Tag Archives: Father Knows Best

Happy World Turtle Day!

May 23 is World Turtle Day. The American Tortoise Rescue was the driving force behind creating World Turtle Day, the first of which was held in 2000. They picked a day in May because this is a happening month for turtles: they have mates to find and nests to build. I love turtles. I think they’re fascinating. It’s really amazing I don’t have a turtle for a pet. (Well, when I was about six or so, my dad did bring home a turtle for me. I lost it in about half an hour. We let it roam in the backyard, … Continue reading →

Turtle Health and Handling

If you’ve got your tank ready… it’s time to pick out a turtle! The best time to buy a turtle is in the late spring and summer months. The rest of the year is hibernation time for turtles — so those you see in pet stores may be stressed during the fall, winter, and early spring. How to pick out a healthy turtle: Pick up the turtle — support the body in your hands. It should feel weighty, not like an empty shell. Gently tug on a back leg. The turtle should strongly pull his leg away. Look at the … Continue reading →

Preparing Your Turtle Tank

Planning to keep your turtle indoors? Here are some tips to help you prepare your turtle tank. Make sure the tank capacity is forty gallons or more. Think of forty gallons as your minimum size. Your turtle will need a land area and a water area. Your turtle will need a sun lamp and basking spot. Try to place the tank in a room where the lighting does not change often. In general, the tank should be a kept at around 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and around 70 degrees Fahrenheit at night — however, specific temperature requirements will … Continue reading →

Different Kinds of Box Turtles

There are several different species of box turtle available in the pet trade. Four species come from North America: the eastern box turtle, the three-toed box turtle, the Gulf Coast box turtle, and the ornate box turtle. Chinese box turtles and Malayan box turtles are imported for the U.S. turtle trade. American Box Turtles American box turtles are partially aquatic — they spend most of their time on dry land within range of shallow, fresh water. All four of the American box turtle species are usually wild-caught. Box turtles are relatively easy to find throughout the eastern, central, and southwestern … Continue reading →

Turtle Care Basics

Generally speaking, turtles aren’t complicated to care for. However, they do need more than just a tank and an occasional feeding! Properly cared for turtles can live for decades — so keep in mind that the tiny terrapin you take home today may be with you for a long time to come. Whether you keep your turtle inside or outside, he needs enough room to live in. His living space needs to have light and shade, moisture, clean water, and a basking lamp — remember that turtles are reptiles and rely on external temperatures to regulate their internal temperatures. Turtles … Continue reading →

Reptile Basics

Before you make a decision about adding a reptile to your family, be sure you know whether or not reptiles are allowed where you live! Many areas have laws pertaining to dangerous reptiles, including constricting snakes and venomous snakes. Pick a captive bred reptile whenever possible. Wild reptiles that have been tamed are not as used to human handling as captive bred reptiles are. At the pet store or breeder, be sure you pick out a healthy reptile. Look for a reptile with clear, alert eyes and no visible sores or lesions. Make sure your reptile seems to be generally … Continue reading →

Legendary TV Mom Dies

On of TV’s favorite moms has died. Jane Wyatt, described by many as “the lovely and serene actress” who for six years starred on the popular show “Father Knows Best” died in her sleep on Friday, her son Christopher Ward told reporters yesterday. She was 96. According to Wyatt’s publicist, the actress died of natural causes at her Bel-Air home. Wyatt’s son added that his mother had experienced health problems since suffering a stroke at 85, but her mind was sharp until her death. I will always remember Wyatt as Robert Young’s TV wife, Margaret Anderson, on “Father Knows Best,” … Continue reading →

Celebrity Marriages – Lessons We Can Learn – Part II

We were discussing what we can learn from celebrity marriages earlier. We discussed some power couples that broke up and some that stayed together. Why a couple works or doesn’t is a complex issue that can not always be defined by fault or by pointing blame in one direction or another. More often s not, marriages do not work because there is blame on both sides. So what else can we learn from celebrity marriages? Arnold Schwarzeneggar and Maria Shriver Politics and glamour are part of life, but they do not have to be the bedrock of a marriage. A … Continue reading →