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Skunk Gecko
White-lined geckos' bodies are brown, green or tan, and have a white stripe on each side of the head that converges on the back and runs down to the tail base which has broad white bands. They have specialized toe pads that allow them to effortlessly move along vertical surfaces.

White-lined geckos reach an adult length of around 9 to 10 inches, including their tails. They can live 10 to 20 years or so; however, they are relatively new to reptile hobbyists, so their lifespan is a bit uncertain. They're not as aggressive as some other gecko breeds, so they maybe good pets for the less-experienced owner (but probably not quite beginner-level).
  • Names: White-lined gecko (Gekko vittatus) white-striped gecko, Indonesian skunk gecko or skunk gecko
  • Size: Between 9 and 10 inches long
  • Lifespan: 10 to 20 years

Behavior and Temperament of White-Lined Geckos

White-lined geckos tend to be less aggressive than their close relative, the tokay gecko. These geckos are fast, delicate and will bite if feeling threatened, so care is required when handling.

Housing White-Lined Geckos

A 20-gallon tall terrarium is sufficient for a couple of white-lined geckos, but bigger is better as white-lined geckos are active lizards. White-lined geckos need vertical space for climbing, so use a tall tank. A glass terrarium with a screened top or side for ventilation works well. Males are territorial so should only be kept one to a cage; never house males together.

White-lined geckos need room to climb--provide a mix of branches, driftwood, cork bark, bamboo, and vines at a variety of heights and orientations. Add a variety of silk and/or sturdy live plants, as the geckos will hide in the plants for cover. Use caves, bark or other items suitable for hides. Provide a small shallow water dish with fresh water daily, though they will likely prefer to drink water droplets from leaves.

Substrate

The substrate for white-lined geckos should be something that retains moisture to aid in humidity levels such as coconut fiber bedding, cypress mulch, moss or peat, though you can use paper or paper towels as well.

Temperature

Provide a daytime temperature gradient between 82 and 85 degrees for white-lined geckos. The temperature at night should be between 70 and 75 degrees.

A heat lamp or ceramic heat emitter makes a good heat source for daytime; at night, a red night time bulb or ceramic heat emitter is a good choice. You can also use undertank heat. Do not rest a heat source right the top of the tank as these climbing geckos could get too close and burn themselves.

Light

White-lined geckos are nocturnal, so do not need special UV lighting. However, many experts believe providing low levels of UV lighting is still beneficial to their overall health. Ensure that geckos can hide from the light if desired. A red night time bulb allows viewing when they are most active.

Humidity

White-lined geckos need a moderately high humidity level; aim for 65 to 75 percent relative humidity which you can measure and monitor with a hygrometer. Mist the gecko's enclosure a few times a day with warm filtered water, and make sure the cage is well-misted at night when their activity is highest. White-lined geckos will drink from water droplets left from the mist.

Food and Water

Feed white-lined geckos a diet mainly of crickets. A variety of other insects can be added for variety: roaches, locusts, cutworms and silkworms (only feed waxworms and mealworms occasionally). Prey should be about the size of the space between the gecko's eyes.

Any prey fed to your gecko should be gut-loaded prior to feeding and dusted with a calcium supplement two to three times a week. You also should consider adding a multivitamin once a week. Feed your gecko in the evening.

Juveniles should be fed daily but adults do not need to be fed every day; every other day should suffice. Feed as much prey at one time as the gecko eagerly eats, and don't leave uneaten crickets roaming around the tank.

Common Health Problems

White-lined geckos are prone to stomatitis, or mouth rot, a disease common among gecko species. If infected, they'll have a cheeselike ooze (which is actually pus) which may appear around the mouth, along with redness.

If you notice your gecko is drooling, this may be a sign of another common ailment; excess saliva usually indicates a respiratory infection.

Like other gecko breeds, white-lined geckos are susceptible to parasitic infections. On the skin, such an infection may look similar to a rash; another symptom is a failure to shed its skin properly.

Internal parasites can cause lethargy, changes in appetite, and unusual fecal deposits.

All of these conditions can be treated if they caught early enough. Don't attempt to treat these ailments with home remedies; always consult a veterinarian who specializes in lizards.

Choosing Your White-Lined Gecko

White-lined geckos can be tame and docile pets if treated properly. You should select a gecko whose skin is smooth and free of any bumps (which could indicate a skin infection or a broken bone). Although they're more delicate than some of their cousins, a healthy white-lined gecko will likely react with displeasure if handled, and possibly try to bite you.

A gecko should have clear eyes and should readily accept food when it is offered. Always seek a reputable breeder when purchasing a gecko or any other exotic pet. They'll be able to tell you about any health issues the animal may have.

Captive-bred geckos are ideal as pets since they're much less likely to have parasites or other health conditions wild geckos tend to suffer.

Similar Species to the White-Lined Gecko

If you're interested in taking on other geckos, here are a few other breeds like the white-lined gecko that you may want to consider:
  • Leopard geckos
  • Crested geckos
  • Day geckos

source:
By Lianne McLeod, DVM
Thesprucepets.com


Discus fish’s

It is one of the most popular ornamental fish species in the world. Body is almost circular or disc shaped with strong lateral compression. It has small mouth with a steep rising forehead, small bright red eyes and large extended fins. The body has nine dark and vertical stripes and their body base colors usually range from dark brownish to blue and green hues. They are also spotted and striated with blotches of black, yellow and red pigmentation. Dorsal and Anal fins are rounded with a long base while the caudal fin is indented and the pelvic fins are saber shaped. It is a carnivore fish and in wild condition, it mainly feeds on small fish and fry along with larvae, other aquatic insects and invertebrates such as worms. It prefers water chemistry with pH of 6.0-6.5, water hardness of 10 – 150 dGH and water temperature of 82.0 to 88.0° F. It can grow up to 22 cm in length and 250 grams in weight. It can live up to 10 years or more.


Scientific Name: Symphysodon aequifasciatus
Common Name: Cobalt Discus, Blue Discus, Blue Faced Discus, Blue-Head Discus, Red Thunder Discus
Origin: Amazon River Basin
Adult Size: up to 22 cm
Behavior: Peaceful
Tank Level: All
Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons
Diet: Carnivore
Breeding: Egg layer
Care level: Moderate to Difficult
Water pH: 6.0-6.5
Water Hardness: 10 – 150 dGH
Water Temperature: 82.0 to 88.0° F
Water Movement: Moderate
Lighting: Moderate – normal lighting
Lifespan: 10 years or more


source:
Aquaticmag.com

reading a cat's eye language
Illustration: Theresa Chiechi. © The Spruce, 2018

Dogs we usually understand, mostly because they are so easy to understand. They have expressive faces and body language that we can read pretty accurately. Cats, on the other hand, are known for their emotional vagueness and standoffishness.

But there is a growing belief that cats are as expressive as dogs. It’s just that we misunderstand or don’t see what they’re trying to communicate.

When it comes to cats, those meows and tail waves mean … well, a lot of things. With each purr, yowl or even blink, felines are saying, “Hello,” “Let’s snuggle” or “Get Outta Here.”

For the increasing number of pet owners who want to connect with their often-aloof cats, experts say there’s something to gain from those attempts at communication. Cats are very independent, and so they are easily misunderstood. Here is a discussion that aims to demystify the mystery of certain cat "talk" -- specifically the eyes -- by helping you discern what cats are trying to convey.

Cat Eyes

Cats talk with their eyes. The direction of your cat's gaze will direct you to the subject of his attention. But gazes vary. Some are intense and focused while others are haphazard. When your cat stares without blinking, does he want something from you or is he feeling angry? Either could be true. Although a fixed gaze and rigid body posture might mean hostility, the same look might be soliciting petting or some other form of attention in a relaxed, purring cat.

What cats say is often determined by the position of the eyelids and dilation of the eyes. The messages vary from subtle to overt and can be incredibly powerful. Kitty doesn’t need to vocalize to get her message across, although the intent often is reinforced with tail talk, ear positions, and fluffed fur.

Arousal

Any strong emotional arousal—fear, anger, pleasure, excitement—can result in the sudden contraction of the cat’s pupil into a slit. You may see kitty’s pupil contract when presented with a full bowl of favorite food, for instance, or a catnip mouse. Other times, her eyes might do this when surprised by the introduction of a new cat.

Trust

Cats open their eyes wide when they are alert. Exposing wide-open eyes to potential injury can be a sign of great trust. For example, cats that head-butt your cheeks or do the same to a friendly dog indicate calm trust, and perhaps even love.

Dominance

Cat eyes that stare unblinkingly from a distance can be a sign of control, dominance, or even aggression. Owners often won’t recognize this subtle behavior, which can be used to control access to resources in multicat households. Simply by using this unblinking stare, a single cat can warn off and keep other felines from approaching an “owned” pathway to ​food bowls, litter box, or another important territory.

Aggression

A slit-eyed look indicates strong emotion—fear or aggression. Squinting also protects eyes from potential claws of an opponent. Avoid locking eyes with a cat you don’t know, or you may prompt an attack.

Kitty Kisses

A relaxed and trusting kitty has droopy, sleepy-looking eyelids. Try sending a “kitty kiss” to your distant pet—meet her sleepy gaze with a relaxed gaze of your own, and slowly “blink.” If she blinks back, you have been honored with the deepest affection!



source:
By Amy Shojai, CABC
Thesprucepets.com
Budgies
Allegra Walino / EyeEm/Getty Images

The word "Parakeet" is a descriptive term that refers to the long tails of these types of birds. There are many different kinds of Parakeets available in the pet trade. They include such diverse species as:
  • Indian Ringneck Parakeets
  • Budgerigars (commonly called Parakeets)
  • Quakers

Budgerigars

The proper term for this popular and active little bird is budgerigar. In some parts of the world, they are referred to as budgies. They are small birds with different color variations and two different sizes. There is the smaller standard budgerigar often called the Australian budgerigar or the American budgerigar and there is one a bit larger called the English Budgerigar.

Both are quite popular in many countries, as they are one of the most commonly kept species of bird. Native to Australia, they are indeed a true parrot. In the wild, they inhabit the drier semi-arid inland areas of the continent as well as the grasslands of the Southeast. They feed on grasses, grains, insects and seeds. They were first bred for bird fanciers in the mid-1800’s and quickly became a very fashionable pet to have in the household. Budgies in the wild are primarily green but early on, breeders began to selectively breed them for different colors and they are now available for sale or adoption in many different colors.

Facts About Budgies

In captivity, many people think that they only require bird seed purchased at the pet store and nothing could be further from the truth. Offering fresh vegetables or chop and fresh fruit as well as a formulated pelleted diet will help keep your budgie healthy.

Budgies are active birds and very playful. They enjoy roughhousing and if they are kept with another budgie they will often play together, rolling and tumbling about as well as sitting with each other taking turns preening each other.

The average lifespan of these delightful little parrots is anywhere from six to eighteen years. A healthy diet will add more years to your budgies life so ensure you do research and learn how to provide a balanced diet. They enjoy playing with small toys as well as bells and other more delicate enrichment items. Remember, these are smart little birds and providing enrichment and foraging opportunities is important to their well being.

chee gin tan / Getty Images

Budgies In the Wild

In the wild, they live in holes in trees where they roost at night as well as using it as a nest hole to raise and protect their young. They tend to favor dead or decaying eucalyptus trees. When providing a living space for them in your home, the larger the enclosure, the better. With budgies, think width as opposed to height when shopping for a cage for them. These little guys are good flyers and the wider the cage is, the better.

Since they originate from an arid part of Australia, they aren’t instinctively drawn to taking a bath or shower. You could offer them a small bowl of water to bathe in. In the wild, they seem to enjoy rolling around in wet grass or wet leaves after a rain to stay clean. So as an alternative, try offering wet lettuce leaves in a bowl or shallow pie pan and see if she will take you up on the offer by playing in the moist leaves.

They are quite social birds and will indeed bond with humans. This might not be true if you have a pair as they might bond with their partner and you end up taking the back seat. But if you get two budgies and this happens, don’t be concerned. As long as they are happy, that is what matters.

Federica Grassi / Getty Images

Budgies As Pets

They are notoriously good talkers. But their voices are very soft and they tend to talk rapidly so you might not recognize the fact that your budgie does indeed have a wonderful vocabulary.
Budgies are a captivating and fascinating species and they make wonderful companions.

These should not be considered “starter birds.” Budgies should be recognized and respected for the species they are and for what they have to offer as a companion. Many people think that they will learn what they need to know about caring for a larger bird by caring for one of these wonderful little guys. This isn’t the case at all; these birds are not training wheels. If you want a fabulous little companion parrot that is active, playful and full of life and fun you might want to take a second look at a budgie.

Most Parakeets make wonderful pets, are highly trainable, and many become excellent talkers! With all the different types of parakeets that are out there, it shouldn't be too hard to find one that is the right bird for you.

Eugenio Marongiu / Getty Images


source: 
By Alyson Kalhagen
thesprucepets.com
Parakeet Budgie Budgerigar
 Nature's Gifts Captured / Getty Images

While it's true that budgies are parakeets, they are only one of hundreds of bird varieties that can be classified as such, not all parrots are parakeets. The parrot/parakeet debate is confusing to even seasoned aviculturists and is one that many bird experts disagree on.

Parakeets

In general, birds that can be called parakeets are those hookbills that exhibit a long tail and are generally smaller than the large types of parrots, such as Macaws, Amazons, and Cockatoos. Parakeets are typically highly intelligent and easy to train, and most are excellent talkers -- some are even more proficient at mimicking human speech than the larger parrot species.

There are a few different groups that certain types of parakeets can be divided into. One of these groups is known as the Asiatic Parakeets, which contains birds such as the Indian Ringneck Parakeet, the Moustache Parakeet, the Alexandrine Parakeet, and the Plum-Headed Parakeet. These birds all originate near India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and other nearby lands. They are all related species, classified as Psittacula, and all exhibit similar traits in body build.

Another group of parakeets is referred to as the Grass Parakeets. These birds originate from areas in and around Australia, and include species such as the Bourke's Parakeets, the Scarlet Chested or Splendid Parakeets, and the Rosellas. Member of the Grass Parakeet group also share similar body structures and traits, as the Asiatic Parakeets do.

There are many, many different types of parakeets that do not fit into either of these categories, however. Examples of these include the Lineolated Parakeet and the Red Rump Parakeet. Some bird experts even like to classify Conures as Parakeets, although this is a highly disputed point among aviculturists.

Common Parakeet Traits

One thing that parakeets of all varieties have in common is their high intelligence and extremely social nature. In fact, their propensity for interaction is what makes them a great choice for people who want a pet birds. Parakeets tend to bond very strongly to their owners when hand fed as babies and handled often to stay tame. They can be extremely loving and affectionate, preferring to spend the majority of their time with their human flock mates.

Adopting a Parakeet

If you are thinking about adopting any type of parakeet, it's important to make sure that you have ample time to handle and socialize with your bird every day. Leaving any parakeet to its own devices can result in boredom and depression, which can manifest as health and behavioral problems. If you can make a commitment to properly caring for one of these birds, however, you'll be rewarded with a devoted lifelong companion that will bring you many years of joy and friendship.

To learn more about keeping pet parakeets, contact your local aviculture society and speak with some breeders and seasoned bird owners about the types that you are interested in. These experts will be able to guide you toward the species that would be the best fit for your lifestyle.


source:
By Alyson Kalhagen
Thesprucepets.com
It's no surprise that many potential bird owners want a bird who is friendly, gentle, and well-suited to being a companion pet. These traits are even more important for anyone with little or no experience caring for pet birds. It's easier to bond with and care for an animal who has a natural disposition for being friendly and affectionate than one who is frightful and aggressive.

It's almost a guarantee that all bird owners will sustain a bite here and there. However, it is possible to minimize the risk by choosing a species known for having a gentle and sociable demeanor. These birds have a reputation for being some of the most loving and friendly companions around.

1. Budgies

kerkla /E+/ Getty Images

One of the most popular pet bird species in the world are budgies, which you may know as parakeets. When properly tamed and cared for, budgies make extraordinarily friendly and affectionate pets.

On top of being small and easy to care for, budgies take well to training and can learn to perform many fun bird tricks. Best of all, budgies have the ability to learn to talk. They delight people of all ages with their 

2. Cockatiels

Brenda Hughes / EyeEm EyeEm/ Getty Images

The beautiful and captivating cockatiel is another great choice for anyone looking for a friendly and affectionate pet bird. Hailing from Australia, these birds make excellent pets when hand-fed as babies and raised in loving environments.

While they don't normally learn to talk, cockatiels are exceptionally intelligent. Many learn to mimic common household noises such as doorbells, telephones, and microwaves.

Being rather small, they don't require as much space as larger parrots. Therefore, they're easier to house and care for than many other hookbill species.

3. Cockatoos

Jochen Schlenker/ Collection Mix: Subjects/ Getty Images

If you prefer large birds but still want a pet that will be friendly, loving, and affectionate, a cockatoo may be your best bet. These beautiful birds bond very strongly to their owners and prefer to be with them all of the time, if possible.

It is imperative that you make sure that you have plenty of free time to spend socializing with your bird. Cockatoos can become depressed if they aren't given enough attention. They may resort to plucking or other destructive behavior as a result.

4.Parrotlets 

Harrison Farr/ Flickr/ CC BY-SA 2.0

Parrotlets have enjoyed a great surge in popularity as pets around the world. Cute, tiny, and easy to take care of, these little birds are known for having personalities that are much larger than their tiny bodies.

Those who consider a pet parrotlet must have plenty of time on their hands to play and socialize with their birds so they remain tame. However, for the right owners, parrotlets make extremely loving pets.

5. Hyacinth Macaws

Tambako The Jaguar/ Flickr/ CC BY-ND 2.0

Hyacinth macaws are the largest parrots on Earth. It may come as a surprise to some that these birds are also known as "gentle giants." Known for their friendly and sociable personalities, they love nothing more than to spend time playing and cuddling with their owners.

Due to their incredible size, it can be difficult for most people to provide proper housing for these birds. However, those who are able to meet their needs are always rewarded with an incredible relationship with their feathered friend.

If you are interested in learning more about what it takes to care for a hyacinth macaw, contact a breeder near you. Try to schedule an appointment to meet with them and their birds so you can get a feel if it would be a good bird for you.



source: 
By Alyson Kalhagen
thesprucepets.com
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Hello, Its me! My name is Edos. i love our planet. so i collected many articles that i was read from trusted blogs. I include references in each post.

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