How-To Library

Bird feeding can help benefit the local bird population and provide hours of enjoyment for homeowners. The first step in making your backyard a paradise for hungry birds is choosing the best type of feeder for you.

You may have heard the myth that feeding birds in the summertime can be detrimental to wild birds because it causes them to avoid seeking their natural food sources and become dependent on feeders. However, birds search for food in a variety of places and typically receive no more than 25 percent of their daily food from feeders. Summer is a wonderful time for birders to enjoy the vibrant plumage of feathered friends, especially through the longer days.

Furry friends count on their owners to keep them cool and healthy. Dogs, cats and horses all require special attention to prevent heat-related illnesses.

As fall approaches and those mornings start to seem a little cooler, we know that hunting season is upon us. Whether you use your dog to help with hunting or bring your dog along as a companion, keeping them safe when you are in the woods is extremely important.

Selecting the proper diet for your companion pet can help ensure a happy, healthy life for your dog or cat. But did you know that your pet’s health and well being can be tarnished by improper handling and storage once you bring the pet food home?

So your family wants a new pet? Picking out the right dog, cat or other pet is an important decision and requires research from folks who know. Start by making sure that your family is involved in the decision from the beginning.

Parasitic heartworms can cause serious illness in infected dogs, and the disease can even be deadly. As rescue treatments can be harsh, prevention is the best way to avoid heartworm-related problems. Preventive treatments are widely available. Use them and avoid the risk of this dangerous disease.

Heartworms can be killers and according to the American Heartworm Society, a study conducted by the North Carolina State University showed that one in four heartworm infected cats were indoor cats. Mosquitoes carry the heartworm larvae, so unless you can be 100 percent sure a mosquito will never bite your cat you need to adopt a heartworm preventative program. The alternative could be costly veterinary supportive treatment and surgery or even the loss of your cat.

Your dog or cat is can get ticks and fleas through close proximity to other infested animals, infested bedding, furniture, or flooring, and in the case of a very heavily infested property, even the lawns; fleas can cause anemia, skin infections, and can also introduce tapeworms into their host.

High temperatures and humidity cause heat stress in chickens, reduce broiler production & increase mortality rates. Here are the signs of an over-heated chicken and tips for managing heat stress in your poultry flock.

If you have chickens on your farm or even in your backyard, you know how messy they can be! Regular cleaning and maintenance of your chickens can include cleaning droppings, replacing nesting materials, and removing dirt and discarded feathers, but it is also important to deep clean your chicken coops and runs periodically to keep your flock healthy and happy.

It's an exciting time when your hens have reached maturity and are ready to lay eggs. Most hens start to lay eggs around the age of 4 to 6 months although the time can actually vary depending on the breed and the time of year. As a first-time chicken owner, what can you expect with your first eggs? Southern States has the answers to your questions here.