Besides a laugh that causes chills down some people’s spine, the hyena is not the most beautiful creature on the planet. But this animal has a very important purpose in nature – let’s find out what makes him so cool. 1. Out of Africa Hyenas make up one of the smallest biological families among mammals. […]
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When the temperatures drop overnight and it is freezing cold outside during winter, it is understandable that you would want to ensure that your chickens are warm in their coop. If you follow these guidelines, your chickens will be happy, warm and comfortable – without you having to spend a fortune. 1. Healthy chickens If
4 tips for happy chickens this winter Read More »
Q: Is it in any way harmful if my dog and I growl at each other in a playful way? His tail keeps on wagging and he hasn’t become aggressive at all. A: Growls serve many purposes for dogs. Dogs can growl when they are feeling uncomfortable, anxious, stressed or threatened. Most puppies and many
Q & A: Play-play growls Read More »
Birds are not meant to be ‘locked up’ in cages all day long. They should be able to move around freely and, ideally, you should teach your bird something that will stimulate his mind. Giving him something to do in return for food could be very rewarding for him. So, why not teach him to
Teach your pet bird to play fetch Read More »
Teaching tricks to your pet bird can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience for both you and your feathered buddy. Not only will it strengthen your bond, but it can also provide your bird with mental and physical stimulation. Here are some fun tricks you can teach your pet bird. 1. Target training What you
Interesting tricks to teach your bird Read More »
Do you often look at your hamster and wonder why he stores food in his cheek pouches, or watch an army of ants carrying tiny crumbs away from a biscuit your little brother dropped on the kitchen floor? Animals do things because to them it’s perfectly natural. If we look a little deeper, we’ll notice
What animals teach us Read More »
Caring for fish in the winter can be challenging, especially in our mid-year months when temperatures drop significantly. In South Africa, we face the added challenge of power outages. Animaltalk spoke to Kevin Till from Koi Medic about helping your fish survive the cold. According to Kevin, tropical fish need a constant temperature and a
Fish care tips in winter Read More »
Q: How can I stop my dog from eating the cat’s food? A: Dogs love the smell and taste of cat food, as it has a higher protein and fat content than dog food. A bowl of cat food can look and smell like a bowl of tasty treats to your dog. Dogs are natural
Q&A: Leave the cat food Read More »
Rats are highly intelligent rodents who make great pets for children. Rats who are socialised can be affectionate and quite patient with children. Because they are such clever animals, they need mental stimulation on a regular basis. Teaching your pet rat new tricks will also help to strengthen your bond with him. One trick you
5 steps to teach your rat to shake hands Read More »
Winter … just the word conjures up the idea of shorter days and longer, icy cold nights. And just like we feel the cold in the chilly season, so do our senior furry friends. Cats are creatures of comfort and with their self-appointed royalty, they should certainly be kept warm, cosy and pampered in the
7 tips to keep senior cats warm in winter Read More »
Pets are treasured members of our families who bring joy, companionship and endless entertainment to our lives. However, with the privilege of pet ownership comes the responsibility of ensuring their wellbeing. One way to fulfil this responsibility is to prioritise the five animal freedoms. Originally proposed by the UK Farm Animal Welfare Council in 1979,
5 steps to responsible pet ownership Read More »
Q: How can I get my dog to sit still on my lap and not jump up when somebody moves in the house? A: Without having specific details or history of your dog, this is difficult to answer. Generally, dogs will repeat behaviours that they find rewarding. Ask yourself what your dog is finding rewarding
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