Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1884-11-20
DOMESTIC ANIMAL S.
Directions for Their Management-An Ex-
ceIIent Series of Rules

| ceIIent Series of Rules.
l. Every one intending to keep ami
mails should first learn what is requisite
for the health and happiness Of each,
and, if unable to provide it suitable
home, sufficient and punctual supply
of wholesome food, and opportunities
of healthy recreation, should at once
decide not to keep it..
2. Animals should be used very gent
", though firmly. We should remem-
Der that seeming obstinacy may arise
from pain, fear, or irritation of which
we do not perceive the cause, but which
may be sonthed by quiet patience.
8. Frequent kind and cheerful notice
is essential to the well-being of all ami
mails in captivity. It is selfish and
cruel to imprison, and so deprive them
OF variety, exercise, and the society of
! their own kind. and give no compensa-
ton, such as gentle talk, caressing, and
amusement, whenever it is possible. If
| this is too much trouble, it is better not
to keep them at all.
4. All animals are the better for hay
ing proper and comfortable bed, or
roost, or quiet, shady nook to sleep
In; and their rest should be undis-
turbed. Do notwake them up to graft
fy curiosity, or to clean their dwellings
at unreasonable hours.
D. Be careful to remove any cause of
fear; this is only just to creatures
whom we have deprived of the freedom
to escape from distress.
3. Avoid all harness which inter-
fereS with the free, natural action of
animals.
Z. The dwellings of animals should,
whenever it is possible, have souther-
~ or westerly aspect, as exposure to
north or east wind is very fatal to
them. But while their position should
be sunny, they should always have ac-
cess to shelter and shade when they de-
sire it.
8. Sheds, cages, etc., should always
be well-drained and freely lighted and
ventilated, but never draughty.
9. 1t is absolutely necessary for
health and comfort that in every case
the dwelling, yard, cage and bed
should be kept thoroughly clean, to
destroy vermin. prevent smell, and also
the retention of stale, and therefore un-
wholesome, food. This should be done
early in the morning, to avoid hindrance
and interruption, and because it is
better for the animals to have fresh
food and water than that which has
been kept in a close dwelling all night.
Feed nocturnal animals at sunset.
10. When pebbles are required for
ones should be procured; they should
be sifted fine, and thoroughly washed
before use.
IL. Except in small cages, branches
or sprigs of dead trees are better for
cause the varying size of the stem
claw into action. Where horizontal
perches are necessary, they should
have flattened sides and beveled edges;
a bird will then secure a firm grasp,
and be less liable to fall forward when
asleep than if they were circular.
-. Placing the food in vessels, rath-
er than scattering it loose, keeps it
clean and prevents waste.
-. All vessels used for food or water
should be washed daily, and wiped dry
before refilling; otherwise food may
turn sour, or the sediment from water
will accumulate and render the fresh
supply unwholesome. Iron troughs or
plates, lined with porcelain, are the
best, being clean, cheap and durable.
IA. All food should be fresh and of
good quality. Where the times of
feeding are not regulated by practice,
nor specified in detail by manuals, food
should be kept always within reach, but
every day what is left and stale should
be carefully removed, and fresh supplies
offered. Milk especially should be
quite fresh, and always boiled before
use.
Is. AS rule, give as much solid
food daily as the animal will habitually
eat up clean; green stuff. etc., may be
given in addition. The food should be
varied, and resemble as much as pos
sible that which the creature would
select in it's natural state.
16. Every animal should have con-
slant supply of pure water for drinking.
Water is now kept constantly in enam-
eled managers close to the heads of
horses in good stables.
II. Water for bathing should be fur
nished daily for animals requiring
baths, in a separate vessel, adapted to
the form and convenience of the crea-
ture using it. Frequent washing is a
great delight to many animals, and a
useful preventive of vermin.
Is. Take pains to ascertain the fit
ting temperature for each animal.
Much suffering is caused by thought
less persons, who are ignorant of the
degree of heat or cold which animals
are by nature or habit able to endure.
10. When an animal is sick, secure
for it shady, quiet and unmolested re-
treat; and take care that its treatment
at such time is kindly and gentle. This
will ensure an abundant return of your
patients gratitude. See also, besides
usual food, it has that which it can eat,
and is most welcome to it.
20. When an animal must die, al
ways secure the services of humane
and experienced person to destroy in
the quickest and least painful way; and
be sure that it is surely dead before it
is removed. If drowned, the animal
should be left in the water at least an
hour. Nothing can excuse the brutal
ity of those who, to save the trouble or
expense involved in this, suffer animals,
for whose welfare they are responsible,
to be '.strayed," that is, starved, or
left behind alone on change of resi-
dence, to endure protracted misery, or
to burden and. distress their more SEN
sitive neighbors.
81. Never fail to bury dead animals
at once; this is necessary for the health
of the living. The casting of dead
dogs, cats, kittens or rats on to dust
heaps or public thoroughfares is a dis
eI1Stinp practice. If OrltrapeS the feel