| How to Train a Hamster to Run Through Tunnels Posted: 05 Oct 2017 05:00 PM PDT Most hamsters love crawling in tight spaces, which means they may enjoy tunnels. With a little practice, you can teach your pet about these cool connectors. By training your hamster with food, selecting the right tunnels, and performing tunnel care, you can help your furry friend learn a new trick. EditTraining with Food - Allow a new hamster time to adjust to its environment. Let a new hamster settle into its home and get comfortable. Forcing your pet to perform a new activity, such as running through a tunnel, when it's still getting used to your house may cause your pet stress.[1] If your pet is stretching its limbs, that is a good sign that it's feeling relaxed.[2]
- Anytime after the first week when your hamster appears settled is a great time to begin training.
- Offer your new pet a treat from your palm two or three times a day to make it feel at ease after the first week.[3] A piece of apple or strawberry works great.[4]
- Lay a trail of treats from one end of the tunnel to the other. Using some hamster seed mix or small pieces of fruit, create a trail from one end of the tunnel to the other. Choosing a horizontal rather than vertical tunnel will be easier for training purposes. Show your hamster the first treat to pique its interest.[5]
- Choose a treat that really entices your pet to keep its attention.
- Reduce the amount of food your hamster is getting at its normal meals if you are using lots of treats during training.[6]
- Most modular tunnels open easily so you can space treats. If your tunnels don't, use a chopstick or another long, blunt object to push the treats to where they need to be.
- Reward your hamster if it completes the tunnel. Give your hamster a favorite treat or some little scratches to show your appreciation for its efforts. Whatever your pet enjoys most is best. If the hamster abandons the tunnel, be patient. It may still be getting used to this new part of its habitat.[7]
- Space the treats farther and apart. Gradually space the treats farther and farther apart on training runs down the tunnel. You may need to switch up the treats occasionally to keep your pet interested.[8]
- Train your pet up to three times a day. More frequently may tire your pet and make it disinterested.
- Train your pet for as long as you and the tunnels are holding its interest. If your pet wanders off or seems bored, don't force things. Try again another time.
- Place a reward only at the end of the tunnel. Gradually leave fewer and fewer treats for your hamster until it completes the tunnel with only one treat at the end. From here on out, you can remove the treats and rely on your hamster's natural instincts and curiosity to keep it interested in tunneling.[9]
- How long this takes will vary depending upon your individual pet and its inclination towards tunneling.
- Understand that your hamster may not like tunnels. While most hamsters enjoy burrowing in tight spaces, it may not be your hamster's thing. Don't force your hamster down the tunnel if it does not want to do it.
- With this in mind, it may be wise to start with only one tunnel before purchasing many tunnels for your cage.
EditSelecting Tunnels for Your Hamster - Choose tubing wider than your hamster. Ensure that any tunnels are large enough for your hamster to move through easily. Consult with a professional at your local pet store about the right size based on the breed and age of your pet.
- Especially if you have multiple hamsters in a cage, choose tubing that will fit the largest hamster comfortably.
- Try modular tubing to connect multiple habitats. To keep your hamster interested in running through tunnels, use modular tubing to connect multiple cages for your hamster to explore. Choose plastic tubing that is thick and sturdy, so your hamster cannot chew through it.[10]
- If you can bend plastic tubing at all, it is too flimsy.
- Select tubing that fits with your cage. Stick with one brand of cage and tunnel, so that the parts fit together seamlessly. Tunnels with gaps or that fit together poorly may accidentally hurt your hamster or allow it to escape.[11]
- Rearrange your tunnels occasionally. Keep your hamster engaged and interested by rotating your tunnel configurations. New structures may entice your pet to give tunnels a try.[12]
- Use empty toilet paper and paper towel rolls as in-cage tunnels. Place empty paper-product rolls inside your hamster's cage for a cheap tunnel alternative. Don't use the rolls to connect between spaces, as your hamster may chew through them.[13]
- Replace cardboard rolls once a week to keep them from getting overly soiled.
EditPerforming Tunnel Care - Replace broken tunnel parts. Examine your tunnels weekly to ensure they are in good working order. Look for signs of cracking, nibbling, or other wear. Replace any damaged parts to keep your hamster safe.[14]
- Wash tubes with hot, soapy water once a week. To keep your tubes clean, use a bottle brush and a few drops of dish soap to clean inside your tunnels once a week. Rinse them thoroughly with hot water and let them air dry before reassembling.[15]
- Not allowing your tunnels to dry thoroughly can make them prone to mildew growth.
- Avoid using harsh detergents or chemical cleaners. Never clean your hamster tunnels with abrasive household cleaners that give off fumes. Particularly in the enclosed space of a tunnel, these cleaners can create toxic odors, which may make your pet sick.[16]
- If you want to disinfect your tunnels, opt for a cleaning solution formulated for hamsters' habitats, such as Nature's Miracle Small Animal Cage Cleaner. Disinfect up to once a month.
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| How to Test Your IQ Posted: 05 Oct 2017 09:00 AM PDT The best way to test your IQ is to take an assessment administered by a professional (like a psychologist or trained administrator). Although IQ tests are usually a measurement of your raw ability, taking practice tests and practicing stress-relief tactics can help you prepare for the test. Once your IQ has been assessed, research what the scores mean to best interpret your IQ score. EditChoosing an IQ Test - Take the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) to test your verbal and performance-based IQ. The WAIS is an appropriate IQ assessment for individuals over the age of 16. This is the primary assessment used to measure cognitive ability by professionals. Currently, the test involves IQ measurement on four scales: verbal comprehension, perpetual reasoning, working memory, and processing speed.[1]
- The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC) is available for children ages 6-16, and the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI) is an accurate IQ assessment for children ages 2-7.[2]
- The WAIS is not considered an accurate IQ measurement for extremely high or low IQs (above 160 or below 40).[3]
- Take the Stanford–Binet Intelligence Scale if you are a child or adolescent. Although the Stanford-Binet test can be used for adults, this IQ assessment was initially developed for children. The age-determined questions are best suited for young children, adolescents, and young adults.[4]
- It is not uncommon for preschoolers to receive a low score on the Stanford-Binet assessment, not because of their intelligence but their unwillingness to cooperate.
- Take the Mensa admissions test if you're on a budget. Mensa International offers membership to their community for those with high IQs as recorded on their own or other authorized IQ tests. The Mensa admissions test is one of the most widely-available IQ measurements as well as the most affordable. The test is administered at set times during the year and costs $40 USD.[5]
- Generally, the Mensa assessment takes around two hours.
- Make sure you take an accredited IQ test. Besides the WAIS, Stanford-Binet, and Mensa admissions tests, other authentic IQ tests exist. For the most trusted tests, go to a licensed psychologist who can either proctor the test for you or direct you to an official testing center.
- Take online tests for a fun but unreliable score. Official IQ tests, like the WAIS or the Stanford-Binet scale, are scientific measurements of intelligence. Unauthorized tests online are usually free and cheaper, but they are highly inaccurate. Most will give you an inflated or randomized score.[6]
EditPreparing for the Test - Take online practice tests to assess your weaknesses. Studying for an IQ test can be tough, especially because most are meant to measure your raw intellectual potential. Familiarizing yourself with sample questions and the different sections of the IQ test, however, could help you do your best.[7]
- Use positive visualization to imagine yourself doing well on the test. Healthy mindsets go a long way when preparing for a test. If you're feeling nervous in the days leading up to the test, visualize yourself taking the IQ test while calm and well-rested. Picture yourself doing the best you can do and feeling satisfied. Visualization can give you the confidence you need to do your best.
- Don't just imagine yourself doing well without working for it. Make your imagination a reality by practicing and preparing as best as you can.
- Practice stress-relief techniques. You will do best on the IQ test if you feel relaxed and trust your mental capabilities. Relieving yourself of unnecessary stress can help you do that. Different people find stress relief in different ways, so discover what works for you before the test. Meditation, breathing techniques, and reframing negative thoughts are all great ways to stay calm.[8]
- Avoid drinking caffeine the day of your IQ test, as this can cause agitation.
- A little stress can be positive, as it's the body's way of telling you to focus. Excessive stress, however, is detrimental and can limit your cognitive functioning.
- Give yourself a 24-hour break before the test. Over-studying right before the exam could exhaust your brain. Preserve your energy the day before. Turn on an entertaining movie or go on a walk to clear your mind. If you have to study, make some flash cards beforehand and practice casually with some healthy snacks.[9]
- Rest well the night before your exam. Pulling an all nighter studying practice tests will most likely lower your testing performance. Get a full night's sleep (7-8 hours) the night before so you can enter the testing location ready to perform well. If you can't sleep from nerves, try a stress-relief technique.[10]
- Eat a nutritious breakfast before you leave. What you eat on the day of a test can help you reach mental alertness. Have a protein-rich breakfast: eggs, yogurt, nuts, and raw vegetables are all great choices. Avoid foods made from white flour or refined sugar, which take more energy to digest.[11]
- Stay hydrated, too. Drink plenty of water before the exam, and bring a water bottle with you to drink before you enter the testing room.
EditTaking the Assessment - Wear comfortable clothes to the test. Itchy sweaters, a shirt tag poking against your skin, or uncomfortable shoes could distract you from the questions. Avoid wearing new or overly formal clothes to your IQ test. Save your Sunday best for dances or job interviews, and wear clothes you enjoy to the assessment.[12]
- Showing up in your pajamas may seem enticing, but opt for a balance of comfort and style. Flattering clothes can help you feel confident and ready to do your best.
- Arrive early. Plan to arrive around 10-20 minutes before the test begins. Allow time for traffic if you're driving so you don't arrive to the assessment in a rush. Avoiding needless stress will help clear your mind and begin the test feeling positive.[13]
- Check the weather reports for your exam day several days beforehand.
- Run a practice drive to the testing location at least one day in advance for an accurate idea of your travel time.
- Focus on yourself to prevent unnecessary worrying. In a stressful situation like taking an IQ test, you may feel intimidated by the people around you. If people seem to finish before you or look more calm as they answer the questions, you may lose your confidence. Keep your attention on yourself to prevent excessive worrying.
- Read the directions carefully. One common mistake people make on IQ assessments is not properly interpreting the directions. Don't quickly glance over the questions and assume you read them correctly. Pore over each word, and re-read them at least once. Look at every question before answering.[14]
- Use your time wisely. IQ tests are generally timed. If there is a clock in the room, keep an eye on approximately how much time you have left. Pace yourself. If a question is too difficult, move onto the next one and come back if you can.
- If you can choose which questions you answer first, spend your time on the easiest questions. This will build your self-esteem and allow you to answer as many questions as possible.
- Divide your time limit between the questions or sections so you can plan to tackle every question.[15]
EditInterpreting Your Results - See how your score compares to the average. The average IQ score is approximately 100. Anything below 80 indicates a potential deficiency, and anything above 120 is considered high intelligence. Most IQ scores fall between 85 and 115.[16]
- Scores between the WAIS and the Stanford-Binet scale vary by several points.
- Look at your percentile. An IQ percentile will give you an accurate sense of how your IQ compares to the general population. If your score is in the 70th percentile, for example, this means that you have scored higher than 70% of others in your age demographic.[17]
- Read your score as scaled, not linear. An IQ score of 50, for example, is not half the capabilities of a score of 100.
- Check if you qualify for Mensa International. Mensa is the oldest and largest high IQ society, especially in the United States and England. Scores in the 98th percentile or higher qualify for Mensa. You will need a 130 or higher on the WAIS test or at least a 132 on the Stanford-Binet test.[18]
- Don't equate your IQ with your potential. Intelligence is much more multi-layered than a single test could measure. IQ tests only measure verbal and academic potential. Intelligence comes in many other facets (such as social or artistic), which cannot be measured by an IQ test. View your IQ test score as a facet of your ability, not the full reflection.[19]
- Accommodations may be available for those with disabilities. Contact your test administrator beforehand if you have a visual, audial, or other disability.
- Mensa International only accepts members within the top 2%. Don't beat yourself up if you don't meet the minimum requirement. Intelligence is much more than your IQ score.
- Most IQ tests cost money, and some are more expensive than others. IQ tests that claim they're free are usually untrustworthy.
- Test can be biased if not in your native language. Take an IQ test in a language you're fluent in for the most accurate results.[20]
EditSources and Citations __
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| How to Resurface a Pool Posted: 05 Oct 2017 01:00 AM PDT Over time, exposure to the elements and various chemicals can eat away at a pool's surface, leading to costly repairs. That's why for most pool owners, it will be necessary to have their pools refinished every 8-10 years. Resurfacing is an ambitious project, but it's not one that you can't tackle yourself if you have the time and know-how. The first step is to strip the pool of its existing surface material. After that, you can make sure your plumbing and lighting components are in good working order and begin the process of applying the new surface material of your choice. EditPreparing Your Pool Area - Estimate your budget for the project. Before you can begin refinishing your pool, you'll need to be sure that you can afford it. The average resurfacing project costs around $6 per square foot. Add up the total square footage of your pool and multiply it by 6 to get a ballpark estimate of how much you can expect to spend.[1]
- Certain longer-lasting surfacing materials like fiberglass or tile may add considerably to the overall cost of your project.[2]
- This estimate only covers the costs of basic materials, and may not account for extensive repair work or additional equipment that may be necessary to see the project through.
- Clear the surrounding area. Start by removing all patio furniture, electronics and other accessories from the pool area and storing them in a separate location. Stripping a swimming pool tends to spread lots of dust and debris. If you're not careful, you could ruin more delicate items and leave yourself with a big mess to clean up.
- Protect the area around the pool. Tape a few tarps or weather-resistant drop cloths down around the outer perimeter of the pool. Be sure to also throw one over any nearby furniture or appliances you can't find storage space for.
- Confirm that the pool's other features are functional. While the pool is still full, check to make sure the jets, filters, skimmers and lights are all working the way they're supposed to. If there's a problem with any of the pool's equipment, you'll be able to address it before the actual resurfacing gets underway.[3]
- Take a close look at each of these areas and perform a few quick tests, like turning the underwater lights off and on and running your hand over the jets to feel whether they're circulating water correctly.
- Keep an eye out for debris and other large obstructions that may be clogging the skimmers.
EditDraining and Stripping the Pool - Drain the pool. Access your pool's central pump system and switch it over to the "drain" or "backwash" setting. If for some reason you can't do this from the main pump, you can also use a submersible pump to cycle the water out of the pool. Resurfacing cannot begin until the pool has been emptied completely.[4]
- Direct the runoff water somewhere where it won't cause flooding, oversaturation or similar complications.[5]
- Depending on the size of your pool, the draining stage may take several hours. Be sure to budget your time accordingly.
- Patch or repair serious damage. Go around the inside of the pool and scan for cracks, crumbling, blistering and other deterioration. These types of marks may indicate a more immediate issue with the pool's plumbing or in-ground foundation. Don't worry too much about general wear—resurfacing the pool will deal with minor cosmetic imperfections.[6]
- A slow leak, for instance, could be the result of a deep crack in the bottom of the pool.
- When faced with lots of small damaged areas, it's a good idea to go ahead and have your entire pool resurfaced, rather than attempting to rely on a quick patch alone. With time, other areas will begin to deteriorate and you'll be right back where you started.[7]
- Should you happen to come across areas that look like they could present a problem, call a pool contracting specialist and have them come out to survey the extent of the damage.
- Clean the pool's surface. Collect larger bits of debris like twigs, leaves and stones by hand, then pressure wash the inside of the pool to remove algae, stubborn stains and chemical and mineral deposits. A thorough cleaning is a must, even if you're planning on resurfacing the entire pool.[8]
- The smallest traces of dirt or debris could potentially ruin your new surface material's ability to set up correctly.
- Strip the existing materials. Plaster, fiberglass and composite finishes will have to be sandblasted or otherwise chiseled away to the underlying concrete in order to provide a better hold for the new material. Focus on one small area of the pool's surface at a time and move the nozzle of the sandblaster up and down to eat away at the liner. The stripping process will typically take 1-3 days, depending on the size of your pool and crew.[9]
- Wear the proper safety equipment—at the minimum, you'll need a respirator or filtration mask, eye protection and a pair rugged work gloves.
- It can cost thousands of dollars to have a pool sandblasted professionally and hundreds to rent and operate a sandblaster yourself. Keep this in mind when coming up with your projected budget.[10]
- Dispose of the stripped materials. Use a wet/dry vacuum to suction up as much dust and debris as you can from in and around the pool area. Then, gather up your tarps or drop cloths and transport them somewhere where they can be sprayed off with a hose without making a mess.[11]
- Cleanup can be very involved, and may require you to tack on an extra day or two to your project timeline.
- One of the perks of having your pool professionally resurfaced is that the contractor's team is responsible for getting your pool area put back in order.
EditApplying Various Finishes - Schedule your project for the right time. Settle on a stretch where weather conditions will be most favorable for the materials you're working with. For instance, epoxy paints, fiberglass and materials like concrete and grouting set fastest in warm, dry weather, while little rain or humidity may not hurt fresh plaster, since the moisture in the atmosphere will keep it from drying too quickly.[12]
- Stay on top of your local forecast in the days before you begin resurfacing. It's possible for precipitation and extremes in temperature to interfere with the resurfaced pool's dry time.[13]
- Similarly, gusty winds could blow dirt, leaves and other debris into wet paint or plaster before it's had time to dry.
- Choose a basic surfacing material. Nowadays, pool owners have a wide range of options available to pick from. For most small or standard pools, a simple plaster or fiberglass finish is a practical choice, as they're readily available and aren't overly difficult to install. They also tend to be the most affordable, which is a plus if you happen to be working under budget constraints.[14]
- Plaster doesn't tend to last as long as synthetic or composite materials, so it will likely need to be replaced more frequently.[15]
- Go with a long-lasting finish. High-end pools cut a very impressive appearance when surfaced with materials like pebble concrete, quartz or ceramic tile. These types of materials offer a durable lining that resists algae, stains and chemical-related damage.[16]
- Read up on the benefits and drawbacks of different surfacing materials and take them into consideration when making your final selection.
- Brush on an epoxy paint. Roll on a pool specific epoxy primer from one end of the pool to the other. Once the primer is dry to the touch, roll on 3-4 coats of topcoat epoxy, using a handheld brush to touch up hard-to-reach spot. Sand the epoxy lightly between coats to ensure that the subsequent coat will stick properly.[17]
- Each coat will require 2-3 hours of drying time, but may take longer depending on the climate in your area.
- Use only pool specific types of epoxy. These are available at most home improvement centers and pool and spa stores, and often come in kits that include detailed instructions for DIY application.
- More and more pool owners are going with epoxy finishes because they're cheap, durable, offer a strong seal and are easy to reapply later.[18]
- Spread fresh plaster by hand. Combine the dry plaster components with water in a large drum or tub until it reaches a thick, smooth consistency. Spread the plaster over the entire surface of the pool with a trowel, being careful to avoid gaps or inconsistencies in thickness. For the most durable and attractive surface, aim for a finish that's between ¼" and ⅜" (.64-.95cm)[19]
- When mixing your own plaster, it's best to use a ratio of two parts fine white silica sand to one part extra fine cement powder.[20]
- A power trowel may come in handy for smoothing pool floors with large surface areas.
- Apply fiberglass in multiple coats. Starting with a thin seal coat, user a paint roller or sprayer to cover the walls and floor of the pool with the flexible liquid. Spray a coat of resin over the top, then roll and sand the layers to smooth them before leaving them to cure. The completed finish should be roughly 3/16" thick.[21]
- Fiberglass clings to whatever it touches, so be sure to wear a change of old clothes that you don't mind ruining.
- Allow the new surface to dry. No matter what material you decide on, it will need plenty of time to set up once it's in place. A basic epoxy paint will usually dry in a matter of hours or overnight, while more temperamental materials like plaster and fiberglass may require days to cure completely.[22]
- Plaster cures best underwater, so there's no need to hold off on refilling your pool once the initial set is complete.[23]
- Inspect the pool inside and out. Double check that the plumbing fixtures and lighting elements are properly sealed and functional before you begin adding water to the pool. This will also be your last chance to take care of any last minute details like sanding or touching up bare spots you may have missed.
- Never fill a swimming pool with visible holes, cracks or exposed concrete. This can easily lead to leaks, which are very expensive to repair and will force you to drain the pool all over again.[24]
- Bad wiring in underwater lights could become a safety hazard when swimming.[25]
- Refill the pool. Once the new surface materials have dried, the only thing left to do is fill the pool up with fresh water. Don't forget to add the right proportions of chlorine or salt to balance the water's pH levels and keep unwanted flora and fauna from moving in. You'll now be able to enjoy a dip in your newly renovated pool![26]
- A water truck or hydrant will allow you to refill your pool much faster than a standard garden hose.[27]
- Resurfacing a pool is no small job, even for experienced home repair aficionados. If you're feeling overwhelmed or aren't sure how to get started, you may be better of leaving it to the professionals.
- The average resurfacing job takes between 3-5 days and may run you anywhere from $1,000-5,000, depending on the size of your pool and your selected materials.
- The best time to drain your pool (and make any kind of substantial repairs) is in the fall or winter when it's not in use.
- You should have already come to a decision on surfacing materials, tile color, grouting, decorative elements and other details before beginning your project.
- Research your local plumbing codes to learn more about how to safely drain your in-ground swimming pool.
- Making a mistake while attempting to resurface your pool on your own could end up costing you thousands of dollars. It bears repeating that hiring a qualified pool contractor will be the way to go for most pool owners.
EditThings You'll Need - Submersible pool pump
- Sandblaster
- Pressure washer
- Chemical solvent (for synthetic materials)
- Pool plaster
- Pool specific epoxy
- Fiberglass liquid
- Paint roller and paintbrush
- Hand trowel
- Chisel
- Spray gun
- Rubber roller
- Electric sander
- Drop cloths or tarps
- Plastic sheeting
- Painter's tape
- Respirator or ventilated facemask
- Thick work gloves
- Eye protection
EditSources and Citations
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