Don went into an aviary housing exhibition budgerigars. He demonstrated how important it is to move in a way that does not frighten the birds. When working with birds or animals remember these tips: Do everything in slow motion and avoid moving in a rapid, jerky...
Pets
Find the perfect companion for you and your family
Red-back Without Red Back
Red-back Without Red Back Red-backs (Latrodectus hasseltii) are usually glossy black, with a distinctive red/orange stripe on the abdomen. However, it is not uncommon to find variations on this pattern. Don came across a red-back without any red on its back at all....
Cat Behaviour
Have you ever wondered why cats rub up against people and why they flick their tails? In our segment those questions were answered by Dr Judith Blackshaw, a leading expert in animal behaviour. Judith also explained the reasons behind other common cat antics. Marking...
Bandicoots in the Backyard
Don investigated some mysterious, funnel-shaped holes in a lawn. That night he returned to the same backyard with a torch, and discovered that bandicoots were coming in from the adjoining bushland and digging in the lawn for grubs, worms and other juicy morsels....
Pet Cost Comparison
One of the issues that many people face when they are thinking about buying a pet is, ‘what do they cost?’. The question really only begins with the purchase price. Often there are hidden costs everywhere when you buy any pet, and new owners often have no idea of what...
Rats
Breed: Rattus norvegicus Temperament: inquisitive, bold and intelligent Cost: $10-$15 Lifespan: up to 3 years Maintenance: medium Recommended for: teenagers, small homes History Rat. The mere mention of the word would send shudders down most (but not all)...
Pet Yabbies
Pet Yabbies Breed: Yabby and Marron Temperament: territorial Cost: $9.95 – $21.95 Lifespan: up to 3 years Maintenance: low Recommended for: aquatic critter fanciers Crayfish Australia has over 100 species of crayfish. Crayfish are lobster-like freshwater...

Bearded Dragons
Breed: Bearded Dragons Temperament: docile Cost: $60 – $400 Lifespan: 10 -15 years Maintenance: low Recommended for: Home units. Those wanting something different. Distribution There are three types of bearded dragons commonly kept by enthusiasts in Australia;...

Axolotls
Axolotls Pet Road Test: Axolotl Breed: Axolotl Temperament: placid but anti-social Cost: $20-$35 Lifespan: 12-15 years Maintenance: low-medium Recommended for: teenagers, those who want something different History Also known as the Mexican walking fish, the word...
Guinea Pig
Breed: Cavy (Guinea Pig) Temperament: quiet and manageable Cost: $5-$45 Lifespan: up to 11 years, average 4-5 years Maintenance: medium Recommended for: families, small residences History Very little is known about the domestic origins of the Guinea Pig, otherwise...
