The Omlet Blog Archives: May 2018

Meet Widget, the star of our new Fido Nook Video!!

Widget was recently rescued from a dogs home and now lives with his owner Gill who is a professional stunt dog trainer!

Gill has trained many dogs over the years and is the founder of Stunt Dogs. who are specialist suppliers to the film, TV and advertising industry of trained animals.

Stunt Dogs have supplied many animals for films such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Snow White & the Huntsman, Sherlock Holmes II, Wolfman, Thor II, Young Victoria, The Duchess and many many more!

When we saw Widget we knew he was perfect for the Fido Nook launch video.

His skills include:

Down, Go to a mark, Sit, Sit up and beg, Speak, Stand, Stay and Walk Backwards

…and we’re sure we’ll spot him in lots of films and tv programmes in the coming months!

We asked Gill to tell us a little more about Widget…..
What Breed is Widget?     
Jack Russell terrier/Westie/Papillon
How old is he?
He is 12 months old
How long have you had Widget?   
Since November 2017, most of the Stunt Dogs live with my trained handlers but when I saw Widget I knew he was going to live with me.

Has Widget done much tv/video work?
He’s done quite a lot of work, commercials, TV and films.

Please tell me a little more about Widget… 
Widget is very outgoing, loves everybody and everything, he’s a huge character and loves to train and work.

Does he have a favourite toy?
All toys, he has a lot!

He’s got such a great personality I think he’s going to be a big star!

The Fido Nook is available from only £114.99  

 

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This entry was posted in Dogs on May 17th, 2018 by helenkennedy


Crate training tips

Dog relaxing in Fido Studio Dog Crate with Omlet Bolster Bed

Considering crate training for your puppy or dog? While many people view dog crates as cages with cruel intentions, it’s actually been proven that dogs love a calm, safe place where they can rest and be by themselves. When introduced properly, crate training is an excellent way to give your dog a comfortable space of their own and help them learn new behaviours in the process. We’ve uncovered all the benefits and tips you need to know on when and how to use crate training as a tool and resource. Keep reading to learn more about crate training.

Why crate train?

Crate training is an important process in your dog’s life. Not only is it really helpful in potty training, but it’s also a great way to provide them with a secure space where they can retreat to in order to feel safe. So if you have a dog or new puppy in your life, take a look at all the ways crate training can be a useful tool in raising your new family member:

  • Security: In the wild, dogs are naturally denning animals, which means they instinctively seek out small spaces to create a den-like feel. Offering your dog a crate to use at any age actually appeals to their innate behaviours and desires.
  • Self-confidence: Think of how proud a toddler is when they learn how to use the ‘big potty’…the same is true for dogs! Through crate training, you set your pup up for success by helping them learn to reduce their wee and poop accidents.
  • Self-reliance: As much as we wish we could spend every waking hour with our furry friends, the fact remains that sometimes we have to leave them at the house alone. When you crate train your dog, you give them a stronger sense of confidence to be ok by themselves when you have to be away from them for a while.
  • Privacy: A dog crate can serve as a very useful time-out device for overtired puppies who need a break. It’s also a great place for your adult or senior dog to escape to when they want to be alone.
  • Practicality: Being comfortable with a crate is important for dogs as they will be exposed to one eventually. Whether at the vet, the groomer or travelling in a car, crates are often used in other places to keep your dog safe and secure. So best to get them comfortable with a crate at home first.

Make crate training an enjoyable experience

A dog crate is meant to be a positive environment for your dog to see as an enjoyable place to be. The best way to ensure they have this association is to create that positive feeling from the moment of introduction to the crate. Here are some ways you can make crate training a truly enjoyable experience for everyone.

Choose the right crate

Finding the best dog crate is key to the success of your dog learning to love it. Depending on what dog breed you have, you want to make sure the crate fits your dog’s size and ability to turn around while in it. Other features your dog crate should have are durability, comfortability and transportability. The Fido Nook dog crate is a wonderful option as it provides all of these features while also doubling as a sleek piece of furniture in your home.

Create a positive association

One of the fastest ways to a dog’s heart is through their stomachs. So in order to encourage a positive association with the dog crate, use food and dog treats as tools. You can even move their dog bowls closer to the crate so they see the positive connection of eating and crate naps so close together!

Create a comfy spot

Some dogs prefer laying on hard surfaces and might be quite content just napping on the bottom crate tray. However, most dogs (and their owners!) prefer a more cosy spot to sneak away to. Try a comfortable plush dog bed that fits inside the crate so they can have more padding to snooze on. Or, just lay down a few cosy dog blankets so your dog can create the nap nest they desire. 

Play crate games

It’s completely normal for dogs and puppies alike to be uncertain of a crate at first. How would you feel about seeing something so foreign and new for the first time? One of the best ways you can make crate training a less scary experience is by making it fun – and what is more fun than playtime? Get on the floor and use different dog toys to throw in and out of the crate to encourage a fun and playful game that makes your dog more comfortable with the new space.

Have patience

Any dog can learn new tricks and that goes for crate training, too. But only if you have patience and take it slowly. Like anything new, if you rush the process it is unlikely to stick, which can lead to frustration for you both. So take your time and allow your dog to warm up to the crate in their own time. Before you know it, they will be sneaking away to it all on their own!

Omlet and crate training

At Omlet, we believe having a dog is more than just owning a pet, it’s a relationship that is to be fostered. So we design our products to cultivate that connection so you two can spend more time together building those bonds. We believe crate training is an invaluable tool and while we didn’t invent the dog crate, we did perfect it. The Omlet Classic Dog Crate is engineered with durable welded steel and two door options for easy placement and openings. Use it by itself or place it inside the Fido Nook, for a more sleek and modern design that complements your interior. Whichever option you choose, Omlet can help make crate training your dog an easy and enjoyable experience.

Brown Dachshund in Fido Nook Dog Crate with its tongue out

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This entry was posted in Dogs on May 17th, 2018 by helenkennedy


Keep your chickens entertained

Two chickens eating snacks from the Omlet Chicken Peck Toy

Who enjoys being bored? The same boredom that plagues humans and other pets can creep into your chicken flock – potentially causing destructive behaviour. Thankfully, there are ways to keep your chickens entertained. We’ll share our favourite ways to keep your flock’s minds and bodies busy to effectively keep boredom at bay. 

Why do chickens need to be entertained? 

Much like children, chickens can act out if they become bored. It’s not uncommon for bored hens to display a variety of negative behaviours or attitudes when they don’t receive enough mental or physical stimulation. Some signs that your chickens may be bored include: 

  • Feather pulling (on themselves or picking at flockmates) 
  • Sudden assertive or aggressive behaviour 
  • Dull demeanour 
  • Decreased appetite 

Chickens are very social animals, and while having companions helps curb their craving to be entertained, supplemental activities will help keep your flock fit and happy. 

Ways to keep your flock occupied 

Keeping your chickens entertained in any season is easier than you may think. Simple additions to your chickens’ run can make the difference between doldrums and delight. The following boredom-busting activities are great for any sized flock to get a great mental and physical workout in. 

Provide perches 

Chicken perches are an easy, yet effective way to get your flock engaged in their run. Perching is a natural behaviour for nearly every species of bird, and your hens are likely craving some vertical variety in their space. Freestanding chicken perches are quick to install and move when needed and can be customised to accommodate even the smallest hen in your flock. Or, go big with a PoleTree customisable chicken perch for the ultimate perching and play experience. 

Put out heaps of leaves, straw or hay

Sometimes you need not look any further than nature for inspiration for enrichment. Freshly raked piles of leaves or scattered piles of straw or hay are great ways to encourage foraging in your flock. Toss some scratch grains or dried insect treats into the piles and watch your hens scratch around for hours searching for their snacks. 

Designate a dust bathing area 

Dust baths for chickens aren’t just to keep their feathers in good condition but are also a social activity among hen pals. You’ll often notice two or three hens taking a dust bath together. Providing your flock with a dust bathing area in a specific area of their run will help create a communal spot to hang out and catch up on coop gossip. 

Put up a mirror

Chickens take pride in their appearance, and will appreciate the opportunity to check out their reflection. Take care that any mirrors are securely mounted, and are not in an area that will reflect concentrated sun rays onto flammable surfaces like straw, hay, leaves, or dry grass. Use a mirror with caution if you have a rooster in your flock. If they perceive another rooster encroaching on their hens they will go on the defensive – even if it’s against their own reflection. This could stress them (and the rest of your flock) and do more harm than good. 

Chicken toys

Chicken toys are helpful to motivate hens to exercise mentally and physically. Elevate your hens’ snacktime with peck toys. The Pendant Peck Toy swings and sways along with your chickens’ efforts, which stimulates both their minds and bodies. Or, choose the Poppy Peck Toy for a more stationary option. The Caddi Chicken Treat Holder lets you serve your flock’s favourite fresh finds in a creative way. Stuff it full of leafy greens, hay, or 

Other toys for chickens include the Chicken Swing, which provides a fun alternative to an ordinary perch. Many chickens enjoy a nice sit on a gently swaying swing – especially when there’s a nice breeze. Some other toy ideas include: 

  • Xylophones mounted to the side of the run 
  • Toy balls (large enough to not be choked on)
  • Hollow dog toys to fill with scratch grains or other treats 

Change things up 

Chicken tractors are perfect for changing things up for your flock. Chickens thrive on routine, but benefit from variety. Move your chickens’ coop to different areas of your garden to give them fresh pecking grounds, new scenery, and different sunning angles.  

If you have a stationary chicken coop, try moving some toys or perches around periodically to spice things up. Adjust perch heights, move peck toys to new spots, or add herbs to their dust baths to give your hens variety in their everyday routines. 

Spend time with them 

This activity doesn’t require any special equipment – just your time. Even if your chickens just view you as the bringer of food, having you in their run for an extended visit helps liven things up. Bring a chair or stool to sit with your flock, or offer some treats by hand to build a bond with hesitant hens. As any chicken keeper knows, time spent with your hens is time well spent. 

Omlet: providing your flock with fun  

At Omlet, there’s no shortage of fun or innovation. The result? Imaginative chicken toys and accessories that are anything but dull. From pillar pieces like strong chicken coops, to quirky components like the Chicken Swing, our products help you create the perfect hen habitat.  

Chicken sat on the Omlet Chicken Swing

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This entry was posted in Chickens on May 15th, 2018 by helenkennedy


Get a FREE Special Edition Royal Wedding Run Cover

 

To celebrate the upcoming wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle we have produced a
Limited Edition Royal Wedding Eglu Run Cover!

Claim your FREE Royal Wedding Eglu Run Cover this weekend only when you spend over £50!

Enter promo code  ‘WEDDING‘  at checkout to automatically add the Free Cover to your basket

Shop Now!

 

Terms and Conditions

The Free Special Edition Royal Wedding Eglu Run Cover is only valid with orders over £50 (excluding delivery) placed on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th May. There is limited stock of the Royal Wedding Eglu Shade and will be given to the first 100 customers that place orders across all countries.  Please use promo code ‘WEDDING’.  The cover measures approximately 80cm x 80cm and comes supplied with bungee hooks so it can be easily attached to your run. It should be used as a sun and wind shade. Subject to availability. Omlet ltd. reserves the right to withdraw the offer at any point. 

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This entry was posted in Offers and promotions on May 11th, 2018 by laurabrain


Guide to Keeping Chickens!

Thinking about keeping chickens?

Read our handy guide first that has been provided by Sarah from Sussex Garden Poultry…

Chickens outside in their Omlet Eglu Cube Chicken Coop and Run

What advice would you give for someone looking to keep chickens? 

The most important thing is going to be the coop, choose something that will be safe for the hens, that will last, that’s easy to clean. Spend well, spend once. Buy your hens from a reputable source, it’s easy to be fobbed off with cockerels or older hens if you don’t know what to look for. Buying ‘point of lay’ means they may not be laying yet, but within a few weeks you’ll get eggs, there is no way of ageing a hen, you don’t want to buy something that’s 3 years old.

Which type of chickens would you suggest to get as a first time chicken owner?

If you’ve never kept hens before I always suggest you choose a fairly calm type of hybrid. The Red Rangers, Blacktails, Light Sussex & speckled hens. These girls will lay you lots of eggs with the minimum of fuss. Bantams are also a good choice if you have a small garden.

What type of Coop would you recommend?

Always buy the biggest coop you can afford & have space for, hen keeping is addictive, you start with 3 & end up saying, ‘oh I like that colour, that breed, that shape…’

Omlet sells four different types of Eglu Chicken Coops:

Eglu Cube Chicken Coop – for up to 10 chickens

Eglu Go Chicken Coop – for up to 4 medium size chickens

Eglu Go Up Chicken Coop – for up to 4 medium size chickens

Eglu Classic Chicken Coop – for 2-4 chickens

How many chickens would you suggest getting initially?

First think about your coop size, I always recommend starting with 3, the classic & the Go easily take 3 hens, should you have the misfortune to loose a bird you need to add a minimum of 2 hens, these coops have the space for 4 hens max. With the Cube you can take more hens, but remember when you want to add to your flock it’s best to double your numbers, so 4 or 5 in a cube allows you to add again in a couple of years time to keep a year round supply of eggs from new layers.

Should you always keep more than one chicken?

Chickens like to be in flocks, no one wants to be lonely, why would a chicken?
To read even more about keeping chickens read the Omlet chicken guide here
You can purchase chickens from Sussex Garden Poultry and then even offer a Hen Holidays service – visit their website here

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This entry was posted in Chickens on May 1st, 2018 by helenkennedy


Free Delivery on Incubators and Starter Packs

Get FREE Delivery when buying any Brinsea Incubator or Starter Pack for a Limited Time

BUY NOW

 

Terms and Conditions
Brinsea Free Delivery Promotion is valid for a limited time. The products included in the free delivery promotion are: Brinsea Mini II Eco (10 hens eggs), Brinsea Mini II Advance (7 hens eggs), Brinsea Maxi II Eco (30 hens eggs), Brinsea Maxi II EX (14 hens eggs), Brinsea Ovation 28 EX, Brinsea Mini II ECO STARTER PACK and Mini II Advance STARTER PACK. No promo code required. Subject to availability. Omlet ltd. reserves the right to withdraw the offer at any point. Cannot be used on existing discounts or in conjunction with any other offer.

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This entry was posted in Offers and promotions on May 1st, 2018 by helenkennedy


Buy the NEW Fido Nook and get Free Delivery!

 

The NEW 2-in-1 Luxury Dog Bed with removable Crate!

Finally the bed and home your dog has always wanted is here! The new Fido Nook is a brilliant design featuring a cosy space for your dog’s bed
inside a modern piece of furniture, it even has a wardrobe to effortlessly stores all their things. Order the Fido Nook today and get Free Delivery!

 

 

Terms and Conditions

This offer includes the Fido Nook 24″ and the Fido Nook 36″. Free delivery is only valid for a limited time and will be applied when you order – no promo code required. Subject to availability. The free delivery offer is valid on the Fido Nook 24″ and 36″ only, if you order additional items, a delivery charge will be added to your order. Omlet ltd. reserves the right to withdraw the offer at any point. Discount cannot be transferred to delivery or courses. Offer is only valid on fully priced items and cannot be used on existing discounts or in conjunction with any other offer.  Free Delivery ends at midnight on Thursday 31st May 2018

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This entry was posted in Dogs on May 1st, 2018 by laurabrain