(Editor’s note: This is part two of a two-part series) Every day is a new adventure for Joanne Powell. As the Research Farm Supervisor for the large animal unit at Rutgers University, Joanne gets to do the things she loves, including being outside with animals! In addition to that, Joanne is a 4-H leader in Somerset County, a role she has had for nearly 30 years. In … [Read more...]
Management Tips – Winter Care of Laying Hens
In order to keep laying hens productive through the winter months, it is vital to keep them well fed and watered, warm, healthy, and comfortable. Below are some management tips to help you properly care for your laying hens in the winter: Warmth: Laying hens begin to slow egg production when temperatures drop below 55 degrees F. Provide adequate warmth for the birds and … [Read more...]
Evolutionary Biology through Herpetology! Part 1
Ever wonder how adults end up in their profession? Ever asked them to see if what they are doing now is what they thought they would be doing back in high school or even college? For some people, they are doing exactly what they thought they would do, for others they have found a new or different area of interest during their studies and experience. We decided to ask Dr. … [Read more...]
My First Seeing Eye Puppy
Raising a puppy can be both a delight and a challenge. It's fun to watch them learn and grow, but hard to meet all their developmental needs to become well-rounded, happy adult dogs. For some 4-H dog project members, the focus of their work is entirely on raising puppies that will one day serve as guide dogs for the blind. After a year of hard work, their puppies return to … [Read more...]
Winter Care for Rabbits
Winter is a difficult time for many animals, including rabbits. Rabbits are more able to cope with cold weather conditions than hot conditions, but given the wrong conditions, rabbits can suffer from exposure, frostbite, and decreased body temperature. Smaller breeds of rabbits may be more susceptible to cold temperatures than larger breeds of rabbits because their small body … [Read more...]
Ask The Expert – Joanne Powell, Research Farm Supervisor (part 1)
(Editor’s note: This is part one of a two-part series) For Joanne Powell, no two days are the same. Joanne is the Research Farm Supervisor for the large animal unit at Rutgers University. Having grown up on a farm herself, she appreciates not only the rewards of a hard day’s work, but also being able to spend time outdoors with animals. We recently reached out to … [Read more...]
Rabies – Protecting Your Rabbits and Small Animals
What is Rabies? Rabies is a deadly disease of animals and humans. It is endemic in New Jersey and there are over 300 cases in the state every year. Rabies is a virus that attacks the central nervous system in mammals (warm-blooded animals). The virus is present primarily in the saliva, brain tissue, and spinal fluid of a rabid animal and is transmitted by a bite, … [Read more...]
Tips for a Positive Vacation Experience for Your Dog
So, you’ve just booked your big vacation. But who’s going to watch the dog? Our beloved pets are not always welcome to come along with us when we travel. While some owners choose to have a friend or family member care for their dog, others choose to check their pet into an overnight boarding facility. Boarding your pet can be a daunting experience, especially the first … [Read more...]
Pullorum-Typhoid Disease
Are your chickens and other birds Pullorum-Typhoid Disease free? As you are making plans to show or exhibit your poultry and fowl at County 4-H Fairs and other public venues this summer, be sure to make arrangements to have your chickens and other birds tested by a certified tester to document that they are Pullorum-Typhoid clean. What is Pullorum Disease and Fowl … [Read more...]
eXtension – A Wealth of (Really Good) Information for Your 4-H Goat Project
Are you new to raising goats? Do you need information on how to get started? Do you know what breed you want? Do you know what kind of facilities and space you’ll need? Need information specifically for dairy, meat, and/or fiber goats? Would you like help setting up a budget? Looking for information on how to control predators, how to manage your pastures, how to trim … [Read more...]