wood turtles

The wood turtles eats both animal and plant food items, including berries, herbs, algae, moss, fungi, grass, insects, mollusks, earthworms, dead fish, tadpoles, newborn mice and other turtles‘ eggs. It will forage on the ground, in the water, in herbaceous vegetation, and on logs.

Habitat

Prefer lowland hardwood forests and open wet meadows associated with moderate to fast current streams and rivers with sand or gravel substrates. May forage in upland deciduous mesic forest and open meadows in summer. Use south facing sandy river banks or flat sandy soil openings adjacent to rivers for nesting sites, including gravel banks, roadsides, fields, and meadows. Hatchling and juveniles prefer alder thickets associated with shorelines and are considered critical habitat for this segment of the population.



Activity

The wood turtles is primarily diurnal, although Farrell and Graham (1991) have observed that mating and nesting can extend into the night. wood turtles regulate their body temperatures by basking in the sun or cooling off in puddles and mud. Depending on local climate, wood turtles begin hibernating in October or November and emerge in April or May.

Breeding and Propagation

Male and female wood turtles often engage in a courtship ritual that involves swinging their heads at each other. When the female is receptive, the male mounts her, usually in shallow water. They are most likely to mate in spring and fall, although they can mate at any time they are not hibernating. After mating, usually in the early summer, the female turtles build a nest in a sunny, sandy bank near water. She can only produce one clutch, usually consisting of between 5 and 13 eggs, per year. Most eggs fall prey to raccoons, shrews, skunks, and other animals. Eggs hatch after between 47 and 69 days of incubation. It is reported that unlike most turtles, the sex of the hatchling is not dependent on the temperature of incubation. It is estimated that fewer than 30% of the wood turtles eggs laid hatch each year.

Ecology

The wood turtles is one of the most terrestrial turtles in the United States, and is usually found inhabiting forested areas associated with rivers or streams. The species prefers streams with harder substrates, moderate currents and clear water. The wood turtles is omnivorous and may be observed eating insects, worms, and even strawberries and blackberries! Interestingly, researchers in central Pennsylvania and Michigan have also observed wood turtles “stomping” for worms! The activity involves an individual stomping with one front foot several times and then switching and stomping with the other front foot. Researchers speculate that the vibrations created by the turtles “stomping” the ground may mimic the vibrations produced by raindrops…and as most people know, worms surface during rainfall events. Once a worm surfaces, the wood turtles quickly eats it.

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Letting Your Dog Choose His Own Food

Spend time at any pet store and the choice of dog foods to feed your dog is in abundance. How do you know which to choose and which is good for your dog? The answer to that is simply, you do not, let your dog choose. Although there are some basics that are recommended.

If you have purchased your dog from a breeder, ask the breeder what they recommend to feed your new pet. A good breeder should be able to tell you what has worked best for their dogs. This is a good place to start. However, if you have adopted your new dog, then it will be up to you to figure out what is good for your dog and what is not. The dog will certainly help you in determining the right food for him.

Always read the labels on a dog food package. What you want to look at is the first ingredient. You do not want to see meat meal, this can be anything within the food including road kill. Chicken Meal or Lamb Meal is a good start. You also always want to see the word meal; whole meat without the Meal is mostly water. Most nutritionists prefer chicken based dog foods as they are easier to digest.

You may see corn or a type of corn product in the dog food. Corn is a protein source the dog food makers use to keep the price reasonable. Some dogs like corn and others do not. If you see your dog start itching, licking his feet, scooting his butt, or getting frequent ear infections, this could indicate a lack of tolerance for corn. Beware of wheat in a food. Wheat tends to be more of an irritant in dogs than corn is.

You need to inspect the label for the sentence "AAFCO feeding trials confirm that (dog food brand) is complete and balanced for adult dogs or all life stages". This sentence alone will tell you that the dog food was fed to any number of dogs and was determined to meet the nutritional needs for all life stages of a dog.

When it comes to feeding your dog there are certain guidelines that should be followed depending on the age of your dog. For instance, puppies should be fed more regularly than adult dogs. Puppies should be fed as often as four times per day and with a quality dog food geared towards puppies specifically. Adult dogs should be fed twice a day.

In general, feed puppies and adult dogs separately so you can be sure the amount they are eating each time and to prevent fighting. Set a feeding schedule for your dog, but not one to where they become anxious if you happen to be late. It is a good idea to teach your dog to sit before placing the dog food in the bowl; this will prevent them from jumping to get the food.

Nutritionists suggest only allowing your dog 15 to 20 minutes to eat then removing and disposing of the remainder.

Choose The Right Vet, Your Pet’s Life Rests In His Hands

One of the most crucial and important of decisions a pet-parent makes it that of choosing a vet. It is the vet who will understand your pet when he gets ill and care enough to practice what is now popular as preventive health care.

Never choose a vet because he has a nice smile or a beautiful office or is cheap. Choose a vet who thinks about your pet the same as you do and always keeps the best interest of the pet ahead of all other considerations. The vet must love the breed that your pet is and:

• Be kind and gentle when handling the dog. He must not leave diagnosis or check ups to assistants.

• He must always stay ahead of developments in medicine and update his skills and knowledge constantly.

• The vet must be able to stand by you through thick and thin and proffer timely advice.

• The clinic must be spik and spank and have space for overnight stay with clean kennels, space to run, and staff who love animals.

• It is ideal if the clinic is located close to your home and if it offers health care plans for your pet.

• Ask the clinic if they have emergency contact numbers so that you can call if an unforeseen problem occurs in the middle of the night or on a public holiday.

• Check if the clinic has specialists consulting with them like orthopedic doctors and eye specialists.

As a concerned pet parent you must make a list of questions you need answers to. And spend a little time on finding out whether you would be more comfortable with an allopathic vet represented by the American Veterinary Medical Association, AVMA or a holistic vet represented by the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, AHVMA.

While allopathic vets practice conventional medicine, a holistic vet will use medicinal herbs, nutritional changes or supplements, vitamins, and enzymes, chiropractic manipulations, homeopathy, Bach flower remedies, as well as massages for treatment. And, if need be they will prescribe allopathic medicines. They try and treat the cause not just the symptoms of any ailment.

It is essential for you to choose a vet who will work along your side in caring for the pet. He must be patient, love the animal, and make time to explain things to you as well as take your opinion of things. After all, no one can know your pet better than you. A vet must care for the pet for at least 10-15 years. He must be organized and maintain health records in great detail from the day the pet is born to the day it dies.

A pet will lead a complete existence only if you, the vet, and trainer work in harmony and side by side. So, choosing a suitable vet is an important decision that must be done after weighing all the pros and cons.

Can Your Pet Go on a Bike Ride Safely?

Bicycles provide a wonderful and freeing mode of transportation. The bicycle was first invented in Europe in the nineteenth century. Today it is the world's most popular vehicle. Bicycles allowed for easy travel -- they are 3 times more energy efficient than walking, and 3-4 times as fast as walking. Bicycles and horse buggies were the two biggest modes of private transportation just before the automobile was invented. Bicycles are pragmatic, functional, and efficient. They are a big component of a healthy urban transportation system. The bicycle is a simple and elegant machine, attracting kids of all ages and adults. Bicycling offers many health benefits, and it does not directly contribute to global warming or environmental pollution. It is a wonderful, freeing sport that brings health and joy to millions of people everywhere.

Have you wanted to travel with your dog but find the whole thing too overwhelming? There are several ways of enjoying your bike and your pet at the same time -- some are more safe than others.

With large dogs, you could bike run your dog. That is, you would be on your bicycle and your dog would be on a leash. This method gives both you and your dog exercise, but is there a risk? Now you've increased the width that automobile drivers need to avoid -- please don't do this on busy streets. Also your safety is now dependant on your abilities, but also in the behavior of your dog. Are you prepared for your dog quickly running after a stray cat? What about your dog's safety? Be careful letting your dog run too long on a hard surface. This can cause joint problems and possibly boody paws. There is a lot at stake and a lot of uncertainties when you bike-run with your dog.

Even more risky would be to allow your dog to run ahead of your bicycle without a leash. Your safety is no longer in the paws of your pet, but there are leash laws in many parts of this country. You may believe your dog is very well trained, but there are so many things that could go wrong if you let your dog run loose.

For small to medium dogs try a pet bicycle trailer -- a much safer method of bicycling with your pet. Actually, some pet bicycle trailers can accommodate larger pets up to 115 pounds. With one of these attached to your bicycle, you can maintain your active lifestyle and get your pet outside, too. When you go to the park to give your pet a little fun and exercise, why not take him there in a bicycle trailer -- you get some exercise on the trip there and back, without tiring your dog out along the way. You can put any small to medium pet in a pet bicycle trailer. It might take some getting used to though, and it might take some training for your pet to be sure he doesn't go nuts while you're trying to bike. Two high quality bicycle trailers are the Trek'R and the Burley Tail Wagon.

Please, note these precautions when using a pet bicycle trailer: When riding, your dog should always be secured with the safety leash adjusted to the correct length. Do not exceed the recommended weight capacity of your pet bicycle trailer. Check tire inflation before every ride. Carefully check the connection of the trailer to your bicycle before riding. Be aware that riding with the trailer increases your braking distance and may affect your ability to control the bicycle. Thoroughly practice in a safe area before riding with the trailer in high-traffic areas. Always wear a helmet when riding.

Another way to enjoy your bike rides and your small pets is a pet carrier that fits on your bicycle's handle bars -- only recommended for small pets up to maybe 15 pounds; your specific pet bicycle carrier will specify the exact weight limit. With a pet bicycle carrier you can have your small pet share in the fun of your bike ride. You can bike ride with your pet in front of you with a bicycle pet carrier. You are closer to your pet and can better enjoy his company. Two high quality pet bicycle carriers are the Pet Cruiser Sport Carrier and the Pet Cruiser Wicker Cruiser.

Here are some of the precautions when using a handlebar mounted pet carrier. Never leave your pet unattended or alone in the pet carrier. Never leave your animal confined or unattended in direct sunlight or anytime there is a risk of overheating. Be sure to secure your pet with the harness. Do not speed while riding your bicycle with your pet on board. Wear an approved bicycle helmet. Do not ride when it is raining or when the roads are wet. Do not ride after dark. Check everything over before riding. Do not exceed the weight capacity limit specified by your bicycle carrier. When installing safety straps, be sure they do not interfere with brake cables, brake levers, or gear control shifters of your bicycle.

Caring for Dogs in Cold Weather

We may think our dogs are tough and they shouldn’t be in the house alone, especially when they are considered a large dog breed. Your pet does need regular exercise and plenty of room to grow, but you should also consider the type of weather you will be leaving them in. Cold weather is one of the most dangerous times of the year for your dog. Even when you have a Huskie or Akita they need to have protection from the harsh cold weather. As an owner you are going to be responsible for their care.

If you must leave your dog outside during cold weather check the weather forecast. You will need to know what temperature it will reach and whether it will be snowing or raining. Shelter will only help your dog so much when left outside in the cold. There are also many different types of doghouses you can have to help keep your dog safe.

First the doghouse should be insulated and large enough for them to fit their entire body into as well as have plenty of blankets and covering to avoid the cold earth or snow. If it is not going to snow several feet then you may be able to let them stay outside depending on the provisions you are providing them and the temperature. Any temperature that is near freezing or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit is going to be too cold to leave your dog outside. Water will freeze if it gets too cold and then they want have part of the basic care a dog needs.

When the cold weather rolls in you are better off keeping the dog inside, no matter what it will be doing. It is rather cruel to withhold proper care just because the dog is a little too big or can get into trouble while inside. Your best option for cold weather care is coming home at least once during the day and letting them out for exercise and bathroom breaks.

We all like to turn down the temperature when we aren’t home, but consider what temperature the dog will need to be comfortable. If it is too cold inside you are doing no better by having them inside. So keep the thermostat up at a decent temperature while you are away for the day.

You may need to spend a little more playtime and exercise time with your dog once you get home, but it is important to see they are safe, warm, and happy during the day when you are at work. You can even leave them extra blankets around their bed during the night and when you are away just in case the house isn’t warm enough. Most dogs love to cuddle when it gets cold. You will find them in front of fireplaces and heaters warming themselves.

If you do have a fire going make sure you have the doors on the fireplace closed or that the screens are in place. You don’t want the dog to get too close just because of curiosity.

Cold weather can be just as harsh on your dogs or dog as it is on you. Keep in mind that extra care needs to be taken even if you are just going for a little exercise out of doors. There are many things you can do such as dog sweaters, little booties, or just keeping up the pace to make sure your dog will not suffer in the cold.

How To Properly Introduce New Fish Into Your Aquarium

There are two areas of introducing new fish into an aquarium that you must be aware of:

1. Fish Quarantine

Fish quarantine is one big, singular factor that must be observed strictly before you can be sure that your new fish is of good health and not an apostle of doom for the other inmates. Most new fishkeepers don’t take consider this very important factor.

For the benefit of intending aquarists, quarantine in the fish world refers to the physical and chemical treatment of new fishes (either imported or caught from the wild) to rid them of disease and restlessness before introduction into a new environment,

A small quarantine tank (30x20x25cm) is advisable for any serious aquarist. The alternative is to be sure that your pet shop has a functional quarantine section to cater for bacterial, fungal and viral diseases.

This is a sure guarantee against fish deaths. The unfortunate thing with most shops in the country is the lack of space and inadequate expertise to build and administer the prophylaxis procedure on new fish, as the procedure is sure to last at least nigh days! To the average aqua-investor, this is an unnecessary tie down of capital and you know what that means.

Admittedly, the expense incurred on quarantine by way of chemical purchase e.g. copper sulphate, wescodyne, malachite green, teremycin etc) is high. This is more or less reflected on the final sales price of the fish, which is slightly higher in our shop. But, this would pay you off in the long run, as it is unlikely that you will complain of fish deaths any longer.

I am quite sure, some fish farmers reading this column would be more concerned about the application of this procedure to solve their farm problems especially those with hatcheries or those who stock with post fry and fingerlings.

2. Feeding New Fish

When you just introduce a new fish to aquarium tank it’s necessary to feed the fish. Though this will not be instant because no matter how carefully you add the fish to your aquarium tank they will look very unhappy for a while.

Thus it’s necessary that you turn the flights out, and leave them overnight to get used to their new home first before thinking of feeding them. Then feed fish with aquarium fish food with fish flakes the next day, this will make the fish feel at home.

If you already have an established tank, it is advisable to quarantine new fish before adding them to an existing populated, and the cheapest way to do this is to purchase a plastic tank which will need no gravel or plants.

This can be used solely for quarantine and as a hospital tank.

Leave the fish in this tank for about three days during which any disease harbored by the fish would be evident for which it can be treated using available chemicals from your dealer. The fish can then be introduced into the tank in the same way as before.

When you add new fish to an established community, there will probably be a certain amount of harassment of the new arrivals by the original fish. Try to divert their attention by giving them a good feed when the fish are introduced.

The Most Privileged Pets

While most people are content treating their pets to the ocassional plate of "people food" on special ocassions, or perhaps going so far as to give Fido his own Christmas stocking full of doggie treats, some pets are pampered more than many people pamper their children. Celebrities parade through the tabloid headlines, carrying their latest spoiled pet in their arms; upscale pet boutiques sell clothing, designer perfumes and even fancy shoes for dogs and cats; favored pets enjoy private air conditioning systems in their dog houses; tiny teacup dogs sport collars costing more than many new cars!

If there were a contest for the most pampered pets in the world, the competition would be fierce. Paris Hilton's famously pampered pet dog would surely be in the running, especially now that "mommy" has her own branded line of top-shelf designer pet apparel. But non-celebs can keep their "babies" in the running too, whether their tastes are as lavish as Paris' or they prefer the classic look of a pet trench coat from Burberry, perhaps paired with an elegant Gucci collar. And what pampered pet ensemble is complete without a proper manicure, offered by many pet grooming salons (complete with your choice of colored polish)?

Of course, the most pampered pets need more in their lavish lives than just fancy apparel. Outdoor pet houses are available with all manner of amenities, from climate control systems and uphoulstered interior furnishings, to exterior styling to rival the loveliest estate homes. Indoor pets can lounge on the finest goose-down feather beds, and enjoy hand-cooked meals on the finest serving silver. Pet entertainment systems are even available, for the feline left to watch the house alone, allowing them to watch video of fish and birds on demand (thanks to their own remote control).

But the most pampered pets aren't those who are left at home when their owners go out, no matter how lavish their surroundings. Surely, the most pampered pets are deserving of their own holiday accomodations at four-star pet hotels, available to accomodate travelling pets all over the world, from the UK to Japan. Rather than hiring a common dog sitter, your pampered pet can enjoy their own private hotel room, complete with plush furniture, on site veterinarians, "personal trainers" (aka: dog walkers) and even room service meals! Such accommodations are available to pampered pets around the world, from the UK to Japan.