can you give me a care sheet on ackie monitors?

Q. I don't want a link and I looked at pet smart for care sheets on them bu there were none so i need you to type out what they need and how much everything will cost

A. Housing & lighting/heating
------------------------------------------------------------------------

For housing an Ackie monitor I would recommend a 3x2x2 (LWH) enclosure for a single adult. A 4x2x2 (LWH) enclosure can hold a trio for each additional animal I recommend adding an extra 1 �- 2 square feet of floor space. For baby ackies a 20 gallon long enclosure with a good top-soil substrate that is at least 4 inches deep (for babies). Make sure to cover at least � of the screen top of the 20 gal. When the monitors read at least 12 inches you can move them into their permanent enclosures. I highly recommend building a custom enclosure, with LITTLE ventilation. No open screen doors, tops, sides, etc. screen releases heat and humidity very, very fast. My enclosure is a modified 40 gal. breeder aquarium I have a solid � ply wood top with 1/8 inch holes drilled in it for ventilation and the basking light mounted inside.

I use exclusively 45 watt out door flood lights, and 50 watt floods. No need for the so-called �special� UVB bulbs, they are just rip-offs

I have my basking temperature at 130-140 degrees F (keep in mind those are surface temperatures NOT air temperatures. I have seen basking spots that had hot spots of up to 200 degrees F (again these are SURFACE temperatures). The ambient temp of my enclosure is about 75-85 F degrees. It is very important to offer a hot basking spot a warm side of the enclosure that is about 90 degrees F and a cool side of about 75 degrees F. I recommend leaving the lights on 24/7, but having photoperiods really won�t hurt from my experience. Humidity- about 55% humidity.

DO NOT use those stupid hot rocks they are dangerous for your reptile. Also I would advise NOT using heatpads because these lizards do dig to the bottom of their enclosures and will burn themselves.




Substrate
------------------------------------------------------------------------

One of the most overlooked aspects of monitor keeping (along with quarantining, and proper nutrition, and of course proper husbandry), at least by beginners to the hobby of monitors. DO NOT use bark, newspaper, or sand (at least 100% sand). Use good old dirt. If you collect pesticide free soil from outside then that is great. Dirt from creek beds is especially good for monitors. Make sure you sift the dirt in order to remove any rocks, bugs, twigs, etc. Now of you can�t collect dirt from outdoors than my number 1 choice would be gardenplus top-soil from Lowes. Holds moisture and burrows wonderfully. And is about $1.19 a 40 lb. bag.

Cage furniture
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Some people have these elaborate beautiful set-ups for their monitors, but guess what, 9 times out of 10 these enclosure do no good what so ever for the monitor. I have 8 inches of dirt. And a terra cota flower pot base to serve as a hide spot and basking platform. You don�t need any of those fancy hide spots that cost 20 bucks they don�t make the animal feel safe. Remember keep it simple.



Feeding and nutrition
------------------------------------------------------------------------

I feed crickets, (I am currently thinking about switching to lobster roaches), and F/T hoppers. There is no such thing as a feeding schedule for reptiles, I offer food every day (1-2 hoppers 1 time a week), sometimes my monitor will eat sometimes he won�t he does what he wants.

Some words on Varanus Acnthuras as a captive
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ackies are by far the best monitors for novice to advanced keepers. They are plain fun to keep. I can say forget pretty much everything you have read about any monitor, because it is probably a bunch of bull anyway. Also remember that size does�t matter when keeping monitors, think to your self before you buy that Black throat monitor, can I really house a 6 foot lizard? Can I provide the proper food? Or should I look at a monitor that is more realistic and economical to me?

Here are some great monitor sites-
proexotics.com
kingsnake.com
varanus.net
treemonitors.com
mampam.com
themonitorspot.com
varanuscreations.com

some books to read-
The truth about varanus exanthematicus by D. Bennet and R. Thakoordyal
The natural history and captive husbandry of monitors by D. Bennet
The biology of varanids by King & Green
Nile Monitors by Robert Foast
and anything by Walter Auffenburg

some books NOT to read-
Savanna & Grassland monitors
Monitors and Tegus
Popular monitor and tegu species


TRY TO USE CRAIGS LIST TO FIND TANKS AND STUFF ITS CHEAPER

Original Question

I recieved a message asking me to download a program b/c of the adult sites I vistied.?

Q. I was browsing thru a baby website when I got a pop up from windows internet explorer talking about the adult websites I have visted although I have never vistied any. The message said about it could destroy my career & marraige. It said these sites could have placed themselves onto my pc w/o me knowing and could compromise my security and my credit card numbers & it asked me if I wanted to install some program for free to see if it could disable this info, but I denied it and then I got another pop up with info about my cookies, windows passwords, etc and they had numbers behind them. I wish I had saved the message so I could give better details, but I guess my question is if this was a virus or something legit? I didn;t download anything so I don't know what it is about.
I forgot to add that I have Norton on my pc, b/c it was a free trial, but it expired so I now have avast, but nothing has popped up saying I am at risk for something

A. I agree with spywaredr. Go through those steps. If the alerter and messenger are enabled, disable them. Also go to windows update and make sure you are up to date on security patches for Internet Explorer. Upgrade to IE 7 if you haven't done so already.

ALSO,
DONT CLICK on the pop up windows!! Even if it says "Click here to Close this window" it could be leading you to open another pop up. Instead use the task bar at the bottom of your screen and right click your mouse to close it. Or use ALT + F4.

If you ever want to copy a pop up or anything on your monitor hit the PRT SCR key above the Insert key on your keyboard. This will copy your screen and you can then paste it in MS PAINT as an image.

Finally, I highly recommend regularly backing up data, and getting a REAL Subscription to a top of the line Internet Security program like Kaspersky Internet Security. You really need to reformat and reinstall your pc first though, because simply uninstalling your previous anti virus programs wont get rid of them completely.

Best of luck to you.

Original Question

What are the responsibilities of being a midwife?

Q. Hiyaa please help me iff you know anything about the job of being a midwife

i am doing this project in school about midwifes but i am unable to find the responsibilities of being one, this basicaly means they thing they are relied upon and have to do.
if you could just give me some suggestions please or a website that may be helpful i would be very thankfull

thankyou if you help and i will give ten points deffinate x

A. MIdwives provide prenatal and postnatal care for Mom and baby. They:
-provide regular checkups during pregnancy, including blood tests, glucose tests, checking baby's heartrate, checking baby's size and growth, checking mom's blood pressure, checking urine, monitoring mom's weight gain and overall health
-discuss labour and delivery options, pain meds, other pain management
-provide information for parents on various pregnancy and baby-related topics such as circumcision, prenatal screening, glucose testing, etc.
-support mom during labour
-deliver baby if everything is normal
-provide support for 6 weeks post-pardum
-do home visits for the first week, mine called every day and visited every second day
-do all checks on baby (APGAR, weight, cut the cord, etc.)
-care for mom post-pardum (stitches if necessary, monitor bleeding, stay with mom and baby for 3 hours after delivery)

Midwives are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I was assigned 3 midwives, a primary, secondary and third. I saw all 3 over the course of my pregnancy in case my primary was not able to attend my delivery. I was able to call her anytime with questions or concerns. They can order ultrasounds, prescribe some medications, do internal exams, etc. You can have a hospital birth with a midwive, I had hospital births with both, and you can choose pain meds if you want them.

If there are problems during delivery or pregnancy, a midwife will refer you to an obstetrician for further evaluation. If you choose to have an epidural, you are referred to an obstetrician for delivery, but the midwife still stays in a supportive role, and still provides all post-natal care.

Original Question

Is it normal to not have any blood work until you are 12 weeks pregnant?

Q. I am 6 weeks pregnant, I want to my regular doctor at 4 weeks and he gave me a urine pregnancy test and confirmed I was pregnant. We did not have any blood work done, beta count or anything like that. Then he had me set up an appointment with a OB/GYN, but they won't see me until I am 12 weeks.

This is my first pregnancy! I am just amazed that no one will do any blood work or anything for another 7 weeks or so.

Is this normal?

A. Once your pregnancy has been confirmed, the prenatal period officially begins. Prenatal care involves a series of regular examinations and tests by a physician or midwife. In an uncomplicated pregnancy, most women will see their practitioner once a month until the 32nd week of pregnancy. At this point, you will be seen every two weeks in the final month of pregnancy (37 weeks until delivery) your visits will be seen every week.

The prenatal period not only gives the expectant mom time to get ready for the baby's arrival, but it is also an opportunity for the expectant parents to get to know the people who will be directly involved in care during labor and delivery. The initial prenatal visit is often the longest. During this first visit, a complete physical examination along with a detailed family history and blood and lab work will be performed. The physician or midwife will calculate your baby's due date and that date will serve as a reference point in future visits when the baby's growth is assessed.

During the first prenatal visit, the physical examination involves an overall assessment of the mother. This includes an assessment of heart, lungs and thyroid function along with an examination to rule out any other infection. Next, the practitioner will perform an obstetrical exam that includes a look at the mother's abdomen and measurement of the height of the uterus, along with an internal or pelvic exam.

All prenatal visits include a measurement of the mother's weight, recording of the mother's blood pressure and urine testing. A series of blood tests are also performed during the initial prenatal visit. The blood and laboratory tests that are most often recommended during the first visit include:

Hemoglobin: This test checks the mother's blood to determine if she is anemic. Women usually become slightly anemic as the pregnancy progresses, but very low levels of iron will need to be treated.

Blood type and RH with antibody screening: This test determines the mother's blood RH type and antibody factor. If the mother's blood type is RH negative and her partner's is RH positive, special monitoring of the fetus is necessary to check for RH incompatibility.

Rubella titer: This test checks the level of antibodies to the German measles virus that are present in your blood. If a woman becomes infected with German measles (rubella) during her pregnancy, her developing fetus could be at risk.

Syphilis screen: This test checks for the presence of syphilis infection. If present, treatment can be initiated so that the fetus is not harmed.

Hepatitis B screen: This test checks for infection with the Hepatitis B virus, which can be passed to an unborn child.

HIV screen: This test checks for the AIDS virus. If a woman is found to have HIV infection, she can be treated during pregnancy, which will reduce the chances of her passing the virus to her unborn child.

Pap smear: This test checks for abnormal cervical cells, which could indicate cervical cancer.

Gonorrhea and chlamydia cultures: Both of these infections, if present in the mother, must be treated to prevent infection of the baby at birth.

Urinalysis: This test examines the urine for the presence of bacteria, sugar or protein. It is usually performed at each prenatal visit.

Subsequent prenatal visits

Subsequent prenatal visits are usually shorter than the initial visit. During each visit the mother's weight will be recorded. The mother will gain about 10 to 12 pounds in the first half of pregnancy and another 15 to 17 pounds during the second half. Experts believe that a sensible and safe weight gain during pregnancy is 25 to 35 pounds.

A blood pressure measurement also is recorded at each visit. Sudden rises in blood pressure can indicate complications during pregnancy.

Urine testing is performed at all prenatal visits. Specifically, the urine is checked for the presence of sugar and protein. Sugar in the urine could indicate gestational diabetes and the presence of protein could indicate toxemia, a pregnancy complication.

Your physician or midwife will measure the height of the uterus during each visit. As the baby grows, the fundus or top of the uterus begins to rise in the abdomen. By comparing the monthly or weekly measurements, your practitioner can evaluate the overall growth of the baby. Toward the later part of your pregnancy, your practitioner will check the baby's positioning by feeling around your abdomen and identifying different parts of the baby's body. As your baby's due date approaches, your practitioner may perform an internal examination to look for signs that labor is getting closer.

Each prenatal visit also should include a discussion about how the mother feels overall and whether or not she has any concerns. Your practitioner will probably ask you specific questions about symptoms such as headaches, visual problems, dizziness or swelling of the ankles, face and hands. Any of these symptoms could indicate a pregnancy complication. Also, your practitioner will check to be sure that you do not have any vaginal bleeding or abdominal cramping.

Somewhere between nine to 12 weeks of pregnancy, the baby's heartbeat can be heard with a special device called a doppler. The fetal heart tones, once identified, are recorded at each visit.

As your pregnancy advances, the following blood and laboratory tests most likely will be recommended:

Maternal Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) or expanded Alpha-fetoprotein testing which also includes measurements of estriol and HCG: This series of blood tests is usually performed between the 16th and 18th week of pregnancy. AFP is often elevated in the blood of mother carrying a baby with a neural tube defect in which the spinal cord does not close normally. Currently, AFP is also being combined with measurements of estriol and HCG levels to screen for Down's syndrome and other chromosome abnormalities like trisomy 13 and trisomy 18. If the AFP is low and if the other tests are low and high, respectively, an increased risk of Down's syndrome is present. Remember, this blood test only tells you if you are at risk for having a baby with any of these disorders. Follow-up testing is needed to confirm neural tube defects or chromosome disorders. Much controversy surrounds AFP testing because the test can produce many false-positive results. At times, woman carrying normal fetuses might get false results. Your health care provider will urge you to get more testing to see if the initial AFP screening is correct. It is best to talk to your practitioner about your individual risks and concerns regarding AFP testing, before consenting to this blood test.

Diabetes screening: During the 24th to 28th week of pregnancy, a glucose tolerance test is usually performed. Following ingestion of a sugary drink, a woman's blood sugar level is measured to check for a condition of pregnancy called gestational diabetes. If gestational diabetes is present, special efforts will be necessary to maintain the mother's blood sugar at a normal level. This can often be accomplished with dietary restrictions but may, at times, require the mother to take insulin. In the vast majority of cases, gestational diabetes resolves following delivery, although women who develop diabetes during pregnancy should be monitored later in life for the development of diabetes.

Hemoglobin: Most practitioners will recommend a repeat screening to check a woman again for evidence of anemia somewhere around the 26th to 28th week of pregnancy.

Group B streptococcus swab: This test involves a culture of the lower vagina to check for the presence of strep B infection. It is usually performed toward the end of pregnancy between the 32nd and 36th week. If the infection is present, the mother can be treated during labor to prevent infection of the baby during the birthing process.

Other diagnostic tests sometimes used during pregnancy

Medical technology has made significant advances during the last 30 years. It is now possible to detect potentially serious problems in a developing fetus prior to birth. Your practitioner will take many factors into consideration before advising you to undergo additional testing in pregnancy. Some of these considerations include maternal age, pre-existing maternal health problems, experiences and outcomes of previous pregnancies, history of genetic or congenital disorders, presence of multiple fetuses or other high-risk conditions during pregnancy.

All decisions to undergo diagnostic testing during pregnancy should be made jointly by both the parents and the practitioner. Before consenting to any procedure, you should feel comfortable that all of your questions have been satisfactorily answered and the risk and benefit of each test has been thoroughly explained.

The most common diagnostic tests used in pregnancy include:

Ultrasound: An ultrasound or sonogram test is often recommended at various stages throughout pregnancy. It allows the practitioner to evaluate the fetus at different stages of development. An ultrasound exam uses high-frequency sound waves to create a visual image of the fetus. Ultrasound exams are considered noninvasive, and they do not involve any exposure to radiation. During the test, a special gel is applied to the woman's abdomen and a transducer is then placed on the belly so that sound waves can be conducted directly into the uterus. Often, pictures of the developing fetus are printed and given to the parents. Sometimes the sex of the fetus can be determined during an ultrasound procedure. Many practitioners are now routinely recommending ultrasound to monitor otherwise normal pregnancies.

Amniocentesis: Amniocentesis is a procedure in which amniotic fluid is taken from the uterus using a long needle that is inserted through the abdominal wall. It is usually performed between the 16th and 18th week of pregnancy. It is currently the most popular technique used to screen for genetic and chromosomal disorders. Amniocentesis is preceded by an ultrasound exam to determine the baby's position and the location of pockets of amniotic fluid. Once the amniotic fluid is obtained, the cells are cultured and stimulated to grow for one to two weeks. After that, the cell chromosomes can be examined and test results determined. Amniocentesis does carry a slight risk of miscarriage (about one in 200) so the risk/benefit ratio of the test must be considered before consenting to this procedure. Most practitioners routinely offer amniocentesis to pregnant women age 35 and older because they have an increased risk of having a baby with Down syndrome.

Nuchal translucency scan. This test measures the amount of fluid in the back of the baby's neck. This is done in the first trimester at 11 to 14 weeks. A calculation is done using the fluid measurement, the mother's age and the presence or absence of the baby's nasal bone to determine if there are any chromosomal abnormalities. The test also confirms the pregnancy, how far along you are and how many babies you are expecting.

Quad screen. This measures the levels of AFP, HCG, estriol, and inhibin A in your blood - proteins and hormones that only babies make. They pass through the placenta into the mother's blood stream. These levels are tested to see if they are normal, high or low. Many factors, including your weight, race, age and these labs help calculate whether or not the baby can have a chromosomal abnormality or neural tube defect. However, the results are not 100 percent accurate.

Chorionic villus sampling (CVS): CVS was developed in the 1970s as an alternative to amniocentesis to detect genetic or chromosomal abnormalities. It can be performed earlier in the pregnancy (usually between the 9th and 13th week) than amniocentesis, thus providing earlier results. CVS involves the sampling of chorionic cells (obtained either by placing a catheter through the cervix or through the abdominal wall) that can provide a complete picture of the genetic make-up of the developing fetus. CVS does slightly increase the risk of both miscarriage and infection, so it is important to weigh the risk/benefit ratio before consenting to this procedure. Your practitioner can help you in evaluating your individual risk for genetic or chromosomal abnormalities.

Non-stress test (NST): During a NST, the fetal heart rate is observed by hooking the mother up to a fetal monitor, Evidence of accelerations in the heart rate that correlate with fetal movement are looked for. A reactive tracing in which the heart rate of the fetus varies is considered a good finding. A NST may be recommended when a woman notices a decrease in fetal movement or when the due date has passed.

Stress test (OCT): The oxytocin challenge test is usually performed when results of the stress test are questionable. This test is very similar to the non stress test, except that the woman is given a small amount of medication to induce uterine contractions. The purpose of the OCT is to see how the fetus will respond to the normal stresses of labor.

Bio-physiological profile: This test is also used to determine fetal well-being. It involves an ultrasound examination of the fetus to determine the type of fetal movement and muscle tone that is present, along with the amount of amniotic fluid

Fetoscopy: This invasive test involves the insertion of a lighted instrument through the abdomen and uterus into the amniotic sac, where the fetus can be seen and photographed. The risk of fetal loss is estimated to be three percent to five percent. Therefore, the test is indicated only for those women who will benefit from having a fetal disorder identified and possibly treated during pregnancy.

Percutaneous umbilical cord sampling (PUBS): This test involves the removal of blood from the umbilical cord for further study. It is performed under ultrasound guidance and makes it possible to detect several blood diseases not detectable by amniocentesis.

Although the vast majority of pregnancies do not have complications, a small percentage of women do experience problems. Special testing during pregnancy often can identify problems early on, when effective treatment could resolve the problem. If your practitioner recommends any special testing in pregnancy, don't be afraid to ask questions about the test and the risk involved to both the mother and baby. The more information that you have, the better you will feel about making a decision to undergo testing during your pregnancy.

Original Question

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Has anyone used a video baby monitor?

Q. How do they work?
What are the pros and cons?
I am thinking about buying one that you can have two monitors and see two rooms at once and was wondering how many people prefer it.

A. Congrats on baby #2!

I couldn't live with out my video monitor!! I have the Summer Infant Day & Night Handheld Color Video Monitor. The picture is so clear both at night and during the day. I love being able to check on my baby with out waking her. I don't even have to get out of bed unless she really needs me! I think if I only had the audio, I would have been getting up a lot more often to investigate every sound, especially during the first few months. The handheld part has a button on top so you can turn off the video screen if the light bothers you at night. Then if you hear something you feel you need to check on, simply click the button and the video comes back on. I read the reviews for this product. Many people say they could not get a signal. I never had a problem. I also read that they can interfere with wi-fi. My husband is a web developer... he never would have allowed wi-fi interference!

I highly recommend this monitor to all my friends. The only con I can think of is that I have had to change the channel due to static. Seriously, it's a flick of a button and I've had to do it maybe 3 times in 7 months. No biggie! I know you can get an extra camera for this monitor, but I don't need one yet. Here is what one person commented: "We bought a second camera to go with the monitor we already had. I love being able to switch back and forth between my two kids' rooms. Only issue is if the monitor is too close to one camera, you can have interference when trying to check on the other one."

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2265802

Hope this helps.

Original Question

Is it possible to be 6w6d and be able to see a yolk sac but no baby?

Q. Hi I had an ultrasound last thus hay, I should be 6 weeks and 6 days. They found the yolk sac but no baby. The doctor told me to come back in a week. It was to early to tell. I�m completely freaking out. Is it possible to be 6w6d and be able to see a yolk sac but no baby?

A. Yes, it's normal. Don't freak out. Sometimes it takes a while to see the baby inside of the sac. As long as there is a sac, then there is a baby.
It's normal.
I had that happen to me also.
Right now your baby is so tiny all you need to see is the sac.
As long as your doctor can see the heart beat on the screen of the monitor, everything is ok.
A baby has a heartbeat at 6 weeks - 7 weeks.

Original Question

How do I give my boyfriend full custody of my child?

Q. I will be attending school, and if he has full custody of her she will be covered by his insurance. She will be living with him in another state, while I'm in a different state for school. How should I go about doing this considering that we are in two different places?
We are already broken up but we are good friends

A. Use a certified mediator. He/she will create the motion and final order for the court. He takes this to the Clerk of the Court who certifies it and sets a court date. The two of you go to court, the judge swears you in, and ask you if you agree to the mediated order. He signs it and you're done. Cost about $500 for the mediator, plus court filing fees.
http://ch08a-mediation_4_family_court_cases.dads-house.org/

I would suggest there be fire wire Web cams in the child's room that run 24/7. Four of them can be connected together that you can access at any time to see the baby.
http://unibrain.com/Products/VisionImg/Fire_i_DC.htm

There a lot you can be doing to remain involved using technology, including adding a flat screen monitor inside the crib that you can appear on, just think outside the box.

I would like to compliment both of you on this decision, though I would rather have seen the child having both of you in the home. I work with fathers who are frequently denied access to their children. I assume you're under age 24, so this shows a maturity not generally found in young folks your age.

If there's any additional help I can be, just email me.
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

Original Question

Has anyone ever owned a Boa Constrictor?

Q. I am being given a small boa Constrictor and my wife have some concerns. Are they good pets or do they bite often. The snake is about 12 inches or so. If they do bite what kind of problems will it cause?

A. They can make good pets, for the right keeper. They certainly aren�t for everyone though. Red tails are very large, intelligent, medium to high upkeep snakes that can be a bit moody at times. Just because of their size and care needs, I wouldn�t recommend them to people without at least some experience handling large reptiles, and I wouldn�t dream of recommending them to beginners. I have owned five of them, so I'll type up a care sheet for you for further information on them. :)

Size: Males average between 5-8 feet, females average between 7-10, though I have had females that have been 11-12 feet in length. Keep in mind that a snake that large is very awkward to handle, and can be fifty plus pounds. If you don�t have someone to help you handle the snake as it grows; I would suggest getting a male. It simply isn�t safe to handle any constrictor over eight feet long without another person around, no matter how docile your snake may be. Accidents can and do happen.

Feeding: Feed one appropriately sized rodent weekly. The general rule of thumb is to feed a prey item that is roughly the same in diameter as the widest part of your snake�s body. They have a massive feeding instinct, so it is often best to offer food on tongs. They are capable of taking rats from the time they are babies, and some of the larger females do best with rabbits. PLEASE remember that with rats in particular, it is imperative to feed pre-killed or at least stunned rodents to your snake. I NEVER recommend offering live rats. Rats are very intelligent animals that will fight back; and are quite capable of seriously injuring or even killing your snake.

Temperament: They are generally docile, but must be handled regularly throughout its life in order to make it as friendly as it can possibly be. Babies can be nippy when young, but usually grow out of that stage with frequent handling. Most of them are quite mild mannered, and are one of the best tempered larger constrictors. Please remember that you�ll need someone to help you if you handle any snake longer than six to eight feet long. They seem prone to being moody at times, (particularly the females, for whatever reason) and while not all; some of them will randomly decide that they don�t like certain people for no good reason. For example, my eleven foot female, Bella, loves everyone and is an exceptionally friendly snake, however she absolutely loathes my best friend�s brother. She will strike at him if he so much as walks by her cage, God forbid he get near her when she is being handled. He has learned to give her a wide berth. They bites aren't all that serious (nowhere near as nasty as a Monitor bite), it is about like having a cat scratch. I've only gotten nailed once by one of my Boas (which was completely my fault), and I hardly felt it. I just cleaned it up afterwards and went back to business as usual.

Lifespan: If well cared for; they can live 20+ years in captivity.

Caging requirements: As adults; they need a minimum cage size of 10 square feet. I generally keep my females in cages that are eight feet long by two feet wide by two feet deep, and my males in cages that are six feet long by two feet wide by two feet deep. They do grow pretty quickly, so be prepared to purchase several different cages for them. They seem to do best in closed top, front opening cages that keep the humidity in. If that isn�t practical and you use a typical tank with screen lid set up, try covering most if not all of the top with a towel or something similar to keep the humidity from escaping.

Heating/Humidity: The temperature gradient in the cage should be maintained with a basking spot of 95-97 degrees with an ambient (background) temperature in the low 80�s. This can be achieved by under-tank heating pads, heat lamps, or ceramic heat emitters. They are medium-high humidity snakes that should be kept with a large water dish for drinking and soaking, and should have their cage misted every other day or so, or depending on the substrate you use, up to twice daily.

Substrate: While there are plenty of options out there (repti-bark, aspen, cypress, paper towels, etc) mine have done best when kept on Eco-Earth substrate by Zoo-med. It is compressed coconut dirt that holds humidity very well, doesn�t need to be misted often, seems resistant to mold, is relatively cheap, looks great, and my snakes have all been healthier and better hydrated since I�ve been using it.

I hope this helps, and if you have any further questions at all on the subject; please feel free to message me and I will be more than happy to assist you. :)

Good luck!

Original Question

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

How can I know if they are twins?

Q. My aultra sound isn't for another month and a half. I was wondering if there was anyway I could find out if I am having multiples early. I already have one crib, but I have a friend that is willing to go shopping with me for another(I got a discontunied crib the first time around) Please help!

A. Is It Twins? 10 Signs That You're Having Twins/Multiples

1. Ultrasound Confirmation
Seeing is believing... the only way to indisputably confirm a twin or multiple pregnancy is to see it -- via ultrasound. An ultrasound image can indicate without a doubt if there is more than one fetus. Ultimately, no matter what other signs or symptoms you have, the only way you'll know for sure is to have an ultrasound.

2. Doppler Heartbeat Count
Using harmless sound waves, a Doppler system amplifies fetal heart sounds, usually distinguishable late in the first trimester. An experienced physician or midwife can detect more than one heartbeat, indicating a multiple pregnancy. However, the sounds can be misleading; what appears to be a second heartbeat may actually be background noise or the mother's own heartbeat.

3. Elevated HcG Levels
For various reasons, doctors may monitor HcG (human chorionic gonadotropin) levels. HcG is a hormone detectable in pregnant women's blood or urine about 10 days post-conception; it increases at a rapid rate, peaking about 10 weeks into the pregnancy. Twins may produce an elevated level of HcG. However, the standard HcG level for twins also falls within the normal range for singletons.

4. Abnormal AFP Test Results
AFP (Alphafetoprotein) screening is a blood test performed on pregnant mothers during the second trimester. Also known as maternal serum screening or triple marker screen, it is used to identify increased risks of certain birth defects. A twin pregnancy can produce an usually high -- or "positive -- result.

5. Measuring Large for Gestational Age
Throughout the pregnancy, the doctor or midwife may measure the height of the uterine fundus (from the top of the pubic bone to the top of the uterus) as a way of indicating gestational age. A twin or multiple pregnancy may causes the mother's uterus to expand beyond the range of a single pregnancy. However, other factors may also increase the measurements.

6. Weight Gain
Just as a multiple pregnancy may cause a mother to measure large, it may also result in an increased weight gain. How much weight a woman gains can vary depending on her height, body type and how much she weighed pre-pregnancy. Increased or rapid weight gain more than likely reflects eating choices rather than twins; generally, mothers of twins only gain about 10 lbs. more than singleton mothers.
7. Excessive Morning Sickness
About 50% of pregnant women experience some amount of vomiting or nausea associated with their pregnancy. Moms of multiples certainly aren't exempt, but neither are they doomed to a double dose. Only about 15% of respondents in a poll on this site reported enhanced morning sickness symptoms as an indicator of their multiple pregnancies. Experiences vary widely -- some do, some don't.
8. Early/Frequent Fetal Movement
Feeling a baby -- or babies -- move inside the womb is one of the most thrilling aspects of pregnancy. Although many moms of multiples do experience more frequent or earlier fetal movement, there is considerable disagreement among medical professionals on the subject. For some women, recognizable feelings of movement occur earlier in subsequent pregnancies, whether there is one baby or more.
9. Extreme Fatigue
This is the most commonly reported complaint during pregnancy with multiples. Sleepiness, lethargy and exhaustion during the first trimester can be enhanced because the body is working overtime to nurture more than one baby. In some cases, the fatigue can be attributed to other factors (work, stress, poor nutrition, having other children), but it can also be an indication of multiples.
10. History/Hunches
While the other items in this list refer to some kind of visible evidence -- exaggerated symptoms, abnormal test results, etc. -- we can't disregard the power of a mother's intuition. A family history of multiples, or a powerful hunch can be convincing indicators. Follow up with your doctor about these feelings.

Original Question

The most important things to know about taking care of a Crested Gecko?

Q. I've just got a 4 month old, In a nice Exo terra viv too.
I know the basics from research but to make sure can you professionals out there run me by everything Important I should know

A. Food...Feed Repashy brand crested gecko diet 3-5 times per week. If you wish to feed live insects, feed crickets or roaches (no mealworms) calcium dusted a max of one time per week or once every other week.
Water...Provide water in a shallow bowl, in addition to misting. I have seen mine drink from the bowl even shortly after misting.
Substrate...For a 4 month old, I highly recommend paper towel. This makes it easier to monitor poops (and therefore monitor feeding) as it's difficult to monitor whether or not a baby is eating by looking at the food bowl since they eat so little. As an adult, if you wish to get a natural look, you can use Bed-a-Beast or EcoEarth instead.
Humidity...Should be at 60-80% with a short "dry-off" period in between mistings. Depending on where you live, you might have to mist more than just once daily.
Temperature...Should be in mid to high 70s. If it gets higher than 85*F, get them in a cooler part of the house or use ice packs taped to the outside of their cage. If they're in 85*F+ temperature for long periods of time, they will become stressed and possibly become sick.
Caging...For a crested gecko under 10g, I highly recommend either a 12x12x12" ExoTerra/ZooMed or a Kritter Keeper. Once it's over 10 grams, then you can move it up to a 12x12x18, 10 gallon tank, or larger terrarium. At least one side should be screen for ventilation, but not all sides, as it may be difficult to keep up humidity.
Decorations...Make sure you have plenty of hiding branches/plants that provide a good amount of climbing space. You could have one hide on the ground if you wish, but they're unlikely to use it as they prefer to hide up from the ground.
Cage Mates...Never a good idea to mix crested geckos unless they are of breeding weight (40g for females) and it's either 2 or more females or 1 male per 2 females (if you want breeding...and even then don't keep the male in 24/7/365). Don't mix juveniles as one could be male, one female, and they will breed too early, making it possibly deadly for the female. Or they both could end up as males, which could bring up fighting. Even two females have to be watched closely for any bite wounds/fighting/etc and separated immediately if there's evidence of fighting.
Extras...Always make sure that the gecko sheds completely. Stuck shed can cut off circulation to toes/legs/tail and can cause a severe infection. One way to help it shed is to make a "crested gecko bath"... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSuirE906p0

Original Question

Would acid reflux cause my 7 week old to not want to eat?

Q. My baby has been vomiting (approx an ounce or so at a time) approx 1-2 times per day. He is breastfed and also takes a bottle with breast milk. Yesterday I was out of town and he wouldn't take the bottle at all.
Today he has eaten, but always seems hungry. Then when given a bottle for extra milk he is still really fussy.

Any ideas???
My son is being evaluated for acid reflux tomorrow...

A. Can it cause them to not eat- absolutely! Reflux is painful! If it is reflux there is a lot you can do short of medications, and certainly without using cereal (which is just a cosmetic fix btw!)
http://www.kellymom.com/babyconcerns/reflux.html#help
What can I do to minimize spitting up/reflux?
Breastfeed! Reflux is less common in breastfed babies. In addition, breastfed babies with reflux have been shown to have shorter and fewer reflux episodes and less severe reflux at night than formula-fed babies [Heacock 1992]. Breastfeeding is also best for babies with reflux because breastmilk leaves the stomach much faster [Ewer 1994] (so there�s less time for it to back up into the esophagus) and is probably less irritating when it does come back up.
The more relaxed your infant is, the less the reflux.
Eliminate all environmental tobacco smoke exposure, as this is a significant contributing factor to reflux.
Reduce or eliminate caffeine. Excessive caffeine in mom's diet can contribute to reflux.
Allergy should be suspected in all infant reflux cases. According to a review article in Pediatrics [Salvatore 2002], up to half of all GERD cases in babies under a year are associated with cow�s milk protein allergy. The authors note that symptoms can be similar and recommend that pediatricians screen all babies with GERD for cow�s milk allergy. Allergic babies generally have other symptoms in addition to spitting up.
Positioning:
Reflux is worst when baby lies flat on his back.
Many parents have found that carrying baby in a sling or other baby carrier can be helpful.
Avoid compressing baby�s abdomen - this can increase reflux and discomfort. Dress baby in loose clothing with loose diaper waistbands; avoid �slumped over� or bent positions; for example, roll baby on his side rather than lifting legs toward tummy for diaper changes.
Recent research has compared various positions to determine which is best for babies with reflux. Elevating baby's head did not make a significant difference in these studies [Carroll 2002, Secker 2002, Craig 2004], although many moms have found that baby is more comfortable when in an upright position. The positions shown to significantly reduce reflux include lying on the left side and prone (baby on his tummy). Placing the infant in a prone position should only be done when the child is awake and can be continuously monitored. Prone positioning during sleep is almost never recommended due to the increased SIDS risk. [Secker 2002]
Although recent research does not support recommendations to keep baby in a semi-upright position (30° elevation), this remains a common recommendation. Positioning at a 60° elevation in an infant seat or swing has been found to increase reflux compared with the prone (tummy down) position [Carroll 2002, Secker 2002].
As always, experiment to find what works best for your baby.
If your child is taking reflux medications, keep in mind that dosages generally need to be monitored and adjusted frequently as baby grows.
What about thickened feeds?
Baby cereal, added to thicken breastmilk or formula, has been used as a treatment for GER for many years, but its use is controversial.
Does it work? Thickened feeds can reduce spitting up, but studies have not shown a decrease in reflux index scores (i.e., the �silent reflux� is still present). Per Donna Secker, MS, RD in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease , "The effect of thickened feedings may be more cosmetic (decreased regurgitation and increased postprandial sleeping) than beneficial." Thickened feeds have been associated with increased coughing after feedings, and may also decrease gastric emptying time and increase reflux episodes and aspiration. Note that rice cereal will not effectively thicken breastmilk due to the amylase (an enzyme that digests carbohydrates) naturally present in the breastmilk.
Is it healthy for baby? If you do thicken feeds, monitor baby�s intake since baby may take in less milk overall and thus decrease overall nutrient intake. There are a number of reasons to avoid introducing cereal and other solids early. There is evidence that the introduction of rice or gluten-containing cereals before 3 months of age increases baby's risk for type I diabetes. In addition, babies with GERD are more likely to need all their defenses against allergies, respiratory infections and ear infections � but studies show that early introduction of solids increases baby�s risk for all of these conditions.
The breastfeeding relationship: Early introduction of solids is associated with early weaning. Babies with reflux are already at greater risk for fussy nursing behavior, nursing strikes or premature weaning if baby associates reflux discomfort with breastfeeding.
Safety issues: Never add cereal to a bottle without medical supervision if your baby has a weak suck or uncoordinated sucking skills.

Original Question

can you give me a care sheet on ackie monitors?

Q. I don't want a link and I looked at pet smart for care sheets on them bu there were none so i need you to type out what they need and how much everything will cost

A. Housing & lighting/heating
------------------------------------------------------------------------

For housing an Ackie monitor I would recommend a 3x2x2 (LWH) enclosure for a single adult. A 4x2x2 (LWH) enclosure can hold a trio for each additional animal I recommend adding an extra 1 �- 2 square feet of floor space. For baby ackies a 20 gallon long enclosure with a good top-soil substrate that is at least 4 inches deep (for babies). Make sure to cover at least � of the screen top of the 20 gal. When the monitors read at least 12 inches you can move them into their permanent enclosures. I highly recommend building a custom enclosure, with LITTLE ventilation. No open screen doors, tops, sides, etc. screen releases heat and humidity very, very fast. My enclosure is a modified 40 gal. breeder aquarium I have a solid � ply wood top with 1/8 inch holes drilled in it for ventilation and the basking light mounted inside.

I use exclusively 45 watt out door flood lights, and 50 watt floods. No need for the so-called �special� UVB bulbs, they are just rip-offs

I have my basking temperature at 130-140 degrees F (keep in mind those are surface temperatures NOT air temperatures. I have seen basking spots that had hot spots of up to 200 degrees F (again these are SURFACE temperatures). The ambient temp of my enclosure is about 75-85 F degrees. It is very important to offer a hot basking spot a warm side of the enclosure that is about 90 degrees F and a cool side of about 75 degrees F. I recommend leaving the lights on 24/7, but having photoperiods really won�t hurt from my experience. Humidity- about 55% humidity.

DO NOT use those stupid hot rocks they are dangerous for your reptile. Also I would advise NOT using heatpads because these lizards do dig to the bottom of their enclosures and will burn themselves.




Substrate
------------------------------------------------------------------------

One of the most overlooked aspects of monitor keeping (along with quarantining, and proper nutrition, and of course proper husbandry), at least by beginners to the hobby of monitors. DO NOT use bark, newspaper, or sand (at least 100% sand). Use good old dirt. If you collect pesticide free soil from outside then that is great. Dirt from creek beds is especially good for monitors. Make sure you sift the dirt in order to remove any rocks, bugs, twigs, etc. Now of you can�t collect dirt from outdoors than my number 1 choice would be gardenplus top-soil from Lowes. Holds moisture and burrows wonderfully. And is about $1.19 a 40 lb. bag.

Cage furniture
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Some people have these elaborate beautiful set-ups for their monitors, but guess what, 9 times out of 10 these enclosure do no good what so ever for the monitor. I have 8 inches of dirt. And a terra cota flower pot base to serve as a hide spot and basking platform. You don�t need any of those fancy hide spots that cost 20 bucks they don�t make the animal feel safe. Remember keep it simple.



Feeding and nutrition
------------------------------------------------------------------------

I feed crickets, (I am currently thinking about switching to lobster roaches), and F/T hoppers. There is no such thing as a feeding schedule for reptiles, I offer food every day (1-2 hoppers 1 time a week), sometimes my monitor will eat sometimes he won�t he does what he wants.

Some words on Varanus Acnthuras as a captive
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ackies are by far the best monitors for novice to advanced keepers. They are plain fun to keep. I can say forget pretty much everything you have read about any monitor, because it is probably a bunch of bull anyway. Also remember that size does�t matter when keeping monitors, think to your self before you buy that Black throat monitor, can I really house a 6 foot lizard? Can I provide the proper food? Or should I look at a monitor that is more realistic and economical to me?

Here are some great monitor sites-
proexotics.com
kingsnake.com
varanus.net
treemonitors.com
mampam.com
themonitorspot.com
varanuscreations.com

some books to read-
The truth about varanus exanthematicus by D. Bennet and R. Thakoordyal
The natural history and captive husbandry of monitors by D. Bennet
The biology of varanids by King & Green
Nile Monitors by Robert Foast
and anything by Walter Auffenburg

some books NOT to read-
Savanna & Grassland monitors
Monitors and Tegus
Popular monitor and tegu species


TRY TO USE CRAIGS LIST TO FIND TANKS AND STUFF ITS CHEAPER

Original Question

Powered by Yahoo! Answers