Wild birds need feeding

I have a hanging basket tree I use the my plants. This year I decided to take off the baskets and leave the tree standing. Then I had another brilliant idea. I would replace the hanging baskets with bird feeds including a fat ball containter and half a coconut. And the birds loved it!

Therefore, I suggest you do the same. There is plenty of wild bird food about and it isn't expensive if you buy it loose. Also lots of garden centres offer fat balls in large containers. The birds are very grateful for the food especially as the forecast for the weekend is more snow and freezing temperatures.

And don;t forget fresh water especially when it freezes over. I keep a couple of dishes inside and when frozen over I just replace the frozen ones with fresh ones.

You get a lot of pleasure seeing various birds appearing in your garden on a regular basis.

Animals in Haiti

While I empthasize with those poor people who have lost everthing in Haiti who have lost everything, I feel worse for the animals caught up in the earthquake. The pets, wildlife, zoo animals and farm animals.

I have heard that some American agencies like the ASPCA and World Wildlife Fund are trying to co-ordinate fundraising acitivities geared specifically to the problems of these animals in Haiti. I will do more to find out exactly who. What they need and want then provide you with addresses. Meanwhile, you may like to Google Haiti animal rescue.

Let's help them, the animals ASAP!

A Poison Free Hone - keep these things away from your pets

A Poison Safe Home


Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pet

Alcoholic beverages
Avocado
Chocolate (all forms)
Coffee (all forms)
Fatty foods
Macadamia nuts
Moldy or spoiled foods
Onions, onion powder
Raisins and grapes
Salt
Yeast dough
Garlic
Products sweetened with xylitol
Warm Weather Hazards
Animal toxins—toads, insects, spiders, snakes and scorpions
Blue-green algae in ponds
Citronella candles
Cocoa mulch
Compost piles Fertilizers
Flea products
Outdoor plants and plant bulbs
Swimming-pool treatment supplies
Fly baits containing methomyl
Slug and snail baits containing metaldehyde
Medication

Common examples of human medications that can be potentially lethal to pets, even in small doses, include:
Pain killers
Cold medicines
Anti-cancer drugs
Antidepressants
Vitamins
Diet Pills

Cold Weather Hazards
Antifreeze
Liquid potpourri
Ice melting products
Rat and mouse bait
Common Household Hazards
Fabric softener sheets
Mothballs
Post-1982 pennies (due to high concentration of zinc)

Holiday Hazards
Christmas tree water (may contain fertilizers and bacteria, which, if ingested, can upset the stomach.
Electrical cords
Ribbons or tinsel (can become lodged in the intestines and cause intestinal obstruction—most often occurs with kittens!)
Batteries
Glass ornaments
Non-toxic Substances for Dogs and Cats

The following substances are considered to be non-toxic, although they may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some animals:
Water-based paints
Toilet bowl water
Silica gel
Poinsettia
Cat litter
Glue traps
Glow jewelry

More good advice from ASPCA (USA)

Snow is frightening

Don't forget your pets when it snows, particularly the outdoor ones like rabbits, dogs, birds, etc.. Snow is a rare occurance in the UK but it happens and when it does for any animal it comes as a shock.

During these exceptional circumstances make sure your rabbit, dog or other outdoor creature has plenty of warm bedding. Make certain it is dry and is kept dry. Replace the bedding if it gets wet.

Food and water. When it gets cold be certain to wrap water bottles in a towel and bobble wrap to keept it from freezing. You may need to change the water several times a day to be certain it is not frozen because fresh water is very important to any creature.

As for food, animals will need extra food to build up their fat reserves. Make certain that the food is kept dry and doesn't freeze.

It is important to keep the pets' living accommodation clean.

And I think the most important part is to spend time with your pets especially the ones that are outdoors. Too often people forget how lonely pets get in the bad weather.