Fainting Goats

The television show MythBusters, from the Discovery Channel, were evidently skeptical that fainting goats were in fact real. Yes, the Tennessee Fainting Goats did prove to be real. Fainting goats aren't just from Tennessee. They are a smaller breed of goat that many people have as exotic pets or raise to harvest cashmere hair or raise as dairy or meat goats.

Believe me, plenty of people adore fainting goats or plain old run of the mill goats as exotic pets. I know that I have enjoyed goats as pets for many years. They are fun and have a delightful personality. I have found goats to be intelligent and friendly. Though, you can find a male or buck to be rather smelly and maybe not so friendly.

MythBusters took on to prove or disprove the myth when YouTube videos of the goat's fainting went viral. Just why are people so fascinated when goat legs (leg muscles) goes stiff, and the poor thing falls over? They don't, in fact, faint but they do have a disease called myotonia congenita. This disease affects the muscles. Myotonia congenita is a disease that can be passed down to other generations, or an inherited disease. If Myth Busters proved it to be true, it's got to be true! Truly, the condition has been studied a great deal, it is real, but there is much to be learned. Humans and many other animals can get myotonia congenita.

The goat can become startled, the muscle stiffens, and the goat falls over on its side. The effects are short-lived, and the little guy is up and moving around again. You'll get the general idea by watching this short YouTube video by National Geographic Fainting Goats Fainting Goat

Fainting Goat Video

Tennessee Fainting Goats are also known as Stiff-leg Goats, Myotonic Goats, Wooden-leg Goats, faint goats, or Nervous Goats. I am sure these critters have known a few other names.

I know for a fact, if you have enough space, knowledge, (money) goats can make great pets for the right people. Goats need to be protected from predators, fainting goats even more so. If you have a comment, I would love to hear from you.

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Bird Intelligence - Training Birds

Training Birds

The parrot - the bird is much more intelligent than many people suspected; numerous tests have recently been conducted to prove just that. These tests have also proven many birds are capable of communication, not just imitation. It is up to us to provide the tools to develop these abilities. Training your pet bird, developing bird intelligence, teaching your bird to talk also falls under the ever so important socialization.

Providing your bird with social interaction, activities, and play stimuli lead to a mentally healthy and happy bird. When a bird is not satisfied, they can develop unacceptable behaviors such as constant squawking. Some squawking is normal bird behavior. Unhappy and unhealthy birds may also resort to feather plucking, often because of boredom.

There should be no reason why your bird should have behavioral problems as long as they have enough socialization, are physically and mentally healthy, have plenty of time to spend outside of their cage, toys to engage their intellect, and toys that reduce stress.

Your birds don't need the anxiety of angry human drama. Keep arguments away from your birds. They can pick up on your emotions very easily, and it causes distress. Distress lowers the immune system, and you could ultimately end up with a very sick and unhappy bird.

If you are providing all these things, and they display behaviors such as feather plucking or constant squawking, it is time for a complete physical by an avian veterinarian.

If our human kids had nothing but educational toys they would become unhappy just as a parrot would. They need diversity and also something to help with over anxiousness. My birds will spend hours fiddling with blocks, pulling at the strings, and working at knots. These types of toys are some of the best for stress reduction.

Working with, instead of against your bird's natural instincts will go a long way to having a happy parrot. Birds spend a great deal of time working at seeds and nuts, trying to figure out the ultimate puzzle of obtaining their prize.

Look for toys that are non-toxic, with sturdy construction. Many of these toys are a puzzle with a nut or other goodie hidden inside. They have to go through quite of a bit of trial and error, to get at the treat inside the toy. Pick toys suitable for your bird's size and species.

You can also develop their skills and provide socialization by talking to them. Also, parrots love music and sound. Play music and movie DVDs. There will be times when your parrot is alone; it will help them pass the time until you come home. Refrain from loud music and heavy bass.

To allow your bird's intelligence to fully develop they need to use deduction, reason, and observation. They need a wide diversity of activities to keep them motivated. They need a variety of toys to play with, so rotate the toys frequently. Most importantly, they need frequent interaction with their owners and plenty of love.

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Warning Exotic Pet Owners - You're being Watched

Exotic pets in the news! Websites such as Craigslist are being observed by authorities for illegal exotic pets and sales. Not only illegal sales but also people posting pictures of themselves with their exotic pets. I don't endorse illegal exotic animal sales it brings nothing but heartache. Animals are confiscated and usually destroyed.

I certainly don't approve of people making money off of exotic animals using illegal sales. Using internet sites to sell illegally to people, People that have no knowledge of how to care for these unusual animals. These animals end up suffering, dying, being mishandled, abused, or being abandoned; released into the environment creating extreme situations of throwing off nature's balance. If you make a stupid mistake by buying an exotic pet or exotic pets and you suddenly find out their not the cute little infant you expected them to be. Feeding them is much more expensive than you expected and they smell. These animals are not to be "released into the wild" it's wrong. The animal has little chance of survival the exotic pet was born domestically. It endangers the native wildlife, can endanger children, adults, other pets which are seen as a food source. Find a rescue that will care for the animal! Rescues are filling to capacity because of people that don't think before they purchase! Merchants that want the almighty dollar instead of having the animals welfare at heart.

Face it, these illegal sales are only for people to profit and has nothing to do with the love of animals. If you do legally sell exotic pets, make sure you educate your customer on proper animal care in advance of handing the animal to the potential owner.

Potential customers - if you are looking for an exotic pet that you saw on TV, or at a friend's house, wherever - learn every possible thing you can about this animal before you purchase or acquire the animal. Find a veterinarian to take care of the animal's medical needs before acquiring the animals. Make sure you can afford to provide for this animal's needs, including veterinarian needs! Make sure you have everything the animal will need in advance of bringing the animal home.

I hate to see exotic pet laws growing more limiting or stopping the sales entirely, but if everyone would be responsible exotic pet owners, the laws would never be necessary - would they? For 100 people that take good care of their pets, there is one person that abuses their pet. I am certainly for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, but not if it means that animals are going to suffer.

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Goji Berry - Super Food

Most Nutritious Food for your Exotic Pets or Birds

The Goji berry or Wolfberry a highly nutritious plant where everything is edible. There is no waste in this very healthy food; both the berry and the leaves can be eaten raw, cooked or brewed as a tea. The berries can be eaten fresh or dehydrated. The berries and the edible leaves are an excellent source of nutrition for humans, exotic pets that are herbivores or omnivores. The Goji is also great for birds. The Goji berry is a Lycium fruit. The newer leaves and tender shoots make a wonderful salad, more nutritious than any other green you can grow or buy.

The Goji has been a huge part of traditional Asian medicine since ancient times. The Chinese call it Gouqizi. The first known publications were as early as 100 A.D. The Goji is also known as the wolfberry, matrimony vine, Duke of Argyll's Tea Tree or Lycium barbarum. I began experimenting with the Goji plants at the beginning of this growing season. They are easily ten feet high and are branching out all over the place. Though I hadn't expected berries until early fall it began fruiting a couple of months ago. It is a beautiful plant. My concern at this point will be overwintering in South Dakota. I am hoping it survives that harsh winter and fruits next year. I will be supplying both dehydrated berries and leaves next year if the little fellows survive the winter. I would love to be picking and dehydrating this year except I can't bend or twist because of my very recent spine surgery.

"The Goji berry is over 15% protein, has 21 essential minerals and 18 amino acids as well as Lycium barbarum polysaccharides as well as more antioxidants carotenoids than found in any other food." http://www.phoenixforagingrolls.com/Organic-Goji-Berries-020.htm.

They have essential fatty acids, carotenoids, six essential vitamins including a very high amount of vitamin C, calcium, riboflavin, potassium, selenium, Beta Carotene, and many other nutritional values. Lycii Fructus or Lycium fruit is the pharmacological name or reference.

For those watching or restricting their salt or sodium intake, the Goji only has 75 milligrams in 28 grams of dried goji and it is a natural salt like a tomato would have.

One concern is the high amount of iron, please use in moderation especially for birds. Don't go overboard with the iron content. But, as with most anything moderation is the key. Nine mg of iron per 100 grams of dried berries.

Humans can add the berries and leaves to most anything. They taste wonderful, and the nutritional quality is beyond anything else. Consider loads of protein for a plant type food!!!

The taste of the fresh berry is said to be a cross between a strawberry, raspberry, and cranberry. I personally haven't decided what it tastes like yet, though it does taste good! It is not overly sweet (not a ton of natural sugar like many fruits) so blends well with most anything.

Add it to your bird or parrots food as well as your herbivores or omnivores exotic pets.

Keep the Veterinarian and the doctor away! Get your immune system ready for winter.

Goji berry image or goji berry picture (our plants)

Goji blossom, goji plant (beautiful purple blossoms)

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Broken Hearts - Death and Dying - Exotic Pets

The last couple of weeks were weeks of broken hearts. People I love dearly that have lost their companions. My charming cousin lost his dog of many years, his companion, his compadre, in this case, the meaning of the word compadre being a special relationship between two good friends. Another close relative who came very close to losing a pet; going through the frightening process of a serious infection needing immediate surgery. I also lost Cedramoon. She was one of the sweetest ferrets I have ever had. I knew the day would come that they would all continue on to where sweet souls go but I didn't expect them to go so close together. Many of my friends on Facebook lost their dear sweet pets in the last couple of weeks. These are the people I know personally, each loss has left a crack in my heart. I wonder about the billions of people I don't know that are hurting. I know these pets were loved.

One of the dear people that lost their dog is a relative that I was finally fortunate to meet in person. I have a tremendous amount of respect for this person. He lost his companion; a beautiful and sweet dog that was his buddy through thousands of miles of travel. Through our one personal meeting at my folk's house many years ago, and online correspondence I grew to love this special soul.

Another relative had adopted a tripod dog, While they were on a short vacation the dog developed an infection in his stump (where the fourth leg had been). There were many terrifying moments turning to days until they knew the dog was going to survive the infection. The dog is recovering nicely. This beautiful dog also demonstrates the ability to overcome the serious obstacle of not having one limb. The situation also shows the devotion she was willing to give to a living being while others would of either never adopted this marvelous dogs, to begin with, or ever considered paying the expense to save the dog.

As I have clarified in the past I have had several "groups" of ferrets. They lived to ripe old ages. My last three ferrets were no doubt in their golden years. Not long ago Missy, the oldest ferret past away. A week or so ago Cedramoon passed away. We had just brought the ferrets back to their cage. They had been in their playroom. Suddenly she seems to lose all strength and she just died. I don't even mean in a few minutes it was very sudden.

Now all that is left is Quinn. Quinn is the ferret that is on the cover of my ferret book, Ferrets: A Complete Guide. She is watching me now, and I know she is lonely. When I finish my work we will go play. She is getting up there in years. It wouldn't be right to bring a kit in just to keep Quinn company. I am going through major surgery after surgery, three major spine surgeries in less than two years. It isn't easy for me to properly take care of the animals. The cage scrubbing and disinfecting. It would be wrong of me to bring more animals into our family at this time. I am not physically able to care for more animals or am I financially able to care for more animals.

The loss of these sweet gentle souls is difficult, painful beyond belief. However, I couldn't imagine having the experience. The love and joy they have given me. They have enriched my life beyond any descriptive word I could use. I know in my heart I will see my animals again someday. For I know that our life force is within and then upon death goes back home, home to all the living beings that once lived as a physical being.

My sweet niece and grandniece I am so thankful Cooper came through with flying colors. My love and thoughts are always with you.

Rest in peace dear sweet souls you will be greatly missed.

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Behavioral Training Pets and Children

There is little difference in behavioral training a child or an animal; either common domestic companion pets or domestic companion exotic pets. I am going to use the word parents or parent to refer to the guardians of a human child or an animal or pet child.

If one parent tells the child, they can or cannot do one thing, and the other parent turns around and tells them the opposite that can cause serious confusion in a child. Their heart breaks. One, it makes the person that said yes a liar. It makes them the "bad person," and makes them look weak to the child. Tell me, what kind of role model does this give the child to follow? Exactly, certainly not a role model I would ever want my child to follow.

The same thing holds true when a parent tells a child no to a question, and other parent turns around and then says yes. The child learns nothing positive. If you disagree (and you will), you NEVER disagree in front of a child.

The child's mind literally tilts (my word for higher brain function overload), and they do the only thing they know what to do when dealing with utter confusion...they cry. Of course, some men are hard-wired to believe any crying is aimed at them - a plot against them. Only because most men have never learned to deal with emotion. The angrier a man gets, the more the crying gets to them, the more they yell, the more hurt the child becomes and therefore, cries more. Have you ever noticed countries or large corporations on an average are more efficient with a woman at the head than a man? More and more men are learning to use their hearts in combination with their brains to make decisions. More men are spending larger amounts of time with children and pets, they learn what emotion is. Not a sentiment to destroy the world or their little black and white world where they understand no evolution or change. So there is a chance the species may survive. If they don't blow mother earth to kingdom come with nuclear weapons.

Every single word of this holds true when you have an animal. Especially during the training process. If you don't think the animal doesn't understand these basic concepts you're dead wrong and probably shouldn't raise an animal. At least an animal that will need to survive a human world with social skills.

The child or animal will eventually use these disagreements to cause discord in the family. The child has then gained control.

Before you have children or acquire exotic pets or a more common pet, agree how that pet is going to be raised and FOLLOW through. As you go through the processes you will find just through experience you will need to make some adjustments that are fine and perfectly normal, and is human nature. We learn and improve. However, these changes are discussed privately, never in front of the animal or child.

A child has a hard enough time dealing with the oddities of people, can you imagine what a poor little animal goes through when they don't even speak the same language? Training and behavioral training children are pretty much the same as training exotic pets and common pets.

If you are planning a special day with your pet or child, don't start it out with a power struggle! Facebook Diana Geiger

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Chinchilla Guide

The exotic pet chinchilla is shy, intelligent, and they have a pleasant personality. Chinchillas have an average lifespan ten to fifteen years. It is indeed not unheard of for chinchillas to live as long as 20 years. Following the right chinchilla, care guide helps the chinchilla to achieve optimum longevity.

The chinchilla is excellent exotic pets. They do quite well if you understand their needs. Especially dietary needs; simple things like not understanding treats can kill them rapidly. Grooming is a whole new ballgame compared to other animals. The pet chinchilla is a remarkable pet, but it is up to you to learn as much as possible about this fantastic animal before taking on the responsibility of caring for one. Understand the remarkable world of the pet chinchilla!

Chinchillas are generally gray but can have many mutations of colors from white to black and many variations in between. The gray is the least expensive because there are more of them. The chinchilla originated in Chile, Bolivia, Peru, and Argentina and are of the Chinchillidae family. This family divided into three groups. The chinchilla belongs to the same group as porcupines and guinea pigs, the Hystricomorph family. The two chinchilla species is the short-tailed chinchilla brevicaudata and the long-tailed chinchilla bred for the pet industry of the species the chinchilla lanigera.

The chinchilla harvested for their exceptional fur, which almost leads to their extermination. Gradually chinchillas were bred domestically saving them from the brink of extinction. Short-tailed chinchillas have been on the Critically Endangered list for quite some time and are protected. Long-tailed Chinchilla as vulnerable Always purchase captive bred exotic (domestically produced) pets to preserve the remaining populations.

Chinchillas make a variety of sounds to communicate but are not anywhere near raucous or boisterous. On a care scale, they are reasonably easy to care for.

As with all rodents, the teeth grow continually, and they must have material to chew on to keep their teeth at a safe length. Look in the small animal department at your pet store.

Pet chinchillas enjoy jumping from perch to perch since they must have the means to keep their teeth ground down; it is nice to have the lava perches; a dual function.

They could also chew things they shouldn’t eat. They can’t be taught not to chew your belongings.

They are nocturnal meaning they are up in the evening and go to sleep in the daytime. You have to ask yourself if this is the pet for you. Pets require plenty of care; if you are nocturnal, it may be a match in heaven.

They enjoy toys, wheels, and chew blocks (safe) round nest balls they play with and rest in, cute as a dickens. There is a variety of wheels found in various pet stores and online stores. Which brings us to the subject of cuddling; they enjoy some cuddling, on their own terms but are very energetic and active. They must be able to exercise and run outside their cage for at least an hour a day. This must be supervised play for their own safety and for the safety of your belongings, outside plants and shrubs they will somewhat nimble their way around. Make sure there are no poisonous plants near the chinchilla.

Before buying your chinchilla make sure, you have everything ready before he or she arrives. Look for bright clear eyes, no signs of fur biting, not wet below the chin, and doesn’t feel skinny or sickly. Look for some of the droppings make sure they are dry and firm.

Approach taming the chinchilla slowly and gradually you must gain their trust, and you will. They will love being with you but on their terms. A chinchilla shouldn’t be forced to be a lap pet, it isn’t their nature. Though, when ready they will gladly climb on you.

It bothers me a great deal when I find someone who has written an article on exotic pets such as the chinchilla and states they are not necessarily social creatures. The herd social structure is fundamental, and the knowledge is crucial to prevent aggressive behavior or worst; injuries and death.

Female chinchillas can share the same cage; they are social and live in herds in the wild. Be very careful about introducing a new female to the cage as they have advanced social structures. They will display defensive behavior, as they will also defend their territory. When adding a new female put the new girl in a second cage near the primary cage. Do not put it within reaching a distance of the other cage. Give them plenty of time to grow adjusted to each other, smell, and sounds. She will eventually be accepted by the group.

Add a new hiding box it will not have the scent of any chinchilla; this will help with adding a new chinchilla.

Gradually introduce the new female to the group during out of the cage time; this is a good time for the dust bath. You must supervise this introduction at all times.

Two or more males may live together as long as there are no females nearby (in the same house, NO scent of females) to provoke aggressive behavior. Chinchillas’ are sweet; however, they can kill each other when stirred by female smell. Introduce a new male in the same way you introduce a new female to a female herd. Stick with females or males; not both.

The cage for the chinchilla should be large especially since they are very active animals. They love the large, tall, multi-level cages.

In the wild chinchillas take baths in the dust. They deplore water! In the wild, the chinchilla’s environment is volcanic. The only dust that should be used is dust bought commercially called chinchilla sand. This formula is naturally dust free, and a safe way to groom a chinchilla and they must have the tool to groom. It will remove moisture and fatty oils. This chinchilla sand is excellent for gerbils and hamsters as well. Do not use plain sand.

Dust bathtubs can be bought, or you can use any container that won’t be knocked over. The bowl should be large enough for the chinchilla to roll around in. The dust bath can be removed when the chinchilla is finished with his or her bath so that the dust does not become soiled. After removing the dust container, sift it to remove any impurities. Combing and brushing is an excellent way to bond with your pet. However, this should be done before the animal takes its dust bath. Change the sand after cleaning and sanitizing the container on a frequent basis. With proper precautions, chinchillas rarely get sick.

The chinchilla will need a hidey house within his or her cage. It doesn’t need to be big, just comfortable. Remember, they will chew. A great example, may not be too difficult to reproduce out of safe untreated wood you have at home. Chinchilla food, treats, and grooming, all essential subjects if you want a chinchilla. Learning about the dietary needs of pet chinchillas is essential. Don’t use pellets especially prepared for rabbits and other rodents. Use a specially prepared pellet for the formulated for the chinchilla's dietary needs. If you must change the chinchilla’s food, do so very gradually they have a sensitive tummy.

The chinchilla needs roughage and should have fresh hay daily. Do not place the hay on the floor; keep it in a hay hopper designed for caged animals like rabbits and chinchillas. I like the Super Pet Rabbit Rollin' the Hay Holder because it provides the necessary exercise that chinchillas need. This can be used stationary, hanging from the cage or as a ball. Look in local pet stores.

Timothy hay by far is the best hay for a chinchilla; it not only assists in digestion but also supports the never-ending rodent teeth problem. Remember wild chinchillas came from an environment which gave them plenty of opportunities to wear down their teeth. As responsible pet owners, we must provide the material necessary for their total health and comfort. Timothy hay alone will not be enough to keep their teeth worn down. They should have the lava chews combination perches to do a good job.

The chinchilla needs calcium one of the best forms is a cuttlefish bone used for birds. So many water supplies are contaminated or questionable; I suggest using bottled water or filtered water.

I use bottles not bowls for drinking water. Get the chew proof ones. Either way, the water should be fresh and always full. Frequently change the water and sanitize the bottle or bowl. Bowls should be changed several times throughout the day because of contamination. Bottles cleaned and changed daily. Food or droppings get in the water. Sanitize the bowl daily. Bottles sanitized every few days.

Treats should be very limited. Of course, it helps you bond with your pet, but again the chinchilla has a sensitive digestive system. One or two small treats a day. It can be one raisin, one small piece of apple or a sunflower seed. Give just ONE or two small treats.

Chinchilla can get sick, have colds, get fungus in his or her fur; it can starve to death if the teeth get too long. Since their digestive system can be inflamed very easily, they can get diarrhea leading to severe inflation of the intestine. Find a veterinarian that is very familiar with chinchillas before even purchasing your pet. If there is, a sign of distress take him or her to the veterinarian. It is your responsibility to watch for signs of illness. An animal cannot tell you when it is ill. Having any pet is expensive, and that is something that should be considered before buying a pet.

Do not place the cage in direct sunlight or drafts. Properly sanitize the cage and all equipment regularly. Proper sanitization will go a long way in keeping your pet or pets healthy.

These little fur balls make wonderful pets for the right people. Please pay attention to herd social structure, using the correct pellet for the chinchilla and not for other animals like the rabbit. They must have perches and lava chews. They must be able to groom.

Chinchillas need plenty of love, on their terms. Make sure you have time to spend quality time with your pet. Above all, enjoy your new pet!

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