Pets & the humans who love them

[Jude]

Something brought to my attention yesterday. Thought I'd post it here and see if anyone from down on the farm has the authentic scoop on this one....

All of the chicken we buy in the supermarket is from female chickens? Right? When the eggs hatch, do they routinely kill all the new male baby chicks that are going to grow up to be roosters and keep just a couple for fertilization?

Know capons are very fancy male emasculated roosters that are supposed to be extremely succulent and wildly expensive. Trying to envision someone taking the time to do a vasectomy on a young rooster.

Now, what about bulls? Red meat eaters buy hamburger and it's always from a cow, isn't it? Never saw a package of cellophane wrapped bull. So, do all baby male cows become veal at birth, except those kept on hand for their seed?

Anyone with first hand farm knowledge???

No idea about sheep, but now I'm wondering if lamb chops are all little boys and cheaper mutton is the mama.

[Liam]

Originally Posted by Jude

Something brought to my attention yesterday. Thought I'd post it here and see if anyone from down on the farm has the authentic scoop on this one....

All of the chicken we buy in the supermarket is from female chickens? Right? When the eggs hatch, do they routinely kill all the new male baby chicks that are going to grow up to be roosters and keep just a couple for fertilization?

Know capons are very fancy male emasculated roosters that are supposed to be extremely succulent and wildly expensive. Trying to envision someone taking the time to do a vasectomy on a young rooster.

Now, what about bulls? Red meat eaters buy hamburger and it's always from a cow, isn't it? Never saw a package of cellophane wrapped bull. So, do all baby male cows become veal at birth, except those kept on hand for their seed?

Anyone with first hand farm knowledge???

No idea about sheep, but now I'm wondering if lamb chops are all little boys and cheaper mutton is the mama.

I grew up on a farm, we didn't castrate any roosters, however when they were of a certain age, and not required for their procreative abilities, we butchered them and ate them. Hens that were poor layers or not needed were also butchered. Old hens were butchered and they were not fryers but stewers. I don't know how the big corporate chicken outfits handle this. Most of the beef sold in stores comes from steers, bulls that were castrated at an early age, and raised specifically for the table. The meat from old bulls and old cows is quite often mixed with into hamburger from younger animals. Cows are usually kept as baby making machines, one bull can easily service 500 cows. The demand for veal is minute compared to the productivity of the beef industry. Sheep is similar to the beef industry; mutton is an older ewe, comparable to a stewing hen.

We didn't name something, we intended to eat.

[Jude]

Originally Posted by Liam

I grew up on a farm, we didn't castrate any roosters, however when they were of a certain age, and not required for their procreative abilities, we butchered them and ate them. Hens that were poor layers or not needed were also butchered. Old hens were butchered and they were not fryers but stewers. I don't know how the big corporate chicken outfits handle this. Most of the beef sold in stores comes from steers, bulls that were castrated at an early age, and raised specifically for the table. The meat from old bulls and old cows is quite often mixed with into hamburger from younger animals. Cows are usually kept as baby making machines, one bull can easily service 500 cows. The demand for veal is minute compared to the productivity of the beef industry. Sheep is similar to the beef industry; mutton is an older ewe, comparable to a stewing hen.

We didn't name something, we intended to eat.

___________________

Thanks Liam. Going to pass this one on to my daughter who has recently announced her intention to become a "vegan" (no milk products or eggs). She heard that all the baby boy chicks were slaughtered upon hatching and didn't want to be a participant in the massacre.

Just hearing about old bull and cow being mixed in with young ground meat kind of diminishes any lingering fondness for the old fashioned hamburger.

Whole different life on the farm. Imagine not naming your critters because they're going to end up on the dinner plate! When I've been overseas in third world countries, I've never become accustomed to the casual practice of selling chickens on the road - chopping off their heads at the "check out".

Moving closer and closer back to 100% vegetarian myself.

Thanks, Liam, for the info. Any more stories down on the farm?

[AtLast]

I really want birds and tropical again. My cats are the problem with birds. but, my silly dog loves to watch both fish and turtles (sometimes birds) at the pet store. I put him up on a cart so he can see them and he just stares quietly following the fish in the tank.

When I am out at the bay with him during shore bird feeding, he is a little conservationist. Sits next to me just watching them. never tries to after them and is quiet. Maybe he is meditating.... pretty zen little guy.

[Darth Denkay]

I share my home with 4 cats and 1 dog.

Jeoffry. Black and white male, my first animal companion as an adult. A friend of mine's cat had kittens, Jeoffry being one of them. He was born April 16, 1995 - I picked him out of the litter when he was less than 24 hours old. I've known him his whole life. While I love them all, Jeoffry is the one I am most bonded with. He's been an important part of my life post undergraduate school. He's been with me through every single significant decision and relationship since 1995. He's my rock. I recently finished my dissertation, and he is included in the dedication. Almost three years ago he was diagnosed with early cardiac disease, but I am happy to report that it does not seem to be progressing at all. It's not uncommon for cats to have cardiac conditions that they live with for many years, and never end up seriously impacting their lives. Hopefully this is the case with Jeoffry.

Midnight. Black female, came along about a year after Jeoffry. She was rescued from a vet clinic. She's my acrobat - I don't think there's a surface in the house she hasn't sat on. She is hyperthyroid and in kidney failure. She takes meds for the thyroid and is on rx food for the kidneys. Recently we decreased her medication dose and that seems to have given her a new lease on life. It complicated balancing the two diseases but for now we've got it. She's my sweetheart.

Booger Bear. Gray striped, came along a year after Midnight, rescued from an emergency animal clinic when she was maybe four weeks old. Recent bloodwork shows all systems are go, which is a good thing, because I don't know that I could give her any sort of regular medication. I used to work at a vet clinic, and while I was there, we never saw a cat I couldn't medicate. I handled all the difficult ones and kept a perfect record. So of course it's one of my own cats who I can't.

Nimbus. He's the youngster of the group, about a year and a half now. My other cats are close in age and I didn't want to risk losing them quickly and being left without a cat companion, so that's why he entered the fold. He and Jeoffry play some, and he plays with the dog. He can be a little bully, then turn around and be the biggest lover in the world. I was a little nervous bringing in a youngun, but he's been great.

Norah. Jack Russell Terrier. 6 years old now, was a rescue of sorts. She lived with friends of a friend of a friend who decided to get rid of her when they had a baby. She would have gone to the shelter, but my friend knew I was looking to take in a small dog, and when I saw a picture of her I knew she was the one. She has anxiety issues, but has come a long way with medication and behavioral interventions. I still crate her when I'm not home, but she has really come a long way. She goes to doggy day care two days a week and does phenomenally. Unfortunately, a few weeks ago at her annual check-up a heart murmur was detected. Next month I'm going to have a dental done on her, and while she's knocked out we'll do an EKG and get chest films to try and get an idea of what's going on. So far she's completely asymptomatic. Unfortunately heart murmurs are generally worse in dogs than in cats, but they can often be managed with meds. I think she intentionally developed the murmur so she could be more like Jeoffry.

[lipstixgal]

Originally Posted by Darth Denkay

I share my home with 4 cats and 1 dog.

Jeoffry. Black and white male, my first animal companion as an adult. A friend of mine's cat had kittens, Jeoffry being one of them. He was born April 16, 1995 - I picked him out of the litter when he was less than 24 hours old. I've known him his whole life. While I love them all, Jeoffry is the one I am most bonded with. He's been an important part of my life post undergraduate school. He's been with me through every single significant decision and relationship since 1995. He's my rock. I recently finished my dissertation, and he is included in the dedication. Almost three years ago he was diagnosed with early cardiac disease, but I am happy to report that it does not seem to be progressing at all. It's not uncommon for cats to have cardiac conditions that they live with for many years, and never end up seriously impacting their lives. Hopefully this is the case with Jeoffry.

Midnight. Black female, came along about a year after Jeoffry. She was rescued from a vet clinic. She's my acrobat - I don't think there's a surface in the house she hasn't sat on. She is hyperthyroid and in kidney failure. She takes meds for the thyroid and is on rx food for the kidneys. Recently we decreased her medication dose and that seems to have given her a new lease on life. It complicated balancing the two diseases but for now we've got it. She's my sweetheart.

Booger Bear. Gray striped, came along a year after Midnight, rescued from an emergency animal clinic when she was maybe four weeks old. Recent bloodwork shows all systems are go, which is a good thing, because I don't know that I could give her any sort of regular medication. I used to work at a vet clinic, and while I was there, we never saw a cat I couldn't medicate. I handled all the difficult ones and kept a perfect record. So of course it's one of my own cats who I can't.

Nimbus. He's the youngster of the group, about a year and a half now. My other cats are close in age and I didn't want to risk losing them quickly and being left without a cat companion, so that's why he entered the fold. He and Jeoffry play some, and he plays with the dog. He can be a little bully, then turn around and be the biggest lover in the world. I was a little nervous bringing in a youngun, but he's been great.

Norah. Jack Russell Terrier. 6 years old now, was a rescue of sorts. She lived with friends of a friend of a friend who decided to get rid of her when they had a baby. She would have gone to the shelter, but my friend knew I was looking to take in a small dog, and when I saw a picture of her I knew she was the one. She has anxiety issues, but has come a long way with medication and behavioral interventions. I still crate her when I'm not home, but she has really come a long way. She goes to doggy day care two days a week and does phenomenally. Unfortunately, a few weeks ago at her annual check-up a heart murmur was detected. Next month I'm going to have a dental done on her, and while she's knocked out we'll do an EKG and get chest films to try and get an idea of what's going on. So far she's completely asymptomatic. Unfortunately heart murmurs are generally worse in dogs than in cats, but they can often be managed with meds. I think she intentionally developed the murmur so she could be more like Jeoffry.

All of your pets sound so lovely. I too have a Jack and is not well with hypothyroidism and Cushings Syndrome an endocrine disorder so I have to medicate on a daily basis too but good luck with your cats and dog too. My dog doesn't like it when I leave for too long a period so doggie day care would be an option for me!!

[Rook]

I used to have a pet rooster...
I was a kid, though...
He was an Easter gift {dyed purple}, nowadays I know that's a rather cruel action, but, to kids from poor residences, it's the closest to Nintendo.
After he molted the last of the Dye, he turned out quite "handsome"...
Beautiful tail feathers, my neighbors kept sayin' I should train him for cockfighting and get some money out of it..
At the time, I didn't even know how that was done, my closest neighbor, Cheo, would give tips...
"keep him away from other roosters, don't breed him, feed him well until the day before..and always use long spurs"
I got my first taste at 13, I managed to win 6 bets in a row..after the 6th, my so-called bookie said 'no more, they'll think she's got insider information'
Sooo, I sat ringside, and saw how they fought...
When the round was done, I think I turned green from nausea at the thought of my pet being the Loser {They think it's humaine to snap the Loser's neck}.
I did ask on the way to the car what was the end result..
My neighbor shrugged and said "Probably a good stew the next evening"
I thought of that while they tried on some rather sharp spurs for "Don Quixote", and I told 'em to take it off, when he started squawking and making a fuss...
They did protest and I waved it off with "he's my rooster, go away"
yeah, I would walk him -smirk-
Small cushioned string to his leg, i let him strut while I bought candy from an elderly neighborhood lady...
Eventually, landlord said to get rid of him, something about Policy and city codes.
My uncle said he had a farm that could use a Rooster.
I was young, not stupid...
I would visit, and ask for him, and they'd stutter..
"he's busy....there's a cute hen he likes, let's not disturb"
-snort-
For quite some time I didnt talk to them..
Recently he asked "you're still mad at me over that damn rooster?"

I think this is the closest possible pic resembling him..Quixote's "Crown" was a bit more prominent

[Gemme]

Originally Posted by Jude

I'm curious. Does anyone here believe that four footed life is as valuable as the two legged variety? If you could save an unknown human being or a strange cat or dog about to be hit by a car (but not both), which would you snatch out of harm's way?

Anyone a vegan or vegetarian solely because of a reverence for all sentient beings? (Anyone eat only freely fallen fruit so as to avoid causing pain to the tree or bush?)

I love animals and, truthfully, I'd try to rescue the human first -- well, perhaps with the exception of a couple of individuals that I know, but I digress.....

If the human wasn't hearing impaired and facing away from me, I'd go for him or her. If they could hear me, then the words, "Get out of the way!" or "Car!" or whatever should do the trick while I went for the animal.

Nope and nope.

[SF_Boi]

I have three girls, 1.) a Jack Russell (Coogee), 2.) a Basset/ Beagle mix (Uluru) and 3.) a Baby Basset Hound (Didgi). Coogee is from MA, she my little fluffy girl, Uluru was rescued from a 7 day kill in the Central Valley of CA and Didgi is my show dog! I've been showing/ tracking/ hunting her for the last three months and she's doing very well. I can honestly say that Uluru is the most incredible dog I have ever had. She's been with me for a year (10.04.2009), she's the most faithful and loving dog. She's always at my side, she protects me, and she always does as I tell her to do such as all the necessary comands to protect her. I can't imagine my life without the girls. They are all so different, yet there's a common threat of love that runs through all of them.

[Arwen]

Originally Posted by SF_Boi

I have three girls, 1.) a Jack Russell (Coogee), 2.) a Basset/ Beagle mix (Uluru) and 3.) a Baby Basset Hound (Didgi). Coogee is from MA, she my little fluffy girl, Uluru was rescued from a 7 day kill in the Central Valley of CA and Didgi is my show dog! I've been showing/ tracking/ hunting her for the last three months and she's doing very well. I can honestly say that Uluru is the most incredible dog I have ever had. She's been with me for a year (10.04.2009), she's the most faithful and loving dog. She's always at my side, she protects me, and she always does as I tell her to do such as all the necessary comands to protect her. I can't imagine my life without the girls. They are all so different, yet there's a common threat of love that runs through all of them.

How many points/legs does Didgi have? I used to show Basenjis waaaay back in the day. Pictures?

[AtLast]

What a day! My Frog Dog had an ER vet visit due to infected anal glands. He was in great pain and I was freaked. He is OK, but loopy on pain meds tonight. He might be on anti-biotics for a month- guess this can be difficult to clear up. He is getting some canned pumpkin too (organic!), to help with softer stools.

He has never had any problems with this before and there were no indications which seemed odd. The vet said that can happen, however and that the only think that might show up would be some blood in the stool.

I felt terrible for him, he could hardly walk and just shook. I am not good when my pets are in distress, but, I stayed as calm as possible. I didn't want him more upset than he already was.

He is snoozing (pain meds still in his system) right by me on the bed while his older kitty brother is tucked in his bed with the heating pad (the old cat with kidney problems). My manx seems to know that things are off with his brothers and has settled not far from Frog Dog on the bed.

[LipstickLola]

Originally Posted by AtLastHome

What a day! My Frog Dog had an ER vet visit due to infected anal glands. He was in great pain and I was freaked. He is OK, but loopy on pain meds tonight. He might be on anti-biotics for a month- guess this can be difficult to clear up. He is getting some canned pumpkin too (organic!), to help with softer stools.

He has never had any problems with this before and there were no indications which seemed odd. The vet said that can happen, however and that the only think that might show up would be some blood in the stool.

I felt terrible for him, he could hardly walk and just shook. I am not good when my pets are in distress, but, I stayed as calm as possible. I didn't want him more upset than he already was.

He is snoozing (pain meds still in his system) right by me on the bed while his older kitty brother is tucked in his bed with the heating pad (the old cat with kidney problems). My manx seems to know that things are off with his brothers and has settled not far from Frog Dog on the bed.

Some dogs are prone to this, and so your vet may be teaching you to express his anal gland on a regular basis to keep this from happening again.
Good luck to Frog Dog, feel better!

[katsarecool]

Originally Posted by AtLastHome

What a day! My Frog Dog had an ER vet visit due to infected anal glands. He was in great pain and I was freaked. He is OK, but loopy on pain meds tonight. He might be on anti-biotics for a month- guess this can be difficult to clear up. He is getting some canned pumpkin too (organic!), to help with softer stools.

He has never had any problems with this before and there were no indications which seemed odd. The vet said that can happen, however and that the only think that might show up would be some blood in the stool.

I felt terrible for him, he could hardly walk and just shook. I am not good when my pets are in distress, but, I stayed as calm as possible. I didn't want him more upset than he already was.

He is snoozing (pain meds still in his system) right by me on the bed while his older kitty brother is tucked in his bed with the heating pad (the old cat with kidney problems). My manx seems to know that things are off with his brothers and has settled not far from Frog Dog on the bed.

Frog Dog, get well soon!!!!

[silentshout]

My cat got rescued by a dumpster. She's a Siamese Linx-point. Very talkative and social. For such reasons she makes a fantastic alarm clock.

[DapperButch]

I just realized that I never mentioned what I had in terms of pets, which I think is a thread rule.

One pet.

A dog.

A shortie Jack Russell (Parson Russell). Often they are called English or Irish Jack Russells.

Or what the Amercian Kennel Club calls them - Russell Terriers.

Currently they fall under the Foundation Stock Service (miscellaneous class) of the AKC and are not yet an official "breed".

Pretty much they are the Jack Russells that you know and love and are of the shorter variety.

My guy is five years old and he is perfect.

And trans.

[scootebaby]

my sweetie Jo posted about our small zoo already,and im proud to say we just added a 7-8 week old kitten to the mix...white paws,bluish eyes,greyish color and we call him "Grayson"...i have one more kitten to get once the owners get it cleaned up for us. solid white which Rooster wants to call sodium chloride-Salt for short............yeah that was my reaction to....lol....but we will see if we cant compromise

[Mtn]

Today I kept thinking I heard my pup "crying" in the way she has been known to do sometimes, but I'd go in and see and she was fine, then I discovered one of her new squeaky toys sounds JUST like that, silly me, and makes sense why she was looking at me like WHAT????

[Rockinonahigh]

I have two fur kids hear,one is a rescue,her name is Diva.When I got her she had been found by a friend of mine on a cold rainy march night near frezing to death in the garbage dump not far from her house.Any way she took her home but her bigger fur kids didnt get alone with Diva at all so she called me then brouhgt her to me and said happy bday..it was my bday but I shure didnt expect a new family member.She looke at me..I looked at her soooo we both desided to give it a try.Now she is well fed and very healthy,has learned how to play with toys and do some tricks.Yes, she is well loved and spoiled to no end.Then comes Rowdy, who has he napolian complex,she is jack russel minipoodle mix...long story about this...seams like momma went to visit her bf so all was suposed to be a done deal when she got back.But the folks also had a mini poodle who was intrested in the lady j russel show dog,when the pups were born they were really cute russelpoos..all looks more poodle than JR.Being I didnt want Diva to be an only child I went to see the pups,Rowdy picked me out of the bunch so to speak and has been my protector,guard dog and best friend to the Diva.Yep,they are both spoiled to no end.Nither weighs over 15 pounds but anyone hearing them would think other wise.

[Miss Scarlett]

Walked in the door tonight to discover my cat's favorite mouse just inside the front door. Called the cat and as usual she did not respond. Went into the bedroom and turned on the light - there she was, curled up on the bed giving me this "Huh?" look and was very disoriented for a few minutes - you could see she was trying to wake up. It was soooooooooo cute!

Then I got the "look"...you know, the one that only a cat can deliver.