Birds are not mammals and do not possess the enzyme necessary to break down lactose that is in milk and its diary byproducts, such as cheese. Therefore birds will get some degree of indigestion when being fed dairy products!
Continue reading “Are Milk And Cheese Okay For Birds?”The Protection Of Birds During Nesting Season
All wild birds are protected during nesting season. This includes their nests, whilst in use or being built, as well as any eggs the nest may contain. Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (WCA) it is an offence to:
- intentionally kill, injure or take any wild bird,
- intentionally damage, destroy or take the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built,
- intentionally destroy an egg of any wild bird
- and intentionally or recklessly disturb certain wild birds or their dependent young while they are nesting.
Continue reading “The Protection Of Birds During Nesting Season”
Winter Bird Feeding Tips
The winter can be a tough time of year for birds. However, you can give your feathered friends a helping hand. Attracting birds to your garden will be more successful, if they have a place that makes them feel secure and comfortable even in the worst weather. So providing shelter like roosting or nest boxes will help birds to conserve valuable energy, in particular during frosty winter nights and winter storms.
How To Care For Visually Impaired Birds
Blindness occurs in many species including birds. Some birds are born blind while others develop blindness. But regardless of how an animal may become blind, blind animals require special care that is different than that of a sighted animal. Knowing how to care for a blind or visually impaired animal can help to prevent many frustrations, misunderstandings and injuries.
Are Animals Able To Ask Humans For Help?
Before we look at some examples of animals seeking human help, it seems a good idea to address the often heard myth that we as humans must not anthropomorphise animal behaviour. Although this is still a widespread believe, even amongst otherwise renowned scientists, it is simply wrong, based on the ever increasing anecdotal and scientific evidence. I have chosen four short excerpts taken from Marc Bekoff’s book “The Emotional Lives of Animals – A Leading Scientist Explores Animal Joy, Sorrow, and Empathy – and Why They Matter”, who addresses this misconception in his usual precise, ethical and scientific manor. 1
‘Careful and detailed behavioral studies have shown time and again that we can indeed differentiate and understand animal behavior, and how it differs in various social contexts.’