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Your horse's winter coat provides essential protection from frigid temperatures, biting winds and snow and ice. When the temperatures rise, breezes turn balmy and the rains warm up with spring, however, that same coat can be uncomfortable and unsightly as it begins to shed. Shedding is natural, but the process can take several weeks and in the meantime your horse will look shaggy and the extra hair may attract unwanted dirt, bacteria and insects. Fortunately, it's easy for you to help your horse shed that winter coat and look its best for spring. Helping Your Horse Shed There are several...

It can be exciting to start a new flock of chickens, and the benefits – entertaining pets, unique company, fresh eggs and healthy meat – are equally exciting, but it is important to start the flock carefully so your poultry will be happy in their new home. Happy chickens suffer less from behavioral and health problems, and everyone who keeps chickens should take steps to be sure they start their flock the right way. Check Your Local LawsWhile keeping chickens is not usually a problem in rural communities, urban and suburban areas may have different regulations that prohibit barnyard poultry...

Spring is chick season. Whether you are just starting a flock, increasing the numbers of chickens you keep or bringing new breeds home to try. Your brooder is critical to give for your chicks security, warmth and shelter they need for their earliest days. How can you set up a brooder to give your chicks the safest, healthiest start? Containers for Brooders A brooder is simply a small home for your chicks to help meet their needs and keep them safely contained as they grow. Cardboard boxes are often used as brooders, and while a large, sturdy box can be...

February has been declared Pet Dental Month --and for good reason. The most common disease seen by veterinarians is dental disease. In fact, 75-85% of pets over the age of 2 have dental disease of some form. You’re probably thinking: Great, I don’t like going to the dentist, I can only imagine how my pet feels about it! The truth is, the same philosophy that applies to you and your family also applies to your pets when it comes to dental care. Below, we’ll discuss the importance of healthy dental practices for your pets and what you should do to ensure they...

It is true that during the winter months riding your horse can become a scarce occasion. This means that your horse’s diet must also change. Since the horse is not as active during these cold months, it requires fewer calories. It was once believed that feeding your horse more corn during these inactive months is better for keeping the horse warm, but now science has discovered hay is better at converting calories into heat and also promotes good gastrointestinal health as well as helps to preserve the horse’s weight. The horse’s diet should be at least 50% if not all...