Garden Wildlife in Winter

As we sit comfortably indoors this winter, it’s well worth sparing a thought for our garden birds. Extreme winters, as recently experienced in the UK, can be quite a real test of survival abilities for many of our more common bird types such as blackbirds, tits, robins and sparrows. On a single frosty winters night, birds may use up an amazing 10% of their total bodyweight just trying to keep warm. Because of this they have to feed properly every day just to replace their reserves for the wintry night ahead. Prolonged frosty periods may result in a high death rate in birds.With some water, wildbird food and protection, gardens can become a haven for birds and other wild animals. Make sure a supply of fresh water is made available every day and, should the temperature be particularly low, use warm water. Throughout the cold winter weather birds require high energy (fatty) foods to maintain their fat reserves in order to survive the frosty nights so a bird table filled with a high nutrient seed mix will be very welcome indeed. In addition a variety of household leftovers such as cooked potato, pastry and bread crumbs, cheese and soft fruit will also be much appreciated as will suspended bird feeders containing sunflower rich blends or nuts without salt.
Bird tables and bird feeders need to be placed where birds are at ease and able to feed undisturbed and well away from fencing and walls where cats could easily catch them unaware as they feed.

Consider your Pets!

The British summer is here and we have been reminded that a few years ago in April, many areas of the UK had only just emerged from a frosty spell which kept us snow covered, but the temperature fluctuates from year to year so remember to look out for your dogs and cats
The normal advice is applicable and most people nowadays know this, but just by way of a reminder ensure your pet is kept inside in a cool place during the hottest part of the day which is typically 11 ‘til 3; has access to large bowl of water and is never ever left in a hot vehicle, or conservatory as that cool wind that might be blowing outside will not be blowing inside so what feels like 50 degrees to you is actually 100 degrees behind glass.

As the temperatures rise, most of us also like to go for extended walks and remain out and about in the sun for longer periods. Cooling coats are a good idea and do help a hot dog but this extra activity and being exposed to sun and heat can turn out to be fatal for your dogs so even if you feel good, don’t forget to consider your dog and how he or she feels.

Keeping Marine Fish the Easy Way!

Keeping marine fish is not quite as straightforward as keeping freshwater fish as you need more input into keeping your fish in the correct environment. A Marine Conversion Kit therefore makes keeping marine fish in an aquarium much easier.

This new Marine Kit contains all one needs to convert any biOrb tank of up to 60 litres capacity into a fish only salt water aquarium. Within the contents of the kit you will find meticulously measured packets of reef salt, a hydrometer and a simple guide, all of which simplify the way to keep fish in an aquarium.

25% of the water should be changed with fresh saltwater every 4-5 weeks by mixing some of the reef salt in the kit with tap water. This is important as otherwise the levels of nitrate within the water will increase and this can prevent the gills of the fish from taking in sufficient oxygen as well as causing liver and kidney problems and problems with their eyes.

The marine conversion kit also contains a special marine filter cartridge that contains the exact amount of water conditioners to help keep your aquarium in perfect working order.

All this and many more aquarium products can be found at Home Pet Shop and ordered from their online pet supermarket.