Consumer Q's for 3/20/08
Contact: Teresa Jenkins
(404) 656-3645
1-800-282-5852
CONSUMER Q’s
Prepared by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, Office of Public Affairs Tommy Irvin, Commissioner
Call Consumer Q’s Hotline at 1-800-282-5852Consumer Alert/Recall: Commissioner Discourages Giving Animals as Easter Presents
Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tommy Irvin is urging parents to think twice before giving animals to children this Easter.
“Chickens and ducks generally do not make good pets for children, especially considering a child’s susceptibility to germs,” says Commissioner Irvin. The birds often carry harmful Salmonella bacteria, and each spring some children become sick after receiving an Easter chick or duckling.
Parents should also note that chicks and ducklings often die at a very early age or can grow to have completely different temperaments than when they were young. Aggression can increase as the birds mature, and the habits of some birds, such as the crowing of a rooster, can prove frustrating to both neighbors as well as owners.
Rabbits can make good pets, but those thinking about purchasing one should do some research first. Rabbits are not “low-care” alternatives to cats or dogs. They need special care and have special veterinary needs. They are not low-care animals.
Many people are disappointed that rabbits rarely conform to the cuddly stereotype seen on greeting cards. Rabbits feel frightened when picked up and may kick, struggle, scratch or bite. They instinctively react to sudden changes and may run away or try to bite when approached too quickly and too loudly. For these reasons, many children, especially young children, may find it difficult to interact with a rabbit and lose interest.
“Local animal shelters and animal rescue groups must deal with the cost and the heartbreak of caring for, trying to find homes for and, sadly, sometimes having to euthanize these animals after the holiday is over,” says Irvin.
“Although animals may be a surprising and enjoyable Easter gift, they should not be purchased on a whim,” concludes Irvin. “Pets should only be bought after careful consideration.”
More information about the possible health risks associated with chicks and ducklings can be found on the Center for Disease Control’s website at http://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/easter_chicks.htm. For more information about rabbits visit http://www.rabbit.org/ and http://www.makeminechocolate.org/.
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Hands On
ADMINISTRATIVE VOLUNTEERS FOR THE HANDS ON
The Hands On Atlanta Disaster Volunteer Center needs volunteer staff to assist with dispatching workers to areas of need. Volunteer Dispatchers will be assigned to one of the following tasks: Data Entry, Volunteer Intake, Safety Training, Phone Bank, Volunteer assignments. Please call the center at 404-979-2835 if you can help there.
Volunteers are needed for the following shifts on Wednesday, March 19 – Saturday, March 22
Morning: 7:30am – 12:30pm
Afternoon: 12noon – 5:00pm
VOLUNTEERS WHO WANT TO WORK OUT IN THE COMMUNITY:
Volunteers are needed to assist with repairs and general clean-up in communities affected by last week’s tornado. To volunteer, you must report to the Hands On Atlanta Disaster Volunteer Center to receive your assignment. The Disaster center will be open Wednesday, March 19 – Saturday, March 22 from 8:00am – 3:00pm.
ADDRESS OF THE HANDS ON
Suite 100
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What should I look for when buying Vidalia® onions?
A fresh Vidalia® onion has a light golden-brown bulb and white interior. Its shape is rounded on the bottom and somewhat flat on the top or stem end. Look for firm onions that are not decayed or blemished. There should be no sprouts attached and the skins should be dry. The real key to enjoying your Vidalia® onions is storing them properly at home. They should be kept cool, dry and separate. You can place them on a screen or wire rack as long as they don't touch one another. The storage method most people use is the legs of pantyhose. The onions are placed individually in the legs and a knot is tied between each onion to keep them separate.
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I have pink azaleas in my front yard and I would like to add about four more pink ones to the side. How can I be sure that the azaleas I buy will be pink?
If you want to make sure the azaleas you buy are pink, wait until the nursery stock has started to bloom. There will still be time to plant the flowering shrubs and you'll know exactly what color you've bought.
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If you have questions or problems with products or services regulated by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, you may write the Office of Public Affairs, Room 224, 19 Martin Luther King Drive, Atlanta 30334 or 404/656-3645 (metro Atlanta) or 1-800-282-5852 (state wide).
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