A sturdy and muscular dog, the Bull Terrier is not classed as the most attractive of dogs, but does have an appearance that would most likely put off any intruders or aggressors! Although not a large dog, the Bull Terrier can be quite intimidating simply because of his appearance. The weight of the Bull Terrier is around 30-80 pounds, and the height is around 15-22 inches. The coat is short, flat, and close fitting, and the coloring of the Bull Terrier can be pure white, white with black patches, black and tan, fawn, and brindle. His ears stand erect, and his eyes look quite tiny in relation to the length of his muzzle.
The Bull Terrier is a determined and headstrong creature, with an outgoing personality. This is a breed that needs to be properly socialized early on, as they can otherwise have an aggressive nature. Instinctive fighters, the Bull Terrier is usually aggressive towards other dogs and can be a danger around smaller animals such as cats and rabbits, seeing them as prey. The Bull Terrier can be okay around children, but is not recommended with younger kids, and should definitely be socialized early on. Depending on the personality of the individual dog, strangers may be greeted with a huge welcome by the Bull Terrier, but others may not be quite as welcoming.
The Bull Terrier has a dominant personality, and for this reason is best suited to those with some experience of dog ownership. You will need to reinforce your leadership through assertive and confident training and handling. This breed has bags of energy, and likes to be a part of the family action. You should not neglect the Bull Terrier, as he will otherwise become bored and destructive. The Bull Terrier can make an effective watchdog, and will bark to raise the alarm. And when it comes to their food, these dogs can display real possessiveness.
Feb 04, 2010 | | Dogs
Cockatiel – nymphicus hollandicus
Length: 30-35cms/12-14 inches
Weight: 80-95 grams
Life span: < 20 years
Incubation: 21 days
Age at weaning: 7-8 weeks
Age at maturity: 9 months - 1 year
Natural habitat: Australia
Cockatiels inhabit the savannah and grassland of Australia but nowadays they are also frequently seen in urban areas.
They are generally peaceable birds that are often kept on a colony in aviaries. Cockatiels that are bred in captivity come in an array of colours from grey to white to yellow! And, of course, combinations of all these colours.
A normal clutch is 4-7 eggs.
The plumage of an adult Cockatiel is generally greyish-blue. They have a yellow crest and head with orange-yellow ear markings. Their wing coverts are white and they have brown eyes, a greyish blue beak and dark grey legs. The female Cockatiels are generally duller in colouration. Their wing coverts are greyer and their eye markings are darker than the male.
Jan 22, 2010 | | Birds, Pets
Conures
There are several genus of Conures, the main ones being the Aratinga and the Pyrrhura. Both originate in South and Central America. They are small to medium sized Parrakeets, which mostly live in flocks of 20 or more birds. The Aratinga’s have a mischievous personality and are more parrotlike than the Pyrrhura’s. The best known Aratinga Conures are probably the Sun Conure, Blue-crowned, Red masked and Mitred. In the Pyrruhura Conures the Green-Cheeked and Marroon Bellied. Other well known species of Conures are the Patagonian, Nanday and the beautiful Queen of Bavaria.
Sun Conure – aratinga solistitialis
Length: 30cms/12 inches
Weight: 100-130 grams
Life span: 30-35 years
Incubation: 23-26 days
Age at weaning: 10 weeks
Age at maturity: 2-3 years
Natural habitat: Venezuela, Brazil, The Guyanas, south of the Amazon
Sun Conures frequent palm groves, open forests and savannahs. They are generally seen in flocks and this brilliantly coloured bird, with it’s screeching call, always betrays it’s presence. Large flocks will congregate to feed in trees bearing ripening fruit.Their diet is seeds, nuts, fruit, berries, buds and blossoms.
They nest in holes in trees, wood pecker holes are favoured. A normal clutch is 3-4 eggs.The Sun Conure is mostly bright yellow in colour, darkening to orange colour around their eyes and on their chest. Their flight feathers are blue and green and their tail is yellow melting into green with blue on the tips.
Jan 01, 2010 | | Birds
