Field notes on caring for the pets you love.

Free flight in falconry is when a bird of prey flies untethered and comes back to the falconer on command. It needs patient groundwork: good manning, reliable recall, the right flying weight and solid lure training plus fitted telemetry. You will need a gauntlet, anklets and jesses, swivel and leash for practice, GPS or radio telemetry, a lure or whistle, scales and a safe transport box. Pick open, safe sites with no overhead wires, few people or dogs, and no nearby roads. Start with short releases, call the bird back with the glove or lure and give food as a reward. Build distance and stamina, practise lure stoops for falcons, and only try hunting with legal quarry when recall is rock solid. Weigh before and after flights, check equipment, watch the weather and stop if the bird is tired. Avoid flying too early, skipping telemetry, overfeeding before flight and unsafe locations.

10 July 2026

This paludarium guide explains simple steps for paludarium setup and paludarium care for aquatic and semi-aquatic species. Choose the right enclosure size and material, and make sure seals and ventilation suit high humidity. Set the correct water to land ratio for your animals, for example 70% water/30% land for mostly aquatic species or 50/50 for amphibians. Use strong filtration, cycle the water for 4 to 6 weeks, and test water regularly to keep ammonia and nitrite at zero. Keep tropical water between 22 and 28°C and humidity around 70 to 90 percent, and provide suitable lighting and UVB where needed. Plant with Anubias, Java fern, bromeliads and mosses to help humidity and water quality. Do daily checks, weekly tests and monthly partial water changes, and avoid common mistakes like skipping the cycle, overstocking, poor filtration, unsafe materials and stagnant water. Follow these steps to create a stable, natural paludarium that supports healthy animal behaviour and long term care.

9 July 2026

A simple guide to keeping pets calm at Bonfire Night and during other fireworks. Fireworks can cause anxiety in dogs, cats, rabbits and small pets because loud bangs and flashes are frightening. Plan ahead: check microchip and ID tags, speak to your vet about calming options, and set up a safe indoor den with familiar bedding and toys. On the night keep pets inside, close windows and curtains, play quiet background noise, and use pheromone diffusers, calming jackets or vet-prescribed medicines if needed. After the fireworks praise calm behaviour, check outside for debris and watch for ongoing stress. If your pet is still fearful each year, get a behavioural consultation or follow a desensitisation plan with your vet.

8 July 2026

A simple, SEO friendly guide to cat care while on holiday. Choose the right option for your cat: boarding cattery, home visits, a live-in pet sitter or help from friends and family. Boarding catteries give regular feeding, cleaning and trained staff but can stress some cats because of a new place. Home visits let your cat stay in a familiar environment while a sitter feeds, cleans the litter and plays with them. A live-in sitter keeps routine and company for cats that do not cope well alone. To prepare your cat for holiday, make sure vaccinations are up to date, give flea and worm treatments, leave enough food and clear written care instructions, and update your microchip and contact details. Make the home comfortable with clean litter trays, fresh water, favourite sleeping spots, toys and items with your scent. Keep feeding times and daily routines the same to reduce cat stress and avoid long, dramatic goodbyes. Leave an emergency contact, your vet details and written permission for treatment. When you return, be patient while your cat readjusts; you may see extra affection or a short change in behaviour. Careful planning helps you enjoy your holiday while your cat stays safe and calm.

7 July 2026