In the last decade or so, there’s been a serious decline in frog populations all over the world, and in Australia alone eight species have become extinct in the last 25 years. What’s even more worrying is that scientists are not really sure why it’s...
The June issue of the Burke’s Backyard magazine contains an informative and useful zip out book – The Burke’s Backyard Guide to Backyard Birds. The book helps identify birds commonly found in Australian gardens and gives tips on how to attract them....
Jack the Corella Jack the Corella has appeared on many television shows all over the world, including Burke’s Backyard, Midday, the BBC’s "Look who’s talking" and programmes on CNN and Japanese TV. Jack has won many Burke’s Backyard...
Making Your Garden Fox Unfriendly The European red fox (Vulpes vulpes) was first released in Melbourne in 1855 for recreational hunting. Today it is one of the most widely spread feral animals in Australia, and is present in every state except Tasmania. Once perceived...
Breed: Dwarf Lop and Mini Lop Rabbit Temperament: friendly, docile Cost: from $30 for pets to $90 for show Lifespan: 9 – 10 years Recommended for: families Maintenance: low Appearance Dwarf lops and Mini lops are very similar in appearance, size being the only...
Breed: Maltese x Shih Tzu Temperament: friendly, outgoing, boisterous Lifespan: 12-14 years Recommended for: anyone Dumpage rate: medium Maintenance: medium Appearance The Maltese x Shih Tzu is a small dog with an abundant coat. It may resemble either of the parent...
Recent research in the United Kingdom, United States of America and Australia shows that gardens are critically important for the survival of native species of birds. Don pointed out that only about 6% of Australia is in national parks, most of the rest is in private...
Ultimate Birds – Pet Macaw The trouble with keeping birds in cages is that you restrict one of their greatest abilities – flight. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have birds as pets, but let them fly free and interact with the family? That would really be...
Understanding Parrots Don visited Taronga Zoo and spoke to bird trainer Matthew Kettle about the social needs of parrots. Parrots are often perceived as ‘easy care’ pets, but there is much more to owning birds than putting them in cages and feeding them...
When Ears Go Back – Pat Parelli The ears are the most expressive parts of a horse’s body; read them and you can read the horse’s mind. Remember, the horse is a huge animal and if you can’t read its body language you risk being seriously...