Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD or PsCV)

Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD or PsCV)
Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease is caused by a virus (Psittacine Circovirus) and in many ways is the avian equivalent of the human AIDS virus. Birds suffering from this disease can show abnormal feather growth (known as feather dystrophy) and have necrosis of the beak - hence the name. The virus is capable of suppressing the bird’s immune system to the point that they become debilitated and susceptible to secondary infections that ultimately kill the bird. This is truly a devastating disease and is highly contagious.

The American Miniature Horse
The breed of the American Miniature Horse is a result of nearly 400 years of selective breeding. Many historians believe that the Miniature Horse breed as a derivative of many horses. In prehistoric times small horse breeds were most likely the products of surviving harsh natural climates and limited feed. Today, knowledge of genetics has made the possibility of breeding specifically for size and reality.

Importing small horses to the United States was first mentioned in 1888, with research showing very little public awareness of true Miniatures until 1960. American Miniature Horses utilized the blood of English and Dutch mine horses brought into the United States in the 19th century and used in some Appalachian coal mines as late as 1950. The American Miniature Horse, as documented in the pedigrees of Miniature horse breeds today, also drew upon the blood of the Shetland Pony. Throughout its colorful past, the Miniature Horse breed has been bred for pets, novelty, research, monetary gain, mining work, exhibition and royal gifts.

The size of a miniature horse is usually no larger than a large dog. American Miniature Horses are miniature versions of well balanced horses possessing confirmation characteristics found in most equine breeds. Miniature horses can be a large variety of colors and types.

The temperament of the mini s are eager to please, they make a gentle and affectionate companion for individuals of any age or ability.

The American Miniature Horse tends to be very versatile as a petite horse. They tend to excel in a variety of disciplines which includes: driving, halter, free jumping, obstacles and many more.

The American Miniature Horse Association (AMHA) is the worlds leading Miniature Horse registry with nearly 160,000 horses and more than 12,000 members in 37 countries and provinces.

The association was founded in 1978 promoting the breeding, use and perpetuation of a standard of equine excellence in miniature , separate and apart from ponies and other small equines. Horses that are registered with the AMHA must meet the Association standard of perfection and cannot exceed 34 inches in height at the withers as measured from the last hairs of the main.

The organization was created by a group of dedicated horsemen, the AMHA was created in 1978 in Arlington, Texas. Their goal was very simple ” to encourage the breeding, exhibition, and perpetuation of the American Miniature Horse. This is separate and apart from ponies and other small equines.

The AMHA is one of the worlds fastest growing equine organizations and they continue to grow to increased numbers in registrations, transfers, show entries and increased memberships each year. The American Miniature Horse Association is currently the leading Miniature Horse Registy. If you have not had the change to see these amazing horses, then you need to try to find a farm and go visit, you will not regret it. These cute little horses are absolutely incredible and well worth a farm visit.

Nanette Hughston is a freelance writer from the southern US Region. Check out her website at http://www.dressageamerica.com. This article is free for reprint or republishing with the author bio remaining intact.

Amazon Parrot Training
Trust training your Amazon Parrot is the single best thing you can do to create a happy and welcoming environment for your bird. Find a great program which emphasizes positive reinforcement; create a schedule which supports positive and productive training sessions and get started building a fabulous relationship with your Amazon Parrot. No matter the age or the current behavior issues you’re dealing with - trick training creates superior human and bird relationships.

Dog Adoption Tips I Learned From My 2 Dogs
There?s a hole in your life that only a dog can fill. You want a special dog, perhaps just a full-grown adult. Maybe your code of ethics calls for saving a dog?s life ? not buying an expensive purebred.

I?m not a veterinarian or a dog trainer, but I?ve enjoyed two successful adoptions. Here are some tips I?ve picked up along the way.

(1) Clarify your requirements ahead of time.

Once you?re standing in front of a cage, it?s easy to say, ?Well, he?s a lot bigger than I expected, and I really wanted a female, but oh he?s SO cute!? No amount of love or training will help if your dog needs more exercise than you can provide.

(2) Know the difference between shelter and rescue groups.

Most cities have humane societies where you can view dogs and make a choice. Rescue groups typically hold animals in foster care ? which is good, because you can ask the foster mom all sorts of questions. For example, they can say, ?This dog lived with two cats so you know you can trust her.?

(3) Be prepared to pay.

Shelter animals are not free, but you do get value for money. Expect to pay a fee that may include spay/neuter costs, licensing, and/or veterinarian visits.

(4) Consider an older dog.

By the time a dog has turned three or four, she?s as big as she?s going to get. No surprises! You?ll also have clues regarding his temperament.

(5) Plan to confine the dog during a period of transition.

Your new dog doesn?t get it. She was in a loving home (or left alone in a yard all day or even abused). Then she spent a few weeks in a cage, feeling lonely and isolated. Maybe she?s been passed around to multiple homes.

Bottom line, she?s stressed. She may chew, dig, bark, or even lose her house training at first.

Crating the dog prevents destructive behavior. My dogs both looked visibly relieved as they retreated to their crates every day. ?Time to relax,? they seemed to say.

(6) Invest in training.

Most dogs are turned over to the shelter because of behavior problems. If you?re new to the world of dog behavior, take a class or hire a professional. Most behavior can be corrected, even among older dogs. But if you?re not sure, ask a professional. Some behaviors can?t be ?fixed.?

(7) Incorporate large doses of exercise and walks into your day.

Walking together builds your bond and a tired dog is a good dog. Begin the exercise program immediately so you can gain a sense of how much exercise the dog needs ? an important factor in the dog?s adjustment ? and start training for the basics on the way home from the shelter.

Cathy Goodwin, a certfified Dog Fanatic, wrote Arf! Dog Health Comes Home: tips and resources to care for your aging, sick or injured dog. Download from <a href="http://www.dog-health.org" title="http://www.dog-health.org" target="_blank">http://www.dog-health.org</a>

Training African Grey Parrots? - Read This Now
Training your African Grey can be an enjoyable interaction for both you and your bird. As with training any animal there are several thing you can do to make the whole ordeal easier for you and your feathered companion. Since parrots, by nature, love to have fun and interact with their surroundings this make them highly susceptible to training.

Horse Breeds - The German Oldenburg
The history of the Oldenburg horse dates back to the early 1600 s by achieving its name and fame through Europe s Count Anton G nther von Oldenburg who was a renowned horseman and a great supporter of the breed. Three important events helped to shape the breed: the first stallion approved decreed by state lay in the year 1820 with the introduction of the register or origins in 1861, and the foundation of the two horse breeding societies by the Horse Breeding Act of April 9, 1897. These two were merged in the year 1923 and The Oldenburg Horse Breeders Society was formed. The breed refinement measures were introduced in 1935 with a thoroughbred stallion, Lupus xx and in 1950 by Condor. Due to the success breeder had with Condor, many breeders turned to the French Stallions around the end of the 1960 s. Furioso II was the first Anglo-Norman of modern breeding. This sire is held in the utmost regard. The French Anglo-Arabian stallion, Inschallah AA was used in Oldenburg in small doses with great success. A privately owned Oldenburg Stallion, Donnerhall, born in 1981 became one of the most successful sires of his generation in Germany. He holds the highest dressage breeding value index (271) of all stallions. He placed second among seventy stallions at his performance test and went on to become the DLG Champion in 1986. Donnerhall won more than 65 FEI Level and Grand Prix competitions and competed successfully until he was retired at the age of seventeen. His remarkable success as an international competitor and breeding stallion has made him one of the most successful dressage stallions in the world today. He has over 77 approved sons (all registries), 450 broodmares, 84 which are State Premium, and over 636 competition horses. In 1994 in Den Haag, he was a member of the gold winning team at the World Championships in Dressage and won the individual Bronze Medal. He is a member of the current European Championship Team and won the individual Bronze Medal. This horse has made a tremendous impact on the sport horse breeding world. The Oldenburg Horse Breeders Society is a division of the Verband der Zuchter des Oldenburger Pferdes, otherwise known as the German Oldenburg Verband or GOV. When receiving approvals for ones mares and stallions the rules of the German Breeding Laws apply. These rules are enforced and one addition has been made; in the event your foal or dam cannot attend the inspection because of illness, they will extend the timeframe for inspection of the foal for one year only. Progeny not inspected within the year of their birth can still be inspected and papered as yearlings as long as a veterinary certificate with the explanation of their prior condition which prohibited the foal from attending the inspection. Stallion Inspections Stallions must be inspected between the ages of two and four by calendar year. The GOV will no longer inspect stallions five years or older unless they have completed their 100 day test with the appropriate qualifying scores or they have met their performance requirements. The candidates must be out of Main Mare Book mares, or a mare eligible for Main Mare Book. This stallion must also come from and be registered by an approved registry. Broodmare Inspections This registry has much to improve on, and this is very critical to the breed. The reason the European registries are so successful it there is predictability in the progeny produced by well documented lines. The GOV relies heavily on statistics from the FN breeding books as well as good auction riders that in return give feedback on the young horses with respect to the temperament and rideability. Due to mares that have untraceable pedigrees and/or by stallions not bred as sport horses, such as race track thoroughbreds, one is never quite sure what they will get. Thoroughbred mares continue to get approved, but their quality must be high both conformationally and mentally. They must have flowing gaits and they prefer that the horse has competed in sport horse disciplines. There are four studbooks for mares, the highest being the Main Mare Book. Good quality mares with original or reissued registration papers from an accepted breed registry can be entered in the Main Mare Book. Premium Awards Foals from Main Mare Book mares are eligible to receive a Premium Foal award. Only Main Mare Book mares are eligible for Premium Mare awards. The Oldenburg horses are well known for their mild manner, great conformation and an all around great sport horse. Used in many disciplines, mainly dressage and jumping.

Nanette Hughston is a freelance writer from the southern US Region. Check out her website at http://www.dressageamerica.com. This article is free for reprint or republishing with the author bio remaining intact.

The Rose Breasted Grosbeak Bird
The Rose Breasted Grosbeak is of the finch species. The male has a black head, back, bright red breast and white rump, sides and belly. The bird’s wings are black with white patches above and red, white and black below.These beautiful birds are easily missed among the trees and shrubbery.

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