store Oh and be sure that the canary you purchase is a male if its a strong singer you are after The females are incapable of producing the characteristic long trills and melodies that made canaries famous

Canaries can be quite delicate so a primary part of learning to care for a pet canary is to realize that prevention is key If theres a number one rule of pet canary care its that you absolutely must keep your canary away from drafts at all times A drafty room can kill a canary without any warning whatsoever and even a slight draft can prevent your canary from warbling If a lit candle flickers when held outside your canarys cage then you have picked a spot thats too drafty for your new feathered friend As far as cages go your canary doesnt require anything too spectacularjust enough room to hop about and stretch his wings Make sure you purchase a cage that is at least two feet wide and three or four feet tall Get a cage with a tray in the bottom to make for easy cleaning and make sure that the bars of the cage are not coated with toxic paint or other chemical sealants You should clean your canarys cage thoroughly at least once a week washing perches food and water containers and toys in a mild bleach solution and washing down the rest of the cage with dish soap and warm water

While they cant stand drafts canaries do love indirect sunlight A good supply of natural light will keep your canary singing and will also interest him in breeding should a female be present If a draft will kill a canary the fastest a second runner up is dehydration Because of their speedy metabolisms canaries require a lot of water and may die if they go as little as a day without it Change your canarys water daily and never leave for more than a day without asking someone to water your canary for you As for food seed is the mainstay of a canarys diet and there are many good commercially available seed mixes made specifically for canaries You should supplement your canarys seed with a little fresh fruit and boiled egg every day An apple slice and a fourth of a hard boiled egg is enough You should also provide your canary with a cuttlebone as he will gnaw on this to attain necessary calcium

With these basic rules and supplies of pet canary care well in hand you are ready to seek out the perfect canary for you Will you choose a rosy red colorbred canary an exotic Persian Singer or something in between Whatever your decision your canary will thank you exuberantly for the next ten to fifteen years the best way he knows howby singing his heart out

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POND FISH

For most people the only thing they know about these scaly creatures is whether they taste better with lemon or tarter sauce For Pond owners however a little more information is needed If you are a new Pond owner who has just purchased or are thinking about purchasing Koi goldfish or other pond fish you might have a few questions How do I introduce new fish into my pond What do I need to do to make my pond suitable for them How do I maintain my new friends

Fortunately I know a little bit more about fish then the topping they taste best with Here are a few basic tips all future pond fish owners need to know

Before purchasing fish you must first have your pond suitable for life Meaning there should be no zip zero nada Ammonia Chlorine Chloramines or Nitrite in your pond water A test kit will be needed to determine the level of those parameters A dechlorinator can be used to rid the pond of Chlorine Chloramines and Nitrites And a water change can be conducted to do away with Ammonia

A filter is crucial to maintain Ammonia levels A Biological filter is the best choice Be sure the filter can support a pump that is able to move the total gallons of your pond AT LEAST once per hour So if you have a pump assuming your pump is big enough for your pond that has a GPH of 950 you would want a filter with the capacity of at least 950 although a 1000 would be better

Once you have your water levels up to par and proper filtration unit has been installed its time to purchase the new additions to your family which is exactly what they will become After selecting the right fish there are a few things you need to know when introducing them into your pond

A bagged fish generally only lasts for 45 minutes assuming the correct water to Oxygen ratio has been applied Be sure your drive home is less than 30 minutes away If this is not the case tell a sale associate so special measures can be taken An additional supply of Oxygen can be given to you

Once you are home let the bagged fish float in the pond for 15 minutes before releasing it This will regulate the water temperature and help to prevent it from going into shock If however you feel that your fish is stressed or the ride home took longer than 30 minutes gradually fill the bag with some pond water to speed the regulating process

Once the water from the bag is about the same temperature of your pond water you can place your new fish into the pond Do not pour the water from the bag along with your fish into the pond Use a net to drain the water from the bag outside your pond and then release your fish into its new home

Now that your new friends are swimming pretty what has to be done to maintain them Here are a few tips

1 Test your pond water for Ammonia Nitrite pH Oxygen Carbonate Hardness and General Hardness once a week for 23 months for new ponds Once the pond is pretty much established you can test as needed

2 Do not over feed your fish They eat Algae Aquatic plants especially lilies and small bugs found in your pond Only feed them fish or Koi food twice a week This along with regular filter cleaning will help prevent high Ammonia spikes

3 Keep in mind the changing seasons As fall and winter come around special accommodations will have to be made A deicer for climates that tend to drop below freezing and Wheat Germ food no matter the climate for the fish slowing metabolism

BETTA FISH

If you have visited a pet store a chain discount store or even a florist lately you have most likely been attracted to the rich colors and longfinned elegance of the betta fish Bettas also known as Siamese fighting fish are relatively inexpensive but exceedingly beautiful For these reasons they have recently and unfortunately become popular not so much as pets but as decorating accents due to misleading reports that theyre meant to thrive in tiny amounts of water and need very little looking after However betta fish care entails much more than plunking your new fish into a wine goblet with a marble or two for company Taking care of a betta fish requires preparation education and compassion Let this brief tutorial turn you into a better betta owner

Perhaps the misconception that bettas are meant to live in small amounts of water stems from the fact that bettas are usually sold in containers no larger than a teacup Unlike most other fish at the aquarium store bettas are extremely aggressive towards one another and cannot be housed with other fish Since they must be sold separately theyre put into cups and stacked row upon row to save room Potential betta owners are then happily informed that the fish needs very little oxygen or water The sad fact is that many bettas die within a few weeks of purchase due either to ammonia buildup in their small habitats or lack of oxygen With this in mind let the first item on your betta fish care checklist be an adequate tankat least one gallon but preferably three or more With optimum room to swim and an aerator providing fresh oxygen bettas have been known to live for ten or more years

When you go to the store to select your betta know first of all that almost every fish is going to be a male unless otherwise specified The male bettas are what earned these fish the title Jewel of the Orient while the females are remarkably dull and shortfinned by comparison Most bettas sold in pet stores will be around nine months oldjust after their fins have lengthened and their mature coloration has arrived When selecting a betta seek out the healthiest specimen by looking for and avoiding torn fins dull color patches and wounds Most bettas will appear extremely droopy as they float in their alloted six ounces of water but rest assured that when you take them home and introduce them to their new larger dwelling they should perk up immediately and start gliding about unfurling their magnificent fins for you to admire

When it comes to a bettas diet moderation is key as a bettas stomach is about as large as the black dot in the center of his eye With that in mind feed your betta one specialty betta pellet once a day For a treat try giving him a pinch of frozen bloodworms about once a week as it will help maintain his jewelbright complexion Other than taking precaution to not overfeed your betta the most crucial factor in betta fish care is water quality Never place your betta in water straight from the tap There are many products on the market that will instantly make water safe for fish or you can use bottled spring water Ensure that your bettas tank is kept warm enough but never placed in direct sunlight especially during the winter months You can get a small thermometer and if needed a heater made especially for fish tanks to make certain the water temperature is kept between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit When changing the water replace no more than half of the water at any given time and always make sure the replacement water is purified

With this betta fish care advice well in mind youll always have a healthy betta Remember a healthy betta is a beautiful betta and a beautiful betta is one youll be proud to enjoy and share with friends and family for years to come

Because betta fish can be kept in relatively simple containers as opposed to large aquariums with complicated filtration systems many people are attracted to them as easy to care for yet beautiful tropical fish But betta fish care does require some frequent work to keep the fish happy and healthy

One important factor in betta fish care is to use a container that allows the fish to swim around a bit Bettas can of course survive in the little jars they are often sold in but this is far from a healthy environment and bettas in such tight quarters may fade in color and become sluggish Bettas dont need a huge amount of space but a little room to swim and a decent amount of surface area for the fish to get gulps of air in are recommended As a suggestion a 1 to 2 gallon fish bowl is a good option

It is a good idea to have a cover not an airtight cover over the top of your container as bettas have been known to jump out of their containers

The next part of betta fish care that is critical to the health of the fish is to keep the container and water very clean Part of keeping the container clean is to use caution when feeding your fish Excess food will accumulate at the bottom and cause bacterial growth and cloud the water I suggest feeding your fish with the standard betta food pellets by dropping in just one pellet at a time perhaps 3 or 4 times per day Not only will this help keep the container clean it will also prevent overfeeding which can cause swim bladder problems which can kill bettas

Frequent water changes are important to keep toxins from building up Small containers should have at least one third of their water changed at least twice per week Larger containers with one to two gallons of water or more can be done once per week with about half the water being changed out

I suggest using bottled distilled water to change your bettas water Distilled water is pure and free of chemicals like chlorine that are toxic to fish In addition since distilled water has a neutral pH it is ideally suited to the needs of betta fish

Because bettas are from tropical regions an important part of good betta fish care is to keep the water relatively warm about 75 to 80 degrees

Smooth objects without sharp edges make good decorations in the betta fish container because these fish like to rest on objects above the bottom Bettas have delicate fins so anything with sharp edges must be avoided even artificial plants that are particularly rigid

By following these tips you are well on your way to having your betta stay healthy and showing a wonderful display of its vibrant colors A bright active fish is your reward for good betta fish care

AQUARIUM DECORATION

You have got the aquarium tank now its time to decorate The tanks looked so pretty in the pet shop but if you are like me they left you wondering where to start First you need to decide on a theme anything from Disney to Sunken ships The theme you select for your aquarium décor is a matter of personal choice The next suggestion would be to create a little diagram and scale everything to size This will insure that you have room for everything you want and help eliminate gaps in the tank

There are many different aquarium decorations out there There are hundreds if not thousands to choose from Coral driftwood gravel plants artificial plants rocks and ceramic decorations are just a few types of aquarium décor So once you have decided on your theme you should have no trouble filling your tank You will want to make sure you put all the smaller objects and plants in the front and arrange the larger ones towards the back so it can all be seen It should be noted that you should only put articles in your aquarium that are labeled for use in aquariums so as not to contaminate the tank Driftwood rocks and plants from your garden or elsewhere may contain harmful ingredients like pesticides or chemicals and even minerals that can be toxic to the aquarium life

This is also important when caring for and maintaining your tank Soap bleach and other cleaning products are harmful for fish tanks The tank décor and ornaments should be cleaned once a month using a cleaner made especially for cleaning fish tanks and aquariums Cleaners that will remove biological and mineral deposits should be used Cleaning aquarium decorations on the average is very low maintenance Just make sure that before you add or remove any aquarium decoration or ornament that you turn off and unplug all the equipment first Aquarium décor is more than just ornaments and decorations in your tank It can be used to disguise some of the unsightly plumbing of the fish tank and more importantly provide necessary shelter for the sea life thriving in your aquarium It can also provide a place for the fish to lay eggs and even go and brood Rocks and other structures used as aquarium décor often become territorial boundaries for some of the fish in the tank When picking out the rocks and bigger structures to decorate the tank keep in mind that fish love to explore so the more holes and ridges the better Its also a good idea to rearrange the décor every time you clean It will keep the aquarium experience fun and new for both you and the fish.

TROPICAL FISH TANKS

It is very important to research the fish you want to keep properly The best way to do this would be to buy a good book on tropical fish The adult size of the fish would determine the size of the tank and the habits and care would tell you what equipment you need and how to set up the fish tank

This will also give you the opportunity to see if the fish would be compatible If their care or requirements are too different or their temperament is wrong you shouldnt keep them together

Determine space
How much space do you have in your home Whats the biggest size tank you can fit Determine where you want the fish tank and see how much space there is Include some space between the wall and the tank for cord tubing etc

Determine your budget
How much money can you spend Remember that this money has to buy the tropical fish tank as well as all the necessary equipment fish plants decorations etc If this is your first fish tank keep in mind that this is a hobby you might decide not to pursue

Select equipment
Go to a local supplier and discuss what would be needed for the setup you require This is partly based on the fish you want to keep Get prices for everything youll need including the fish tank preferably from more than one supplier so that you can get some comparisons

Evaluate your budget against space constraints
How does your budget compare to the costs you got in the previous step Can you get a tank large enough for the fish you want to keep that will still fit in the space available If the setup is too expensive or the space to small look at your fish selection again Is there any specific fish that is causing a problem If you can remove a single type of fish to fit the rest in the space you have available how badly do you have your heart set on that fish Make sure that all the fish you chose are available in your area See if there is maybe a different place you can fit the tank or whether you can increase the budget

Buy the equipment
Once you have sorted out your budget space and fish selection you can go ahead and buy the equipment Do NOT buy any fish yet

Set up your tank
Once you have all the equipment you can start setting it up If this is the first time you are doing this expect to spend a few hours on this

Once everything is set up fill the fish tank with water and let it settle for a couple of days to make sure that the equipment is working properly and that nothing is leaking This also dechlorinates the water

Select starter fish
Select a few fish from your original list that is hardy small and inexpensive You only want to select 1 of fish for each gallon of water but you can determine this based on their current size This is the ONLY time that you will base space required on the current size of the fish The reason for this is the fact that the fish wont grow significantly in the 48 weeks that the tank is cycling

Cycle the tank
Over the course of this 48 weeks you have to be particularly diligent and patient Make sure you are not overfeeding and that you are doing regular water changes For this period DONT ADD ANY MORE FISH

Maintain the tank
Feed and observe the fish every day Check the filter regularly change 1015% of your water weekly and scrub for algae at the same time Check all your other equipment hoses fittings lights etc at least once a month And most importantly Enjoy your tropical fish tank

Right Sized Aquarium

The old adage that says bigger is better holds true for aquariums Greater water volume is always better when it comes to keeping live fish in a glass box Although it is not impossible to successfully keep fish in a small space there is a greater margin of error with a larger tank One thing to consider when buying a larger tank is the cost of operating a larger filter and moving a larger amount of water volume

Consider buying a tengallon freshwater aquarium The tank itself may cost about 15 dollars US the power filter 20 dollars US the heater if keeping tropical fish 12 dollars US ten pounds of sand gravel 12 dollars US water conditioner 10 dollars US a net cleaning sponge and a lid adds another 15 dollars US So for a tengallon tank expect to pay about 80 dollars US without a light

Compare that to a cost breakdown of a 50gallon freshwater aquarium The tank itself may cost about 70 dollars US the filter about 70 dollars US the heater 20 dollars US 50 pounds of sand gravel 40 dollars US water conditioner 12 dollars US net and cleaning sponge 8 dollars US and it usually comes with a lid So for a 50gallon tank without a light expect to pay 220 dollars US

On the onset it looks more appealing to purchase the tengallon tank but this is where most people make the mistake With such a small volume of water the temperature in a tengallon aquarium can fluctuate dramatically with the outside ambient temperature This is very stressful for the fish So what tends to happen is that people will buy the ten gallon tank and save 140 dollars US but then end up buying 140 dollars US worth of replacement fish Or worse frustration sets in and the tank ends up at the next garage sale

A larger volume of water will help to stabilize the changes in temperature during summer months and water changes Generally if only 510 percent of water is changed in a 60gallon tank every 2 weeks the fish tend to do well and parasites do not take over the tank In contrast with a small 10gallon tank a 510 percent water change could potentially devastate the chemistry of the tank A small water change has the ability to alter the temperature more than 5 degrees Fahrenheit which will stress the fish and cause disease Once the fish contract disease it is also easier to treat in a larger tank

Medicating the fish in a 50gallon tank will allow for a less precise dosing of medication When treating fish in a small tank the amount of chemicals being added needs to be measured carefully and doublechecked before being poured into the tank A miscalculation could reveal deadly results In contrast that same miscalculation could go unnoticed in a larger tank That is not to say that medication does not need to be measured when being added to a large tank It is easier to treat fish in a tank with more water but if the guidelines are followed the fish has the potential to recover no matter which sized tank they are in

In a large tank obviously large fish can be kept where they have adequate room to swim and grow A large fish can be kept in a small tank but the fish will grow to the size of the tank If the tank is smaller than the maximum size of the fish the fish will grow up deformed with internal organ dysfunctions Needless to say it is much better for the fish to pair appropriately sized fish with appropriately sized homes People should not keep German shepherds in crates suited for Yorkshire terriers and in the same way Oscars should not be kept in 10gallon fish tanks An appropriate sized tank for a fullgrown Oscar would be 36in x 18in x 16in In a tank this size the fish has the ability to turn around comfortably The adage that 1 gallon of tank water is required for 1 inch of fish does not hold true The fish keeper must consider the total mass of the fish Ten inches of neon tetras does not equate to a 10inch Oscar because the girth of the Oscar is much larger than the tetras Thus when deciding which tank to choose research the maximum size of the fish you wish to keep and buy a tank where the fish can turn around comfortably

FISH TANKS

In Asian and Chinese culture fish play an important role You have likely seen many works of Asian and Chinese are that portray koi or goldfish and there are also many designs for Asianstyle water gardens which allow you to incorporate these lovely creatures into your home When you are using this art and science you may also want to have a feng shui fish tank at home Where do you begin and what is the best location for it in the house Are there other places within the home where you should not install it

Tank Need Not Be Large

Sometimes people may be under the erroneous impression that when you are considering a fish tank this means a very large fish tank that will occupy an entire wall in a room but this is not the case As with all of the basic principles simplicity and balanced are very important so attempting to fit a toolarge fish tank somewhere within a smaller home or room will just make the room feel cluttered definitely against the principles of feng shui

Using a small aquariums is just as good particularly is it adds to the balance of the room And a feng shui fish tank may not be a fish tank at all Even a simple fishbowl containing one or two goldfish can work just fine if it is correctly displayed and maintained If you are on a tight budget for decorating this is helpful to know because you do not need to spend a lot of cash in order to buy a big aquarium stock it with fish and maintain it

Where to Install

Feng shui incorporates natural elements identifying five elements water wood fire metal and earth The five elements are intended to be complementary to each other and to be balanced so that none of them overpowers the other in a room or other area The fish tank you are planning to install will likely be used as a room accent especially if it is a fishbowl or smaller tank

In a room which is decorated with colors in earth tones like a warm tan or brown a water element is a perfect complement If the fish are then bright colors for example orange or yellow this can contrast with the warm earth tones very nicely

Be sure that your feng shui fish tank is not clamoring for attention with other elements in your room By having it where you also have a fireplace say in a living room the fish tank may not work These two strong large elements may compete for attention and will not result in harmony Take time to determine where is best for your fish tank so that it is complementary to your room and environment so that you are using your fish tank properly

GOLD FISH

Many aquarium owners having goldfish often wonder how big and how fast there goldfish will grow Goldfish growth really depends on certain factors that will influence how fast they grow. If the water is too clear then lacks algae and food to feed on Second if water quality is not kept up with proper maintenance causes stress on goldfish which may impact the goldfish desire to eat If goldfish dont eat they dont grow therefore growing slower then normal. The environment or home for your goldfish plays a big part on how fast goldfish will grow as well For instance if you put a goldfish in a goldfish bowl it wont grow as much as it would if it were in an aquarium or garden pond The environment plays a major part in goldfish growth Goldfish will only grow to the size of their environment in which it can handle Also the more space a goldfish has will help increase the size of your goldfish and wont stunt your goldfish from growing When goldfish have big aquariums or tanks to grow in it will make less maintenance for you and much happier goldfish Another reason goldfish grow faster in larger environments is there is more food readily available to eat There is always food in an aquarium to eat for goldfish especially in ponds Goldfish will grow fast due to abundance of algae to eat and also the live microscopic animals and insects to feed on Goldfish basically have a buffet at anytime they want with the amount of food they will find to eat living in ponds Goldfish will grow extremely fast as well if the water is green like pea soup or they are grown in mud ponds You will see your goldfish grow fast The goldfish food that you feed them plays a part in their growth as well If you want your goldfish to grow fast consider feeding them a wide variety of foods Also high growth food will help as well maximizing the growth of your goldfish You can also feed them several times a day just make sure they eat all the goldfish food that you give them within 2 minutes other then that discard uneaten food as it will foul your water Goldfish food will play a part in their growth as well

So to really answer the question How Fast Do Goldfish Grow really has too many factors to really answer Also genetics plays a part in this as well If you look at some people today some are skinny some are large medium petite tall and short Everyone grows differently and the same goes for goldfish For example Im 64 while my parents are like 56 so I grew taller Usually if you come from a tall family you will have tall kids which happens most times through DNA passed on to kids So goldfish genetics and DNA sometimes will impact how fast goldfish grow as well Really a question with no true answer but definitely things people can do to grow goldfish faster by doing several things Biggest thing that will help grow your goldfish fast is give them the space they deserve dont confine goldfish to small tanks go bigger and you will have bigger goldfish too

Goldfish were originally bred in China sometime between 1 000 and 1 500 years ago and were later exported to Japan and Korea where further breeding led to an increase in the number of varieties available To the beginning goldfish fancier the body types finnage and unique characteristics of goldfish can seem to defy meaningful classification There are several additional fish which could fit into these categories such as Tosakin and Wakin but these were not considered plentiful enough to recognize as a separate breed at that time The GFSA will most likely consider the addition of new varieties as their popularity increases

A general understanding of goldfish characteristics is helpful before a detailed discussion of breed varieties is started

Scalation Four basic types of scalation occur in goldfish metallic matte nacreous and Pearl Scale

Metallic Has a shiny reflective appearance much like a metal object hence the name metallic The shiny appearance is caused by the presence of guanine in the scale
Matte Scales which lack the reflective guanine layer leading to a dull or nonreflective appearance
Nacreous A scale type which combines characteristics of the metallic and matte scale patterns often in random proportions causing a mixture of reflective and nonreflective scales on a fish
Pearlscale an encrustation on each scale of the fish causing the scale to appear to have a miniature dome in the center In the best specimens the pearling occurs over the body of the fish and wraps around the entire fish completely

Colors Goldfish come in a number of distinct colors including combinations of colors Common goldfish colors include the following red orange white black blue chocolate brown yellow red and white black and red black red and white calico a combination of colors usually including red white black and blue

Eyes Goldfish have several different eyetypes as follows

Normal eye types
Telescope eyes eyes which are mounted atop a coneshaped protrusion on either side of the head
Celestial eyes Similar to a telescopeeyed goldfish but the eyes are pointing upward at the end of the telescope feature
Bubble Eyes the eyes of a bubbleeyed goldfish are actually considered of the normal type The distinguishing feature of this fish is the large fluidfilled sack which forms on each side of the face directly underneath the eye of the fish

Tail types Goldfish have a great deal of variation in the caudal or tail fin as outlined below

Single tail The most common form of tail type which is moderately forked and rounded at the edges
Comet tail longer than the single tail variety about 2 3 times longer with a marked forking and pointed tail tips
Shubunkin tail type primarily in the Bristol Shubunkin a long tail similar in size to the comet tail type but having rounded tail edges which tend to flare out the at tail edge causing the tail to look more full than that of the comet
Double tail a tail which has two distinct components or lobes and which is not joined along 2 rd3s of its length and which has rounded tail edges The size of the double tail can range from 2 3rds the length of the body to double the length of the body depending on the goldfish variety
Lionhead or Ranchu tail Similar to the double tail but forking is permissible Generally speaking the double tail of the Ranchu or Lionhead is ¼ to 3 8 the length of the body
Tosakin tail a variation on the double tail where the tail is not only joined but is rounded at the edges producing a curlicuetype appearance in the tail of the fish
Jikin tail Similar in appearance to the Rancho or Lionhead tail but forming an X shape when looked at from behind due to the angle at which the tail is joined to the caudal peduncle
Veiltail A modification of the double tail variety whereby the tail is 21 2 to 3 times the body length of the fish and where the forking is nonexistent producing a tail with a straight edge hence the name veil tail

Head Growth Some varieties of goldfish including the Oranda Lionhead and Ranchu have a growth on the head known as a wen This growth looks like a raspberry and causes a distinct appearance similar to a lions mane when viewed on the fish Several varieties of head growth are recognized

Goose head growth limited primarily to the top of the head with little or no wen occurring on the cheeks or opercula
Tiger head head growth which appears on the top of the head and on the cheeks of the fish
Lionhead Full head growth which appears on the top of the head cheeks and opercula

Dorsal fin characteristics the fin located on the back of the fish is known as the dorsal fin In some varieties Ranchu Lionhead

Celestial and Bubbleye the dorsal fin is not present The dorsalless varieties can be further subdivided into the Ranchu and Lionhead type of back profile

In the Ranchu type back profile the back is gently arched until it reaches the caudal peduncle when it sharply angles downward and meets the tail at a 45 degree angle
In the Lionhead type back profile which is also shared with the Celestial and Bubbleye the back is much straighter than that of the Ranchu and joins the tail at an angle that is much less severe than in the Ranchutype tail

Other growth characteristics of goldfish Goldfish have been selectively bred for growth characteristics over the centuries A partial listing of these characteristics appears below

a Narial bouquets a tuftlike series of growth appearing on the narial area nose of the fish which in fully developed specimens resembles a cheerleaders pompom
Pearlscale an encrustation on each scale of the fish causing the scale to appear to have a miniature dome in the center In the best specimens the pearling occurs over the body of the fish and wraps around the entire fish completely
Outturned operculum a fish with the gillplates turnedover so that the gills are revealed

Body shape characteristics Body shape characteristics are varied among goldfish types and are difficult to succinctly categorize since body shapes can vary within the same variety as an example and Oranda may have a fantail or Veiltail body conformation

Streamlined body shape this shape is found on the common goldfish Shubunkin and Comet varieties It is the basic torpedo shape common to most types of fish
Fantail shape This body shape is more egglike and produces a rounded profile in the fish This body type is commonly seen in the fantail some varieties of telescope some Oranda bodies especially on the Red Cap some Pearlscales and on the celestial and bubbleeye
Veiltail body type this body type is similar to that of the Ryukin without the hump on the back It is more rounded than that of the fantail and the body depth is approximately ¼ to 1 3 deeper than that of the traditional fantail This body type is found on some Telescopes some Orandas Pearlscale Veiltails and some ribbon tails
Lionhead or Ranchu body type A very rounded body type with a depth that is ¼ to 1 3 greater than that of the Veiltail variety The body appears chunky Especially in the area of the caudal peduncle which does not flare out to meet the tail as on most fish but looks more like a part of the body

Over the past several years I have watched numerous retail customers come to my store to switch their freshwater aquariums to saltwater The major reason for the switch is color When a person contrasts the exotic and vivid colors of most saltwater fish with basic freshwater fish there is simply no comparison Color alone drives a huge passion for saltwater fish keeping Here are five reasons for the trend Saltwater fish come in a vivid array of colors from the brightest purple to fluorescent blues reds greens oranges and every other color in a rainbow Several companies now breed clownfish gobies cardinals and other saltwater fish in hatcheries rather than exclusively catching them from the wild Raising these in captivity reduces their stress and ensures a healthier hardier fish

There have been incredible advances in fish quality as well as equipment some of which is designed exclusively for saltwater aquarium keeping We finally have the technology for the layperson to keep saltwater fish alive in aquariums for 5 even 10 years

Requirements such as foods size and compatibility for most species are well known Most saltwater fish are easily separated into categories for the beginner intermediate or advanced hobbyists

Though saltwater fish keeping has come a long way in recent years here are a few keys to help ensure your success

Find a store that sells healthy varieties and knows what they are talking about

Generally it is a good rule for the inexperienced keeper to purchase the largest tank their budget can afford The larger the aquarium the more room you have for error If you over feed your fish in a larger aquarium it will take a much longer time to have water quality problemsFinally invest the money and get the right saltwater equipment for your aquarium The right filter can ensure optimum water qualitySaltwater fish keeping is a rewarding hobby especially when these beautiful fish can live for 5 to 10 years in your aquarium Remember to begin your adventure by investing in the right size aquarium the right equipment and great fish to ensure your success

TERRIERS

These dogs came from the British Isles where they were first oriented to hunting fox rat otter and the likes over and under the ground .The personality of a lively child put into dog this might be a good way of describing the general personality of terriers But as it appears that still would not justify their temperaments

And as its name suggests terrier came from the word terra which means earth

While terriers may be identified through their prominent physical characteristics they are still divided into various breeds that separate one kind from another

Show Terriers These are basically bred as small dogs and are used for show rings

Bull and Terrier Types these came from breeding between bull dogs and terriers Only in the last quarter of 1800s did the breeders separate a number of bull dogs from terrier types for distinction

Hunting and Working Terriers The breed that was primarily bred for hunting

Toy Terriers These are the smaller versions of terriers which are basically categorized into the companion breed

To help you understand the various natures of terrier dogs we have prepared some dog profiles here please read on

Airedale Terrier This is known to be the largest dog in the Terrier breed Standing an average of 23 inches from the shoulder this dog shows off both beauty and elegance that make them fit for both dog obedience trials and show rings

A crossbreed between Otterhound and Black and Tan Terrier Airedale possess good skill in scent and superb swimming prowess

Australian Terrier Probably one of the dog types that have gotten to so many outcrossings with other dog breeds A cross breed between the forerunner of Dandie Dinmont and rough coated terrier is said to have been migrated into England The offspring of which was taken to Australia With the scarcity of dog breeds in this land many dogs had been crossbred into it which later resulted to a small type having the characteristics of terriers while being a good watchdog and ratter It stands 10 to 11 inches with a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years

Border Terrier A Trueblue working terrier this dog is marked by its medium built while proving to work far better than what its appearance may give Border Terriers are agile and alert while having the capacity to fit into narrow gaps especially during hunting

Aside from its being affectionate and good adaptation to training Border terriers can also make good family pets

Bull Terrier Originally bred for dog fighting and bull baiting this dog is known to have been wellaccustomed to courage and good resistance to pain However when the bloody dog fights were banned in England during the 1800s most breeders turned to breeding milder dogs

Bull Terriers came from these fighting dogs combined with Dalmatian and English Terrier to produce allwhite specie This new breed though is very much reserved from starting fights which gave them the nickname White Cavalier

There are of course a variety of other terrier species Initially you might find them interesting enough to catch your attention but a closer look would lead you to further knowing them Who knows you might find your ideal type of dog in this breed

PUGGLE

If you are considering a new pet you may be looking at a variety of dogs including Puggles Choosing a dog is a big choice as you hope to have this new member of your family for many years and develop a close relationship with your pet

As a hybrid breed Puggles are different and fun They are not quite like either the beagle or the pug from which they are bred and second generation are particularly unpredictable But as a breed they have a lot of great characteristics and there are several reasons you might want to consider one for your new pet

Uniqueness Among the reasons for choosing a Puggle are its uniqueness Hybrid dogs are raised by a limited number of breeders and these dogs are a relatively new breed They became a very popular breed in 2005 and are still in great demand Still for a newer breed they remain affordable with puppies usually available for under $1000 If one of your goals in finding the perfect pet is to have an unusual dog which will attract attention and be a conversation starter going with a hybrid breed such as one of these might be perfect for you

Strong Personality Puggles have very strong personalities While some people want a quiet dog to cuddle on the couch and be a companion This type of breed are more likely to become true members of the family They are definitely individuals Theyre great at developing their own place in a family and becoming a much loved person around your home

High Energy You want your dog to be an extension of you and of your family and Puggles are great at this because theyre so spirited They are very adventurous and funloving dogs Because theyre so energetic they do well in families who are interested in having a puppy and later a dog to play with Their high energy levels and delightful personalities make Puggles great fun pets

The Cute Factor When you see Puggle puppies you may find them irresistible These puppies are among the cutest puppies available and breeders often have people on a waiting list to adopt one of these types of puppies Adult ones are also adorable with their long floppy ears and short noses They are very cute dogs and will steal your heart immediately

Low Physical Maintenance Puggles have very short hair and do not need to be groomed on a regular basis like some of the smaller breeds such as terriers They do shed but they are a shorthaired breed and do not start looking like a tangled mop when not brushed As for the shedding your vet may have a treatment to put on your Puggles food to reduce shedding

There are a lot of factors to consider in buying your new pet and the various qualities of Puggles including their energy and spirit as well as their low grooming requirements and small size may make them the perfect dog for your family When you choose a dog whether it be one of these or another breed knowing the personality and expectations for your puppy can make all the difference in finding the perfect dog to become a new member of your family

When you bring your new pet home whether you have adopted an adorable wriggly puppy or a slightly calmer but just as adorable an adult life changes Its like adding any new member to your family they need special attention and care

The first priority before you bring your Puggle home with you should be to puppyproof your home This includes removing anything from the floor that might look like food or a dog toy but could be dangerous

Childrens toys can be particularly hazardous to puppies because they love to chew on things and small parts or small toys can choke them Some toys may also have chemicals in them that could be toxic to a Puggle Shiny batteries are a particular danger to these inquisitive dogs

Also make sure all household cleaners and substances are put away and spills are cleaned up Anything spilled on the floor looks like a tasty beverage to a dog who could get very sick as a result

And of course anything a Puggle could get tangled in from an electrical cord to a curtain pullcord should be placed so your new baby cant get into it

Once you have babyproofed your home its time to think about bringing your puppy home and what will make her comfortable

You will want to have food and water bowls available for your pet and make sure there is always fresh water available and that food is in the bowls at predictable feeding times Puggles like all dogs love routine and they particularly need fresh drinking water available constantly

If your Puggle uses the bathroom inside on newspapers make sure the papers are changed regularly as this can create a health risk to both pets and humans in the family Your dog also may refuse to go on soiled papers

Because Puggles have short hair they dont need to be groomed in the sense of being trimmed on a regular basis like a poodle But they do need to be bathed on a regular basis to maintain their skin and coat Use a hypoallergenic pet shampoo and try to make bath time as brief and enjoyable as possible Many dont enjoy bath time but if you make it as pleasant as possible theyll get used to it

After your dog is dry and has recovered from the indignity of the bath use a brush with coated bristles to comb through her coat and remove all the loose hair She will definitely enjoy being brushed and the longer you brush the less likely she is to shed later

The most fun and enjoyable part of caring for your new pet is simply playing Puggles love to play and interact with their people They are very spirited and energetic and are a naturally playful breed As you make training a part of play time you will find that you have a pet who is loving and fun to play with and whom you enjoy having in your family

The most important thing to remember about caring for your Puggle is that she needs the same things you do a safe environment fresh food and water and lots of loving attention

Puggles were first bred and the name invented by Wallace Havens of Sun Prairie Wisconsin who has created several hybrid breeds including the abovementioned miniature St Bernard Havens combined the beagle and pug breeds to create a very cute longeared shortnosed shortlegged breed that loves to play and chase scents though it gets lost easily and has the long low bay of a beagle

In appearance Puggles are quite a bit different from either of their parents They have the small size and abbreviated nose of pugs but share floppy ears from the beagle When looking this type of puppy your first question may be What kind of dog is THAT They are not quite like anything you have ever seen though they are quite adorable They have short legs like pugs but with a beagles longer tail

As for personality Puggles are definitely unique and carry some traits from each of their parents Like pugs these dogs tend to be stubborn to the point of being silly and entertaining From the beagle side of their family they bring high energy and spirit They are very playful and often hyperactive and are fun to have around Theyre entertaining and lovable dogs but are not the lap dogs that pugs often are

Because hybrid breeding is not an exact science it is impossible to know exactly what personality your Puggle will have but chances are that your new pet will be hyperactive happy playful and eager to play and to follow any scent they happen upon Unfortunately you will have to keep a close eye on your Puggle because although they love to follow scents theyre not so good at getting home

You can count on your Puggle being adventurous and enjoying himself with your family These dogs have strong personalities and are eager to be a part of everything While you may not find your puppy sitting calmly on your lap while you watch a movie you will enjoy having a playful spirited companion to keep you company and keep you entertained Similarly while your Puggle will not likely be interested or able to go hunting and help you bring in game you can enjoy many games of another kind together

Puggles are still very popular though they seem to have reached their pinnacle of popularity in late 2005 They are bred from a male pug and female beagle and are offered by breeders around the country Like many hybrids they are often pricier than a purebred puppy running around $1000 from most breeders Because they do not breed true it is better to buy one from a breeder who breeds beagles and pugs If you bred one with each other do not always create the desired characteristics in their offspring

These types of dogs are unique fun and entertaining and bring their owners a great deal of joy Finding the perfect Puggle can be an adventure in itself and if this breed is the right dog for you then your life can be enriched by owning one