Feathers And Fins
| Finding A Feathered Friend Before you rush out and begin your bird search let's consider a few things. You'll have a huge selection to choose from...Finches, Parakeets, Lovebirds, Cockatiels and Parrots to name a few. Your commitment comes into play again here as you will want to learn about each bird's expected lifespan. Parakeets average around 7 years while a Parrot can live 30 years or longer. Can you make that much commitment? Also consider this...birds are loud and can be quite messy! When they eat, they tend to scatter seed everywhere. And even if you don't get a talking bird, they will squawk and flap their wings, which is noisy and also contributes to a scattering of seed and loose feathers around the outside of the cage. Still considering a bird? Once you decide on the type of bird, you will want to pick a proper sized cage. They come in a variety of styles and sizes and will range in price from around $20 to up to $500. Make sure the cage is kept in an area away from drafts. In other words, keep it away from doors, windows and vents. Birds can make wonderful pets. Whether you want them just to watch and admire, or you want a Parrot to train to talk, they will keep you entertained...and busy! |
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Fish For Friends
OK, so maybe birds are a bit much to
care for. Tropical fish may be more
your style. They are both beautiful
and quiet! But, like any other pet,
they will require some time
commitment. Many tropical fish can
live up to 10 years. That means 10
years of feeding and caring for their
tank. If you are up to that kind of
commitment let's fill a tank.
Unfortunately, choosing fish for your
aquarium isn't as simple as you might
think. You can't just go to the pet
store a pick a few fish. You will first
have to give some thought to tank
size. Since most fish are sold as
babies you need to inquire about
their adult size. That is how you will
plan your tank size. Overcrowding
can cause stress and even death for
some fish.
Consider diet types. Some fish eat
live food, some frozen and still others
eat flakes. Stock your tank with fish
that will eat the same thing. It will
save time and make it easier for
children to get involved with the
feeding chores.
Believe it or not, fish do have
personalities! Make sure the fish
you buy are compatible with each
other. Many tropical fish are real
bullies. Try and keep the territorial
types in a separate tank from your
little peace lovers.
Same goes for water temperature.
Since you can only have one water
temperature per tank, get fish that
thrive in similar conditions.
As for the type of fish, there are
several to choose from. Here are
just a few.
For more information on keeping a
tropical fish tank, check out Katy's
Tropical Fish - A Complete Guide.
OK, so maybe birds are a bit much to
care for. Tropical fish may be more
your style. They are both beautiful
and quiet! But, like any other pet,
they will require some time
commitment. Many tropical fish can
live up to 10 years. That means 10
years of feeding and caring for their
tank. If you are up to that kind of
commitment let's fill a tank.
Unfortunately, choosing fish for your
aquarium isn't as simple as you might
think. You can't just go to the pet
store a pick a few fish. You will first
have to give some thought to tank
size. Since most fish are sold as
babies you need to inquire about
their adult size. That is how you will
plan your tank size. Overcrowding
can cause stress and even death for
some fish.
Consider diet types. Some fish eat
live food, some frozen and still others
eat flakes. Stock your tank with fish
that will eat the same thing. It will
save time and make it easier for
children to get involved with the
feeding chores.
Believe it or not, fish do have
personalities! Make sure the fish
you buy are compatible with each
other. Many tropical fish are real
bullies. Try and keep the territorial
types in a separate tank from your
little peace lovers.
Same goes for water temperature.
Since you can only have one water
temperature per tank, get fish that
thrive in similar conditions.
As for the type of fish, there are
several to choose from. Here are
just a few.
- Congo Tetra are peaceful fish
and are great for beginners.
They are brightly colored and
like to school so you will need
several. A minimum 30 gallon
tank is recommended.
- Clown Loach is a real charmer.
It has several comical traits, like
resting on it's side and making
clicking sounds when feeding.
Get at least three or four of
these as they like to school, too.
- Tiger Barb is an aggressive fish
that can be kept with other,
more peaceful fish if you get
enough to allow them to school
together. That way they take
out their aggressions on each
other. They are called "Tiger"
because of their tiger like
stripes.
For more information on keeping a
tropical fish tank, check out Katy's
Tropical Fish - A Complete Guide.
