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Spur-winged Plovers We visited the grounds of Sydney University, where a pair of Spur-winged plovers is nesting. The parents are very protective of their two chicks, and swoop any students who come too close. However, the plovers are unlikely to cause any harm,...
Please Can He Come In? Science reporter Graeme Quirk says that you can reduce your heating bill simply by letting your dog come inside with the family on cold winter nights. To work out how much you’ll save, compare the body heat radiated by the dog with the...
Irish Draught Horses Breed: Irish Draught Horses Temperament: well tempered, gentle Cost: $10,000+ Lifespan: up to 30 years Recommended for: ideal for adult sport riders, suitable for anyone Ireland’s soil, climate and culture makes it one of the most horse...
Breed: Quarter Horse Temperament: Willing, versatile Maintenance: Medium Lifespan: Up to 30 years Cost: $2000 – $20,000 Recommended for: Beginners to experts History The American Quarter Horse is reputed to be the oldest all-American breed. The origins of this...
Breed: Australian Scorpions Temperament: varies according to species Cost: $40-$70 (around $140+ for full set-up) Lifespan: 2+ years Recommended for: anyone 12+ Maintenance: low In Australia there are thought to be more than 100 species of scorpion and although they...
Mice Breed: Mouse Temperament: Curious Maintenance: Medium Lifespan: 2-3 years Cost: $2-$20 Recommended for: 5 years+ Background Although the wide range of pet mice available these days may appear to be completely different from your average brown house mouse, they...
Breed: Swedish Vallhund Temperament: active, easy to please Maintenance: low – medium Lifespan: up to 15 years Recommended for: families, active people History Swedish Vallhunds or ‘Vasgotaspets’ as they’re known in Sweden were developed as an...
Breed: Children’s Python Temperament: placid Maintenance: low Lifespan: 15-20 years Cost: $200-$300 ($1000+ for full set-up) Recommended for: 10+ years Background Snakes have been kept as pets for many thousands of years, although it is not known exactly when...
Suffolk Sheep Breed: Suffolk Sheep Temperament: quiet Maintenance: medium Cost: from $100-$200 (ewes); $300-500 (flock rams); $1000-$10,000 (stud rams) Lifespan: 10-14 years Recommended for: hobby farmers History The Suffolk was developed in England by crossing a...
Breed: Ferret Temperament: playful, active, mischievous Lifespan: 6-10 years Maintenance: medium Recommended for: units, families with school aged children Often regarded as vicious, smelly and a downright pest, the ferret carries an unfortunate and perhaps unfair...