May 27th, 2007 | Iguanas | Comments Off
According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife, there were over 3 million iguanas that were imported in the U.S. from 1988 until 1995. Until recently, most of these animals were wild-caught, meaning that a group of locals (mostly children) went to the jungle and picked up as many hatchling iguanas as they could find. They would then get paid for each hatchling that they’ve captured.
About 30% to 50% of these hatchlings died from the time they were captured to the time they get to the pet store in Europe and the United States. While some of these iguanas are lucky enough to get to the pet store alive, they are usually sick, stressed, with skin and bones damaged from improper caring. The removal of iguanas from the wild is one of the major causes of the animals’ decrease in population. This, however, can be stopped by buying only farm-raised iguanas.
Nowadays, most of the iguanas that come here from South and Central America are farm-raised. Because they are raised on farms, these lizards arrive at the pet store healthy, plump, and not stressed. Although not all iguanas that are shipped here are farm-raised, if you see a thick, healthy young hatching, it is most likely farm-raised.
What exactly is a farm-raised iguana? As the name implies, these are iguanas that are raised in an environment (a farm) where there is a specific breeding area for the baby iguanas. There are two ways to farm iguanas. The first way is by catching gravid (pregnant) female iguanas in the wild and placing them in free-range pens. They are kept there until they lay their eggs.
The eggs are collected and placed in incubators. When the eggs hatch, the hatchlings are properly cared for until they are ready to be sold. The farmers then release the adult female iguanas back into the jungle. The following year, farmers look for a new group of gravid female iguanas and begin the cycle again.
The second way of farming iguanas is when farmers raise their own stock to breed in captivity, as opposed to capturing gravid females from the jungle each year. This process creates a more positive approach to preserving the population of the species. This is because no gravid female iguanas are taken out of their natural habitat, therefore allowing their numbers to increase.
May 18th, 2007 | Cats | Comments Off
Kidney disease is more common to occur in older cats, but sometimes the disease can strike cats of all ages. If you suspect that your feline friend may have kidney disease then you should pay attention to any changes taking place in regards to urination and the amount of water your cat is drinking. If either of these two activities increases more and more every week then there may be a problem. Your cat will also start to show signs of weight loss and vomiting.
Anti-freeze, The Most Common Cause Of Kidney Disease
Anti-freeze, which drips from all types of automobiles, is the leading cause of kidney disease in cats as well as dogs. This extremely toxic liquid has a sweet taste to it which is what these animals are drawn to, which is a very common problem, especially in larger city areas. It would behoove of you and your pet’s safety to keep your cat indoors and to do your best with keeping spills of anti-freeze from occurring in your driveway and/or garage area.
Infected Gums May Be Another Culprit Of Kidney Disease In Cats
Although the findings aren’t 100% conclusive, researchers have come up with the idea that kidney disease may also result from toxic bacteria that gets inside the cat’s bloodstream. This bacteria starts with diseased gums and is ingested from the mouth. Although there is still a large debate ongoing about the health issues that start with gum disease, you can offer preventative measures for your cat by keeping his teeth and mouth clean.
Listen To Your Veterinarian
If your cat does indeed have kidney disease then you must make the responsible commitment to listen to your veterinarian. He will help monitor the situation and equip you with the knowledge you need to protect your cat’s health from degenerating more then it already has.
The doctor may also hospitalize your pet if the disease has progressed. Your cat may need intravenous fluids as well as a multitude of blood tests for accurate readings of his current state of health.
In order to be as helpful as possible to the situation, it is advised that you keep a daily journal of your cat’s behavior at home, his appetite, and fluctuations in his weight. This extra information can go a long way to help the veterinarian do all that he can do for your cat.
May 1st, 2007 | Iguanas | Comments Off
Congratulations on choosing a new iguana as your new pet. You have decided that it’s time to add an iguana to your family. You have armed yourself with proper knowledge and know-how by reading books about them and talking to iguana owners. You have completed the habitat and is functioning properly and you have the right food properly prepared.
Where do you go now?
Nowadays, your search for a green iguana is not just limited to going to a local pet store. There are many legitimate places for you to go to get your “perfect” pet. Below is a list of sources for green iguanas:
1. Newspaper ads: Looking through the classified ads under the pet section is a great way to find an iguana. This is especially true if you live in a big city where you have a wider selection to choose from. Here you’ll have a chance to meet and talk with the iguana owners and see the iguana before making your purchase.
2. Herp society: Being a member of a herp society gives you the advantage of getting an inexpensive iguana or maybe even a free one. Joining a herp society also gives you the opportunity to interact with other iguana owners, share your experience, and even get tips and suggestions on how to better improve your relationship with your reptile. Check the phone book to find a herp society near you or go online to find a list of herp societies in other cities and states.
3. Humane society: You probably think that only dogs and cats are the only animals that you can find at the animal shelter. However, you’ll be surprised at how many different varieties of animals actually end up there. There is a good chance that your local shelter will have an iguana waiting for a good home. In some cases, the shelter will give you the iguana for free if you can prove that you know how to properly take care of it.
4. Iguana Rescue group: Iguana lovers from all over the country are also taking part to ensure the safety and survival of this species. They have set-up clearing houses for abandoned or injured iguanas. Check your local vet or the herp society to find an Iguana Rescue group near you.
5. Specialized reptile store: The more selection of iguanas for you to choose from, the better your chances are of finding one suitable for you. Some pet stores carry only reptiles and amphibians and will more likely have a wide selection of iguanas. In addition, a store that specializes in reptile is more likely to have a staff that knows a lot more about reptiles and can answer any questions you might have regarding the species.
6. Mail order: Some companies have an exclusive deal with captive-raised or farm-raised iguanas. You may look online or to the national herpetological magazine to obtain more information.