Sun conures are some of the most visually attractive parrots of all, clothed as they are in rich yellow and gold feathers, with rich green tips to their wings. Growing to a body length of around 30cm these are mid-sized members of the parrot family, offering all the intelligence of larger birds but without the […]
Indian ringnecks are some of the most widely-distributed parrots found anywhere on earth. Their natural habitat stretches from arid western Africa right through to the humid monsoon forests of India. As you might expect, the Indian Ringneck is an astonishingly adaptable bird, capable of surviving in all manner of habitats. It should be little wonder […]
Who can possibly fail to be impressed by the brightly-coloured Rainbow Lorikeet? These active, pugnacious birds are some of the most colourful in the world, clothed as they are in vivid blues, reds and yellows. Little wonder, therefore, where their common name came from. The rainbow lorikeet, Latin name Trichoglossus moluccanus, is a native of Australia […]
The Green Wing Macaw (Latin name Ara chloropterus) is one of the best-known parrot species of all. A huge bird, second only to the Hyacinth Macaw, the Green Wing can grow to 90cm in overall length, with an impressively-proportioned beak. While Green Wing Macaws are sometimes misidentified as Scarlet Macaws, these two species are in […]
Ferrets have a very specialist diet, which must be carefully met in captivity if they are to remain fit and healthy. Here’s what the caring pet owner needs to know… What Do Ferrets Eat in the Wild? Ferrets are mustelids – related to stoats, weasels and otters. As you might imagine from this lifestyle, ferrets […]
Guinea pigs are one of the most popular small pets, loved by children and adults alike. With their stocky bodies, and willingness to vocalise at feeding time they project an image of cuteness. That is, of course, until you try to handle them… Guinea pigs can be surprisingly fleet-footed when you’re trying to catch them, […]
Canaries have always been popular cage birds thanks to their bright colours, cheerful disposition and wonderful singing. While in recent years they have perhaps become overshadowed by larger and more showy birds like budgerigars and lovebirds, there is still much to be said for the humble canary as a pet… Cages for Canaries Canaries are […]
Chinchillas are well-known for their cute appearance, rotund bodies and fluffy tails. Few could fail to fall for such an animals, which explains why so many are now kept as pets. However, chinchillas are far more “specialist” pets than most other “small furries”, requiring considerably different care to more commonly-kept guinea pigs, rabbits or hamsters. […]
Zebra finches can make wonderful pets, being sweet-tempered, ornately-patterned and highly active. Their call is little more than a happy “chirp” and they will readily socialize with a wide range of other birds, such as budgies and cockatiels. In short, these are sociable and inquisitive little birds which seem to bring a smile to every […]
Read More… from The Beginner’s Guide to Looking After Zebra Finches
Black Moors are a variety of goldfish with a unique and characteristic appearance. Firstly, they are sometimes alternatively known as “telescope goldfish” on account of their protruding eyes. Secondly, they tend to have a round, stubby and almost “cute” body – a long way from the sleek, streamlined outline of a standard goldfish. They also […]
Stick insects have, in the past, suffered from a reputation of being “boring”. The “classic” stick insect is a small, thin, green insect which sits motionless for hours at a time, largely resembling the very plant they’re resting on. As a result, their reputation is hardly surprising – even if it is undeserved. In this […]