Field notes on caring for the pets you love.

Kerry Hill sheep are a native British breed from Kerry in Powys, Wales, known for bold black and white markings and upright ears. They are medium sized and hornless, hardy and easy to keep in upland or lowland systems. Ewes weigh about 55 to 70 kg and rams 80 to 90 kg. They have strong maternal ability, high lamb survival and usually straightforward lambing. Housing needs are small: good pasture, shelter in bad weather, secure 1.2 metre fencing and fresh water. Feed with grass, plus hay or silage in winter and minerals for pregnant and lactating ewes. Work with your vet on vaccinations, worm testing, flystrike prevention and hoof care. The medium fleece is used for carpets and rugs and the lamb meat produces a well shaped carcass. Kerry Hills suit commercial farmers, smallholders and show people who want a hardy, productive and attractive native breed.

15 June 2026

Travelling with a cat by car can be stressful but safe with the right steps. In the UK the Highway Code says pets must be suitably restrained so they do not distract the driver. Use a sturdy cat carrier that is well ventilated and large enough for turning, and secure it with a seat belt so it cannot slide or tip. Never let a cat roam loose in the car or open the carrier near open doors. Prepare by leaving the carrier out at home, adding familiar bedding and smells, checking microchip and ID, and packing water, food and any medicines. For long journeys plan rest breaks, watch for motion sickness and avoid leaving your cat in a hot car because heatstroke can be fatal. Talk to your vet about a health check and calming options for anxious cats. Careful planning, calm driving and a secure carrier make car travel safer for both cat and driver.

14 June 2026

Cars can become deadly for dogs in minutes, even on mild days. There is no safe outside temperature to leave a dog unattended in a car. Vehicles act like greenhouses and heat up fast, and cracked windows do not stop this. Around 20°C outside can already be risky and 22 to 24°C can quickly become life threatening inside a car. Flat faced breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs and Boxers, plus puppies, older dogs, overweight or thick coated dogs and those with heart or breathing problems are at higher risk. Early signs of overheating are heavy panting, drooling, restlessness and bright red gums. Later signs include vomiting, collapse, seizures and loss of consciousness. If a dog is overheating move it to a cool place, give small sips of cool water, wet their body with cool water, increase airflow and call a vet; do not use ice cold water. Never leave a dog alone in a warm car. If the weather feels warm to you it is probably too warm for a dog. Leaving a dog in a hot car can cause severe suffering and may lead to fines or prosecution.

13 June 2026

Fantasy horned frog care and facts. The fantasy horned frog is a captive-bred hybrid, usually a cross between Ceratophrys cranwelli and C. cornuta. Adults reach about 10–15 cm and can live 8–12 years with proper care. They are heavy, terrestrial ambush predators that spend much time buried in damp substrate and strike quickly at prey. Use a glass terrarium, deep moisture-retaining substrate (8–12 cm), minimal decor and a humid 60–80% environment. Keep temperatures around 24–28°C by day and 20–22°C at night. Feed large insects and earthworms, size no bigger than the frog’s mouth; juveniles eat every 2–3 days, adults every 4–7 days. Avoid frequent handling, watch for obesity, impaction and infections, and keep hygiene and feeding habits correct. Breeding is best left to experienced keepers and hybrids must never be released into the wild. Buy captive-bred animals from reputable breeders and label hybrids clearly.

12 June 2026