➡I accidentally bought Balut eggs: 2 live ducks! Now a Chat Thread!

[casportpony]

My whole house is stupid humid right now. The hydrometer is calibrated. It’s reading 59.9.

Do you have AC in your house? I think running AC might lower humidity.

 

[dpenning]

Wow that's scary! Sorry about all your recent expenses and about your mastiff any idea what is causing it?

I do appreciate the concern though and understand what you and others are trying to say, that sometimes unexpected expenses just come up and/or that I need to prepared for anything, which is possibly where the job thing was coming from, but I do know how expensive dogs can be and it's definitely not a decision I am taking lightly and would never. I know it may somewhat seem that way just because of how I've been occassionally joking about it and the most recent screenshot of the maps and laughing at the distance but in reality, I've definitely been thinking about it a lot and even whether or not it's something that I want to do. I know I seem kind of gung ho dead set but I'm still not 100% sure. But I have been researching breeds extensively and narrowed it down to 4 possibilities, maybe 5: Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Australian Sheherd, English Shepherd, and Border Collie.

Golden, BC, and Aussie are at the top atm and with further research, I really do think the Aussie is the right choice. And I know that I could provide for one and train/raise it very well, have it really obedient, as well as exercised and mentally stimulated. If I got one, I plan on agility and nose work, possibly rally or dock diving. And of course wlaks, hiking, frisbee, fetch.

But it's definitely something that I am still considering because while I know that I could handle one and provide a good home for it, I still don't know for sure what my plans are. Which is another reason I am waiting.

But I do plan on having a savings account set aside for pet emergencies or at least enough money in the main account. That way I am not left with a tough decision to make if I can't afford a surgery. I have thought of such a thing, though didn't consider toy obstruction. Gator is so big nothing obstructs him

And speaking of big dogs, Gator is 140 pounds and needs the biggest size on most harnesses, collars, toys, etc. So I, unfortunately, know how expensive stuff for giant dogs can be or even Lab size dogs. But on that same note, I actually think that having a smaller dog like an Aussie would actually be a bit of a relief on the expenses I could maybe downsize in harnesses, they eat less food, vets cost less, etc.

I definitely know how serious of a commitment it is though.

But actually, right now, after today's conversation and my Google search, I think I have decided to enroll in that CATCH program. I guess that means possibly holding off on the puppy too. But it is worth it if I get certified.

But even the chickens, I was on BYC 7 years before I got them and am still researching and goldfish and betta I did research on and have a proper tank for them instead of the usual bowl, although unfortunately the betta did die several years ago but I've researched fish, gerbils (still don't have any), etc. I do not like acquiring any animal impulsively and/or delivering subpar care so I always do extensive research before and even after acquiring any animal, am always learning new stuff, and try to buy the best stuff for them. I take animal care very seriously.

Which is part of why this has been such a tough decision and a big back and forth for so long.

I think I still need to go to some dog shows and events and meet some of the breeds.

I'll say again... you got this. Great to hear someone actually thinking it through instead of "gee, that's cute"!

All that being said, Aussies are GREAT dogs. We have mastiffs because we chose a dog that suited our lifestyle.... couch potato! LOL I think you would have great fun with an aussie or a BC. One of my poms had the personality of a BC in a smaller package. His zoomies were hilarious.

 

[R2elk]

Yes I meant hygrometer. The house is 77%, I feel this is a losing battle.

You may need to add a dehumidifer in the room that has the incubator in it. I know that @ozexpat had to put a dehumidifier in his incubator room in the Philippines.

 

[RosieR]

Do you have AC in your house? I think running AC might lower humidity.

It’s on...

 

[RosieR]

You may need to add a dehumidifer in the room that has the incubator in it. I know that @ozexpat had to put a dehumidifier in his incubator room in the Philippines.

Ok, smart plan. Not sure why I didn’t think of this!

 

[R2elk]

@KikisFlock

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-little-chicken-humor.1269902/

 

[The Farmers' Daughter]

TFD, what area of ON did you live?

I grew up in Toronto

Lived in Ottawa for about 8 years.

 

[BantyChooks]

I grew up in Toronto

Lived in Ottawa for about 8 years.

Ugh, you're one of THOSE people. Kidding, of course.

 

[Conan]

Theoretically it is once a year. The bigger the dog the bigger the bills. My mastiff just had a salivary gland removed because it was creating a big balloon under her tongue and she couldn't eat or close her mouth. That surgery was $2500. Couple months later.... it is coming back. My pomeranian came trotting up to me one day with her eye punctured.....Emergency visit $700.... ultimate surgery to remove the eye... $800. Had one dog that swallowed a toy... off for surgery for obstruction. Stuff just happens sometimes.

I don't know you or your situation.... I just like folks to go into pet ownership with their eyes open.

Or you could have a dog like my perfect dobie/lab that never goes to the vet. I had a little growth removed from his eyelid ($900) and that is the only vet visit in 9 years.
He's in such good health that they thought he was a young dog.
Then there's the train wreck that is my other dog... Yep, just depends on the dog

 

[The Farmers' Daughter]

I swear, it sometimes seems that the tropics are downright desert-ish by comparison.

Oooo Banty! Is that a chinchilla in your avatar?