Aroma Pets

Researchers are feeding chickens cannabis instead of antibiotics

Organic birds fetch twice the price.

An organic farm in northern Thailand has been feeding chickens cannabis for over a year now in a bid to keep the birds off antibiotics, Business Insider reported. The method seems to be working so far. 

Excessive usage of antibiotics is a problem that has plagued the poultry industry for many decades. Estimates suggest that 70 percent of the antibiotics approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for poultry are already in use on farms today. This disproportionate use of antibiotics has given rise to antibiotic resistance that not only affects the birds but also has an impact on humans.

Awareness about antibiotic usage has pushed up demand for organically grown poultry, but there is also a need to identify ways to keep the birds disease-free while ensuring that they deliver high yields. While research in the field has been focusing on probiotics, immunostimulants, nanoparticles, and plant-based growth promoters, a team of researchers may have found a simple and effective solution in cannabis.

Cannabis keeps poultry disease-free

In January 2021, researchers at the Department of Aquatic and Animal Sciences at Chiang Mai University began a unique experiment of using cannabis instead of antibiotics in the feed used on a farm. Crushed cannabis is added to the feed and water that the birds consume, while antibiotics and medicines used in conventional poultry rearing have been withdrawn. 

However, the researchers do not know exactly why the mortality rates in cannabis-fed birds are similar to those in antibiotic-fed birds during a regular season. Fewer than 10 percent of the 1,000 birds have died due to a disease, which is comparable to antibiotic-fed poultry. 

Chompunut Lumsangkul, an assistant professor at the Department, told Insider that it is likely that cannabis contains bioactive compounds, i.e., substances that promote better metabolic activity in the birds, boosting their immune systems. However, the researchers haven't tested the survival of the birds against a disease like bird flu or other severe diseases that the birds fall prey to. 

The antibiotic-free tag of these birds has also been fetching a better price for the farmers. Lumsangkul said that Thai consumers are aware of the increasing demand for chickens and how farmers are using antibiotics to meet it. Some customers, however, are looking for a safe product and are paying twice the rate of a regular chicken since it is antibiotic-free. The chicken meat, dubbed "GanjaChicken" is reportedly tender and tastes better. 

Can you get high if you eat GanjaChicken? 

The Thai government only recently legalized the sale of cannabis products and has set the limit of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active ingredient that gives cannabis users a high at 0.2 percent.

During the course of their research, the team fed the chickens as much as 0.4 percent of THC to see the impact. The birds showed normal behavior, even though the researchers did not rule out that the chickens were feeling high, Insider reported. 

With regards to the question, if one can get high by eating GanjaChicken, the answer is no. The THC is metabolized in the chicken's body before it is slaughtered, so even if you were to consume its meat, there are no traces of THC left that your body can process. 

The research is still in a pilot stage, and we are far away from feeding poultry cannabis to keep them healthy and strong.  

Reference: Health: By Ameya Paleja 

‘The best approach' to get rid of carpet beetles in your home - ‘very few insects survive'

Carpet beetles are not commonly spoken about, but it's highly likely you have these critters in your home. They can be very hard to spot, though they are most commonly known to hide in cracks and crevices in floorboards, carpets, furniture, clothing, and other textiles. Whether or not they're causing serious damage to carpeted flooring, measures need to be put in place to eliminate them before they become a problem.

Thankfully, it's not essential to call for professional help. In most cases, these pests can be removed naturally using cleaning appliances and household ingredients that already exist in kitchen cupboards.

Timothy Best, Terminx technical manager, explained that it is "very common" for homes to be invaded by carpet beetles.

He said: "A carpet beetle is just a common name, and often a misnomer, in my opinion.

"These insects belong to the family Dermestidae, which also includes other pests such as the larder beetle.

"Carpet beetles can appear in any home regardless of floor covering. Homes with hardwood, or say tile, are just as susceptible to this pest as homes with carpets.

"So, regardless of floor covering, carpet beetles are very common in many homes."

‘The best approach' to get rid of carpet beetles in your home - ‘very few insects survive'

With that in mind, just because they are common doesn't mean it's normal to have lots of carpet beetles in your home.

Timothy noted that the issue can be resolved by vacuuming.

He said: "The best approach to managing these pests is to keep a tidy home.

"Regular and thorough vacuuming of floors (regardless of covering), carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture will ensure that homeowners are removing potential food sources."

Once you've done the floors, vacuum all the furniture and even the curtains.

Jordan Foster, pest expert at Fantastic Pest Control, urges to "vacuum every part of your upholstered furniture (sofas, armchairs, etc) that cannot be machine washed, making sure to use the appropriate attachments to reach the hard-to-reach areas."

In order to completely remove these pests Jerry Miller of Miller Pests & Termite, recommends vacuuming "daily for at least a week."

According to the British Pest Control Association, "it is the larvae from eggs that do the damage".

They said: "They feed on feathers, fur, hair, or wool and tend to wander along the pipes from roofs into airing cupboards - which house the clothes and blankets which constitute the food."

Many people will solve the problem with vacuuming, however, if the carpet beetle infestation is more serious, homeowners will need to take more drastic measures to get rid of them.

Jordan recommends using boric acid for its sheer lethal effectiveness.

 GETTY Carpet beetles are household critters which bury themselves in the soft furnishings and floors of homes

He said: "Very few insects can survive contact with boric acid.

"You can sprinkle boric acid liberally on your carpet and vacuum it up after two or three hours to kill beetles, larvae, and eggs."

For this method, add one tbsp of boric acid to two cups of hot water to a spray bottle and stir until the powder fully dissolves.

Then spritz the curtains, upholstery, skirting boards, and dark nooks where carpet beetle larvae choose to hang out.

The trouble with boric acid is it's strong stuff, so you'll want to keep pets and kids well out of reach of the treated area for several hours after application.

Those who have got large numbers of these insects, they likely will need more food than your carpet can provide.

EXPRESS When pests are most active

So, chances are they've already made their way into furniture and inside closets.

Therefore, Jordan advises that all fabrics be washed in hot soapy water.

He said: "All machine-washable fabrics should be soaked in hot, soapy water, including clothing, towels, bedding, cushion covers, and curtains.

"These items should be machine washed on the highest temperature setting with a good laundry detergent."

If you can see larvae in jumpers, and if there already are holes - sadly, you'll just have to toss this item of clothing, and any others that have been munched on.

It's better to sacrifice them than having even more items ruined. 

UK spiders you're likely to find in your home and garden

UK spiders will often enter our homes in search of somewhere warm to shelter, especially in autumn and winter. From Buzzing Spiders to Cupboard Spiders, you may spot these creepy crawlies in corners around the home and garden.

Most British spiders found in UK homes are harmless to humans, but lots of people are scared of them nonetheless. Whether it's in the corner of our living room, in the bath or hanging quietly from the ceiling, these are the most common UK spiders you're likely to spot. Take a look at the ones you may spot...

1. Daddy Long Legs or Cellar Spiders

photonewman - Getty Images Long legs spider

One of the most common UK spiders is the Daddy Long Leg. Commonly also known as Cellar Spiders, the thin, spindly spiders have extremely long legs and are often found in corners of the home, particularly during late summer. During the day, this species will stay incredibly still, however, when they are disturbed, they will vibrate on their web to scare away any attackers.

2. False Widow Spider

 Steve_Hardiman - Getty Images A single false widow spider (male)

While these UK spiders aren't usually dangerous to humans, if they get caught in your clothing they might give you a little nip on the skin. These bites don't cause much irritation, but it's always advised to head to your local GP if irritation continues over a prolonged period of time. Most False Widows are a brownish colour with white markings on their back. When the weather cools down, you may notice the eight-legged creatures coming into your home to keep warm.

3. Giant House Spider

 CBCK-Christine - Getty Images common house spider on the floor in a home

The Giant House Spider is one of the fastest spiders around, and can impressively run up to half a metre per second. It can be identified by its large, brown body and will commonly be found in UK homes during autumn. Places to spot them include behind the fireplace, in the bath or under the sofa.

4. Cupboard Spider

 JK21 - Getty Images UK spiders – Cupboard spider

Cupboard spiders got their name because they have adapted to living in our cupboards. They are also known as dark comb-footed spiders. This spider lives in the UK but also abroad where, in places home to more venomous spiders, is often mistaken for the notorious black widow.

5. Lace Web Spider

 

Jacqueline kelsall - Shutterstock Lace weaver spider

The Lace Web Spider is usually around four to 15mm long and can be spotted living in the holes of walls and bark. These are very common and widespread around the UK, so don't be surprised if you find them around your home during autumn and winter, particularly after it has rained. Their web is made from a fine silk (which is where their name comes from) and has a wooly texture.

6. Zebra Spider

 ErikKarits - Getty Images Portrait of a Jumping Spider (Salticus scenicus)

The Zebra Spider — or the Jumping Spider — can be identified by its black and white body. This species may be smaller in size compared to others, but they can move very fast (especially when they feel they are being attacked). During April and October is when you are most likely to see this spider.

7. Cardinal Spider

 Saurav Karki - Getty Images Cardinal Spider, Scientific name Tegenaria Parietina sitting on its web, web in focus shot from the side

One of the largest spiders in the UK is the Cardinal Spider or the Tegenaria parietina— which can grow up to 14cm in size. You'll be able to spot this species by its reddish brown body and find it living mostly in walls of buildings. They're not prone to bite humans, but have been known to react with a bite if they feel threatened.

Cardinal spiders can survive for months without food and got their name from a 14th Century legend claiming that Cardinal Wolsey saw one in Hampton Court and was scared of it.

8. Money Spider

 Shutterstock Money spider close-up

The Money Spider is a family of very small spiders, which are also often known as Sheet Weavers. They are often spotted close to ground level on garden plants, in long grass or around plant pots outside. Around five millimetres in length, they are small compared to others found in the home. You'll be able to identify the spider by its glossy brown body.

9. Orb Weaver Spider

 Powerfocusfotografie - Getty Images Spider on web

Orb weaver spiders are found between July and October, making webs in gardens around the country (and helping to keep the flies out). They are eight millimetres long and get their name from the large orb-shaped web they spin.

10. Buzzing spider

 

Ines Carrara - Getty Images UK spiders – Buzzing spider

Buzzing spiders get their name thanks to the male behaviour of vibrating on leaves to attract mates.

In the UK, these spiders are predominantly found in the South and prefer to hide in shrubbery and in trees as opposed to on the ground, where they feel more vulnerable.

11. Cave spider

 Ian_Redding - Getty Images UK spiders – cave spider

As the name suggests, you're more likely to find this UK spider in a cave as opposed to in a house. They like dark places with very little light and can be found all over the country. Cave spiders are 10mm to 15mm long.

12. Crab Spider

 

Ines Carrara - Getty Images UK spiders – Common Crab spider

This is another UK spider you are more likely to find outdoors than in your home. The common crab spider is most frequently seen from March to August all over the country and their prefered habitat is low-lying vegetation.

When hunting, the crab spider jumps on their prey's back and pierces them from behind.

13. Cucumber Green Orb Spider

© sandra standbridge - Getty Images UK spiders – Cucumber Green Orb Spider

These UK spiders got their name thanks to their green colouring. They can also be identified by a red mark under their abdomen. Found in shrubbery and hedgerows, cucumber spiders are most commonly seen in the UK from April to October. The catch prey by waiting for flying insects to fall victim to their orb web.

14. European Garden Spider

 Connor Skidmore - Getty Images UK spiders – European Garden Spider

Found all over the UK and Europe, as well as North America, the European Garden Spider has many names, including diadem spider, orangie, cross spider, crowned orb weaver and the pumpkin spider.

15. Four Spot Orb Spider

 Ger Bosma - Getty Images Uk spiders – Four Spot Orb Spider

Distinguishable by the four white spots on their orbs, this is one UK spider species where the females are double the size of the males, at 17mm. This is the UK's heaviest spider and they prefer a habitat of gardens, wooded areas, marshes or long grassland.

16. Green Huntsman Spider

 Henrik_L - Getty Images UK spiders – Green huntsman spider

The huntsman spider is known for being dangerous in other countries but the UK has its own less harmful version – the green huntsman spider. They are very rare but, on occasion, can be found in woodland from May to September and are most common in South England and Ireland. Their green colouring gives them perfect camouflage.

17. Jumping spider

 xbn83 - Getty Images UK spiders – jumping spider

Jumping spiders are part of the largest family of spiders in the UK. They have excellent eyesight and use it to help them jump on their prey when hunting. They are mainly identified by their four pairs of eyes. They are also very small.

18. Labyrinth spider

 Pavel Abramov - Getty Images UK spiders – Labyrinth spider

The labyrinth spider is most commonly found in Wales and England in hedgerows and long grass. These large spiders are so named because they build sheet webs that lead prey to an intricate labyrinth of tunnels where they can eat in private.

19. Running Crab Spider

 Oleg Marchak - Getty Images gettyimages-1400687640

The running crab spider is very small and are common in Wales and England between April and October.

20. Sector Spider or Missing Sector Orb Weaver

© Mike O'Brien - Getty Images UK spiders – Missing Sector Orb Weaver

The sector spider (also known as the missing sector orb weaver or the silver-sided sector spider) is a UK spider that lives only in houses. They are commonly found hanging in window frames. They are solitary spiders and the female is identifiable by a leaf-like mark on her posterior.

21. Spitting Spider

 ViniSouza128 - Getty Images gettyimages-1355006825

With long, slender legs, the Spitting Spider has a distinctive 'slow walking' behaviour. Rather than catching its prey in a web, it attacks flies and mosquitoes by spitting a mixture of sticky silk to capture them. 

Reference: Country Living: Lisa Joyner