First, unlike other domestic birds, ducks do not require wing clipping. They are far too heavy to fly successfully even if they attempt to do so. To prevent your ducks from getting injured when climbing in or out of their pool, provide a sturdy, safe ramp. Their cages should also be covered if the lining is made of wire.

 
If you notice any bare spots around the head of a female duck, do not be alarmed as this is likely caused by mating behaviour. Males usually release a mucous during the mating process and you can help remedy this by allowing your ducks to bathe regularly. Visit a veterinarian D’ilberville if necessary for more info.

Overall, in order to keep your ducks healthy, keep their surroundings and shelter as clean as possible at all times. This includes the water that they swim in and the food that they eat.

Khaki Campbells are known for their laying process and can produce over 300 eggs annually. The only problem is that brooding isn’t their strength so if breeding them is your goal, you may need an incubator. Male Campbells are beautiful in colour with shades of mottled brown, grey, bright blue; and velvety green on its body. On the other hand, females are primarily brown and black. Male and female Campbells can have either grey or orange legs. Campbells are proficient swimmers.

Another popular duck breed is Muscovys. Unattractive in its appearance, Muscovys can weigh up to 17.6 lbs. Their faces are red and blotchy. They are not the most popular duck breed but they are temperate and devoted pets often searching for a pat or cuddle. Muscovys are open to being held by their owners.

Visit vets Carlisle for more info on different duck breeds. See here.

Dogs are naturally aggressive animals and are physically capable of inflicting harm on both humans and dogs alike. Being aggressive is an instinct which was developed by their ancestors in the wild to defend themselves as well as their territory.

 
•    Although domestication have tamed dogs over the years, there are dogs that continue to be aggressive and dangerous as a result of lack of training.

 
•    Dogs become aggressive when they are scared or nervous. They can also get aggressive when they feel that their territory, food, toy, or other members of the pack are threatened.

 
•    If you feel that your dog needs help, seek out a professional dog trainer. The problem will not go away on its own.

 
•    Avoid situations where your dog is likely to show aggression. Everyone's safety should be your priority.

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While pet goats will readily and enjoyably feed on wild plants and hedgerow cuttings, not all of these are safe for them to consume. Otherwise you may find yourself running to the vet in the middle of the day or worse, holding a dead goat in your hands.

Keep your pet goat away from hemlock, old man’s beard, buttercup, nightshades, bryony, celandine, dog’s mercury, foxglove, mayweed, and ragwort.

If you see leaves or plants lying around and are unsure of the source or of what exactly it is, do not feed it to your pet goat. If you have a dairy goat, understand that some plants will change the taste of their milk. Some of these include brassica plants such as cabbage, Brussel sprouts and cauliflower.

If your goat is growing or milking or unable to forage much, you can feed it concentrates.

 
Visit a veterinarian Northeast Kingdom for more.

While dry seeds are very enjoyable for your bird, it’s much healthier for them to consume sprouts as these are packed with nutrition. Sprouts also are more similar to what they eat in the wild. Here are some tips to sprout bird seeds in your home:

1.    Pick up sprouting seeds. There are premade sprouting blends available in pet stores. Some recommended ones are mung beans, wheat berries, raw sesame seeds, millet, and garbanzo beans.

2.    Put in 1 tsp. to ½ cup seeds in a jar. Fill the jar with ¾ water and place a towel over the top. Let the seeds soak in the water for eight to 12 hours.

3.    Strain the seeds. Put them back in the jar. Cover with towel again. Rinse twice or thrice for three days. On the last day, feed them to the birds.

For more information on what to feed your bird, visit a veterinary clinic Cheney. ... Read more »