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A Complete Guide to Keeping Silver Pheasants in the UK
Poultry

A Complete Guide to Keeping Silver Pheasants in the UK

Silver Pheasant care guide for the UK. This clear summary explains keeping Silver Pheasants in ornamental aviaries, with practical advice on housing, feeding, breeding, health and legal duties. Give birds a secure aviary with a minimum of 5 metres by 3 metres for a pair, welded mesh, sheltered roosts and natural ground for foraging and dust bathing. Feed game or pheasant pellets, grains, greens, fruit and insects, and provide grit and oyster shell plus fresh water daily. Breeding runs from March to July, clutches are 8–15 eggs, incubation is 25–26 days and chicks need high protein starter and a warm brooder. Watch for coccidiosis, worms, mites and respiratory problems, keep housing clean, worm regularly and quarantine new birds. Silver Pheasants are hardy and calm, popular for display aviaries and estates. No special licence is needed in the UK, but follow the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and register with APHA if you breed and sell commercially.

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  • Diabetes Mellitus in Cats: Signs, Causes and How to Manage It
    Cats

    Diabetes Mellitus in Cats: Signs, Causes and How to Manage It

    Diabetes in cats, or feline diabetes, is common in middle aged and older cats. Look for signs of diabetes in cats like drinking more, peeing more, eating more but losing weight, and being tired. Vets diagnose diabetes with blood and urine tests. Treatment for feline diabetes often needs daily insulin, a high protein low carbohydrate diet and weight management. Regular blood glucose monitoring, steady feeding times and a calm routine help keep blood sugar steady. Some cats can go into remission with early treatment and weight loss. Watch for low blood sugar or signs of diabetic ketoacidosis and contact your vet for sudden changes. With consistent care many cats live long, comfortable lives.

  • How You Can Support Your Remaining Dog When You Lose a Dog in the Family
    Dogs

    How You Can Support Your Remaining Dog When You Lose a Dog in the Family

    When a dog loses a companion, it can show signs of grief such as changes in behaviour, reduced appetite, more sleep, clinginess, searching, more barking and restlessness. To help a grieving dog, keep routines steady, give calm attention, offer walks and simple games for mental stimulation, and watch for signs of illness or lasting weight loss. Letting a dog sniff a passed companion can help some dogs, but not everyone chooses this. Avoid big changes straight away and wait before getting another dog; if you do, introduce the new dog slowly on neutral ground. Speak to your vet or a qualified behaviourist if severe anxiety, aggression, refusal to eat or other worrying symptoms continue.

  • A Complete Guide to Owning an African Flower Mantis
    Exotic

    A Complete Guide to Owning an African Flower Mantis

    African Flower Mantis (Pseudocreobotra wahlbergii) is a small, colourful mantis from sub-Saharan Africa with petal-like limbs and bright eye spots. This flower mantis is active, fast-growing and has bold behaviour, making it a popular pet for mantis care and observation. Housing needs vertical space, good ventilation and places to hang for moulting; a 20x20x30 cm enclosure with branches and plants works well. Keep temperature 24 to 28°C and humidity 50 to 60% with light daily misting and plenty of airflow. Feed nymphs on fruit flies every 1 to 2 days and adults on small crickets or flies every 2 to 4 days. Remove uneaten prey and do not offer food larger than the mantis head. Moulting requires hanging space and no disturbance. Lifespan is about 6 to 9 months. Handle only briefly and gently. Legal to keep in the UK; buy captive-bred stock from reputable sellers for best mantis care.

  • What Should You Do With Your Rabbits When You Go on Holiday?
    Small Mammals

    What Should You Do With Your Rabbits When You Go on Holiday?

    Holiday rabbit care: how to keep rabbits safe while you are away. Rabbits need daily feeding, fresh hay and water, clean bedding and a daily health check. Ask a trusted friend or family member to visit, hire a professional rabbit sitter or book rabbit boarding well before busy holiday dates. Leave plenty of supplies and clear written care instructions, including feeding amounts, medication steps and your vet’s contact details. Keep bonded rabbits together and avoid big changes to diet, housing or routine before you go. Watch for signs of illness or stress such as not eating, hiding or odd droppings and contact a vet if needed. Plan early so you have time to meet sitters, check reviews and pick the right option for your rabbits.

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