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Your Child's First Pet.
This is a great way to sit down with your child and decide what kind of pet you may want to start with. These are pets besides Dogs and Cats. See that section under Helpful Tips"Kids: Never handle or bring home pets without your parents permission. You can look through this page and talk to your parents about what kind of pet you may want to give a forever home to. These pets need love too and would surly love to go home with you.
This is a great website for Kids:
COMPASSIONATE ACTION INSTITUTEThings That Kids Can Do To Help Animals
You may feel that because you are a kid, you are too young to make a difference.This is NOT true!!! There are so many things that you can do to help our animal friends. Some of these are listed below. You can probably think of even more ways to help animals. Tell us your ideas by clicking here and we will add them to our list. You can be an example to all around you by showing them how easy it is to be kind and helpful to animals. Your family, friends and neighbors will learn from watching you and soon the kindness will spread.
Kind Kids Club
Violence has become one of the defining characteristics of our age. Even if it hasn't touched our lives directly, we are confronted with the images and effects of it daily in the news. Growing up humane in a violent world is not easy these days. That's why humane education can play an important role – with programs that aim not only to reinforce positive attitudes and behaviors towards all living things, but also discourage negative ones. Children who grow up with positive attitudes may be more likely to resist negative peer pressure later on. Children need to learn compassion and empathy and also that they can make a difference.
To see all the great things they have for your kids: http://www.pleasebekind.com/aboutus.html
Looking for a Cat Who Gets Along With Kids? Consider These 12 Breeds
There's no doubt that cats and children can become best friends, especially when they share hobbies like hiding in sofa forts, playing chase and napping. If you're searching for a breed that may enjoy the company of a kid, we have some great suggestions for you.
Of course, every cat is an individual. How well a cat will do with small humans depends on his distinct personality and how he has been socialized — and, of course, on how the child treats him. Before adding a cat to your family, make sure your child knows about the right ways to interact with felines.
So which breeds tend to do best with children? Click through the gallery to see 12 good options. See the link below:
How to Take Care of a Hedgehog Edited by Flickety, Travis Derouin, Caidoz, Dvortygirl and 49 others
Hedgehogs make great pets for those who are patient and dedicated. They will need a lot of long-term attention and quite bit of space. They are intelligent, friendly and enjoyable company for a dedicated owner. Here are some basic tips for looking after your hedgehog.
Finding a good breeder. Finding a great breeder to purchase your hedgehog from is paramount. If you don't, you could end up with a grumpy hedgehog that may die young. Avoid any breeder who posts on Craigslist; do not buy them from pet stores; be sure the breeder has quality, pedigree stock with no WHS or Cancer in their lineage; see that the breeder is USDA licensed or is a part of breeders groups; ask to see their set-up and meet their hedgehogs. Don't forget to check for illness.
- Bringing the hedgehog home appropriately. Before purchase, make sure you have everything you need set up and ready to go. Allow the hedgehog at least a month to become familiar with you, the new scents, and the new surroundings. They've experience a huge change in their life!
- Provide a good house. Hedgehogs need a large cage to be comfortable in. The house should: Be large. The cage should be a minimum of 18" x 24" with a solid floor. Houses should not have more than one level as hedgehogs have poor eyesight and their legs are all too easy to break. Wire cages that they can climb can also be dangerous if you have a climber! Include space for food bowls, toys and litter tray when considering buying or making a cage.
- Be well-ventilated. Air flow should be available all the time. The only time you should impede airflow is if the room rapidly drops in temperature (for example, during a power outage) and you need to wrap the cage with a blanket.
- Be well secured. Hedgehogs are master escape artists and love to climb. Ensure that the cage is secure or if it doesn't have a top, that the hedgehog can't climb out.
- Include a hiding spot. As a primarily nocturnal prey animal in the wild, hedgehogs need a safety zone for "time-out" from prying eyes, light, and general activity. An igloo or sleeping pouch will do well.
- Ensure a suitable temperature. Hedgehogs need a slightly warmer room temperature than most people keep their homes at, around 72ºF (22.2ºC) to 80ºF (26.6ºC). Anything cooler and the hedgehog will likely attempt "hibernation" which can be LETHAL, much hotter and heat stress occurs. Adjust the temperature if you see them spread out in the cage as if they're hot. If they're lethargic, or the body temperature is cooler than normal warm them up immediately by putting them under your shirt and using your body heat to warm them.
- Select good bedding material. Hedgehogs like wood shavings (but see "Warnings" below), or fleece liners as their bedding. The best type of wood shavings are aspen shavings. Carefresh is a choice but tends to get stuck in between their quills. Shredded newspaper can also be used but be wary of the dust content of any bedding.
- Be attentive to the needs and behaviours of the hedgehog. Low level of noise. Don't house the hedgehog under your stereo player or near a boombox. As a prey animal in the wild that depends largely on their sense of hearing, too much noise and activity around your hedgehog will be very distressing. Ensure that noise, lighting and activity levels are low in its vicinity and move the cage if the noise levels increase for any reason.Hedgehogs can get used to noise if introduced properly.
- Ability to exercise. Hedgehogs tend towards putting on weight, so exercise is a must for them. This means plenty of toys, and a hedgehog wheel is a must. Wheels should only have a solid floor - mesh or bar wheels tend to make them get stuck, ripping off toenails and even breaking legs. Toys should be something they can chew, push, nuzzle and even tip over but not to chew pieces off or swallow. Be sure their nails or feet can't get caught in any loose strings or small holes.
- Closely watch their behaviour and food/water intake. Hedgehogs are notoriously bad at hiding ailments, so it is extremely necessary to be be aware of your hedgehog.
- Feed your hedgehog properly. Hedgehogs are primarily insectivores, but will also taste for other things like fruits, veggies, eggs, and meat. They tend towards plumpness, so care must be taken with the diet to prevent a hedgehog putting on too much weight. An overweight hedgehog cannot roll up and may have rolls of fat hanging down which will impede its walking ability. Consider feeding: Quality diet is the main concern. A hedgehogs exact nutritional needs are somewhat mysterious.They are fed high quality cat kibble. Avoid hedgehog foods as they tend to have a lot of poor quality ingredients that can even be lethal to hogs.The kibble you choose should be below 15% fat, around 32-35% in protein, and should be organic, holistic, or of similar variety - avoid kibble that has by-products and corn and similar things listed. Most owners free feed their hedgehogs, giving just enough food for there to be some leftover. Feed a variety of treats to avoid nutritional deficiencies associated with a single food type - things such as fruits, veggies, cooked/unseasoned chicken, and scrambled or hard boiled & chopped egg. Mealworms or silk worms, or rarely crickets and wax worms are also an important treat to the hedgehog's diet which can be fed 1-4 times a week.
- Never feed: Nuts/seeds, Dried fruits, Raw Meat, hard uncooked vegetables, Sticky/stringy/hard foods, Avocado, Grapes or Raisins, Hedgehog food, Milk, Wild caught insects, Alcohol, Bread, Celery, Onion and onion powder, Raw carrots, Tomatoes, Human junk food (chips, candy, anything really sugary, salty, etc.), anything very acidic or Honey.
- Provide a food bowl that is wide enough for the hedgehog to access and heavy enough so that the hedgehog cannot tip it over (and start playing with it).
- Provide a water bottle with a drinking tube or a water bowl.
- Look out for your hedgehog's proper hygiene. Provide a litter tray with no more than half an inch lip to provide easy access and prevent broken legs. Be sure that you use ONLY non-clumping kitty litter, if you decide to use litter, or you can use a paper towel. Make sure it is large enough for the hedgehog and clean it every day. Keep an eye for any irregular bowel movements which could indicate distress or illness. Most owners keep the litter tray under the wheel since that is where hedgehogs do most of their business.
- Clean the hedgehog's home regularly. Clean the dishes and water bottle/bowl daily with hot water. Clean the wheel and spot clean daily and change bedding weekly or as needed.
- Grooming. Bathing should occur on an as needed basis. Be sure to check your hedgehog's nails regularly. If they get too long they can get ripped off while running on their wheel.
- Be prepared for "quilling". Quilling is the hedgehog equivalent of us losing baby teeth. This begins to happen at 6 to 8 weeks of age and can happen through out their first year of life as the baby quills make way for adult quills. This is a normal process and not something to worry about unless there are signs of illness or discomfort present, or the quills are failing to grow back. Your hedgehog may be irritable during this process and less amenable to being held. You can try an oatmeal bath to ease their discomfort. It is only a phase.
- Make time for play. As well as handling your hedgehog, don't be afraid to join in with play. Your hedgehog will accept your involvement in play if you join in regularly.
- Read more: http://www.wikihow.com/Take-Care-of-a-Hedgehog
Cute Hamster, which belongs to rodent family, is one of the most popular and tiny-winy pets around the world. Hamsters are cute, clean and easy to take care of, which makes them favorite pet for people of all ages. Hamsters can be real entertainment for his/her keeper if proper care of his mood and diet is taken. The only sad thing about hamsters is that they live only up to 1000-1100 days (about 1-3.5 years), which can be a real heartbreaking thing for children. But few people think it as an opportunity for children to understand and learn the responsibilities and other important things in life.
Types of Hamsters
- Syrian Hamsters: This type of hamsters are also called black bear hamster, golden hamster, teddy bear hamster, fancy hamster etc. Syrian hamsters are generally golden brown colored with dark colored markings on parts like jaws, cheeks etc. of their body. Syrian hamsters are the largest in all the type of hamsters and are very easy to tame and take care of, which make them most commonly accepted hamster as a pet. They grow about 6-8 inches in length, and their lifespan is around 2 to 3 years. Syrian hamsters are strongly territorial animals and cannot tolerate presence of other hamsters in their territory, which makes it very important to keep them alone in a cage/home. Syrian hamsters are mainly nocturnal and are quite active from the early hours in evening and night.
- Dwarf Hamsters: They are also called Campbell's Russian Hamsters, Winter White Russian Hamsters, Roborovski Hamsters. Dwarf Campbell's Russian Hamsters are the most common type of hamsters people like to keep as pet. They grow about 4-5 inches in length and have almost same lifespan as other type of hamsters. Dwarf hamsters prove to be good mates for hamsters of the same species rather than of other species (given they are introduced to each other from young age).
- Chinese Hamsters: These type of hamsters are often misinterpreted to be Dwarf Hamsters as they exhibit similar physical characteristics as of Dwarf Hamsters but they are actually different. They grow same in length as Dwarf Hamsters, and have lifespan of about 2.5 to 3 years. Chinese Hamsters are also nocturnal but are not as lazy as Syrian hamsters during day time. Female Chinese hamsters generally are not comfortable with the other hamsters and so should be kept alone or with the hamster they get along easily.
Consider what will happen if you are confined in a very small place with no room for you to at least walk through it? You will surely get frustrated and would wish to get out of the place as soon as possible. Same is true with hamsters. The first and the most important thing to take into consideration is that house for hamster should be as large as possible, with a proper, dry and hygienic bedding. It is found that if hamster is not allowed to exercise (play around and run throughout the home), there is a high risk of his/her getting paralyzed, so you should consider buying/building a home for hamster that is enough to allow it run through, it should have a running wheel (hamsters really love it and cover up to few miles of running using it everyday).
All about Hamsters:
Gold Fish
Caring for goldfish is important if you want to prolong the life of your pet. After all, who would want to look into an aquarium with a fish floating upside down? In order to enjoy viewing the goldfishes in your aquarium longer, the general rule is to have a regular maintenance. This means that you have to watch out for all the elements in it such as the water, temperature, tank, filter, gravel, weeds and decorations.
Keeping a tank clean is important when caring for goldfish and includes making sure that each side is free from any unwanted dirt as it may become the breeding ground for parasites and bacteria. The same thing goes for all the non-living things inside the tank. Make sure that they're always cleaned and maintained. The size of the tank is also a consideration. Remember that the number of your goldfish must be proportionate to the size of the tank. Otherwise, the tank may get too crowded and the survival of your fishes will be lessened. Water is another important element to watch out for. Keeping it clean and at correct temperatures will ensure good health. Changing the water and keeping a filter inside will help in the clean up. As for temperature, installing a thermometer will make the monitoring easier.
Food is an essential part of caring for goldfish. Choosing the right food for your goldfish may be tricky. It is important to check first what specific type of goldfish you have before feeding it. Some goldfish eat flakes while others eat brine shrimp. You also have to remove the uneaten food to prevent build up of dirt.
All About Goldfish:
I was surprised to learn recently that ferrets are considered domestic animals. I mean, I knew that people kept them as pets, but I didn't realize that ferrets (unlike their cousins: otters, weasels, badgers and skunk) are not considered wild animals since they have lost all of their wild instincts as well as the ability to survive in the wild. In fact, if one gets loose, it will not survive for more than a few days on its own. I also have always thought of ferrets as "exotic"–wrong again. While many pet stores classify ferrets as exotics, the definition of an exotic pet is a pet whose species can be found in the wild. Because there are no wild colonies of ferrets, to call ferrets exotic is incorrect. Ferrets are "companion animals" just as cats and dogs are. Ferrets can make great pets and are super loving, but just like with any type of pet, they are not for everyone.
Ferrets are quiet and affectionate like cats, but playful and interactive like dogs. Their size makes them a good option for people with small homes or apartments. And since they are hypoallergenic, they can also be a good option for those with pet allergies.
Much of the ferret's charm comes from their curious, mischievous nature; but they can injure themselves if their surroundings haven't been ferret-proofed. Somewhat surprisingly, ferrets generally get along with cats and dogs–cats and ferrets can actually become frolicsome playmates! (Although terrier dog breeds might be a problem since they were developed to hunt rabbits, rats and foxes–you can see the potential problem there.)
Ferrets are so undeniably cute, but is it the right pet for you? I found these 10 questions to determine one's ferret-ability at Rocky's
Ferret Rescue:
1. Have you done your research; spoken and visited with ferret owners or local shelter?
2. Have you read about the housing, nutritional, exercise and medical needs of the ferret?
3. Are you ready to make a long-term commitment to the love and care of your ferret, knowing that a ferret has a potential life-span of 15 years?
4. Are you prepared to feed your ferret quality ferret food?
5. Are you prepared to visit the vet once a year for vaccinations and check-up?
6. If you rent, are you allowed to have a ferret?
7. Are their other animals in your house that could threaten or be threatened by a ferret? These could be terrier breeds and large and/or aggressive dogs.
8. Are there existing pets that could be harmed by a ferret? These could be rabbits, kittens, snakes and amphibians.
8. Can you spend one to three hours a day nurturing and supervising the exercise and playtime of your ferret?
9. Are there children under 5 years old in your home or are you planning a family?
10. Can you ferret-proof your house?
If you answered yes to all 10, maybe you're ready to provide a loving home for an abandoned ferret. Rather than support a pet store, use this directory to find a local ferret shelter and adopt a ferret.
Read More on Ferrets:
Ferret Communities:
You'd think that "Adopt A Rescued Rabbit Month" would be in the spring when people have bunnies on the brain–like in April. But no, July is the month that holds the honor. Why? Because it takes a few months for all of the people who bought those cute baby bunnies for Easter gifts to abandon them at the shelter once the bunny has turned into a full-grown rabbit. By July, the kids have grown tired of them, the parents realize the responsibility involved, and thousands of rabbits are being dropped off at shelters across the country.
"Adopt A Rescued Rabbit Month" was originated by the House Rabbit Society (HRS), an international nonprofit animal rescue and education group, in partnership with the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). The goal has two aims: To educate the public about having rabbits for companion pets, and to help rescue and "re-home" domestic rabbits.
Rabbits can make fantastic companion pets, as long as you know what you're in for. They get along with cats and dogs, are smart and affectionate and can learn to use a litter box. They even come when called. However, they have their caveats. According to the ASPCA, you should be aware of these facts when considering a rabbit as a pet:
• Rabbits cannot live outdoors! Although they've traditionally been kept in backyard hutches, these days we know better. Outside, rabbits can die of fright at the approach of a predator, and will be susceptible to diseases spread by ticks and other parasites.
• In most cases, rabbits and very young kids are not a great match. No doubt, many children love bunnies–but they'll want to show their love by hugging and picking them up. Rabbits naturally feel insecure when picked up off the ground, and will do anything in their power (or in their powerful legs) to get down. An accidental fall can result in a broken bone. Better to wait until the kids are older.
• Rabbits need to dig and chew, they can be pretty destructive, so you will need to make sure to give them plenty of opportunity to do that, as well as rabbit-proofing your house.
How to Care for your Rabbit:
Here is a website that is all about Rabbits or you can donate to help rabbits.
Guinea Pigs
One of the most popular pocket-sized pets–especially with small children–is the guinea pig, or cavy. These pets are relatively easy to care for and are very small. They generally live to be between five and eight years old. Guinea Pigs are mammals which belong to the rodent family having large incisor teeth that are continually growing necessitating gnawing to prevent the teeth from overgrowing. The word 'rodent' is derived from the latin word 'rodere' which means 'to gnaw'.
Guinea Pigs form the Family Caviidae which is broken down into different Genera and then Species. There are 8 species of guinea pigs but only one is widely kept as a pet. Guinea Pigs have a compact body and no tail and are native to South America where they live in burrows in mountain and grassland areas.
Find out the basics on guinea pig care, here:
1. Diet. Guinea pigs should eat a balanced diet of hay, pellets, and fresh fruits and vegetables. The latter are especially important because guinea pigs cannot manufacture their own vitamin C. Pellets contain vitamin C, but most experts believe it is important to supplement them. Other C sources include red and green bell peppers, broccoli, kale, cabbage, spinach, chicory, and leaf lettuces.
2. Feeding bowls. Ceramic dishes are best for feeding, as is true for most animals. Do not feed in plastic, because this can precipitate various conditions.
3. Symptoms to watch for. These might warrant immediate attention by a veterinarian: decreased appetite, weight loss or gain, discharge from eyes or nose, diarrhea, limping, lethargy, hair loss, and lumps or bumps.
All about Guinea Pigs:
So You're Thinking about Getting a Bird?
Welcoming a pet bird into your home means a world of cheerful song and brilliant plumage—but remember, potential parents, adding a feathered friend to your family is not to be taken lightly. Birds are not easy starter pets—in fact, they require specialized housing and diets, and their veterinary care can be quite costly.
The ASPCA recommends Canaries, Finches, Cockatiels, and Lovebirds as good choices for first-time bird guardians—but please do not buy him or her from a pet store! Like other exotic pets, millions of birds are taken from their native homes each year to be sold in pet stores. If adoption is not an option, be sure to seek out a reputable bird breeder.
To help get you on the happy road to bird parenthood, our experts have created a list of the top 10 things you should know before getting a bird. Here's a sneak peek at their advice:
- Birds are social butterflies. Birds can be every bit as loving and affectionate as dogs or cats. In fact, they should be taken out of their cages and handled every day for at least an hour. Daily exercise and ample out-of-cage time are the keys to a happy, well-adjusted bird.
- Birds can be noisy. Birds sing and chirp, but they also squawk and screech. Not all vocalizations are soothing and pleasant; some can be downright ear-splitting. Take this into consideration, especially if you live in an apartment building.
- Birds are naturally clean. Like cats, birds are self-cleaners, and they preen their feathers daily. No smelly shampoos or flea baths for this feathered pal, keep up your bird's good looks with a simple nail trim.
- Birds are sensitive to their environment. It is important to place your pet's cage in a warm, bright area, close to where the action is but away from drafts and direct sunlight. Avoid kitchens at all costs—birds are extremely sensitive to fumes from self-cleaning ovens and Teflon-coated cookware.
To read our complete list of top 10 bird tips, visit ASPCA.org.
Pot Belly And Mini Pigs
Although some people would never consider sharing their home with a pig, there are many people who are charmed by intelligence and the personality of their pet pigs. There is no doubt that given the proper expectations as well as care and training, a pot bellied pig can make an interesting and much-loved addition to the home. However, many people find that pigs are demanding pets and are overwhelmed by their needs - as shown by the abundance of shelters overflowing with pigs (one such shelter, PIGS, a Sanctuary houses more than 200 abandoned pigs at times) Before discussing the negative aspects of pigs, it must be noted that pigs have several desirable qualities. They are intelligent, readily trained, affectionate, curious, playful, clean, generally quiet, odor free, and usually non-allergenic. Many owners consider their pigs an integral part of the family and involve them in all their activities. However, there are a few things potential owners should know. PIGS neatly summarizes the pros and cons of pet pig ownership. Pigs are complex creatures and require an owner who understands their needs.
Pigs are very intelligent. This is usually a positive trait, and in fact pot bellied pigs are quite trainable, much the same as a dog (i.e. can be house trained, leash trained, and will learn a few tricks). However, their intelligence can make them a bit of a handful, too. They are curious and playful, but also head-strong and sensitive. Without appropriate stimulation, they will become easily bored, and possibly destructive.
Pigs are also unrelenting in their quest for food - and can learn to open the fridge, cupboards, pantry - wherever food may be lurking. They can become demanding, begging for food, and even getting aggressive with kids that have food. Pigs also "root," or dig/explore with their snouts - and in doing so may overturn items in the house, including wastebaskets, and can disrupt the landscaping. This is instinctual, so an area of soft dirt should be provided in the yard so they can fulfill their need to root.
Another problem some have encountered with their pigs is aggression. Pigs can be territorial and have a drive to be dominant ("top pig"). Unless shown that the humans in the household are number one, pigs can exhibit a form of aggression known as dominance aggression (also seen in dogs). Pigs need to be taught to respect their owners, but setting rules and boundaries, teaching the word "no" and using gentle but firm discipline. Pigs respond well to positive reinforcement (e.g. using praise and treats when the pig is doing something desirable), and do not do well at all with physical punishment. From day one, the owner should be setting the rules and enforcing them. Consistent rules, praise for good behavior, and correction/redirection with lots of repetition and patience will help produce a well mannered pig with a good relationship with its family.
On a more basic level, a pig will live an average of 12 -18 years, estimates range up to more than 20 years. Although often called miniature pot bellied pigs, the term miniature is relative - they are smaller than most pigs kept for food production, but they still usually weigh 125 pounds or more when fully grown. Responsibility for their care is not to be taken lightly, with respect to time or finances. Pigs should be obtained form conscientious, reputable breeders, and will need a good quality pig food, regular vaccinations, hoof and tusk trims, and will also need to be spayed or neutered. Regular access to the outdoors for exercise is a necessity as well. Pigs are social animals so needs lots of attention and interaction, and if feasible, owners should consider keeping more than one pig. Of course, as with any other exotic pet - an owner needs to check local regulations to make sure pot bellied pig ownership is permissible. For people with appropriate expectations, a pot bellied pig will make a rewarding, entertaining, much-loved pet.
More on Pot Bellied Pigs (on this site)
- Baby Pot Bellied Pigs - covers handling and bonding with a baby pig.
- Feeding Pot Bellied Pigs - providing a balanced and nutritious diet is very important in preventing problems associated with obesity in pet pigs.
- Pet Pig Photo Gallery
Betta Fish
Betta Fish
Second to only goldfish as the most popular breed of pet fish, betta fish are known for their beautiful coloring and the aggressive nature of males of the species. Betta fish are easy to care for,...
Fish Bowl
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What Is the Life Expectancy of a Male Betta?
The lifespan for the average male betta fish is around three years. The oldest a betta fish will live is five years. Although reaching the five year mark is rare , there are different steps you...
How to Care for Male Betta Fish
Male Betta fish, often referred to as Siamese Fighting Fish because of their extreme aggressiveness toward one another, come in many varieties such as Ribbon Tail, Crown Tail, King Crown Tail,...
How to Set Up a Betta Fish Tank
Betta fish are beautiful and interesting to watch. They are also great for beginners, due to their robust nature and minimal care requirements. Setting up a betta fish tank is easy, but requires...
How to Set up a Betta Tank
Betta fish are colorful and lively additions to any home. They are unique in that they can breathe air from the surface of water. When setting up a tank for a betta, you can go as fancy as you...
How to Make a Betta Fish Tank
Betta fish are popular pets and it is easy to care for them. They are curious tropical fish that need to stay amused or they get bored and depressed. They also need to have the right temperature...
How to Introduce a Betta to a Tank
Bettas are popular fish for beginners and experts alike; they're very colorful, extremely hardy, and almost always readily available. These fish, often referred to as Siamese fighting fish because...
Recommended Aquarium Tank Size for Betta Fish
All bettas have a labyrinth organ, a lunglike adaptation that enables the fish to breathe air. Because of this, Siamese fighting fish can survive in unusually small, polluted tanks. While the...
How to Change the Water In a Fish Bowl
If you have a beta fish you will need to change the water in the fish bowl quite often. With these steps you can change the water in the fish bowl without having those pesky rocks get into your...
How to Choose a Betta Tank
The MOST IMPORTANT THING: DO NOT KEEP YOUR BETTA IN A VASE WITH A PLANT. There, now to find the perfect tank, follow these simple steps.
How to Care For A Betta Fish
Wondering how to care for your Betta fish aka Siamese fighting fish? Betta fish are make great pets for their ability to survive in less than optimal conditions. However, without the proper care,...
- To read more: http://www.ehow.com/articles_4876-betta-fish.html
Domestic Rats
Loving, caring and curious, rats make excellent pets! They are different from their wild ancestors in behavior and actions. Pet rats have long been selectively bred for looks, color, and temperament. They are sensitive, playful pets that will surprise you with their intelligence.
As with choosing any pet, before spending any money, time or heartache, you should ask yourself several questions before buying a pet rat. Rats are clean, intelligent, social animals, and can provide hours of entertainment and fun - but are you ready and able to make a 2-3 year, 365 day commitment to your pets? When work or school calls, when the kids are sick, when the car breaks down, will you still have time to let your stress go and play with your rodent friends? And while most rats will never need a serious visit to the vet, are you willing/able to invest chunks of money if yours happens to need this kind of care? So, before you go to the pet store or rat breeder's, here are some questions to think about.
- Are you willing to get more than one? As much as you love and play with your rat, you can't devote all your waking hours to him or her. And as ratty as you might like to get, you just can't squeeze into a nest box with your rat and you just can't groom as well as a ratty friend - your rat needs the company of others of his or her own kind.
- Do you have time to play? At least an hour a day, but preferably more. This doesn't include cage cleaning time, but time that you are socially interacting with your rats. You don't need a lot of space to play on - a lazy-boy chair covered in an old sheet with a favorite human sitting in it is a good ratty playground. Especially if there's towel for burrowing under. A bathroom with the toilet lid down and harmful chemicals put away can also be a good place to play with a watchful human. The important thing, is that you do it - play. Every day. When you feel blue, when you're too busy, regardless.
- Do you have time to clean? Daily 1 minute poop scooping aside, your rats' cage will need a good cleaning at least once a week. If you have more than two, it may need a good cleaning more often than that. A periodic cage bleaching is probably a good idea, too.
- Do you have time and resources to cope with sick rats? Most rats are healthy and robust and require very little medical intervention - but can you afford a vet if you need one? Can you wake up every hour to check on a sick rat like you check on a sick child? Can you take time off of work, school if you need to?
- Do you have what it takes to have your old and ailing rat euthanized ? It happens; rats get old - after only 2 or 3 brief years. Many just pass away of natural causes and just don't wake up one day. But some are in obvious pain and can no-longer enjoy playing or eating. Can you make the tough decisions?
- Can you provide a large, safe living environment? 2 or more cubic feet of cage per rat minimum comes out to 4 cubic feet minimum for a pair. That's a cage at least 2 foot wide by 2 foot deep by 1 foot tall. Bigger, of course, is better, and allows more room for play and more space for periodic cage redecoration. Taller cages add space for climbing.
- Read More About Rats as Pets:
- http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Fields/3513/rats2.htm
Aquarium Fish
It has been shown that children who keep pets have increased emotional development and learn valuable lessons of responsibility and empathy. Tropical fish make ideal pets for children, as they combine the fun and collectible aspects of an affordable hobby with the experience of caring for living things.
The Fun of a New Aquarium
The set up process for a new aquarium is an exciting family project. By starting the process from scratch, children gain an insight into every aspect of building a fish habitat. This joy of learning and building is further enhanced when the child shares in the decision making process, selecting aquarium elements and aquascaping the new environment.
Your Child's Aquarium Is a Teacher
The best lessons teach through fun. The set up and maintenance of a fish tank teaches children about the totality of our environment, and the many factors of the life-cycle that are interconnected. By entrusting your child with her own miniature world to care for, she learns lessons of responsibility and discipline by meeting the regular needs of her pets. The self-confidence that comes from your child's new found expertise and responsibility will carry over into the other aspects of your child's life.
Selecting Your Child's First Aquarium
The child's first aquarium should be primarily designed to be easy to maintain. Selecting an 'all-in-one' package that meets the basic needs of filtration, light, heat, and aeration is a good option to start with. While the temptation to get a very small tank for your child seems intuitive, keep in mind that larger tanks are easier to maintain and keep clean, and offer room for more fish. Above all make sure your child understands each and every aspect of the home aquarium environment, and that your child's choices are part of the buying process.
If you'd like to read more:
Hermit Crabs
Hermit Crabs make great low maintenance pets! They are also very entertaining animals; they can climb, dig, hold on to your shirt with their claws as you walk. All you need to keep a crab is a crabarium (old fish tank), some gravel, extra shells in different sizes, and water and food dishes (make sure the dishes are shallow enough for the crab to easily climb out of) and you are all ready for your crabs!
Care of the tree crab includes daily feeding and watering. A commercial food from a pet store is sufficient, however you may supplement the diet with fresh fruits and veggies, but you should make sure not to leave un-eaten fruits or veggies in the tank for more than 24 hours. In addition to drinking water, hermit crabs also need to be sprinkled daily with luke warm water to keep them from drying out. Mist from a spray bottle filled with lukewarm water works well. Keep the tank temperature between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. About once a month you should remove all the gravel from the crabarium, rinse it well without soap and let dry before returning it back to the crabarium; this will remove non eaten food, and waste.
Hermit Crabs need to change homes when they grow, so you will need to provide your crab with extra shells that are 1/3 bigger than it's current shell, because your crab will grow. Hermit Crabs have a hard exoskeleton that does not grow as the crab grows. The crab will shed its exoskeleton and grow a small amount very quickly, until the new exoskeleton hardens; this is called molting. This kewl way of growing allows the hermit crab to replace lost eyes, or appendages!
There is no way to tell when your hermit crab is about to start molting. You may notice that your crab will become inactive, or may bury himself for up to 2 weeks. Many hermit crab owners may fear that their crabs have died. But if you look carefully you will see a pink undergrowth. In 10 days or so your crab will be fine. It is especially important to keep misting your crabs during the molting period. Small crabs may molt every month or so, but larger crabs only molt 1 time every 18 months.
Taming your crab is pretty easy...hold your hand open and let it crawl; the more they are played with, the better. Hermit Crabs cannot pinch you if you pick them up by the back part of the shell. If you do happen to get pinched by a crab and he doesn't let go, run quickly to a lukewarm tap water faucet and run a small amount of water over him, he will let go.
For specific care information, see Housing Hermit Crabs and Feeding Hermit Crabs, both on this site.
Hermit Crab Pet Communities:http://hermit-crabs.com/
Keeping Budgies As Pets
Budgies: Colorful, attractive, sociable birds that are easy to keep and look after. They originate from Australia and can live up to 15 years - so choosing one as a pet is a long-term commitment. They can be kept alone but prefer the company of their own species. If kept indoors they will need regular daily exercise outside their cage and are at their most active during the daytime, sleeping once it gets dark.
Budgies can be housed indoors in a large wire cage with a plastic base or outdoors in a purpose-built aviary. The cage should have some horizontal bars on it to allow climbing – this means many round cages are unsuitable. Bars should be no wider than 12mm apart to prevent escape. Kept outdoors, your aviary should allow room for the birds to fly around properly. Budgies kept indoors will need to be let out of their cage daily to exercise – make sure you keep all doors and windows closed when you do this. Covering the cage with a cloth at night will encourage your Budgie to settle down for sleep. You should provide a bath for your bird, either fixed to the outside of the cage or a shallow bowl placed inside the cage – although some birds may prefer to be sprayed with tepid water instead. The cage should also contain plenty of toys to keep your Budgie amused, particularly if it is kept on its own.
Types of Budgie
Budgies come in a vast array of colours and markings including pied, spangled, opaline, blue, green, grey, yellow faces, lutino and albino.
Budgies in the wild eat a wide range of seeds, grains, and vegetation. A good-quality Budgerigar / Parakeet mix makes a good basic diet although supplements may also be required such as cuttlefish which acts as a vitamin supplement, environmental enrichment, and also helps grind the beak down. Small pieces of fresh fruit and vegetables may also be given as treats and fresh drinking water should always be available. Certain foods can be harmful to your Budgie - avoid giving your pet lettuce, avocado, lemon, potato, or any sweets or drinks designed for human consumption.
Looking after your Budgies
Exercise & Entertainment:
Budgies are intelligent and inquisitive birds that enjoy playing and climbing. Toys are essential to stimulate them mentally and physically – especially important for birds kept on their own. Budgies can also be taught to mimic sounds and talk. If they hear the same words repeatedly from the same person they may pick them up and begin mimicking the words or phrases. A solitary bird will need more attention and affection than a pair or group and should be handled every day.
Like many other reptiles and amphibians, turtles are fascinating to children. However, many people buy turtles based on their "novelty factor", never taking into account the animal's special needs. When you purchase a cat or a dog, there are always several costly procedures that must be taken to ensure their good health and longevity; shots, operations etc., not to mention crates, toys, dog houses, and grooming products. Turtles aren't as complicated to care for, but many die in captivity because they aren't treated with the same degree of care and attention their fur-bearing counterparts. If they are properly cared for, turtles can live for many decades, but this requires you pay close attention to their diets, living arrangements, and treatment. Making sure a turtle has enough room to live in, making sure it has enough light, shade, and moisture, clean water, and a basking lamp are just a few of the steps you need to undertake to keep your pet turtles healthy. In some cases, people choose to try and recreate a turtle's natural habitat as authentically as possible, and this sometimes mean setting up a turtle pen outside. Doing so means your turtle will hibernate in the fall, which is great if you plan to breed turtles, since their natural cycles aren't being tampered with. Also, turtles which do not hibernate have been known to develop liver diseases. If you have small children, it would be best to make sure they do not disturb turtles attempting to hibernate by digging them out. This also means you won't be seeing your turtle until late spring, when it comes out of hibernation.
As far as water is concerned, avoid using tap water for your turtle tank, as chlorine and fluoride are present in tap water, and can disturb the ph balance. Use natural spring water for your turtle's drinking water, and de-chlorinated water for the swimming area. You can remove the chlorine from water by letting it sit for 24 hours before putting it in the tank. Some people ague that using chlorinated water helps prevent deadly bacteria from forming, but we'll let you decide. Also steer clear of using tree bark or wood chips in the turtle's dwelling. These are fine for rodents, but can cause problems with turtles who may ingest them. Furthermore, these will get contaminated very fast, and favor the growth of mold and fungus. It would also be a good idea to try and reproduce natural lighting conditions in the turtle's tank. Try and place the tank in a room where the lighting does not change too often. Turtles generally require 12 hours of sunlight, and using a proper UV lamp will help the turtle get the amount of vitamin D3 it requires to stay healthy. This is why turtles bask in the sun out in the wild.
Your turtle should also have a simple shelter to retreat too when it gets tired of being out in the open. This can easily be made out of wood, or carefully selected stones. If you want to add vegetation to your turtle's tank, make sure these plants are non-poisonous to the turtles, since there is a strong chance they will try to eat them.
Keep your turtle out of the way so that small children, or other house pets cannot get to it. Remember to stay attentive to your turtle's behavior, and take care of it as you would take care of any other pet. A turtle is not a novelty item, it is a living being, and it is also intelligent enough to know who its friends and enemies are. A happy turtle can provide years of enjoyment for your whole family, and is a great way to help teach younger children about responsibilities.
If you'd like to read more:
Ant Farms
How About an Ant Farm?
What is an ant farm?
Ants love to make tunnels underground. You need to have a glass or clear plastic container so you can see inside. Some people use a glass or plastic jar, fishbowl or small aquarium. You need to put peat moss or sand in the container. If you plan to have dark ants, use light-colored sand. Use peat moss if you have light-colored ants. Dampen the sand or peat moss with water; otherwise, the tunnels will collapse if it's too dry. As soon as you put the ants in the container, they will get busy and start digging. You should also put some small twigs and stones on top of the sand so they have something to explore. There are some little decorations you can get at pet stores. To prevent the ants from escaping, you can use a screen that has small mesh as a lid. Some people use a cloth that is tightly stretched across the top of the container, or you can poke very tiny air holes in a metal lid. Be sure the ants cannot get through the holes! I've also heard that if you put Vaseline along the top edges of the container, the ants will not crawl over it.
If you don't want to make your own ant farm, you can buy a ready-made one at a toy store or pet store. There are lots of different styles to choose from. Some look like space ships or cities. Whatever you use for an ant farm, do not move it once the ants are settled in. If you move it, their tunnels will cave in.
What do ants like to eat?
of all, ants need water. The easiest way to give them water is to put a
cotton ball dampened with water in the farm about every 2 days. Some
people fill a test tube with water and plug the end with a cotton ball. Ants
like to eat little pieces of fruit and vegetables or a mixture of honey
& water, bread crumbs, or bread dipped in water & sugar or
bread dipped in honey. Do not feed them too much or use big pieces. The
ants carry the food down their tunnels to a storage space.
If you'd like to read more:
Another good kids website for Ant Farms: www.discoverthis.com/
Important! Frogs can make lovely pets, but frogs in the wild are facing population declines and extinction largely as a result of human activities. Unfortunately, the pet trade is likely contributing to the amphibian extinction crisis and the spread of an devastating infection by Chytrid fungus. For this reason, you should only buy frogs that you are sure are captive bred locally and tested to be free of disease. It may be impossible to find frogs which meet these conditions, but otherwise, pet frogs may be contributing to the decline of wild frog populations.
More Things to Think About When Considering a Pet Frog
- Frogs in captivity are quite long lived (with proper care), so be prepared for a long term commitment. Average life spans are typically 4-15 years, although some have been known to live longer.
- Keeping frogs' enclosures clean can be a lot of work. Many frogs have fairly simple light, temperature, and humidity requirements, but they are very sensitive to contaminants and waste in their environment.
- Some people find frogs boring, though some of the smaller frogs are quite active. However, many of the larger frogs are quite sedentary and don't move around much.
- You need to handle insects to feed most frogs. Some of the larger frogs will even eat pinky mice.
- It can be difficult to find someone to care for your frogs if you plan on travelling at all (keeping in mind you could have your frog for years, you may eventually need someone to look after your frogs for a significant length of time).
Before You Get a Pet Frog
As with any other kind of pet, doing lots of research prior to deciding on the type of frog that best suits your needs is the best way to make sure you and your frog will be happy. Set up a tank with everything needed before getting a frog. Things to consider include:
- Grown size of frogs. Some of the smallest frogs you might see in a pet store grow into giants. Sometimes their name adds to the confused expectations -- "pixie" frogs, which sound like they should be small, are actually African bullfrogs which grow to be 8-9 inches long and very fat. They get their cute name from their latin name, Pyxicephalus adspersus.
- The kind of tank they will need - aquatic, terrestrial, arboreal, or semi-aquatic (or half land and half water, which is probably the trickiest to set up and one of the most common types of tank needed for frogs).
- The type of food required - many frogs need a variety of insects, and the larger types can even eat pinkie mice
- Does the frog need to hibernate?
- Good Choices for beginners:
- Dwarf Frogs: small, active and completely aquatic, and are among the easiest of frogs to keep in captivity.
- Oriental Fire Bellied Toads: semi-terrestrial frogs that are fairly active and relatively easy to keep as pets.
- White's Tree Frog: terrestrial (tree frogs) that are docile and easy to keep, but they do tend to be fairly inactive.
- African Clawed Frogs: aquatic frogs that get quite large (be careful not to confuse young African clawed frogs with the much smaller dwarf clawed frogs). Care is not that difficult, though.
- American Green Tree Frogs: another good tree frog suitable for beginners.
- Pacman Frogs: mostly terrestrial frogs are pretty easy to care for, but get quite large and are quite sedentary.
- If you'd like to read more:
- http://exoticpets.about.com/cs/frogsandtoads/a/frogsaspets.htm
If your older child is begging for a pet of the reptile form, why not
suggest a lizard? As we all know, lizards come in many shapes and sizes. Here are some basic guidelines to
help you in preparing and caring for your new gecko. One of the first things you may want to take into consideration
is a gecko's lifespan. Geckos can live for up to twenty-five years, so
acquiring a gecko is a pretty big decision. If this gecko will, indeed,
be your child's, it may be around from his elementary years up until he
finally moves off to college, so you and your child must be committed
for the duration. Fortunately, geckos do not grow to be very large, many
only reaching up to eight inches long, so you will not need a
particularly large habitat for it.
As for food, be sure to always have fresh water and food available for your new gecko. Again, be sure to speak with a reputable pet store, but most geckos can choose from a wide array of food including mealworms, fresh cricket and even baby mice. If you are unsure where to purchase these types of foods, you may want to speak to a representative from a local pet store that specializes in geckos, or you may want to research these food sources online.
When you finally bring your gecko home, you may not want to handle him too much. While geckos are not particularly afraid of being picked up, they do not always prefer it. Also, be gentle with a gecko's tail, as it can break off if yanked on too hard. Before and after handling your gecko, you will want to be sure to sanitize your hands as geckos secrete salmonella.
If you'd like to read more:
Chinchillas And Degus
The Chinchilla and the Degus are two closely related mammals that come from alpine areas of Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina.
Chinchillas live at the higher altitudes of this area, which is considered a "high desert," with daily variations in temperatures from 0 to 75 degrees F, thin air, extremely low humidity and frequent high winds. Degus are generally found at somewhat lower altitudes, mostly in coastal areas and foothills. Both degus and chinchillas are uniquely suited to this harsh environment. Some of their adaptations include dense coats, paws covered in fur, and a natural diet comprised primarily of marginal foods. Currently considered rodents, degus and chichillas are members of the sub-order Caviomorpha, which also includes Patagonian cavies, capybaras, agoutis, and other rodents native exclusively to South and Central America. There is some disagreement in scientific circles about this classification. This debate is based on several differences between these animals and "typical" rodents - such as lifespan, gestation period, and social behavior.
Chinchillas As Pets
Chinchillas have existed in the wild, on ranches and in zoos for many years, however, it is only recently that chinchillas have been considered as pets. These animals are nocturnal and become very active, jumping and climbing during the night. Chinchillas need to be handled correctly so that they feel secure and safe. When it becomes accustomed to you, the chinchilla should enjoy being stroked and held. However, these animals are not normally suitable pets for young children.
Degus As Pets
Degus need a large cage, because they need to run and climb a lot. The best thing to do in the cage is to build several floors, so the living space will be larger and the Degus can climb up and down and stay fit. Degus love a wheel. An 11" wheel is ideal. A Degu's tail can get stuck in a wire wheel, so buy a solid one. Degus that are always on wire floors develop "bumblefoot", which is very painful for them - place newspaper on top of wire floors or untreated pine panelling can be cut into lengths to cover the mesh floors. Straw mats can also be used to cover the mesh floor. They like running in the living room too, but be aware of cables, wooden furniture and cats and dogs. After a while they often go back in their cage by themselves. You can 'surprise' your Degus with a dust bath: if you put some sand in a cup, your Degus will take a bath in it. They really like this!
Read more on these wonderful pets:
Tadpole Eggs
Tadpole Eggs
Tadpole to Frog Metamorphosis - Intermediate Stage
Tadpole to Frog Metamorphosis - Developing Legs
Tadpole to Frog Metamorphosis - Frog
Tadpole to Frog Metamorphosis -
Raising tadpoles as they turn into frogs is fascinating experience. The process is called metamorphosis, which means a change in form or habit as part of the development of an organism.
Obtaining Frog Eggs and Tadpoles. Before you gather eggs or tadpoles from the wild to raise at home, check your laws. Collecting tadpoles or eggs is illegal in many places, so check with your government wildlife or environment agency before doing so. If it is legal where you live and you decide to collect eggs or tadpoles, make sure to just take a few and leave the rest in their natural environment. This will reduce the impact on the environment, and growing tadpoles take a lot of space and work. You may be able to release frogs raised from eggs or tadpoles harvested from the wild, but you should check this with your wildlife department as well. However, if the frogs turn out to be a non-native species, don't release them. You should be prepared to keep the adult frogs in the even that you can not release them. Frog eggs are laid in gelatinous clumps and are clear with black dots in the center. They can often be found at the edge of ponds just under the water especially in areas where there is lots of algae. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has a neat guide to frog eggs and development time lines for several common North American species. There is also a thorough technical guide to tadpole identification available on the US Geological Survey site.
The Container
You will need a good sized container for your tadpoles, such as a garden pond, child's swimming pool, or good sized aquarium or plastic container. Ideally, you can keep them outdoors as this will better mimic natural conditions and they will get the sunlight they need, but the container must be partially shaded. Tadpoles tend to prefer shallow water. Rocks or smooth gravel can be placed at the bottom. Of course, as the frogs mature, a way for them to get out of the water must be provided -- a partially submerged rock or piece of wood, or a gravel slope to a land area. Add some aquatic plants, which will help with oxygenation of the water and provide a place to hide (and some snacks if algae grows on the plants). Leafy underwater plants are a better choice than surface covering plants for adding oxygen.
Use only dechlorinated fresh water; let it stand in the sun for a few days to let all the chlorine dissipate, or treat with dechlorination drops as for aquariums. Tadpoles are extremely sensitive to the presence of chlorine and heavy metals.
Note: the tadpoles should not be handled as their skin is very sensitive to the natural oils and traces of soap or chemicals on our hands. Always rinse your hands very well before doing any tank maintenance, feeding, etc.
Metamorphosis: The Tadpoles Become Frogs http://exoticpets.about.com/od/frogsandtoads/a/tadpoles_2.htm
If you'd like to read more:
iguanas can be bought at many pet
stores and are relatively easy to care for. Some people tend to think
that the green iguana is a difficult pet to manage and take care of.
Learn how to care for your green iguana and enjoy your new pet.
Green iguanas can be bought at many pet stores and are relatively easy to care for. Some people tend to think that the green iguana is a difficult pet to manage and take care of. Learn how to care for your green iguana and enjoy your new pet.
Step 1
Buy a terrarium. This type of housing is what most green iguanas live in. Make sure it is big enough for your green iguana to have space and also so you can place the things he needs within the cage. Also buy bowls for them that are not easy to tip over.
Step 2
Remove the items you place inside your iguana's terrarium and make sure it is clean. Whatever you place inside the terrarium must not be easily ingested by the iguana.
Step 3
Buy fresh bok choy, cilantro, turnips, kale, dandelions greens and almost any greens you can find. These strict herbivores have their name not only for their looks, but for their love of greens as well. You can also give them vegetables and fruits as well as apples and sweet peppers. Chop or shred any vegetables or fruits you may give your iguana to avoid any digestive issues.
Step 4
Provide your green iguana with a calcium supplement every week as well. Always put fresh water for your pet to drink. Keep your green iguana on a regular feeding schedule, at least once a day.
Step 5
Maintain your green iguana's nails. They tend to grow very long and can scratch people when they are being held. Make sure you cut them with the right tool every few weeks.
Read more about Iguanas:
Mommy/Daddy I want a pony! If you've heard that statement, and owning a pony is a possibility you will want to do some careful research. Buying a child's first pony is a large expense and a 365 day a year responsibility.
If you're prepared to take on the responsibility, you'll want to buy the safest pony you can. No doubt you're getting some pressure to buy a pony now! But take your time and get all the answers to your questions before you buy your child's first pony.
When is it Time to Buy Your Child a Pony?
By Katherine Blocksdorf, About.com Guide
You know your child best. Are they eager to get out the door and ready with helmet and boots, or do you have to remind them that it's time to leave and be properly dressed for their lesson? Observe your child during lessons. Are they attentive and enthusiastic, or does their attention wander? Do they brush the instructor off and answer every instruction with 'I know', or do they try to apply what they are being told?
Do they get off the pony and hand it to the instructor, or are they excited about unsaddling the pony and putting it in its stall. Are they enthusiastic about being invited to equipment and stall cleaning sessions, or do they avoid any extra work?
If your child shows enthusiasm for all aspects of riding and pony care
after several months of lessons it might be time for their own pony.
If you'd like to read more and have some questions answered:
Snakes are fascinating, and with regular handling can be quite tame. However, snakes are obviously not the right pets for everyone. They have unique requirements and should only be kept by those with the commitment to understand and meet their needs. If you are new to pet snakes, find out what you should consider before deciding on a pet snake, and what species are the best snakes for beginners.
Choosing a Snake as a Pet - First Things First
- When choosing a snake, you are making a long term commitment - many can be expected to live longer than 20 years.
- You must be willing to feed prey animals to your snake (though frozen, pre-killed prey is the best choice), and you will probably have to devote some freezer space to frozen prey items (i.e. rodents).
- Snakes are very adept escape artists, so make sure you have an escape-proof tank, keeping in mind that snakes are persistent about finding and squeezing through any small gaps.
- Finally, as beautiful as they are, I strongly recommend against anyone keeping large constricting snakes or venomous snakes.
About Choosing Your Snake
Get a captive bred snake from a reputable breeder, if at all possible. Wild caught snakes tend to be more stressed and prone to parasites and disease, and more difficult to tame. For more about the advantages of captive bred reptiles, see Should I Get a Wild Caught or Captive Bred Reptile?
You will also want to do a cursory exam of your snake to check for any signs of illness: see Choosing a Healthy Reptile for areas and signs to look at.
It also doesn't hurt to ask for a feeding demonstration, to make sure your new snake is readily taking pre-killed prey and feeding well. Ball pythons are somewhat notorious for having feeding problems, so this is especially a good idea with ball pythons (though if you get a captive breed ball python it seems less likely that feeding problems will crop up).
Recommended Beginner Snakes
These are all reasonably sized, fairly easy to care for, and tend to be quite docile:
Snakes to Avoid
Beginners should avoid large constricting snakes, venomous snakes, and snakes with more difficult care requirements, including such snakes as:
- Boa constrictors / red-tailed boas (not as large as some constricting snakes, but still a handful, especially for beginners)
- Burmese pythons
- Tree boas or pythons
- Water snakes
- Green snakes
- If you'd like more information:
- http://exoticpets.about.com/cs/snakes/a/snakesaspets.htm


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When my oldest (now 17 and a senior) decided to join track in 7th grade, who knew she had a knack for sprinting...her relay made it to state that year and the next. So to keep in shape, she decided to also join cross country (while still in middle school). Long distance wasn't her race, and she was almost always the last runner of the race. All cheering parents had left the course and moved to the finish line, so often, I was the only one there cheering her on (that's not the good deed part of my story).
So fast forward to today. She is still a sprinter in track, but she's still running cross country to keep in shape. She ran well today, but after her race, I couldn't find her. Then, after most of the cheering parents left the area, I saw her near the finish line (with her younger sister), cheering on the stragglers of the race. She knew what it felt like to be last, and to have only your mom there cheering you on. Good for her. It's one of those times when, as a parent, you get to see the fruit of your labors!

subset: commoncrawl


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Pixel Film Studios - PROGRADE 1.0.1 (MacOSX) for Final Cut Pro X | 53 MB
PROGRADE- PROFESSIONAL COLOR GRADES FOR FCPX. Use color to change the mood and genre of your project with PROGRADE by Pixel Film Studios. This collection of 30 professional color grades can be used in FCPX to create subtle yet powerful color changes. With PROGRADE's easy-to-use controls, you can quickly adjust the intensity of the effect to achieve the perfect color grade for your scene.


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Eggplant Dip
Yield: 4 cups
- 3 cups peeled, cubed eggplant
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
- 1/3 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 2 to 3 garlic cloves, pressed
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 (5 3/4-ounce) jar chopped green olives
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked black peppercorns
- 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce
- Sauté first 5 ingredients in oil in a large skillet 10 minutes or until tender. Stir in tomato paste and remaining ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer, stirring occasionally, 30 to 40 minutes or to desired thickness. Serve with French bread slices.
My Notes
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Eggplant Dip Recipe at a Glance
- COURSE: Appetizers, Dips/Spreads
- CUISINE: American
- MAIN INGREDIENT: Vegetables
- DIETARY CONSIDERATION: Meatless
- PUBLICATION: Southern Living
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In a previous post, I wrote about donating your brain. With brain donation, a patient can make a contribution to research, and the patient's family typically receives a copy of the autopsy report at no charge.
Autopsy studies using tissue from donated brains can help researchers understand the various changes in the brain that may underlie problems in memory and thinking. These studies include examination of the brain by a neuropathologist, who evaluates the type and extent of brain pathologies, or abnormalities, that might be present.
This kind of study was the focus of presentations by Dr. Joseph Parisi, Professor of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Mayo Clinic, and by Dr. Julie Schneider, Assistant Professor of Neurology and Neuropathology at Rush University Medical Center at the 7th Annual Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) Symposium last spring. I've just posted a summary of their presentations on autopsy studies of the brains of people who had been diagnosed with MCI.


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Get a FREE Quart of Paint from Ace Hardware Stores with that coupon. It is valid on Saturday, March 17th only! Print your coupon, complete the form and take it to any participating Ace Hardware Store. You'll get a FREE quart of Clark+Kensington Flat Enamel paint, which can be tinted to most colors.
About 40 are alloted per store so get in there when it opens or you may miss out!
Thanks, Passion for Savings
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text: Artist John Ross Palmer proudly returned his Houston, Texas-based art gallery to the West Coast in January 2013 to showcase the Art Movement of Escapism for a second consecutive year at the prestigious 18th Annual Los Angeles Art Show! The art gallery's stand-out programming highlighted original artwork by Escapism Founder John Ross Palmer and three of the graduates of his empowering Escapist Mentorship Program: Edgar Medina (2010), Nubia Gala-Seibert (2011) and Tra` Slaughter (2012). The show was a financial coup for John Palmer Fine Art, placing four, large, original works of art: Aspens by Edgar Medina, The Luxury of One's True Self by Tra` Slaughter, Delightful Moments (Featured in the LA Art Show Catalogue) by Edgar Medina and Red Connections by Nubia Gala-Seibert. The Booth also received a vast number of notable attendees--adding tremendously to the excitement of the esteemed international art fair. Medina, Gala-Seibert, Palmer and Slaughter in Los Angeles"Our second consecutive year showing at the Los Angeles Art Show far exceeded our expectations," says Featured Artist and Gallery Co-Owner John Ross Palmer. "We were more than pleased with sales, the beautiful fair aesthetic, the massive media promotion and mainly the throngs of crowds at the Convention Center. We sure hope to be back in 2014!" Tra` Slaughter with New Collector Alex AmadorJohn Ross Palmer's Art Movement of Escapism is aimed at forever destroying the stereotype of the struggling artist. His mentorship program, founded in 2009, aims to teach artists how to sell on their own, self-promote and not be tied to the traditional art gallery system. Palmer does this as a means of giving back to the art world--it is entirely free. Unlike many other artists that are concerned with the competition, John Ross Palmer sees the inherent benefit of elevating all artists to add power to the profession.If you have any questions about Artist John Ross Palmer, John Palmer Fine Art's showing at the 2013 Los Angeles Art Show or Palmer's Escapist Mentorship Program, please contact Art Gallery Co-Owner Ryan Lindsay at 713-861-6726 or email@example.com.


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tuttobene is a balanced wine with the structure of Sangiovese and the roundness
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It is medium to full-bodied with soft tannins, smooth acidity and a rich, fruity finish.
Serve with light
dishes, pasta and pizza. tuttobene can also be enjoyed as an apéritif.
Tenimenti Angelini produces excellent wines from the three main wine regions in Tuscany: Chianti (San Leonino), Montalcino (Val di Suga) and Montepulciano (Tenuta TreRose). Under the careful supervision of Director/Winemaker Mario Calzolari, Angelini has managed to do something that is not easy to accomplish: to capture in a bottle the essence of Tuscany, its sunny days, its warmth...Read More About tuttobene
One of the most important wine regions in Italy, Tuscany is home to the cities of Florence and Siena, the districts of Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino, and the wineries of Sassicaia, Tignanello and Ornellaia. Tuscany is also home to the indigenous Italian grape variety, Sangiovese. Most of the wine coming from Tuscany is made from some clone of this...Read More About Tuscany
Other Red Red wines are certainly not limited to Cabernet and Pinot Noir - or even Nebbiolo and Grenache. There are a multitude of grape varieties throughout the world, however, in a Darwinian sense, survival of the fittest only brings us wines made from grapes that can adapt to changing climates and winemaking techniques. Notable Facts Our other red wines primarily consists of...Read More About Other Red Blends
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LANSING (WKZO) -- A State House committee this week approved the allocation of three million dollars for the creation of a Veterans Service Delivery initiative. The plan is to set up a central hub where Michigan Veterans can efficiently search for benefits and be connected to them.
State Representative Nancy Jenkins says it's time that lawmakers make it a little easier for vets.The information hub being created would be set up with help from the new state veterans service agency. The plan was included in a funding bill passed by the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military and Veterans Affairs.


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Our friends at The Standard, High Line have brought back what has quickly become a favorite winter tradition: the ice skating rink below the park!
We are pleased to introduce you to Erycka Montoya Pérez, who recently joined our team as the Community Engagement Manager, a new position created to focus on community-based initiatives, with support from the Nathan Cummings Foundation.
On Sunday, February 5, children and caregivers joined us for the Family Feather Flurry, a High Line Kids scavenger hunt that explored the High Line's winter landscape from a bird's perspective. Following clues about the High Line's unique plants and flowers, families made their way toward West 16th Street. From there everyone headed to the program's next stop, Posman Books in Chelsea Market, to decorate their bird puppets and listen to stories.
Enjoy photos from the event and download the High Line scavenger hunt for your kids after the jump.
Stay Connected with the High Line


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Such an easy recipe and perfect for making ahead. Inexpensive appetizer for feeding a crowd.
Mini Caprese Bites
Holley Posted: 11/06/08
Hyebun Posted: 12/21/08
Easy to make. inexpensive and the presentation was beautiful, however, they did not fly off the platter at a recent Christmas party we had. I don't like tomatoes, so I am not a good judge on taste, but I think they looked good. Will try again at another party.
messychef Posted: 12/14/08
So simple and incredibly delicious! These were the first of the appetizers to disappear.
Lhynne Posted: 06/15/09
This is a great appetizer. The balance between the cheese and the tomato, plus the sweet and tangy flavor of the balsamic vinegar makes this a great appetizer. I love basil, so I put more basil leaves on top when I made this. With just few blinks, the platter was cleaned by my husband and friends. Will make this again!
Joannadelsur Posted: 12/16/08
These are delicious, healthy, and easy to make. I had fun assembling them with my nephews. I was too lazy to make the oil-vinegar combo, so I drizzled them with organic balsamic vinagrette and they were still a huge hit. It's wallet-friendly and pretty, perfect for bringing to parties!
BonnieCooks Posted: 07/19/09
These are GREAT! Fast, easy, and cute to bring to any occasion.
georgiacooker Posted: 10/11/09
This is a perfect summer appetizer. I served the caprese bites in a cut glass bowl on very long bamboo kabob sticks - they looked great, were fun to eat, tasted great and so easy. If I can keep feta from crumbling I'd like to try subbing feta for the mozzarella.
TriciaGray Posted: 01/21/10
I've used these same ingredients (whole toms, whole basil leaves and whole cheese balls on a toothpick) before and everyone (adults and even kids) seem to love them. However, this presentation (on skewers, with the tomatoes cut and cheese in between) is just beautiful!
annie27 Posted: 08/08/09
The presentation in excellent, but as I like very much basil, I marinated first the mozzarella with crushed basil in olive and a pinch of white peper, then make the bites and on top, the other marinate . Yes, I would consider this dish for special occasions and yes I would do this dish again.
Patty123 Posted: 10/04/09
Too much tomato to cheese ratio - just not as good as a caprese salad-cute though but there were leftovers and that is rare for the appetizers at our parties.
Dyanna33 Posted: 12/24/09
I've made this recipe before but I mix it up by adding other cheeses (sharp cheddar), meats (salami, ham, turkey) and veggies (roasted red peppers and onions). I usually do some that are vegetarian w/out the meat and then there rest we just mix it up with a little bit of everything. Always very popular and fun to make with the help of my daughter...we have a little production line. You can anything you like that you can cut into small pieces and skewer with a toothpick!
Cheryl242 Posted: 11/26/10
I loved these little appetizers. They are so pretty and easy to make and taste wonderful, especially if you let the bites rest in the olive oil-balsamic vinegar mixture for several hours before serving. I served them on a green, leaf-shaped plate, and they looked very appetizing--a good thing, since they are appetizers (:
TheAspiringChef Posted: 02/28/11
Made these for the second time for an Oscar party (called it "Eat Caprese Love - a play on Eat Pray Love :) - not an Oscar nominee, but still current!) and these were great. You get a beautiful presentation that looks fancy, but couldn't be easier to make.
tryingcake Posted: 12/20/10
I make something very similar, and they, also, leave the plate fast. Using a toothpick I skewer a grape tomato, 1 slice of mozzarella and 1 Greek Olive. For the mozzarella I simply buy string cheese sticks and slice to the desired thickness. Easy Peasy. I drizzle a balsamic vinaigrette over the skewers and serve. But I love the look of these!
Margorita Posted: 05/06/11
Great little appetizer! Easy, quick ,fun & pretty. I found mozzarella "pearls", made by Sorrento I think, that were just the perfect size for this. No cutting needed. As another reviewer suggested, I added salami. Good recipe to serve as is or to add to. Wouldn't mind trying quality black olives, marinated garlic, or artichoke chunks. The marinade was delicious. I found some short skewers that were a perfect fit but the marinade made it messy to eat and for a sub-par presentation, we didn't care but for a party I will try longer skewers. Will make again!
mangopapaya Posted: 06/19/11
These were very easy to make and tasted great. I would definitely make these again.
Trinibaby2010 Posted: 11/01/11
Visually decadent and a huge hit at jewelry party.
amyk471 Posted: 12/17/11
I've made these several times. They are quick and easy and always get gobbled right up!
No Longer Registered Posted: 01/04/12
I make these all the time as a healthy snack.
NancyTwink Posted: 12/29/12
Always a hit! A few changes I make--I actually thread the strips of basil onto the skewers (so I don't cut them quite as thinly as the picture, but the result still looks identical to the picture). This makes them easier to eat. Also, I don't pour the vinegar over the skewers. I like to serve with a trio of three different vinegars. This way, guests can dip into the vinegar of their choice.
cathie1951 Posted: 08/08/13
These are really tasty and super easy. Great summer time app. I chopped some of the basil finer and mixed it into the dressing and let the tomato/cheese skewers soak in the dressing for a couple hours. Added more basil strips at the end. Also I did not cut the mozzerella balls in 3rds. I used whole ones that were really small.
AdrianaKincaid Posted: 03/31/13
very simple and delicious appetizer, good for movie night or cocktail party
VintageVanille Posted: 04/21/12
Anybody with experience making these in advance? I want to make them late the night before an afternoon party. Say 12 hours in advance. Cheers!
jessicas314 Posted: 12/17/12
Great and fun appetizer. Super easy to make/prep and look impressive and taste delicious. I used toothpicks which worked out fine.
boffo1962 Posted: 06/13/14
Quick and easy! I made 50 and they were all eaten! Great to not have to bring any back home with me!
BlueJayJen Posted: 08/08/14
This is my go-to appetizer, especially in the summer. I have brought it to so many parties! Quick, easy, and looks impressive I like to make it the night before, let it marinate a little.


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HOMECOMING 2014: October 20th-25th
The week of Homecoming is packed full of events for all SFA students so make sure you come out and take advantage of a fun-filled week! As a student you can run for Homecoming court, participate in events, tye-dye shirts and much more!
Students are also encouraged to cheer on the Jacks at the Bonfire, go to the biggest tailgate of the season, particpate in or attend the downtown parade and finally attend the game on Saturday!
For more information on homecoming, contact the Traditions Council Fall 2013 at 468-6721 or come by the Involvement Center located on the first floor of the Baker Pattillo Student Center.
We hope to see you at all of the festivities.
Check back on October 1st to see this year's homecoming schedule!
Axe 'Em, Jacks!
Parade Registration & Court/Org Forms
Paperwork will be available in the SFA Involvement Center and online September 1, 2014.
For more information or to request an e-mailed copy please contact email@example.com.
Students With Disabilities
The Office of Student Affairs Programs is committed to providing support for students with disabilities. If you are a student who needs an accommodation to attend or participate in one of our events or student organizations you are encouraged to stop by Room 325 in the Human Services Building to make your request. You may also call us at (936) 468-3004, TDD: (936) 468-1004.
If you have an accommodation request please see us as soon as possible, so we can make any arrangements necessary. Accommodations can only be arranged once a request has been submitted in writing to Disability Services. To the greatest extent possible, the Office of Student Affairs Programs shall observe confidentiality with respect to any request for accommodation.
Students who feel they have not been accommodated appropriately can appeal that decision utilizing the university appeals process.


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"Hello friends. Here is a fun pop song I want to give to you. Thanks for all your love and have a great day. ^__^"
L.A based producer/dj Jerome LOL is gearing up for the release of his new EP "Deleted/Fool" next week on the Friends Of Friends label, he made this absolutely amazing mix for XLR8R which will undoubtedly be soundtracking our daily grind here at Discobelle HQ.
"A simple glance at the tracklist reveals that this is not the average XLR8R mix, as it's safe to say that we've never had an artist throwing down tracks from 50 Cent, Adele, Miley Cyrus, Justin Timberlake, and Usher before. However, what's truly impressive is that Jerome LOL has managed to utilize these pop-chart anthems in a way that doesn't seem cheap or ridiculous. There's absolutely a method to his madness, as the mix reveals a real talent for identifying and blending sounds, irrespective of whatever cultural baggage their source material may carry. Over the course of more than an hour, there's a continual emphasis on synthesized melodies, unobtrusive (but effective) rhythms, processed vocals, and the oddly beautiful inhumanity of modern production techniques. Even when he digs deep into his archives, there's something familiar, even comforting, about the music on offer, not to mention a real sense of continuity from one song to the next. Jerome LOL clearly understands the dynamics of today's pop music, but he's also quite diligent about tracing its various elements back through history; in this way, he's something of a musical archaeologist, and perhaps that's what makes him such a compelling figure. After all, we're not usually big fans of international pop smashes, but in the context of Jerome LOL, we've found that they go down quite smooth."
L.A based producer/dj, Body High co-founder and Internet maestro Jerome LOL has been on a steady output of amazing tracks, remixes and mixes, this jazzed up, funky mix for Well Connected is no exception and it's a well suited mix for easing you into the weekend or as Jerome himself puts it: "get you in the proper mood for the upcoming summer".
"This mix is a mix of songs that inspire me. None of them are secret, none of them are unreleased, none of them are brand new, even. Each song on the mix means a lot to me, and I hope they end up meaning a lot to you too. This mix should get you in the proper mood for the upcoming summer. Enjoy ^__^" -JeromeLOL
BONUS: His recent uplifting house remix for fellow Angelenos Classixx.
L.A bassfilled club music label Body High has had an immense year with a string of excellent released this year including mystery producer DJ Funeral and legendary New Jersey house producer Todd Edwards.
The free compilation includes bumping tracks from the whole Body High crew and friends, with offerings from DJ Sliink, Jerome LOL, Jim-E Stack, Myrryrs, Pipes and a collaboration between label co-founder Samo Sound Boy and Floyd Campbell.
Body High – Exclusives Compilation (zip file, Mediafire)
Tracklist after the jump.


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Insights: WRI's Blog
Insights is WRI's thought leadership blog. Here, our experts provide timely commentary, news, and analysis on critical issues at the intersection of environment and human development.
For cross-post requests and other inquiries, please contact our Editor, Sarah Parsons.
Leading Topics
Unlocking Private Climate Investment: Two Lessons from OPIC and Ex-Im Bankby -
Globally, we are learning lessons on how to close the climate finance gap by tapping into the private sector's vast resources.
In a recent WRI working paper, Unlocking Private Climate Investment: Focus on OPIC and Ex-Im Bank's Use of Financial Instruments, research reveals that through smart and innovative financial tools, public institutions can play a key role in shifting private capital away from business-as-usual investments and into climate-friendly ones.
Florida's Vulnerability to Sea Level Rise Attracts Congressional Attentionby and -
As coastal communities across the United States continue to fall victim to drought, coastal flooding, and other impacts of extreme weather and climate change, leaders at the metropolitan and federal levels are beginning to take action. Yet, Congressional action is an essential but missing piece to comprehensively addressing climate change.
However, Florida's continuing sea-level rise vulnerability suggests Congress may shift its attention to climate impacts.
Corporate Lobbying on Climate Change: Silence is not Neutralityby -
While some companies are stepping forward on climate change policy, many others have remained quiet.
WRI worked with the UN and several esteemed partners on a Caring for Climate report to create a common standard for engaging corporate responsibly in climate policy debates. The guide represents a baseline for action and transparent reporting.
Identifying the Global Coal Industry's Water Risksby , , and -
Regional water concerns are creating significant financial risks due to advanced global commodity trading and energy industries' high dependence on water.
Our Aqueduct project explores how water risks are already impacting the world's coal industry, and how risks will change over time.
Water Stress Magnifies Drought's Negative Impacts throughout the United Statesby -
Years of Living Dangerously, a new Showtime series about climate change, turned its lens on how drought devastated the small town of Plainview, Texas in its first episode. In Plainview—and every other drought-stricken place across the United States—a precipitous drop in rainfall is only part of a much broader story. Underlying water stress is one important piece of that complicated puzzle. When drought strikes where baseline water stress is high, it exacerbates regions' water woes.
Analyzing the IPCC Report: 6 Things You Need to Know About Reducing Emissionsby and -
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's (IPCC) newest installment, Working Group III (WGIII): Mitigation and Climate Change, highlights an important message: It's still possible to limit average global temperature rise to 2°C—but only if the world rapidly reduces emissions and changes its current energy mix.
We've outlined six things you need to know about the level of emissions reductions needed to rein in runaway warming.
What Is the Role for Transformation in Adaptation?by -
Transformation is a word we use so often in our daily lives that it seems strange to stop and think about what it really means. But in adaptation circles, the definition and role of transformation has recently become a hot topic of conversation, in part because transformational change was an important theme of the recent IPCC Fifth Assessment Report, Climate Change 2014: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability.
Q&A with Dr. Karin Kemper: How Is the World Bank Addressing Climate Change?by -
The World Bank consistently makes the link between poverty elimination and the need to curb climate change. Yet a WRI analysis shows that of the investments the World Bank financed between 2012 and 2013, only one-quarter addressed climate change risks.
Dr. Karin Kemper, director of climate policy and finance in the World Bank Group's (WBG) Climate Group, shares the Bank's current and future plans to more fully incorporate climate change mitigation and adaptation into its international development agenda.
World Urban Forum Highlights Opportunities for Sustainable Citiesby and -
Well-designed cities can generate jobs, innovation, and economic growth for all. But when designed poorly—with too much sprawl, waste, and inefficiency—they can divide urban centers and exacerbate pollution, inequality, and political instability.
Against this backdrop, some 25,000 people have gathered in Medellin, Colombia, for the UN Habitat's World Urban Forum this week. The key question they face: How can cities drive growth that is inclusive and sustainable?
The Changing Landscape of Forest Managementby and -
In an article originally published in Project Syndicate, the authors discuss the changing landscape of forest management and how corporations are making stronger sustainable business commitments.


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Teacher Abused Autistic Kid with Hot Sauce
Do you think she deserves jail time ... or was she just trying to teach him a lesson?
According to the Associated Press, a Florida jury has found a Miami-area special needs teacher guilty of abuse after police say she put hot sauce in an autistic student's soda.
Sylvia Tagle was convicted Tuesday. She allegedly gave the spiked soda to the student to "teach him a lesson." She says the boy grabbed the soda from her desk when she was with other students.
"She maintains her innocence," said attorney Ronald Manto. "She believes that she gave her life's work to working with autistic children, and she did a lot of good work, and that she did not do anything wrong."
She faces a maximum of five years in jail, and will be sentenced in October.
This reminds us of the kindergarten teacher who had students vote whether an autistic 5-year-old boy should be allowed to stay in class or not. Unacceptable!
Do you think Sylvia Tagle deserves jail time? Comment below.
Why was his soda on her desk?
Five years for hot sauce? People beat the hell out of their kids and don't see five years in jail.
If the kid wasn't autistic, would this had gone this far? I understand alerting the parents and maybe have the teacher's license revoked, but the only reason she got in real trouble is because the kid is autistic. I think we need to move on.
The kid shouldn't have stolen the soda from her desk anyway. What if the drink was actually dangerous, like a chemical? If anything, the child is at fault here. It was a wrong method of punishment, but the kid actually learned his lesson. No jail for teacher.
Ridiculous. It's not harmful, and it was a one time event. Teachers are humans too, and humans get bad ideas sometimes. It definitely don't sound like harassment of a child, just a silly act of a teacher.
hell no she's innocent! she didnt GIVE the brat the soda, he went up and STOLE it off her desk. its his own damn fault. maybe if he was more well behaved and knew that STEALING was wrong, this never would have happened. kapish?
autistic or not the child knew he shouldnt be stealing her soda from her desk. i think it was a brilliant idea and people are far to sesitive these days. it's not like she poisoned the boy or physically hurt him in any way. get over it people!
Did she do anything wrong? Yes, she did. Does she deserve up to 5 years in prison? Absolutely not! I have known Sylvia Tagle as a co-worker for many years. We were co-workers at the previous school she taught at. She is a well respected teacher and highly requested by parents of autistic children. One of the problems in school systems is that when a parent hears about an incident, all of a sudden, their child was a victim, too! The other problem is that many teachers jump to conclusions right away and are sometimes incredibly unfair to fellow teachers. The rumors of Mrs. Tagle spread like wildfire through our school! They even said she had already been sentenced to 15 years! They are also afraid to speak up for fear of retaliation. I cannot sleep at night knowing that this lady may go to prison for soemthing like this. At least I can voice my opinion. As far as the Department of Children and Families is concerned, a child must be black and blue and on life support before they do anything about a child being abused by a parent /guardian/foster parent. A teacher, on the other hand, taps a child on the shoulder and an investigation is immediately started. This is a sue happy society. Just look at the billboards along highhways: "WhoCanISue.com". The jury for this trial was probably composed of fools, as usual. I am a strong advocate of children but I also have to defend teachers that are punished. Mrs. Tagle was a wonderful teacher during the time I worked with her. I still believe that she is. Unfortunately, she made a mistake that has cost her tremendously. If other teachers had spoken up on her behalf and not been cowards, maybe she wouldn't be going through this. I also hope this child's mother never feeds him anything with hot sauce! Watch out, mommy! You may be next!!
For you who call autistic children brats you are completely ignorant!! Go and do plenty of research on autistic children!!!! You would never truly understand how difficult it is to have and raise and autistic child. This teacher who supposedly has worked with autistic children her whole life should have known then the behaviors, and actions of an autistic child and if she didn't want the soda touched then she should have put in a place where it couldn't have been reached by the child. Using the hot sauce is completely unacceptable, she could have done something else to help him understand that that wasn't the right thing to do.
what the hell is wrong with you ignorant people how can you even say that you guys are the most ignorant people I have ever came across you sit there and say that and this so called teacher that is defending her you have a lot to say on this womans behalf and I'm just wondering why are you even a teacher you see nothing wrong with that I see a lot wrong with what she did people like you get away with way to much you seem to think your big and bad to do something to a child lets see what you do when an adult comes along oh that's right you can't deal with an adult your a bunch of punks who think your above it all and do what you want well guess what 5 years is not long enough for her.
I agree, those of you who are actually blaming the child here either do not have children or have absolutly no tollerance for a special needs child. She shouldn't have had a can of soda on her desk, that was just bad judgment. The hot sauce very, very childish. Yes, she should absolutly recieve some sort of repremand but prision time seems unreasonable though, I think our jail's should be used for real child abusers. But if this had happened to my child, I would be pretty pissed and any parent who says they wouldn't be is crazy.
If you purposely poison food, knowing it is going to be ingested, it is a crime. If you did the same thing to your own lunch and put it in the company refrigerator to teach that greedy coworker a lesson, it is a crime. Period. I don't think that she should go to jail for it, maybe some kind of community service, or anger management. It must be hard to work with special needs kids all day, maybe she is burnt out.
Jail time? Really? Little brat deserved it.
Totally the kid's fault. She should get an acquittal and a written apology from the parents of the child and her employer.
I've been a Special Ed teacher for many years and have worked with my fair share of autistic kids. Yes - I know they can be difficult to work with, but they also have to learn limits. Unfortunately, too many parents of autistic kids enable their kids by blaming everything on their autisism. I see no problem whatsoever with the teacher having a can of soda on her desk - AND expecting the kids to leave it alone! If the kid went and took it off her desk, he needs to learn that behavior is inappropriate. Maybe hot sauce is what it takes for him to learn.
I agree that while 5 years seems harsh it is the teacher's fault and NOT the child. I have an autistic child and unless you live with one day in and day out you cannot truly understand the unique way they think. If this woman really didn't want her soda to be touched, she shouldn't have put it in a place to tempt the child. Further more to call a child with developmental disabilities a brat, well it shows the type of compassion you have, or lack there of. Some of you really disgust me. Let's remember who the adult in the scenario is.
It seems to me there was something cruel, whether intentionally or not, in this teacher's creative "punishment"of an autistic child and at the very least it did not fit the "crime." Who knows if this poor child even knew he was doing anything wrong? When a child takes food or drink he shouldn't, you don't contaminate his food to "teach him a lesson." Clearly the woman showed terrible judgment and probably does not have the patience to work with special needs kids. She should be fired or reassigned to a job where she is not working directly with the kids; it should end there.
This woman clearly should NOT be working with special needs children. She should not have had a soda in the classroom, but she should have had the common sense to keep it out of reach of the kids. Maybe five years in prison is a little much, but I do think it is child abuse.
Was she trying to teach him a lesson? No, she is a frustrated and angry teacher who lacks patience and sympathy for her students. My son is autistic - and sometimes he grabs things he shouldn't. Is he a brat? No, he can't even answer the simple question, "What's your name?" He's impaired. It makes me sick to think of someone taunting and torturing a child like this — the way a neighborhood bully might. Five years might seem like a a steep sentence, but this was defintely a form of abuse.
Would the owner of this site please investigate those commenters who identify themselves as abusive teachers? These would be specifically "Alex" and "Nancy." If their full names or places of employment can be identified through their comments, it is important that they be investigated for their own likely abuse of their students.
II do believe that this incident happened in the cafeteria not the classroom. If the teacher stayed in the cafeteria to assist the paraprofessional with the class …then my hat off to her. She gave up her duty free lunch out of concern for her para and students. In my experience of working with the autistic child…it is a great responsibility. I have kept an autistic child in my home several times over the years because the parents needed some down time. It take a very special person to be able to teach 25 years and never burn out. I do believe the news reported that Ms. Tagle had taught for 25 years and not one blemish on her record. That says a lot. Teaching in ESE for 25 years is admirable. If this incident happened in the cafeteria…if someone was going to intentionally harm a child…would they do it in front of an entire cafeteria? I do not believe that Tagle should receive jail time. Drug dealers that sell drugs to our kids get less punishment.