One of the most common questions asked to herp aficionados is, “Is that snake poisonous?” This is also one of the more frustrating questions, and the terminology “poisonous snake” is used all the time. With a few exceptions, the answer is emphatically NO. BUT – there are a number of venomous snakes! So, what’s the difference? VENOMOUS: It injects toxins … [Read more...]
Porky Was Wrong; That IS NOT All Folks – Preparing For Your 4-H Market Swine Project
Raising, caring for, and thinking about future 4-H market swine projects is a task that requires a great deal of forward thinking and dedication. Arguably, the most famous swine in our collective pop-culture memory is Porky Pig. Equally famous as the character himself is his sign-off, “That’s All Folks!” As any swine producer will tell you though, when it comes to swine … [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...]
Does Your Training Technique Match Your Dog’s Learning Style?
Consider this situation: It's your first training session at your 4-H dog club meeting and you are excited to start teaching your dog basic obedience like "sit". Your club leader demonstrates how to place your dog into the "sit" position. Everyone else easily puts their dog into a "sit" by replicating your leader's instructions. You, on the other hand, have ended up in a … [Read more...]
Ideas that Work – Using Games to Learn About Poultry and Small Animals
Games can be a fun way for 4-H members to learn new things and practicing what they have learned in their 4-H club. The following methods have proven successful in both entertaining the children as well as reinforcing things they’ve learned. Quiz bowl – We have invested in a game buzzer system like the one used in Avian Bowl. The team structure and rules are generally the … [Read more...]