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Thursday, February 2, 2017

How to Build a Brooder

Last week we covered egg incubation, the art and science of coaxing life from a chicken embryo. If the thrice-daily egg-turning scared all the chicken-parenting instincts out of you, fear not: order some day-old chicks and skip straight to the infant stage.

Raising chicks is infinitely easier than incubating eggs, but there is still much more to it than just plopping them in a coop. They need a toasty-warm mini-coop—a brooder—to nurture them into toddlerhood. If they had a mother of their own, the chicks would crowd under her feathers at night for warmth, and she would show them how to forage and keep them safe by pecking viciously at any predator that came lurking. There are many ways to build a brooder, but they all have to fulfill the basic needs of an orphan chick for the first six weeks of its life: food, water, warmth and protection.


Step 1 — Build a Container

Build is a relative term here. Many people raise chicks in a cardboard box. Play pens, kiddie pools, rabbit hutches, aquariums, plastic totes and other items likely to be found in a garage, barn or basement will suffice. You can build a custom chick mansion with private bedrooms for each one if you want, but the general rule of thumb is to provide at least one square foot of space per chick. For the first few weeks a small fraction of that space is fine, so one option is to start small and add on later.

The container needs to be at least 12 inches tall for chicks in weeks one to three, but by the time they are six weeks old the walls should be 24 inches high to keep them from hopping out. Or, you can add a lid. A lid is a necessity if there are pets or other creatures that may pose a threat to your baby chicks. Chicks need fresh air, however, so the lid needs to be completely breathable—hardware cloth or window screen stapled to a wooden frame is an easy way to go.

The brooder needs to be out of the elements so the chicks are warm, dry and safe from nighttime predators. A barn, garage or your living room are all fine options. You can also place the brooder inside the chicks’ future home—the coop.

Step 2 — Outfit the Brooder

Pine shavings are the bedding of choice for baby chicks. The essential oils in cedar shavings can cause respiratory distress and newspaper is hard for them to walk on when they’re little.
Spread an inch or two of shavings on the floor of the brooder and set up a watering and feeding station at one end. There are various DIY options for chick waterers and feeders, but the basic models only cost a few bucks at the feed store. Nipple-style waterers are highly recommended because the chicks can’t foul them with feces—good hygiene is critical to keeping chicks healthy.

On the other end of the brooder, set up a heat lamp. If you have your chicks in the living room where it’s 65 degrees at night, a 100-watt incandescent bulb in a clamp-on utility light (the kind with a metal reflector) will provide enough warmth. If they’re in a barn, garage or another location that gets chilly, a heat lamp is in order. These special bulbs can be found at feed stores or ordered online.

The height of the bulb may need to be adjusted anywhere from 12 to 36 inches above the bottom of the brooder to maintain the optimal temperature for the chicks. One easy way to accomplish this is to hang the light fixture by a chain attached to a hook above the brooder.

If hot bulbs in close proximity to a cardboard box filled with wood shavings and baby chicks makes you nervous (it definitely qualifies as a fire hazard), consider an EcoGlow brooder heater, which are also designed to save energy.

Step 3 — Care for Your Chicks

Chicks need to be at a constant temperature of around 95 degrees for the first week of their life. Mail-order chicks are almost always less than 48 hours old; if you get your chicks at a feed store, ask how old they are before bringing them home. Adjust the height of the bulb and use a thermometer to measure the temperature at the bottom of the brooder to get it into the proper range before the chicks arrive.

Dip the beak of each chick into the water source as you put it in the brooder so it knows where to go when it’s thirsty.

The chicks will tell you if they are too hot or too cold: if they are huddled on top of each other directly under the bulb, move the bulb closer to warm them up; if they are pushing against the opposite wall of the brooder away from the bulb, it’s way too hot. Chicks milling about throughout the brooder is a good sign that the temperature is just right.

Lower the temperature of the brooder by about 5 degrees each week. As the chicks’ feathers fill in, they are more tolerant of cold, but they are also prone to overheating, so it’s important to keep the temperature just right.

Food and water should be available at all times. Chicks need a special ‘starter feed’ during their time in the brooder. Starter feed has a crumbly texture, but gets clumpy when moist. If this occurs, clean out the feed tray and add fresh food to avoid mold developing.

It’s a good idea to clean out the food tray every few days anyway because the chicks can’t reach every bit and it will start to get stale. Waterers should be cleaned out daily (unless you’re using nipple waterers, which don’t require cleaning), and the bedding should be refreshed every other day by scooping out the top layer and adding shavings.

Once the chicks are six weeks old, their feathers should be filled out and they are capable of tolerating cool nighttime temperatures—so it’s time to transfer them to the coop. To smooth the transition, move the heat source, feeder and waterer into the coop for the first few days, and set up an adult-size feeder and waterer.


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Thursday, December 8, 2016

Tips to prevent neck pain

In fact, to wake up with a sore neck is facing many cases in the US, around 13% of adults are experiencing this problem (women suffer more than men). Neck pain often arises in the muscles around the neck, the ligaments or bones may also be due. Here are ways to prevent neck pain. ( read more best pillow 2016 at here: https://sidesleeperreviews.com/ )


Buy a new pillow
Of comfort and support for your neck, while you sleep, there are many options and you may need some trial and error to find see what works best for you. As a general rule, it is best to use a pillow that keeps the cervical spine in neutral your end means, the natural curve of your neck is supported and maintained.

There are some options, and what is best for you will be determined primarily on the cause of your neck problem as well as your sleep preferences.

So you should use the best pillow for neck pain side sleeper to suit every sleeping position for example:

  1. some people find that their neck pain decreases when they lie down on their back with the head supported by a relatively flat pillow, or with an orthopedic pillow that has a deep depression
  2. where the head is located and additional support under the neck.
  3. others find that support with a pillow while inside, the most comfortable.
  4. some like to sit in a chair, or in an adjustable bed with the upper part of the body at an incline.
  5. In this reclining position, they can use a small pillow or relatively flat.

If you’re like most people, you change your sleeping position at night, so be sure to have a more pillow or a pillow that works for your individual sleeping position.

Sleep on your back if you can

In general, sleeping on your back is the best position to let your entire spine rest comfortably. Some people with neck problems find it helps to sleep on their back and place a pillow under each arm, with the idea that supporting each arm takes a strain off the neck.

Some people with spinal arthritis or stenosis may find that sleeping on a slight incline is easier, so they add a foam wedge pillow to their bed and/or switch to an adjustable bed.

If you prefer to sleep on your side, make sure your pillow is not too high—usually around 4 to 6 inches thick, depending on the density of the pillow material and the distance between the neck and point of the shoulder. This height should typically prevent your head and neck from turning or bending unnaturally to either side.
Avoid neck strain from texting

Texting or looking down at your cell phone or mobile device for any length of time puts excessive strain on your neck.

Over time, the added stress on the joints, ligaments, and discs in your neck can lead to premature degenerative changes in your neck. Tips to avoid neck damage from texting include raising the phone or mobile device to eye level, minimizing texting time, resting your hands and device on a pillow, and taking frequent breaks.

Make sure your computer monitor is at eye level

Sit comfortably in front of your computer and close your eyes. When you open them, your gaze should be directly in the middle of your computer screen. If you find you have to look down, you need to prop up your monitor so that it is higher.
Laptops most often require you to angle your head downward to see the screen, so connecting your laptop to a separate monitor or screen, is often very helpful.

Use a headset

If you spend a lot of time on the phone, be sure to avoid tilting your head to the side or cradling your phone in the crook of your neck.
Any type of hands-free devices, such as a headset or earpiece, is a great way to talk on the phone without being tempted to hold your phone incorrectly. There is also a newer device that lays around your neck so you can keep it on all day—one brand name is the LG Tone.
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Thursday, October 6, 2016

Do you have use ComfySleep Buckwheat Pillow?

Sleep is really important for the health of each of us. When you get enough sleep, you will do much better the next day and so your metabolism is also increased.

The selection of a pillow on the market today is not easy when there are hundreds products on the market. With many models, prices, different quality, not to mention the choice of preference. If you are the person who has the habit of side, back sleepers, the ComfySleep Buckwheat Pillow is a product you can not ignore when choosing a pillow. Is ranked among the top 10 best-selling products of 2016. We will offer advantages and disadvantages of the product so that you can choose them best.

If you are a party person sleeping habits, then we recommend you should not ignore this product. The following article we will outline the pros and cons and how to purchase them.


Features

Carefully assembled as a family business in the U.S.Loaded with five pounds of synthetic free and American-developed buckwheat structures. With little zippered opening which permits the client to uproot or include the coveted measure of buckwheat. Made from smaller scale brushed, non-colored, 100% cotton twill material. Fits any standard-sized pad case. Gives full backing to the head and neck of the client. Its external spread is launderable. Advances had better wind stream for better air course that outcomes in a cool pad as a result of its ability for non-warm maintenance.

Pros

Effectively molded for adjustment to the client’s neck and head. Gives firm backing to the client’s neck and head. Head and neck backing are steady all through client’s rest. Gives best ventilation amid hot or warm evenings dissimilar to cushions made of froth. Dependable for up to 10 or more years. It Will keep dry even from sweat in view of its breathable property. It does not bring about sensitivities dissimilar to pads produced using down quills.

Cons

Effectively molded for adjustment to the client’s neck and head. Gives firm backing to the client’s neck and head. Head and neck backing are steady all through client’s rest. Gives best ventilation amid hot or warm evenings dissimilar to cushions made of froth. Dependable for up to 10 or more years. Will keep dry even from sweat in view of its breathable property. Does not bring about sensitivities dissimilar to pads produced using down quills.

Customer reviews that discovered this cushion acceptable portrayed it as “the ideal pad” due to the way it can be modified: the client can make it thick or spread it out with the buckwheat structures in wherever segment of the pad the client’s head will be set on. Moreover, the pad comes overstuffed so all the client needs to do is spare any abundance.

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Thursday, September 1, 2016

How to choose best pillow for side sleeper

With many people, to have a deep sleep is very difficult. However, if you select the suitable pillow with sleeping posture can make up the difference. Typically, a comfortable mattress can also help the body relax. But you can not get a really deep sleep or the body inevitably aches when wake without a matching pillow sleeping posture. The pillow is regarded as a bridge between the head and the body to keep your spine in a comfortable position when sleeping. Sometimes, must need more than a knee to the body balance and comfort. Below is the suggested choosing the best pillow for side sleepers.  

Best Pillow for supine

If you have a supine position, the majority of your weight is distributed evenly across the shoulders. However, up to the knee straight between your head and spine. Choose a soft pillow will help to cradle your neck and keep your head out of the sideways. If you often wake up with pain lower back, try to knee or leg up on a pillow to keep your lower back on par with the mattresses. If you want to lie a little higher, a wedge-shaped pillow will provide some support to the lower back from the beginning.



 The best type for posture pillow tummy

If you sleep, you probably will not need a pillow. But if you want, try a soft pillows but flat. You will not need to lift the head to move higher from side to side while sleeping. To avoid lower back pain, consider stuffing a pillow under your belly.  

Type best pillows for reclining posture

People who lie hidden risk of waking up with pain in the shoulders, hips or neck pain, because one side of the body to bear the burden of the weight of the body during sleep. this location also makes the distal end mattresses rather than supine or prone position. Use a pillow to make sure they do not move during the night and thick enough to fill the gap between the outer ear and shoulder. Place a pillow between your knees also can keep the hips straight and prevent block nerve pain and muscle pain. If you tend to lean forward when lying on your side, place a pillow in front of you. Put a pillow behind you if you tend to lean back while sleeping.

  How to choose the most suitable pillow intestines

Once you select the appropriate type of pillow for your sleeping position, determine proper knee kind of gut your needs. pubescence and feathers are great filler type for those who want a soft pillow. Guts foam pillow and buckwheat bark correct support for your head and neck. Cotton and polyester fiber for intestinal pillow is a good choice for those who prefer the support for sure, flat. If you have seasonal allergies, choosing a hypoallergenic pillow. If you have night sweats, a pillow with moisture wicking fabric or temperature balance can help you sleep more comfortably
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Thursday, August 25, 2016

How to choose the right pillow for side sleeper

Most people don't think too much about the choice of pillows unless they sleep badly or hurt (often neck or back pain), but the right pillow can make a big impact on your quality of sleep, your health, and your well.

Choosing the right best pillow for side sleeper is the first step. There is no single pillow which is great for everyone. We are all different shapes and sizes and have different sleeping style and so need to choose a pillow that is right for each of us. Trouble is, there are many different categories of the knee, where would you start?


Don't worry, here are a handy reference guide pillows to help you narrow your options, you will sleep better in no time:  

What is your sleeping style?

Probably the most important factor in choosing the right pillow. This determines the required pillow support level (thickness) to adequately support your head and align your neck with your spine.

Do you mostly: 
Sleep on your front (you are a tummy sleeper) – Choose a softer pillow (down pillow or a soft, low-fill synthetic pillow)

Sleep on your back (you are a back sleeper) – Choose a medium thickness pillow (high-fill down pillow, orthopaedic memory foam pillow or medium synthetic pillow)

Sleep on your side (you are a side sleeper) – Choose a medium-high thickness pillow (high-fill down pillow, memory foam pillow or medium-high density synthetic pillow)

A mixture of all or some of these (you are a mixed sleeper) – Chooses a medium thickness pillow (high-fill down pillow or medium synthetic pillow)

 If you are a side sleeper, you should try putting a soft, low-density pillow between your knees (especially for women). You might find this unusual, but it helps to align your upper hip properly, taking the pressure off and making you very comfortable.  

Do you suffer from allergies?

Most quality down or feather pillows have usually had their fillings processed in order to remove allergy-causing particles (dander), they would also normally feature a highly-containing case to keep everything in. I’m actually allergic to feathers but I don’t have any problems with most good quality down pillows.
If you suffer badly from allergies or if you’re not sure then stick with hypo-allergenic synthetic pillow fillings.

Do you: 

Generally not suffer from allergies and are not allergic to feathers – Choosing any pillow filling would be fine

Have a known allergy to feathers, suffer from asthma or have other significant allergies – Stick with synthetic fillings such as polyester (Hollowfibre, Microfibre) or memory foam pillows

How much do you want to spend?

We’ve reviewed pillows from £2.50 to £150 each and like most things, you get what you pay for. I love a bargain but will always avoid very cheap pillows because they never last, they loose their support and shape and will reduce your sleep quality. Likewise, at the top end, very expensive pillows are not a lot better than some other pillows at half the price.

Which are you:

I want to keep costs down (£20 or less) – Go for a well made synthetic pillow from a good brand

 I’m happy to spend a little more if it means a better quality pillow (£20 to £50) – Choose a top-end synthetic pillow, luxurious down pillow or memory foam

I want the best pillow I can get (£50+) – Choose the best quality and most luxurious down pillow

 Do you suffer from sleep problems?

Lastly, there’s a wide choice of pillows designed to help people overcome particular sleep problems:

 Do any of these affect your quality of sleep: 

Snoring – Consider using an anti-snoring pillow. It can work for some.
Sleep apnea – There are pillows designed to help relieve sleep apnea symptoms
Neck pain – There’s a wide range of orthopaedic pillows designed to offer special neck support for neck pain and cervical spondylosis sufferers
Back pain – Look for a pillow which is specifically designed to help with spine alignment
Pregnancy – Choose a pillow designed with special support designed for 2nd and 3rd trimester pregnant women See reviews for all special pillows
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