| How to Feed a Snail Posted: 08 Dec 2017 04:00 PM PST Snails can be great pets. They are especially great for school projects, and for teaching young children how to care for a living thing. Snails are also quite easy to feed, although there are some variations among different snail species. Whether you'll be caring for land snails, freshwater snails, or both, you can provide a delicious diet that will nourish your pet snails. EditFeeding Land Snails - Select fruit, vegetables, seeds, and grains that are safe for snails. Land snails enjoy eating a wide variety of foods, mainly fresh produce. In a pinch, land snails also like to eat tortoise food that has been soaked in water. However, the bulk of your snail's diet should come for fruits and veggies, as well some seeds and cooked grains.[1] The following foods are safe for snails:
- Fruits: apples, apricot, grapes, kiwi, mango, melon, nectarine, raspberry, strawberry.
- Veggies: cucumber, mushroom, tomato, lettuce, broccoli, green beans, peas, sprouts, sweet corn, turnip, watercress.[2]
- Seeds: sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds.
- Cooked grains: oats, rice.
- Chop or shred produce into pieces smaller than a dime. Use a vegetable shredder or kitchen knife to chop all produce before you feed it to your snails. Snails are sensitive to chemicals and pesticides, so be sure you use organic produce, and to wash it well before feeding it to your snail. [3]
- Start by providing of food each day. There is not hard and fast rule about how much food a land snail should eat, and you'll have to figure out how much food your snail needs over time. If your snail is consuming all of the food you're providing, you can offer more. Remove any food that isn't consumed within 24 hours.[4]
- Avoid processed foods, and foods that are hard for snails to digest. Don't give your snail snack foods, or foods that contain sugar or salt. Snails also have trouble digesting millet, pasta, crackers, and bread.
- Fill a water dish with spring water. You do not need to provide snails with water to drink, but you do need to make sure their environment is humid enough. Place a shallow dish filled with spring water for your snail to bathe in. Replace the water every 1-2 days.[5]
- Never use tap water or faucet water, since these water sources may contain chlorine that's harmful to snails.
- If you don't have access to filtered water, you can leave tap water out in the sun for 48 hours to remove chemicals.
- Spray your snails with spring water every 1-2 days. You can also help your snail to stay hydrated by misting them with water. Fill a spray bottle with spring or filtered water, and mist your snail and their habitat.[6]
- If you live in a very dry climate, try misting your snail 1-2 times per day.
- Keep a calcium source in the tank at all times. Snails need a lot of calcium in order to keep their shells healthy. A great option is cuttlebone, because you can simply place it in the tank for your snail to nibble on. Other calcium sources should be crushed and added to your snail's food.[7] Other calcium sources include:
- Shells from dead snails
- Calcium powder
- Powdered oyster shells
- Natural chalk
- Natural limestone
- Bone meal
- Wood ash
EditFeeding Freshwater Snails - House freshwater snails with fish. Freshwater snails are omnivores, and they typically subsist off of the algae and food debris in a fish aquarium. Include aquatic plants for your snails to graze on as well.[8]
- Check with your vet or a clerk at your local pet store to find out which types of fish live best alongside your species of freshwater snails.
- Provide algae disks. If you don't have fish in the same aquarium as your snails, you can purchase small algae discs. Follow the instructions on the packaging, and provide the right number of disks for the number of snails in your tank.[9]
- Algae discs are readily available online or at most pet stores.
- Offer blanched vegetables that have been shredded into very small pieces. In addition to algae, freshwater snails enjoy a diet of blanched vegetables. Blanching involves dipping veggies into boiling water for 2 minutes before dunking them in ice water. Freshwater snails especially like to eat shelled peas, carrots, cucumber, zucchini and iceberg lettuce. Allow the blanched vegetables to cool completely, then add them to your aquarium.[10]
- Chop or shred add vegetables into pieces smaller than a time.
- Begin by adding a small amount of blanched veggies each morning, and gauge how quickly your snails can finish them.
- Add a bit more or less until you notice that all of the food is being eaten in 12 hours or less.
- Remove uneaten produce after 24 hours.
- Provide an additional calcium source for your freshwater snails. Just like land snails, freshwater snails require calcium to keep their shells healthy and strong. Provide a calcium source that your snails can nibble on, as a supplement to your snails' diet.[11] Some sources of calcium for freshwater snails include:
- Cuttlebone
- Shells from dead snails
- Oyster shells
- Natural limestone
- Get advice about your snail's diet from a clerk, expert, or vet. How much, how often, and what you feed your snails will vary based on their species, the number of snails in your tank, and what other aquatic life shares the aquarium with your snails. The best course of action is to speak to someone at the place where you purchased the snails, or consult a vet.[12]
- You may still need to do a bit of trial and error to figure out exactly what your snails like.
- If your snails are leaving a lot of food behind, try providing a little bit less food, or experimenting with different food choices.
- A good starting place is to feed aquatic snails as much food as they can consume in about 3 minutes, twice daily.
- Some snail species may need additional food sources, such as fish food or bottom feeder tablets.
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Fix Ceiling Cracks Posted: 08 Dec 2017 08:00 AM PST If a drywall ceiling in your home has developed a crack, you can fix it relatively easily. Begin by scraping away any loose paper or debris from the drywall, and then apply a single piece of mesh drywall tape over the crack. Cover the tape with 2 layers of 5-minute mud, and then sand and paint the patched crack. This project should take about 30 minutes (not including 1 hour of drying time). EditCleaning and Taping a Ceiling Crack - Put a sheet of plastic down under the crack. Since you'll be loosening debris, applying mud, and generally making a mess while you're repairing your ceiling crack, it's smart to put down a large sheet of plastic beforehand. This way, once you're done fixing the crack, you can just throw away the sheet of plastic and not have to worry about cleaning your floors.
- You can also remove cloth- or fabric-covered furniture from the room, since it will be difficult to clean stray paint off of.
- Set up an A-frame ladder. An A-frame will provide stability as you stand on it to reach your ceiling. Make sure that all four legs are stable and flat on the floor before you climb up, and avoid making sudden movements while you're on the ladder. If your ladder has a fold-out section across from the top rung, you can use this to hold your tape, mud, and other repair supplies.[1]
- A-frame ladders should be available for purchase at a local hardware store or home-supply store. A 6- or 8-foot (1.8-2.4 m) ladder will be most useful.
- If you have a low ceiling, you could feasibly use a step-ladder to fix the crack. The disadvantage, though, would be that you'll be more precariously balanced on top of the step-ladder, and won't have a way to set your patching materials within reach.
- Scrape away loose material with a drywall knife. Position your 6-inch (15 cm) drywall knife at about a 15° angle against the ceiling near the crack. Slide it up under any loose, unattached pieces of drywall paper that are torn near the crack. Use the knife to slice these off, being careful not to damage the drywall beneath.[2]
- Drywall knives will be available at any hardware store, paint shop, or home-supply store. Many sizes will be available, although the 6-inch (15 cm) is typically most effective.
- Apply mesh drywall tape directly over the crack. This tape will be adhesive, so it will stick firmly to your ceiling. Use long strips of tape to cover the entire crack. In fact, depending on the length of the crack, you may be able to cover the entire thing using one strip of tape. Position the tape so it's centered directly over the crack, and press it firmly onto the ceiling.[3] Do not apply more than a single layer of tape.
- Mesh drywall tape will be available for purchase at a local hardware store or home-supply store. If the store has a variety of tapes, make sure to purchase an adhesive version.
EditPatching the Crack with 5-Minute Mud - Mix 5-minute mud powered with water. Shake out about 1 lb (0.45 kg) worth of dry mud into a large plastic container. Add lukewarm water from your kitchen tap. While holding the container over your kitchen sink, use your putty knife to thoroughly mix the 5-minute mud. Continue adding water and mixing until the mud is roughly the consistency of mayonnaise.[4]
- You can also secure the ceiling crack with joint compound. However, 5-minute mud will set more firmly than joint compound, and bolster the structural integrity of ceiling drywall.
- 5-minute mud will be available for purchase at your local hardware or home-supply store. You should only need a 3-lb (1.4 kg) bag of the sand. This should sell for between $5 USD and $7 USD.
- Apply a layer of the mud to your ceiling crack. Using the broad edge of your putty knife, apply a single, smooth layer of mud. Make sure to completely cover the mesh tape with mud. If you can, apply the mud in a single direction, parallel with the crack. Work quickly, since the mud will be dry in 5 minutes.[5]
- Once you've applied the first layer, wait 30 minutes for the mud to fully dry.
- Mix a second batch of 5-minute mud. The second coat should be thinner than the first, so be sure to add more water from your kitchen tap to the same amount of sand. The thinner coat will cover any cracks or lumps present in the first coat of mud. Mix this batch until it's roughly the consistency of sour cream.[6]
- Use the corners and edge of your putty knife to scrape out any pockets of dry sand from the corners or edges of the plastic mixing container.
- Apply a second coat of the mud. Use the same technique that you used for the first coat. Fully cover the mesh tape with the mud. This layer should cover up the tape's grid pattern, so it won't be visible after you've sanded and painted the ceiling.[7]
- As with the first coat of mud, you'll need to wait 30 minutes for this layer to fully dry. It should be dry in 5 minutes, but it's best to give it extra time to ensure it is fully dry and ready for paint.
EditFinishing the Repair - Sand the layers of mud with a sanding sponge. Now that the crack is structurally repaired, you'll need to smooth out the rough patches. Take the sanding sponge and run it over the area you've covered with mud. Sand using a back-and-forth motion until the dried mud covering the former cracked area is smooth and flush with the rest of your ceiling.[8]
- Sanding sponges can be purchased at your local hardware store. If they come in a range of grits, opt for a fine-grit sanding sponge.
- Depending on how much dried mud you sand off, it may make quite a mess. Try to ensure that the majority falls on the plastic sheet that you've laid down. If you still have fabric-covered furniture in the room, consider putting drop cloths over them to avoid permanent damage.
- Find a paint color that matches your ceiling. The portion of ceiling that you've patched and sanded will need to be painted to match the rest of the ceiling. If you have some paint leftover from when you (or contractors) painted your ceiling initially, you can use this to paint over the repaired crack.
- If you don't have leftover paint, you'll need to visit a paint shop or home-supply store to find a matching coat of paint. Larger hardware stores may stock and mix paint, also.
- Pick up several paint-color strips, and compare each color against your ceiling to find the closest match.[9]
- Paint the portion of the ceiling that you've sanded. Once you have your paint, pour about ½ cup (113 grams) into a metal painter's tray. Roll your roller brush up and down through the paint until the entire surface of the brush is coated with paint. Then, working from one end of the patched crack to the other, use the brush to apply paint a layer of paint to your ceiling.[10]
- After you've finished painting and the paint has dried, your ceiling should be a single color and texture.
- Although it's tempting, do not just apply spackling or joint compound over a crack in ceiling drywall. This cosmetic fix may hold for a while, but after a couple months, the crack will re-emerge, likely bigger than before.[11]
- If you're concerned about getting dust in your eyes or inhaling it while you're sanding away the dried mud, wear a pair of protective eye goggles. You can also wear a surgery mask, or tie a bandana over your mouth.[12] Both of these materials will be available at a local hardware store.
EditThings You'll Need - A-frame ladder
- Self- adhesive mesh drywall tape
- 6-inch (15 cm) drywall knife
- Easy Sand 5-minute mud
- Plastic bucket or mixing container
- Sanding sponge
- Surgery mask (optional)
- Protective eyewear (optional)
- Paint that matches the color of your ceiling
- Roller brush
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Make Sure Your Party Guests Have a Good Time Posted: 08 Dec 2017 12:00 AM PST Throwing a party can be a fun way to create memories with friends and family. You may be nervous about throwing a party, as you want to be sure your guests all have a great time. To host a fun party for your guests, create a party atmosphere that is fun and welcoming. You can also encourage your guests to mingle and chat so they can connect with each other. Be sure to arrange party activities to keep your guests entertained during the party so they can enjoy themselves and let loose. EditCreating a Fun, Welcoming Atmosphere - Decorate with a theme in mind. Make the decorations look cohesive and thoughtful by following a theme. You may pick a theme based on a time period like 80s, 90s, or 2000s. Or you may decorate using a television show, movie, or book as a theme, such as Twin Peaks, The Goonies, or The Great Gatsby. Use a theme to decorate the space so it is fun and interesting for your guests.[1]
- You can also encourage your guests to dress up to fit the theme when you send out invitations for the party. This can then make the party more festive and fun.
- Put on an upbeat music playlist. Create a playlist for the party that will keep the mood upbeat and festive. Put on a top 40 song radio station or play artists in your catalogue that you feel are good for parties and hangouts. Play the music through speakers at a decent sound level so it can be heard, but does not drown out the conversation.
- Lean into the theme of the party when you make the playlist. For example, if the party is 80s themed, make sure you include all the 80s hits.
- You can also use a music streaming service like Spotify, Apple Music, or Tidal to make a music playlist. Many streaming services have premade playlists for parties that you can use.[2]
- Make the lighting low and indirect. Set the mood for the party by dimming any overhead lights or not turning them on at all. Instead, use indirect lighting sources like lamps and candles. You can also use paper lanterns or a string of lights to make the setting more relaxed and welcoming for guests.[3]
- You may dim the lights more as the party progresses so the mood stays soft and relaxed for your guests.
- Have snacks throughout the space. Make it easy for your guests to munch and snack during the party by putting out finger foods on small plates and snacks in small bowls. Place the snacks throughout the space so your guests can help themselves. Include a stack of plates and napkins by the snacks as well.[4]
- You may go for casual snacks like chips, party mix, candy or nuts. Or you may prepare snacks that fit the theme of the party, such as cucumber sandwiches for a Great Gatsby theme or slices of pie for a Twin Peaks theme.
- Set up a well stocked drinks area. Keep your guests happy by making sure there is plenty to drink at the party. If you are throwing a party for minors, set up a table with soda, juice, and water. If you are hosting a party for guests who are of drinking age, make sure you have enough alcohol on hand for your guests.[5]
- You should also have enough cups for your guests and extra ice, as you do not want to run out of ice.
EditEncouraging Guests to Mingle and Chat - Offer guests drinks as soon as they arrive. Make your guests feel at ease as soon as they enter the party by greeting them and offering them a beverage. You may say, "Welcome, what would you like to drink?" or "Thanks for coming, can I get you something to drink?"[6]
- Most people feel more relaxed and ready to talk to others once they have a beverage in their hand.
- When you greet your guests, you can also take their coats or bags and put them somewhere safe so they do not have to worry about them while they are at the party. This will also free up their hands for holding beverages and having snacks.
- Introduce guests to one another. Act as the bridge between your guests so they can connect with each other. Try to find guests who have something in common and introduce them to each other to get the conversation started.[7]
- For example, you may say, "Have you met Carl? He went to Roosevelt High, too" or "Have you talked to Sam? She's a writer, too. I think you two would have a lot to talk about."
- Encourage guests to participate in activities and games. If you have planned activities or games, say encouraging words to guests to get them involved. Focus on getting a few guests involved in games or activities. Over time, more guests will join in.[8]
- For example, you may say, "Alright everyone, we're playing beer pong!" or "Who wants to do karaoke?"
- Check in on guests during the party. Make sure you circulate around the room and chat with as many people as you can. Check in on guests, especially if they are standing alone or not engaging with others. Introduce them to someone you think they might connect with or spend time talking to them so they feel more at ease and relaxed.[9]
- Try not to get tied up with one guest or one group at the party. Make an effort to move around and chat with everyone equally so you can keep the mood fun and festive for all.
EditArranging Party Activities - Have a dance off. This is a simple, fun activity that you can do with a good dance playlist and an open area. Put on an upbeat jam and encourage guests to form a circle. Then, lead the dance off by dancing in the circle for a few minutes. Tag another guest to challenge you in the dance off. Then, get other guests to challenge each other.[10]
- Make sure you keep the upbeat dance songs going during the dance off so your guests feel motivated to participate.
- Arrange a scavenger hunt. Get your guests moving by planning a scavenger hunt that is played in teams. Put guests in teams or have them pick them own. Then, present a set of clues and have the teams try to find the prize at the end of the hunt.[11]
- If you are hosting a themed party, you may make the scavenger hunt themed as well. For example, you may have the prize be an 80s hair metal CD if the party is 80s themed.
- Do karaoke. Karaoke is a great way to keep your guests occupied and entertained. Set up a karaoke machine and encourage guests to sing their heart out. You may even sing the first song to warm up the mic for your guests.
- You can also do karaoke using YouTube. Look for music videos on YouTube that have song lyrics in them so you can use them for karaoke.
- Play a drinking game. You can play drinking games with or without alcoholic beverages. Most drinking games can be played with a deck of cards, a table, and drinks. Try playing games like King's Cup, Never Have I Ever, or Flip Cup.[12]
- You may arrange several drinking games so your guests can play different games at once. They can then rotate or switch once someone has won the game.
- Unveil a special guest or a surprise. Keep the energy up by having a special guest on hand that you reveal at the midpoint of the party. Or give your guests a fun surprise at the beginning of the party so they stay excited for the rest of the night.[13]
- For example, you may have special guest like an old friend your guests have not seen in a long time. Or you may have a surprise like a large cake for your guests to enjoy.
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