Find the perfect companion for you and your family
Breed: Silkworms Temperament: lethargic & big eaters Cost: About $2 for 10 silkworms Lifespan: 2 months Recommended for: Children History Of all the animals man has domesticated there have only been two insects – bees and silkworms. The Chinese first...
Funky Fish Tanks Qantas Amazing Australia While fish are attractive and engrossing pets, the tanks in which they live can be somewhat unattractive. There is now an alternative in the form of a fish tank with a very unconventional design. In Melbourne, Jean-Paul George...
Breed: Russian Blue cats Temperament: Timid, affectionate Cost: From $350 Lifespan: 18-20 years Recommended for: Families, single persons, the older cat lover Maintenance: Low History The Russian Blue is thought to have originated as a wild cat in Russia, and from the...
Cleveland Bay Horses BREED: Cleveland Bay horses TEMPERAMENT: usually placid COST: $2000 plus LIFESPAN: 25 years RECOMMENDED FOR: experienced riders and coach work Appearance Cleveland Bay horses are large, handsome horses, standing between 16-17 hands (a hand is...
Connemara Ponies BREED: Connemara Ponies TEMPERAMENT: Quiet, sturdy COST: $850 plus LIFESPAN: 25 years RECOMMENDED FOR: Families History Connemara Ponies originated in Ireland from the mountain and moorland area of Connemara, in the north western region of County...
Polish Chooks Breed: Polish Chooks Temperament: Can be flighty Cost: $30 plus Lifespan: Seven years Recommended for: Experienced breeders Appearance Polish Chooks have a crest or hat of feathers on their head which looks like a pompom. They have long, deep...
Breed: Belgian Shepherd Temperament: protective, wary Lifespan: 12-14 years Recommended for: responsible families Maintenance: medium Dumpage rate: low Appearance There are four types of Belgian Shepherd, but the only differences between them is their coat colour and...
Breed: Bloodhound Temperament: Active, stubborn Lifespan: 8-10 years Recommended: Active people Dumpage rate: Low Maintenance: Medium Tracking and training The Bloodhound’s scenting reputation is second to none with an olfactory ability claimed to be three...
To find out more about birds and bird watching ‘Burke’s Backyard’ visited bird expert and author, Graham Pizzey at his home at Dunkeld, 250km west of Melbourne in Victoria. Graham is fascinated by birds and has watched them all his life. He has just...
Giant Spiders ‘Burke’s Backyard’ has a message for all ‘arachnophobes’ (those who fear spiders): steer clear of the Australian Museum at College Street in Sydney this summer. Those who love spiders however will enjoy a new display at the...