Heart-Warming Squirrel Does Plank Jacks for a Serious Core and Cardio Exercise
Do wild animals like squirrels consciously choose to work out or exercise? Surprisingly, there is very little research on this topic. I was fortunate to capture this amazing video of a wild squirrel mentally and physically preparing and training for a future athletic event of escaping a predator. It cautiously plank jumps across to the feeding station – the human equivalent of the long jump. But much more than that – just like an elite athlete – the squirrel used planning, foresight and knowledge of natural physics and basic techniques to improve his performance by designing a better launching pad, making adjustments, testing, and then adjusting again until reaching peak performance.
squirrel, (family Sciuridae), generally, any of the 50 genera and 268 species of rodents whose common name is derived from the Greek skiouros, meaning “shade tail,” which describes one of the most conspicuous and recognizable features of these small mammals. These distinctive animals occupy a range of ecological niches worldwide virtually anywhere there is vegetation. The squirrel family includes ground squirrels, chipmunks, marmots, prairie dogs, and flying squirrels, but to most people squirrel refers to the 122 species of tree squirrels, which belong to 22 genera of the subfamily Sciurinae. The North American gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) has adapted to urban and suburban areas where it is regarded as aesthetic or as a minor annoyance. In northern Europe the red squirrel (S. vulgaris) is valued for its soft, thick fur. Villagers in tropical forests keep squirrels as pets. Most species are hunted for food.
General features
Tree squirrels have slender, lanky bodies, long, muscular limbs, and furred feet. The forefeet have four long digits plus a short, stubby thumb, and the five-toed hind feet are narrow or moderately wide. The bald soles of the feet take the form of prominent, fleshy pads. Because the ankle joints are flexible and can be rotated, squirrels can rapidly descend trees headfirst with the hind feet splayed flat against the trunk. Their large, bright eyes convey an alert demeanour, and the broad, short head tapers to a blunt muzzle adorned with long whiskers. The rounded ears, small in relation to body size, are densely covered with short, fine hairs, which form a long tuft at the tips of the ears in some species. The tail is about as long as head and body or appreciably longer. Furred from base to tip, the tail appears bushy and cylindrical when the hairs grow evenly around the tail; the tail appears flatter if the fur originates only from opposite sides. Claws are large, strong, curved, and very sharp, which enables tree squirrels to navigate vertical surfaces and slim branches.
Variation in body size is considerable. Largest are the four species of Oriental giant squirrels (genus Ratufa) native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia. Weighing 1.5 to 3 kg (3 to almost 7 pounds), it has a body length of 25 to 46 cm (about 10 to 18 inches) and a tail about as long. Two species of pygmy squirrels are the smallest: the neotropical pygmy squirrel (Sciurillus pusillus) of the Amazon Basin weighs 33 to 45 grams (1 to 1.5 ounces), with a body 9 to 12 cm long and an equally long tail; but the African pygmy squirrel (Myosciurus pumilio) of the West African tropical forests is even smaller, at 13 to 20 grams, with a body length of 6 to 8 cm and a somewhat shorter tail.
Squirrels’ soft, dense fur is moderately long in most species but can be very long and almost shaggy in some. Colour is extraordinarily variable. Some species are plain, covered in one or two solid shades of brown or gray. A few species are striped along the sides and back; sometimes the head is also striped. Tropical species exhibit combinations of white, gray, yellow, orange, red, maroon, brown, and black, yielding a variety of complex coat patterns.
Giraffe standing in grass, Kenya.
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Natural history
All tree squirrels are diurnal and arboreal, but the range of vertical activity in species differs widely, especially among those living in tropical rainforests. Some, such as the Oriental giant squirrels (genus Ratufa) and the African giant squirrels (genus Protoxerus), rarely descend from the high canopy. Others, like the pygmy squirrel of Sulawesi (Prosciurillus murinus), travel and forage at intermediate levels between ground and canopy. Some large tropical squirrels, such as the Sulawesi giant squirrel (Rubrisciurus rubriventer) and the northern Amazon red squirrel (Sciurus igniventris), nest at middle levels but travel and forage low in the understory or on the ground. The African palm squirrels (genus Epixerus) are long-legged runners that forage only on the ground. Certain species, such as the red-tailed squirrel (S. granatensis) of the American tropics and the African pygmy squirrel, are active from ground to canopy. In the United States, the Eastern fox squirrel (S. niger) runs along the ground from tree to tree, but others, including the Eastern gray squirrel (S. carolinensis), prefer to travel through the treetops and regularly cross rivers by swimming with the head up and tail flat on the water’s surface. Thomas’s rope squirrel (Funisciurus anerythrus) of Africa even submerges itself and swims underwater.
Discover whether squirrels forget where they bury half of their food
Discover whether squirrels forget where they bury half of their foodSee all videos for this article
Most tree squirrels have strong chisel-like incisors and powerful jaws, which are required for gnawing open the hard nuts that, along with fruits, are a primary component of their diet. They also eat seeds, fungi, insects and other arthropods, the cambium layer of tree bark, nectar, leaves, buds, flowers, and sometimes bird eggs, nestlings, and carrion. Some red squirrels (genus Tamiasciurus) and Sciurus species of temperate climates will stalk, kill, and eat other squirrels, mice, and adult birds and rabbits for food, but such predation in tropical tree squirrels seems rare.
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Nests are constructed among branches in the forest canopy or at lower levels in tree crowns, vine tangles, tree hollows, or undergrowth near the ground. Some species of tropical tree squirrels produce several litters per year; breeding season in the Northern Hemisphere may extend from December to September and may result in one or two litters that average three to seven young, depending upon the species.
In the New World, tree squirrels range from the boreal forests of Canada and Alaska southward through coniferous and deciduous woodlands in the United States to the tropical rainforests of South America. In Africa, tree squirrels are native to rainforests and some woodland savannas. Their distribution in the remainder of the Old World extends from the northern boreal forests of Europe and Asia to the Indonesian tropical rainforests. East of the Asian continental margin, tree squirrels inhabit the forests of Taiwan, some islands in the Philippines, and Sulawesi, but they do not occur naturally anywhere east of those islands. Most of the species in 20 of the 22 genera are found in tropical rainforests.
Classification and evolutionary history
Tree squirrels belong to the subfamily Sciurinae; it and the subfamily Pteromyinae (flying squirrels) constitute the family Sciuridae of the order Rodentia. Fossils record the evolutionary history of tree squirrels back to the Late Eocene Epoch (41.3 million to 33.7 million years ago) in North America and the Miocene Epoch (23.8 million to 5.3 million years ago) in Africa and Eurasia.
FAMILY SCIURIDAE (squirrels)
2 subfamilies comprising 272 species in 51 genera found worldwide. See flying squirrel for 15 genera and 42 species of subfamily Pteromyinae. See also ground squirrel.
Subfamily Sciurinae
230 species in 36 genera, including ground squirrels (10 genera, 62 species), marmots (1 genus, 14 species), chipmunks (1 genus, 25 species), Asian rock squirrels (1 genus, 2 species), and prairie dogs (1 genus, 5 species).
Tree squirrels
122 species in 22 genera.
Genus Sciurus (tree squirrels)
28 non-African species.
Genus Callosciurus (Oriental, or tricoloured, tree squirrels)
15 Southeast Asian species.
Genus Sundasciurus (Sunda squirrels)
15 Southeast Asian species.
Genus Paraxerus (bush squirrels)
11 African species.
Genus Funisciurus (rope, or African striped, squirrels)
9 African species.
Genus Heliosciurus (sun squirrels)
6 African species.
Genus Funambulus (Asiatic palm squirrels)
5 Asian species.
Genus Microsciurus (dwarf squirrels)
4 Central and South American species.
Genus Prosciurillus (Sulawesi dwarf squirrels)
4 Southeast Asian species.
Genus Ratufa (Oriental giant squirrels)
4 Indian and Southeast Asian species.
Genus Tamiops (Asiatic striped squirrels)
4 Southeast Asian species.
Genus Tamiasciurus (red squirrels or chickarees)
3 North American species.
Genus Exilisciurus (pygmy squirrels)
3 Southeast Asian species.
Genus Epixerus (African palm squirrels)
2 West African species.
Genus Protoxerus (oil palm squirrels or African giant squirrels)
2 African species.
Genus Sciurillus (neotropical pygmy squirrel)
1 Amazonian species.
Genus Rubrisciurus (Sulawesi giant squirrel)
1 Southeast Asian species.
Genus Nannosciurus (black-eared squirrel)
1 Southeast Asian species.
Genus Myosciurus (African pygmy squirrel)
1 West African species.
Genus Rheithrosciurus (tufted, or groove-toothed, ground squirrel)
1 Southeast Asian species found only on Borneo.
Genus Glyphotes (sculptor squirrel)
1 Southeast Asian species found only on Borneo.
Genus Syntheosciurus (Bang’s mountain squirrel)
1 species found only in Costa Rica and Panama.
Guy Musser.
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What to Do at the Beach With Your Dog?
Most dogs love a warm sandy beach. One of the main reasons why most people carry their dogs to the beach is because of the open space and opportunity for them to run freely.
In an instant, he would be off like a rocket — leaping, twirling, bounding across the beach. Then he’d screech to a stop in a huge spray of sand, generally making a poodle fool of himself.
A visit to the beach is an ideal way to spend a summer day, and it can be tempting to take your dog along. But be aware the beach isn’t the best option for all dogs.
However, for the right dog, the beach can provide new sights, sounds, and smells to experience as well as opportunities for exciting games. However, there are doggie dangers, too. Maximize your fun by trying these activities, training these behaviors, and watching for these hazards.
You can do many of your dog’s favorite activities at the beach as well. For example, you can play tug-of-war or provide your dog with their favorite puzzle toy. But don’t miss out on all the opportunities for beach-related excitement. Here are some activities to try on your next beach outing:
Go for a walk. Explore the shore and let your dog soak in the new experiences like sniffing seaweed, watching scuttling crabs, or chasing seagulls. But don’t let your dog eat the seaweed or sand, both of which are dangerous for dogs to consume.
Play fetch on the beach with a ball or flying disc. Just be sure to choose a quiet spot so your dog’s enthusiasm for the game doesn’t disturb other beachgoers. Play fetch in the water. Choose a brightly colored floating toy so your dog can spot it on top of the waves. Be sure to play this game in relatively shallow water, as a bad throw can send your dog too far out from the shoreline.
Frolic together in the water. Splashing through the waves is a fun game, but your dog can easily overtire. So, stay close to shore and don’t leave your dog’s side. Go swimming. If they are new to the water, teach your dog to swim. Let them go at their own pace and fit them with a life jacket to provide extra confidence. But even experienced dogs need constant supervision to ensure they don’t overtire or swim too far from shore.
Teach your dog to surf or boogie board. If your dog is a confident swimmer, see if they might enjoy balancing on a board and surfing the waves. Learning to balance is also great for dog sports like agility or feeling comfortable in a canoe or kayak. Play in the sand. This is great for dogs who love to dig. Alternatively, you can build sandcastles and then let your dog destroy them.
Go boating together. If the water is calm enough, get your dog’s life jacket and try a canoe or kayak ride together. Whatever activities you decide to pursue, always supervise your dog. It’s important for your dog’s safety, but it’s also part of responsible dog ownership. Don’t let your dog disturb wildlife, damage vegetation, or become a nuisance to other people or dogs on the beach.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable beach day, there are certain behaviors your dog should know. First, your dog should have a reliable recall. Many beach activities require letting your dog off-leash, so you need to be certain your dog will come back to you when called. In fact, all your dog’s basic obedience behaviors should be under your control with either a hand signal or verbal cue. If your dog isn’t ready for that kind of freedom, stick to on-leash pursuits like walks along the shore. Leave it” is another important cue for your dog to understand. Leave it means your dog can’t eat something which could be garbage on the beach, a dead fish at the water’s edge, or food in somebody else’s picnic basket. With enough practice, this cue can also tell your dog to ignore something like wildlife or other beachgoers
Your dog should also be well-socialized and comfortable sharing toys with others. Beaches can get busy, and your dog might encounter loads of people and other dogs. For a social butterfly, that’s all part of the fun. However, if your dog is uncomfortable around people or other dogs, choose quiet times to visit the beach, such as earlier on a weekday morning, rather than times of peak attendance. There are some obvious dangers at the beach like rough waves, but you might not be aware of other hazards like drinking salt water. There are also rules to follow like leash laws and scooping poop. The following list will help you know what to watch for at the beach.
Check the rules. Not all beaches and swimming areas allow dogs. And some locations only allow them on certain days or at certain times. It’s also important to follow the leash regulations. Your dog might be allowed off-leash in some areas but not others. Watch for heatstroke. Provide your dog with shade and plenty of chances to rest. You might also limit your beach visits to early or late in the day when the sun isn’t as strong.
A visit to the beach is an ideal way to spend a summer day, and it can be tempting to take your dog along. But be aware the beach isn’t the best option for all dogs.
However, for the right dog, the beach can provide new sights, sounds, and smells to experience as well as opportunities for exciting games. However, there are doggie dangers, too. Maximize your fun by trying these activities, training these behaviors, and watching for these hazards.
What to Do at the Beach With Your Dog?
You can do many of your dog’s favorite activities at the beach as well. For example, you can play tug-of-war or provide your dog with their favorite puzzle toy. But don’t miss out on all the opportunities for beach-related excitement. Here are some activities to try on your next beach outing:
Go for a walk. Explore the shore and let your dog soak in the new experiences like sniffing seaweed, watching scuttling crabs, or chasing seagulls. But don’t let your dog eat the seaweed or sand, both of which are dangerous for dogs to consume.
Play fetch on the beach with a ball or flying disc. Just be sure to choose a quiet spot so your dog’s enthusiasm for the game doesn’t disturb other beachgoers.
Play fetch in the water. Choose a brightly colored floating toy so your dog can spot it on top of the waves. Be sure to play this game in relatively shallow water, as a bad throw can send your dog too far out from the shoreline.
Frolic together in the water. Splashing through the waves is a fun game, but your dog can easily overtire. So, stay close to shore and don’t leave your dog’s side.
Go swimming. If they are new to the water, teach your dog to swim. Let them go at their own pace and fit them with a life jacket to provide extra confidence. But even experienced dogs need constant supervision to ensure they don’t overtire or swim too far from shore.
Teach your dog to surf or boogie board. If your dog is a confident swimmer, see if they might enjoy balancing on a board and surfing the waves. Learning to balance is also great for dog sports like agility or feeling comfortable in a canoe or kayak.
Play in the sand. This is great for dogs who love to dig. Alternatively, you can build sandcastles and then let your dog destroy them.
Go boating together. If the water is calm enough, get your dog’s life jacket and try a canoe or kayak ride together.
Whatever activities you decide to pursue, always supervise your dog. It’s important for your dog’s safety, but it’s also part of responsible dog ownership. Don’t let your dog disturb wildlife, damage vegetation, or become a nuisance to other people or dogs on the beach.
Training Your Dog Should Know for a Beach Outing
To ensure a safe and enjoyable beach day, there are certain behaviors your dog should know. First, your dog should have a reliable recall. Many beach activities require letting your dog off-leash, so you need to be certain your dog will come back to you when called. In fact, all your dog’s basic obedience behaviors should be under your control with either a hand signal or verbal cue. If your dog isn’t ready for that kind of freedom, stick to on-leash pursuits like walks along the shore.
“Leave it” is another important cue for your dog to understand. Leave it means your dog can’t eat something which could be garbage on the beach, a dead fish at the water’s edge, or food in somebody else’s picnic basket. With enough practice, this cue can also tell your dog to ignore something like wildlife or other beachgoers.
Your dog should also be well-socialized and comfortable sharing toys with others. Beaches can get busy, and your dog might encounter loads of people and other dogs. For a social butterfly, that’s all part of the fun. However, if your dog is uncomfortable around people or other dogs, choose quiet times to visit the beach, such as earlier on a weekday morning, rather than times of peak attendance.
What to Watch for When at the Beach With Your Dog
There are some obvious dangers at the beach like rough waves, but you might not be aware of other hazards like drinking salt water. There are also rules to follow like leash laws and scooping poop. The following list will help you know what to watch for at the beach:
Check the rules. Not all beaches and swimming areas allow dogs. And some locations only allow them on certain days or at certain times. It’s also important to follow the leash regulations. Your dog might be allowed off-leash in some areas but not others.
Watch for heatstroke. Provide your dog with shade and plenty of chances to rest. You might also limit your beach visits to early or late in the day when the sun isn’t as strong.
Apply sunscreen to your dog. Dogs can suffer from sunburn, so use pet-safe sunscreen on your dog’s nose, ears, and any other areas with sparse fur.
Provide lots of fresh water. Your dog can easily dehydrate in the heat of summer, so frequently offer cool water to drink. Try to limit the amount of salt water your dog may drink as it can make them sick.
Prevent your dog from eating sand. It can block your dog’s intestines, causing an impaction.
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The Most Beautiful View of the South East Peninsula
Saint Kitts is an Island Paradise, with beautiful sandy beaches.
Site description (baseline)
The southeast peninsula is composed of low hills, eight salt ponds, coastal cliffs, and beaches. It is approximately 15 kilometers long and a road runs its length. The peninsula widens towards the southeastern tip to approximately 4 kilometers wide, although the narrowest northern section is less than one kilometer wide. Tourism is concentrated in the northern section of the peninsula, which is dominated by resorts, a golf course, and restaurants. Similar developments are expected to expand southward. Ponds of importance to birds on the peninsula include Greatheeds Pond and beach, Half Moon, Friar's Bay, Great Salt, Major's Bay, Mosquito Bay, Little Salt, and Frigate Bay Ponds. The boundaries would be limited by an area thirty meters from the high water line of each pond.
Key biodiversity
Least Terns nest at three sites on the Southeast Peninsula. A survey in 2004 revealed that Mosquito Bay Pond has 20 Least Tern pairs, Great Salt Pond has 27 pairs, and Greatheeds Beach (which is just north of the peninsula) has 18 pairs. Although St. Kitts' population of 65 pairs meets the Important Bird Area requirements, there is no one site where concentrations are sufficient to classify as an IBA. Because Least Tern colonies have previously been recorded at other nearby sites, indicating possible movement between breeding sites, the entire Southeast Peninsula is proposed as an IBA. Further study is needed to determine the importance of these sites to migrant waterbirds. The Southeast Peninsula of Saint Kitts island is located in Saint Kitts and Nevis, in the Lesser Antilles archipelago of the Caribbean.
It stretches southeast from the country's capital, Basseterre, for ~14 kilometres to the waters of The Narrows, the strait which separates Saint Kitts island nearby Nevis island. It is connected to the rest of the island by an isthmus which, at its narrowest, is less than one kilometre wide.
Features
Edit
Features of the peninsula include the Great Salt Pond, the country's largest lake, St. Anthony's Peak, Turtle Beach, and several bays (including Ballast Bay, Major's Bay, and Cockleshell Bay).
Until recently, this scrubby, low-lying peninsula, was less extensively developed than the rest of the island, being accessible mainly by boat. The construction of an all-weather road during the 1990s has led to some development, particularly around Turtle Beach.
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Adorable Guy Fearlessly Feeds a Flock of Chickens From His Hand
Feeding Options
The most convenient way of feeding chickens is with a balanced pelleted ration, whether the birds are confined indoors or allowed to range outdoors. Most diets contain corn for energy, soybean meal for protein, and vitamin and mineral supplements. Commercial rations often contain antibiotics and arsenicals to promote health and improve growth, coccidiostats for combating coccidiosis, and sometimes mold inhibitors. However, it is possible to obtain unmedicated feed-check feed labels to see if they contain feed additives.
In the industry, the feed is pelleted so the bird can eat more at one time. Chickens are nibblers and make frequent trips to the feed trough for small meals, which requires energy. Pelleting reduces the amount of energy required for a bird to feed. However, many producers of pasture-based, "natural" poultry believe that the meat is better when the bird receives more exercise.
If the bird is eating a fibrous diet, grit such as oyster shells is supplied to aid in grinding up coarse feed in the gizzard. Industry birds usually don't use grit because the diet is low in fiber. Outdoor birds also pick up small stones.
Different rations are often used, depending on the production stage of the bird. Starter rations are high in protein-an expensive feed ingredient. However, grower and finisher rations can be lower in protein since older birds require less. A starter diet is about 24% protein, grower diet 20% protein, and finisher diet 18% protein (1). Layer diets generally have about 16% protein. Special diets are available for broilers, pullets, layers, and breeders. Whole grains can also be provided as scratch grains.
Access to clean water is important. Levels of total dissolved solids above 3000 ppm in the water can interfere with poultry health and production.
Poultry feed ingredients include energy concentrates such as corn, oats, wheat, barley, sorghum, and milling by-products. Protein concentrates include soybean meal and other oilseed meals (peanut, sesame, safflower, sunflower, etc.), cottonseed meal, animal protein sources (meat and bone meal, dried whey, fish meal, etc.), grain legumes such as dry beans and field peas, and alfalfa. Grains are usually ground to improve digestibility. Soybeans need to be heated-usually by extruding or roasting-before feeding in order to deactivate a protein inhibitor. Soybeans are usually fed in the form of soybean meal, not in "full-fat" form, because the valuable oil is extracted first. Whole, roasted soybeans are high in fat which provides energy to the birds.
Chicken feed usually contains soybean meal which is a by-product of the oilseed industry. In the industry, soybeans are dehulled and cut into thin pieces (flaked) to improve the action of the solvent (usually hexane) which is passed through the soybean to extract the valuable oil. Vegetable oils such as soybean oil are used for edible and industrial purposes. The soybean is then toasted as a method of heat treatment to deactivate an inhibitor which would otherwise interfere with protein digestion in the animal. However, chickens can also be fed unextracted (full-fat) soybeans. An advantage of feeding unextracted soybeans is that they still contain the oil which provides high energy fat to the bird. Unextracted soybeans need to be heat-treated-roasted with dry heat and then ground, rolled, or flaked before mixing into a diet. Another method of heat treatment is extruding. Extrusion involves forcing the beans through die holes in an expander-extruder which creates friction which heats the beans sufficiently (sometimes steam is also applied). The result is a powdery material which does not require further grinding. Roasted and extruded soybeans should not be stored for long periods of time, especially in hot weather, because the oil turns rancid.
Since protein is generally one of the most expensive feed ingredients, the industry uses targeted rations and reduce the amount of protein in the diet as the birds grow (chickens require less and less protein as they age); however, it may not be cost-effective for small-scale producers to have different diets for starters, growers, and finishers.
Vitamin pre-mix is usually added but may be reduced by using vitamin-rich plant sources such as alfalfa. Other plants also provide vitamins in their leaves, hulls, and brans. Fish oil can provide vitamins A and D. Yeast provides some of the B vitamins. Sunlight is a good source of vitamin D for ranging chickens (converting a precursor to vitamin D). Poultry in cattle pastures may obtain vitamin B12 when picking through dung pats for insect larva. Sprouting grains, although a labor-intensive process, is used by some producers for vitamins when access to range is not possible. Sprouting can increase the amounts of carotene (vitamin A precursor) in the grain and as a source of year-round forage, could be an advantage for certified organic poultry production to reduce the amount of synthetic vitamins required in the diet. Eating plants may provide a yellow color to the skin of slaughtered chickens and a deeper yellow color to egg yolks.
Trace mineralized salt is usually added to poultry diets, but other sources can provide minerals. Minerals, although not present in high levels in plants, are provided in fish meal and kelp (seaweed). Meat and bone meal is an excellent source of minerals, particularly calcium and phosphorus, as well as being a good protein source. However, if a producer does not want to use meat and bone meal, then dicalcium phosphate can be substituted.
Access to pasture can reduce the vitamins and minerals needed in the diet since the birds get vitamins from plants and both vitamins and minerals from insects. An example of an all-grain diet is enclosed. Probiotics are sometimes provided to chicks during placement and before shipping. However, preparing a balanced diet can be a complex, possibly costly process, especially for producers with little background in nutrition. Specialized knowledge is required about the nutrient requirements of chickens and the nutrients contained in feedstuffs. Feed ingredients need to be sourced, milled, mixed together according to a formulation, and the mix is usually pelleted.
Ration-balancing of home-made diets is important, especially on a commercial scale, to achieve the right amounts of nutrients. If diets are not properly balanced, then birds will suffer from nutritional diseases. The National Research Council's Nutrient Requirements for Poultry (2) specifies the amounts of protein, energy (carbohydrates and fats), minerals, and vitamins. The quality of the protein is important since it is made up of individual amino acids, some amino acids being essential to bird health. The proper amount of these nutrients needed in diets depend on breed, age, and type of production. The reference issue of Feedstuffs magazine (3) has a charts of feed composition which lists the amount of nutrients provided by various feedstuffs. Feeding textbooks such as Applied Animal Nutrition: Feeds and Feeding (1) also have such charts. Feedstuffs can also be analyzed in a laboratory for nutrient make-up. Poultry nutritionists or Extension agents can provide help in ration-balancing. In preparing your own diet, formulation is important. Sample diets are enclosed. Some diets do not include meat and bone meal. If you are mixing a large volume, you may be able to get a local feedmill to mill, mix, and possibly pelleted (requires different machinery) for you. Feedmills also have access to feed ingredients and staff with nutritional expertise who can formulate diets.
Ellie MacDougal, a Maine farmer who keeps 50 layers primarily for composted litter for an herb operation, is an example of a producer who mills and mixes her own ingredients on-farm. She purchases whole grains and mills them as needed to retain nutrients. She says that milled grains should be fed within 30 days or else they begin to lose nutrients. She suggests a hand-mill for small quantities or a motorized mill for larger amounts. Another option is to buy already milled grains and just do your own mixing. Some producers feed whole grains. An "old-fashioned" way of feeding chickens is the "mash and grain" method which is a two-feed system of providing whole grains along with a high-protein ration in order to reduce costs. The whole grains cost less than the high-protein ration and can even be grown on-farm (4). Contact ATTRA for more information on mash and grain feeding.
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Absolutely Beautiful Video Of The Ocean Road Highway
THE OCEAN ROAD HIGHWAY AN ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL VIDEO
What is the best part of the Great Ocean Road Highway? Is one of the most scenic places to see on the Great Ocean Road Highway; a protected, rocky beach nestled amongst cliffs. Waves thread their way through the gorge and up onto the beach when the swell is up. And when it's calm, the inlet turns glassy and turquoise blue.
Driving across you would love the view of the rocks, birds, and small yachts. It's absolutely breathtaking to feel the cool summer breeze against your skin.
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You've never seen the incredible Orion Nebula like this before?
A stunning visualisation of the Orion Nebula in a breathtaking view that has never been seen. The Orion Nebula is a diffuse Nebula arranged in the Milky Way, being south of Orion's Belt in the star grouping of Orion. It is probably the most splendid Nubulae and is apparent to the unaided eye in the night sky. It is 1,344 ± 20 light-years away and is the nearest locale of monstrous star development to Earth.
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The Power of Puppy Training and Behaviors
Puppy activity and adult dog training play a key role in helping you to raise a well-behaved and socially adjusted canine companion. There are many different methods of dog training, and recommendations naturally vary depending on the age of the dog and the severity of any unwanted behavior that has already developed. Not all methods prove to be reliable or humane, and we strongly recommend against pursuing radical, or inhumane forms of dog training.
Some of the common behaviors dog training programs can help treat include:
Aggression: This is the number one reason dog owners seek dog training. Aggression is a natural defensive instinct in dog behavior. However, dogs must be deterred from taking hostile stances against people and other animals. These aggressive behaviors may include biting, snarling, growling, lunging and posturing. If your dog shows signs of aggression, it must be addressed. These behaviors will not go away on their own and will typically become more severe without intervention. Barking: As a dog's main form of vocal communication, barking conveys a dog's wants and needs. However, barking can also become an excessive and obsessive behavior that is a nuisance for you and your neighbors. If your dog barks incessantly or for no apparent reason you should consider obedience training. Chewing: Chewing is an essential behavior in puppies and some older dogs, as a method of maintaining a healthy mouth. However, excessive chewing can indicate anxiety, hyperactivity, stress, frustration or fear. If your dog chews inappropriate items such as furniture, bedding or carpet, you should pursue dog obedience training. Food guarding: This is a behavior that instinctually dates back to a wild animal protecting its precious sustenance from other animals. However, in the modern day home, food guarding can lead to dog attacks and other dangerous interactions between humans and canines. This is a behavior that should be addressed when your dog is a puppy to set up appropriate boundaries for your dog. If your dog guards his or her food, this is a behavior that should be addressed sooner than later. Please schedule an appointment ASAP. Howling: Like barking, howling is a normal form of vocal expression. Dogs howl to announce their presence, attract attention and make contact with other dogs, and is more common in some breeds than others. However, excessive howling can also indicate separation anxiety and even medical issues. If your dog howls excessively, we can discuss it at your next veterinary appointment. Mounting and masturbation: These are also normal behaviors in dogs of all ages for dominance, social and reproductive purposes. Even after spaying or neutering, many dogs continue to mount other dogs in shows of dominance. But in excess, these behaviors can indicate compulsion, stress and certain medical issues. Therefore, it is important to seek veterinary advice if your dog exhibits these behaviors abnormally. Mouthing: While this is perfectly normal dog behavior, mouthing can also lead to more dangerous behavior. Nipping and biting other animals or humans is totally unacceptable dog behavior that can lead to dangerous interactions. If your dog nips or bites during play or other interactions, dog training is essential to stave off potential disaster. Separation anxiety: This is a very common dog behavior. After all, you are the main living being your dog associates with, and when you are not there, your dog wishes you were. Negative behaviors such as destroying property, barking and making in the house can typically be corrected with the right obedience training techniques. Some cases require medication to alleviate the severe stress that the dog is experiencing. Whining: This is also a normal vocal dog behavior. It can convey a need, but can also indicate anxiety, illness or injury. If your dog whines compulsively or incessantly, there could be a medical issue or condition causing this dog behavior to occur. For excessive and/or abnormal whining, give us a call and let's get your dog the care they need.
Puppy training is essential to raising a well-behaved and socially adjusted adult canine. This is because behaviors learned or allowed during a dog's formative years are the ones that become ingrained in his or her consciousness as acceptable in adulthood. Because dogs age faster than human beings do, puppy training becomes essential to embark upon early in life. In order to ensure negative behaviors are corrected before they can become ingrained as normal or natural. Puppy training should be started between 7-8 weeks of age. Between the ages of 8 and 12 weeks, there are many important milestones of behavioral learning for your puppy. During this time you will greatly benefit from the help of an experienced trainer. As your puppy ages, behaviors become quickly ingrained and certain behaviors become more difficult to change. It is much easier to mold the behavior of a puppy and ensure that your puppy is on the right track from the start.
Puppy training courses deal with many common, but negative dog behavior patterns and will help your puppy become a disciplined and well adjusted adult dog. We strongly recommend puppy training courses for every dog and dog owner.
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The Beautiful Saint Kitts And Nevis
Welcome to our beautiful island of Saint Kitts and Nevis. Take a look at the many gorgeous places to visit.
World of Hyatt
Escape to Luxury at Our Beachfront St. Kitts & Nevis Resort
At Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour, guests can enjoy personalized luxury while discovering authentic experiences for an enriching stay. Our family-friendly resort offers various activities and wellness programming, a full-service spa, and some of the best restaurants in St. Kitts. Unwind in one of our distinct guest rooms with contemporary decor, soaking tubs and stunning views. Reserve a suite for an elevated stay at our Caribbean resort. Many suites offer individual pools with private sundecks and unobstructed views of the sea and neighboring Nevis Island. All the rooms and suites at our St. Kitts luxury resort face the turquoise water of the Caribbean Sea and feature spa-inspired baths. Our Three Bedroom Presidential Villa includes a private sundeck and rooftop infinity pool with panoramic Caribbean views. Relax on the golden sands or swim in the crystal clear Caribbean Sea. Enjoy direct beach access and two swimming pools – the secluded adult-only Rampart Pool, where you can also experience a truly romantic dinner by the Rampart Waterfall Dining Cabana, and the Lagoon Pool, where families and friends can unite to create unforgettable memories. Light fare is served poolside and at the beach with spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea and St. Kitts’ sister island Nevis.
At Sugar Mill Spa & Sanctuary, align your body and soul while unifying the physical and spiritual elements through exclusive intention-based treatments, fitness practice during yoga and meditation classes, and globally inspired healing philosophies. Our healers, masters, and elite experts are pioneers in their fields—and all are committed to guiding your journey.
The Island Fort kids club is complimentary and designed to entertain children from three to twelve years old with a mix of outdoor activities, storytelling, arts, crafts and more. Please contact our Concierge for opening hours at concierge.skbph@hyatt.com or call +1 (869) 467 4849.
Enjoy a luxurious day poolside in one of our private cabanas. For an additional fee, add a stocked fridge, signature cocktails, Afternoon Tea, and more. For any questions regarding these rentals, please contact the Concierge team at concierge.skbph@hyatt.com or call 1 (869) 467 - 4849. Maximize your stay the that Park Hyatt St. Kitts with an exclusive day pass or spa pass. Day Passes provide access to the resort pools, savings on food and beverage, and savings at the Sugar Mill Spa & Sanctuary. Indulge and recharge during your next stay.
Area Attractions
The beachfront resort location of Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour lends itself to a multitude of activities perfect for your next family-friendly vacation or Caribbean getaway. With plenty of activities, unique culinary experiences and wellness programming, our St. Kitts resort is the ideal beach destination—the majestic grounds surrounding the resort feature two swimming pools, private cabanas, kid-friendly resort activities and watersports sports. For a therapeutic experience, our full-service spa offers various treatments and services, including yoga and meditation. Or simply lounge on the beach, float in the warm waters of the Caribbean sea and experience the rewarding views of our sister island Nevis.
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When The African Sea Eagle Go Fishing, It's Quite a Catch.
To catch fish, eagles generally watch the water surface from a perch or while soaring in the air. Then they swoop down close to the water and drop their feet right in the water to catch the fish.
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South East Peninsula Christopher Harbor
Prime Destination Marina
Created by internationally acclaimed developers, The Marina at Christophe Harbour is being built with the discerning yachtsman in mind. At full build out, the marina will consist of 250 state-of-the-art, alongside berths - 50 of which will be able to accommodate superyachts up to 250'.
Protected entrance, safe inner harbour, and a prime location between Antigua and St. Maarten in the heart of the Eastern Caribbean charter and cruising grounds make Christophe Harbour positioned perfectly for homeporting or island hopping.
As a designated port of entry, The Marina at Christophe Harbour provides expedited VIP customs and clearance onsite for private jet and yacht arrivals. In addition, you get the benefit of duty-free concessions (no import duties or government charges on fuel and other provisions), work permit requirement and fee exemptions for yacht and airplane crews, and 24-hour security with a fully monitored single access point.
A hideaway harbour with state-of-the-art docks and amenities designed specifically for your superyacht.
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The Marriott Hotel Resort Wartsila Diesel Engine
This is a wartsila diesel engine which generates power to supply the Marriott Hotel with electricity. There are six available engines, two wartsila and four caterpillar. Two engines are always in use, while the other four are on stand by.
The Wärtsilä 32 was developed in response to a need in the market for a new engine in the 320 mm cylinder bore class and since 1998 more than 2500 of these engines have been sold to the marine market, in total more than 4500 Wärtsilä 32 bore engines have been delivered to the marine market since the 1980s.
Based on the latest achievements in combustion technology, it is designed for efficient and easy maintenance in combination with long maintenance-free operating periods. The engine is fully equipped with all essential ancillaries and a thoroughly planned interface to external systems.
The Wärtsilä 32 engine is fully compliant with the IMO Tier II exhaust emissions regulations set out in Annex VI of the MARPOL 73/78 convention.
Key benefits
Exellent fuel flexibility allowing operation on HFO, LBF, MDO and ultra low sulphur fuel. Low fuel oil consumption over a wide load range.
Utmost power-to-weight and power-to-space rations in combination with a great flexibility in engine support arrangements allows optimised rigid or flexible installation for a wide range of vessel applications.
Fast starting times and great load acceptance makes the Wärtsilä 32 a preferred choice in many offshore applications.
High reliability and proven in service makes the Wärtsilä 32 an excellent choice for any application.
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Why a beautiful Sunrise always makes you feel extremely happy?
It has been proven that watching the sunrise or sunset gives you a better sense of gratitude for the earth. When you are caught up in the natural beauty of the Earth (like a sunset or sunrise), you rid yourself of any distractions and feel higher levels of satisfaction and gratitude for what's happening in front of you. I think if a person enjoys sunrises more than sunsets it means that they prefer to focus on what’s to come, rather than what’s already in their past.
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Brave Pigeon is Playing a Game of Chicken Against a Racecar
Birds are very skillful creatures in this video you can see just how much speed and precise flying abilities the Pigeon has I would consider this pigeon to be a Courageous Bird playing a deadly game of chicken with a racecar and backflips to avoid death from the oncoming vehicle.
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What are some Fun Facts about New Year Eve?
A time for people to come together and celebrate the end of the year and the beginning of a new one, New Year’s Eve is a holiday that is celebrated on December 31st, the last day of the year. Attending events, dancing, and watching fireworks are common New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Some people also make resolutions for the new year, which are promises to themselves to make more changes in their lives for the better. It’s a time of joy, hope, and reflection, and is often marked by traditions and customs that vary from culture to culture.
History of New Year’s Eve
The celebration of New Year’s Eve has a history dating back thousands of years. The holiday’s origins can be traced back to ancient civilizations, such as the Babylonians and the Romans, who marked the beginning of the new year with religious festivals and celebrations.
In ancient Rome, new year celebrations occurred on the first full moon in March with the festival of Anna Perenna – the goddess of the year. The festival was a time of feasting and drinking, and people would exchange gifts and make wishes for the new year.
In medieval Europe, the new year was celebrated on March 25th, which was the Feast of the Annunciation. This date marked the start of the new year on the Julian calendar, which was used at the time. The celebration of the new year on this date persisted until the adoption of the Gregorian calendar in the 16th century, which moved the start of the new year to January 1st. New Year’s Eve as it is celebrated today is largely a modern creation, with many of the traditions associated with the holiday having developed in the 20th century. Despite this, new year celebrations have a rich and varied history that spans many centuries and cultures.
How to Celebrate New Year’s Eve
Around the world, New Year’s Eve is observed in a variety of ways, with some people taking part in customs and rituals to mark the end of the old year and the start of the new. Some common ways people celebrate New Year’s Eve include:
Attending Parties
Many celebrate New Year’s Eve by attending parties or hosting their own gatherings with friends and family. These parties often involve dancing, music, and other fun events.
Watching Fireworks
Fireworks displays are a common way to celebrate New Year’s Eve in many countries. These displays are often accompanied by music and other forms of entertainment.
Making Resolutions
Some people promise themselves they will make positive changes in their life when they set new year resolutions. These resolutions can range from personal goals, such as losing weight or exercising more, to broader goals, such as helping others or becoming more environmentally conscious.
Spending Time with Loved Ones
New Year’s Eve is often seen as a time to reflect on the past year and spend time with loved ones, so many choose to spend the holiday with family and friends, either at home or by traveling to be together. Participating in Cultural Traditions
Different cultures have their own customs associated with New Year’s Eve. For example, in many Latin American countries, people celebrate by eating grapes, one for each chime of the clock at midnight. In Japan, people celebrate by visiting temples to pray for good luck in the new year. Many people also participate in the tradition of “hatsumode,” which involves visiting a shrine on the first day of their new year.
The New Year’s Eve Ball Drop
One of the most iconic New Year’s Eve traditions is the New Year’s Eve ball drop in Times Square, New York City. Every year, a large crystal ball is lowered from the top of a flagpole at the stroke of midnight, signaling the ringing in of the new year. This tradition has been taking place in Times Square since 1907.
What are some fun facts about New Year’s Eve?
The first recorded celebration of New Year’s Eve took place in ancient Babylon, around 2000 BC. The ancient Babylonians celebrated the new year with a festival called Akitu, which was held in honor of the god Marduk.
The New Year’s Eve ball drop in Times Square, New York City, has been taking place since 1907. The first ball, which was made of iron and wood, weighed 700 pounds and was adorned with 100 light bulbs.
The most popular resolution for the new year is to lose weight, followed by exercising more and saving money.
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Beautiful Morning Dove Close up Eating a little Apple
Eating an apple is this Beautiful Morning Dove. While waiting for the bus to go to work, I decided to eat an apple. Here comes this adorable little dove looking at me. By that time, the apple was almost finished. I still gave it the remaining apple.
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Saint Kitts Getting Ready for Bubble J'ouvert
The long-awaited calendar detailing the list of events for the 50th staging of St. Kitts and Nevis National Carnival has been released with a number of shows that are expected to be a hybrid of live and virtual events beginning Saturday, Nov. 13.
Activities for Sugar Mas 50 are under the theme “Sugar Mas 50! Fun, Vibe, Energy”.
A sneak peek of the calendar was released on Monday and the official release took place on Wednesday, where Chair of the National Carnival Committee Shannon Hawley detailed what is expected for each event.
“This year we have a hybrid. We know we’ve been in the middle of a pandemic and we’ve been working with the Task Force; we want to ensure that at the end of the day everyone is safe and we are having a live audience’” she said, “We will still have the opportunity to go virtual at every event that we are hosting this year. You will still have that opportunity to log on and view all of the national carnival events. Some of the major events and finals will pay-per-view, however, the majority of the shows will be free to view online.”
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The Statute of Liberty National Monument and Historic Landmark
The Famous Statute of Liberty is a great symbol of freedom, which was given to the people in 1886 by France to the United States in celebration of American Independence. The Statue of Liberty, designed by Auguste Bartholdi (1834-1904), was a gift from France as a symbol of American freedom, and has watched over New York Harbor since its dedication on October 28, 1886. There have been many claims on the internet and elsewhere that the Statue of Liberty was originally intended to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States following the end of the Civil War, and that the model for the Statue was an African American woman.
Many sources suggest that the Museum of the City of New York can verify this information, and questions about the Statue’s origins remain among the Museum’s most frequently received inquiries. The Museum refers these researchers to the Statue of Liberty National Monument, the authority on the Statue. The National Parks Service, who cares for the Monument, has likewise been contacted with researchers seeking to verify these same claims, among others, and has posted a report on its website, addressing these rumors, and sharing their findings.
While the Museum can’t affirm or deny any of the claims about the Statue’s origins, we do our best to answer questions that involve the Museum’s collections. In this case, the Museum is lucky enough to have have two early maquettes, or a small preliminary models, similar to an artist’s sketch, by Auguste Bartholdi.
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10 Best free advice why you should always feed your dog more raw meat.
Here are the essential 10 Benefits why you should always feed your dog more raw meat.
1. Raw is normally absorbable
A crude eating routine is a regular decision for your pet. Actually like individuals canines ingest supplements preferred from entire food sources rather than over-engineered nutrients which are frequently included during the time spent assembling kibble and canned food. Canines blossom with an eating routine that is wealthy in quality protein and low in starches and sugars. Iron Will crude canine food plans are the best for Canines and don’t contain fillers, added substances, or additives, which are more diligently for your pet to process.
2. Healthy skin and coat
Your canine’s skin is her biggest organ. At the point when your canine’s body is getting the supplements and nutrients it needs, it appears through their skin! What’s more tight clamp versa. The supplements in crude food are more bioavailable for canines to process than financially pre-arranged food, permitting organs to ingest the fundamental supplements all the more productively. Crude pet food likewise normally contains dynamic chemicals that help a canine breakdown and burn-through supplements. Without these catalysts, it’s harder for canines to ingest starches, fats, and protein. This can bring about dandruff, dry skin, and slender or coarse hide development. After changing your pet to crude, you’ll notice a distinction in their skin, coat, and how substantially less they shed!
3. Reduction in pup smell
At the point when canines devour food higher in fillers, added substances, and additives, it can prompt some not-really charming ‘pup smell’. Due to the advantages to your canine’s skin and coat, the skin delivers fewer scent filled oils. Your pet’s stomach related framework is additionally better upheld on a crude food diet, frequently diminishing or disposing of pup gas.
4. Less crap to scoop
Business pet food frequently contains grains, peas, corn, and different fixings that are not a characteristic piece of a canine’s eating routine. These fixings are more enthusiastically for your pet to separate, bringing about more waste (otherwise known as crap). A crude food diet contains meat, organ, and bone – everything a canine was intended to process. The fixings in crude pet food can be effortlessly separated and utilized for fuel, which implies less becomes squander. The craps will likewise become firmer and following a couple of days become pale and decay quicker.
5. Reduction insensitivities
Diet is the most generally blamed reason for sensitivities in pets but may be accepted food hypersensitivities are a finish of bigotry stacked on top of one another until the pet’s resistant framework can at this point don’t shield the body. A significant reason for weight on the insusceptible framework comes from helpless stomach wellbeing. Unfortunately, numerous fillers utilized in kibble and other financially delivered pet food varieties are not naturally implied for canines and can cause weight on stomach related framework which compromises the insusceptible framework. After some time, prejudices can heighten to hypersensitive responses. Rashes, irritated paws, ear contaminations, and stomach related and joint issues are generally normal hypersensitive responses. A characteristic crude eating routine can help lessen or wipe out your fuzzy companion’s hypersensitivity manifestations.
6. Immune system support
In contrast to business pet food, Iron Will Raw just holds back fixings that your pet was organically intended to eat. By restricting your pet’s openness to fillers, added substances, and species improper food varieties, your canine’s body can zero in on different things, such as taking care of outer and ecological triggers. Crude food is likewise normally wealthy in dampness, which upholds your shaggy companion’s organ wellbeing.
7. Increased energy
At the point when your canine feels better, they have more energy! A great crude pet food is missing abundance fixings and fillers, so less energy should be spent processing carbs and sugars. Subsequent to changing your canine to crude, you’ll probably see another infection enthusiasm
8. Enhanced hydration
Crude food has a higher dampness content than financially pre-arranged pet food, bringing about evident, regular hydration for your pet. Since canines on a crude eating routine are getting hydration through their food, they will quite often drink less water contrasted with their kibble-took care of buddies.
9. Easy weight management
Did you know as numerous as half of the canines are overweight? A crude eating regimen is a characteristic method for dealing with your pet’s weight and working on their general prosperity! In contrast to kibble, crude pet food doesn’t contain extra starches or sugars which can be more enthusiastically for your pet to consume off. Iron Will Raw pet food is just made with organically fitting fixings and non-glycemic green vegetables, normally assisting your canine with keeping up with their ideal body weight.
10. Cleans teeth normally
The high sugar content in economically delivered pet food establishes the best climate for risky microorganisms to develop, causing various dental issues in canines. Kibble and canned food can likewise stall out in your canine’s teeth, prompting plaque, tartar and awful breath. Crude food is less inclined to adhere to teeth, helping keep your canine’s mouth sound. Crude food additionally contains normally happening chemicals which advance oral wellbeing.
Raw Meaty Bones are one more normal method for aiding clean your pet’s teeth. Biting on a Raw Meaty Bone aides scratch away plaque from their teeth, messages their gums, and production flow. Give your canine a Raw Meaty Bone 1-2 times each week and you’ll begin to see a distinction in your pet’s teeth and breath.
Nourishing your pet with a raw food diet is one of the best pieces of advice anyone can tell you to do for their health and overall well-being!
Check out Iron Will Raw for the best Raw Meat Deals.
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How, When And Where Can You See A Merry 'Cold Christmas Moon'
How to see the Cold Moon, the longest full moon of the year.
December's Cold Moon, the longest full moon of the year, will make a big appearance this Saturday night (Dec. 18), making it the last full moon before the colder time of year solstice in the Northern Hemisphere.
So what's so extraordinary about the "Cold Christmas Moon?" Of the 12 full moons in 2021, there was a "Blue Moon," two "Blood Moon" lunar eclipses and three alleged supermoons … and presently one "micro moon."
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4 Essential Reasons why you would love to visit Saint Kitts
You would love to visit Saint Kitts for these 4 Essential Reasons:
Essential Reasons why Saint Kitts should be your best choice to visit.
One of the most important aspects of visiting Saint Kitts is the beautiful beaches.
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How to visit Haifoss Waterfall? One of the most popular place in Iceland
How to get there? The easiest way to get to Haifoss is by taking the tar road to the east from the area of Skalholt and Fluoir along the Golden Circle. Drive for about 41 kilometres on the road until you reach the gravel road. There is a sign that you'll see pointing in the direction of Laxargljufur. That's the road you have to take. Enjoy this Aerial view of Haifoss Waterfalls.
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How to convert YouTube video to mp4
YouTube Video converting to mp4 using Snaptube. This is a video explaining how to use Snaptube to convert your video files into mp4. You can also use the app Snaptube to download videos from Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, WhatsApp or any other social media sites. Its a very useful app for your everyday needs.
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The Physical Characteristics of Cats
There are many different breeds of cats, including Abyssinian, Himalayan, Maine Coon, Manx, Persian, Scottish Fold, and Siamese, to name a few. The Cat Fanciers’ Association, which is the world’s largest registry of pedigreed cats, recognizes about 40 distinct breeds. The most familiar cats are the domestic shorthair and the domestic longhair, which are really mixtures of different breeds. Cat breeds differ in looks, coat length, and other characteristics but vary relatively little in size. On average, only 5 to 10 pounds separate the smallest and largest domestic breeds of cats.
Cats also share the rapid metabolism that dogs have, which results in a higher heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature than those of people ( see Table: Normal Feline Physiologic Values). Cats generally live longer than dogs, and many live to be 20 years old or older.
Temperature Regulation
Cats are better at conserving heat than at cooling themselves, although their small size relative to their large surface area makes for more effective cooling than in dogs. Cats lose heat through external radiation. They have some sweat glands that aid in evaporative cooling, and licking their fur further improves this process. Heat is also lost through panting, although this is not as effective a method of cooling as it is in dogs. Cats typically also seek dark, cool places to shelter themselves from the heat of the day. As with all animals, cats should never be shut in cars or other hot, confined spaces. This can lead to heat stroke and death.
Cats have the same 5 senses as people do but to very different degrees. Some senses are much better developed than in people.
Sight
Cats have keen vision; they can see much more detail than dogs. Concentrated in the center of the retina of the eye, a specific type of cell called a cone gives cats excellent visual acuity and binocular vision. This allows them to judge speed and distance very well, an ability that helped them survive as hunters. However, although the cone cells are also responsible for color vision, it is uncertain whether cats can see colors. Like dogs, cats also have a lot of the retinal cells called rods, which are good at collecting dim light. In fact, cats can see 6 times better in dim light than people, giving rise to the myth that cats can see in the dark. Cats also have a reflective layer called the tapetum lucidum, which magnifies incoming light and lends a characteristic blue or greenish glint to their eyes at night.
A unique feature of both canine and feline eyes is the nictitating membrane, which is also called the third eyelid. This additional eyelid is a whitish pink color and is found under the other eyelids in the inside corner (near the nose) of the eye. The third eyelid extends up when needed to protect the eyeball from scratches (such as while traveling through brush) or in response to inflammation.
Hearing
Cats are very sensitive to sound, with a range of hearing both above and below the range of frequencies that can be detected by people. They can hear better than people and even better than most dogs. Feline hearing also acts as a direction finder, which is useful for hunting purposes. Cats generally turn their heads toward the direction of the sound while listening to pinpoint the location. The ear canal of cats is deeper and more tapered than in people. This deeper canal is subject to buildup of dirt and wax that can lead to inflammation and secondary infection, although to a lesser degree than in dogs.
The semicircular canals, which are found within the inner ear, are filled with fluid and are important for maintaining balance. These are highly developed in cats, accounting for their agility and excellent sense of balance. Cats can usually determine their body position at all times and can rapidly right themselves when falling, which explains the origin of the phrase, “Cats always land on their feet.”
Smell and Taste
Cats do not rely as much on the sense of smell as some other animals. The sense of smell is less developed in cats than in dogs. Like people, cats are finicky about odors and try to cover disagreeable smells. Also like people, odor is an extremely important part of taste and enjoyment of food for cats. Cats that have lost their sense of smell due to illness (such as nasal or severe respiratory infection, nerve damage, or certain cancers) often stop eating completely.
Most cats are excited by the smell of catnip, a plant that is a member of the mint family. However, not all cats react in the same way. Some become manic, others roll and purr, others are minimally affected. This herb is harmless and can be given to your cat either directly or as part of a catnip toy or ball.
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One of the most popular and beautiful boatyards with a stunning view of the ocean
The most famous and gorgeous boatyards with a stunning view of the ocean. The background of the sky and ocean view is amazing.
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Amazing! Daring feline shows no signs of fear from the attacking dog
This dog decides to annoy a cat who is on the roof of a house hiding between the trees. The daring feline shows no signs of fear from the attacking dog.
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