We often get asked at ideas-4-pets whether rats should be kept in aquariums (glass tanks etc.) or in metal rat cages.  There seems to be plenty of books and information out there about the pros and cons of both but I thought it might help to list the advantages and disadvantages of both. Advantages of [...]

Chicken keeping is now one of the fastest growing hobbies in the UK.  One reason is that chickens make lovely and placid family pets as well as representing a major potential saving on the housekeeping budget. Keeping chickens is also profitable because believe it or not, each chicken you keep (after feeding) can save you [...]

The Labrador is the most popular breed of dog (by registered ownership) in the world, and is by a large margin the most popular breed by registration in the United Kingdom.  They are exceptionally affable, gentle, intelligent, energetic and good natured dogs and are generally considered good companions for people of all ages.  They are [...]

Did you know that if you listen carefully to the sounds your rabbit makes and watch the type of behaviour your rabbit is displaying, you can actually get some idea of what your rabbit is trying to tell you. If you hear a soft grinding of his teeth your rabbit is trying to you that [...]

It’s almost spring again and would-be pet owners are turning their attentions to rabbits !!  Rabbits have always been popular pets and among the top favourites is the dwarf lop.  These rabbits have floppy ears and compact little bodies, coupled with a friendly almost dog-like temperament. The Cashmere lops have similar temperaments and are noted for [...]

Due to the current recession, many would-be pet owners are looking towards the smaller pet rather than the cat or dog which, despite their usual popularity, tend to be rather costly animals to keep.  Dogs for instance need a good quality dog bed or even two, a dog kennel for the garden, sometimes a dog run too and [...]

If you have cats that are used to being indoor cats then it’s a good idea to provide them with an outside cat run.  Not only does this offer them extra space to exercise in but also the taste and feel of the outdoors while keeping them as safe and secure as possible.  Although a cat who has never known [...]

I have read an article about a pet rabbit in the UK who is believed to be about 16 years old. From the tip of his grey ears to his tail, Hazel the rabbit looked every inch the sprightly young buck as he posed for his photograph with his owners. He is quite possibly the [...]

To Roam or Not to Roam? Roaming dogs are not something that I would support and for good reason.  My friend was bitten by a neighbour’s dog when she was a child.  She had been riding her bike but was knocked off her bike and fell into the road when a German Shepherd dog jumped her from [...]

I read an article the other day about a dog owner who remembered being a small child and she was aware that her pet dog was lying around limp all day under a chair.  She remembered that her dog’s eyes were moving only occasionally but that because she was jut a child, she just carried [...]