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Large Branching: The body is covered with feathers, which make up from 4 to 9% of the weight of the chicken, depending on the age and sex of the individual. The feathers insulate the body of the chicken, making a regulated body temperature possible. They grow in definite areas of the skin called feather tracts. The typical parts of a body feather are the quill, which is continuous with the shaft throughout the length of the feather; the barbs, branching from the shaft; the barbules, branching from the barbs; and the barbicles, branching from the barbules. Feathers are replaced or molted in a regular sequence. At the end of the laying period, hens undergo an extensive molt.
Whipsnakes need plenty of room, but may be housed with others of their kind. Use large reptile cage (see Part IV). Cover cage bottom with thick layer of pea gravel. If snake is to be kept longer than two weeks, place a thick layer of sand over the gravel at one end of cage. Place large section of grassy sod on sand in one corner. Scatter large rocks over each other on remainder of sand. For climbing species, provide large, heavy, branching limb along one side of cage and across corner. Warmth is essential when snake is maintained outside its natural range, but guard against too much direct sunlight.
If one is lucky enough to have a spare room in the house which can be turned over to the pet, a potted shrub or a large branching limb set in one corner furnishes the pet with many hours of exercise and adventure. Many-branched limbs are essential as the different-sized twigs provide exercise for the feet of birds. |
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