I would not use it for pigs; they have a simple stomach, much like our own, not several such as cattle(ruminants). It may be ok when they are larger, , 150#s or so? It may not harm them if fed sparingly but it will most likely fill them so they eat less concentrates and grow slower.

Can you describe the symptoms? Hnladue, I worry about using the medicated food just before shut down because it reduces the good bacteria as well as the bad bacteria in the fishies gut and I haven't heard any thing about parasites which I would think should be addressed as a possibility. What do you think about using some winter active bacteria? I had planned to use it any way, but for other reasons. I would agree with the salt as a general tonic. As for the amount of salt, with a pond that size could she use the salt blocks for water softening? Otherwise, it could get a little pricey. I know you were around when David mentioned it. Can you help refresh my memory? The Melafix... would it stay active in the water beyond a treatment period so that she would have to do a water change? Sorry about the questions seemingly addressed just to you. I would appreciate info from anyone who is an old timer or who is familiar with the problems. Sandy

bamakrautie, about the bird houses, what kind are they? Are they decrative or do you plan on trying to attract birds to nest in them? If you plan on having birds nest in them please please get information on how and where to place them. If they are decrative plug the holes, you can take a thin peice of wood and paint it black to place behind the hole that will not ruin the look. Most people don't know the responsibilities that go with providing homes for cavity nesting birds (I didn't)there is much to learn to avoid a horrible outcome. It is however the most rewarding and exciting thing I have done in a long time. Some cavity nesting birds are Blue Birds, Chickadees, Titmice, Nuthatches, and Woodpeckers. Here is a site that will give you a lot of good information www.sialis.org Hope this helps! Lisa

Beautiful Pyr! I also have livestock guardians, so I'll share a few of my experiences. She's a little thin, but not much - it's really SO much better for these dogs to be on the thin side to avoid problems like HD. LGD's really can't be compared to dogs from the sporting or herding groups. They're serious working dogs who were bread to work independently of man, not particularly with man. They rely on a big bark to deter predators. They are willing to back this up with speed and power IF they need to. In other words, LGD's are slow, unless they need to be fast *g* They walk slowly, they obey slowly .... right up until they spot something they perceive to be threatening. Then they move very very (did I mention very?) quickly. My girl is a 120 lb, 31" spayed Akbash (Anatolian Shepherd). She is a very tall, massive female - as large as most males - and well outside the breed standard. I also have a male neutered ASD who is 31" and 145 lb. They eat remarkably little food for their size. The male eats 1.5 c of Wellness 2x/day with NO scraps or other food. The female was maintaining perfectly with 3/4 c of Wellness 2x per day. Both sometimes skip a meal and resume the next day without playing catch-up. The female was diagnosed with osteosarcoma 2 months ago and now needs to eat when I need her to eat in order to take her meds, so I am now supplementing her food with canned Wellness. Even so, a can of food lasts a week. I will take exception with the above poster who questioned their "brightness" LGD's are NOT eager beavers. They are not a golden, a border collie or a GSD..... their whole life is not based on working WITH you. They don't fetch (more than once or twice - the third time you'll get a look that very clearly says "I suggest you hold onto that this time" Obedience is something they have to do, not something they want to do in order to please you, so they aren't like other dogs in the working group like rotti's, boxers or berners either. Their whole approach to training is much more akin to dogs in the hound group. It can be done - I'm an obedience instructor - but it requires dedication and persistence to get to a high level of reliability. They're very very smart and are very quick learners but there's always a little glint in the eye that says "Why should I?" Your biggest challenge will be teaching them "becasue i said so" I love the livestock guardian dogs and hope you enjoy your new addition!!