News

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...

As the owner of a pet rabbit, you should know the basics on how to create a safe, loving environment for them. There are many things you should know about as a rabbit owner, diet and housing being just two of them. Here are some valuable tips and facts:What to feed your pet rabbit:Fresh hay should be the main ingredient in your rabbit’s diet and it should be available to them at all times. Hay is vital for a rabbit’s digestive health because it contains essential fibers. It also helps wear down their teeth, which continuously grow, resulting in good...

Winter time can present a battle for survival for wild birds. Their endless quest for food begins at dawn and continues until dusk. They spend their days searching for enough sustenance to store enough energy to endure cold winter nights. Because of the seasonal decline of natural habitat, wild birds depend on us during those winter months. Don’t give up on filling the feeders!- Feeding Wild Birds in the Winter Months:Wild birds need a constant supply of fresh seed, even through the winter months, which may invite different types of birds to your feeders than the ones you admire in...

Cold weather presents horses with some specific nutritional and management demands. As winter approaches it is a good idea to evaluate your horses housing and feeding programs to insure that they get through the cold weather in good shape.All warm-blooded animals have a critical temperature. This is the temperature below which the animal must produce additional heat to maintain normal body temperature. Mature horses in good flesh have a critical temperature around 30° F during early winter. After developing a winter coat and gaining 100 pounds, the critical temperature drops to 15° F. It is estimated that young horses, horses...

Proper storage of hay between harvest and feeding is critical for preserving nutrients and assuring that you'll have high quality hay to feed your cattle during the winter months they need it most. The nutrient requirements of cattle are more likely to be met with quality hay that is well stored, according to Mark L. Wahlberg, Extension Animal Scientist, Virginia Tech.Small square bales, weighing from 40 to 70 pounds, should be stored in a barn or other structure with a roof to minimize dry matter losses. Due to the size, shape, and weight of large round bales, storage options are...