The Why and How of Hand Feeding a Baby Bird

Adopting a baby bird is a huge responsibility and hand feeding is often done out of necessity when the bird is removed from its parents before it is weaned. While feeding a bird every few hours is a major commitment, your efforts will pay off as you bond with your pet. Experienced bird lovers also find that feeding a baby bird by hand helps it to grow up without fear of humans and other animals in the home. It is important, however, to know how to feed a baby bird correctly since improper feedings can lead to illness and death. As you get to know the newest addition to your bird family, use these strategies to get the most out of your hand-feeding sessions.

When to Start

A baby bird can begin hand feeding as soon as it is removed from its parents. However, most bird breeders prefer to keep a baby chick with its parents until it is two to three weeks old. It is important to choose your timing carefully because waiting too long could lead an older bird to resist hand feeding. In some instances, hand feeding is started after weaning if a bird demonstrates poor eating habits when it feeds independently.

Talk to the Breeder

It is always important to begin hand feeding using the same methods and formula as the bird’s current owner or breeder. Ask the breeder to show you how to tell when a bird’s crop is full and when it is empty and use the same positioning of the bird for feedings as the breeder has been using. Keeping the hand-feeding strategies consistent will ensure that the baby bird gets the nutrition they need while protecting their delicate body from too many sudden changes.

Practice Food Safety

Similar to infant formula, you will need to prepare fresh food for each one of your baby bird’s meals. Reusing formula or allowing it to sit out will allow bacteria to grow that your baby bird’s developing immune system may not be able to fight off. Serving formula at the proper temperature is also critical since food that is too hot can burn your baby bird’s crop. Yet, food that is too cold may be refused or cause poor digestion. Use a thermometer to check the temperature of the formula at every feeding, and strive to stay within the breeders recommended guidelines.

Develop a Feeding Schedule

Your bird’s age, growth rate and diet all influence how often they need to be fed. As a general rule, birds under six weeks of age should be fed every two to three hours and the time between feedings gradually increases as the bird matures. Make sure to chart each feeding so you never have to second guess when they ate last and remember that you may have to feed more frequently if they eat less at a feeding.

Observe for Health Changes

There are several ways to make sure your baby bird is eating enough during your hand-feeding sessions. A full crop is always a good sign and you can also weigh your baby bird before and after feedings. Finally, you should be able to see fecal matter in their droppings. If it is all liquid or completely white, then your bird may not be taking in enough food.

Hand feeding your baby bird is an amazing experience that allows you to form a strong bond in the earliest days of your bird’s life. While hand feeding can be done by anyone, you will need to ensure you do it properly so that your bird stays healthy. By taking your bird’s feedings literally into your own hands, you can simultaneously socialize them while providing the nutrition needed for optimal health.

Are you thinking about getting a beautiful portrait of your pet? An artist by profession, Miri's paintings make a lasting keepsake of your furry or feathered friend. For more info, please visit Custom Pet Portraits by Miri at http://www.petportraitsbymiri.com/

Memorializing Your Pet in Polymer Clay

The loss of a pet is never easy and it is hard to move on after years of having your animal companion playing faithfully by your side. While you can’t bring back your pet, you can create a memorial that will represent the important role they had in your life. As you begin the process of letting go, you may want to consider one of the following ideas for using polymer clay to create a beautiful tribute to your favorite animal friend.

Make a Paw Print Ornament

Your dog or cat’s paw print is as unique as their personality and you can preserve it forever using polymer clay. To begin the process of making your furry friend’s paw print, you will first knead the clay until it is warm and pliable. Next, you’ll roll it out on a flat surface and place your dog’s paw in the middle. If the paw print transfers successfully, you can then use a cookie cutter to create a shape and allow it to dry. After it dries, you can paint the paw print or leave it the same color as the clay.

Wear a Portrait Necklace

With pet portrait jewelry, you can keep your pet close to your heart. To create a portrait necklace, a laser jet image is transferred to the polymer clay using a simple process. Begin by choosing a picture of your pet that will look good reversed. Then, place it on top of the clay and begin rubbing the back of it with a finger dipped in water. Continue this process until all of the paper has been removed. Then, bake the image according to the polymer clay’s directions. When the charm is complete, seal it with resin to protect it from daily use.

Sculpt Their Likeness

From the curve of your pet’s fur to their bright, cheerful eyes, polymer clay is the perfect medium to capture their features. Since this memorial requires some artistic ability, you might find it easiest to work with a sculptor who can use a picture of your pet to create a beautiful memorial. You can then place a larger sculpture in a prominent area of your home or have a small sculpture made that can be carried in your pocket.

Create a Memory Box

Memory boxes are the perfect place to hold all of your pet’s memorabilia, and you can create a customized box using polymer clay. As you plan your memory box, consider adding personalized touches such as your pet’s name or their picture. You can also choose your favorite colors and add images such as your pet’s favorite toys to remind you of all of your special times together. Once your box is complete, fill it with their name tag, leash, bandanna and other items that hold special meaning.

Grieving the loss of a pet takes time but sometimes the process of saying goodbye can be eased by creating a touching memorial in their honor. Polymer clay is long lasting and offers the versatility to shape it into any form you desire. The important thing to remember is that, whether you choose to memorialize your pet with a sculpture or by making a single paw print, their legacy will live on in your heart forever.

Are you thinking about getting a beautiful portrait of your pet? An artist by profession, Miri's paintings make a lasting keepsake of your furry or feathered friend. For more info, please visit Custom Pet Portraits by Miri at http://www.petportraitsbymiri.com/

Litter Box Tips to Keep Your House Smelling Great

A dirty litter box will cause your home to be filled with an odor that is unpleasing to you, your cat and visitors. If you use these tips, you can keep your house smelling great which will make everyone involved very happy.

Scooping out the Litter Box

The longer urine and feces sit in the box, the more likely the horrible smell will invade your entire home. To cut down on the odor the litter box should be scooped out at least once a day.

Change the Litter Twice a Week

Another tip to keep your home smelling great is to replace the litter in the box at least two times per week. Daily scooping does not mean that you can stop replacing the litter; even though you scoop out the box, you will likely miss something, and that could cause a bad odor that you and your cat dislike. Be sure to wash the litter box out with soap and warm water each time you replace the litter. Do not use ammonia-based cleaners because they will make the odor worse. Before placing the fresh litter in the box, be sure that the box is completely dry.

Deodorizers Help

Using deodorizers and baking soda in your cat’s litter box can go a long way when you want to keep your home smelling great. You will need to avoid using too much deodorizer because cats will not use a litter box that is heavily-scented. You can choose an unscented deodorizer or a scent that both you and your cat will like. To help keep the odor away you will need to sprinkle a little bit of the deodorizer over the litter each time that you scoop the box out.

Litter Box Placement

It is important that you keep the litter box in a well-ventilated area. Many cat owners make the mistake of placing it in areas that are dark and tiny. These hidden spaces allow the odor to concentrate. Remember that if the litter box has a bad odor your cat will find somewhere else in the house to go. By keeping the box in a well-ventilated area of the home the scent will disperse easily. It’s also important to make sure there is enough room and lighting where the box is located so that your cat can get in and out with ease.

Compare Litter Brands

You always want to choose a brand that not only smells good to you but also a brand that smells great to your cat; otherwise, she will not use the litter box. To compare the different brands, try using a new brand each time you dispose of the litter. This will help you get an idea of which brand your cat prefers as well as which brand best neutralizes the odor.

Litter Box Replacement

It is important to replace your cat’s litter box at least once a year. Over time, the scooper that you use, in addition to your cat’s claws, can create small grooves on the sides and bottom of the litter box. These grooves make it difficult to sterilize the box and they also hold onto odors.

Using these tips can help keep your pet’s litter box clean and your home smelling fresh. Your cat will appreciate the extra effort.

Are you thinking about getting a beautiful portrait of your pet? An artist paintings make a lasting keepsake of your furry or feathered friend. For more info, please visit Custom Pet Portraits by Miri at http://www.petportraitsbymiri.com/faq/

How To Ease Your Loss When You Miss Your Pet

Losing a pet is similar to losing a friend or family member. It is natural to be angry, sad, lonely and grieve for a period of time. To help you get through the healing process, it is important to find a great support system. Here are some ideas to ease your sadness:

Immortalize Your Pets with a Custom Pet Portrait

We love our furry friends. They are more than just pets. They are part of the family. 

Whether it’s a cat or a dog, these four-legged family members bring joy in our homes. They shower us with unconditional love and affection, giving us warmth even during cold weather.

Unfortunately their lives are too short that we, humans, generally outlive them. But even for just a short period, their presence creates massive impact upon us. 

When they’re gone, they leave a huge void in our hearts and in our minds. This emptiness can be very emotionally painful; scarring especially for the young kids who have grown to love them.

If only we could immortalize them, wouldn’t that be wonderful? But we can. With beautiful, life-like paintings of our favorite furry family members, we can immortalize them and preserve the happy moments they have shared with us.

When you want to preserve those precious memories, getting a pet portrait is the best way to do it. Celebrate the life of your favorite four-legged companion through realistic works of art. Eternalize those precious memories and make your lost furry family member immortal through these images. Commemorate the life of your cherished four-legged pal.

Beautiful Portraits of Your Precious Pets

Unless you’re a pet lover, no one can really understand the joy and happiness these four-legged friends bring to our lives. Whether it’s a dog or a cat, a mouse or a horse, these pals, admittedly, create a huge impact on us. There is something in these pets that they bring so much bliss and cheerfulness that no other thing can provide.

Love and joy is truly pure in these four-legged, furry family members. But no matter how short their stay with us may be, they will always leave a huge hole in our hearts. Their loss or absence create sadness and grief. Undeniably their lives have a massive impact on us.

By commissioning a work of art, you can preserve the vigor and life of your favorite furry family member. These custom pet portraits can capture the beauty of your pets. It can be a dog, bird, cat, or any other animal; these pet portraits will show how much of your life has been affected by your animal companion.

Pet Portraits are the best way to celebrate the spirit of your beloved pet. You can choose from caricatures to life-like illustrations, whether in charcoal or pencil, in oil or watercolor. The possibilities are endless.

Beautiful Custom Pet Portraits

If you’re planning to have a pet portrait commissioned for your favorite furry, four-legged family member, look for an experienced artist who can create heartwarming pieces of art that will do justice to the life and spirit of your pet.

Having pet portraits done is a great way to preserve and immortalize the life of your favorite animal companion. Freeze your fond memories and transform it into a meaningful masterpiece. For avid pet lovers out there, this is a great investment. Capture them in loving detail with pet portraits.

For custom pet portraits, look to Custom Pet Portraits by Miri. An artist by profession, Miri creates beautiful, custom pet portraits. For more info, please visit Custom Pet Portraits by Miri’s website at: http://www.petportraitsbymiri.com/

Ten Reasons You Need a Pet

Photo Credits: Dan of http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

If you have been wondering about getting a pet, perhaps you need a little encouragement, or maybe you need some ammunition when trying to convince family members that having an animal in the home can be beneficial. Here's a list of ten reasons why having a pet can be great and why you need one today.

Companionship

If you live alone, if your spouse or significant other travels frequently, having a pet at home can provide a welcoming companion for you. Whether it's a dog to greet you at the door, a cat to curl up next to you or a bird to sing to you while you fix supper, having another living being in your home can make you feel less lonely. This is especially true if you have recently lost a partner.

Exercise

Having a dog or a horse can provide you with a reason to exercise that you didn't have before. It can also help you build muscles and get your heart pumping without that feeling you get when you drag yourself to the gym for a workout. To maximize this benefit of having a pet, be sure to get one that needs regular amounts of exercise, like a poodle or a pony, but not so much that you can't handle it, as might happen with a border collie or Thoroughbred stallion.

Other Health Bonuses

In addition to getting you out to exercise every day, pets can bring other health benefits too. Studies show that just petting a dog or cat for a few minutes can improve relaxation and lower blood pressure.

Discipline

Even having a pet that doesn't need exercise can help you improve your discipline. If you know you need to be home every night to feed your pet or let it out, you will be more likely to stick to a routine. The more your pet is dependent on you, the more self-discipline you'll have to muster. A dog that needs walking every morning, for example, could be a great way to help you get on a healthier morning schedule if you have a tendency to lie in bed too long.

Protection

You don't have to have an enormous dog to get the protection of a pet. Even the sound of a small, yappy dog sounding the alarm of a potential intruder is enough to scare away most burglars. All kinds of pets, including birds and snakes, have also been instrumental in alerting their owners to smoke and fire in the home. If the only time you can walk or jog is after dark, having a dog to go with you will make your jaunts significantly safer.

Social Life

If you tend to be shy or are new to your area, having a pet can be a great way to start the conversation and meet new people. Whether at a puppy class or at the dog park, you'll be introduced to many new folks, most of whom have a lot in common with you because of your dedication to your animals. Even if you are housebound, joining an online pet forum can be a way to connect with the outside world.

Activities

Are you looking for something new to do with your free time? A pet can offer a wealth of opportunities to try different activities. Of course, there are many dog ventures like fly ball, agility and hospital therapy, but there are also cat and bird shows and even clubs for pet hamsters and snails.

New Places

Having a dog is one of the best ways getting familiar with new places. Just walking around your neighborhood, you're sure to find hidden parks and cool architecture. If you want to travel further afield, hiking with your dog can be a great way to experience the wilderness or your state parks. There are nature camps as well, for people who want to vacation with their pets.

Kids

Getting a pet for the kids is a good way to teach them about biology, compassion and responsibility. Just don't expect them to do the work of adults, and make sure you can handle the duties that come with your pet in case your kids get caught up with school work or take off to camp for the summer.

Entertainment

If you read the book "Marley and Me," you know how entertaining pets can be. You'll have stories for a lifetime when you bring an animal into your life. Even a tank of beautiful tropical fish can hypnotize you and create a stunning focal point for your living room.

If you're not sure about getting a pet, try starting with an easy keeper, like a turtle or a mellow cat, and work your way up to animals that require more care and attention. You may find you like having a pet so much your home becomes the neighborhood hangout!

Are you thinking about getting a beautiful portrait of your pet? An artist by profession, Miri's paintings make a lasting keepsake of your furry or feathered friend. For more info, please visit Custom Pet Portraits by Miri at http://www.petportraitsbymiri.com/

Fun Facts About Dogs

Photo Credits: tiverylucky of http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

Dogs have become one of the most beloved creatures on the planet. Their loyalty and obvious affection for mankind are legendary. 

Beyond the emotional satisfaction they give to us, they display some amazing and interesting qualities. Here are just some of them.

The Body Language of a Dog's Tail

Dogs express themselves through body language the same as people do. That little appendage on the rear of the dog speaks volumes. Dogs use it, whether consciously or unconsciously, to “talk” to humans, other dogs, and other animals. If the tail is stiff and straight, it usually means that the dog is expressing aggression.

A wagging tail may not mean that a dog is happy. If it wags to the right, it probably means the dog is happy. Studies show, however, that if it wags to the left, it means he is frightened. If a dog is wagging his tail slowly back and forth, and his body is rigidly pointing in your direction, stay out of his space. This is a signal to you to keep your distance.

The Wonders of a Dog's Nose

A dog's sense of smell is more than 10,000 times greater than that of man. The mucous on the surface of a dog's nose helps him to define a scent, as well as helping him to determine the direction it is coming from.

There are some smells that are undetectable to man but can be discerned by a dog. This is why dogs are trained to sniff out drugs, human scent and blood, insects, and even the presence of bombs. Recent studies have also shown that dogs can smell cancer in the body of a human.

The Homing Instinct in a Dog

There are amazing true stories about dogs that became lost or separated from their owners and literally crossed thousands of miles to successfully find their owners again. It remains a scientific mystery as to how dogs can do this, but one theory that has been suggested is that dogs have a homing instinct that is sensitive to the earth's magnetic fields. They are able to map out landmarks, scents and sounds by a kind of an inner compass. The interesting thing is that researchers have discovered that if magnets are attached to a dog's body, they lose their sense of direction.

The Perfect Weather Dog

Dog's ears contain more than eighteen muscles, and a dog can hear in both low and high frequency. When a storm is on its way, a dog can hear low rumblings before we can. He is more sensitive to a drop in barometric pressure that signals a storm is on its way. It has also been suggested that a dog may be able to smell the metallic scent given off by lightning.

Some dogs are highly fearful of storms. They will bark, shake, hide, or soil the carpet. If your dog is overly frightened by storms, experts say you should command him to sit and stay and then reward him for staying calm with a treat. There are also medications your veterinarian can give you to help calm your dog through his anxious episodes.

A dog is more than man's best friend. Dogs have proven invaluable, because of their unique physiology, in helping man in a number of useful ways.

Are you thinking about getting a beautiful portrait of your pet? An artist by profession, Miri's paintings make a lasting keepsake of your furry or feathered friend. For more info, please visit Custom Pet Portraits by Miri at http://www.petportraitsbymiri.com/