Alfalfa & Timothy Lovers

RE: FLY STRIKE~ Please read

tlwtheq — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 21:47:40 GMT

Sarah,
I am so immensely sorry for your loss. Thank you for your post that absolutely underscores what the Rabbit Rescue organization from where I adopted my Bigwig
says about letting your rabbit outside. As a matter of fact they made me sign a sworn statement that I would never let him out as a condition of adoption.

Fly strike was the reason given. It sounded extreme to me at the time...after all how can hopping around outside possibly be dangerous? But I see now they were and are right.

Thanks for alerting the rest of the community.
And again, so sorry for your loss.

Tara

RE: FLY STRIKE~ Please read

dstaggs — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 20:17:19 GMT

Dear Scorpiobelle...I actually found you by google'ing 'rabbit fly strike guilt'. My daughter was given a lop earred bunny whom she named 'Flops' early last summer [2007]. Our family thoroughly loved Flops - most especially my daughter - who had been asking for a rabbit for over a year. He started out as an inside rabbit, but we determined over the year that some bunnies are just better suited to the outdoors. We have a beautiful, fenced in back yard with lots of trees, bushes, etc. so whenever he was outside he seemed really happy. So...in the Spring of this year [2008], we moved his hutch into our screened-in porch in the backyard, and left the hutch door open and the screen door unlocked so he could wander into the yard as he pleased, or seek shelter/food/water or some peaceful sleep in his hutch in the screened-in porch [his choice]. He did great outdoors, and seemed really happy. At least twice a day a member of the family was outside with him, holding him, or playing with him, or checking on him. I worried about him during the summer months, as we live in Oklahoma and it is HOT. I checked on him frequently on the hotter days, and even bought bags of ice to put in the porch for him to lie by to keep him cool. My daughter loved to bring treats out to him...carrots with the stem...or strawberries...or bunny treats purchased at the pet store. We - unfortunately and naively - allowed our daughter to take Flops in the pool with her on occasion. He seemed to love it and would swim and float around. It was quite comical and cute, and of course all who saw him swim thought the same. On a Saturday in early August, we had a pool party for our son's basketball team. The kids wanted Flops to swim with them and we said 'sure'. After he was done he hopped away - we assumed to dry off and sleep/play/whatever. That evening it began to rain. I went outside in the pouring rain at about 11pm, as Flops hadn't come in to his hutch. I couldn't find him. Honestly I wasn't that worried. It thought 'we'll check on him tomorrow'. The next two days it continued to rain. A member of the family checked on Flops and nothing seemed out of the ordinary. He seemed to be staying on the 'down low' due to the weather. On Monday evening I went outside to check on Flops, and I was happy to find him in his hutch, within the screened-in porch. I went to pet him and he felt wet in the back. I assumed it was from the rain He seemed not to be feeling good...was just lying there kind of closing his eyes. I thought that he must just be miserable from all the rain, and he was still wet, and so I didn't pick him up...I just covered him with his little towel in his cage. I brought out a strawberry to him but he showed little interest. Again, I thought, we'd just check on him tomorrow. I commented to my daughter that Flops seemed not to be feeling well...but I really didn't think it was of major concern. On Tuesday - I am ashamed to tell you - that not one of our family members checked on Flops. A horrific coincidence and lack of communication. We all assumed another had done it. That morning [Tuesday] I went outside to find him and he was nowhere to be seen. In the afternoon when the kids and I got home, I told my daughter to go find him but she got occupied and never did. My husband later told me that he had seen Flops early in the day under the azalea bushes, but didn't want to crawl in there to get him. We all thought 'we'll see him later'. The night got away from us...being the first week back to school for the kids there was lots of paperwork to review and things to be done in connection with school. The next morning my husband found Flops dead at the edge of the bushes. It appeared he may have crawled to the edge just before dying. He was swarmed with maggots. My husband actually thought a dog got into the yard somehow and killed him, as his skin was filleted from his body in the hind quarters. It was gruesome and horrifying and I don't think I'll ever get that sight out of my head. The way he died haunted me [and haunts me still]. I researched whether or not maggots could have come about so quickly upon death. I then found the articles on fly strike. It is a beyond cruel occurrence. I think about what Flops must have gone through, and I am so ashamed and guilt ridden, I have trouble eating, sleeping, working...I think about it constantly. It was a fluke that the last day of his life not one of our family members searched him out... that had never happened before. And of all days... I wish I had known about fly strike. I like to think of myself as intelligent, and I have always been an overly diligent pet owner. In this case I failed so, so miserably. Thank you for sharing your story, so I don't feel like we are the only family to experience this. It seems to have happened to so many... I bought some magazines and a book on bunnies and I do not recall seeing information on fly strike anywhere! I certainly would have paid attention to that! My husband and I often cleaned Flops' bottom of poo, but we used water, not knowing what could happen. We also would NEVER have let Flops in the pool had we known the risks. I cried to my friends and said I just want a 'do-over'. I feel so mad, and so sad. It's been over a week and I'm still crying daily...

Rabbits Needing Homes : Metro Animal Services--Louisville, KY

jposton — Wed, 21 May 2008 06:25:40 GMT

I learned that Metro Animal Services here in Louisville has 4 beautiful bunnies for adoption. Please rescue them. They are adorable and on Petfinder http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=10838403

Rabbits : FLY STRIKE~ Please read

scorpiobelle — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 05:54:40 GMT

I just wanted to take a moment to share my story, in hopes that it will help educate people about fly strike- and hopefully prevent it from happening to your baby.

This past summer, my rabbit Hopitee passed away suddenly and horribly after 7 wonderful years with me. I wont go into too much detail, but I have determined that the cause of his death was from "fly strike," which after being a good and dedicated rabbit owner since rescuing Hop, I had never once heard about. Hop lived mainly indoors for most of his life, and last spring when I moved into an apartment with a fenced yard, I thought it would be wonderful for him to be able to run around and play safely- in fact, I chose the apartment based on this. He did love it! For the last few months of his life, Hop ran around in the grass, munched dandelions, and lounged in the sun. I didn't know that the hot days to come would pose such a horrible problem- And it is extremely important to me as a lover of rabbits (and all animals), a vet tech student and a HUMAN BEING to share my story with as many people as possible, and hopefully enrich or save lives in the process. Hopitee loved being outside- even when it WAS hot. He would doze in the shade for hours- at first, I worried a bit, as I know that rabbits are heat sensitive, but as he enjoyed being outdoors, I let him be. I loved him. I didn't want him to get too hot- Occasionally I would pour some cool water on his back when I was out in the yard. He loved it! He would run around and do his "hops" and frolic. Apparently, my well meaning "baths" that we both thought were so fun were what lead to his sudden and totally gruesome death. It is still hard for me not to blame myself for this- I meant well. The only thing I can liken it to, is trying to make a sick child feel better and giving him a medicine that kills him by mistake. The last night I spent with Hopitee, we were outside on the patio, reading and cuddling with each other as we normally did. He was a very tame and affectionate rabbit. He seemed fine, and before bed he was even running around a bit more than usual- a sign I misinterpreted as frolicking- he was trying to "run away" from the maggots. Maggots I couldn't see. Maggots I didn't know about. Maggots that killed a perfectly healthy animal in a period of 24 hours. The next morning I awoke to find that Hopitee was dead. I was inconsolable and raced to pick him up and buried my face in his fur and cried. I felt something on my arm, biting me- I turned him over and found that he was swarming with maggots all around his poor bum- It was a scene typical of an animal that had been deceased for at least a couple days. I was so confused, angry and utterly devastated- I still am. Fortunately, my brother came to my aid, and we buried my baby in a beautiful, peaceful spot in my Grandmothers' garden. Still confused by by my findings, I did a Google search on "maggots and rabbits" After some searching, I found a good deal of information about "fly strike" which is particularly seen in the summertime, with rabbits, and is almost always fatal. The websites all warned of this terrible condition, and strictly advocated keeping your rabbit DRY at all times. I had given Hopitee a cool rinse-off two days before his death; an act which while well-meaning, ultimately led to his passing. Apparently, when rabbits are wet, blow-flies are attracted to the anal area, where they like to lay their eggs. Initially, the fly larvae feed on the animals fur, but then burrow under the skin and basically eat the animal alive. Once the larvae enter the body, they release a toxin that causes the animal to go into shock and die- sometimes within hours. This can happen to pretty much any animal, but for some reason, rabbits are more susceptible than others. Now- let me explain something here: This can happen wet or dry, to any animal. I didn't know. I hope nobody tells me what a terrible pet owner I am, because I am not! Hopitee was neutered, up to date on vaccines, ate a very healthy, organic diet, and saw the vet every 5 or 6 months- for his entire life. He was very well cared for, and very well loved. What shocked me, was that in my time as a rabbit owner, after numerous trips to the vet throughout his life, and after reading many books on how to care for rabbits, I had never heard of or been warned about fly strike. My vet knew that Hop was spending time outdoors- he never said anything. Not that I'm blaming him- I'm not blaming anybody, but you would think that this problem would be discussed more in the rabbit world. If I had known that there was even a REMOTE posibility that this could have happened, I never would have had him outside. I CERTAINLY never would have gotten him wet. He was my baby- my mascot even... I loved him dearly and always will. This has been very hard for me to deal with- I can only hope and pray that his pain and trauma were short lived- I hope he went quickly, and was not in agony. Had I noticed anything, which would have been VERY difficult, and rushed him to the vet, his chance of survival would still be against the odds. I am trying to forgive myself and work through the guilt I have over his death by remembering also how much he was loved- and that he WAS taken very good care of. If by sharing my story I can perhaps save even ONE creature and pet lover from the horror I and my Hop went through, his death will not be in vain. Some of you I'm sure have heard of fly strike, some not. I'm just asking that either way- please spread the word about the dangers of summertime and rabbits. Tell everyone you know to keep their rabbits dry at ALL TIMES if outdoors (and even indoors- flies get in) and check them DAILY in the hotter months/regions to make sure this doesn't happen to them. Thank you for reading, and I hope all of YOUR babies are safe, healthy and happy- and if they've crossed the rainbow bridge, that they are waiting for us all- and that in heaven, there are no sick pets.
Sarah

Seattle council OKs goats as pets

Kathy — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 17:22:20 GMT

Residents can now keep miniature goats as pets in Seattle, the City Council decided.

By Sharon Pian Chan
Article

The bill was sponsored by Councilmember Richard Conlin, who called it a small step for sustainability.

"They do provide milk and cheese to people who are allergic to cow's milk, and they can be used to take care of brush in people's yards," said Conlin. "They are also another link to the reality of where food comes from."

Minigoats, which include pygmy and dwarf goats, are about the size of a large dog, weighing between 50 and 100 pounds.

Jennie Grant, a Madrona resident who keeps minigoats, approached Conlin after a neighbor asked the city to investigate whether the pets posed a danger to public health.

Grant started the Goat Justice League, which now has 100 members, to lobby council to make the goats legal pets. Conlin said his office researched public health risks and they are low.

"We would be a really charming city if we were a place people could keep minifarms with chickens, goats, a vegetable garden and fruit trees," said Grant, who keeps chickens in addition to her goats.

Under the previous land-use code, farm animals could not be kept on lots smaller than 20,000 square feet. The law passed Monday classified minigoats as a small animal rather than a farm animal, and it requires that they be licensed, just like dogs, cats, exotic animals and potbellied pigs.

Georgia State Patrol Saves Guinea Pig

Kathy — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 15:27:57 GMT

Officer rescues abandoned guinea pig

Article

Georgia State Patrol Cpl Kyle Duke was patrolling some of the out of the way roads in Decatur County. He saw what he thought was a pile of trash and got out to check it.

What he found was an abandoned guinea pig in a cage. Cpl Duke loaded up the starving animal and transported her to the animal shelter.

The Bainbridge Humane Society thanks Cpl Kyle Duke for his kind actions.

They have named her Babe and she is available for adoption.

Bunny Owners

Kathy — Sat, 08 Sep 2007 17:45:20 GMT

Do your homework

Article

Rabbits are reported to be the third most popular pet, behind dogs and cats. Doing your homework prior to an impulse bunny purchase at a pet store can help reduce your pet-related headaches and heartaches. More in-depth information is readily available through your veterinarian, one of the many rabbit sanctuaries in the United States, rabbit breeders or a library.

Rabbits are social animals and can be a great companion and a source of entertainment to you; but they are also challenging, a lot of work and are unique in their diet, behavior and care.

Veterinary specialists dealing with rabbits will agree that improper diet is the root cause of many of the problems affecting rabbits. Earlier in my career, if asked what to feed a rabbit, I would think about Bugs Bunny and his carrot.

Thankfully, now I know better. Rabbits have a gastrointestinal tract somewhat similar to a horse but are remarkable in that these herbivores can make a meal out of what most animals would consider indigestible and undesirable.

The most important part of a rabbit's diet is a grass hay, such as timothy, meadow, Bermuda, orchid, oats, rye or barley. Alfalfa hay, while loaded with nutrients, has more calories, calcium and protein than most house rabbits require. Buy hay that smells fresh, not damp, and from a reputable source.

Green foods, especially the darker green produce, are equally important to a rabbit's diet. Green foods include mustard and collard greens, parsley, dandelion greens, carrot and beet tops. Greens from the cabbage family, which include broccoli. Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale and cauliflower may cause some gas and an upset stomach. They are still acceptable but may need to be limited in quantity for most bunnies.

Rabbits have a tendency for a sweet tooth and, given the opportunity, will eat only sweets and not hay or greens.

Consequently, feeding fruits to your bunny should be limited to one teaspoon per 2 pounds body weight per day. Fruits and sweet vegetables that rabbits enjoy include carrots, strawberries, cherries, apple, bananas and melons.

To round out your bunny's nutrition, feed small amounts of commercial rabbit pellets. However, because they tend to be high in calories, pellets should be limited in quantity. As with hay, buy only fresh, dry pellets from reputable sources. Seeds, grains, refined sugar, nuts and beans are strictly verboten in a bunny's diet.

One of the keys to the success of rabbits is their ability to take low-quality food such as hay and produce droppings that are rich in nutrients. These droppings, called cecotropes or "night feces," are not waste material but are more like vitamin pellets. Usually in the evening, rabbits will pass soft, green, odorous pellets that they will ingest as the material exits the anus.

As distasteful as this sounds, it is a normal function and cecotropes are an essential component to the health of a rabbit. If a bunny eats lots of high calorie food and has a problem with obesity, it can have difficulty being able to reach the anal area, resulting in a loss of these essential nutrients.

Unless you are interested in breeding rabbits, all male and female rabbits over 4 months of age should be spayed or neutered. The leading cause of death in female rabbits is a cancer called uterine adenocarcinoma. Spaying a female bunny early will not only reduce the risk of this cancer but will prevent pregnancy, aggressive behavior, and mammary gland disease. Male rabbits should be neutered by 6 months of age to reduce urine spraying, aggression, and testicular disease.

Rabbits' teeth grow continuously and, if the bunny has poor nutrition, trauma or genetically malformed jaws, these teeth may become misaligned and result in serious dental disease and loss of appetite. Your veterinarian can determine with a periodic examination whether the teeth are functioning properly.

Rabbits are fastidious animals and will frequently groom themselves. They shed their fur four times a year and as a result, they usually have some hair in their stomach. Some breeds, like Angoras, can accumulate an abnormal amount of hair and require brushing and laxatives. Rabbits, especially those on improper diets, can also have a problem called gastric stasis, where the material in the stomach doesn't empty at the correct rate, causing the bunny to quit eating.

The majority of bunnies harbor a bacteria in their sinuses called Pasteurella. In bunnies with normal immune systems, this bacteria doesn't cause a problem. However, under stressful conditions or poor diet, this bacteria reproduce rapidly and cause respiratory, ear and urinary tract diseases.

Correct handling of a bunny when picking one up is important. Because of their large muscled rear legs and fragile backbone, if the rear legs are not supported and the rabbit were to kick while being lifted up, they can actually snap their backbone. This injury is usually permanent and can result in euthanasia.

Rabbits make wonderful, intelligent, friendly pets but have specific housing, environmental and dietary needs.

Educating yourself and bunny-proofing your home prior to getting a rabbit will result in many years of enjoyment and allow you to develop a close bond.

Selig is a veterinarian at Northwood Hills Animal Hospital in Gulfport, Miss.

RE: RE: GA-Rabbit Living in Cage in HEAT on Patio DAILY!

bogiedew — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 04:08:55 GMT

hello deedy..I am sending you a network email

RE: GA-Rabbit Living in Cage in HEAT on Patio DAILY!

DeedyMullins — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 04:04:26 GMT

Hello, Julane.
What an awfully sad story, but unfortunately one that is common fto small animals.

First, you must contact Animal Control/Humane society(s) in our area regarding this situation.

Secondly, contact the House Rabbit Society(www.rabbit.org) and find a local rescuer in your area who may be able to foster the rabbit.

However, if the person is willing to surrender the rabbit to you, I would take it ASAP and again, contact your local shelter, me, or a rabbit expert via best friends to get advice on proper rabbit care. You could at least foster the bunny until a permanent home is found. PLEASE do not wait if you sense urgency in this situation or feel possible neglect is occurring. The rabbit could die of heat stroke, a heart attack, dehydration if left out in the heat without proper shelter, water etc. as you well know.

Good luck and go save the bunny!

Deedy

Rabbits Needing Homes : GA-Rabbit Living in Cage in HEAT on Patio DAILY!

bogiedew — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 01:56:43 GMT

Met a person at church who is keeping her "pet" rabbit that she no longer wants in a cage on the HOT patio -- actually, the rabbit NEVER did live inside because "it's dirty." In another words, she has to clean up after the rabbit, so it's "dirty!"

I don't know about rabbits, but I imagine that living out there in our 104 degree temps -- heat index 110 or so -- IS NOT GOOD and dangerous!!! !!

I want to get that poor rabbit into a home that will CARE! IS there anyone who can rescue this poor rabbit who may die out there from heat stroke???? Any rabbit rescues that can help this little guy/gal??

Please let me know ASAP -- Julane @ 404 290 8261 or julanec@mindspring.com

Julane
404 290 8261

Rabbits Needing Homes : GA-Rabbit Living in Cage in HEAT on Patio DAILY!

bogiedew — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 01:55:06 GMT

Popularity growing for pygmy goats

Kathy — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 22:01:22 GMT

Affectionate pets that can happily live outdoors

Article
w/ith permission By Jennifer Gardner

You’d like a friendly, affectionate pet that can happily live outdoors and has a use besides looking cute. Have you considered a goat?

Pygmy goats — the small ones — are growing increasingly popular as pets. “Small” goats still weigh between 35 and 50 pounds for females and 40 to 60 pounds for males, so they’re not exactly tiny. (But they’re small compared to adult dairy goats — males can reach 300 pounds.) The Pygmy goats have been bred for good personalities and tend to enjoy hanging out with humans and being petted.

And actually, you’d need a pair of goats. Goats are very social and it’s a great idea to keep more than one so they have each other for company. It’s preferable to get two of the same gender or get your male neutered unless you want to have more goats — Pygmies are good breeders and can have up to four babies a year. Male goats also should be neutered so they do not get too aggressive as they become mature.

Besides being neutered, there are a couple other medical things you need to do for your pet goats. The males can produce a not-so- pleasant smell and can be “descented” through removal of the gland causing the odor. They can also have their horns removed (called “debudding“) so they can’t hurt people or other goats. These procedures should all be done early in the goat’s life (in the first three weeks); check with your veterinarian about the proper timing.

Goats also need their hooves trimmed. You can learn to do this, but if you have little experience with goats, it’s best to get help for this from your vet, too. If the hooves grow too long, they can make it hard for your goat to walk properly. Finally, goats can be vaccinated for some common diseases, and do best when given annual check-ups from a vet.

You do need a little bit of property and a shelter for them, but they can help out around the yard by eating blackberry vines and other unwanted foliage.

They do need a draft-free yet properly ventilated structure to sleep in, preferably with sleeping areas off the floor where they can jump around and sleep. A hay manger to keep the hay off the floor and a source of clean water should be available at all times.

Hay can also be used as bedding; in cold temperatures the goats may even like their own blankets.

The goats should also have a fenced area where they can forage and play. Fencing that’s at least 4 feet high should keep most Pygmy goats in. They do need a lot of exercise, so give them as much space as you can. They should also have some shade if their housing is not in the fenced enclosure.

Be cautious about what’s growing in their area, as they may eat it — you don’t want to have any poisonous or ornamental plants growing in the goats’ space. The pen should also be secure enough to protect the goats from stray dogs or any wild animals that might cause them harm, but shouldn’t use barbed wire or anything that could hurt the goat.

It’s best to always put them in their secure housing at night.

Some people do keep the Pygmy goats in the house, and that’s great too. I understand that they can be housebroken, although it takes a lot of patience. Even if they are allowed indoors, the goats still need room to run and forage outside.

Goats like to eat a variety of foraged food (like the blackberries), a good quality hay and a grain or pellet mix created specially for goats. Feeds made for other animals, like horses and cows, may have more copper than is good for a goat. Some goat owners also supplement with a salt and mineral block that provides calcium, phosphorus and selenium that goats need.

This is a bit of a balancing act — you need to take into account the nutrition levels in the forage they’re eating, which can vary from place to place. Goats without the proper mix of minerals can develop urinary stones.

Don’t forget to groom your goats. Since you’ll be spending a lot of time with them, you’ll want them to look and smell their best. Brush them frequently with a stiff-bristled dog brush. Bathe them as needed, and talk to your vet about the proper treatments to prevent lice and fleas.

As with any pet that you’re considering, do your research first. Talk to people who own goats, 4-H groups, a livestock veterinarian, etc., to learn about their specific care requirements and pick up tips about their care.

Photo of "Silver the Pygmy Goat" by Kathy, Community Manager

Despite quirky trait, fainting goats make gentle, popular pets

Kathy — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 17:47:32 GMT

It seems to be the novelty of the trait itself that has kept this breed popular worldwide in recent decades, reversing the threat of its extinction in the early 1900s

Article
LAWRENCE, KS – Associated Press - Wayne and Kathy Gillett have to be careful around their kids -- they never know when one might faint.

The month-old "fainting goats" the McLouth couple keep on part of their 20 acres are especially prone to the muscle seizures this rare breed is known for.

The least likely of triggers -- such as an opening umbrella or the sound of footsteps from behind -- could startle Blake, Andy and Anabella. And then there are the obvious stimulants, such as when Wayne, a retired plumber, drives his tractor near their fence.

In a matter of seconds, it's as if a drunken stupor sets in.

First, the goats flee. Then one will stumble and drop onto its side, with legs and head erect, fully conscious.

Another will freeze mid-sprint when its hind and front legs have met under her stomach and be stuck in this position for 10 to 15 seconds.

The origin of the fainting goats is unknown, and there is speculation they might carry a recessive gene that causes myotonia congenita, a condition that causes muscle stiffness.

Despite the mystery, it seems to be the novelty of the trait itself that has kept this breed popular worldwide in recent decades, reversing the threat of its extinction in the early 1900s.

In the United States, thousands of fainting goats are kept as pets, to breed or for meat.

The Gilletts adopted their first nanny, named Annie, about three years ago via a breeder in Valley Falls after a Lawrence man was told he couldn't have her within city limits.

Kathy, who grooms dogs at Shampooch in Kansas City, Kan., didn't realize then how endearing Annie and her offspring would become.

"You become their herd. They graze nearby like a dog," she said. "I can't believe how in love with them I can be.

"People get them because of their temperament," she said. "Not a lot of insects bother them, they are healthy animals and they are easy to keep, especially in a small area."

Five years ago, Darell Clumpke, vice president of the International Fainting Goat Association, bought two goats at an exotic animal sale in Mecca, Mo., for $35 each. He bred them and now has 30 registered goats on his 10 acres in Emporia. He said he sells them across the Midwest for about $250.

"When you sell them when they're registered, they're worth more," Clumpke said. "I make enough to pay the feed bills over time, but I don't make money. It's more a hobby than anything else. It's a lot of fun."

He even has people drive by his farm and ask just to see the goats, he said.

Stephanie Dicke of Columbus, Neb., is secretary of the fainting goat association. She said the goats' history is undocumented, but it is believed that in the early 1800s, a migrant farm worker from Nova Scotia, Canada, appeared in Marshall County, Tenn., with four fainting goats.

She said the man worked for a doctor, and when he left the state, he left the goats. The doctor tried to perpetuate the breed, she said.

His efforts were a success at the time, namely for ranchers who began using the breed as "sacrificial goats."

Ruth Prentice, the goat association's treasurer, said the fainters risked extinction because they were the first to go when a predator lurked on the ranchers' property to attack unsuspecting valuable cattle.

"A predator is not going to chase something when one has dropped at its feet," she said.

The science behind the novel trait doesn't seem to matter to breeders, especially Eddie Taylor, 51.

His grandfather raised fainters in the 1920s, and he has followed suit on his 120 acres in Louisburg.

"I hear people talk about studies done on them," Taylor said. "I don't know why they are the way they are; God made them the way they are."

-----

More about Fainting Goats and Myotonia:

According to The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy the Fainting Goat is considered to be rare because there is fewer than 1000 annual North American registration and estimated less than 5000 in their global population.

Fainting Goats are known by many descriptive names such as Stiff-Leg, Wooden-Leg and Tennessee Scared Goat. History reveals that in the early 1800s a farm worker from Novia Scotia appeared in Marshall County, Tennessee, with three nannies and a billy that fainted. The farm hand was a very quiet man and never revealed any information about his peculiar goats. He eventually left town selling his four goats to Dr. H. H. Mayberry. Dr. Mayberry propagated his new goats and tried his best, without any luck, to research their history. Because of the unique traits, that are hereditary, he was convinced they were a breed.

Myotonia is the condition which causes Fainting Goats to stiffen and fall over when startled. This condition lasts for ten to fifteen seconds, after which time the animal will rise and walk off stiff. After a short time, the stiffness will disappear and they will walk and act like any other goat. This myotonic state only affects the goats external muscles, so they are fully conscious and aware while in faint.

Even though Dr. Mayberrys original goats were black and white, today all colors exist. Fainting Goats generally have large and prominent eyes, also known as bug-eyed. Their temperament is very laid back and gentle. They are excellent mothers and kidders. Fainting Goats are easy to raise and the myotonis makes them easy to contain. They can be a great meat animal (ours are pets) and are safe for children and neighbors.

Branch Creek Farms

Urge PetSmart Not to Sell Rabbits

Kathy — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 14:23:48 GMT

New policy will condemn more bunnies to death in overcrowded shelters

PetSmart, the largest retailer of pet supplies in the U.S., recently announced plans to start selling dwarf rabbits in their stores, a substantial break from their previous policy of working with rescue organizations to place rescued bunnies. Rabbits are the third most-frequently relinquished companion animals at shelters across the country, right behind dogs and cats, and PetSmart's decision to sell rabbits when thousands languish in shelters will cause millions more to die.

Contrary to popular belief, rabbits generally require more time and attention than cats and dogs, so many people who make impulse purchases in pet stores soon surrender them to shelters. Even worse, some are released into the outdoors, where they are typically eaten by predators or run over by cars. PetSmart has honored its commitment not to sell puppies and kittens in any of its stores, and they ought to extend the same protection to rabbits.

WHAT YOU CAN DO
Please call or write PetSmart to politely tell them that you are unhappy with their decision to sell rabbits in their stores.
Also encourage them to expand their rabbit adoption programs by reaching out to more rabbit rescue groups, and let them know that you will shop elsewhere as long as they continue to sell rabbits.
>>> PetSmart, Inc.
>>> 19601 North 27th Avenue
>>> Phoenix, AZ 85027

See <a href="http://www.idausa.org/campaigns/unwanted/article_070725.html]IDA Campaigns" target="_blank">http://www.idausa.org/campaigns/unwanted/article_070725.html]IDA Campaigns</a>

More than 240 goats die in California trailer wreck

Kathy — Sat, 07 Jul 2007 07:00:00 GMT

It wasn’t necessary, the goats could have been corralled away from traffic, they had herding dogs.

More than 200 goats needlessly suffocated to death in an overturned livestock trailer near San Francisco because police would not let their herder free them, their owner said on Saturday.

"They were screaming, screaming, screaming to get out,' said Terri Oyarzun, owner of Goats R Us, an Orinda, California, company that rents goats for grazing brush that poses fire hazards. "They died because the police wouldn't let them out of the trailer."

In all 243 goats died on Friday after the four-tier truck trailer transporting them flipped when the truck's driver made a sharp turn on a street in San Rafael, California, a town in Marin County north of San Francisco.

Police at the scene were so concerned with controlling traffic and preventing another accident that they disregarded pleas by the goat's herder to free the trapped animals, which could have been corralled away from traffic, Oyarzun said.

"Those goats didn't have die," she said. "It wasn't necessary. We had herding dogs."

About 150 goats survived, Oyarzun said.

A police spokesperson was not immediately available for comment.

Complete Article

Reward for catching goat-killer swells to $13,500

Kathy — Fri, 25 May 2007 07:00:00 GMT

15 adolescent goats from a herd clearing brush in California shot and killed

Three nonprofit organizations are offering rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the gunman who shot and killed 15 young brush-clearing goats in the Oakland, California hills Tuesday, May 22, 2007.

The rewards bring the total amount of the fund to $13,500 as of Friday, May 25th. The East Bay SPCA offered $5,000, the Humane Society of the United States pledged $2,500 and In Defense of Animals of San Rafael set aside $2,500 for information leading to the assailant. Voices for Pets of Walnut Creek already has pledged $3,000 for information, while Friends of Oakland Animal Services has offered a $500 reward.

"We were shocked and deeply saddened when we learned about this vicious attack," East Bay SPCA Director Alison Lindquist said in a statement today. "It's inconceivable that someone would attack intentionally and brutally kill these innocent animals. We want to do all that we can to ensure that the person or people responsible are captured and held accountable."

The attack happened about 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, when someone on foot approached the goats' corral in the King Estates Recreation Area and used a small-caliber weapon to kill them all.

The 15 adolescent goats were part of a herd of 3,000 clearing brush near King Estates recreation area. They were separated from the herd in a temporary corral about 200 feet up the hill from Howard Elementary School when they were killed sometime after midnight Tuesday with what police believe is a .22 caliber weapon.

By the time a jogger saw them later in the morning, wild animals had gnawed on the carcasses, which made it look as though the killer had mutilated or decapitated the goats.

Some folks wondered whether the grisly event might be a prelude to other violent crimes. The reports outraged animal welfare workers and sent shivers through nearby residents who welcome the goats and the service they provide.

Several studies have made the link between animal cruelty and human violence and abuse. Sgt. Dave Cronin, chief of Oakland's Animal Services, agrees that one very sick person is responsible, and hopes the growing reward money will shake somebody to turn him or her in to police. Cronin started the reward fund with $250, which was matched by $250 from the Friends of Oakland Animal Service.

"This is someone who has a problem," Cronin said. "This is a violent person, and they are likely to do other weird things. We need to find this person."

Cronin said he believes the goat killer is a young man who lives nearby and is familiar with the area. The goats were killed after midnight, and it is not the kind of place you just drive by. It's very dark there and someone would have had to walk to the pen and know where they were going, Cronin said.

"We appreciate the outrage (over the killings) and want it to continue," Cronin said. "I think everyone sees the dangers of letting these types of cases slip through the cracks. We end up seeing these people three or four years later in custody for sexual assault and other crimes.

"There is lots of anecdotal evidence that it leads to other violence," he said.

Actually, more than anecdotal evidence suggests a link between animal cruelty and later violence against humans. According to a 1997 report by Northeastern University and the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, nearly 40 percent of animal abusers had also committed violent crimes against people.

According to the Humane Society of the United States, the FBI considers previous animal abuse as a factor when profiling serial killers.

Notorious serial killers Jeffrey Dahmer and Ted Bundy both abused and mutilated animals. Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, the two students responsible for the Columbine High School massacre, told others they mutilated animals.

Terri Oyarzun, owner of Goats R Us, a different herding operation, based in Orinda, with 6,500 goats spread among many different sites, said she was frightened to know that kind of violence is happening right next door.

She has herders with all her goats and she has asked her clients to step up supervision of the areas where her goats are grazing.

"It's very fortunate that it didn't come down to a conflict with people," she said. "What would have happened if a herder had come up and said, `Stop?' It's just so very very sad and senseless.

"What has happened to make the world such a crazy place?"

"Even without the link between animal abuse and human violence, it takes a lack of empathy to be able to kill baby goats, one right after the other," Posener said. "This person is a dangerous human being, it's important we just don't accept this."

Anyone with information about the killing should call Oakland Animal Services at (510) 535-5640. To make contributions to the reward fund contact the East Bay SPCA, (510) 563-4611 or mail checks to East Bay SPCA, 3323 Baldwin St., Oakland, CA. 94612.

Sources:

http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_5991954?nclick_check=1

http://www.kesq.com/Global/story.asp?S=6571670&nav=9qrx

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/05/25/BAGONQ1O5016.DTL

Brood of Bunnies Rescued From Aviary

Kathy — Sat, 14 Apr 2007 07:00:00 GMT

Animal control officers are trying to figure out why at least 19 domestic rabbits were living and breeding, unattended, in a California aviary.

By Jennifer Squires

Santa Cruz, CA – The rabbits were found Thursday at Corralitos aviary, a rural Emerald City Way property, injured and malnourished alongside a pair of nesting geese, pigeons, doves and about 30 chickens, after a tip, according to Todd Stosuy of the county Animal Services Authority.

Two Rabbit Haven volunteers hopped to the task of rescuing 14 rabbits — a probably pregnant mother rabbit, her litter of day-old brood, four month-old bunnies and four male adults — from the enclosure Thursday.

"Each one we took out was worse than the one before, but the babies were cute as buttons," Rabbit Haven volunteer Sherri Lynch said.

Animal control officers opened an investigation Friday into the bunnies' care and who was responsible for them.

Animal neglect is a misdemeanor punishable by fines and a County Jail sentence.

Officers were alerted to the ailing rabbits a week ago when a woman living at the property brought in an injured bunny that was later euthanized, Stosuy said.

An animal control officer visited the site Monday and found rabbits living in burrows dug into the aviary's dirt floor.

On Thursday, Rabbit Haven volunteers found two dead rabbits — an adult female and a four-week old — inside the 800-square-foot enclosure.

"The timing was good and bad," Lynch said. "We got the babies out, but we didn't get there in time to save the other adult".

Stosuy said they were lucky there weren't more rabbits in the aviary.

Rabbits breed every 28 days and can have litters as large as 12, according to Heather Bechtel, director of Scotts Valley-based Rabbit Haven. The mother rabbit, a little chocolate-brown lop, had given birth to a litter of seven earlier this week and was probably already pregnant again, she said.

The adult males fought one another to breed with her, Lynch said. One had a serious eye injury and another had the top half-inch of his ears chewed off, she said.

"All the adults are covered in wounds, top to bottom," Lynch said. "They battled".

In addition, the rabbits had not been properly fed, could only get water from a koi pond and were covered in bird feces from their feathered roommates roosting above.

"Our priority now is to get these guys medical care and get them into foster homes where there's time and quiet and patience," Lynch said. "I've seen hand-shy rabbits come around and become snuggle-bugs".

The bunnies were distributed to some of the 60 foster families Rabbit Haven uses to rehabilitate and socialize rescued rabbits.

The organization, started in 1987, puts rescued bunnies up for adoption and also offers classes about rabbit care in Scotts Valley and Watsonville.

"If we can help these bunnies heal, they'll find homes," she said.

Rabbit Haven hosts adoption days at PetSmart in Santa Cruz every other Saturday and once a month in Sunnyvale. For information on how to help the bunnies or to adopt, contact Rabbit Haven at director@therabbithaven.org or (831) 440-0282.

For Update and Photos

Article
Sentinel correspondent Rachel Courtland contributed to this report.

Describe your alfalfa and timothy loving pet : The Piggie Penthouse

Bipedal — Sat, 07 Apr 2007 23:58:20 GMT

Jack Pine Guinea Pig Rescue in Minnesota is
home to many rescued cavies. Vicki, the human
mom to them, has adorned my Piggie Penthouse
with 4 lovely boars. She has allowed me to take
in Wilson, Pickle, Precious and Bear. They live
without cages in an unfinished upstairs room.
They see each other and integrate with one another
anytime they want. Free ranging also allows me
to observe their interesting behavior and individual
personalities.
Bear was a show pig-I know, I was unaware there
were show pigs too. He's dark brown, very calm
and loves to be held, petted.
Precious is brown and white with a tilted head from
some genetic difference or a previous injury He's
my funny guy.
Pickle is large, white and grey, long haired Abysinian. He's very social and loves attention. He
has a son in the group also: Wilson. Wilson is
an active young guy and likes to chase the others,
not aggressively, but a little spunky.
There is also Winnifred-a brown lop-eared bunny.
She has lots of running and jumping space, but
enjoys grazing with the Guinea Pigs at her leisure.
And hamster spends the majority of her day in
2 habitats. She is free to roam during her time which the later hours of the day.
My penthouse is alive and a study in these small
mammals. It is overseen by 6 doves from their
flight cage.
These are some of the 16 rescued animals who
make my life complete.

Describe your alfalfa and timothy loving pet : PLEASE HELP SAVE PAINT AND COLT (HORSES) In MORRISTON,FL.

doggoneguy — Sat, 07 Apr 2007 20:05:20 GMT

From: Theresa
To: Theresa
Sent: Thursday, April 05, 2007 4:09 PM
Subject: [BHFER] The Jerk's Paint and TB colt

I went back to the place where Magic came from today to check on the Paint
and a 17 month old TB colt. The jerk called me a couple of days ago and
asked if we'd be interested in the black colt with the "beautiful blue eye"
for $250.

I wanted to bring them both home with me. Ifelt horrible leaving them
behind. The black colt with the blue eye - the eye isn't blue - its cloudy
and the colt likely only sees shadows with it. It was likely something that
could have been prevented if it had been treated. UGH! Peoplejust make me so
angry! Why do they both to have a horse if they won't care for it? If he has
any sight left in this eye he won't have it for long as he is going
untreated.

The colt is very sweet. Picks up his feet and leads. He hada tendency to nip
at Katie when she was leading him from the blind eye side. He hasan open
gash in front of his left leg that is going untreated and it is sore there.
Not a big gash but it should have been washed out and treated. The bugs were
eating off of it. He is a beautiful black - would be more black if he had
some cover but his round pen has none. Although, the trees on the side of it
likely shade it for part of the day.

The Paint HATES the guy. He was on alert anytime the jerk was near. Stayed
away as far as he could from the jerk on the leadline. This is the demeanor
of the Paint around the jerk. And anytime the jerk got near him he snorted
and pinned his ears.

The very second I took the leadline away from the jerk and put myself
between the jerk and the Paint the Paint's body just relaxed. And no more
snorting. He actually sort of melted into me.

His back toes drag a bit but heck, his toes are so long he likely can't help
it! I bet his feet haven't been done in over a year.

The Paint's left knee was larger than theright.The jerk said he doesn't know
what happened. He says the horse snorts a lot until you're on his back and
then he is fine. The Paint has lost weight since the last timewe saw him.

And this is a picture of the Paint eating his hay off of a pile of poop. He
is in Magic's old pen. I tried to get a picture of the water bucket which
was all slime but the jerk got in the way.

If anyone wants to help these horses, please let me know.He is asking $1000
for the Paint and $250 for the colt. I'm surecash could talk him down.

I reallydid feel bad leaving them there. The level of anxiety that bounced
off these two horses when the jerk was around was incredible.

Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty's Haven Farm and Equine Rescue, Inc.
www.beautysequinerescue.org
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/BHF_Equine_Rescue
www.mymangosteen.com/BHFER

We are going ahead and getting the Paint and colt - we don't feel good about
leaving them at the jerks place.

We need help with their immediate vetting, farrier, and related health care
needs. We want to get the colt's eye checked out and treated ASAP in hopes
there is some vision left that can be preserved. It may be painful for the
colt and he may need meds to help with infection and pain. The Paint is
going to need chiropractic and x-rays of his knee. They both need dental
and farrier care - looks they haven't had any in over a year. They both
need coggins, worming, and vaccines. And then, of course, there is the cost
of daily care.

We're overwhelmed with vet bills - Classy is recovering from her tracheotomy
and must go back for an EKG and ultrasound on April 18th. Peaches' eye is
about well but she must also have more testing. Granny is still having a
hard time with her foundered feet.

Please help if you can. No amount is too small. What we could use the most
is donations to help with the vetting and related care. We could also use
help with Strategy Equine Sr. and Strategy feed, and alfalpha. If anyone
would like to call our feed store directly please let me know and I can
provide the phone number. Our feed store and hay stores are 2 different
places.

A couple of people offered assistance yesterday and I asked them to wait
until we could figure out if we could definitely get the horses and make
room for them. We can use your support now that we know we are getting
them. The best way to help is by using the Google Checkout button on our
home page. There is also a PayPal button and the address for snail mail is
PO Box 53, Morriston, FL. Again, thank you.

Sincerely,

Theresa
Beauty's Haven Farm and Equine Rescue, Inc.
www.beautysequinerescue.org

http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/BHF_Equine_Rescue

www.mymangosteen.com/BHFER

Pet Store Chain Switches to Adoption for Rabbits!

Kathy — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 07:00:00 GMT

Petcetera is selling out its remaining stock of rabbits and will only adopt out animals from the SPCA.

British Columbia - Starting this week, people wishing to acquire a rabbit pet will be able to adopt one at the Petcetera store for $59.99, which includes a check-up. All adoptable rabbits will have been spayed or neutered.

“That’s all part of the initiative, to reduce the population,” said Richard Kaga, Petcetera vice-president.

He said the SPCA approached the Richmond-based pet store with the idea, which was quickly approved, then details were worked out, staff trained and rabbit breeders given notice that Petcetera was out of the rabbit-selling business.

Petcetera typically sells about 1,000 rabbits a year in its 17 B.C. stores, about 700 in the Lower Mainland alone.

Rabbits will still be available for purchase until the stock runs out but they won’t have been spayed or neutered, like the adoptable ones.

“We will be making prospective owners aware of that,” Kaga said, noting it can cost $100 or more to spay or neuter a rabbit.

But owning a rabbit is not for everyone. Rabbits are extremely sensitive and even a gentle toddler can be too stressful for bunnies. Traumatized rabbits will become frightened when restrained and often end up alone in a cage or abandoned.

Article