Sand -

The BEST bedding to use in a chicken coop is sand.  You can easily sift through it to clean and you will only need have to remove the sand and replace it once or twice a year.  You may have to take a shovel or straw fork to it every month to avoid it getting compact and to help any wet sand dry.

The Routine

Once a Week -

Using a shavings fork (for horses) with small square shaped wire wrapped around it, remove all of the droppings.  Then you will take a mite killer and spray the entire coop.  Remove shavings from the laying boxes, spray with mite killer the add fresh shavings.

Once a Month -

Follow the above and add these steps.  Use a straw fork to break up the sand so it doesn't get compact.  Spray the walls, nesting boxes and perches with an animal-friendly disinfected.  Leave doors open to help to dry everything while the chickens are free ranging.

Once a Year -

Full clean out time!  Remove all sand and shavings.  Then you will power wash the entire coop, spray with disinfectant then leave to dry.  Once dry spray again with disinfectant and mite killer.  Add new sand and clean shavings.


*Disclaimer*  

I am not any type of animal expert but instead only an animal lover who wants to share her tips.  Please consult relevant animal specialists and do not only take my advice.

 The Rider's Pets

Sleeping Area

With a scared cat, changing their environment is essential.  First of all, provide a high area that the cat can go up to and see the whole room.  In the high area, create 'caves' or hidden areas that the cat can go into to sleep.



Litter Tray

With cats using litter trays, you need to experiment to see what they like.  An anxious cat may prefer a covered litter tray or one that is in a more hidden place.  With an extremely scared cat, you may have to find a way to lift the litter tray up high.



Routine

Depending on what your cat is scared of, you will have to set up a routine to suit him.  Clean out the litter tray at the same times every day and feed at the same time.  For example, if your cat is scared of people or doesn't come out during the day, feed him before you go to sleep.



Products

I love Feliway Classic!  There are different types of defusers for different problems with your cat like fighting or scratching.  It releases the same 'messages' that cats use to interact with other cats.  The defuser with release happy, friendly or territory messages for different solutions.  Just plug it into the wall in your cat's favourite area and you will notice the difference in your cat's behaviour.


*Disclaimer*  

I am not any type of animal expert but instead only an animal lover who wants to share her tips.  Please consult relevant animal specialists and do not only take my advice.

 The Rider's Pets

If your chicken, duck or goose has broken its leg, then you may want to try to heal it yourself IF the bone is still aligned.

What You Need

• Popsicle Sticks (or similar, hard stick)
• Cotton roll 
• Vet wrap 

 The Rider's Pets

 The Rider's Pets

1.  Cage

Depending on whether you are keeping your guinea pigs indoors or outdoors you will need different types of cages.  Outdoor cages are usually made of wood and mesh.  An indoor cage can be made of wood or plastic.  Another option for outside is to use a wooden garden shed with a run attached.

2.  Run

Your guinea pig will nee a run to get enough exercise.  If your guinea pig is outside then a wire run will work well.  If your guinea pig is indoors, I like to let them run around the room.

3.  Hayrack

You need some sort of hay rack to put in your cage.  You can get hanging, standing or rolling racks.  I personally have a hanging rack and a wooden rolling rack.

4.  Water bottle

Obviously, you will need a water bottle or a water bowl.  I like bottles as they don't get as dirty and I prefer glass bottles as plastic may not be good for your guinea pig.

5.  Food bowls

To feed guinea pig nuggets and fresh vegetables I have two ceramic bowls. 

6.  Carrier

To collect your new guinea pig and take him to the vets or travel with him you will need a carrier.  I personally just use a cat carrier for my two guinea pigs but you can get ones made for guinea pigs.


*Disclaimer*  

I am not any type of animal expert but instead only an animal lover who wants to share her tips.  Please consult relevant animal specialists and do not only take my advice.

 The Rider's Pets

1.  Sit

Teaching your dog to sit is a very basic but great trick to train.  You can use it in social situations, in the car of events like picnics.  It is also good for the vets and also just at home.

2.  Stay

Stay is a really important trick for safety and politeness.  I use the stay command all the time in social situations and at times when he is in a situation that is dangerous for him like crossing the road or when we come across an aggressive dog.

3.  Lie Down

I am so glad I taught Hugo to lie down!  I use it all the time at home if I need to put cream on his stomach but it has also been great at the vets and physiotherapy.

4.  Leave it

Leave it is a command I use at home.  It could be when Hugo finds something he shouldn't have, other dogs are eating and toys when we are playing fetch.  I would really recommend teaching your dog this if he is food aggressive.

5.  Recall

Probably the most important command.  This should be practised to perfection in case your dog gets loose or is in danger.  Of course, it is also good for in your garden or at the dog park.

*Disclaimer*  

I am not any type of animal expert but instead only an animal lover who wants to share her tips.  Please consult relevant animal specialists and do not only take my advice.
 The Rider's Pets

Things to Look for



Pale comb (  Usually seen in battery hens) -

 The Rider's Pets

1. Basics

Your dog needs some basic things to have a good life.  He needs a home where he is warm, comfortable and sheltered.  They need access to healthcare products and a vet.  A good diet and a constant supply of water are also essential.



2.  Exercise

This is something that some owners neglect.  Dogs need regular exercise on a schedule to have a good quality of life with you.  It really helps with energy levels in daily life, aggression levels if that is in a problem and the dog's health through his life.



3.  Socialise

Yes, your dog needs to be socialized.  He needs this to be happy with new people and gets along with other dogs.  Your dog will not have a good quality of life if he is aggressive as he will be kept in the house at all times.



4.  Attention

For your dog to be happy, they need a lot of attention.  Whether that is just him sleeping next to you, playing with him, taking him for a walk or grooming him, he needs it.



5.  Training

Have you ever seen someone shouting at their dog and the dog is not listening and doing the opposite?  You know that person is not having a good time but you need to remember that the dog is having a great time either.  The better your dog is trained, the more enjoyable time spent with him will be for both you and him.


*Disclaimer*  

I am not any type of animal expert but instead only an animal lover who wants to share her tips.  Please consult relevant animal specialists and do not only take my advice.

 The Rider's Pets