Reddit mentions: The best horse feeding & watering supplies

Sturdy step stool ($40) - not the rickety tubular kitchen chair ones, I mean one where you can stand on the top. a Buy it for Life item, not inexpensive, but safe. https://www.amazon.com/Louisville-Ladder-AS3002-6966014-2-Foot/dp/B00182TWL2

Leatherman multi tool (around $50), which i keep in the junk bowl because I can never find a screwdriver fast enough. Pricey new, less expensive when you buy it second hand or in a pawn shop. they don't really break, but you do have to clean and oil them once a year. https://www.amazon.com/LEATHERMAN-Wingman-Multitool-Stainless-Steel/dp/B005DI0XM4/

Cordless drill (under $50), mine basically has the screw driver bit in it 90% of the time. the rest of the time I drill lots of pilot holes. pay attention to the battery... if you can get one with a battery that is shared by other tools in the line, then it is easily replaceable and if you buy another tool in that line you can swap batteries. I like to have 1 battery in the charger and one in the device. https://www.amazon.com/BLACK-DECKER-Cordless-Driver-BDCDD12C/dp/B0111N8L7I/

Spirit, bubble or torpedo level. (under $10) the Hanging kit usually contains just the wires and hooks, but you need a small spirit level for hanging pictures and shelves evenly. doesn't matter the brand they all work the same https://www.amazon.com/WilFiks-Leveling-Resistant-Different-Visibility/dp/B07M62GJYP/

Small tool boxes vary in quality. I don't know if this is for you or someone else. But don't buy anything unless it's a NAME BRAND, cheap metal tools bend and can break with too much torque. Even the Stanley line that Walmart sells isn't fabulous, but it's better than a nameless brand. I don't like SETS of tools, but you need to start someplace, buy GOOD tools one at a time, I love finding $$$ tools at thrift stores. https://www.amazon.com/STANLEY-94-248-Piece-Homeowners-Tool/dp/B000UHMITE/(i bought a cheap socket set 4 years ago to replace my stolen ones and they already have rust)

Bucket organizer. (around $15) If you buy a SET of tools, take the plastic blow molded container and put it in the recycling. You will never bother putting the tools back in and when you get more tools they won't fit. Bucket Organizers are pockets that fit around a 5 gallon bucket. You shove your tools into the pockets and everything else in the middle. And keep it in the bottom of your closet and carry it to where you need the tools. https://www.amazon.com/Bucket-Boss-10030-Bucketeer-BTO/dp/B00GK4TOWK

Tack Hammer. (under $15) You won't need a big 22 oz hammer, but a smaller 16 oz one with a normal handled and then a Tack hammer, these have a narrow head and sometimes are magnetic and hold the nail in place. Tack hammers are easier to use for hanging things exactly where you want them. https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-54-304-5-Ounce-Magnetic-Hammer/dp/B00002X1XD

Stud finder.(under $20) uses a battery, and lets you know where the studs are behind drywall. BEST PURCHASE EVER. https://www.amazon.com/Upgraded-Stud-Finder-Wall-Detector/dp/B07VLDTVFQ/ any brand will work fine.

Digital Infared Thermometer (under $20) Non-contact Digital Laser Infrared Thermometer Temperature Gun - ALSO BEST PURCHASE EVER... works in the kitchen for food and oven temp, fridge temp, and for locating drafts and cold spots around doors and windows. https://www.amazon.com/Etekcity-Lasergrip-1080-Non-Contact-Thermometer/dp/B00DMI632G

Toilet Plunger - the sort with the extra bit on the end. https://www.amazon.com/Get-Bats-Out-Plunger-Bathroom/dp/B00ODD5MD0 you do NOT want to be waiting around for someone to unblock your toilet. It may be disgusting but scoop out some of what's in the toilet before you start plunging, it's less disgusting than having to mop it off the floor. You want the plunger that makes a seal around the bottom.

BUCKET. (under $10) mine is constantly in use, i keep it in the tub and toss wet things into it. I have gone through EVERY TYPE on offer...I was so sick of plastic buckets, that warped and stained, where the handles ripped out. But the BEST and cheapest one I have ever found is a flat back duraflex bucket for watering horses. Not kidding. Made of a hard polyethylene these things are designed to be flung around and stepped on by 2000 lb animals. https://www.amazon.com/LITTLE-GIANT-Flat-Back-Dura-Flex-Plastic/dp/B000HHLHPS/ these are cheap if you buy them in a feed store, but even with the shipping on Amazon it is WELL WORTH the money. You will need a bucket when you empty the back of the toilet tank to change the flushing flapper or gasket, and you will need it when you empty the commode itself, if you have to change out the wax seal underneath.

Blanket hangers. (6 for $27) yeah this is obscure, but when I moved I lost a LOT of storage space. These saved my sanity. I use them to hang up quilts and sleeping bags in the back of the closet OFF SEASON. I also use them to hang blankets, sheets curtains and stuff once they come out of the laundry aren't quite dry. I didn't even know there was such a thing before now I wouldn't give them up. https://www.amazon.com/Stock-Your-Home-Comforter-Organization/dp/B00EUG51JU

Flashlight. ($30-50) I've written about these before. Until I bought a GOOD one, I had no idea how bad the others were. Cheap flashlights are great to have scattered about in the cellar, or in the junk drawer. but if you really want TO SEE, get a great flashlight. I gifted myself one for christmas one year and I love it. It hangs by the door and if I am going to be out very late or the weather is bad, I shove it in my bag. It will also illuminate Well past the end of the porch and into the yard if I hear a noise. https://www.amazon.com/Pelican-Carded-SabreLite-Flashlight-Yellow/dp/B01CKAIYV4 any very good brand will do, but I found Maglites to be dangerously useless.

I am really excited that you found this subreddit, over the last 3-4 months it has nearly doubled in size and content. We have some great moderators that care and put time into making this reddit interesting and active. We treat everyone very nice, and give one another constructive criticism to improve the life our pets. We are very active in making sure all member have their set ups correct for their 8 legged furry friends. This brings me to my point, one the Team_Coco_13 has already pointed out. We need to talk about your tank set up.

The type of substrate you are using needs to be replaced. There are a few different types you can use. For most of mine I use this in all but 3 or 4 of my terrariums. There are a couple reason for using this. It is soft for falls which is important for large tarantulas like G. rosea. Tarantulas, especially large ones like G. rosea can really hurt themselves by falling from the top of the enclosure. A lot of the bark pieces are very sharp and could easily puncture a large T's abdomen, almost definitely causing death.

You also need waaaay more substrate in the tank. It should have not more then 2.5 the DLS (diagonal leg span) of the the spider tall. With a spider that big, I am guessing the substrate should be about 6 inches from the top of the enclosure. This is also to prevent damage from a fall which is the primary concern with large terrestrial tarantulas.

Welcome to this subreddit, we grow daily in our knowledge and numbers and are welcoming to all. Thanks for sharing your pictures and I hope to see the new and improved terrarium ASAP. Good luck with your little buddy. If you have any more, post pics of them so we can get all your terrariums in tip top shape!

Sounds like you're well along the path to becoming a crazy chicken lady--welcome aboard :)

Honestly, you don't need most of the stuff on your list. Chickens need an off-the-ground roost in a predator-proof space to sleep, access to water and food, a safe place to lay eggs, and that's about it. Feel free to go crazy with extra perches in the run, toys, mirrors, swings, etc. but don't feel like they are necessary. My chickens have far more fun digging through a big leaf pile than any other amusement I've devised.

Your chickens may have issues learning to use the treadle feeder. Mine have yet to manage it, so I changed to using a hanging feeder for the rodent resistance.

Sand as litter is controversial, with some bloggers claiming it's the best and easiest and others claiming it's unhealthful. You probably want to switch to what's sold in the USA as "builder's sand" rather than "play sand". It's coarser and much cheaper, and less likely to cause respiratory distress.

On constructing a dust bath: I'd only recommend this if they don't have access to dirt in their run. I meticulously created a beautiful dust bath in a sawed-off wine barrel, with the so-called perfect mix of sand and dirt, but my hens literally never used it. They preferred to dig their own dust baths in their run's litter or in my yard.

One optional addition is Storey's Guide to Raising Chickens; I'm not sure how much overlap there is with the book you already have, but Storey's is excellent.

I'd also consider buying nest pads, though you can just use wood shavings.

I personally find sweet PDZ to be helpful, and if you're using sand as litter (I use deep litter) you'll probably find it even more so. It absorbs ammonia, odors, and moisture.

I don't have experience with building or buying cabinet to hide litter box, though you may do some googling around with diy searches for your specific box.

I do have experience with two other options of concealing litter boxes which I thought I would share based on past experience with old apartment, and recent experience with new apartment. They may be helpful if you don't mind switching.

Top entry box hidden in a hallway closet: https://www.overstock.com/Pet-Supplies/Clevercat-Innovations-Top-Entry-Litter-Box/6423254/product.html?

This one minimized litter being kicked out. This option was great solution in old apartment which I had extra space to keep the box in a spare hallway closet. It can also be kept in a utility closet with a door cracked open as it takes up minimal space. I threw in motion sense lights in the closet so my cat could see to more easily navigate getting around.

The option I use now in my living room is a covered litter box which looks like a plant: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000MPR2GI/ and I bought a tub to go inside of it so I could easily dispose of used litter: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000BD5DRQ/

I didn't want a cabinet because to make it look acceptable in the room, it'd need to be a side table and honestly I didn't want to smell cat s*** while sitting on the couch. This plant litter box is nice looking and it's easy enough to spray paint it another color. So far, so far with it. My cat hasn't even knocked off the fake plant on top.

It does an ok job of containing the smell. A good litter will help and so will cleaning daily. It does even look good in my living room and you wouldn't pick out that it's a cat litter box. I face the opening towards the wall so you "litter"ally cannot see the litter or entry opening.

Good luck with whatever you choose to do. It's no fun having an exposed kitty box out in the human living space so I hope you figure something out!

Wow! Thank you so much for this guide! I will definitely keep referring back to it as I set them up.

I am not sure of their genders or reproductive status, so I will be asking the last owners. They literally just put the bunnies in this cage on their porch and said free rabbits to good home, so I have no idea. They definitely seem bonded.

I’m buying one of these for their hay, so they always have access to it. I’ll order some pellets while I’m at it.


Would one of these suffice for litter?

I’m so lucky to already have an exotic animal vet, one that does cater to rabbits, in my area. I’ve taken my snakes there before.

I just want to give these babies as good a home as I can, especially since I don’t think they were treated well at the last place. I gave them hay, fresh water, a small carrot, and some collard greens when I got home with them a couple of hours ago, and they have not stopped eating since. I’m not sure if this is just rabbit behavior or not. Either way, they’re much happier now!

The sponge in the nozzle is a good solution! You have to change it out every once in a while because it will get clogged up with stuff. When I had my betta in his Spec he would mostly lay by the intake slots that shredded his fins and I struggled to find a good solution to the flow problem too. I think as long as he has areas he can go where he doesn't have to fight to swim then he'll be fine. I decided to just get my guy a 10 gallon with a Aquaclear 20 so he would have more space and wouldn't shred his fins/fight the current. The ten gallon is as long as the Spec, just a bit deeper, so I had enough space on my counter to replace it.

You could get or make a feeding ring if he's having trouble chasing down his food. I haven't made one before but I bet any sort of plastic ring secured to the side with a binder clip or something would work!

I think it's awesome how much you're doing for your old guy. Is your spec the new one or the older version? The newer ones have a better light on them and can grow a wider variety of plants. If you're looking for easy plants though I think you got some good ones. Java ferns, Java moss and Anubias'. Did you bury the java fern in the substrate? Java ferns need to have their rhizome out of the water (same with Anubias') so I would suggest tying it to some other decoration or a rock with some sewing thread.

Cupcake, you didn't "hit a nerve". You're hitting a buffet. People like you make me so happy about the choices I make and glad I'm not, literally, eating myself to death and value my health. You're enormous, huge, gigantic, disgusting. You're a cloven hooved, cow eyed, barnyard bovine. You should add "Livestock feedbag" to your Amazon "wish list". Lol I'll make it easy for you:

http://www.amazon.com/Outfitters-Supply-Classic-Leather-Feedbag/dp/B00M8F8ZTS/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1451160143&sr=8-9&keywords=feedbag

It's specially designed to allow you to breath while you're inhaling the enormous amounts of food you're ingesting. Lol

You can also add a Scootie to your "wish list":

http://www.amazon.com/Shoprider-Scootie-Wheel-Compact-Scooter/dp/B000O5G47O/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1451160479&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=Scootie+puff+motorized+chair

Kaytee Rollin' the Hay Dispenser, Colors May Vary https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006G7TCU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_DvIKDb46Z38HA

I got my four pigs two of these and they love them. I don’t have mine on the stands, I let my pigs literally roll them around. In my mind it keeps them interested and foraging instead of just gulping down hay like it’s their last meal. They’re super inexpensive and to clean just soak in some mild soapy water and let dry. Been about a year and so far so good!

Truman was having a really hard time getting enough hay from the feeder the rescue recommended. We found this bag feeder on Amazon and it’s worked out really well! Truman happily munches away throughout the day and night.

Tough 1 Miniature Canvas Hay Pouch, Purple https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002HOI75M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_oK.JDb7GV8MX3

Try making your haybox less deep and with a higher lip, so it's at face level for them but they don't have room to sit in it.

Alternatively, you can get something like this but mine just pulled the hay out of it and threw it everywhere.

I also like this kind of hayrack.

As an aside (cause this is a lovely idea!) if you can find one of the heavier duty more rubber like buckets, I always feel more secure with one of them. Filling it up when the boat is moving actually puts a lot of force on them. I'll try and find a link to illustrate the type I mean.

Edit: one like this. You might be able to find something a bit more cost effective, but these things are indestructible.

Our rabbits have this thing. You just stuff the ball full of hay, hang it from the side of their cage or fence, and they get to pick hay out of it and spin it around. You can also remove the mounting bracket and let them roll the ball around the floor, but keep in mind it will leave bits of hay everywhere they roll it, so it means more floor cleaning for you.

Oreo and Donut seem to have a lot of fun with it, and packing it full of hay lasts about one full day between the two of them.

Good news!

Extra large bale bag

And another one here

https://www.amazon.ca/Kaytee-Rabbit-Rollin-Hay-Holder/dp/B0006G7TCU this is what it looks like it hangs on the side of her cage.

You can buy special sinking pellets meant for bottom feeders, they are big so the betta probably wont go after them. Amazon sells a feeding ring you could train him to eat from in order to distract him from his tankmate's food.

I actually got one of these :

It has a float and is never empty !!! http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004SRAU56/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Agreed.


http://www.amazon.com/Decker-Manufacturing-D-1055-Calf-Weaner/dp/B000KL50VI

Most feed stores should have something. Conveniently, there are several in Ramona, if you happen to pass through there on the way to the desert.

Alternatively, NAPA auto parts usually sells a galvanized oil change pan.

Either way, probably $8 or less

Amazon link, for reference: MILLER CO Galvanized Pan, 13 quart https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FJX8C8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Qxd0Ab0YJJYGG

Edit: forgot to address the zinc issue. The talk about zinc gassing is in relation to welding galvanized metals. The melting point of steel (~1300°C) and the vapor point of zinc (~950°C) are fairly close. Both of these are much higher than the temperature that wood burns at (~300-500°C)

I found that grain

You can use a floating feeding ring, it suction cups onto the side and floats on surface of the water.

https://www.amazon.com/LITTLE-GIANT-Miller-Galvanized-Quart/dp/B000FJX8C8

You could scale this idea up using a bigger galvanized pan.

You can put a price on not spilling food everywhere and that price is approximately $13.50.

http://www.amazon.com/TrailMax-Mesh-Horse-Feed-Bag/dp/B0032CN0XM

It's breathable too!

You need to get her off the sand... it might make her happier and improve her appetite, although Rose Hair's are notorious for going on hunger strikes. I'd put her on one of these two:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002AQDYA/

http://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-Earth-Brick-Pack/dp/B001F998AS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1372339917&sr=8-2&keywords=zoomed+eco+earth

edit: removed a bad suggestion. The two good suggestions remain. Carry on.

Thanks for your message.


One night before he died I gave them some hay like this for the first time ever so I doubt that it could kill a pig in one day. Other than that, the same food as always...

I use to just throw the hay on the bottom of the cage because I found it useless to even use a manger. But now that I have fleece on my trays, it makes cleanup impossible since the hay just sticks to the fleece. So I use a green wire manger. I found that it doesn't help much though if hay isn't packed in. So I have to fill it once or twice a day.

I have been thinking of making a box, and having a mesh on top similar to this, but of course a lot smaller with a topping like chicken wire. I was thinking that can sit on top of it and pull hay out, and it wouldn't get all over as much. The only thing that has kept me from doing this though, is that I don't want them to break their legs or get stuck or any other bad things with the chicken wire. :/