Feeding Brine Shrimp to Your Fish: An Introduction

Illustration Credit/vectorolie/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

What are brine shrimp?

Brine shrimp (Artemia salina), found in Utah’s Salt Lakes and the San Francisco Bay, are a popular live food used by fish hobbyists. While pet stores sell live and freeze-dried brine shrimp, brine eggs that can be cultivated at home by aquarists comprise the largest market segment. Most cultivated brine shrimp eggs used by hobbyists are from Utah, since they are larger than those found in San Francisco’s waters. Hobbyists and breeders feed brine shrimp to their baby fish, or fry, as they are also called. If produced on a regular basis for a home aquarium, hobbyists can have a plentiful food source for their fish without constant trips to the pet store.

What types of fish eat brine shrimp?

Most popular breeds kept as pets can eat brine shrimp. Livebearer fish like guppies and swordtails, cichlids (angelfish, oscars, etc.), betas (wine red betas, Siamese fighting fish) and even goldfish can eat brine shrimp. Plecostomus Catfish won’t eat brines, but otherwise, any common hobby fish will gobble them up at feeding time.


Can I buy live brine shrimp from a dealer?

Retail pet stores and online dealers sell brine shrimp eggs, freeze-dried brine shrimp and live brine shrimp Live brine shrimp have a life span of about three months.   While there’s nothing wrong feeding your baby fish freeze dried or store-bought shrimp,  if you have lots of new fish, a homemade hatchery provide the best choice to provide a steady shrimp diet for your fish. If you have one small aquarium and don’t plan on adding new fish (or babies), a hatchery might not be worth your time. If you are a serious hobbyist or if you breed fish, a small hatchery is a good investment.


Making a Small Home Hatchery


You can cultivate your own brine shrimp using shrimp eggs from any store or online supplier and a few items you already have at home. Here’s a basic outline for a small, DIY home hatchery. Set aside a space in your aquarium room and assemble a hatchery using the following tools:

Two one-liter soda bottles
Flexible airline
Aquarium Air pump
Rigid tubing
Drinking straw
Prepared brine solution or salt and baking soda
Desk lamp

Brine eggs ( 90% is best)

Clean the empty soda bottles. Then cut the bottom off the first bottle, throwing away the “indented part” and leaving at least three-quarters of the bottle, leaving the bottle cap securely fastened. Cut the second bottle one-third of the way up from the bottom, so that you have the indented, bottom of the bottle. Fit the first piece into the second piece. The open piece at the top is the hatching container. The small bottom piece helps it balance on the tabletop.


Attach the rigid air tube to flexible airline. Put the flexible air tubing into the air pump. Place the rigid end of the tubing into the soda bottle/hatching container.

Fill hatching container with slightly more than three-quarters of warm water. Put in a tablespoon of table salt and a pinch of baking soda OR pre-packaged brine shrimp solution according to directions. Then measure a half-teaspoon of brine shrimp eggs and pour them in the bottle . Now drop in the brine shrimp eggs. Stir it slightly with the drinking straw to hydrate eggs floating on the top.

Place the light over the open bottle. The water in the bottle should be between 75 and 80 degrees. If the water temp is lower, it will take the brine shrimp longer to hatch.   At optimum temperature, it will take 24 hours for the eggs to develop. When you come back the next day, the water should be orange. That means the brine shrimp have hatched. Turn off the air pump and remove the air tube. Wait ten minutes for the brine shrimp and the shells to separate. The brine shrimp will be at the bottom of the container; the shells at the top. Take the drinking straw and put your finger over the top. Put the straw all the way into the bottom of the container where the shrimp have gathered. Then lift your finger off the top of the straw and pull the straw out of the water. The straw should be orange-colored and filled with brine shrimp. Unused baby brine shrimp can be stored in the refrigerator for three or four days in Petri dishes filled with brine solution.


*If you need to produce a large batch of brine shrimp, use the above method substituting an aquarium tank for the soda bottles. 

This article originally appeared on Yeepet.com (as Jade07)
Copyright 2011 by Jade Blackmore

 

Transitioning Your Cat to a Homemade Diet

  Photo:nipitphand/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

If your cat is skittish, finicky or prone to health problems, even the most pristine brand of store-bought holistic cat food may not be adequate for his needs. A homemade diet tailored to a cat’s individual temperament is often preferable to commercial products. Preparing homemade meals for your cat doesn’t take that much extra time once you get the hang of it. Plus, you never have to worry about pet food recalls-you always know ahead of time exactly what your kitty is eating and how it was prepared.


Get to know your cat’s eating habits first.

Get a feel for your pet’s eating habits before becoming a natural food chef for felines. Take her to the vet for a check-up even if she seems to be in good health. Once your vet has determined if you cat has medical problems (like diabetes), you can alter homemade meals to treat it.  A homemade meal for diabetic cats, for example, may include cooked zucchini, squash or green beans and cooked oatmeal in addition to chicken. These ingredients are designed to boost insulin production and fortify the pancreas.

 A homemade diet features both raw and cooked foods. Cats like their food at room temperature or slightly cool. They dislike foods that are too hot or too cold, just like Goldilocks.

Transitioning From Commercial Food to Homemade

Test fresh homemade treats to see what your cat likes, but don’t toss down leftovers from your dinner plate. While that chicken ala king may taste good to you, the sauces or spices in it may contain ingredients harmful to cats. (See list below.)* Create a feline version of baby food for your cat as a homemade starter food. Add vegetable oil and water to a small piece of poultry and puree in a blender. Serve it instead of canned food and see how your pet reacts.

When you discover what your cat likes the most –whether it’s chicken, turkey or beef - cook small chunks of it and add them to the puree -- or to the canned food you’re currently feeding him. This helps him get used to the new tastes without jolting his gastrointestinal tract too much.


While preparing homemade food for your pet, follow the basic nutritional rules by using a combination of poultry, fish, beef and a smidgen of grains and veggies. There are several books and websites about cat nutrition, raw diets and homemade recipes to guide you on the best meals for your kitty.  Catinfo.org has plenty of good information, written by a vet who advocates homemade diets.

* Foods cats should never eat:

 Alcohol, chocolate, coffee, tea (Obviously!!)

Grapes, raisins, walnuts
Onions, garlic (fresh and in powdered form)
Raw Salmon (which contain harmful bacteria).

Dairy and sugar are harmful if ingested in large amounts. If your cat nibbles at crumbs from a muffin or licks a pat of butter once in awhile, he probably won’t get sick. Just make sure that it doesn’t become a habit.

While it’s doubtful your cats will show much interest in the foods mentioned above, be careful not to leave coffee grounds, tea leaves or half-full glasses of wine where his curiosity will get the best of him. Hide the chocolate, along with the coffee and alcohol. That might go double for one of your crotchety old uncles!

This article first appeared on Yeepet.com in 2011 (as Jade07) 

Copyright 2011 by Jade Blackmore

Four Steps to an Eco-Friendly Aquarium

                                             Photo:phanlop88/Free Digital Photos.net


Pet stores and websites pay a lot of attention to green, eco-friendly ideas for dog and cat owners, but there’s scant info on eco-trends for aquarists.  Tropical fish owners who want to maintain a healthy ecologically safe tank for their pets and help the environment on a larger scale can do so in a number of ways.



1) Use ecologically-friendly aquarium products.

Sure, you can cut corners and decorate your fish tank with brightly-colored gravel and a miniature pirate ship from the discount store, but cheap trinkets not only look hackneyed, they can also prove toxic to your aquatic friends. Cut-rate accessories may contain chemicals or add waste materials to your tank. Look for green decorations and cleaning supplies for your aquarium instead. Place ecologically-safe pebbles made from volcanic rock in your tank to purify water and eliminate bacteria. These porous stones decorate both freshwater and saltwater aquariums and keep them chemical-free. Malaysian driftwood helps maintain a low pH for freshwater Discus and Angelfish. It’s safe for fish to nibble on, too.

2) Save energy by using LED lights.

LED (Light Emitting Diode) aquarium lights use less energy than incandescent bulbs and fluorescent lighting.  An eco-friendly LED system costs more to set up, with a full reef-capable system costing around $160, but you’ll spend less money on electric bills in the long run. LED lights stay cooler than traditional lighting and can be set for day or night use. A slim, unobtrusive LED light panel also makes maintenance work easier by eliminating the need to move bulky lights.

3) Choose tropical fish bred in captivity.

Preserving tropical fish, especially exotic saltwater species, in their natural habitat has become a hot-button issue for many environmentalists. Extensive cultivation of for the aquarium trade has endangered many fish species, and even live coral, in some parts of the world. Fisherman in Southeast Asia use cyanide to catch tropical fish for the luxury aquarium market. Don’t patronize sellers who secure fish from these unethical sources. The use of cyanide harms both the fish intended for sale and their natural habitat. Purchase your fish from a reputable fish farm or captive breeder. Chances are most freshwater fish have been breed in captivity, but most saltwater species are still collected from the wild. 


4). Dispose of fish and fish waste properly.

Don’t dump tank water or dead tropical fish into storm drains, rivers or other bodies of water. This may introduce pathogens into the local water system. Flushing dead aquarium fish down the toilet is unsafe (and illegal) for the same reason. Burying a dead fish in the backyard is the both sensitive and ecologically sound. Some aquarists dispose of deceased fish by wrapping them up and throwing them out with the trash. This may seem harsh to some fishkeepers, but it’s better for the environment than flushing them down the toilet or throwing them down a storm drain.  To some hobbyists, saying goodbye to a pet fish is like holding a funeral, while others consider it an unfortunate part of the hobby. It’s all a matter of personal preference.

Learn more about tropical fish and conservation at All Tropical Fish.

This article originally appeared on Yeepet.com.

Article Copyright 2011 Jade Blackmore

DVDs for Cats –An Electronic Petsitter for Owners, a Virtual Backyard for Cats

Cats star in a large percentage of reposted videos on Facebook, but videos and DVDs for cats are less-publicized. Felines may be near the top of the viral video heap, but once in awhile, they might like to sit back and view a good video instead. DVDs (and before that, VHS tapes) for cats have been around for a few decades and many cat owners

Full-length videos that entertain and petsit cats have been on the market since the late 1980s through mail order, Internet ads and retail stores. The DVDs last an hour or two and feature chirping birds, scampering mice, bugs, fish and other creatures apartment-bound cats would chase if given the chance.

Not all cats will become couch potatoes at the sight of TV birds and squirrels.  It’s sure to catch their interest initially, but after that, some felines lose become bored. Suburban and country cats used to the real thing-hitting the backyard grass to chase real birds and rats – might not be as fascinated by the filmed version.

City cats who rarely get the chance to test out their primal instincts may jump at the TV screen or try to get inside it at the sight of birds and scattering mice. Make sure the TV (or flat screen) is secure, especially if you plan to use the DVDs as a catsitter when you’re running errands or at work.


The audio quality and selection on the DVDs is just as intriguing to cats as the visuals. Cats rwill perk up their ears to sounds like birds chirping  or squirrels running through a field.  Some cat DVDs have specially composed music  so pet owners can enjoy the show with their kitty.


Amazon lists eight different DVDs for cars as of December 31, 2011. The Petsitter DVD series have been around since the late 1980s, so longevity proves there’s something to them. Each video provides a unique selling point – CatDVD has a Laser Pointer Party sequence, Video Catnip is divided into three parts-one for humans, one for cats and humans and one for cats only. Some petowners enjoy the images and background music and find it a relaxing accompaniment to chores.

 City dwellers might save a few bucks by breaking out the Camcorder on their next trip to the woods.  A homemade pastiche of birds, critters and babbling brooks filled with fish will divert your pet’s attention from those china figures (or other tchotchkes) he likes to swat off the table. Virtual scenes of the great outdoors will be at least a temporary respite from a day of hiding under the bed for your housebound kitty.

Search for cat DVDs on Amazon.

Copyright 2011 by Jade Blackmore
This article first appeared on Yeepet.com

More Exotic than Fish But Not as Scary as Snakes: Salamanders and Newts as Pets

Photo: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Digital Library/Gary M. Stoltz

People who find snakes, lizards and other reptiles too icky to keep as pets may find slimy-skinned, water-partial amphibians, like salamanders, less offensive. Sure, salamanders are a little slippery and lizard-like, but they’re pretty laid-back. They come in all sorts of colors, sizes and varieties. Salamanders are fun to watch, and there’s little chance that one will bolt from its plant and mulch-filled abode. Aside from regular feedings and terrarium cleaning, upkeep is minimal. Let’s look at tiger salamanders and fire-bellied newts, two of the most popular amphibian pets.

Tiger Salamanders

Tiger salamanders have black or dark brown skin, usually with yellow stripes or blotches, but the coloring may vary. They can grow up to 14 inches, though 6-8 inches is common. Keep them in a 10-gallon glass tank, separating land and water areas with a divider. Use substrata of eco earth or small bark pieces in their terrarium or aqua-terrarium. Tigers love to burrow, so give them plenty of places to hide. Decorate it with hollowed-out logs, driftwood or cork tube. It’s best to keep one to a terrarium since these amphibians are so big. Don’t place them in the same space as newts or smaller salamanders. Tiger salamanders eat pinkie mice, waxworms, mealworms, snails and insects, most notably crickets. Feed them every two or three nights using tweezers to place insects near their mouths; release tweezers when they grab the food. Tiger salamanders like to eat and will sometimes beg for extra servings. Resist the temptation to spoil them; it’s not good for the animal. You can learn more about caring for tiger salamanders at About.com Exotic Pets.


Fire Newts

Newts are tiny version of salamanders, ranging in size from 2 to 6 inches depending on the species. Newts are black with bright orange or red bellies, and males tend to be larger than females. Chinese fire newts have black specks on their bellies. Fire-bellied newts are nocturnal creatures that live partially underwater. Called fire newts for short, aquatic types eat brine shrimp and chopped nightcrawlers, though some will eat reptile food pellets or sticks from the pet store. Terrestrial newts can eat crickets or tubifex worms. Newts have light appetites, so feed them every other night or every third night. Dust crickets and other insects with vitamin supplements once or twice a week before mealtime. Check for leftover crickets; they may bite unsuspecting newts.  Unlike salamanders, a 10-gallon glass terrarium/aquarium can provide comfortable accommodations for up to four newts. Use mulch and sphagnum moss for land. Avoid gravel, as it’s too rough for newt skin. You can find out more about fire newts here.

 General Rules for Keeping Salamanders as Pets

Wear latex gloves when handling a newt or salamander. Oil from your hands can harm the salamander and residue from their skin can cause you to develop salmonella. Wash hands thoroughly before and after handling any amphibian pet.

Clean the entire tank once a week, with daily spot cleanings as necessary. Temporarily place the salamander in a secure container with a small amount of water. Scrub the terrarium with a small sponge or cloth and hot water. If necessary, use an eco-friendly cleaner like Seventh Generation and rinse thoroughly, eliminating any smells that might disturb the salamander. Experts recommend drying just-cleaned tanks outdoors in sunlight.

Take your salamander to the vet if you notice weight loss, bloating or skin lesions. The most common salamander malady, gas bubble disease, is caused by a tank that’s too aerated (too much air). Gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide seep in through tank or pump leaks. This causes bubbles to form in the salamander’s bloodstream. The bubbles may cause the abdomen to swell and may be visible underneath the skin. Take your salamander to the vet if you suspect gas bubble disease. Seal leaks in tanks and hoses to prevent this problem.

Purchase salamanders from a reputable dealer. Check out Reptile Channel or Caudata.org, the largest newt and salamander portal on the net.  Petco and other pet stores also sell salamanders and newts.

Copyright 2011 Jade Blackmore
This article first appeared on Yeepet.com

His Royal Majesty- the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Overview

The Cavalier King Charles, a descendant of toy spaniel breeds of the 16^th century,  is  a wide-eyed cutie who enjoys being around people. The Cavalier King Charles is named after King Charles II of England. King Charles admired the toy spaniel and they followed him around during his daily routine.  Breeding changes in the 17^th and 18^th centuries led to the flat-nosed version of the dog we have today. They were even allowed in the House of Parliament, a law that’s still on the books today! These good-natured canines have a medium coat and undocked tail. The breed comes in four variations. The Blenheim has chestnut markings on a pure white coat.  Some of these adorable doggies  sport a chestnut-colored  Blenheim spot in the middle of their forehead. Black and Tan Cavaliers boast a black coat with tan markings.  Ruby Cavaliers have an all-chestnut coat with occasional white markings. Tricolors are black and white with tan markings above the eyebrows, inside the legs and/or on the cheeks.


Only recognized by the American Kennel Club as an official show breed in 1995, the Cavalier King Charles is gaining popularity in America, rising from 56^th place in 1998 to 25^th in 2008. Adult dogs weigh ten to eighteen pounds and grow to 13 inches tall, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are prized for their loyalty, companionship and good looks!


 Characteristics

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels perceive every visitor as a friend, so if you need a guard dog or live in an unsavory neighborhood, consider another breed. If you’re merely looking for a loving companion, a Cavalier will fit the bill.

Cavaliers mature slowly, and should spend ten to twelve weeks with their Mom and siblings before entering their new home.

 Give a Cavalier King Charles pup a rollicking social life at a young age, introducing him to neighbors, relatives and folks at the veterinarians’ office. He’ll need to be around people beside his master early on to avoid behavior problems later in life.  Isolating a Cavalier pup may lead him to be shy around strangers. Spoiling him may lead to believe he’s the boss of you!

Cavaliers are suited to both house and apartment living. They need a moderate amount of exercise, including a long walk once a day. A small outdoor play area or fenced-in backyard will give this happy canine enough space to move around and keep fit. If you have a staircase, let your Cav bound up and down every so often. It will help him expend some of his cheerful energy.

Watch your Cavalier King Charles when he’s around around birds and small animals. He is a spaniel by  nature and loves to hunt and chase. If you work long hours, buy a cat or dog companion and introduce it to your Cav when he’s a pup., Cavs love playing with an animal companion, and they’ll become best buddies, especially when raised together.

Leaving a Cavalier alone for long periods-without other animals (or people) to keep him company can make him nervous and extremely jumpy upon your return. Cavaliers are classified as a lap dog even though they’re natural hunters, so you’ll have the best of both worlds. They’ll cuddle with you on the sofa or sit contentedly on a cushion on the floor while you watch TV.

Due to their trusting nature and small stature, Cavs aren’t recommended for families with children under five. Youngsters may unwittingly tease or prod the Caviler and hurt him. Like other lap dogs, the King Charles Cav is too cute for its own sake sometimes, and young children may treat him like a toy.

Cavaliers make great traveling companions. They’re happy to be around their owners and adapt well to pet-friendly motels and new surroundings, as long as there’s a familiar person around to guide them.

Owners should groom Cavaliers on a regular basis, bathing their pet and brushing and combing the dog’s coat once a week..  Cavs shed occasionally, and can develop tangled hair on their ears and eye infections. Check for these conditions while performing weekly upkeep. They’re clean dogs, and an occasional trip to the groomer will keep them trim and handsome


Health


While Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are beautiful, affectionate dogs, they are prone to a more health problems than many other breeds. Prospective owners should take this into consideration before purchasing a Cavilier. Some of the most common health issues include:

Mitral valve disease, a heart disorder, is the most common cause of death among the Cavalier King Charles breed.  Most Cavaliers develop this condition at some point in their lives, usually by age five.  Owners should have their dogs screened once a year for heart murmurs from age one year onward.

Syringomyelia (a cyst within the spinal chord), though unusual in most breeds, may affect up to 90 per cent of all Cavaliers. Symptoms include scratching ears or paws until they are raw, whining when being picked her up, sleeping in cold areas of the house, like a cement floor. Syringomyelia  is diagnosed through an MRI. This test may be prohibitive for many families, costing between $600 and $2,000.

Glue ear, or PSOM (Primary Secretory Otitis Media),a  build-up of mucus in a Cavalier's middle ear, causes neck and head pain, hearing loss and fatigue. The Cavalier may tilt his head, cry, yawn or scratch his ears. Since some of the symptoms are similar to Syringomyelia, vets must carefully consider all factors before making a diagnosis.


Learn more about the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel at  the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club

Copyright 2011 Jade Blackmore

This article originally appeared on Yeepet.com

Odd Pet News - Bark Mitzvahs - The Latest Pet Party Trend?

Photo: Wikipedia

People will do just about anything for their dogs - feed them gourmet treats, buy them fancy sweaters and raincoats to protect them from the elements – and throw them birthday parties or Bark Mitzvahs. Yes, Bark Mitzvahs, the animal counterpart to the traditional Jewish coming of age ceremony for 13 year old boys, have gained popularity in the Jewish community during the past decade. While most Bark Mitzvahs are informal parties honoring a pet, some do have a spiritual component and take place at a synagogue.

Background and Controversy

The first Bark Mitzvahs were recorded in the New York City area in 1997. The practice is frowned upon by some rabbis, who think it makes a mockery of a sacred spiritual ceremony.. Still, Bark Mitzvahs (and the occasional Meow Mitzvah) have taken hold in New York, Florida and California. Some folks use it to mark a dog’s 13^th year or 13^th month, while others calculate the appropriate canine Mitzvah age as 2 years, which roughly calculates to 14 human years. Bark Mitzvahs have attracted a good amount of mainstream media coverage over the past few year. Keith Olbermann featured a story about a coming-of-age party for a Florida dog named Columbo Rudy on MSNBC's Countdown with Keith Olbermann.


 Fundraising and Neighborhood Pet Parties

Most dog owners consider Bark Mitzvahs just another fun way for pet owners to celebrate their furry companions. Some owners fit their dogs with a prayer shawl and/or a special version of a yarmulke, or skullcap, used during real Bat Mitzvahs for teen boys.


The term “Bark Mitzvah” is sometimes used to describe a generic party or event for a group of dogs and their owners. The play on words is amusing to many people, and some synagogues sponsor trips to the dog park under the moniker. The festivities are often part of a charity fundraiser, benefiting organizations like the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) or animal shelters. Private Bark Mitzvah parties are a great way for neighbors and their dogs to hang out and have a good time. Flashier parties take place at dog salons or even restaurants. Bark Mitzvahs are as much fun for the owners as for the dogs, as this video demonstrates.


Small businesses specializing in quirky pet products have jumped on the Bark Mitzvah bandwagon. Owners can indulge their pet with a celebratory doggie basket that includes plush toys, chews and treats. Café Press has a selection of Bark Mitzvah greeting cards and invitations. Dog bakeries offer all-meat cakes, homemade biscuits and a star collar for the canine guest of honor.

The concept may seem a little wacky to some, but overall, Bark Mitzvahs are just another way for dog owners to bond with their pets. And the guest of honor will surely enjoy all the attention!

Article Copyright 2012 Jade Blackmore  

This article originally appeared on Yeepet.com