An Amateur photographer, from Essex, has recorded the extraordinary image of a weasel riding on the back of a green woodpecker. The photograph was taken by Martin Le-May, at Hornchurch Country Park in east London. Speaking to BBC News, Mr. Le-May said that he managed to capture the moment while he was walking with his wife, Ann. "I heard a distressed squawking noise, and feared the worst. I soon realized it was a woodpecker with some kind of small mammal on its back." "I think we may have distracted the weasel, and when the woodpecker landed, it managed to escape." He said. Mr. Le-May said he was astounded by the reaction to the picture on social media. The wildlife shot has been re-tweeted several thousand times. "I'm so proud that so many people are getting to see my image. I'm totally taken aback by the response to it." he said. 'Ferocious as a lion' Wildlife expert Lucy Cooke told the BBC News Channel: "This is a truly extraordinary image." "The green woodpecker is a ground-feeding bird, but weasels normally attack rabbits. The woodpecker is not its usual prey." "But weasels are fearless. A female weasel weighs less than a Mars Bar but is as ferocious as a lion, so this is why the woodpecker would have been able to take off with it on its back." he said. Wildlife presenter Steve Backshall agrees that while highly unusual it is not totally unheard of and has "no reason to doubt" the photo. He compared the woodpecker to other animals like leaf cutter ants and rhino beetles, which can carry 850 times their body weight. "The weasel is pretty fascinating as well. It can kill things much bigger than itself, so it's an impressive little creature when you think about its size." he said.
You love your horse, so you no doubt want him to live a long and healthy life. To ensure this, you should become familiar with some of the common ailments that can affect horses. In addition, establish a relationship with a local equine vet as soon as you obtain your horse. Follow her advice on deworming and vaccinations—these will depend on your location because different diseases and parasites are more common in some areas than others. Lastly, observe your horse closely and learn what normal behavior is for him. Abnormal behavior may be your first clue that something is wrong. The sooner you detect a problem, the sooner you can take steps to fix it.
Colic
Colic is actually not one condition; it is a catchall name for several different serious digestive problems that commonly afflict horses. Make no mistake: You must deal with suspected colic immediately, as all forms can be fatal. The condition can be caused by a blockage of the intestines (caused by improper food, foreign objects, or other factors), excessive gas in the intestines (usually caused by a rapid change in diet), or the intestines becoming twisted (causes not well understood). Colic can also be caused by some gastrointestinal parasites.
The most serious type is colic that results from the intestines becoming twisted, which normally requires surgery to correct. Surgery for severe colic is expensive, and not all horses survive. This is why it is imperative to seek care at the first signs of colic.
If your horse exhibits the following signs, he may have colic: inappetence, constipation or infrequent bowel movements, signs of being in pain, repeated flehmen response, teeth clenching, salivation, stretching the legs out from the body (a position called “parking”), pacing, nipping at or looking at his sides, pawing the ground, getting up and down often, and frequent rolling. If your horse exhibits any of these signs, call your equine vet immediately
You can help prevent colic by feeding your horse a proper diet; ensuring that he always has clean water available; not allowing him to ingest dirt, sand, or other inappropriate materials; making any dietary changes gradually; and performing deworming regularly as recommended by your veterinarian.
Heaves
“Heaves” is the commonly used word for the medical condition known as recurrent airway obstruction (RAO). This is a chronic respiratory inflammation frequently caused by an allergic reaction to airborne particles. It bears some resemblance to asthma in humans. RAO is most often seen in horses who are in their stable a lot and exposed to dust and molds from old hay and straw.
The signs of heaves include shortness of breath (especially after exertion), moist coughing (often but not always producing copious phlegm), and wheezing. In severe cases, afflicted horses will struggle to breathe—this is a veterinary emergency! Horses who have heaves for a long time will develop “heave lines”—a prominent bulge of muscle along the ribs.
The best treatment and prevention for heaves is to keep your horse outside as much as possible. Additionally, eliminate sources of mold and dust by throwing out and replacing old hay and bedding, soaking hay in water before feeding, cleaning out his stall frequently, and anything else you can do to reduce your horse’s exposure to airborne particles. Once a horse has heaves, he may need to be medicated for the rest of his life, and his ability to work or perform may be limited.
Laminitis
Laminitis is an inflammation of certain internal structures of the hoof. This painful and serious condition causes lameness; the horse may lie down to try to relieve the pain in his hooves. The affected foot may feel hot to the touch.
There are numerous causes, most relating to some type of whole-body stress (trauma, colic surgery, hormonal disorders, etc.). Another common cause is eating too much grain. Other less common causes are untreated infections, working a horse on very hard ground (e.g., asphalt), reactions to drugs, and reactions to agricultural chemicals—especially herbicides and fertilizers.
If laminitis goes untreated, it may result in the horse becoming lame for life. Seek veterinary attention if you suspect that your horse has laminitis. Treatment may involve cryotherapy (cold packs), anti-inflammatory drugs, and/or orthotic devices.
Other Hoof Problems
Horses spend much of their time on their hooves, so it should come as no surprise that these important and complicated structures can suffer from a host of injuries and other problems. Check your horse’s hooves for sprung or shifted shoes, cracks, strange smells, or any other abnormalities after each time you ride him or he comes in from the pasture. If you find anything that looks like it might be a problem, contact your veterinarian or farrier.
Abscess
An abscess is an infectious pocket within a bodily cavity—in this case, within the hoof. Usually, this occurs after a foreign object, such as a nail or sharp stone, penetrates the hoof. If your horse has a hoof abscess, he will probably hold his leg up and be hesitant to put pressure on that foot due to the pain. Your veterinarian will open and drain the abscess; you will need to follow up with medication, poultices, soaking, or whatever else she prescribes.
Parasites
Horses, like any other animals who spend a lot of time outdoors, are often exposed to parasites. A wide range of parasitic organisms can afflict your horse, including ticks, lice, pinworms, tapeworms, roundworms, and lungworms. It is virtually impossible to remove all parasites from your horse; rather, you should seek to reduce his parasite load as much as possible.
Internal Parasites
Internal parasites (“endoparasites” to veterinarians) include a variety of worms that usually reside in the guts, although some may live in the lungs, liver, or other organs. Most of these parasites can be controlled through regular deworming as recommended by your equine vet. Additionally, reduce your horse’s exposure to possible sources of these pests by removing manure from paddocks and stalls frequently and by rotating and resting your pasture regularly.
External Parasites
External parasites (“exoparasites”) are bugs, worms, and other organisms that attach to your horse’s skin and feed on his blood. Ticks, lice, and pinworms are the most common types. If your horse is constantly rubbing his skin on objects (like he’s scratching an itch) and possibly losing hair, he likely has one of these bloodsuckers. Examine his mane and tail carefully for ticks, comb them out, and give your horse a thorough bath. Make sure that your regular deworming routine provides protection against pinworms. If you suspect lice, consult your veterinarian for proper treatment.
Tying Up
“Tying up” is one of many names for exertional rhabdomyolysis (ER); azoturia and Monday morning disease are some other common names for this syndrome, which can result in severe muscle damage or degeneration. There does not seem to be one definite cause for this problem. A sudden increase in a horse’s workload is always part of the cause, but other factors must exist along with the increased exertion to cause ER. These other factors include overfeeding grains, hard work after a long rest, mineral imbalances, selenium deficiency, vitamin E deficiency, hypothyroidism, wet or cold weather, and genetic predisposition. The signs of tying up are a stiff or stilted gait, soreness in the back or hind limbs, cramping, and reluctance to move. If your horse exhibits these signs, he needs immediate rest, and you must contact your veterinarian as soon as possible for treatment.
The world’s oldest living cat, Tiffany Two, is turning 27 this March.
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, her owner, Sharon Voorhees, named Tiffany Two in tribute to her previous tortoiseshell cat. Born on March 13, 1988 in San Diego, California, Tiffany Two’s many years are the equivalent of 125 human years.
She is in incredible health. Aside from occasional high-blood pressure issues, she is fit. She still has her vision, hearing, and is able to navigate the stairs of her home.
“She’s not afraid of anything or anyone. She walks right past the dogs, she’s very feisty!” Sharon said to Guinness, though she also added Tiffany is also a sweetheart who “loves to be petted.”
So you are thinking about adopting a pet bird. Besides deciding which type of bird to get, there are many other considerations. How much of a commitment is this? Where will the bird live? Who will take care of a bird? What type of cost is involved? Should you get one bird or a pair?
Use this guide for tips on how to adopt a bird and what to expect once it is home.
Picking a Bird
Pet birds are typically sold individually or in pairs. If you buy a single bird, it is more likely to bond with you. When you buy two birds together, they will probably bond with each other, and you could be ignored. For this reason, my daughter adopted a single small parakeet, named Lemon for her solid yellow color. She bonded with the bird and was successful in some training. After a year, though, she purchased a second parakeet, white in color and so named Marshmallow. The two birds adore each other, and though Lemon has less interest in my daughter, she appears to be a happier bird over all.
Once you have decided which type of bird to adopt, visit a pet store and observe the appearance and behavior of the birds. Healthy birds will be active and alert. Examine the bird's feathers to make sure they are vibrant and clean. The eyes should be bright and free of discharge. The beak should be free of discharge as well. Typically, the pet store allows a two week return policy, so if the bird appears sickly or is just not a good fit, you can make the return.
Take some time to see how the birds act. Is the bird quiet and inactive, or noisy and climbing all over the cage? Smaller breeds will be more active in general, but observing the birds for a while may give you a better idea of their disposition.
Where Will You Keep the Bird?
When you purchase a bird, you will need to buy a cage and have somewhere safe to keep it. It will need to be out of direct sunlight and away from any type of draft. If you have other pets, the birdcage needs to be placed in a secure spot where it will not be disturbed by curious cats or dogs.
We like to keep our birds in a central area of the house - between the kitchen and breakfast room. When selecting a spot, remember that birds are noisy, messy and smelly! Though we clean the cage regularly, there always seems to be a bird smell, as well as little feathers and seed all over the place. Every morning, we change the newspaper-lined bottom of the cage and sweep away excess bird debris from the surrounding area with a small dustpan and brush.
Pet Bird Supplies
When you purchase a bird, the pet store staff will help you select the right cage and necessary bird supplies. The cost of a bird can range from $15 for a parakeet to hundreds of dollars for the larger parrots. Some basic supplies you will need are:
cage
food bowls
toys
mite/lice spray or container
vitamins
food
Bird Care
When you adopt a bird, you need to be aware of the time commitment involved, and you need to decide who will care for the bird. Most birds love attention and will not do well if they are ignored. Finches and canaries are exceptions to that rule. They typically will not interact with you and do not like to be handled. These birds will be happy with other birds, so it is advisable to buy them in pairs or multiples.
To care for your pet bird, you will need to:
change food and water daily
keep cage clean
keep cage free of mites (sprays or hanging containers can be used)
give vitamins (can be sprinkled in food or water)
train bird if desired
cover at night
take to an exotic vet if it gets sick
give love and attention
Adding a Second Bird to the Cage
Introducing a New Bird
If you already have a bird and are thinking of adopting a new one, here are some things to consider.
If you plan to keep the birds together, you will probably need a larger cage.
Male + female = baby birds
You may need a second set of food and water bowls, though some birds will share.
You will go through more food.
Another bird means more noise and mess!
When introducing a new bird, it is possible to have a bird that is territorial and will not be so accepting. You should place them in separate cages side by side for a week and then try to introduce the new bird into the big cage. If there seem to be any problems, you can separate them at night until they get used to each other.
Bringing a Pet Bird Home
Once you bring your bird home, don't be surprised if it is very quiet and inactive the first couple of days. It will need a little time to get used to its new surroundings. You may consider covering a portion of the cage to give it a place to hide and feel secure.
Life Span of Pet Birds
One thing to consider when picking a bird is its lifespan. Are you committed for ten years or 75? Smaller birds, like parakeets, may live to be about 10-15 years old, but some types of parrots may outlive you.
This is a list of the Top 5 Companion Bird Species available. Brief descriptions of these popular birds are sure to help potential owners decide which type of pet bird they should buy.
1. Parakeets/Budgies
The common Parakeet, or Budgerigar to be exact, makes a wondeful pet for children or those who are new to keeping birds. These hardy little jewels come in an array of beautiful colors, and require less space and maintenance than larger bird species. They are quite intelligent in spite of their small size, and while most are content to whistle and sing, some have been known to learn a word or two. Average life expectancy is 12 to 14 years.
2. Cockatiels
These medium sized birds are simply a delight to keep. Members of the parrot family, these Australian natives are known for their surprisingly advanced whistling and singing abilities. While Cockatiels are capable of learning to talk, many owners find that their birds prefer to whistle, and tend to mimic quirky, random sounds such as the ringing of a telephone. These birds are available in increasingly diverse color combinations and have an average life expectancy of between 15 and 20 years.
3. Finches and Canaries
Finches and Canaries are other popular types of pet birds. With most varieties measuring 5 inches or less, Finches and Canaries require less space than most other bird species. Unlike parrots, which are hookbills, Finches and Canaries are known as softbills or waxbills. These little birds thrive in small flocks, and generally pay little attention to humans -- making them perfect pets for those who love to watch birds, but would like a pet that requires minimal interaction. A well cared for Finch or Canary can live for up to 10 years.
4. Lovebirds
Lovebirds are one of the smallest known parrot species. These beautiful little birds should not be overlooked in favor of larger, more demanding parrots; any Lovebird owner will tell you that these birds possess all the intelligence and personality of the largest of macaws. These birds are fairly quiet companions, making them ideal for those who live in apartments or condominiums. At around 6 inches long, the Lovebird has a life expectancy of up to 20 years.
5. African Greys
African Greys have been said to be the most intelligent of birds, some boasting vocabularies of up to 2,000 words! Because these birds are so smart, they tend to be demanding pets, and will get bored quickly if not stimulated. If you are looking for a highly intelligent and affectionate friend, however, the African Grey may be right up your alley. Greys typically live 50-70 years.
So, you really want a pet bird. So much in fact, that you've already picked out a name, chosen a location for your pet's cage , and scoured the internet for information on your favorite species . While you might think that you are quite well prepared to dive into the world of bird ownership, there are many aspects of keeping a bird that most owners don't find out about until after they've purchased one -- and most of the time, they wish they had known beforehand.
Read on for some insight into what it really takes to care for a bird on a daily basis. You may be shocked to find that inviting a feathered friend into your life may require a few lifestyle changes on your behalf!
You may need new cookware. Teflon or non-stick cookware can be fatal to parrots and other pet birds. The coating gives off an odorless fume when heated that can kill a bird within minutes. This means that any non-stick cookware you may own will have to go, and you will need to invest in pots and pans made of stainless steel or another safe substance.
Say goodbye to candles and air fresheners. As with the Teflon and other fumes, scented candles, scented oils, and air fresheners can all pose a health hazard when you use them around your pet. Birds have extremely sensitive respiratory systems and are easily overcome by chemicals and fumes.
No smoking in the house. Period. You guessed it -- cigarette smoke is just as bad for your bird as it is for you. (If not worse!) If you do choose to use tobacco products, use them outside away from your bird to keep him safe and healthy. And don't forget to wash your hands before handling your bird if you've recently smoked!
Plan on waking up early. Birds wake up with the Sun each morning, and they are ready to start their days bright and early. They will expect you to do the same. Be prepared to adjust your sleep schedule as needed to accomodate your feathered friend. Your bird will need his breakfast soon after waking, and you'll have to be there to serve it.
Invest in a really good vacuum. Birds are quite messy, to put it lightly. In many cases, you will need to sweep or vacuum daily to keep up with the constant flow of seed hulls and other debris that will accumulate around your pet's cage. Be sure that you are up to this task before bringing a bird into your home.
You may have to get rid of some of your houseplants. Many commonly kept houseplants are toxic to birds and could kill your bird if he injests them. You will need to find new homes for them before you adopt your feathered friend.
You will need to watch what you wear. Birds are naturally attracted to shiny objects, which makes things like jewelry and sequins great targets. You will need to take these off before handling your bird, to protect yourself, your pet, and your items. Also, you should be prepared to lose many buttons to your feathered friend. It's a good idea to have some spares and a small sewing kit on hand.
Owning a bird takes a lot of time. Birds are not domesticated like cats and dogs, so they have to be tamed on an individual basis. If you buy a tame, handfed bird, you can be assured that a lot of time and effort went into shaping his little personality. To maintain the fruits of all that labor, you have to be able to handle and interact with your bird every day. Aside from that, daily cage cleaning also takes up more time than many are willing to spare. You should be absolutely sure that you are able to devote enough time to maintaining a bird before buying one.
You'll have to put up with some noise. Sure, some birds can talk, but all of them can scream, chirp, cackle, screech, tweet, or coo, amongst other things. Your bird will probably make a variety of these noises, and it may not always be at a time when you want to hear them. If you want to own a bird, you'll have to figure out a way to cope.
Don't expect your bird to be a social butterfly. You may well end up with a bird that is completely tame when you deal with him, but refuses to tolerate other people. While there are certain species that are more prone to becoming "one person birds" than others, it can happen to any bird, particularly if only one person cares for and interacts with it. If you are buying a bird for your family, it's imperative that everyone learns as much as they can about the bird, and participates in its care and maintenence. Otherwise, your pet may decide to play favorites, which can lead to sore fingers and hurt feelings.
If you are prepared to deal with all of the issues on this list and more, then a bird may be an ideal pet for you. Remember, the more research that you do before you buy a bird, the better off you and your feathered friend will be. Although it takes effort to keep a bird as a pet, the relationship that you can form together makes it all worthwhile -- just ask anyone with birds of their own, and they'll be more than happy to tell you all about it.
The first transport of March 2015 will transport 9 rescue dogs from South Carolina to the Buddy Dog Humane Society in Massachusetts; also making the trip will be 4 cats that have placements in New England! Please support this transport fundrazr so that 12 animals can find their forever homes! All of these pups were rescued from death row or high risk situations, they now need your help to make the thousand mile journey - the last leg of their rescue story! The excessive snow storms in New England have delayed our transports for the last several weeks, we now have the opportunity to get these guys on the road. We can not rescue new dogs and cats until space becomes available - the only way to create space for a no kill rescue is to get dogs placed! Dog4U, Inc, is a volunteer run no kill 501 c 3 non-profit organization. Our tax Id number is 20-5311280 - your donation is tax deductible! If you would like to make a donation, click here:
About: Dog4U, Inc. Animal Rescue and Sanctuary is a no kill 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization. Our goal is to save as many animals as possible with a no kill policy. We take in dogs, horses and a limited number of cats and farm animals. We provide local adoptions, though we primarily place our dogs through other no kill shelters and rescues in New England, where there are more homes available for them. All donations go directly and exclusively towards the needs of the animals. Dog4U, Inc. runs on a volunteer and family basis. Donations are tax deductible and can be made by going to www.dog4u.org/make-a-donation or by mailing a check to : Dog4U, Inc. P.O. Box 1514, Camden, South Carolina 29020
Last week, our Field Services Officers were honored at Equinox Restaurant. We'd like to give them a HUGE thank you for making DC safer for animals. Our officers are working around the clock to protect animals in the District. If you see an animal in distress, please call 202-576-6664. If you suspect abuse or neglect, call 202-723-5730. For over 100 years, the Washington Humane Society has been on the front lines of animal protection. The WHS Humane Law Enforcement department (HLE) is congressionally authorized and maintains the statutory right under District law to investigate animal abuse and neglect. We take this responsibility very seriously and are available to help animals 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, regardless of weather conditions, time of day or night and regardless of species of animal in trouble, HLE responds. Combating animal cruelty is a job that no one can do alone. We rely on members of the public, people who care about the well-being of animals to help us in this fight. Please visit the WHS HLE pages to learn more about what we do and how you can help. Don’t look away from animal cruelty. Do something. To learn more on the WHS Humane Law Enforcement department (HLE), click here: Fight Cruelty
