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Falling temperatures, less food, severe storms and hungry predators all make winter a harsh season for birds, but our feathered friends have many tricks to survive even the worst winter. Savvy backyard birders who understand how birds survive can take easy steps to help so there are more amazing birds to enjoy when spring comes again. Molting Molting is the first step many birds take to survive the winter. For many species, this means shedding bright breeding colors in favor of better camouflage to help conceal them from winter predators. During a late summer or early fall molt, many birds...

Horses are resilient and can survive many adverse conditions, but taking proper care of your horse in winter is essential to keep them healthy, safe and comfortable even in the worst weather. Fortunately, even small steps for proper winter horse care can help both you and your horse avoid the biggest seasonal problems. Food: Proper nutrition will help keep your horse healthy, and it is essential to provide them with additional forage and hay in winter, not only to maintain a proper weight but to generate sufficient body heat on frigid nights. Grain can be added to their diet as...

Bloat can be a dangerous condition in goats, causing gastrointestinal distress and discomfort, decreasing the animal’s productivity, and leading to loss of condition and even death if not effectively treated. Understanding the causes of bloat in goats, however, can help you keep your billies, nannies, and kids healthy. What Is Bloat? Bloat, also called ruminal tympany, is a buildup of gasses in the digestive tract when an animal is unable to burp to release the gas, causing swelling of the abdomen. This can be a very painful condition and may even be fatal if left untreated. All ruminants are susceptible...

February has been declared Pet Dental Month --and for good reason. The most common disease seen by veterinarians is dental disease. In fact, 75-85% of pets over the age of 2 have dental disease of some form. You’re probably thinking: Great, I don’t like going to the dentist, I can only imagine how my pet feels about it! The truth is, the same philosophy that applies to you and your family also applies to your pets when it comes to dental care. Below, we’ll discuss the importance of healthy dental practices for your pets and what you should do to...

What is Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)? EMS is a hormonal disorder in horses, similar to metabolic syndrome in humans, that is characterized by obesity, insulin resistance, and abnormal fat deposits, which can predispose affected horses to chronic laminitis. What types of horses are affected? First and foremost, most horses do not suffer from EMS. The majority of horses tolerate dietary carbohydrates such as starch, sugar and fructan, quite well, and thrive on this important and readily available source of energy. Performance horses in particular need sufficient non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) in their diets for work and recovery after exercise. Too little...