Information and unique products for Dogs, Cats, Rabbits and Backyard Chickens

Monday, July 28, 2014

Calmest Cat Breeds



Less active households are ideal for calm cats. 

Quiet, independent children will appreciate the mellow demeanor of quiet felines. With that in mind, calm cats would not be suitable for families with active, rambunctious kids.

Affectionate, loyal cats are good family companions. Although quiet, low-energy cats still can be friendly and somewhat playful. You’ll likely opt for a cat that can adapt to a variety of situations and environments.

Popular picks for calm cat breeds include the Birman, British Shorthair, Exotic Shorthair, Japanese Bobtail, Persian, Ragamuffin, Ragdoll, and Selkirk Rex. 


Find Breeds That Fit Your Lifestyle
Originally Posted by: https://www.purina.com/cats/cat-breeds/collections/calmest-cat-breeds

The 7 Most Popular Cat Breeds


File these felines under the “Most Popular” superlative in the purebred cat yearbook. Boasting both beauty and brains, these breeds are at the top of their class.

 

Abyssinian

An oldie but goodie, the Abyssinian is one of the earliest-known cat breeds. Insatiably curious, these busybodies are always on the prowl, except when it comes to eating or catching some Zs. They are natural athletes with muscular bodies and aren’t afraid of heights. Abyssinians also have quite the sense of humor — their antics even earned them the nickname “Aby-silly-ans”!

 

American Shorthair

You might say the American Shorthair is one of the founding fathers of purebred cats. After all, the breed was one of the original five registered in the U.S. in 1906. In 1966, fanciers renamed the breed from Domestic Shorthair to capture their all-American essence. Good-natured and laidback, American Shorthairs are lovey-dovey without being over the top. Their classic good looks include an average-sized body type, sweet expression and a coat that comes in an array of patterns and colors.
Learn more about American Shorthair

 

Birman

Shrouded by mystery and legend, Birmans were the sacred cats of Burma that were believed to have been the companions of temple priests. Aside from being “Most Popular,” Birmans also are front-runners for “Most Beautiful.” Not only can they pull off the Michael Jackson look with white gloves on all four paws, Birmans have long, luxurious fur and bold, blue eyes, capped off with a sweet smile.

 

Maine Coon

The official state cat of Maine, Maine Coons are known as “gentle giants” that wear their hearts on their sleeve. They are recognized for their bushy tails, shaggy coats and tufted ears. Even as senior cats, Maine Coons still retain their kittenlike personalities. Owners should keep their shower curtains closed and toilet lids down — these nature lovers are particularly fascinated by water.

 

Persian

Persians are fit for a queen — Queen Victoria, that is. Having been her favorite breed, these fluff balls are prized for their good looks and playful personalities. Persians sport long, luxurious fur coats in various patterns and colors year-round. Their charming characteristics include communicating through their expressive eyes and a high intelligence that helps them easily adapt to different situations.

 

Ragdoll

A truly domestic breed, the Ragdoll was developed in California by breeder Ann Baker, according to the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA). Ragdolls enjoy being picked up and carried around by children, hence their name. They bear no extreme features, making them the “cats next door.” These puppy-like cats love to be near their family at all times and can even be taught to fetch or come when called.

 

Siamese

An ancient, universally recognized breed, Siamese made their American debut in 1878 when the U.S. Consul in Bangkok gifted President Rutherford Hayes with one. “Meezers,” as they are affectionately called, are considered quintessential people cats because of how sociable, entertaining and playful they are with their human companions. Sleek and striking, Siamese have deep blue almond-shaped eyes that radiate intelligence and emotion.

Original Post By   http://www.petcentric.com/04-23-2014/7-most-popular-cat-breeds

~~~~~     ~~~~~     ~~~~~     ~~~~~      ~~~~~     ~~~~~ 

.

Time also for a little chicken humor






.
..

Take time for a little dog humor




.

Coop Security: Hardware Cloth vs Chicken Wire



http://pics.fuzzywolf.com/chickenwire.jpg


http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/94/1a/20/941a20806817491404cc2f4ecf6a414f.jpg


There is a big difference between chicken wire and hardware cloth. I now understand that chicken wire is intended to keep chickens confined to an area, not to prevent predators from reaching chickens.
 
When considering fencing options for the coop and run, as a general rule, the smaller the openings and the lower gauge the metal, the better security it will provide. 
Hardware cloth is more expensive than chicken wire, but  the initial investment is priceless given the heartache and financial losses it can ultimately prevent.    Recommended by many is a 19 gauge- 1/2" x 1/2" galvanized hardware cloth.

Chicken Wire
Chicken wire, also known as hex netting, is a twisted steel wire mesh with hexagonal openings that can be galvanized or PVC coated.1 
 
A hungry and determined predator,including but not limited to raccoons and some dogs, can tear through chicken wire with relative ease. It is not recommended as security fencing for chicken coops and runs.



Chicken wire is very flexible and can be good for making temporary structures designed to keep  chickens confined, but it will not stop predators from gaining access to chickens.

Hardware Cloth

Hardware cloth is wire mesh that consists of either woven or welded wires in a square or rectangular grid that is available in galvanized, stainless steel and bare steel.2 
 Galvanized steel, wire mesh hardware cloth
It is manufactured from a stronger gauge metal than chicken wire, (the smaller the gauge, the stronger the mesh) making it a much better choice for flock protection. 1/2" to 1/4" galvanized hardware cloth is typically recommended for coops and chicken runs.

Hardware cloth keeps predators out, chicken wire does not  
Hardware Cloth Installation Best Practices

1. Bury hardware cloth to deter diggers. To protect chickens from predators such as raccoons and dogs, hardware cloth should be buried at least 12 inches into the ground around the perimeter of the coop and run OR buried underneath the floor of the coop and run. 



2. Cover all windows with hardware cloth.



3. Secure hardware cloth with screws and washers. Staples are easily defeated by pushing or pulling.
 Portions taken from:  http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/11/coop-security-hardware-cloth-vs-chicken.html
 and http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/306785/wire-mesh-on-coop-run-floor-to-keep-out-nasty-chicken-eaters

http://pics.fuzzywolf.com/chickenwire.jpg
 
 
Predators are not that smart and will dig up against the wire fencing. 
If you've got hardware cloth buried in the ground a foot out from the fence, they will never be able to dig in.


Mat Midwest Air Tech 308200B 36-Inch-by-50-Foot 1/2-Inch Mesh 19-Gauge Hardware Cloth 

Gilbert and Bennett 308229B 48-Inch by 50-Foot 1/2-Inch Mesh Hardware Cloth

Recomended for Chicken Coop preditor protection
Use to cover window and screen doors, tree guards, drains, gutters, soil sifters, and more 
Uniformly welded for security and stability 
Galvanized after product provides extra durability 
Double zinc coating for maximum rust resistance and long life 
19 gauge, 1/2-inch by 1/2-inch mesh

Miller Manufacturing ACC1 Wire Cage Clips



  • Use to assemble or repair wire cages, hutches, and traps
  • Wire clip pliers available (2261-6346)
  • Includes 1lb of clips


Wire Clip Pliers
  • CAGE CLIP PLIERS WIRE ACP2
  • EA 12/CS MILLER
  • Wire Cable Clip Pliers
  • Use to assemble hutches, pet homes and traps.













....

Sunday, July 27, 2014

Support The Breed - Barred Plymouth Rock Chickens



Barred Plymouth Rock Chicken Mug - Standard





  • 11oz White Ceramic Mug. The perfect size for your favorite morning beverage or late night brew.
  • Large, easy-grip handle.
  • Treat yourself or give as a gift to someone special.
  • Measures 3.75" tall, 3" diameter.
  • Dishwasher and microwave safe. 
Animal Wall Decals Barred Plymouth Rock Chicken - 18 inches x 14 inches - Peel and Stick Removable Graphic 

Easy to install, simply peel & stick!       
Available in a variety of sizes.   
Fast delivery, printed on demand just for you.
Paint-safe self-adhesive. 
Sticks to any smooth surface.  
Repositionable. 
Can be moved again and again.



CafePress White Plymouth Rock chicken rooster Dog T-Shirt - 

  • Made of 100% ring spun cotton. 5.8oz. 1x1 rib.
  • Black ringer accent on sleeves and collar.
  • Five sizes to choose from.

Plymouth Rock - Barred Rock Breed Information and Pictures




plymouth_rock



Plymouth Rock
Plymouth Rocks may just be the most popular breed in the US due to theri excellent egg laying and hearty frames that make for a good meal. They're also easy to tame and non-aggresive. what's not to like?

Plymouth Rock Qualities

Plymouth Rocks love to lay eggs, and you should love to collect them. Bred specifically for this purpose, they are a great choice for an egg farm. Since they are also very hearty birds, they make good fryers as well. This dual quality and ease of breeding have made them one of the most popular breeds in the United States, if not the most popular.

 

Plymouth Rock Temperament


It is very easy to tame a Plymouth Rock as they are rather friendly and calm. They get along extremely well with each other, even to the point that multiple roosters can co-exist in the same space without fighting and creating problems.

 

Plymouth Rock Appearance


Plymouth rocks are larger birds with nearly horizontal back lines that extend out to their moderately short tails, which are spread well in the roosters but tend to be a bit shorter in the hens. Speaking of the hens, they have a deep abdomen, characteristic of all good layers. The legs of both the males and females are bright yellow, as are the beaks, with red ear-lobes, eyes, and a single medium-sized comb. The most common colors are barred, white, and buff, with some varieties have a laced feather pattern.

Plymouth Rock Upkeep


Plymouth Rocks like to run, but they don't demand much space. Also, due to their heavy structures, they don't fly, meaning you don't need a fence to be too high to accommodate their needs. They don't need much to thrive, so are very easy to keep and breed.

Plymouth Rock History

Hailing from the American town of Plymouth, the Plymouth Rock was created to be a powerful egg layer. The breeder, Dr. Benneth, was able to produce the Plymouth Rock, originally named the Barred Plymouth Rock, by breeding Dominiques, Brahmas, Cochins, and Javas. It gained early recognition in the APA in 1874, later dropping the 'barred' portion of its name when white and buff-colored Plymouths were bred.


Plymouth Rock A popular chicken breed, Plymouth Rocks are also known as Barred Rocks. The breed was first developed in the U.S. in the mid-1800s to produce both meat and eggs. They come in eight recognized varieties: barred, white, buff, partridge, silver penciled, blue, Columbian and black. They are available in standard and bantam sizes.

 
Weight: 7 to 8 pounds
Urban Uses: Plymouth Rocks are good layers, producing four eggs per week. Tolerant of cold weather, they don’t mind confinement. They are also valued as meat birds.
 
Egg Size: Large (standard type)
 
Second Thoughts: These large chickens need a roomy coop to be comfortable.
Breed Association: Plymouth Rock Fanciers Club of America, American Poultry Association

Posted by: http://www.urbanfarmonline.com/farm-breeds/chickens-profiles/plymouth-rock-2.aspx  

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 

Plymouth Rock Barred Plymouth Rocks or "Barred Rocks", as they're called, are one of the most popular dual-purpose chickens on small farms today. Their heritage is unclear with reports of different crosses, but what is clear is that they're very friendly, great layers of large brown eggs and able to withstand cold weather quite nicely. Though they tolerate confinement, they're most happy when they get to range freely. All varieties of Plymouth Rock aside from the Barred and White varieties are relatively rare.

Recognized Varieties: Barred, White, Buff, Silver Penciled, Partridge, Columbian, Blue, Black Egg Laying: Very Good (4/wk)    Egg Color: Brown     Egg Size: Large Comb Type: Single Comb Crested: No     Feathered Legs: No     Number of Toes: 4 Hardy In Winter: Yes     Bears Confinement: Bears confinement well Especially Docile: Yes     Setter/Broody: Yes Personality: Smart, plucky and docile

Post by:  http://www.mypetchicken.com/chicken-breeds/Plymouth-Rock-B85.aspx 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT: http://www.californiahatchery.com/?AffId=34

The Plymouth Rock, often called simply Rocks or Barred Rocks (after their most popular color), is breed that originated in the USA  The Plymouth Rock is a dual-purpose, cold-hardy bird and therefore makes a great breed for the small farm or backyard flock owner.

The Barred Rock is often called the Plymouth Rock, but this title correctly belongs to the entire breed, not just the Barred variety.

Plymouth Rocks are large, long-lived chickens. Some varieties are good layers while others are bred principally for meat. They possess a long, broad back; a moderately deep, full breast; and yellow skin and legs. The hens have a deep, full abdomen, which is a sign of a good layer. The face of a Plymouth Rock is red with red ear lobes, a bright yellow beak, bay-colored eyes, and a single comb of moderate size. Their feathers are fairly loosely held but not so long as to easily tangle. The chicken's bottom feathers are soft and downy, like baby chicks feathers.

In terms of temperament, both roosters and hens are calm and will get along well with people and other animals such as pets. The hens often will get broody if in the right environment, and are good mothers.

http://www.californiahatchery.com/?AffId=34