Features

Flower power: Bees form a vital link in the food chain

Pet of the week: The bee

What's the buzz? This summer, if you want to get a low-maintenance "pet" with a free spirit who won't constantly be craving affection, then you need to start considering taking up beekeeping. Natural colonies in the wild have been all but wiped out, and whole species are under attack from a mite with a name more becoming of a cartoon villain – the Varroa Mite. Add to this the allegedly harmful effects of pesticides used in intensive farming, which get fed back into the hives, and it is easy to see how the bee population has been whittled away. It is only thanks to the efforts of beekeepers around the country that we have any bees in Britain at all. A sobering thought.

Inside Features

Your Questions: 'I'm worried about my cat being poisoned. What signs would my cat show?

Saturday, 15 August 2009

By Chamois Rose-Wood

Pet of the week: The ferret

Saturday, 8 August 2009

Who's this funny little fellow? He's a ferret, traditionally the beloved companion of farmers throughout the land, though more recently he has been co-opted by people seeking an inquisitive, if rather pesky pet. In days of yore, the ferret would have been used as a highly efficient and ruthless vermin catcher. Nowadays, he's more likely to be found rummaging around in your sock drawer.

Your Questions: How do I get my six-month old pug to stop humping everything?

Saturday, 8 August 2009

Q. I have a six-month-old pug called Harry. I've had him since he was 10 weeks old and he's done the normal puppy things. But lately he's started to hump everything, mostly other dogs – male or female – voraciously and with no mercy! And now he's starting to chase other dogs for this purpose. I don't know what to do. I'm afraid I'm going to be banned from the park – help! Jocelyn, Wimbledon

Your Questions: Are wheels dangerous for pet mice?

Saturday, 18 July 2009

Q. I've recently bought a new pet mouse. He is lovely and enjoys running around in his cage. When a friend came to visit she told me that his wheel is dangerous. Is this true and if so how else can I give him exercise? Benjamin, via e-mail

Super famous furry animals...

Wednesday, 8 July 2009

What’s the difference between Lassie the dog and Bubbles the chimp?

Your Questions: 'How can I make the best of my dog's twilight years?'

Saturday, 16 May 2009

Q. In the past few months I've noticed changes in our beloved 11-year-old Labrador. I've only just realised that he is getting older and I don't know how to deal with it. What will happen to him in his twilight years and how can I make sure he makes the best of them? Pat, Edinburgh

Pet of the week: The Goliath Birdeater

Saturday, 2 May 2009

Who is this fearsome-looking beast? Theraphosa blondi, the largest mygalomorph there is, with a leg span equivalent to a small dinner plate (up to 12 inches). This is most definitely not an itsy-bitsy spider, climbing up the wall. In fact, he is so heavy that climbing up walls is probably not an option, being as he weighs more than your average mouse.

Your Questions: How can I stop my cat climbing trees?

Saturday, 2 May 2009

Q. My cat has taken to climbing up the tree. But when he gets up there he doesn't seem to be able to get down. He starts crying and I have to rescue him. Why does he do it and how can I stop him? Lisa, Greenwich

Pet of the week: The chinchilla

Saturday, 25 April 2009

Who's this? It is a chinchilla, native of the Andes, and used to scraping a herbivorous living in pretty tough environments, so don't be fooled by the cute little ears and goofy teeth routine. He's a born survivor, so be prepared for him to live up to 15 years.

Your Questions: How can we stop our labrador stealing food from our plates?

Saturday, 25 April 2009

Q. We have an 18-month-old chocolate Labrador and he is quite well behaved, but has one significant flaw. He likes food too much and when we are sitting at the table having dinner, he is there watching us, dribbling and trying to get the food. If we are not careful, he will steal from our plates. We don't know what to do. Help! Margaret, London

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