Prepared by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, Office of Public Affairs Tommy Irvin, Commissioner. Call Consumer Q's hotline at 1-800- 282-5852.

Consumer alert/recall: Intermatic recalls digital timers due to electrical shock hazard. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, announces a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. Name of product: Intermatic DT27 Digital Self-Adjusting Timers; Units: 8,500; Importer: Intermatic, Inc., of Spring Grove, Ill; Manufacturer: Ewig Industries Macao Commercial Offshore Ltd., of Macau, China; Hazard: The recalled timers could have been wired incorrectly, which poses an electrical shock hazard to consumers; Incidents/injuries: None reported; Description: This recall involves the Intermatic DT27 digital self-adjusting timer with a date code of "04B." This product is a lamp and appliance timer and is packaged as either the "DT27C Heavy Duty Digital Timer" or the "DT27CL Time All Digital Lamp and Appliance Self-Adjusting Timer." The timer is white with a rounded tip, and measures 3 7/8" tall by 2 3/4" wide by 1 5/8" deep. The brand name "Intermatic" is molded on the front of the timer, and the model number (DT27) and date code (04B) are printed on the back of the timer; Sold at: Retailers nationwide, including Home Depot and Lowe's from February 2007 through December 2007 for between $15 and $25; Manufactured in: China; Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled timer immediately and unplug before checking the model number and date code. Consumers should contact Intermatic to return the timer and obtain a free replacement; Consumer contact: For additional information, or to request a prepaid shipping label, call Intermatic at 800-704-3595 anytime or visit the company's web site at www.intermatic.com.

Q: I need some specific information on winter care for a potted begonia.

A: There are two types of begonias that are commonly grown. If you have tuberous begonias, they will bloom all summer and into the fall. When the leaves begin to yellow and wilt, reduce watering. When the stems have fallen off the plant, lift the tuber, shake off any dirt, dry the tuber in the sun for about three days, and store in a cool, dry place such as a garage. In the spring little pink buds will appear and you can repot the tuber and place it outdoors. If you have regular bedding plant begonias, dig and transplant into pots, then put them in the sunniest window possible in your house or under grow lights. Pinch back the stems as they get leggy and the plant should flower into the winter for you. Reduce the watering and fertilizing to a minimum during the winter. Begonias can easily rot if over-watered this time of year.

Q: What can I do to keep deer out of my yard and garden?

A: Although deer will eat anything if hungry enough, given a choice they tend to stay away from succulent plants, poisonous plants, pungent flavored plants, and plants with hairy or furry leaves. Plant ornamentals with these qualities in areas of heavy deer traffic. Deer can be scared away by motion sensor devices attached to lights or loud music. Of all the methods, though, fencing is the most reliable.

Q: What kind of fencing should be used to keep deer out?

A: Deer are probably on the top of the list of animals home owners want to fence out. Since they can jump, the fence needs to be constructed high and at an angle to deter them. There are many design variations for deer barriers available from game wardens. One effective option is an 8- to 10- foot tall fence slanted at a 45 degree angle toward the direction deer are most likely to come (for an illustration, contact our office). It will make them think twice about jumping. Keep the fence snug to the ground, since deer can also wiggle under fences. Solid fences that block the view to a food source also work well.

Q: I would like to sell a small quantity of goat milk. Do I have to be licensed?

A: Yes, however, a distinction must be made as to whether the milk will be sold for human consumption or as pet feed. If the milk will be sold for human consumption, you will need to contact our Dairy Office for information at 404-636-3625. However, if this milk is to be used for pet feed, then you will need to speak to a representative of our Plant Food, Feed and Grain Office at 404-636- 3637. Either of these offices can also be reached through our toll free number at 800-282-5852.

Q: Can you tell me how I might acquire a list of certified soil testers in the state?

A: This information can be obtained by contacting the Georgia Department of Human Resources, Public Health Branch at 404-657-6534.

Q: Do I need a license to sell live chickens?

A: Any person who buys and sells poultry (at home, auction markets and/or flea markets) must be licensed as a poultry dealer, broker or sales establishment. Please contact our office of livestock/poultry at 1-800-282- 5852, ext. 3665 for further information. If, however, you intend to slaughter these chickens yourself, you will then have to be inspected and licensed by our office of consumer protection. They will inspect your facility to ensure that it meets our regulatory requirements for selling food directly to the consuming public. This office can be reached at 1-800-282-5852, ext. 3621.

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 you may call 1-800-282-5852.