If you’re a fan of fresh, homemade salsa, then this is the perfect summer project for you! Planting your own salsa garden is not only beginner-friendly, but it’s also a source of immense satisfaction. Follow these simple instructions and you’ll soon be enjoying delicious, fresh salsa made from ingredients you’ve grown yourself.
Step 1: Select an area that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. A 4×4-foot raised bed or square-foot garden will grow plenty of ingredients for fresh salsa. If you are starting with a new bed, starting small (4×4) will give you a good idea of how much produce you actually use. You can change your garden plan accordingly for the following year. Your salsa garden can be in-ground, in a raised bed, or grown in containers.
Step 2: The next step is deciding what you want to put into your salsa. The basic ingredients are tomatoes, peppers, garlic, onions, and cilantro. Feel free to experiment with other vegetables, such as hot peppers and corn. Feeds’n Needs has a large selection of Vesey’s Seeds to choose from.
Step 3: Follow the growing steps on the back of your seed packages for the best results. If you’re planting from seed, the rule of thumb is to bury the seeds 2-3 times the debit of their diameter.
Step 4: If you’re starting with plants that you started indoors, bury them as deep as they are planted in their original container.
Step 5: Water, weed, fertilize, and harvest weekly throughout the growing season. Enjoy the abundance of fresh veggies and herbs and create a personalized salsa based on your taste buds!
Tackling Your Dog’s Car Anxiety
When travelling with your dog, car anxiety can make the trip stressful for both you and your pet. Signs of car anxiety in dogs include car sickness, excessive drooling, barking, whining, and other anxious behaviors. Don’t worry—we’ve got some solutions to help with tackling your dog’s car anxiety for a good road trip experience for everyone!
Identifying travel anxiety in your pet can range from mild to severe and can be very different for each dog. These symptoms often include the following:
- Refusal to get into the car.
- Moderate to severe whining, crying, or barking.
- Excessive drooling, panting, lip licking, or yawning.
- Possible urination or defecation in the car.
- Shivering or panic.
- Trying to escape the vehicle through the window or the second the door opens.
- Chewing or licking themselves.
- Destructive behaviours.
- Nausea and vomiting.
How to Reduce Your Dog’s Car Anxiety
It’s important to address the issue and learn how to calm your dog in the car as soon as you notice symptoms of car anxiety. Develop a positive reaction to your vehicle before they get into it. Try the following step-by-step guide to help ensure you have a happy pup!
- Walk slowly towards the car and reward your dog with their favourite toy or treats as they approach your vehicle. Repeat this process until your dog feels comfortable.
- Open the door of your car and reward your dog. Slowly walk away with your dog sitting next to the vehicle and repeat this step several times.
- Once your dog can stand next to the car with the door open, encourage them to investigate the vehicle on their own. As they do this, talk to them and reassure them with their favourite toy or treats.
- While your dog is in the car, close the door briefly and then open it again. Repeat this process until your dog can comfortably stay in the car for a minute.
- If your dog remains calm, enter the front seat and start the car. Reward your dog and then turn off the engine.
- Start the car once more before trying to drive a short distance. Reward your dog every time you bring the vehicle to a stop, gradually increasing the journey time if they remain calm.
- Practice makes perfect.
Additionally, give your dog a puzzle toy to keep them busy during the journey, take regular breaks, avoid loud music, and keep the car cool. It’s also important to exercise your dog before the trip, consider calming treats or oils, and consult your Vet if your dog experiences motion sickness.
If your dog experiences motion sickness in the car, it’s important to talk to your Vet about which method might work best for your pup. Using a car seat cover can help prevent stains and prevent you from having to clean the seats of your vehicle. Many dogs even find comfort in the materials of car seat covers, allowing them to be even more comfortable.
These are just some simple tips, but practicing with your dog to help them feel more at ease about travelling in a vehicle will ensure road trips are much more pleasant for everyone! Be sure to pack water to keep your dog hydrated, and never leave your dog unattended in your car for any reason, especially during warmer weather, as this can lead to heat stroke and even death.
Visit your local Feeds’ n Needs to find products that can help your dog have a positive car experience. If you have any questions, ask the Experts during your visit.
Check out our blog on Road Trip Safety for Your Dog for more advice on keeping your dog healthy and happy in the car.
A Guide to Watering Pigs in the Summer
Ensuring your pigs have access to fresh drinking water at all times can feel like a never-ending challenge. These mud-loving animals are notorious for being able to tip over water troughs and buckets with their brute strength. How can you avoid this and be sure your pigs have clean water to drink 24/7? Our guide to watering pigs in the summer offers tips, tricks and products to keep your pigs cool and hydrated all summer!
Why Do Pigs Need Access to Water at All Times?
Did you know that pigs don’t have functional sweat glands? This means that instead of sweating, pigs must find other ways to keep cool to avoid heat stress and maintain healthy bodily functions. In the summer months, when the temperature may exceed 25 degrees Celsius, pigs can consume two times more water than they would on a cooler day. This is because the cool water helps them regulate their body temperature. Pigs love to roll around in mud and water because when they get wet, a process called “evaporative cooling” takes place, which helps the pig maintain a normal body temperature.
How Much Water Do Pigs Need Each Day?
How much water a pig needs to drink daily can vary based on several factors. Age, size, weather, and what the pig is eating are all things that need to be taken into consideration when it comes to swine water requirements. The chart below is a basic guide to pigs’ daily water requirements; however, our experts still recommend talking to your farm vet to help you determine your pigs’ water requirements.
Watering Systems for Pigs
Depending on how many pigs you have and how your farm is set up, there are several different ways to deliver constant fresh drinking water to your pigs. Let’s go over the best manual and automatic watering systems for swine:
Manual Watering Systems for Pigs – A manual watering system is something like a trough, bucket or tub that requires you to clean and refill daily. Whatever you use as a manual waterer must be durable and heavy so your pigs can’t damage or knock it over. The sides need to be low enough for the smaller pigs to be able to drink from but high enough to prevent mud or bedding from contaminating the water. Try placing a couple of cinder blocks at the bottom of your trough or tub to weigh them down and provide footing for any pigs who may accidentally fall in.
Automatic Watering Systems for Pigs – Automatic watering systems provide a continuous flow of drinking water for your pigs without the hassle of having to clean and refill a tub or trough. Pig water nipples and drinking cups are examples of popular and effective automatic watering systems that have animal-activated stem valves to ensure that your pigs are getting water when they need it without spilling everywhere and making a mess. These valves can be screwed into a garden hose and attached to the wall of your pig pen at a height of roughly two inches above where the shoulder of your smallest pig would reach. If your barn doesn’t have the option of running water through a hose, you can hook up your pig water nipples or cups to the side of a large plastic water barrel. You can even hook up your barrel to a rain barrel outside the barn to keep it filling automatically. Additionally, these auto waterers can be hooked up to large livestock tanks to provide water to pigs who may be on pasture.
Sometimes, all it takes are the right tools and a bit of creativity when it comes to pig watering solutions, so stop by your local Feeds’n Needs and chat with one of our Experts about which watering system may work best for your pigs. We’re here to help!
Be sure to check out our other blogs, where you’ll find helpful information on a wide range of topics!
feedsnneeds.ca/experts-advice/
Sources:
Keeping Pigs Cool in the Summer Heat (psu.edu)
How To Water Pigs: Equipment Tips, Winter Care & More – Hobby Farms
Water – Small Scale Pig Farming
The Easy Guide To Watering Your Pigs (qcsupply.com)
Preparing for Your New Kitten
Adjusting to a new home can be a major transition for your kitten. Preparing for your new kitten is essential to help them settle and stay safe in their new environment. As you prepare for your new kitten’s arrival, there is a lot to do to ensure you have the right supplies and get your home and family ready. Key things to consider are kitten-proofing your home, buying the right kitten supplies, choosing appropriate food, and preparing your family and pets for your new addition. Our blog will teach you some tips on preparing for your new kitten and giving your furry friend the best start in life.
How to Kitten Proof Your Home?
Kittens are curious creatures and love to climb, explore and hide, so it’s important to do some kitten-proofing of your home before you pick up your new family member to ensure it’s safe for them. Here is our checklist to help you prepare:
Remove Serious Hazards—Electrical wires and outlets can be hard to manage as many are at ground level. Kittens and cats are attracted to loose wires and cables. Consider taping the wires to baseboards or the underside of tables and desks. Add covers to plug sockets to avoid any possible hazards.
Poisonous Foods—Many human foods can be toxic to cats or cause digestive issues, including onions, garlic, raw eggs, raw meat, chocolate, grapes, and raisins. Keep these foods out of your kitten’s reach and only feed them the proper kitten food.
Toxic House Plants—Some house plants can be highly toxic to cats; common ones include lilies, aloe vera, amaryllis, cutleaf philodendron, pothos, jade plants, snake plant, sago palm, english ivy, dieffenbachia, kalanchoe, lily of the valley, hyacinth, oleander, yew, tulips, daffodils, chrysanthemum, and poinsettias. Ask your veterinarian for a complete list of toxic house plants for cats. Remove these plants from your home before your new kitten’s arrival.
Dangerous Substances—Ensure medicine, cleaning products, and other toxic substances are stored safely. Some flea treatments for dogs can be dangerous to cats, and antifreeze is lethal. If you have any traps for ants or other pests, dispose of them safely.
Small Objects—Kittens are extremely curious, so put away small items, such as buttons, needles, thread, dental floss, elastic bands, and earplugs. This will prevent your kitten from swallowing any objects it could choke on. You’ll also want to check to be sure any breakable items are out of reach to kittens.
Hiding Places—Kittens tend to hide in places like laundry baskets, tumble dryers and under furniture. Spot the areas where your kitten’s likely to hide and either block them off or be careful as you move around your home to ensure they don’t get trapped. Be aware that chairs or gliders can crush an unwary kitten.
Supplies You’ll Need for Your Kitten:
Be prepared. Have essential supplies on hand before your furry friend arrives if you can. The first few days with a new kitten are the best time for bonding and forming good habits. Here are some of the essentials we recommend you’ll need for your new kitten:
– Food and water bowl
– Carrier
– Bedding
– Collar and ID tags
– Litterbox and litter
– Kitten food
– Grooming equipment – Cat brush and/or flea comb, and nail clippers
– Toothbrush and pet-safe toothpaste
– Scratching post and kitten-safe toys
– Cat tree
Choosing the Right Food for Your New Kitten:
Choosing the right food for your kitten is essential. As they grow, they need a precise balance of nutrients, including protein, vitamins, and minerals, at each stage. The first year of a cat’s life sets the pace for their future development, health, and well-being.
At first, give them the same brand of food they’ve been eating from their previous home to avoid issues from a sudden diet change. Start by gradually mixing small amounts of the new food in with the current diet, increasing the amount of the new food each day over seven to ten days. Chat with one of our Experts in-store for more information on getting your furry friend started on the right diet. We are here to help!
Provide your kitten with plenty of clean, fresh water. Change the water each day, and consider investing in a low-cost “cat fountain” which recirculates water and is often more attractive to kittens than a simple bowl.
During your next visit to Feeds’n Needs, ask us about our Free Pet Food Loyalty Program – Yes, FREE! Your pet deserves the best, which is why we have a large variety of quality brands to suit every need throughout your pet’s life. For most of our brands in-store, every 12 bags of pet food purchased, you will receive the 13th FREE. Ask our Experts how to sign up and start saving today because it’s not just your pet who deserves to be treated!
Introducing Your New Kitten to Other Household Pets:
During the initial adjustment period (at least seven to ten days), it is a good idea to confine your new kitten to a small room in your house. This room must be kitten-proofed entirely, as it should be the only room you leave your kitten in unsupervised at first. This gives your kitten a safe space to explore while you gradually introduce it to the rest of your home. This is especially important if you have other pets at home; it’s important to introduce pets in a safe and controlled way. Let pets get used to each other through a baby gate or with the new pet crated. Keep their initial interactions short and supervised.
Now that you have tips on preparing for your new kitten, you’re ready to bring your furry friend home! Visit your local Feeds’n Needs and chat with our Experts. Whether it is training tips, toy recommendations, or choosing the perfect food to suit your pet’s needs, you can count on our team to happily help you every step of the way! Also, be sure to ask us about our New Pet Parent brochure and savings! We are here to help get you and your furry friend off to a great start!
Disclaimer: Product availability and selection may vary by store. Please check your local store for availability.
For more helpful tips and tricks for cat owners, check out other blogs:
Dental Health Tips for Your Cat
Outdoor Safety for Indoor Cats
New Pet Essentials
How to Keep Wild Animals Out of Your Garden
Growing a garden requires lots of time and dedication, so it can be frustrating when wild animals come along and help themselves to your plants! Getting rid of these pests can be tricky but not impossible, and as long as you know what type of animal intruder you’re dealing with, you can find a solution to keep them out!
Repellants – Repellants are applied on or around plants to deter animals from snacking in your garden. Since not all repellants are food-safe, be sure to read the label before applying it to any fruits or vegetables. Reapply every 5 – 7 days since they can lose their effectiveness over time, or rain can wash the repellants away.
There are two types of animal repellants typically sold in stores:
- Taste: These repellants contain ingredients that taste bad to animals, so when an animal tries to nibble on your plants, it will be met with a foul taste that won’t have it coming back for seconds.
- Smell: These repellants are formulated to trick pesky wildlife into thinking that a rival animal or predator is already in the area by producing a scent that mimics other animals.
A longtime customer favourite for repelling thieving wildlife is Critter Ridder animal repellant. Available in granular or liquid formulations, Critter Ridder’s foul taste effectively repels unwanted animals when applied on or around plants.
Fencing – Animals can’t eat what’s growing in your garden if they can’t get to it. When done right, building a fence is one of the most effective ways to keep out pests. The key to protecting your garden with a fence is knowing what animals you need to keep out. Fences can be built from materials like chicken wire, hardware cloth, wood, plastic mesh, etc. They can be a permanent installation or set up temporarily during the gardening season. Regardless of what you use to build your fence and how tall you make it, we recommend extending it into the ground by at least one foot to prevent pests like groundhogs from burrowing underneath it. Visit your local Feeds’n Needs to see our selection of fencing options and ask our experts which one may work best for you.
Scare Tactics – Another way to deter wildlife in your garden is to scare them away. Things like scarecrows, motion sensor lights or sprinklers, reflective tape or faux predator decoys can spook animals and prevent them from coming near your garden. These tools may lose effectiveness over time as animals become familiar with them, so frequently switching up your scare methods and moving things around can help maintain the element of surprise. Find products like scare-eye balloons, buzzline bird scarers and more at Feeds’n Needs and say goodbye to pests around your home!
Plants – Did you know certain plants can help keep animals away from your garden? Like us, animals have food preferences, and most aren’t fans of plants that are incredibly fragrant, have fuzzy or prickly foliage, or have a bitter taste. Try planting some of these fragrant plants around your garden to help deter unwanted wildlife:
- Lavender
- Marigolds
- Sage
- Mint (Be careful when planting mint, as it can quickly take over your yard!)
- Chrysanthemums
- Geraniums
- Lemongrass
Raised Garden Beds – Depending on what type of animal you’re trying to deter, planting in raised garden beds or window boxes may help prevent damage from pests. You can even go a step further and put fencing around your raised beds to protect your plants from deer and other wildlife that could easily reach a raised bed.
Contain Garbage, Compost, Birdseed – Keep bins of garbage, compost, birdseed, or other food sources secure in sealed containers to prevent pests like raccoons, skunks, and squirrels from sniffing it out and drawing them into your yard.
Our experts want to help you get the most out of your garden this year, so stop in at your local Feeds’n Needs to find the supplies you need to keep the pests away! While you’re there, remember to check out our garden section and stock up on Vesey’s seeds, fertilizers, gardening tools and more!
Disclaimer: Product availability and selection may vary by store. Please check your local store for availability.
Looking for more gardening tips and tricks? Check out our other blogs!
What Type of Garden Best Suits Your Needs
Starting Seeds Indoors Using Peat Pellets
Gardening Tips for Beginners
Starting Seeds Indoors Using Peat Pellets
If you’re looking for an easy, mess-free way to start your seeds indoors, try peat pellets! These discs of dehydrated peat moss, held together with biodegradable mesh, are simple to use, require minimal maintenance, and can be transplanted directly into the ground once your seeds have sprouted.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Flat Seed Starting Tray and a Plastic Dome Lid – The SunBlaster Nanodome is ideal, offering a tray, lid, and grow light.
- Seeds – Pick up your favourite Vesey’s seed varieties at your local Feeds’n Needs.
- Plant Markers – Use these to mark your rows or sections of seeds in the peat pellets to avoid mixing them up. Also, note the date you planted the seeds.
To start seeds indoors using peat pellets, follow these six basic steps:
1. Arrange your pellets – Place the pellets in rows of 5 or according to the number of seeds per variety. This simplifies labelling.
2. Expand/soak pellets – Pour warm water over the pellets, submerging them about 2 cm from the top of the tray. Allow 10 minutes for full expansion, then drain any excess water.
3. Plant seeds – Tear the top of the netting on each pellet slightly. Use a pencil, toothpick, or your finger to create a small hole for the seeds. Plant 2 seeds per pellet and lightly cover them.
4. Label pellets – Always label your seeds! Mark the rows with masking tape on the tray or label each pellet individually.
5. Cover with dome lid – Cover the tray with the plastic dome lid and place it in a warm location. Seeds do not require light to sprout, so they do not need to be initially under the grow lights. Water only when the pellets look dry.
6. Place under lights and remove dome – Once the seeds have sprouted, remove the plastic dome and place the tray under the grow lights. If more than one seed sprouts in a pellet, pinch off or cut the extra seedling, leaving one healthy plant per pellet.
Pellet Benefits:
Peat pellets retain sufficient moisture for seed germination and ensure good drainage to prevent overwatering. The netting around the pellet allows air circulation through the root ball. Additionally, pellets reduce transplant shock since the roots experience minimal disturbance during transplanting.
Our experts at Feeds’n Needs know how exciting gardening season is! Visit your local Feeds’n Needs and check out our gardening section for everything you need to start seeds indoors with peat pellets.
For more helpful gardening tips and tricks, check out our related posts.
What Type of Garden Best Suits Your Needs
Garden Planning for Spring and Summer
Gardening Tips for Beginners
How to Successfully Grow a Vegetable Garden
How to Sprout Your Own Seeds
Horses Hoof & Skin Health
As an equine owner, it is important to maintain your horse’s hoof and skin health. Given that we live in the Maritimes, we sometimes see a lot of precipitation and moisture. Keeping our barns and equine companions as clean and dry as possible is essential. Anything we can do to minimize mud, puddles and manure around the barns and paddocks will help reduce precipitation and moisture. If left unattended, it can cause health issues with horses’ hooves and skin and create a nesting ground for flies. Issues such as mud fever, white line disease, thrush and rain rot can become a serious concern as a horse owner.
To prevent severe concerns for your horses, ensure that you manage your property to the best of your ability. Here are some tips to help you minimize precipitation and moisture:
- Proper drainage around the property is critical to ensuring dryer ground, which will lessen stagnant water.
- Weekly paddock maintenance helps remove old manure and excess hay. This should include run-ins as well, not just pastures and paddocks.
- Ensuring that your horse gets to dry off at least once per day will significantly reduce the risk of health issues.
- Routine grooming gets your hands on your equine companion to ensure you are not missing any signs of skin issues or irritations. Remove any thick mud from their legs or body and ensure proper attention is given where needed.
By providing your horse with the best maintenance, you’re not just ensuring their health, but also their soundness and ability to perform their job for years to come. This reassurance should give you the confidence to tackle any challenges that come your way in maintaining your horse’s hoof and skin health.
For more advice on maintaining your horses’ health, check out our related blogs or ask the Experts at your local Feeds’n Needs!
Deworming Your Horse
Maintaining Your Horses Health
How to Introduce New Chickens to Your Flock
Chick days at Feeds’n Needs are in full swing, and for many of our local poultry lovers, this means adding new birds to an existing flock! Growing your flock is exciting, but introducing new hens can be challenging. Ensuring you’re well prepared is key to guaranteeing a smooth transition, so let’s discuss how to introduce new chickens to your flock safely.
Why it’s Important to Take All the Steps
Chickens instinctively establish a social structure within the flock called a “pecking order.” Each flock member knows their place within this pecking order, which allows everyone to coexist peacefully without fighting over resources.
When new chickens are introduced to an existing flock, it interferes with the pecking order established by the older birds, and bullying is bound to happen until a new pecking order that includes the new members is established.
If the new birds are not slowly integrated into the existing flock, it leaves everyone vulnerable to serious bullying, injuries, and stress, none of which are good for laying productivity and overall flock health.
When to Introduce New Chickens to the Flock
If you’ve decided it’s time to grow your flock, consider choosing breeds that will be similar in size or at least compatible with the current members.
New chickens should be fully feathered, weaned off of supplementary heat, and approximately 8-12 weeks old before being integrated into the flock. Waiting until the new birds have reached a similar size as your older chickens allows you to feed them the proper diet required for growth until they have reached mature, reproductive age, and it gives them more confidence to interact with the older flock members when introduced.
Try to introduce three or more chickens to an existing flock if possible; this way, any bullying from the older hens won’t be directed at one bird. Additionally, introducing a group of new birds that are familiar with each other and have established their own little pecking order will help them feel more secure and confident when being integrated into the rest of the flock.
The Introduction Process
The process of flock integration can be broken down into four steps and accomplished over several weeks.
- Isolate: Before your new birds come in contact with your older ones, they should be quarantined for at least two weeks to monitor the new birds for any signs of disease, injuries, or parasites. A good precaution to take is to treat everyone for external parasites like lice or mites with Doktor Doom lice killer for poultry and deworm with a piperazine powder for poultry. Find these products and more at your local Feeds’n Needs. Once you’re positive that all your new members are healthy, you may begin the next phase of integration.
- Segregate: House your new chickens in a temporary cage or fenced area near where the existing flock stays. For example, this temporary pen could be a large dog kennel or crate placed inside the coop or in the run where the two groups of birds can see, hear, and smell each other but not intermingle. This allows everyone to become familiar with each other without the risk of bullying or harassment. The temporary pen should be furnished with a feeder and waterer and large enough to comfortably house your new members during the day. Allow the new birds to get familiar with the flock through the safety of their temporary corral for 1-2 weeks or until the older flock members start to ignore the newbies.
- Acclimate: Now that the chickens have been introduced in a non-contact way, you may start allowing short periods of “together time,” where everyone can be together in the coop or run without any barriers. If everything is going well and the birds are getting along, you can start increasing the amount of supervised time your birds spend together over the course of a week or two. Allowing both groups to free range together is another great way to start “together time”, and it will give the new birds a chance to get familiar with the coop while the older gals are out. Offering distractions for the older birds may keep them occupied and reduce bullying during the transition period – try hanging a head of cabbage or putting down some premium chopped straw from Feeds’n Needs for the chickens to peck and scratch at to keep them busy! Return the new birds to their own coop after each of these sessions and take this time to check for any injuries that may need attention.
- Integrate: Once you feel that the flock has accepted the new birds, it’s time for everyone to be together full-time. As the new pecking order is being established, there is still bound to be some bullying, so keep a close eye on the situation and continue to check for injuries. If bullying continues or worsens, you may have to separate the birds again and return to supervised together time for a while longer.
So, are you ready to add to your flock? Stop by your local Feeds’n Needs or visit our website to get all the details about upcoming Chick Days. Remember to stock up on all the poultry essentials at Feeds’n Needs! Our experts are here to help, so don’t hesitate to ask questions!
Learn more about raising and caring for chickens by checking out the poultry section of our blog!
Prep Your Coop for Chicks
Hens Health Throughout the Seasons
Predator Proofing Your Chicken Coop
Why We Need Bees
Over the last 15 years, bee populations in North America have been declining at an alarming rate. Since then, many “Save the Bees” campaigns and organizations have been formed to protect these special creatures. But why are bees so important? Let’s find out!
Where Have the Bees Gone?
There are 5 primary threats to native bee species that have caused their populations to dwindle quickly:
- Habitat Loss: Human development and the expansion of industrial agriculture have destroyed the habitats of many wildlife species, including bees.
- Climate Change: Dramatic shifts in temperature over the years have resulted in flowering plants growing further north, leaving populations of pollinators who relied on them behind. These changes in weather patterns and ecosystems have made it difficult for native species to find food and shelter that was once abundant.
- Chemical Pesticides: Chemical pesticides are being used more and more every year to prevent and kill unwanted pests and weeds. However, these harmful pesticides are also an enormous threat to non-target species like bees and other pollinators and are considered a leading cause of bee mortality rates.
- Invasive Plant Species: New plants that are introduced to an environment in which they are not native to may overtake many of the area’s native plant species that local pollinators rely on for survival. Many native bee species diets have evolved to feed from local plants, so when these plants are overthrown by non-native species, these bees lose their food source.
- Diseases & Parasites: With the introduction of non-native plants come non-native diseases and parasites that pose a serious threat to bee populations.
Why are Bees Important?
The importance of bees to sustaining human and animal life cannot be understated. Bees’ contributions to our world can be broken down into 5 main categories:
- Pollination & Agriculture: Did you know that bees are responsible for an estimated 1 of every 3 bites of food eaten? That’s right! Most of the world’s flowering plants rely on pollinators in order to reproduce; this includes most fruits, vegetables, trees, and shrubs! Pollination occurs when pollinators like bees, birds, and butterflies travel from one plant to the next. Pollen collected from one plant is distributed to the next, resulting in cross-pollination and fertilization of the plant! Without bees providing us with food through pollination, humans would lose the ability to have a healthy, diverse diet.
- The Food Chain: It’s not only us humans who rely on pollinators for food – Wildlife does too! Plants and trees are a main source of food and shelter for many wildlife species, and without pollinators to keep plants reproducing, the wildlife who rely on them may not survive. Even domesticated animals rely on pollination; for example, cows eat alfalfa, which is pollinated by bees, and we humans rely on cows for dairy and beef. So, you see, bees are responsible for entire food chains, and without them, humans wouldn’t be the only species to suffer the consequences.
- Economy: Because bees are responsible for so much of the food we eat, they contribute greatly to our economy. It is estimated that bees contribute upwards of 15 billion dollars to the value of crop production each year in the United States as a result of the crops that they pollinate. Additionally, the beekeeping industry serves as an income for many families by selling products made from bee wax, honey, etc., as well as the sale of beekeeping equipment.
- Biodiversity & Ecosystems: By pollinating many of the trees, shrubs, and plants in our environment, bees help ensure the biodiversity of ecosystems! Additionally, the trees pollinated by bees release oxygen for us to breathe and help prevent erosion by stabilizing the soil with their deep roots!
- Nutrition & Crop Quality: Bees and other pollinators are invaluable to the growth of crops, ensuring higher yields, and potentially improving the nutrient value of the foods produced as a result! Without bees, human’s nutritional needs would be difficult to meet!
Needless to say, bees are essential to sustaining life and maintaining a healthy, diverse environment. Without these incredible creatures and all the work they do for us, every living thing would feel the impact. At Feeds’ n Needs, we understand the importance of saving the bees! Be sure to check out our selection of beekeeping products (only available at select Feeds’n Needs locations). Our stores carry a large selection of Vesey’s flower seeds; ask one of our experts to help you find varieties that your local pollinators will love!
Disclaimer: Product availability and selection may vary by store. Please check your local store for availability.
Spring Cleaning Tips for Pet Parents
It’s that time of year again—time for spring cleaning! As pet parents, we can’t forget about spring cleaning to help with all the fur, dander, and mess our pets bring into our homes. Not only do our pets contribute to some of the gunk and grime you’re cleaning off your stuff, but they also have their own staff that needs to be cleaned, organized, and updated. We’ve compiled a list of spring cleaning tips for pet parents to ensure you’ve covered all the basis!
Dog and Cat Beds:
Take a good look at your pet’s bed. Some pet beds can be put in the washing machine, and some have to be spot-cleaned. Give it a once-over with the vacuum cleaner before putting it in the washing machine. Unscented, clean detergents are best to avoid respiratory and skin irritation. If your pet has sensitive skin, use an extra rinse cycle. Let the cover dry thoroughly before your dog or cat uses it again.
It may be time to replace your pet’s bed if you can’t get it clean and there are any tears or frays beyond repair.
Crates:
Take apart your pet’s crate and give it a really good scrub down. Wipe the bars down with soapy water and vacuum the bottom of the crate. Then, give it a good soak with very hot, soapy water, rinse or wipe it off, and dry. That’s all you need to give your pet’s crate a thorough clean.
Dog and Cat Toys:
Take a close look at toys and get rid of any extremely chewed or torn-up toys. If pieces are falling off or too gross to clean, it’s time for a replacement.
Check the label and follow the manufacturer’s instructions on soft toys. Place them in a pillowcase or laundry bag, wash them on a gentle cycle with a pet-safe detergent, and let them air dry completely before you give them back to your dog or cat.
Soaking hard toys in one part distilled white vinegar to one part water can also clean some toys well. Thoroughly rinse before giving back to your pet.
Dog and Cat Bowls:
Cleaning your pet’s food and water dishes should be part of your weekly routine. Not cleaning your dog’s bowls causes multiple types of bacteria, such as Salmonella and E. Coli, to harbour. Water bowls should also be cleaned often to prevent the growth of molds, yeast, algae, and fungi.
Spring cleaning is an excellent time to see how they’re holding up. If they have a lot of scratches, consider replacing them. Bacteria hides in scratches and is tough to get rid of. For regular deep cleaning, either wash by hand with hot, soapy water and a soft rag/sponge or in a dishwasher.
Deep Cleaning the Litter Box:
Plastic litter boxes should be replaced yearly (more often if you have multiple cats or they take a lot of abuse from scratching and scooping).
To clean a littler box:
- Remove all the old litter and fill the basin with very hot water and a little dish soap. If it needs a more thorough cleaning, add 1/2 cup of white vinegar per gallon of hot water and let it soak.
- Give it a thorough rinse.
- When dry, add fresh litter, and you’re ready to go.
- Remember to clean your litter scoop the same way and wipe down the area around the litter box.
Furniture:
You should regularly vacuum your furniture to remove pet hair, dander and dirt. When it comes to spring cleaning, an extra thorough vacuuming is a great place to start. You may have to use multiple methods to get all that hair. Use a damp rubber glove to pick up stubborn hair from soft surfaces.
Pretreat any urine stains on carpets or furniture with a mixture of baking soda, vinegar and warm water. You may even want to sprinkle baking soda (a natural deodorizer) over the stain.
* Baking soda is a pet parent’s best friend when used in small amounts. Ingesting a large amount, however, can be dangerous to pets. Don’t let the baking soda sit for a prolonged period. Always vacuum it immediately, and don’t leave the package where your pets can reach it.
Check Expiration Dates:
Spring cleaning is an ideal time to look at all your pet supplies and check expiration dates on things like:
- Medications
- Flea & tick preventatives
- Supplements
- Treats
- Wet food
- Dry kibble
Deep Clean Your Pets:
Your pets may need a deep cleaning themselves. Brush dogs before bathing to remove heavy dirt and mats. Brush again after the bath to remove loose hair. For more dog grooming tips, check out our blog Dog Grooming Tips for Spring.
As for cats, they are good self-groomers, but some experts recommend a bath once or twice a year. If yours is accustomed to baths from kittenhood, go for it. If not, attempts to bathe an older cat could be highly stressful for the cat.
Spruce Up Your Yard:
Clean up any poop that hasn’t decomposed over the winter. Also, look for bones, dead animals, or garbage – anything that could be a choking or health hazard to your pet. Check any gates or fences and repair them as needed.
Clean and Inspect Collars and Leashes:
Collars constantly touch your pet’s skin, collecting dirt, oils, and odours. Leashes can also get dirty quickly, especially if you and your pet love to explore.
Start by soaking collars and leashes in a mixture of warm water and pet-safe detergent for about 30 minutes. Then, rub the item against itself to help remove any remaining germs. Let them air dry completely before using them again. If your pet has a collar made of leather, avoid soaking it and wipe it down with a damp cloth instead. Also, inspect your pet’s collar and leash for signs of wear and tear. If you notice any damage, replace the item immediately to keep your pet safe.
Keeping your home clean and tidy can be difficult when you have pets. But with these tips, you can make spring cleaning much easier as a pet parent while keeping your pets safe and happy!
Happy spring cleaning!
