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In this podcast episode, we review the Alpinestars Convex Tech Fleece zip-up hoodie and the Alpinestars Treq Windbreaker.  We continually test and review products to carry in the Law Abiding Biker Store. These are a couple of items that made the cut.  We also talk about Lurch riding an expert section of the Backroad Discovery Route (BDR).  We are lucky that section two of the Washington BDR runs right through our backyard.   SUPPORT US AND SHOP IN THE OFFICIAL LAW ABIDING BIKER STORE The Alpinestars Convex Fleece has garnered attention as a versatile choice for those who need a hoodie that combines comfort with performance-driven design. Known for their high-quality motorsport and adventure gear, Alpinestars has delivered a fleece that caters to everyday wearers and motorcycle enthusiasts alike. Let's dive into why the Convex Fleece has become a go-to for style, warmth, and functionality. Key Features Material and Comfort: Made from a premium blend of cotton and polyester, the Alpinestars Convex Fleece provides a cozy feel and excellent breathability. The material is soft against the skin, ensuring comfort during long rides or extended wear throughout the day. Design and Fit: The hoodie sports a streamlined, athletic fit that hugs the body without restricting movement. This modern design appeals to both active users and style-conscious buyers. The Convex Fleece is available in multiple color options, making it easy to pair with any outfit, on or off the road. Practical Features for Riders: Alpinestars designed this fleece with practical features in mind. It includes a full-length front zipper for temperature control and hand-warmer pockets that double as storage for small essentials. Reflective detailing enhances visibility, adding a safety element for those who may wear it while riding in low-light conditions. Durability: Alpinestars is known for durability, and the Convex Fleece lives up to this reputation. Reinforced stitching and quality materials ensure that this hoodie can withstand the wear and tear of both everyday use and more rugged outdoor adventures. Performance on the Road For motorcycle riders, the Alpinestars Convex Fleece excels in providing a balance between warmth and mobility. While it's not a full-on riding jacket, the fleece is ideal for layering under protective gear or for casual rides in mild weather. The moisture-wicking properties help keep you dry, and the fleece lining offers warmth without being bulky, making it a great choice for cooler rides. Pros and Cons Pros: Stylish and versatile design suitable for casual and active wear. High-quality materials ensure long-lasting comfort. Thoughtful features like reflective elements for added safety. Breathable and warm, perfect for layering or standalone use in mild weather. Cons: Not specifically designed as protective gear for riding. May not provide enough insulation for extremely cold weather without layering. Final Verdict: Is the Alpinestars Convex Fleece Worth It? For those who appreciate functional fashion and are fans of the Alpinestars brand, the Convex Fleece is a worthwhile investment. This hoodie provides excellent comfort, style, and practical features that make it a staple in any wardrobe, especially for riders. It's perfect for layering under jackets or wearing on its own, making it a year-round choice for anyone looking for a quality fleece that doesn't compromise on performance or looks. Whether you're hitting the road or just need a reliable everyday hoodie, the Alpinestars Convex Fleece combines the brand's heritage of quality with modern style and versatility. CHECK OUT OUR HUNDREDS OF FREE HELPFUL VIDEOS ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL AND SUBSCRIBE! The BDR is a type of scenic or adventurous road trip, often focusing on less-traveled, rural, or off-the-beaten-path routes that offer a more intimate and immersive travel experience. Typically, these routes cater to those seeking adventure, natural beauty, and cultural experiences that are off the main tourist path. Backroad discovery routes are popular for road-trippers, motorcyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate a slower, more scenic journey over high-speed highways. In the U.S., BDR are specific, mapped-out routes for adventure motorcyclists and off-road vehicle enthusiasts. These routes: Span several states, such as Colorado, Idaho, Utah, and Washington. Are usually designed for multi-day trips. Incorporate various terrains like mountains, deserts, and forests. Are mostly unpaved, involving dirt roads, forest trails, and rocky passes. Include both challenging sections for experienced riders and easier paths for beginners. Each route is usually developed with local input to highlight scenic and historical locations and to support rural economies by guiding travelers toward small towns and local businesses. These routes typically have resources, including GPS tracks, maps, and travel guides, available to help riders safely navigate and enjoy the journey. NEW FREE VIDEO RELEASED: I Rode My Harley On This Police Motorcycle Course in Oregon! Sponsor-Ciro 3D CLICK HERE! Innovative products for Harley-Davidson & Goldwing Affordable chrome, lighting, and comfort products Ciro 3D has a passion for design and innovation Sponsor-Butt Buffer CLICK HERE Want to ride longer? Tired of a sore and achy ass? Then fix it with a high-quality Butt Buffer seat cushion? New Patrons: Mark Womble of Clearfield, Utah Stacy Paul of Kansas City, Missouri James Brandon of Dayton, Nevada If you appreciate the content we put out and want to make sure it keeps on coming your way then become a Patron too! There are benefits and there is no risk. Thanks to the following bikers for supporting us via a flat donation: Louis Fetherolf Douglas Emerson Peter Hando HELP SUPPORT US! JOIN THE BIKER REVOLUTION! #BikerRevolution #LawAbidingBiker #Bikaholics #RyanUrlacher

In the latest episode of the Veg Grower Podcast, host Richard delves into a variety of gardening topics, sharing his personal experiences and experiments from his allotment and vegetable garden. This episode is packed with valuable insights on soil health, mulching techniques, pest control, and even includes a delicious recipe segment and a book review. Let's break down each topic in detail to provide actionable advice and thorough explanations for fellow gardening enthusiasts. Soil Health Experiment: The Underwear Test Understanding Soil Health Richard's innovative soil health experiment involved burying a pair of cotton underwear in his garden beds. This method, while unconventional, is a practical way to gauge the biological activity in the soil. After a few weeks, he unearthed the underwear to find that approximately 75% of it had decomposed. This significant level of decomposition indicates a healthy soil ecosystem rich in microorganisms and organic matter. Key Takeaways: Microbial Activity: The decomposition of the underwear suggests a high level of microbial activity, which is crucial for breaking down organic matter and releasing nutrients into the soil. Organic Gardening Practices: Richard attributes the positive results to years of adding compost and avoiding pesticides and chemicals, which support a thriving soil ecosystem. Actionable Advice: Conduct Your Own Test: Try burying a piece of cotton fabric in your garden to assess soil health. Check it after a few weeks to see the level of decomposition. Enhance Soil Health: Regularly add organic matter such as compost, leaf mould, and well-rotted manure to your soil. Avoid using chemical fertilizers and pesticides that can harm beneficial microorganisms. Mulching Techniques: Pros and Cons Exploring Different Mulch Types Richard experimented with various mulching techniques throughout the growing season, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. 1. Straw Mulch Pros: Excellent for retaining moisture and suppressing weeds. Cons: Increased slug and snail activity, especially in wet weather. 2. Grass Clippings Pros: Free resource from mowing the lawn, helps retain moisture. Cons: Not as effective as straw for weed suppression, may require additional watering. 3. Homemade Compost Pros: Reduces watering needs, provides nutrients to plants. Cons: Contains weed seeds, leading to some weed growth. 4. Heart of Eden Mulch Pros: Significantly reduces watering needs. Cons: Less effective in weed suppression, with bindweed and brambles still growing through. 5. Rocket Grow Mulch Pros: Most effective for weed suppression, helps retain moisture. Cons: None mentioned, highly appreciated for its performance. Key Takeaways: Straw: Best for water retention. Rocket Grow Mulch: Best for weed suppression. Actionable Advice: Choose the Right Mulch: Select mulch based on your specific garden needs. For moisture retention, straw is ideal, while for weed suppression, Rocket Grow mulch is highly effective. Monitor and Adjust: Keep an eye on how different mulches perform in your garden and be ready to adjust your approach based on weather conditions and pest activity. Nematodes for Pest Control: A Natural Solution Battling Compost Flies Richard faced a nuisance with compost flies in his kitchen and turned to nematodes as a natural pest control method. Nematodes are microscopic worms that can target and control pest populations effectively. Key Takeaways: Effectiveness: Richard reported a significant reduction in both compost flies and larvae after applying nematodes. Sustainability: Using nematodes aligns with sustainable gardening practices by reducing the need for chemical pesticides. Actionable Advice: Apply Nematodes: Purchase nematodes specific to the pests you're dealing with and follow the application instructions carefully.

Here's how you can fund your real estate deals using Hard Money. In this episode, I'll discuss how you can do it as well as the pros and cons of using hard money. ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

When trying to monetize a blog, affiliate marketing is one of the fastest ways to start making money from your site. Affiliate marketing is selling other people's products or services in exchange for a commission on the sale. For more on the basics of affiliate marketing, check out this post. As you get started with using your blog to make recommendations to others, there are a couple of terms you need to know. Affiliate Program vs Affiliate Network There are typically 2 types of options for affiliate marketers. Affiliate programs and affiliate networks.  An affiliate program is when a company manages its own affiliate recruitment, tracking, and payouts. Some large companies, like Amazon, do this. However, this type of affiliate marketing is more commonly used by small businesses and solopreneurs, like Side Hustle Teachers. On the other hand, an affiliate network is a company that manages the affiliate programs for multiple organizations. The networks act as an intermediary and filter for their merchants, as well as managing all the link tracking and payouts. With networks there is often a secondary layer of applying because you will have to apply for the network, then again to each merchant within the network you'd like partner with.   So with that in mind, let's dig in to the 5 affiliate programs or networks all new bloggers should join. 1. Amazon Affiliate Program Amazon is one of the oldest and largest affiliate programs on the web. Because Amazon is so ubiquitous in our 21st century lives, it makes sense for bloggers to join this program. To join, simply click here and then the sign up button. If you already have an Amazon account, you can sign in using that information. If you don't, or you want to keep your personal and affiliate account separate, create a new account. Honestly, part of the benefit of using an affiliate program like Amazon is the ease of use, so I recommend using your existing account, if you have one. Once approved, a gray bar will appear at the top of the screen when you sign into Amazon. There you can check your earnings and easily get affiliate links to share on your blog. Amazon cookies last for 24 hours and apply to anything purchased, whether it was the product you suggested or not. So, if a reader follows a link to a $3 product, but ends up buying a $600 product, you get the affiliate commission on the entire sale. I can tell you from experience! Pros: Amazon sells literally billions of products, so if you want to recommend something… it's probably on Amazon The name Amazon is well known and people feel secure buying from them Easy, free signup Cons: Relatively low commission rates Bank or check payouts only, no PayPal Short cookie life of 24 hours 2. ShareASale Affiliate Program   ShareASale is an affiliate network with more than 16,000 merchants that you can recommend to your readers, and it's wildly popular among bloggers. To join, click here to create an account. Follow the steps provided and then search for merchants you'd like to promote. ShareASale tends to work with small-to-medium businesses, so while you won't find Fortune 500 companies on this platform, there are lots of smaller, highly niched merchants to choose from. Once accepted, you will need to search ShareASale's database and apply separately for each merchant you want to be an affiliate for.  Pros: High acceptance rate for merchants Detailed analytics on each merchant on the platform Great user support for those just getting started Cons: Payout threshold of $50 means it takes longer to get paid Limited links available for each merchant 3. Impact Affiliate Program Like ShareASale, Impact is an affiliate network that was formed by former employees of other affiliate networks, and is quickly becoming a favorite for anyone looking to get started in affiliate marketing. To join, click here. The process to join takes a bit longer than it does on other platforms, but once you're in, getting accepted to a merchant's affiliate program is less cumbersome.  Impact, formerly called Impact Radius, includes many large companies like Best Buy and Home Depot, which is great for building trust with potential buyers. Again, since Impact is an affiliate network, you will need to apply separately for each merchant. When you first join, you may not be eligible to apply for larger merchants, but as you earn commissions, more will open up. Pros: Many large companies work with Impact  $25 payout threshold so you get paid faster Excellent reporting and analytics to track your progress Cons: Many of the larger, more well known merchants are not available to new affiliates Platform navigation is not intuitive 4. Commission Junction Affiliate Program Also known as CJ Affiliate, Commission Junction is another well-established affiliate network that can connect bloggers to numerous companies and products. To join, click here and select “publisher” to let CJ Affiliates know you are a blogger. The application process is relatively straight-forward, however, to become an affiliate (or publisher) you have to apply for each merchant's (advertiser) program separately. CJ makes it easy to find companies that are related to your business by allowing you to search by niche, keyword, or specific business name. When you find a company you'd like to work with, complete their application process. Some will respond instantly, some review each application manually, so it takes a few days, others will never respond. Pros: Well-known, trusted companies are part of CJ Affiliates They serve just about every niche Cons: You have to apply for each company's affiliate program separately, and some are quick tricky to get into Accounts can be cut off for low or no sales Difficult to track payouts for each advertiser 5. Your Personal Choice I know, I know. Insert eyeroll, here, right? But the fact is, the most successful way to make money from any affiliate program is to recommend products or services that are highly specific to your niche and something you use and recommend. To find these programs think about what you use to make life easier, automate tasks, make life more enjoyable, or that are must haves for people in your niche. Go to the websites of those products or services you want to recommend and scroll all the way down to the footer. If they offer a public affiliate program, there will likely be a link to click and register. (This link will often lead to a larger affiliate network, like those we've already discussed… but not always.) If there's no affiliate program available on their website, and it's a product or service you know you want to recommend, reach out to the company or entrepreneur directly and ask. Tell them you love what they do and recommend it to everyone you know. Mention you're starting a blog and would love to partner together to promote their product/service. Pros: Highly niched affiliate programs are less likely to have major competition Your audience is primed to buy these products or services, so sales are often stronger than more general products Working with smaller businesses can often lead to other business partnerships Cons: Not everyone you ask is going to be open to an affiliate relationship Private agreements can be harder to track You're responsible for your own contracts, terms, etc. Putting it All Together There are a gajillion affiliate marketing options out there, and honestly, you can't really go wrong with any of them. In fact, I suggest you join multiple affiliate programs and networks as you learn about how it works.  You will find that some merchants work with more than one network and then you can decide which network fits your goals best. 3 Final Tips: When you join an affiliate network take the time to fill in your profile completely. This will give you the best chance of being accepted to merchants you apply to and help merchants find and reach out to you. Only recommend products or services you truly find useful. Your audience needs to trust that when you tell them to invest in something, it's going to be good. Once that trust is broken, it's hard to get it back. Always disclose that you're an affiliate. This includes affiliate links you share on your blog, in emails, and on social media. Ready to take the next step? Get started with my new free mini-course, the 5-Day Content Challenge. Come up with 6 months worth of post ideas to share your affiliate links in just 20-minutes a day! Enroll for free here!

This week we have a top ten list of what is popular on Vudu, five advancements that will “fix” the smart home and the best OLED under $1,500. Plus we read your emails and go through the week's news. News: Discovery+ is Bringing an Ad-Lite Version to the U.K. and Ireland NFL Exec: Sunday Ticket Deal Isn't Done Fox to Stream Big Ten, Big East Basketball Tournaments In 4K ViacomCBS Gets a New Name: Paramount Other: Black Leather - YouTube Black Leather - Spotify Join the Neat Exchange - Social Media for Whiskey Drinkers Ara's Woodworking Join the Flaviar Whisky Club and get a free bottle Top Ten Titles on Vudu This Week Ghostbusters: Afterlife Sing 2 American Underdog Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City House of Gucci Dune King Richard Redeeming Love The Matrix Resurrections Encanto These five advancements promise to "fix" the smart home in 2022 In less than a decade, smart home tech has gone from a luxury for the rich to something relatively commonplace. Even if you can't afford high-end Sonos speakers or a wall covered in Nanoleaf panels, you can probably afford an Echo Dot or a Lenovo Smart Clock. Yet adoption hasn't been as strong as some tech companies have been hungry for. There are reasons for this, but 2022 promises to lift some of the barriers and “fix” the smart home. By the end of the year, the smart home industry could look very different, and here's why. Full article here… Best 65” OLED TV Under $1,500 (RTINGS.COM) According to RTINGS.COM the best TV under $1,500 ($1,400 at Best Buy) with an OLED panel is the LG OLED65A1PUA from 2021. The A1 is a no-frills basic TV for people who don't care about the extra features. It delivers very similar picture quality to the high-end models, with the deep, inky, uniform blacks that OLEDs are known for. Full Review… Like all OLED TVs, it has superb viewing angles, so it's a great choice if you have a wide seating arrangement. It's not quite as bright as other OLEDs, so despite its superb reflection handling, it's not as well-suited for a bright room. It runs the LG webOS platform, which is easy-to-use and has a huge selection of streaming apps. It also supports casting from your mobile device, so you can easily watch content in a matter of a few seconds. Sadly, this TV has limited gaming features, so it's best-suited for watching TV shows or movies. However, it's still excellent for casual gamers who don't care about those extra features. Also, like all OLED TVs, there's a chance of permanent burn-in, but we don't expect this to be an issue for most people. Overall, it's an excellent TV that should please most people. Mixed Usage 8.5 Movies 9.2 TV Shows  8.0 Sports 8.0 Video Games 8.7 HDR Movies 8.6 HDR Gaming 8.5 PC Monitor 8.5 PROS Near-infinite contrast ratio. Wide color gamut. Perfect black uniformity. CONS Not bright enough for small highlights to stand out. Some stutter in low frame rate content. Can't remove judder from all sources.

By now, we are all familiar with the traditional open house that occurs in our communities. It's usually Sunday afternoon from 1 – 4 PM (or 11 AM – 1 PM if the Steelers are playing that Sunday). You might stop in on your way home from brunch or church or shopping. You might get lucky and there may be only 1 or 2 people there or you might get unlucky and there might be 50 people there as you attempt to tour the home! Today, we talk about the pros and cons to having an open house if you're the seller and going to an open house if you're the buyer. my name is Lou Lombardi... now here's the real estate expert that can beat back even the surliest open house crowd... Jason Wilcox TALKING POINTS (3-5): · Introduction · SELLERS: o Pros: § Attract buyers who may not know how to start the home buying process or are just starting the home buying process § Additional exposure § Buyers don't feel pressured § Gives friends and family of buyers a chance to see the house o Cons: § Most likely not selling the house § Unqualified buyers § Nosy neighbors § Security issues/Possible theft · BUYERS: o Pros: § No or very little pressure § See houses you may otherwise not be able to see (higher price range) § Are able to make an afternoon out of it and see several houses o Cons: § Not the only ones looking § Not the same as a private tour (time-wise or with a buyer's agent) § Listing agent will be there § Timings are not flexible · Final thoughts LINKS: JASON: https://jasonwilcox.cbintouch.com/ https://www.zillow.com/profile/jasonwilcox1987/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrRksfKiMNteHKYRYrinAug?view_as=subscriber https://www.facebook.com/jason.wilcox.186 https://twitter.com/jason_wilcox1 https://www.instagram.com/jason.wilcox1/ CONTACT INFORMATION: JASON: Cell Phone: 412-651-4638 Email: jason.wilcox@pittsburghmoves.com

There are many factors to consider when choosing the right cabinetry material for your kitchen. Budget, aesthetics, cleaning requirements and durability are just a few. In this episode, Frances outlines seven different materials to consider and some of the reasons they would work well in your kitchen, or if you may need to think about something different to meet your needs. Often people resort to the products they know, rather than being aware of all that’s available and selecting a product that will really work for them and their lifestyle. This episode will arm you with information on the many options out there. Finally, Frances chats about kickers and how they can be approached in the design of your kitchen.   SHOWNOTES There are many factors to consider in terms of what you choose for your Forever Home Kitchen and how it’s going to serve you as you need it to. Durability- invest in products that are going to last Aesthetic- The type of door profile that you choose can impact the type of material you can choose for your kitchen cabinetry Door design and profile Colour Cleaning Requirements Easy to clean Budget   Types of Cabinet Materials 2pac Pros Has a hardened surface- it won’t peel There’s a wide range of colours to choose from Available in different sheen levels- matte, satin and metallic No edging as the paint wraps around the door front and sides Wraps seamlessly around the corners It is available in any door profile Tight and crisp edging Cons Can chip easily, particularly if you are using a fingerless pull Not suggested for family kitchens or those with heavy user expectations Thermal Wrap Has had a bad reputation during the nineties for peeling particularly cupboards close to heat sources. However, because of technology improvements it has also improved significantly over the years. Pros Vacuum sealed Has great durability Ideal for family kitchen as less susceptible to chipping Available in multiple array of door profiles It wraps around the door edging providing a seamless edge Cons Profile doors may not have profiles as sharp as with 2Pac Not suitable for particularly high cabinetry doors because it can warp overtime Laminate Pros Available in different finishes- natural, satin, gloss, matte, fingerprint and chemical resistant finishes, wood grain or embossed finishes Can be cost-effective depending on the finish you are choosing It is available with a matching ABS edging tape to match the door fronts It comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes Cons Unlike 2Pac and Thermal wrap, it doesn’t wrap around the door front for seamless edging. Timber Veneer A premium product that has a very thin slice of real timber on furniture grade MDF. Pros Sustainable and natural product. Cons High-end premium product - requires a higher budget for high-end kitchens It is not as durable as other materials, as it can absorb moisture Higher maintenance than other products as needs gentle cleaning Can scratch more easily than other products. Dekton Dekton by Cosentino is a product that can be used for anything. From floors to façades to benchtops and cabinetry fronts. Pros Pretty much indestructible Graffiti proof- Your kids can draw all over it Very Durable Scratch-resistant Sun resistant. Suitable for outdoors Comes in different industrial style finishes- iron, burnished metal Cons Higher price point compared to thermal wrap and laminate Glass Pros Can break up the aesthetic of solid cabinetry fronts. Appealing for those who wish to showcase cupboard contents Glass comes in various types for different looks eg, clear, frosted, fluted Cons Not great if you want to hide cupboard contents Can be expensive Requires frequent cleaning - streaking Kickers Kickers are the piece of material that runs from the bottom of the cupboard to the floor. They are generally between 100 and 150 mm high and rebated back from the cabinetry front. Different materials can create a different aesthetic and contrast to the cabinetry. Some considerations: Stainless steel, stone, thermal wrap, 2Pac or laminate Available Services: Small changes to your home’s floor plan can completely revolutionise its functionality. A ‘sanity check’ can give you incredible inspiration or confirm you’re on the right track with your new build or renovation. Book a Floor Plan Sanity Check with us and have one of our team look over your plans. Overwhelmed by the amount of decisions that need to be made when creating a stylish, functional and durable kitchen? What materials to select, what colours will co-ordinate together, what design is going to best suit the space, and your requirements. We offer kitchen design packages that include joinery design and material selections for a complete kitchen design. Click the link here to find more. If you’re thinking about renovating or building your own “Forever Home”, get in touch with Frances directly, by booking a chat with her.    Related Resources: Episode 39: Kitchen Design Essentials – Splashbacks Episode 38: Kitchen Design Essentials-Benchtop Criteria and Materials – Part 2 Episode 36: Kitchen Design Essentials – Benchtops part 1  Episode 14: Forever Home LIVE- Joinery Drawings and Why Do Them Early On Episode 30: Kitchen Design Essentials -Kitchen Design Layouts and Location Episode 32: Kitchen Design Essentials – The Builder’s Insight  How to Choose the Right Bench Top Top 5 tips for selecting benchtops-   

In this episode of Syntax, Scott and Wes talk about React State libraries, should you use them, pros, cons, and more! Sanity - Sponsor Sanity.io is a real-time headless CMS with a fully customizable Content Studio built in React. Get a Sanity powered site up and running in minutes at sanity.io/create. Get an awesome supercharged free developer plan on sanity.io/syntax. Sentry - Sponsor If you want to know what’s happening with your errors, track them with Sentry. Sentry is open-source error tracking that helps developers monitor and fix crashes in real time. Cut your time on error resolution from five hours to five minutes. It works with any language and integrates with dozens of other services. Syntax listeners can get two months for free by visiting Sentry.io and using the coupon code “tastytreat”. Show Notes 01:24 - Context Have we used? Scott: Yes Wes: Yes Pros Built into React As simple or complex as you want Cons Takes effort to optimize Takes effort to plan and organize aka can get out of hand quickly 08:49 - Redux Have we used? Scott: Yes Wes: Yes Pros Huge user base Legacy of growth and improvements Modern API Even though it’s hard to learn, it has a clear “how to build with it” path Dev tools Cons Complex Thing that calls a thing that calls a thing that calls a thing Confusion around what additional packages are needed, e.g. ducks, saga, whatever 17:08 - XState Have we used? Scott: Yes Wes: No Pros Enforces solid design patterns Very safe Awesome tooling like UI to see state machines https://xstate.js.org/viz/ Cons Knowledge overhead - having to understand state machines Complex syntax 23:26 - Zustand Have we used? Scott: Yes Wes: No Pros Fast, scalable, easy to use Simpler No context providers Cons Smaller community 2.6k stars on Github Can inform components transiently (without causing render) 27:04 - Apollo Client Have we used? Scott: Yes Wes: Yes Pros Fits in well with your GraphQL API Dev tools Cons Complex, large syntax for simple operations Dev tools SSR story is really complex. It’s hard because they aren’t also the framework. 31:35 - RXJS Have we used? Scott: No Wes: No Observable based 33:02 - React Query Have we used? Scott: No Wes: Pros Fast growing community Awesome dev tools Cons Not sure if this can be used for application state or just data 35:37 - Recoil Have we used? Scott: Yes Wes: No Pros Very good for complex, splintered state needs Cons Overly complex for most use cases 38:34 - MobX Have we used? Scott: No Wes: No Pros Big community Not just React Powerful Observable capabilities Cons Uses decorators, but doesn’t have to? 43:15 - Easy Peasy Have we used? Scott: No Wes: No Pros Simple API (easy peasy) Redux dev tools supported 45:06 - Meteor ReactiveDict / ReactiveVar Have we used? Scott: Yes Wes: No Pros Very simple Get, set Is Reactive Cons Lock-in to Meteor 46:19 - Final Thoughts On State Wes: Go for simpler solutions Scott: I think application state should be separate from application data, but maybe that’s because there isn’t a solution that does both how I want Links Svelte Meteor Syntax 206: State Machines, CSS and Animations with David K Piano Syntax 268: Potluck - Beating Procrastination × Rollup vs Webpack × Leadership × Code Planning × Styled Components × More! Zustand CodeSandbox swr ××× SIIIIICK ××× PIIIICKS ××× Scott: Becoming Bond Wes: IRWIN VISE-GRIP GrooveLock Pliers Set Shameless Plugs Scott: Modern CSS Design Systems - Sign up for the year and save 25%! Wes: All Courses - Use the coupon code ‘Syntax’ for $10 off! Tweet us your tasty treats! Scott’s Instagram LevelUpTutorials Instagram Wes’ Instagram Wes’ Twitter Wes’ Facebook Scott’s Twitter Make sure to include @SyntaxFM in your tweets

In this episode, we address pricing and how to create a reasonable pricing model for long term viability. We discuss four models of pricing and give the pros and cons for each, along with tips for transitioning and growing your functional medicine practice. This topic is a passion of ours because we often see doctors with an immense amount of knowledge, and skills who are unsure of which pricing model is right for them. This decision will shape their practice, and help them understand how to transition into private practice, create a business model that allows them to fulfill their calling, and finally translate the calling to making a quality living.   Key Takeaways: [1:25] Functional medicine requires more time spent understanding the root cause of our patient’s symptoms and creating a space for them to tell their story. Finding a business model that allows this is crucial, but so is creating a price structure where doctors can make a living. [4:13] Insurance Model: Pros — It is often what we know best and what both the practitioner and patient are most familiar with, and can keep costs generally lower for your patient... Cons — Not a lot of time with patients; doctors must hit a higher quantity of patients when using the insurance model, which means they are unable to spend time deeply understanding each patient. This often leads to practitioner burnout. [5:50] Hybrid Model: Dr. Morris would have been really nervous to move from an insurance model direct to cash, so he elected to use a Hybrid Model. The Hybrid Model provides a stepping stone for doctors transitioning from insurance to cash models in functional medicine. Pros — a great option to include insurance and create membership models to grow your patient base. This model may give doctors more time with their patients, and provides a stepping stone towards a full cash practice. Cons - Each doctor must delineate the benefits of the extra costs of membership, because patients are unlikely to pay the fee if  [8:30] Dr. Morris explains how the transition to functional medicine can often make doctors feel like they have to charge what the industry leaders are charging, even if it is a huge leap for them personally. When starting out, Dr. Morris kept his overhead low so he didn't have to charge as much and he could pass those savings on to his patients. As Dr. Morris’s reputation was growing and word of mouth referrals kept increasing he then felt ready to move to the cash model. [9:10] Cash Model: Doctors may benefit from crawling, walking, and then running, or in pricing model terms - insurance, hybrid, then cash.. Pros — Cash practice can be a little scary but it allows a doctor to spend as much time with the patient as needed. Cons — It can also be difficult to know what to charge, and to find the sweet spot where you can make a living, but your patients can also afford the extra costs that come with paying for their own supplements and labs. New functional medicine doctors could benefit from offering a discount to their industry-standard rate as they grow their patient base. [13:55] Direct to Primary Care / DPC Model: Pro — This model makes a lot of sense when you are transitioning to functional medicine. It creates a more affordable way to build your reputation and patient base.  You can charge a set fee where people can manage their own appointments and Dr. Morris believes patients really do respect communication boundaries. Cons - ? [15:35] Contracted Position: When contracted with a hospital, it is still possible to also transition into functional medicine. Pros - you already have a full patient population that you can say, hey, I would love to discuss this with you, but I don't have the allowance to do that during this visit. If you would like to see me in my functional medicine setting, you can see me there, Cons - contract positions often limit a practitioner, especially when it comes to pricing, patients, and practice decisions. To overcome this, Dr. Morris suggests creating a separate LLC or corporation that you can direct patients to, and work with a lawyer and/or accountant to make sure it’s done correctly. [20:54] Overall, Dr. Morris likes about the hybrid and cash models because they create a space where people don’t have to wait months to see you, and the people that really need your care are able to get it in a timely manner.   Quotes: “At first, there will not be a lot of patients banging down your door until you establish that reputation.”  Dr. Nathan Morris “The more time you spend, the better you are at functional medicine, the more your patients will refer their family and friends.”  Dr. Nathan Morris It’s important to understand what your needs are in creating a pricing structure, while also leaving  room for the patient to meet their needs." Dr. Nathan Morris “ It is truly a calling to be a doctor.” Dr. Nathan Morris   Mentioned: Good Medicine Pure Encapsulations PureGenomics Free 30-minute consult. Schedule Here 23andMe Ancestry.com Kara Ware, LLCLivingMatrix Membership Paperwork

In this episode Wes and Scott talk about developer education — what to look for, what to avoid, and how to be a life-long learner with good problem solving skills. Sanity.io - Sponsor Sanity.io is a real-time headless CMS with a fully customizable Content Studio built in React. Get up and running by typing npm i -g @sanity/cli && sanity init in your command line. Get an awesome supercharged free developer plan on sanity.io/syntax. The Armoury - Sponsor The Armoury is a men’s clothing and accessories retailer that provides some of the highest quality clothing you can buy. Designed for those of you who want the highest quality clothing that feels great and will last forever. Buy less, buy better. Follow them on Instagram @thearmourynyc and check out their website TheArmoury.com. Show Notes 3:59 - Our experiences Scott: Went to college - Go Blue! Worked odd jobs while self teaching Was mentored and taught more while working at my first job Self directed since then Started teaching via LUT in 2012 Wes: Went to university for Business Tech - entirely self-taught Led and created part-time HTML + CSS program at HackerYou Led and created first bootcamp at HackerYou Led and created first JS part-time at HackerYou Been offered jobs at colleges + universities 10:02 - School - $$$ Pros The best thing about school was unrestricted free time to find out what I enjoyed, which lead me to coding Co-ops can help you find what you like and what you don’t like Life skills that involve you being on your own and figuring things out more You are exposed to interesting people and ideas CS Degree work can open more career doors Professional networking Many companies wont hire you without some sort of bachelor’s degree (this might change) Cons Not everyone has the time or money to devote two to five years to school — especially to something they might not end up enjoying Potentially outdated staff and course material Wes was often asked to lead a video editing course, print design course and a web development course Lot’s of distractions 23:10 - Bootcamp - $$ Pros Very fast, lots of info, but can be a bit overwhelming You can get up-to-speed extremely quickly Focused on hire-ability and job-ready skills Focused information Personality is really the deciding factor here - lots of people do well, and some don’t Cons Hit or miss — quality of bootcamps aren’t vetted, so do your research Talk to someone who took it, find out who the instructors are You absolutely must continue learning after the bootcamp The bootcamp is just a push and you are expected to continue learning once you are done Not great for individuals that can’t handle the pace You have to quit your job 37:09 - Self-Taught - $ Pros Self-directed people will prevail here Can be drip-fed while earning money at another job Can be supplemented by a job (e.g. you are front-end and want to go full stack) Can get real world experience as a freelancer while you evolve Cons Not for everyone Can be difficult to self-motivate Hard to get help - sometimes you can be stuck for hours on a two-second fix Potentially discouraging You might go down the wrong path without guidance on what you should learn 47:11 - Part Time Programs - $ Pros Fantastic way to get up to speed with a new tech Goes at a good pace - twice a week usually Offered on weekends and evenings where you can maintain a regular job Very low risk - you can try it out Cons Might not be as fast as you like it Quality is all over the map 49:55 - Mentored Self Learning - $ Pros Best to do with a mentor on the job Mentor can help steer what to learn in your free time Good feedback and a place to ask lots of questions Cons Can’t be done without someone willing to mentor you Only as good as your mentor 52:55 - What approach would we take? Bootcamp > then immediately supplement with courses Links Notion ××× SIIIIICK ××× PIIIICKS ××× Scott: Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport Wes: American Kingpin Shameless Plugs Scott’s React Hooks For Everyone Wes’ All Courses Tweet us your tasty treats! Scott’s Instagram LevelUpTutorials Instagram Wes’ Instagram Wes’ Twitter Wes’ Facebook Scott’s Twitter Make sure to include @SyntaxFM in your tweets

Hey guys! Welcome to Module Two! Enjoy! Episode 1 - My Old Posts vs. My Recent Posts Episode 2 - Answering Your Question: How Often Should I post? Episode 3 - Answering Your Question: What Should My Posts Be About? Episode 4 - Answering Your Question: How Long Should My Posts Be? Episode 5 - Answering Your Question: Why Is Posting Consistently Important? Links From Module: https://thestripedplaid.wordpress.com/2017/01/18/a-winter-wonderland/ https://thestripedplaid.wordpress.com/2019/01/29/homebody-by-joanna-gaines-review/ https://thestripedplaid.wordpress.com/2019/01/23/playing-around-w-aesthetics/ Analyzing one of my old blog posts: Pros: -I recommended another one of my posts on my blog. Cons: -Not lengthy enough. -Didn't give people any benefit from reading my posts Blog Post Ideas List: https://thestripedplaid.wordpress.com/blog-post-ideas/ See you next week for Module 3!

Hello Listener! Thank you for listening.  If you would like to support the podcast, and keep the lights on, you can support us whenever you use Amazon through the link below: It will not cost you anything extra, and I can not see who purchased what. Or you can become a Fluffle Supporter by donating through Patreon.com at the link below: Patreon/Hare of the Rabbit What's this Patreon? Patreon is an established online platform that allows fans to provide regular financial support to creators. Patreon was created by a musician who needed a easy way for fans to support his band. What do you need? Please support Hare of the Rabbit Podcast financially by becoming a Patron. Patrons agree to a regular contribution, starting at $1 per episode. Patreon.com takes a token amount as a small processing fee, but most of your money will go directly towards supporting the Hare of the Rabbit Podcast. You can change or stop your payments at any time. You can also support by donating through PayPal.com at the link below: Hare of the Rabbit PayPal Thank you for your support, Jeff Hittinger.     Last weekend we went to see the Charlottesville Symphony perform Tchaikovsky's 5th, and it was a wonderful performance. I also spent the weekend winterizing my Chickens, Ducks, and Rabbits which is this weeks topic. I know this topic is late for many in the United States, but here in Virginia, we are just getting down to freezing temperatures at night. I hope that you all that celebrate Thanksgiving had a great Thanksgiving. On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving we planned to traveled to North Carolina, but we had two flat tires on the way. One in Lynchburgh, and a second flat about 50 miles later in Danville Virginia. Both were broken tire valve stems. We had the car towed to a Walmart, and luckily the tire center was open on Thanksgiving for a few hours, and they could make the tire repairs so that we could continue on our way. We stayed in North Carolina at a wonderful bed and breakfast called the Dailey Retreat. I highly recommend if you are looking for a bed and breakfast in Greensboro that you check out the Dailey retreat. Our host Jean was very friendly and helpful, especially with accommodating us with a challenging check in. https://www.daileyrenewalretreat.net/ The bed and breakfast was very clean, and the organic breakfasts were delicious! This is the first year that we had a Thanksgiving meal in a restaurant on Thanksgiving. I think I prefer a home cooked meal. We traveled to Greensboro, North Carolina to see a Canadian band "The Dead South" perform on Black Friday, and there performance was outstanding! And now enough about the past week or so, and on with the topic this week. Preparing rabbits for winter - Caring for your rabbits in cold weather The days are getting shorter and shorter…winter is coming! Now is the time to make your winter preparations so your rabbits can stay cozy & dry all winter long. If you own a rabbit hutch and keep your furry friends outdoors year round, when the cold temperatures and biting winds of winter come, you will have to do something to protect them. Winter time when it’s cold can be very hard on rabbits. By cold, we mean if the temperature falls below zero. Keeping your rabbits warm is important. A hutch is a fine outdoor environment for rabbits, and with a few seasonal modifications, your rabbits will not only survive but will thrive during the cold winter months. Remember, wild rabbits survive over the winter all the time, so there's no reason that your domesticated ones shouldn't as well. In the wild they would live in underground burrows where the temperature changes slightly between the summer and winter months. Raising them above ground means they are subjected to extreme temperature changes. For this reason, we need to help them stay warm and dry. Rabbits are one of the more cold resistant backyard animals, but they still need a little extra care when it dips below freezing. Although I live in Central Virginia, we usually get a few storms of icy and snowy weather in the winter. If you live in a colder area, rabbits could be a very good livestock choice for you, as bunnies are pretty easy to take care of in the cold. The one caveat is if it gets super cold, (as in ten degrees below) their ears can get frostbite. If your area gets that cold, you will need a more robust shelter or a rabbit barn for your rabbits in winter more than a basic outdoor hutch or colony. It is also absolutely essential that the rabbits have already spent the entire fall outdoors before attempting to leave them outside in the winter. The reason for this is the winter fur. Without the exposure to the changes of the seasons, rabbits will not have enough winter fur to make it through the colder season outside. In general, rabbits are better equipped to deal with the cold than the extreme summer heat. Rabbits are most comfortable with temperatures in the low- to mid-60’s. But they will usually be just fine with very little interaction from us in temperatures as low as 20°F. Rabbits, like many other animals, put on thick winter coats as cooler temperatures approach and may need extra brushing during the winter due to their thicker coats. Rabbits that are pregnant, old, and/or sick should ideally not be left outside over the winter months. Also, not every rabbit breed grows a sufficient amount of winter fur. Lionheads and other dwarf rabbits, for example, need to come indoors when the temperatures get below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, or live in a very well insulated and possibly heated large house. Sadly, some people won’t go out in the bad weather to care for their rabbits so they get neglected. Regardless of the weather, your rabbits should be cared for. Every rabbit set up is different, but we have some suggestions to get ready for winter! Here are some important things to think about before those cold and brutal days: Take Precautions Before the Onset of Winter 1. Shelter and Protection Housing can be evaluated with a few factors: ventilation, size, material, temperature, and protection. Ventilation is the process of moving air above and below the cage to decrease temperature and ammonia odor, which can be damaging to a rabbit’s respiratory system. This can be accomplished naturally or mechanically, but you must ensure that direct drafts are not imposed on the rabbits. The ideal temperature for an adult rabbit’s environment is 45–70 degrees Fahrenheit. Housing for rabbits can be maintained either inside or outside a physical structure. Outside facilities require that the rabbits be protected from the weather and predators. There are numerous materials that can be utilized to build rabbit cages; however, remember that rabbits are gnawers, meaning they will eat building materials. The material used will depend on whether you have an inside wire cage or an outside cage. The outside cage typically includes (three) plywood or pressed board (sidewalls) and roof to provide necessary protection for the rabbits. Or you may have a hanging cage rack system that is covered. Inside cages will usually be constructed from galvanized welded wire. Outside housing The list is endless to what people are doing this day and age to provide their bunnies with the most luxurious suitable accommodation. ⦁ Outhouses converted to bunny homes with outside run attached. ⦁ Hutches placed within an aviary ⦁ Dog kennels with the runs attached (these come in all shapes and sizes). ⦁ Sheds (wooden ones only) Plastic or metal ones can get too hot. ⦁ If you are using a hutch only, then make sure it is a decent size for the breed, and they will need an additional area for their exercise time. Building your own enclosure Remember the bigger the better for your bunny and for you to as it will be easier to clean out and also you will get so much more entertainment watching your rabbits skip and run at great speeds. Plywood and pine are safe woods. Most hutch roofs are made from marine plywood covered in roofing felt. Roofs with a slight slope, to prevent sitting water, will have a longer lifespan than flat roofs. Galvanized wire no bigger than 1 inch by half inch should be size of squares. Never use wiring with large squares as rats and weasels could get in or cats/foxes could injure your bunny through these gaps. Prime welded wire mesh is best. Predator proofing It is extremely important that all enclosures are made predator proof. ⦁ You need to place your rabbits accommodation on cement slabs to avoid a fox digging in or a rabbit digging out. ⦁ Make sure doors are secure with bolts at the top and bottom for extra security. ⦁ Always provide hideouts – safe places to hide when they get spooked or feel threatened ⦁ Tunnels are good for hide outs. ⦁ Place boards at the front of your enclosure to add extra privacy & to help stop your rabbit getting easily spooked. Weather proofing It is essential especially with certain types of enclosures. You need to protect them from the wind, rain and strong sunlight. Covers can be bought for standard size hutches but can be costly. Corrugated plastic sheeting is a good way to protect from rain and is excellent for roofing. Just watch the clear plastic in the summer as this could heat your enclosure up like a green house very quickly. Place sun reflectors underneath to help stop this. Use bubble wrap or plastic sheeting like builders sheets or plastic dust sheets or tarpaulin for protection from wind and rain. Attach to a piece of wood at the top and hook this to the cage to create your own little roller blind. Or by adding some wooden panels to each side of your enclosure and making them an inch wider than the enclosure allows you to have something to attach the bubble wrap or plastic sheeting to. Metal clips keep it in place very securely when it is very windy. Always leave gaps for air flow. Cover a sheet of wood, wider than the accommodation itself, with felt roofing and place on top of enclosures for added protection. Keep weighted down with bricks or slabs. Large beach mats or windbreakers are ideal for protection Venetian blinds or cane/bamboo blinds are another option. Attach bubble wrap to the inside of them in the winter for added protection Do not use fabric that can get damp as this will draw the heat out of the hutch. If large enclosures like sheds/playhouses have gaps around the top area you can stuff them with bubble wrap to stop drafts. Just make sure its out of reach of your rabbits. Location of the hutch Move your rabbit hutch to a place that is protected from the prevailing winter winds. Cold wind will freeze a rabbit far faster than the ambient temperature alone. The cage should be located in a sheltered area that affords protection from the wind, especially north winds. It should have a roof of some kind (many rabbit owners prefer roofing tin since it cannot be chewed) and, depending on the kind of shelter, will likely need protection on the sides. Wooden hutches with wire bottoms and wire fronts are great for cold weather because they offer protection on the top and three sides, though these also run the risk of being chewed by a bored rabbit. For maximum protection, a heavy canvas cover can be made for the front of the cage that will be rolled up during nice weather, but that can be put into place during wind, storms, and at night. Foremost of all considerations during cold weather is to keep your pet rabbit dry. Most breeds of rabbits have thick coats which are exceptional insulators against the weather, but if water reaches their skin they will be unable to stay warm. Keeping the animal safe from precipitation will remove the largest of these risks, but there are still others. Water dishes should be securely attached to the side of the cage so that the rabbit can not accidentally knock it over. Ideally, this dish will also be up off of the cage floor so that the rabbit does not run the risk of stepping in it. Wire-bottomed cages that will not allow waste or spilled food and water to sit within reach of the rabbit are ideal for staying clean and dry. This allows all waste to fall straight through the bars and get completely out of the cage. You may already keep your rabbits' hutch in a shed, garage or outbuilding year round, but if you do not, it is worth considering if you can do this over the winter months in order to make caring for them in the cold a little easier. Remember if you are planning to keep the hutch in a garage, that you should not use the same one that you park your car in as rabbits are extremely sensitive to the carbon monoxide and other toxins present in exhaust smoke. These hints and tips on winterizing the hutch are especially important if your rabbits will remain outside and exposed to the elements during the winter, but are also relevant when the hutch is kept inside as well. 2. Winterizing the Hutch Hutches need to be clean and dry. Rabbits can cope with the cold fairly well, but not dampness. Make sure you cover up your rabbit’s hutch at night to prevent any drafts. ⦁ A hutch can only provide protection if it's in good repair, so, if you haven't already, now is the time to make any repairs to your rabbit's home and make sure it's water tight. Start by checking the inside of your hutch for signs of water stains or damp that may indicate water is getting in. Signs of damp near the top of the hutch may indicate a problem with the roof or walls where as damp near the bottom may be an indication of water rising through the base of the hutch. ⦁ Look for gaps in the hutch walls - Check there are no gaps through which rain and wind can get in. Make sure the wood isn't damp or rotting, and reapply a rabbit-safe wood protecting coating every few years. You can also line the inside walls with newspaper. ⦁ Renew Preservative - The side walls of rabbit hutches also need to be weather proofed. The protective coating will wear and needs to be reapplied every few years - more if necessary. This will stop the damp entering the hutch and also protect the wood from rotting. To renew the stain/paint/varnish, give it a good brush with a stiff brush to remove and dirt and lose paint, sand it lightly, re-brush to remove any dust and then repaint. If you are painting over the same color you won't generally need as many coats as starting from scratch. Most water-based wood preservatives are pet safe. ⦁ Check the roofing felt of the hutch to make sure that it is watertight and in a good state of repair. Any wooden joints and planking should be dry, and show no sign of water marks of staining which might indicate that rain is seeping in from under the roof. ⦁ Make sure that all of the walls of the hutch are also in good condition, and suitably painted or varnished against the elements, as the roof is not the only area which can allow moisture and rain to penetrate your rabbits' home. Check inside and outside of the hutch carefully for any signs of water ingress, such as damp patches or tidemarks. ⦁ Damp and moisture can also enter the hutch from below, so make sure that the hutch is always raised from ground level or a sturdy base such as bricks or a table frame, in order to allow free circulation of air and avoid rising damp. ⦁ Move your rabbit hutch to a place that is protected from the prevailing winter winds. ⦁ Raise the hutch off the floor - Raise your hutch by placing bricks underneath, or by attaching long legs. This will help to prevent damp from the ground affecting the bottom of the hutch, and also stop ground frost freezing the base. It will also protect a hutch in an area that is likely to flood a little (obviously won't protect from severe flooding). Ideally rabbit hutches should be on long legs all the time to make it hard for predators to get near. ⦁ If the hutch is attached to a run, buy a waterproof cover to keep the run area dry. Use a tarp with eyelets so it can be secured in place over the hutch and run. If you don’t want to buy one, make your own by using something like plastic sheeting, tar paper or Plexiglas. ⦁ Put wind breaks up around the hutch and run. ⦁ If you have a Rabbit barn - Line your shed/barn to create a double wall and an extra layer of insulation. If your rabbits live in a shed or playhouse all the time, rather than a hutch, you can add insulation to the walls to help keeping it warm. ⦁ If your rabbits live in a shed then you can use a greenhouse heater to help keep the temperature above freezing. ⦁ Large mesh doors can be partially covered with clear Perspex or plastic, allowing your rabbit to see out and the sun to come in but preventing wind and rain from enter. Look for panels designed for greenhouses. Ventilation is still important though, so leave a gap of several inches for this. You will need to design the cover in order to provide protection from the cold and harsh winds while still ensuring that your rabbits are getting enough air. ⦁ Buy a ‘Snugglesafe Heatpad’. You warm it up in the microwave and it releases heat for a few hours, so you’ll need to reheat it a couple of times a day. ⦁ Add a low wattage heater to your shed, but make sure the rabbits can not get to the electrical cord. ⦁ Entrances should face south, away from the wind. If this is not possible, turn it around and put something in front to block the direct wind and rain Insulation ⦁ Cover the hutch on three sides with a down filled blanket. Make sure the side that is not covered has the most protection from the wind. Cover the down blanket with a waterproof tarp. Water is the next greatest threat to a rabbit in the winter. Wet fur does not insulate the rabbit and allows body heat to escape rapidly. ⦁ Put old blankets or carpets over the hutch and run, but under the tarpaulin for extra insulation. Make sure the rabbits cannot chew on these as this could result in an intestinal blockage. ⦁ Wrap the Hutches in Clear Plastic - I suggest clear plastic so that there is more sunlight coming into the hutches. Rabbits needs vitamin D just as much as we do. And they definitely will not mate without a good source of it. This can prove a challenge in early spring months. With that said, I did use tarps over many of our hutches. Just about anything can go around the hutches as long as it breaks the winter winds from coming in. Everyday lift the tarps and plastic up during the day, on one side, so that they rabbits can get extra sunlight. If your rabbits do not get enough sunlight, it can make them easily sick as well. ⦁ Stack With Straw - Your other option can be stacking straw around your hutches, but this can get pricey. Straw insulates as well as breaks the wind. Many people prefer this as it is the warmest option. In order for it to work properly, the straw needs to go on the outside of the hutch, otherwise the rabbits will burrow into it and rearrange it for you. ⦁ Use some cheap carpet samples for the rabbits to lay or sit on (make sure the edges aren’t fraying). Keep an eye on the samples to make sure the rabbits are not chewing on them. Nesting ⦁ Add extra straw to the hutch, especially in the area where the rabbits bed. Extra straw is another added layer of insulation for your pets. Straw is only $6 or so per bale. It's not that expensive to add extra if necessary. Because straw is an insulator, your rabbits can arrange it in their hutches the way they wish, and they will burrow into it to keep warm. Change this straw every other day to prevent moisture from building up in the sleeping area. Bedding needs to be warm and dry. Change it as frequently as you can. Cedar and pine shavings are not safe to use for bedding. The aromatic oils can be toxic to rabbits, raising their liver enzymes, and can cause death. Although the studies on this used un-kilned chips, so use caution and your discretion. Straw is safe and warmer than hay but will mold quickly so it must be changed often as moldy bedding can make your rabbit sick. Aspen bedding is a very good choice. Always use extra bedding in the the winter so your rabbit can have a place to burrow in and keep warm. ⦁ If the rabbits don't already have a nesting box, this is a perfect time to add one. Make sure that the rabbit has a nesting box available that is not much larger than the rabbit’s body size. This could be as simple as a shoe box with and entry cut into one side. The box can be lined with straw to provide greater warmth. If the box is too large, it will allow too much room for cold air to get in around the rabbit, especially to its less-protected feet. The box should allow for comfortable entrance and exit, with just enough space for the rabbit to turn around inside it. The rabbit’s body should fit snugly within the nesting materials when it curls up to sleep. This will allow the rabbit a warmer refuge during cold nights or windy days when bitter winds can easily come up through a wire bottom and freeze its feet. If your rabbit urinates in the sleeping area, get a litter tray which fits inside the cardboard box, this will help by making it easier for you to clean out and it’ll make the box last longer. Warning ⦁ Word of caution regarding cardboard box for rabbit to sleep in. I have seen rabbits nibble at the box and tear it apart so that the bedding was too thin to keep them warm. So if it is colder, it is possible for the rabbit to freeze to death during the night. Cold weather can be deadly for any animal, but with just a few precautions and a rabbit’s naturally well-insulated body, the animal can live warm and comfortable in even the coldest climates. We have never once lost a rabbit to the cold or winter months, and I feel like that's something to take pride in. However, it happens. Even to the best rabbit breeders and keepers. Sometimes, winter is just incredibly mean, and there could be other health issues that you were not aware of with your rabbit. Don't beat yourself up too much—just continue to strive for better! Rabbits survive in the wild further north than most other animals, but your pet rabbit relies on you to give it the advantages that allow their wild cousins to live throughout the year. 3. Water Supply RABBITS DRINK MORE WATER IN COLD WEATHER THAN IN HOT. BURNING CALORIES TO KEEP WARM CAUSES THEM TO DEHYDRATE. So be sure to check the water supply frequently. The rabbit's body is made up of 50 to 75 percent water. Water forms the basis of blood and digestive fluids, and is contained in tissue, fat and bones. The rabbit's body can’t store extra water, and needs a fresh supply every day to make up for losses from the lungs, skin, urine and feces. Water is vital for most bodily functions, including: ⦁ Maintaining the health and integrity of every cell in the body. ⦁ Helping eliminate the byproducts of the body’s metabolism, such as electrolytes and urea. ⦁ Moistening mucous membranes, such as those of the lungs and mouth. ⦁ Lubricating and cushioning joints. ⦁ Aiding in digestion and preventing fecal impaction. ⦁ Carrying nutrients and oxygen to cells. ⦁ Keeping the bloodstream fluid enough to flow through blood vessels. ⦁ Serving as a shock absorber inside the eyes, spinal cord and in the amniotic sac surrounding the fetus in pregnancy. Rabbits cannot endure water deprivation for more then 24 hours (even less during hot weather) without serious health consequences. Simply put, rabbits must have access to fresh, clean water at all times in order to thrive. Rabbits should be given pure water to drink, from the same source as you'd use for drinking water. Water in Winter The biggest concern for rabbits in cold weather is keeping their water liquid. It can be difficult to keep your rabbit supplied with water in freezing temperatures. Especially in the cold, it does not take rabbits long to suffer severe dehydration and they must have access to water at all times. While most rabbit owners prefer water bottles with a ball-activated tube so that rabbits always have clean water to drink, these can be hazardous during the winter. The thin metal tube freezes much faster than the water in the bottle, so caretakers may believe that their rabbit still has drinkable water when the tube is frozen solid. Most people choose to carry out warm water twice a day to their rabbits. ⦁ A plain dish, or a dish that uses a 20-ounce or 1-liter plastic bottle for its supply, is preferable. The wider mouth of these bottles does not freeze as easily. If heated dishes that the rabbit can not chew are available, the water can be kept from freezing altogether. ⦁ Place a water dish in a sheltered area inside the cage, enough above the floor to keep it from being stepped in or spilled. Fill the water every day and check it several times during the day, especially in very cold weather. The heat from the rabbit’s body inside a well-sheltered cage can often be sufficient to keep the water from freezing, or will slow the rate of freezing. ⦁ Putting your water supply near a light bulb is sometimes a sufficient low cost solution ⦁ I have an automatic watering system made of PVC pipe which we wrap with insulating foam. The problem is that the brass fittings in the waterer itself freezes. There is nothing worse than broken pipes. After a few years of mistakes, I have found that it was safer to turn the water supply off all together when temps are expected in the 20's and below. In the evening, I go out with several gallons of warm water and fill the reservoir and turn the water back on during warm winter day. One easy way of keeping water lines in an automatic watering system is by using a heating coil which one would usually use to keep pipes thawed. If you are running your water from a main water tank, you might also be able to use a bubbler for an aquarium or a small aquarium or pond heater. This year I plan to run a pump through the water lines back to the reservoir with a heater in the reservoir. ⦁ Invest in a thermal water bottle cover. This will keep the water in the bottle warm longer, so the rabbits will have more time to drink it. Check the water at least twice a day and fill it with room temp water. DIY by wrapping the bottle up with bubble wrap and an old sock or using insulators designed for wine bottles. ⦁ I am not fancy enough to have heated water bottles, so when we shut down the auto water system, or it froze, we must check on our rabbits twice a day to switch out water. Before the auto system, we used water bottles, but the metal spout on water bottles freezes too quickly, so in the winter months we exchange our bottles for crocks. In the event that they freeze, the rabbits can still lick the ice. I would change the water in the morning and evening — they must be changed twice a day in order for your rabbits to remain healthy. ⦁ I have found it easier to fill a bucket up with all the frozen crocks, swap them with fresh unfrozen crocks, and put the bucket with frozen crocks inside to let the crocks thaw. I highly suggest using plastic or metal crocks. Ceramic ones can crack and break easily. ⦁ Crocks stay unfrozen longer than water bottles because the spout on the water bottle freezes quickly. Also, the rabbits can lick the ice in the crock if they really need to. ⦁ If you use bottles then it's helpful to have a spare bottle(s) so you can leave one inside whilst the ice defrosts and use the spare, it's much easier that trying to chop the ice out. The plastic bottles tend to become brittle in the cold and are more likely to crack or shatter, so it's handy to have a back up too. ⦁ If you get caught unprepared, large tuna cans will work. Just make sure to crimp or smooth down any rough edges. ⦁ Heated Pet Bowl - This bowl is heated to prevent water freezing, but will require an electricity connection and you'll need to hide the wire in trunking to prevent chewing. Do NOT underestimate how important it is to water your rabbits twice a day when it is icy. Dehydration can kill your rabbits extremely quickly. 4. Feed in Winter Keep in mind that outdoor rabbits may need more food during the winter months; they use more energy heating themselves so need to take in more energy through their food. Rabbits need more calories to keep up their weight in the winter. You may also want to keep an eye on their body condition to make sure they don’t gain weight. Rabbits in winter can get fat and then have trouble getting pregnant come springtime! The best way to manage this is to monitor your rabbits weight, to see if they are maintaining a healthy body weight. Any changes in diet need to happen slowly. As always, be careful with the treats because sudden changes in diet can kill your rabbit. Offer one new item at a time and slowly increase the amount. It’s a good idea to start around early fall to be ready for winter. ⦁ Feed needs to available at all times. Hay and feed should be slightly increased as they will need the extra calories in the winter to maintain their body weight. Black Oil Sunflower Seeds Black Oil Sunflower Seeds are a treat for rabbits. Black oil sunflower seeds are high energy foods. You can sprinkle them on top of their regular food, or increase their ratio if you mix your own feed. We want it to be a "treat", rather than a "meal", because if they were to feed on too much every day, they would be extremely over-weight. Black oil sunflower seeds causes your rabbit to gain fat in their body. While this is bad for mating, this is wonderful insulation for their body in the winter months. Consider giving them a few extra handfuls of Black oil sunflower seeds each month to help them gain a little weight to keep warm. Rolled Oats Rolled oats are a high energy food. You can sprinkle them on top of their regular food, or increase their ratio if you mix your own feed. Add ACV to their Water Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) will help keep their bodies alkaline and healthy in the cold months. Make sure you use organic ACV with the Mother. In fact, it's a great way to keep them healthy all of the time. I find that we tend to give it to them more in the winter, however. The measurement should be 1 tbs. to a gallon of water. Or you can just top off each crock or bottle with a few drops. This doesn't need to be an everyday ritual, but can be done several times a week. 5. If you find that you have a litter in the winter months... Many good rabbit mamas will tend very well to her babies, as long as she has the proper tools. Make sure you are feeding her plenty of food, because not only is she trying to keep her body warm, she is also going to eat more while pregnant and nursing. Given a good amount of straw, she will do just fine. But make sure you are giving her straw every few days as necessary, as she will build and re-build her nest as her babies grow. If you have good mothers they should pull plenty of fur to keep the babies warm even if it’s below freezing. The greatest danger is to newborn kits. Keep a close eye on any does who are due and make sure she pulls plenty of fur and gets all the babies into the nest box. If you find cold ones you may be able to resuscitate them if you start soon enough. 6. Exercise Rabbits still need exercise in winter so allow them to have a run around, or let them have a short time in the garden but make sure they don't get wet. Your rabbits will still need to stretch their legs and run about during the colder months, so try to allow for this during the warmer times of the day rather than early mornings and evenings. If your rabbits get very wet, dry them with a towel and let them warm up naturally indoors (do not put them by a heater which they can't move away from). Do as much insulating of their run as possible so they can still go in it, and try and move it somewhere where it will get some winter sunshine. Avoid trips into the house in the winter. Bunnies can handle the cold, but they can’t handle extreme and sudden changes in temperature. A cold basement might be the exception to that. 7. Hibernation Rabbits don't hibernate, If you rabbits become lethargic and limp, they are too cold. Get them inside a warmer space immediately and get their body temperature back up, and take it to the vet. If a rabbit is inactive and doesn’t eat, you know it’s an emergency! Closing Do a health check up on your rabbits at least daily over the winter. Be sure to check them for any signs of coughing, obstructed breathing or mucus discharge around the eyes or nose. Rabbits can get colds and will need to be treated. It doesn’t take long to give your rabbits a quick health check. Obviously, don’t let your rabbit get wet, that’s a great way to end up with a sick or dead rabbit. Outdoor bunnies rely on their owners to keep them safe in all kinds of weather. They are silent creatures and can't bark or ask you for help so please keep a close eye on your rabbits. Any changes or anything you may be worried about, phone your vet. With just a little extra care you should be able to keep your rabbits comfy all winter. I can’t say the same for your hands when breaking the ice out of their crocks though! This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. https://www.saveafluff.co.uk/rabbit-info/winter-care-for-rabbits http://www.therabbithouse.com/outdoor/rabbitwinter.asp https://www.motherearthnews.com/homesteading-and-livestock/preparing-rabbits-for-winter-zbcz1601 https://farmingmybackyard.com/winter-rabbit-care/ http://www.crossroadsrabbitry.com/winter-care-tips-for-your-rabbit/ https://bunnyapproved.com/winter-bunnies-how-to-protect-rabbits-from-the-cold/ http://blog.rabbitholehay.com/winterizing-your-rabbit-hutch-for-winter https://www.thecapecoop.com/getting-rabbits-ready-for-winter/ https://www.cuteness.com/article/keep-rabbits-warm-winter-rabbit-hutch https://pethelpful.com/rabbits/Tips-for-Keeping-Pet-Rabbits-Outdoors-in-Cold-Weather https://www.pets4homes.co.uk/pet-advice/caring-for-your-rabbits-during-the-winter.html https://barbibrownsbunnies.com/winter/ https://www.raisingrabbitsformeat.com/preparing-rabbits-for-winter/ Word of the Week - Receipt Brer Fox Catches Old Man Tarrypin A Georgia Folktale retold by S. E. Schlosser Well now, Brer Rabbit had made friends with Old Man Tarrypin, a big turtle that lived in the pond near his house. Brer Rabbit and Old Man Tarrypin liked to pull tricks on Brer Fox, and that rascally fellow got pretty mad about it. Since he couldn't catch Brer Rabbit nohow, Brer Fox decided that he'd get even with Old Man Tarrypin instead. He started walking beside the pond every day, hoping to find the turtle out of the water. One morning, as he was taking his daily stroll, Brer Fox saw Old Man Tarrypin sitting right in the center of the road. The old turtle looked hot and bothered about something. He kept shaking his head back and forth and he was panting like he was out of breath. "Howdy, Brer Tarrypin," said Brer Fox, stopping beside the old turtle. "What's the matter wid you?" "I was a-strolling in the field beside my pond when the farmer came along and set it on fire," Old Man Tarrypin gasped. "I had to run and run, but that ol' fire was faster than me, so I curled up in my shell while it passed right over me! My shell is hotter than the noon-day sun, and I think I done singed my tail!" "Let me have a look," said Brer Fox. So Old Man Tarrypin uncurled his tail and poked it out of his shell. Immediately, Brer Fox grabbed him by the tail and swung him right off the ground. "I gotcha now, Brer Tarrypin," cried Brer Fox. "You ain't gonna bother me no more!" Well, Old Man Tarrypin begged and begged Brer Fox not to drown him. He'd rather go back into the fire in the field on account of he'd kind of gotten used to being burned. Brer Fox swung the poor old turtle back and forth by his tail, trying to decide what to do. Putting Old Man Tarrypin into the fire was a tempting idea, but then he remembered how the old turtle had curled up into his shell so the fire couldn't touch him. Brer Fox frowned. Fire was no good, then. Brer Fox decided to drown Old Man Tarrypin instead. He tucked the turtle under his arm and carried him down to the springhouse by the pond. "Please, oh please don't drown me," Old Man Tarrypin begged. "I ain't making no promises," Brer Fox retorted. "You've played too many tricks on me, Brer Tarrypin." Brer Fox thrust him into the water and began bouncing him up and down. "Oh, I is drowning," shouted Old Man Tarrypin when his head bounced out of the water. "Don't let go of my tail, Brer Fox or I'll be drowned for sure!" "That's the idea, Brer Tarrypin," Brer Fox yelled back and let go of his tail. Immediately Old Man Tarrypin splashed down and down into the water and thumped onto the mud on the bottom, kerplicky-splat. That's when Brer Fox remembered that Old Man Tarrypin lived in the pond, and there was never any fear of him drowning, nohow! He could hear him laughing from the bottom of the pond: "I-dare-ya-ta- come-down-'ere". Brer Fox jumped up and down in fury. Old Man Tarrypin had escaped him! From the other side of the pond, Brer Bull Frog called out: "Knee-deep! Knee-deep!" Brer Fox glared at the pond, and then looked back at Brer Bull Frog. "It's only knee-deep?" he asked suspiciously. "Knee-deep, knee-deep!" Brer Bull Frog said again. All the little frogs joined in the chorus then. "Better-believe-it! Better-believe-it!" Well, thought Brer Fox, if it was only knee deep, then he'd have no trouble catching Old Man Tarrypin. "Wade-in, wade-in!" croaked Brer Bull Frog. "Knee-deep, knee-deep!" agreed all the little frogs. Brer Fox didn't much like water, but he really wanted to catch Old Man Tarrypin. He approached the edge of the pond cautiously. From underneath the water, Old Man Tarrypin laughed at him, and his words bubbled up to Brer Fox: "I-dare-ya-ta- come-down-'ere! I-dare-ya-ta- come-down-'ere." Well. That did it. Brer Fox ran right up to the edge of the pond. Leaning over, he looked into the water and saw another fox staring at him. "Dat's-your-brother! Dat's-your-brother," Brer Bull Frog told Brer Fox. Brer Fox was thrilled. He didn't know he had a brother. Now that there were two foxes, catching Old Man Tarrypin would be a cinch! Brer Fox leaned down to shake hands with his new-found brother, and toppled right down into the deep water of the pond. All of the frogs laughed and laughed at the trick they had played on Brer Fox, and Old Man Tarrypin started swimming up from the bottom of the pond, his red eyes fixed on Brer Fox's tail. Brer Fox knew that the old turtle wanted to pull him down under that water and drown him, so he learned to swim mighty quick! With much splashing and squirming and kicking, Brer Fox made it to the edge of the pond, where he jumped out and ran away as fast as he could, while Brer Bull Frog laughed and the little frogs shouted with glee. The last thing he heard as he rounded the corner was the voice of Old Man Tarrypin calling: "I-dare-ya-ta- come-down-'ere". Brer Fox never messed with Old Man Tarrypin again. http://americanfolklore.net/folklore/2010/07/brer_fox_catches_old_man_tarry.html BOSS - Black Oil Sunflower Seeds Sunflower, Helianthus, is only one of many plants that rabbits find attractive. The rabbits will eat every part of sunflowers, including the seeds and flowers. https://www.hunker.com/13406359/natural-remedy-to-keep-rabbits-from-eating-sunflowers Helianthus or sunflower (/ˌhiːliˈænθəs/)[2] is a genus of plants comprising about 70 species.[3][4] Except for three species in South America, all Helianthus species are native to North America. The common name, "sunflower", typically refers to the popular annual species Helianthus annuus, or the common sunflower, whose round flower heads in combination with the ligules look like the sun.[5] This and other species, notably Jerusalem artichoke (H. tuberosus), are cultivated in temperate regions and some tropical regions as food crops for humans, cattle, and poultry, and as ornamental plants.[6] Perennial sunflower species are not as popular for gardens due to their tendency to spread rapidly and become invasive. The whorled sunflower, H. verticillatus, was listed as an endangered species in 2014 when the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued a final rule protecting it under the Endangered Species Act. The primary threats are industrial forestry and pine plantations in Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee. They grow to 1.8 m (6 ft) and are primarily found in woodlands, adjacent to creeks and moist, prairie-like areas.[7] Contents 1 Description 2 Production 3 Diversity 4 Gallery 5 References 6 External links 7 See also Description Close-up of a sunflower Close-up of a sunflower The disk of a sunflower is made up of many little flowers. The ray flowers here are dried up. A field of sunflowers in North Carolina Sunflowers are usually tall annual or perennial plants that in some species can grow to a height of 300 cm (120 in) or more. They bear one or more wide, terminal capitula (flower heads), with bright yellow ray florets at the outside and yellow or maroon (also known as a brown/red) disc florets inside. Several ornamental cultivars of H. annuus have red-colored ray florets; all of them stem from a single original mutant.[8] During growth, sunflowers tilt during the day to face the sun, but stop once they begin blooming. This tracking of the sun in young sunflower heads is called heliotropism. By the time they are mature, sunflowers generally face east.[9] The rough and hairy stem is branched in the upper part in wild plants, but is usually unbranched in domesticated cultivars. The petiolate leaves are dentate and often sticky. The lower leaves are opposite, ovate, or often heart-shaped. They are distinguished technically by the fact that the ray florets (when present) are sterile, and by the presence on the disk flowers of a pappus that is of two awn-like scales that are caducous (that is, easily detached and falling at maturity). Some species also have additional shorter scales in the pappus, and one species lacks a pappus entirely. Another technical feature that distinguishes the genus more reliably, but requires a microscope to see, is the presence of a prominent, multicellular appendage at the apex of the style. Sunflowers are especially well known for their symmetry based on Fibonacci numbers and the golden angle.[citation needed] Quite a bit of variability is seen among the perennial species that make up the bulk of those in the genus. Some have most or all of the large leaves in a rosette at the base of the plant and produce a flowering stem that has leaves that are reduced in size. Most of the perennials have disk flowers that are entirely yellow, but a few have disk flowers with reddish lobes. One species, H. radula, lacks ray flowers altogether. Helianthus species are used as food plants by the larvae of many lepidopterans. The seeds of H. annuus are used as human food. Production Ukraine and Russia were top sunflower producers of the world in 2017. They contributed half of the sunflower seed production globally, which is approximately 23 MMT altogether.[10] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helianthus Rabbits love black oil sunflower seeds (BOSS). They are a great winter tonic! I only feed BOSS to my rabbits in the cooler months, as it is a high calorie, high fat, “hot” feed. So it keeps them warm and shiny, great for a dry winter coat. This helps by putting the oil back into their coats. I am talking about the black oil sunflower seeds, not the striped seeds. The striped seeds have thicker, tougher hulls. Black oil seeds have thinner shells and are more nutritious. Black oil sunflower seeds contain high levels of protein are rich in vitamin E, linoleic acid and provide a good source of fiber. Rabbits benefit from this snack seed as a high source of energy during cold temperatures. I do not recommend using BOSS during the heat of the summer (June, July, and August here in Maine, it may be longer in your area). I feel that if fed during hot weather it will make them shed more and could cause gut troubles by hair blockage. But if you have a rabbit that is stuck in a molt, then this is a great additive to add to your rabbits diet. By adding the extra calories and protein this will get them to blow their coat and get in new growth. If rabbits are overfed BOSS or fed to often this can also trigger a molt so feed in moderation. This is used as a tonic not a feed! Her are the general nutritional components of black oil sunflower seeds, I also listed some of the benefits of each next to the item 28 percent fat – Fat in a rabbits diet functions as an energy source, aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K). It also adds luster and gloss to the fur and helps slow shedding. 25 percent fiber – This helps provide the bulk and forage requirements for a rabbit and also promoting a healthy gut. 15 percent protein – Protein is need for the growth, disease resistance, milk production, general health and reproduction. Calcium – Calcium plays a key role in bodily processes, such as heart function, muscle contraction, coagulation, and electrolyte levels in the blood. But you do not want excess calcium in a rabbits diet as this can cause urinary tract problems. B vitamins- A rabbit produces its own b vitamin by bacteria in the hind-gut of the rabbit, their requirements are fulfilled through caecotrophy. So B is not very important to a domestic rabbit. Iron- Vitamin E – helps to remove toxins out of your rabbit’s body this helps to maintain the immune system. Potassium- Rabbit need this when they’re sick as they lose potassium through watery feces. Feeding rabbits BOSS- Rabbits should only be fed BOSS as condition mix or tonic treat, 6 seeds per a rabbit top dressed in the feed hopper or crock is enough! DO NOT OVERFEED! You do not want fat lazy rabbits. Feed with the hulls on this is a good added fiber for the rabbits digestive track. Some show breeders feed BOSS as a daily conditioner one week before a show. I do not think you should add them to a bulk bag of feed because you will not be able to control the amount of BOSS each of your rabbits consumes. Black oil sunflower seeds are not a complete source of nutrition for your rabbit, offering only a few necessary nutrients your rabbit needs. These should only be offered as part of a rabbit’s diet, not the sole source of nutrition. Vitamins A and E are vulnerable to poor or prolonged storage in feeds. Both of these vitamins are needed for the willingness and ability of rabbits to breed. Instead of increasing the pellets, I suggest feeding about a tablespoon of black oil sunflower seeds for Vitamin E and a good handful of dark leafy greens (dandelions, plantain, raspberry,and Kale are fine) for Vitamin A. If the rabbits have never had greens, start with just a couple of leaves and work up to more to help with those unwilling does. One of the things I like about the BOSS is that even rabbits who are “off their feed” will nibble at them. When I got my first Angoras many years ago I tried adding BOSS to their diet and the results could be noticed by coat growth and quality, I can only assume it is from more protein-rich foods. Coat growth in Angoras or any wool breed uses a lot of protein to keep the fiber growing having a little extra to burn is making their fiber thick, dense, and soft. PROS- They are packed with nutrition, amino acids, and calories, so they are a great supplement for almost any rabbit to one degree or another. They do help with shiny coats also. The side benefit is the volunteer sunflowers that sprout. I grew some out this summer (Will be growing a plot of the in 2013) and saved the seed heads, then pulled the plant and gave it to the rabbits as a green treat in the cages. They would not only eat the leaves, but they would gnaw the stems until it was all gone! CONS- Not to many, but possibly too high in protein and calories, which could cause heat issues during summer months. If fed too much too often maybe some weight gain, and molting problems. I believe the positives of BOSS out weight the negatives. Definitely feed with shells as they add necessary fiber and are easy to chew through for rabbits. Black oil sunflower seeds often stimulate your rabbit to gain weight due to their high fat content. This extra body weight helps rabbits maintain their body temperature in the winter, fall, and spring months. Your rabbit may not need to maintain as much body heat in the summer months, so consider cutting back the amount of black oil sunflower seeds your rabbit consumes during those months. https://riseandshinerabbitry.com/2012/11/25/feeding-rabbits-black-oil-sunflower-seeds/   Arthritis due to Bacterial Infection in Rabbits Septic Arthritis in Rabbits Arthritis is the general medical term for inflamed joints. Septic arthritis, on the other hand, is a condition that occurs when bacteria infects one or more of the rabbit’s joints. There is no age, breed, or gender predisposition for septic arthritis in rabbits. Symptoms and Types Sluggish behavior Lameness Anorexia Joint pain and swelling Warmth emanating from the joints Decreased range of motion Signs of infection (e.g., urinary tract infection or dental disease) Causes Pyogenic bacteria causes septic arthritis. There are many types of pyogenic bacteria, including staphylococci, pasteurella, and anaerobic bacteria (which can survive without oxygen). These bacteria may lead to an infection in the body and can also migrate to the joints, where they cause septic arthritis. There are some characteristics that may put an animal at higher risk for developing septic arthritis. These include long-term (chronic) cases of bacterial infection, traumatic injuries to the joints, and immunosuppressive disorders (immune system does not function properly). Some other sources of infection may include dental disease, an infection of the upper respiratory tract, or a wound. Diagnosis A rabbit with a history of upper respiratory tract infection, dental disease, or previous traumatic wound – such as bite wound – may suggest septic arthritis. If septic arthritis is suspected, a number of tests can be done by the veterinarian. An analysis of fluid taken from around the joints (synovial fluid analysis) may reveal characteristics of septic arthritis, such as an increased volume of fluid or the presence of bacteria. These fluid samples are submitted for testing so the type of bacterium may be pinpointed and treated accordingly. Alternate tests include X-rays and a urine analysis. Treatment When treating the rabbits, it is essential to treat the primary cause in order to cure septic arthritis. In most cases, antibiotics are prescribed to fight the infectious agent, although sometimes surgery is required. Living and Management There are a few things you can do to make your rabbit more comfortable and improve its condition. Soft bedding, for instance, can help increase the time of recovery from surgery. And activity should be restricted until the pet's symptoms have resolved. It is also essential to ensure that the rabbit is eating throughout recovery; offer fresh foods such as moist greens and good-quality grass hay. If the veterinarian prescribes medication, follow the instructions carefully. In particular, antibiotics are generally administered long-term. There is also a danger of residual degenerative joint disease -- a chronic condition that causes the cartilage surrounding the joints to deteriorate – as a result of septic arthritis. Prevention Because of the many causes which lead to septic arthritis in rabbits, listing all the preventative measures would be impossible. However, it would be wise to keep the rabbit safe and away from potentially dangerous situations to avoid wounds; also, clean its cage regularly. https://www.petmd.com/rabbit/conditions/musculoskeletal/c_rb_arthritis_septic   © Copyrighted

When you give only after you're asked, you've waited too long. – John Mason First, learn to bag Place a towel roll under the scapulae to align oral, pharyngeal, and tracheal axes: Karsli C. Can J Anesth. 2015. Use airway adjuncts such as the oropharyngeal airway or a nasal trumpet. Use the two-hand ventilation technique whenever possible:   (See Adventures in RSI for more)     Supraglottic Airways: for difficult bag-valve-mask ventilation or a difficult airway (details in audio) LMA Classic Pros: Best studied; sizes for all ages Cons: Cannot intubate through aperture   LMA Supreme Pros: Better ergonomics with updated design; bite bloc; port for decompression Cons: Cannot pass appropriate-sized ETT through tube   King Laryngeal Tube Pros: Little training needed; high success rate; single inflation port Cons: Flexion of tube can impede ventilation or cause leaks; only sized down to 12 kg (not for infants and most toddlers)   Air-Q Pros: Easy to place; can intubate through aperture Cons: Not for neonates less than 4 kg   iGel Pros: Molds more accurately to supraglottis; no need to inflate; good seal pressures Cons: Cannot intubate through (without fiberoscopy)   Summary • If you can bag the patient, you're winning. • If you have difficulty bagging, or anticipate or encounter a difficult airway, then don't forget your friend the supraglottic airway (SGA). • Ego is the enemy of safety: SGAs are simple, fast, and reliable. • Just do it.   References Ahn EJ et al. Comparative Efficacy of the Air-Q Intubating Laryngeal Airway during General Anesthesia in Pediatric Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Biomed Res Int. 2016;2016:6406391. Black AE, Flynn PE, Smith HL, Thomas ML, Wilkinson KA; Association of Pediatric Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland. Development of a guideline for the management of the unanticipated difficult airway in pediatric practice. Paediatr Anaesth. 2015 Apr;25(4):346-62. Byars DV et al. Comparison of direct laryngoscopy to Pediatric King LT-D in simulated airways. Pediatr Emerg Care. 2012 Aug;28(8):750-2.  Carlson JN, Mayrose J, Wang HE. How much force is required to dislodge an alternate airway? Prehosp Emerg Care. 2010 Jan-Mar;14(1):31-5. Diggs LA, Yusuf JE, De Leo G. An update on out-of-hospital airway management practices in the United States. Resuscitation. 2014 Jul;85(7):885-92. Ehrlich PF et al. Endotracheal intubations in rural pediatric trauma patients. J Pediatr Surg. 2004 Sep;39(9):1376-80. Hernandez MR, Klock PA Jr, Ovassapian A. Evolution of the extraglottic airway: a review of its history, applications, and practical tips for success. Anesth Analg. 2012 Feb;114(2):349-68.  Huang AS, Hajduk J, Jagannathan N. Advances in supraglottic airway devices for the management of difficult airways in children. Expert Rev Med Devices. 2016;13(2):157-69. Jagannathan N, Wong DT. Successful tracheal intubation through an intubating laryngeal airway in pediatric patients with airway hemorrhage. J Emerg Med. 2011 Oct;41(4):369-73.  Jagannathan N et al. Elective use of supraglottic airway devices for primary airway management in children with difficult airways. Br J Anaesth. 2014 Apr;112(4):742-8. Jagannathan N, Ramsey MA, White MC, Sohn L. An update on newer pediatric supraglottic airways with recommendations for clinical use. Paediatr Anaesth. 2015 Apr;25(4):334-45. Karsli C. Managing the challenging pediatric airway: Continuing Professional Development. Can J Anaesth. 2015 Sep;62(9):1000-16. Luce V et al. Supraglottic Airway Devices vs Tracheal Intubation in Children: A Quantitative Meta-Analysis of Respiratory Complications. Paediatr Anaesth 24 (10), 1088-1098. Nicholson A et al. Supraglottic airway devices versus tracheal intubation for airway management during general anaesthesia in obese patients. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013 Sep 9;(9):CD010105. Ostermayer DG, Gausche-Hill M. Supraglottic airways: the history and current state of prehospital airway adjuncts. Prehosp Emerg Care. 2014 Jan-Mar;18(1):106-15.  Rosenberg MB, Phero JC, Becker DE. Essentials of airway management, oxygenation, and ventilation: part 2: advanced airway devices: supraglottic airways. Anesth Prog. 2014 Fall;61(3):113-8.  Schmölzer GM, Agarwal M, Kamlin CO, Davis PG. Supraglottic airway devices during neonatal resuscitation: an historical perspective, systematic review and meta-analysis of available clinical trials. Resuscitation. 2013 Jun;84(6):722-30. Sinha R, Chandralekha, Ray BR. Evaluation of air-Q™ intubating laryngeal airway as a conduit for tracheal intubation in infants--a pilot study. Paediatr Anaesth. 2012 Feb;22(2):156-60. Timmermann A. Supraglottic airways in difficult airway management: successes, failures, use and misuse. Anaesthesia. 2011 Dec;66 Suppl 2:45-56. Timmermann A, Bergner UA, Russo SG. Laryngeal mask airway indications: new frontiers for second-generation supraglottic airways. Curr Opin Anaesthesiol. 2015 Dec;28(6):717-26.   Supraglottic Airway on WikEM   This post and podcast are dedicated to Tim Leeuwenburg, MBBS FRACGP FACRRM DRANZCOG DipANAES and Rich Levitan, MD, FACEP for keeping our minds and our patients' airways -- open.  You make us better doctors.  Thank you. Powered by #FOAMed — Tim Horeczko, MD, MSCR, FACEP, FAAP Pediatric; Emergency Medicine; Pediatric Emergency Medicine; Podcast; Pediatric Podcast; Emergency Medicine Podcast; Horeczko; Harbor-UCLA; Presentation Skills; #FOAMed #FOAMped #MedEd