We live in bear country; so how do you keep your alpacas, llamas, farm property, and yourself safe? The black bear population in New Jersey has been on the rise over the last 50 years. The majority of the black bear population inhabits the northwestern part of the state; however, they have been documented in all 21 counties. According to the Rutgers University resource … [Read more...]
Cavy Lice
Cavy lice, sometimes referred to as running lice, are host specific and need a guinea pig to survive. These lice are considered chewing lice, not sucking lice, and actually abrade the skin to obtain fluid. The most common type of louse is Gliricola porcelli. This is a slender, flattened, light colored (white to pale) insect about 1 to 1.5 mm in size with no wings. The lice … [Read more...]
Be an educated consumer when visiting reptile shows
Reptile Shows!!! How cool would it be to go see lots of different reptiles and amphibians in one location? Talk with breeders? Interact with other reptile enthusiasts? With the many shows in the area, you can do just that. But, as a herpetological enthusiast and potential owner, you should be responsible in your visits and potential purchases. Here is what you should know … [Read more...]
Permit Me to Tell You About Permits!
So, you are now the proud owner of a reptile or amphibian. Congratulations! Did you know that in New Jersey you need to file an application for a permit to possess exotic or nongame animals for hobby purposes? There is a nominal fee, and you can put all your animals on one, easy to fill out, permit. Permits are due January 31 for animals you already own. As you acquire new … [Read more...]
New Jersey 4-H Swine Projects – What Kind of a Mess Have I Gotten Myself Into?
When one thinks of pigs, oftentimes this evokes images of slop buckets and mud puddles, but modern swine production involves cutting edge technology that is both rooted in innovation as well as hard science. Swine projects in 4-H can provide opportunities for youth members to gain real world understanding of the issues surrounding the swine industry. Swine 4-H projects … [Read more...]