How to Trim a Kerry Blue Terrier

Grooming a Kerry blue terrier requires some expertise with scissors since very little is done with clippers for the typical haircut. More work is involved to maintain a show trim than a pet, or summer, trim where the coat is shorter. Knowing the breed standard should be helpful to maintain the proper lines when grooming a Kerry blue. They should be groomed every six weeks or so, with weekly brushing in between.

Groom a Kerry Blue Terrier

• 1

  Clip the toenails with dog nail clippers, being careful not to cut into the quick (blood vessel) of the nail. If the nail bleeds, apply styptic powder or pencil to the end of the nail.

• 2

  Trim the hair on the bottom of the feet with clippers and a No. 10 or 15 blade, or scissors. While your dog is standing, trim around its feet with curved shears for a round appearance.

• 3

  Shave the abdomen with a No. 10 blade. Remove the hair between the legs to approximately the navel in an oval pattern. Clip around the anus with a No. 10 or 15 blade.

• 4

  Clip both sides of the ears with a No. 10, 15 or 30 blade. Work from the center to the edge of the ears, being careful of the small flaps at the bottom of the inside of the ears. Scissor around the ear, feeling for the edge with your fingers as you cut.

• 5

  Apply ear powder to the hair inside of the ears and pull a little of the hair out at a time using a hemostat. The method used by the United States Kerry Blue Terrier Club is to insert a swab into the ear and twist it so the hair is wrapped around the swab before pulling it out.

• 6

  Clip the top of the head with a No. 7 or 8 1/2 blade. Do not clip over the dome at the back of the head. Clip the neck from the hair follicle lump under the chin to above the breastbone with the same blade. Clip against the grain with the same blade from the back of the jawbone in front of the ears to the corners of the mouth and to the outside corner of the eyes.

• 7

  Bathe your dog. Fully dry and comb or brush the coat.

• 8

  Scissor the body and tail with the straight or curved shears to a uniform length of about 1 1/2-inches, creating a round appearance. The body could be clipped with a No. 4 or 5 blade instead. Blend in the hair along the clipped areas with scissors. Scissor a straight line on the underside of the chest to the abdomen. Trim excess hair on the sides in front of the back legs to create a waist, according to the Kerry Blue Terrier Foundation. Scissor the legs to look like tubes.

• 9

  Cut the eyebrows and the beard flat on all sides with straight shears. Use thinning shears to blend the brows and beard into the head. Cut the hair alongside the eyes so they're visible.

How to Get Rid of Your Westie's Tear Stains

The West Highland white terrier, or Westie as it's commonly called, are prone to tear stains due to having small tear ducts and/or ducts that get blocked often. Tear stains can be light pink or rusty brown in coloring; and can be caused by ear infections, blocked ducts, allergies, fleas or simply by the dog's genetics. Learning the exact cause of your Westie's tear stains is key to ridding the unsightly stains from your dog's face.

• 1

  Take your Westie to a professional veterinarian for a physical examination. The veterinarian will examine your Westie's eyes for signs of infection, perform a few tests to determine the cause of the tear stains and prescribe the appropriate medicine needed to get rid of the tear stains if an infection is present.

• 2

  Give the medicine to your Westie as prescribed by the veterinarian. Follow all directions carefully to prevent under or overdosing your dog with the medicine.

• 3

  Clean the hair under your Westie's eyes multiple times per day. The Bichon Frise Club of America recommends using a mild shampoo, diluted lemon juice or salt water to clean the hair under the eye.

• 4

  Switch your dog's food to a better, more nutritional brand. Low-priced foods often contain low-quality ingredients and not enough valuable nutrition needed to help fight tear stains. You can find nutritional dog food for your Westie at specialty or high-end pet stores.

• 5

  Take your dog back to the veterinarian for further tests if the tear stains still remain after the prescribed medicine is gone. The veterinarian will re-examine your Westie's eyes and possibly recommend you to an ophthalmologist if your dog's condition has worsened.

How to Wire an Egg Incubator

Incubators are boxes in which a constant heat is maintained in order to hatch the eggs of birds and reptiles. Incubators are normally used to hatch the eggs of poultry, but can be designed to hatch eggs from any bird species, including those from the giant flightless birds, such as the ostrich and the emu. Incubators can also be designed to hatch the eggs of reptiles. An important aspect of any incubator is the heat source, which in most DIY egg incubators is supplied by a light bulb. Many bird and reptile breeders will design and wire their own incubators.

• 1

  Place a thick towel on a clean, smooth work surface. Place the incubator, front side down, on the towel.

• 2

  Hold the light socket against the rear panel of the plywood incubator and mark the area that it covers.

• 3

  Cut out a hole with the hole saw just large enough for the threaded connector to fit through, over the area that you have just marked. Turn the box onto its base. Push the threaded connector through the hole in the side of the incubator. Loosely tighten the corresponding threaded connector nut on the outside of the incubator.

• 4

  Feed the electrical flax through the threaded connector.

• 5

  Separate the first 2-1/4 inches of the electrical wire by gently pulling the wires apart. Strip 3/4 of an inch of the plastic insulation off the ends of each of the two pieces of wire, using wire strippers. Twist the exposed wire at the end of each of the two pieces. Loosen the two screws on the socket, using a screwdriver. Push the exposed wires into the demarcated socket holders. The wire with the ridges is the ground, and the smooth wire is the hot wire. Tighten the screws with the screwdriver. Pull any excess electrical cord back through the threaded connector.

• 6

  Secure the light socket onto the threaded connector with its corresponding nut, on the inside of the incubator.

• 7

  Tighten the connector nut on the outside of the incubator.

• 8

  Place a 100-watt light bulb into the connector socket.

• 9

  Push the three-prong plug into a wall power source and switch it on. Allow the temperature in the incubator 24 hours to stabilize before adding any eggs.

How to Train a Boxer's Ears

If you own a boxer, keeping your dog's natural ears as opposed to clipping them has become a more accepted practice. Boxers naturally have somewhat floppy ears that can become misshapen and asymmetrical as the dogs go through life. For boxer owners who want to maintain their dog's natural ears but want to train the ears to be more symmetrical to their pet's face, there are some simple, harmless solutions that will achieve a "trained" look.

• 1

  Cut two 6-inch pieces of tape. These will be used to tape each ear lobe into a "folded" shape. First-aid tape is preferable since it is the least sticky and will not hurt the dog when you remove it; however, the other tapes will work just as well and won't be uncomfortable for your boxer.

• 2

  Take one ears and "fold" it so that each edge is touching approximately one inch from the top fold. It should resemble the shape of a taco.

• 3

  Apply the tape securely around the fold, leaving a one-inch piece of tape off the folded ear (this is how you will remove the tape later). Leave the tape on the dog's ears for 30 minutes to an hour, then remove it.

• 4

  Massage you boxer's ears when the dog is relaxed. Sit behind the dog and use both hands, placing your thumbs at the base of the ear and your forefingers at the crease.

• 5

  Roll the ears between your thumbs and forefingers as you would clay or dough. This massage is fantastic to your boxer, who will more than likely be in a state of complete relaxation as you knead the ears into shape.

• 6

  Continue massaging for 15 minutes or more (you cannot over-massage); do it as often as you like.

• 7

  Repeat Steps 1-6 routinely until the desired shape of the ear takes effect. The combination of the taped ears and the ear massages will soon result in sculpted "natural" ears that will remain close to the dog's face rather than flailing wildly out to the sides, giving that "perky" look.

How to Wash Hay to Get Rid of Mold

Hay is grass that has been harvested, baled and stored as animal fodder. Domesticated livestock, without access to pasture, commonly feed on hay for sustenance. Hay can become moldy if dried incorrectly after exposure to moisture such as rain or high humidity. This mold can damage livestock's lungs and makes the hay unappealing for the animal. According to Richard O. Kellems and David C. Church, authors of "Livestock Feeds and Feeding," you can salvage moldy hay if you follow proper procedures.

• 1

  Lay out a clean tarp on an even surface.

• 2

  Lay the moldy hay on the tarp in an even layer, no higher than 6 inches.

• 3

  Wash each separate section of hay, using a water hose with a spray nozzle attached, to remove any visible mold. If water pressure alone does not remove the mold, softly pull apart the moldy hay with your hands while spraying it to loosen the mold.

• 4

  Move the wet hay off the tarp and lay it out on dry ground in full sun. Allow it to dry for three to five hours.

• 5

  Feed the hay to your livestock within three days of removing the mold. If you leave it sit for any longer, you risk the mold returning and ruining the hay completely.

Types of Full Cheek Snaffle Bits

• Full cheek snaffles are commonly found in English riding. Jupiterimages/liquidlibrary/Getty Images

  The snaffle bit, made of a mouthpiece with a ring on either side, is the most used bit for riding horses. Snaffles commonly have jointed mouthpieces, but can have a solid mouthpiece. A full cheek snaffle has long arms above and below the mouthpiece on either side of the lips, attached to the rings, to prevent the bit from sliding through the mouth. This bit provides a lateral guiding effect. Bit keepers can be used with the full cheek snaffle to keep the bit in the correct position and prevent the upper arms from catching on anything.

French Link

• The French Link full cheek snaffle sports a mouthpiece that is double-jointed, with a flat link shaped like a bone in the middle. It is a very mild mouthpiece because the two joints reduce the "nutcracker" effect found in single-jointed bits. The French Link snaffle encourages relaxation and works by applying pressure to the lips, tongue and bars of the mouth. It is one of the most popular mouthpieces for dressage.

Dr. Bristol

• The Dr. Bristol mouthpiece is also double-jointed like the French Link, but the link in the middle is rectangular and longer and set at a slight angle to the rest of the mouthpiece. The thin edge of the rectangle presses into the tongue. When used with bit keepers, the full cheek Dr. Bristol can be rotated so the middle joint lies flat against the tongue. The Dr. Bristol is rarely used in dressage because of its potential severity.

Slow Twist

• A slow twist full cheek snaffle has a mouthpiece that is single-jointed with a slight twist. The twist creates edges that act as pressure points in the horse's mouth, increasing pressure on the tongue and bars of the mouth. The slow twist is a strong and fairly severe bit. It is used commonly in English disciplines, but is not permitted in dressage competitions.

Corkscrew

• The corkscrew mouthpiece is usually single-jointed and twisted, with many rounded, blunt edges. Like a slow twist, the edges create pressure points, increasing pressure on the tongue and bars of the mouth. The corkscrew is considered severe and is not permitted in dressage competitions.

Single and Double Twisted Wire

• A single-jointed mouthpiece made of a thin, the single twisted wire mouthpiece includes a twisted piece of wire for each joint. The double twisted wire mouthpiece has two separate pieces of thin, twisted wire for each joint. These bits are extremely severe because of their thinness and the many twists that cause additional pressure points. They are more common in Western disciplines than English, though they are sometimes seen in jumping. Twisted wire mouthpieces should only be used by skilled, experienced riders with soft hands. They are not permitted in dressage competition.

Rollers

• Roller mouthpieces can help a horse relax its jaw and accept the bit. Rollers come with any type of mouthpiece and as the name suggests, parts of the bit are designed to roll. Rollers encourage salivation and provides an outlet for nervous tongue movements, though rollers do not affect the severity of the mouthpiece. Rollers are used in both Western and English disciplines, though they are not permitted in dressage competition.

Hollow Mouth

• A hollow mouth full cheek snaffle is usually single-jointed and has a thick, hollow mouthpiece. The thickness of the mouthpiece distributes pressure over a larger area, making it a less sever bit. Because the mouthpiece is hollow, it is also very light.

Mullen Mouth

• The Mullen mouth is a non-jointed mouthpiece with a slight curve to allow room for the tongue beneath it. Generally considered a mild bit, it often comes covered in rubber.

Previcox Dangers

• Previcox relieves pain due to osteoarthritis in dogs. Life On White/Photodisc/Getty Images

  Previcox is prescribed by veterinarians to treat osteoarthritis in dogs. It's a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID, that controls your dog's pain and inflammation. While Previcox is effective in treating osteoarthritis in dogs and provides relief for pain, there are some dangers associated with its use. You should stop giving your dog Previcox immediately and notify your veterinarian if your dog seems to be having side effects or complications from the drug.

Stomach, Kidney and Liver Problems

• The most common danger or side effect associated with Previcox involves the stomach and digestive tract. Liver and kidney problems have been reported as well in dogs being treated with NSAIDs. Previcox may cause changes in your dog's appetite, vomiting, diarrhea and black or bloody stools. You may also notice that your dog is drinking more and therefore his frequency of urination increases. Due to stomach irritation, your dog may lose weight.

Behavioral Changes

• According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Previcox may cause your dog to become uncoordinated or unusually aggressive or have seizures.

Jaundice

• Previcox has been known to cause jaundice in some dogs. Jaundice symptoms include yellowing of your dog's gums, skin and the whites of his eyes.

Allergic Reaction

• If your dog is allergic to or had a reaction to other NSAIDs or medications containing Previcox's active ingredient firocoxib, you should not treat him with Previcox. Symptoms of an allergic reaction or sensitivity include skin rashes, crusting or scabs. Your dog may also begin scratching because his skin is itchy. A severe allergic reaction can lead to death.

Death

• Previcox should not be given to dogs under seven weeks old or that weigh less than 12.5 pounds. The FDA warns that serious adverse reactions, including death, have resulted when Previcox is given to puppies less than seven months of age.

Drug Interactions

• The FDA warns that Previcox may interact with other drugs and cause life-threatening reactions. Tell your vet about any medications your dog is taking, including herbal or natural remedies. Previcox should not be administered to your dog if he is taking other NSAIDs such as aspirin, deracoxib, carprofen, tepolxalin, meloxicam or etodolac, or corticosteroids like prednisone, cortisone, triamcinolone or dexamthasone.

How to Use a Fluval for a Saltwater Tank

The Fluval 5 series is a line of external filters specially designed for saltwater aquariums. Filtration is unquestionably the most vital aspect of any marine aquarium setup, and properly setting up a filtration system is essential for maintaining the health and happiness of your fish or corals. The saltwater Fluvals are canister filters that sit on the outside of your tank, take in water through an input, filter it through a medium, then shoot it back into your tank via an output. Setting up one of these filters is not difficult.

• 1

  Place the main filter either beneath or to the side of the aquarium. It should always be in a position below the water level.

• 2

  Measure the length between the input spout of the filter to the inside of the water level using a piece of a string and a ruler. Do the same for the output spout of the filter, and cut the included hoses to the specified lengths.

• 3

  Connect one end of a hose to the input spout using the including connector and the other hose to the output spout using its included connector. Lock them into place by twisting the hose lock nut to the right until it's tight.

• 4

  Attach the other ends of the hoses into the connector valve and tighten them with the hose lock nut on the connector. This connector valve is the mid-point through which water is taken from the tank and delivered to the filter and visa versa.

• 5

  Attach the output hose to the OUT of the connector valve and attach it to the top of the aquarium with the included suction cups. It can be right below the waterline or just above it. This is where clean water will be expelled back into the tank. This may also be known as the spray bar.

• 6

  Attach the intake stem (the long tube of plastic with the strainer at the bottom) to the IN of the connector valve. This is where dirty water in the tank will be taken in to the canister filter.

• 7

  Place the filter medium into the canister filter then close it up and lock it.

• 8

  Power on the Fluval by plugging it into a power outlet. Water should begin filtering through the filter and expelling back into the tank.

Veterinary Use of Lomatium on Animals

Animals contract viral and bacterial infections, just as humans do. Veterinarians treat a number of viral and bacterial infections with Lomatium, of the Lomatium root, which is often referred to as desert parsley. This medicinal herb is proven to have antiviral and antibacterial properties.

Immune System

• Lomatium is prescribed by veterinarians to boost and support an animal's immune system during a viral or bacterial outbreak. By keeping the immune system as strong as can be, the animal can fight off the infection faster and more effectively.

Lyme Disease

• Animals are vulnerable to contracting Lyme Disease from ticks in the wild. To treat Lyme Disease naturally, Lomatium liquid formula is given to animals daily. The doses prescribed vary depending on the animal's weight. The Lomatium formula should be given orally to animals rather than dropped into their ears.

Lungs

• If animals come down with respiratory inflammation or infections, veterinarians may treat them with Lomatium. Lomatium is known to help reduce inflammation of the lungs so that the infected animal may breathe more easily.

How to Eliminate Algae in a Marine Aquarium

Algae grows where light and phosphates are present, and in marine aquariums, both are plentiful, making algae growth inevitable. If algae growth persists, it consumes the nutrients fish and plants need to survive, making removal necessary. While chemical removal can harm fish and plant life in an aquarium, there are methods of regular upkeep, stocking the aquarium with specific fish and adjusting tank settings to clean and reduce the appearance of algae in aquariums.

• 1

  Reduce light in the tank by keeping lights on less than nine hours a day.

• 2

  Stock tanks with fish and other creatures that consume algae, such as mollies, otocinclus and hermit crabs.

• 3

  Swap out the water in the tank every two to three weeks. Vacuum the rocks and debris in the bottom of the tank. If the tank is saltwater, clean with distilled water.

• 4

  Replace filter pads every week. Older filter pads get clogged and cannot keep tanks as clean and often dump nutrients that feed algae back into the tank.

• 5

  Scrub aquarium walls with an algae magnet. Algae magnets are a two-part scrub brush. The brush or scouring pad, which goes inside the tank, has a magnet that allows the user to guide the brush with another magnet, so that the user does not need to reach into the tank.

How to Dedicate Time to a New Puppy

Treat your new puppy as a family member, not a chore. Dedicating time to your new puppy is simply a matter of setting aside time throughout your day to meet his needs. Make your puppy a part of your daily routine, involving him in your every day tasks. Schedule time for obedience training to ensure that you have a well-behaved pooch. Enjoy making time for man's best friend.

• 1

  Designate yourself, a family member, or friend or neighbor to be on call for your new puppy. It works best to have someone around who does not work and can feed, walk, and let the puppy out as needed. If you work and do not have anyone else to be there, arrange to come home on your lunch break to let the puppy out and feed him.

• 2

  Plan to get up early each day to take your puppy for a walk and feed him. The length of your walk depends on the breed of your dog and the amount of exercise they require.

• 3

  Schedule a nightly walk or jog with your puppy as well. Make time for fetch or obedience training with your puppy. Work on the commands "sit," "stay," "heal," "shake" and "roll over." Consider signing your puppy up for obedience school during a time that works best for you, possibly weekends.

• 4

  Take your puppy with you when you have errands to run. Bring him on car rides, or visits to your friend's home. Let your puppy become a part of your routine.

Vitamins for Yearling Clydesdale Horses

• Clydesdale horses are gentle giants that require good nutrition for growth. Design Pics/Valueline/Getty Images

  The Clydesdale is a heavy draft horse originating from Lanarkshire in Scotland. A powerful horse dating back to the early 19th century, it was bred for agricultural and mining work. At maturity, the Clydesdale weighs up to 2,200 pounds. A yearling has completed about 60 percent of its growth; another 20 percent of growth will take place before it is 24 months old. It is important that a horse this age receives the vitamins it needs for growth.

Vitamin A

• Vitamin A, part of the fat-soluble group, must be part of a Clydesdale's diet. Vitamin A contributes to vision, immunity, red blood-cell production, growth and development, particularly bone growth. Good natural sources include carrots and green, fresh grass.

  A 1,200-pound Clydesdale yearling, which is slightly bigger than other breeds, requires about 24,000 international units (IU) of vitamin A every day. Three carrots contain that amount.

Vitamin D

• Vitamin D, crucial to proper growth, aids absorption and transportation of calcium and phosphorus, two minerals necessary for growth and development. Because vitamin D is synthesized on the skin by sunlight, horses such as Clydesdales with thick hair may not get enough. Sun-cured forage contains the vitamin but its levels in dried hay decrease over time. Adding a fish-oil supplement in accordance with manufacturers' instructions will ensure adequate levels. An overdose of vitamin D can cause calcium deposits in soft tissue.

  A Clydesdale yearling needs about 10,650 international units daily.

Vitamin E

• Vitamin E is essential for growth, muscle development and function, oxygen transport and red blood cells. An important antioxidant, it is useful for the immune system. A deficiency can result in muscle loss and lack of coordination.

  A 1,200-pound Clydesdale yearling needs about 1,050 international units daily. Natural sources include fresh grass and wheatgerm; vitamin E is also present in sunflower oil.

Remaining Vitamins

• Other vitamins necessary for overall health include fat-soluble vitamin K, essential for blood clotting. According to Karen Briggs, author of "Understanding Equine Nutrition: Vitamin Function," no ideal level of vitamin K has been established, but access to pasture or quality hay provides adequate amounts.

  Water-soluble vitamins C and the B group can be synthesized within the body. Deficiency is rare in horses because adequate levels are available in their food.

How to Fit Legacy System Boots Correctly

Classic Equine manufactures the Legacy System support boots for both front and hind legs. The boots are designed to provide support to the ligaments and tendons and to protect the horse's legs from injury. The Legacy System boots are made of shock absorbing neoprene with bulletproof material on the fetlock system for added protection. They also have a number of features designed to provide a close fit including extra tough Velcro closures, fitting darts, and a suspensory rib, which should fit between the tendon and cannon bone to maintain proper alignment of the boot.

• 1

  Measure the horse's height. Using the tape measure, measure from the ground to the wither and divide the total, in inches, by four. This produces the horse's height in hands.

• 2

  Choose the proper size of Legacy boots. Boots come in small, medium, and large. Most horses will wear medium. Horses measuring 13 hands or under will wear small, while those over 15.3 hands will wear large.

• 3

  Position the boot at the inside of the leg with the top just below the horse's knee. The suspensory rib should be properly aligned between the tendon and cannon bone to ensure that the boot will not move on the leg.

• 4

  Wrap the boot around the leg and secure the upper Velcro closures, pulling snug around the leg and toward the rear of the horse.

• 5

  Secure the fetlock straps by pulling the lower Velcro closures tight around the ankle.

How to Adjust the PH With a Water Conditioner

The pH is a measure of the alkalinity or acidity of water and is read as a unitless number, based on a scale that ranges from 1.0, which is most acidic to 14.0, which is most alkaline. The mid point of this scale, 7.0, designates a neutral reading. This scale, which is logarithmic, represents the concentration of hydrogen ions in water and each pH unit indicates a tenfold change in the concentration of hydrogen ions. As fish urinate in the aquarium water, pH always falls and must be adjusted back to optimal levels by using specific buffers.

• 1

  Find out which pH is prefered for the fish species in your aquarium. Call a breeder of this species or consult a fish species book. Some species prefer a pH of as low as 5.5 while others thrive in a pH of up to 8.5.

• 2

  Read the instruction manual from the test kit. Test kit brands differ as to the number of drops of indicator solution that are required and the amount of water that must be added to the test vile.

• 3

  Add the required amount of aquarium water to the test vile, using either a syringe or a pipette.

• 4

  Add the required number of drops of pH indicator solution to the vile. Place the cap onto the vile and shake well.

• 5

  Wait for ten seconds and remove the cap.

• 6

  Place the pH color comparison chart on a clean work surface and hold the vile approximately 3-inches, in a vertical position, above the color chart.

• 7

  Look down the vile and compare the color of the fluid in the vile to the different color blocks on the chart.

• 8

  Choose the color on the chart that most closely corresponds to the color of the liquid in the vile.

• 9

  Rinse the vile and cap thoroughly and leave to air dry before returning to the test kit box.

• 10

  Read the instructions on the pH buffer container and calculate the amount that you will need to add to the aquarium to correct the pH.

• 11

  Fill the 1-pint jug with tap water and add 1.5 cc of chlorine neutralizing liquid.

• 12

  Add the required amount of pH buffer to the 1-pint jug and stir well.

• 13

  Add the pH correction buffer to the aquarium.

• 14

  Wait an hour and test the pH of the aquarium water again.

The Best Way to Suspend Rabbit Cages

Rabbit farming produces multiple sources of income. Rabbit manure is highly prized among gardeners because it is high in organic material, easy to handle and virtually odorless; the all-white flesh of rabbits is low in fat and cholesterol, but high in protein; while the soft fur is sought after for its warmth. Rabbits are also bred for the pet market and many rabbit farmers manage to combine producing these animals with other farming activities. Rabbit cage floors should always be made of wire mesh, so that the pellets can fall through to minimise cleaning.

• 1

  Position the ladder under the first beam. Climb as far as required and mark out the four corners of an area, 24-inches long by 24-inches wide. Leave a 6-inch space and mark out a second area, 24-inches long by 24-inches wide, next to the first. Continue to mark out five such areas, each one next to the others, in a straight line. Ensure that you have left a 6-inch space between each of the 24-inches long by 24-inches wide areas.

• 2

  Drill into the wooden ceiling beams at each of the twenty marked points.

• 3

  Place and hand screw an eyehook into each of the twenty holes. Tighten well. Apply downward pressure with your hand, to ensure that the hooks have been correctly secured.

• 4

  Attach a 4-foot piece of No.12 galvanized wire to each corner of the first wire rabbit cage. Thread the end of the wire through the roof of the cage, in the first corner. Bring the end back onto, and twist it around the main piece of wire, using pliers. Repeat for each of the four corners.

• 5

  Request the assistant to hold the cage off the ground and secure each of the four wires to an eyehook, in the same manner that you attached the wire to the rabbit cage.

• 6

  Repeat the process for each of the five rabbit cages.

• 7

  Measure the distance from the back of the first suspended rabbit cage to the wall behind it.

• 8

  Cut 5 pieces of No. 12 galvanized wire, the same length as the distance from the back of each cage, to the wall. Attach the piece of No. 12 galvanized wire to the back of the first cage and twist the loose end to form a tiny circle. Put a nail through this circle and hammer the nail into the wooden shed wall behind the cages.

• 9

  Repeat for each of the five cages. This wire stabilizes the cages and prevents excessive movement of the cage as the rabbits move about.

How Animal Shelters Have Improved Adoption

Animal shelters and adoption agencies are a growing trend across the country. They often need help, support and donations in order to provide homes for unwanted pets. Many of these shelters work hard to improve their facilities and the adoptions of homeless animals in their care.

Objectives

• The objective of most shelters is finding permanent homes for animals in no-kill environments. Other goals are to improve quality of food and medical care for the residents and a cleaner environment while they await adoption. New play and exercise areas are incorporated into many shelters to provide happy retreats for pets in waiting.

Adoption Improvements

• Shelters are providing socialization and training for dogs to make them more adoptable. Pets are brought to open areas for excess visibility by prospective adopters. Some shelters extend hours, making pets more readily available for adoption. Shelters work closely with local veterinarians to keep homeless pets healthy. They also work to cut down population through spay and neuter programs.

Significance

• Some shelters provide improved programs that simulate "home" to acclimate pets to real home environments. With the improved health care, socializing and training provided by shelters, resident pets have better chances of finding permanent homes.

How to Clean an Eheim Canister Filter

Eheim canister filters are designed for use in aquariums and other tanks. The filters are available in a wide variety of styles and sizes and can be purchased online, in fish supply stores, and at select pet supply stores. The Eheim canister filter should be removed from the tank and cleaned on a regular basis to ensure proper performance and clean water in the aquarium, which can be an important factor when it comes to fish health and survival.

• 1

  Open the tank and unplug the Eheim filter. Close the valves and disconnect the filter. Lift the filter out of the tank.

• 2

  Set the filter in a sink or bathtub and open the valves to drain the filter until it is empty of water. Lift off the lid and remove the O-ring. Set both aside.

• 3

  Remove the remaining elements inside the filter, including a white pad, a green or blue pad, ceramic rings, and what looks like glass beads. Set these elements on a towel or other soft surface.

• 4

  Rinse out the empty canister with clean tap water and set aside, upside down, to dry.

• 5

  Rinse out the ceramic rings and set back into the canister. Rinse the green or blue pad until the water runs clear and set back into the canister.

• 6

  Boil the remaining media, the ones that look like glass beads, with 1 tsp. household bleach. Remove from heat once boiling and allow to cool completely. Dry with a soft, clean towel and place into the canister.

• 7

  Place the white pad on top of the other elements in the canister. Wet the O-ring, slide it over the bottom of the lid, and press down. Lock the clips into place and set the filter back into the water.

• 8

  Reconnect the filter, open the valves and wait for the filter to fill with water. Once the filter is full with water, restore power.

Unique Features of the African Butterfly Fish

• The African Butterfly Fish is a tropical freshwater fish not to be confused with the numerous species of saltwater butterfly fish. It can be a delightful addition to almost any freshwater aquarium. This fish prefers either a non-existing or slow current, as well as floating cover for hiding.

Appearance

• The African Butterfly Fish has a distinctive boat-shaped body. It is brown or green and no more than 4 inches long. It has large pectoral fins, and the you can determine the sex of the fish by the shape of the anal fin; the male's is notched while the female's is rounded.

Behavior

• When kept in an aquarium, it will swim near the water's surface. It's a good idea to keep the aquarium covered at all times, as these fish are known for gliding on the surface of the water or even jumping out of the water. While they are rather small and not usually aggressive, they have large mouths and will eat smaller fish. They are best kept with slightly larger fish, which prefer swimming on the bottom or in the middle of the aquarium.

Diet

• The African Butterfly Fish thrives on a diet high in protein and will eat live insects, including flies, mosquito larva, spiders, worms and even crickets in addition to regular flaked fish food and freeze-dried food.

How to Add a Cat to the Household

Introducing a cat to your household is a process that requires some patience, and as such should be done slowly. You don't want to overwhelm your new pet. Once your cat is used to its new surroundings, it can be a fun member of the family.

• 1

  Realize that adding a cat to the household will require a commitment to care for it. Even though a cat may like wandering through the house by itself, it will rely on you to provide basic care.

• 2

  Cat-proof your home by securing cabinets with child-proof latches and keeping drapery cords out of reach and coiled up. Electrical cords should be unplugged or coated with a bad-tasting substance like hot sauce to prevent the cat from chewing on them. Medicines you have lying around should be stored securely.

• 3

  Place a litter box with litter in a quiet part of the house. When you bring your cat home, the first place you want to introduce her to is the litter box. If your pet is already litter box trained, which is often the case with kittens that grew up among other kittens, she will understand what the litter box is for.

• 4

  Provide water and food for your cat in separate bowls that always stay in the same area so the cat knows where to go when he gets hungry or thirsty. The cat needs to have access to clean water at all times. How much to feed your cat depends on how old your cat is and the type of food you are feeding him. Special kitten food is available at pet stores and has different nutrients compared to adult cat food. You also have the choice of dry or wet cat food. Either way, cat food package instructions should be followed.

• 5

  Don't purchase an expensive pet bed for your cat. Cats are finicky and like to find their own comfortable place in the house to sleep. Your cat might not use the pet bed at all. She might prefer the window or a cozy corner on the couch. Sometimes a pillow or folded towel is sufficient.

• 6

  Visit the veterinarian after picking up your new cat. He will make sure your cat gets the needed vaccinations and answer any questions you may have.

• 7

  Introduce the cat to a small area of the house upon arriving home. The cat should have access to his litter box, food and water. By placing him in a single room, he can start exploring the small area before venturing out into the rest of the home.

• 8

  Play with your new cat every day so she gets used to being around you. This also will help her stay active and maintain a healthy weight. Cat toys are available at your local pet store.

• 9

  Allow other people in the household to play with the cat, too, so that they all get used to being around each other. If you have a baby or small children, never leave them unsupervised with the new cat. It will take some time for them to get used to each other.

Reptiles That Consume Soil

• Lizards are just one type of reptile that consumes soil. Design Pics/Valueline/Getty Images

  The consumption of soil, or geophagy, has been widely observed in many animal species, including humans. Scientists believe animals receive a range of health benefits from the practice of geophagy, including access to minerals and healthy bacteria in the soil and consumption of grit to enhance digestive activity. Scientists are still unclear whether soil consumption in reptiles is an intentional or accidental practice, but have observed several species of reptile that presented with sand, soil and small stones in their intestinal tracts.

Red Tegu -- Tupinambis rufescens

• Tegus are a genus of lizard native to South America. There are 7 species in the genus. the Red Tegu is the only one of the 7 that is herbivorous.

Western Blue-Tongued Lizard -- Tiliqua occipitalis

• This reptile is a member of the largest and most diverse group of lizards, the skinks. It is one of six species of blue-tongued lizards native to Australia.

Desert Tortoise -- Gopherus agassizii

• This tortoise species is native to the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts and feeds on grasses, cacti, herbs and wildflowers. This reptile consumes soil as a means to access calcium in its dry environment.

Hermann's Tortoise -- Testudo hermanni

• Three subspecies of this tortoise exist: Western Hermann's Tortoise, Eastern Hermann's Tortoise and Dalmation Tortoise. The Western tortoise is found in the Mediterranean countries of Western Europe including Spain, France, Sardinia and Corsica. The Eastern tortoise is found in Romania, Bulgaria, Albania and Macedonia. The Dalmation tortoise is found in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro.

American Alligator -- Alligator mississippiensis

• The American Alligator, or "gator," is native to the Southeastern United States. It is one of only two species of alligator in the world.

Western Box Turtle -- Terrapene ornata

• This species of North American Box Turtle is native to the central United States.

Eastern Fence Lizard -- Sceloporus undulatus

• This small, gray to brown lizard lives in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States.