Article: The chicks' first home is called a "brooder". For one-time or once-in-a-while use, a cardboard box or plastic storage box works just fine. A cage suitable for a rabbit or guinea pig is another good option and is also easy to clean. Brooders can also be purchased in farm supply stores or you can build your own. The brooder should be placed indoors or in a garage - somewhere that is free from drafts. Keeping the chicks warm is essential. The size of the brooder is not overly important, as long as the chicks are not overcrowded and there is enough space for a feeder and water. The walls also need to be high enough to prevent them from hopping out once they get a bit bigger. The floor of the brooder should be covered in a layer of clean litter, made from pine shavings or something similar. A newspaper can also be used, but it is not the best option as it is slippery and the printer ink can rub off on the chicks. This litter should be changed every couple of days and should never be allowed to remain damp.Never use cedar shaving! This is toxic for their little lungs and causes brooder pneumonia which is fatal. I recommend pine shavings that are doubled screened for dust to prevent allergies. Cleanliness is very important at this stage of the chicks' development as baby chicks are prone to a number of diseases, most of which can be avoided with proper sanitation. A lamp should be placed in the brooder to keep the baby chicks warm. Use a light bulb with a reflector, which can be purchased in any hardware store. A regular 100-watt bulb will also work, though some people use an actual heat lamp. Place a thermometer in the brooder so you can monitor the temperature exactly. The temperature should be 90100F (3238C) for the first week or so, then can be reduced by 5 degrees each week thereafter, until the chicks have developed their feathers around 5-8 weeks old. Alternatively, you can tell if the brooder is warm enough by how the chicks behave. If they are panting and/or huddling in corners farthest from the light, they are too hot. If they huddle together in a ball under the light, they are too cold. You can adjust the temperature by altering the distance of the light or changing the wattage of the light bulb until it's just right. Chicks start out eating a special food called "crumbles", available at farm supply or pet stores. It is specially formulated for their dietary needs and comes in both medicated and non-medicated versions. If you choose the non-medicated versions, be particularly aware of cleanliness. This feed is a complete food and no other food will be necessary. You will also need to ensure that your chicks always have fresh, clean water as it is imperative that the chicks stay hydrated. You should change the water once or twice a day to prevent it from becoming contaminated. Special waterers are available at farm supply stores, they are inexpensive, light-weight and can't be overturned by the chicks. Any shallow bowl will also work, but you need to watch that it remains upright and free of poop. Even baby chicks will naturally scratch at their food, so a feeder that keeps all of the food in one place is helpful. Special feeders made of galvanized steel are available in farm supply stores, though any shallow bowl will do. Baby chicks are playful and curious creatures. It is important that you spend time with them, handling them frequently and talking to them until they learn to love and trust you.You can cuddle and even watch TV with them. They love to jump and play. After a week or two, the baby chicks can be brought outside to explore for short periods of time, provided the weather is warm. Just watch out for predators - that includes the cat! Although the baby chicks get all the sustenance they need from their feed, it can be fun to feed them treats. After the first week or two, you can give them a worm or a bug or two from your garden to play with and eat. However, greens are not recommended just yet, as they can cause diarrhea-like symptoms which can be dangerous to small chicks.You should also wipe the chicks' butts, because their poop can become crusty and cause infection, use a napkin with lukewarm water on it. Once the baby chicks are about a month old, you can place a low perch in the brooder. The chicks will jump on it and may even begin to sleep there. Just don't put the perch directly under the light as it will be too hot. Make sure to wash your hands with warm water and soap after touching the chicks. Watch children carefully around chicks to make sure that they don't hurt them. Chicks can be very fragile.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Prepare a chicken brooder and a lamp. Use the correct flooring. Monitor the temperature carefully. Make sure they have food and water. Share play time with them.
Article: Besides a dog being in pain from an inoperable or untreatable condition, there is the dog's quality of life that needs to be taken into consideration. Talk to your veterinarian about any concerns you have regarding your pet's quality of life. These can include the following factors: Complete loss of appetite or unwillingness or inability to eat Trouble standing or walking. Falling over when standing or trying to walk. Difficulty with breathing or every breath is labored Incontinence or soiling problems Chronic pain or inability to get comfortable Chronic vomiting or diarrhea that threatens to leave the animal dehydrated Before making the appointment you will want to prepare yourself and your family members for life without your beloved dog. Make sure you have photos of your dog, spend some time with your dog petting and comforting it, and giving it a special treat or food. Remember to let any people that cared for and loved the dog join in this process. Do not lie to them that the dog is going to another home or that it ran away. Instead, explain to them the decision making process to euthanize the dog and explain the death to them in an age appropriate manner. An excellent book for kids is When a Pet Dies by Fred Rogers of Mr. Roger's Neighborhood fame. You will need to decide if you want to be with your dog to the end of its life. Only you can decide if you want to present for the process. Some people want to be, some don't. It only depends on what is right for you and your dog. Most veterinarians and their staff will be fine with you being present and will explain the process to you. If you can't be present they will understand that decision as well. When you call for the appointment to euthanize your dog you can ask if they will come to your home to do the euthanasia. Or you may prefer to have it done at the veterinarian's office to avoid unpleasant memories at home. Either the way the procedure is similar. You will need to decide on the disposition of the body after the euthanasia is completed, basically whether you want the dog's body cremated or not. You will also decide whether you want to take its ashes or body home with you for burial. Do you have a box or a special blanket to wrap the body in? Or will you decide to have the veterinarian's office arrange for cremation, which will add more money to the final bill. Do you have room to bury the body in your yard? Can you dig in the yard if it's winter time? Is there a safe spot to dig? You may have to check with your local utilities to make sure you don't damage any buried lines on your property.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Decide whether your dog needs to be put to sleep. Prepare yourself to say goodbye. Decide how you would like your dog's end of life to happen. Decide what you want to happen with your dog's body.