January is the perfect time to set some achievable goals and implement some healthy habits for the year ahead. As you reflect on last year and dream up new adventures, why not bring your pet along for the journey? We’ve gathered some inspiring ideas to help you create fun and meaningful pet new year’s resolutions for both you and your furry companion.
Get fit
No more quick walks around the block after dinner. 2026 is all about getting fit with your pet. Both you and your pet will reap the rewards both physically and mentally. On an average 30 minute dog walk you can burn between 100 and 200 calories. If your cat is in need of some exercise, try aSwitch light up cat scratcher by Omlet. This innovative scratcher not only encourages your cat to stretch and scratch, but the interactive lights keep them engaged and entertained for hours.
Try a new activity with your pet
From hiking to kayaking, catching waves to joining a pet exercise class, it’s never been easier, or more fun, to include your pet in a new adventure. These activities aren’t just exciting; they’re a great way for both of you to stay active and healthy. For example, a 30-minute walk on the beach can help you burn around 150 calories, while a 30-minute hike could see you burning up to 220 calories. So grab your furry friend and make every outing a chance to boost your fitness and create unforgettable memories together.
Incorporate more playtime into your routine
Dogs are all about playful games, and cats can’t resist the thrill of chasing a toy; just don’t tell them it’s exercise! This year, why not make it your mission to enjoy even more playtime with your pets? Whether you’re tossing a ball, waving a feather wand, or inventing your own silly games, these moments are pure joy for both of you. Plus, a lively 20-minute tug of war can help you burn around 50 calories. It’s a win-win: you get to boost your fitness while sharing laughter and building an even stronger bond with your furry sidekick. If you’re on the hunt for a fun new play-space for your cat, check out theFreestyle Indoor Cat Tree by Omlet. This fully customizable cat tree is designed to grow with your feline friend, letting you add and rearrange accessories to keep things fresh and exciting. It’s the perfect way to keep your cat entertained, active, and happy, all while adding a stylish touch to your home.
Groom your pet every day
Brushing your pet is such a simple way to keep them looking and feeling their best. Not only does it help cut down on the fur you find on your clothes and furniture, but it also spreads those natural oils from their skin, giving their coat that healthy, shiny glow. Regular grooming is a great chance to bond and sneak in a little health check too. It’s a relaxing, feel-good routine that’s just as rewarding for you as it is for your furry friend.
Teach an old dog a new trick
Studies show that mental stimulation and learning can help slow down cognitive decline in older pets. By keeping your senior pet’s brain active, you’re not just keeping them entertained, but also contributing to their overall wellness by helping their mind stay healthier and sharper as they age. Try introducing puzzle toys, teaching new tricks, or simply mixing up your daily routine to keep things interesting. Plus, all that extra quality time together is a wonderful way to strengthen your bond and make your pet’s golden years even more joyful.
Update your pet’s ID info
Over the course of a year, a lot can change. People move, get new phone numbers, and sometimes forget to update their pet’s tags. It’s easy for these little details to slip through the cracks, but they’re so important for your pet’s safety. Take a few minutes to check that your furry friend’s tags and microchip information are up to date with your current contact details. If your pet ever gets lost, having accurate information can make all the difference in bringing them home quickly.
Make new friends
Visit your local park and get to know other pet owners, it’s easier than you think. Taking your pet out for some fresh air is the perfect opportunity to strike up a conversation with fellow animal lovers. You might make new friends, pick up helpful tips, or even discover fun events happening in your community. Plus, your pet will love the chance for socialisation and to explore new sights and smells.
Maintain a healthy diet
Keeping an eye on nutrition helps your furry friend stay energetic, happy, and at their best. Monitor your flock’s treats with aPeck Toy by Omlet, or aCaddi Treat Holder, suitable for rabbits and guinea pigs, as well as chickens. Remember, treats are great for training and showing love, but moderation is key to maintaining a healthy weight. Most of all, savor every moment you spend with your wonderful pets. Whether you’re playing, cuddling, or simply relaxing together, these are the moments that make life truly special.
Omlet and your pet
Making New Year’s resolutions with your pets is a wonderful way to celebrate the special bond you share and set the tone for a year full of high quality pet care and new adventures. At Omlet, we believe that every goal, big or small, is more meaningful when you include your furry, feathered, or four-legged family members. That’s why we create innovative pet products designed to strengthen the relationship between you and your pets, whether you’re aiming for more playtime, better health, or simply extra snuggles.
As any pet owner can tell you, animals have a wonderful way of weaving their way into our lives, bringing an abundance of joy, comfort, and a dash of adorable chaos. Owning a pet is more than just having furry, scaly, or feathered companions. Pets are the keepers of our secrets, the bringers of laughter, and the silent healers of our hearts. At Omlet, we think beyond the innovation of pet products and celebrate the remarkable bond that fosters people and pets. We recognise the benefits of owning a pet and know they are more than just a companion – they are an integral part of our lives, enriching them in countless ways.
Top 10 benefits of owning a pet
The decision to bring a pet into your life transcends companionship; it unlocks a myriad of benefits that enrich your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. From fostering responsibility to alleviating stress, the advantages of owning a pet are diverse and impactful.
Let’s delve into the top ten benefits of owning a pet:
1. Companionship and emotional support
The unwavering loyalty and unconditional love pets offer can alleviate feelings of loneliness and provide profound emotional support. Whether you are 2 or 92, pets offer comfort to our lives by giving us a sense of purpose and meaning.
Add fun products to your pet’s environment like a dome-shaped bird cage or a cat scratcher with lights and see how quickly your bond together strengthens. With wagging tails, furry coats or flocked feathers, pets become confidants, giving us comfort during difficult times, companionship through loneliness and a celebration of highs, making each day brighter.
2. Physical health improvement
Pet ownership often translates to increased physical activity. Whether it’s a dog needing walks or playing with an energetic cat, the regular exercise associated with pet care is tremendous. With increased exercise comes lower blood pressure, reduced risk of heart disease and a boost in overall fitness.
And don’t forget all the benefits your pet receives with movement as well as the increased bond they are getting with you. As a pet owner, you have your companion to thank for helping keep your health in check and happy.
3. Stress reduction
Have you ever had a stressful day only to come home, sit on the couch, start petting your dog and begin to feel more at ease? That’s because the mere presence of pets has been proven to reduce stress levels. There’s a reason pets are used as ‘calming mechanisms’ in hospitals, schools and nursing homes.
The simple act of petting a cat or dog triggers the release of oxytocin, or the “feel-good” hormone, in our brains which, in turn, promotes relaxation and decreases cortisol levels. And bonus – your dog or cat receives just as much happiness and satisfaction from being pet by you.
4. Enhanced social connections
Want more friends in your life? Get a pet. Pets serve as wonderful catalysts, easing social interactions among their owners. Whether it’s meeting fellow pet lovers at the park or engaging in conversations with neighbours during walks, pets act as the perfect icebreakers. Fostering new connections with pet owners is easy because they all have one thing in common – they love their pets like family.
When feelings of depression or sadness abound, establishing new routines can be very beneficial in bringing about a general sense of well-being. With pets, routines are inevitable. Whether it’s the daily routine of walking your dog, scheduled feeding times or regular grooming schedules, having set plans for you and your pet makes mental health better.
6. Teaching responsibility
For families, owning a pet is an excellent way to teach children responsibility. Caring for a living being instil values within children like empathy, compassion, and accountability. By giving your child the responsibility of nurturing a pet, you will in turn be nurturing well-rounded individuals.
In fact, growing up with pets introduces a variety of microbes to a child that they would not otherwise come in contact with and, as such, strengthens their immune system’s resilience. Always consult your doctor if medical conditions persist, but having a childhood pet is not just a memory maker, but an immunity booster as well.
8. Therapeutic benefits
The therapeutic benefits that pets offer to people are countless. From assisting in physical rehabilitation to providing comfort in emotional therapy, the presence of a pet can dramatically accelerate the healing process. While some pets are trained for specific service roles such as sight-seeing dogs, almost all pets can provide emotional support to their people just merely through their presence.
9. Sense of security
If you live alone or in a place where your sense of security feels weak, having a pet can make all the difference. Pets, especially dogs, offer a feeling of safety as they are another being in your house that can protect and provide reassurance. Dogs have keen senses and protective instincts, making owners feel safer and more secure with them around.
10. Unconditional love
There’s a quote by George Eliot that says, “Animals are such agreeable friends. They ask no questions; they pass no criticisms.” We would add that they are also one of the few beings that will love you more than you love yourself.
The joyous moments shared with pets leads to a profound sense of happiness and fulfilment. Through their antics, playful demeanour, and unwavering loyalty, pets offer us humans unconditional love and companionship that’s incredibly special and mutually beneficial.
Omlet and your pets
The relationship between pets and people extends far beyond the surface. Omlet acknowledges and cherishes this profound connection, recognising the multitude of ways in which pets enhance our lives. That’s why we make products like the Geo Bird Cage and the Switch Cat Scratcher to enhance the unbreakable bond that is between a person and pet. Owning a pet is an enriching experience that contributes to holistic well-being, companionship, and happiness in immeasurable ways and Omlet is proud to be a partner in the care of your pet.
If you live where winter brings a real chill, you’ve probably discovered a frozen egg or two in your chickens’ nesting boxes. It’s definitely not ideal, frozen eggs can crack, spoil, and leave you missing out on the freshest breakfast possible. But don’t worry, with a few easy tricks, you can keep your hens’ eggs safe and delicious all season long. Here’s how to prevent your hens’ eggs from freezing, so you can keep enjoying fresh eggs even when the temperatures drop.
Why do eggs freeze?
Eggs are mostly liquid inside until they’re cooked or on their way to becoming a chick, and just like any other liquid, they have a freezing point. Chicken eggs will start to freeze at around 0°C, and it only takes a couple of hours for them to turn solid. Because a non-broody hen doesn’t hang around to keep her eggs warm, those freshly laid treasures are left at the mercy of the cold. As soon as the temperature drops, eggs in the nesting box can freeze quickly, especially if your coop isn’t super cosy. Even a short cold snap can leave you with cracked, frozen eggs, which is why it’s so important to stay one step ahead of the weather and give your hens’ eggs a little extra protection when the chill sets in.
How can I tell if an egg is frozen?
Frozen eggs can feel heavier than normal, and you might notice they crack, bulge, or even burst from the pressure inside. Sometimes, you’ll collect an egg that isn’t totally frozen yet, crack it open and you might spot a slushy, half-frozen egg white. Partially frozen eggs can feel a little wobbly or off-balance in your hand, and you might even hear a sloshing sound if you give them a gentle shake. Keep an eye out for shells that look a bit strange, feel extra cold, or have a frosty layer on them. Tiny hairline cracks are another giveaway that the cold has gotten to your eggs. If you’re ever unsure, just give the egg a little shake, if it sounds different, chances are it’s been nipped by the frost. Spotting these signs early can help you prevent cracking into an egg that is past its best.
Can I use frozen eggs?
Eggs that have been frozen just aren’t the same as the fresh ones you’re used to. While you can thaw and eat a frozen egg, the texture turns grainy and the taste isn’t nearly as good. Thawed yolks get thick and gelatinous, making them tough to mix and not so great for your favourite recipes.
Any eggs that have cracked or look a little misshapen from the pressure should go straight to the compost, especially if they’ve been frozen. Once the shell cracks, it opens the door for bacteria and other nasties that can make you sick. It’s always safer to toss out frozen or cracked eggs and put your focus into keeping your hens’ eggs from freezing in the first place.
3 ways to prevent eggs from freezing
Insulate your coop
Insulated chicken coops are a game-changer when it comes to keeping your hens cosy and their eggs safe from freezing. Good insulation helps trap your flock’s body heat, so the warmth sticks around instead of escaping into the chilly air. This means your coop stays warmer than the outside, even when winter really sets in. If you’re thinking about adding insulation to your current coop, just make sure you don’t block the ventilation; fresh air is still super important to prevent moisture build up inside and keep your hens healthy. Omlet’sEglu Chicken Coops are designed with twin-wall insulation and draft-free ventilation, so your hens stay comfortable all season long. And if you live somewhere that gets seriously cold or have a small flock, you can addextreme temperature protection for even more peace of mind.
Focus on the nest box
Make your hens’ nesting box as warm and inviting as you can. Thick bedding like straw is perfect for winter, it gives your hens a soft, cosy place to lay and helps keep their eggs insulated from the cold. You can also hang some strips of fleece or another thick fabric as a curtain in front of the nesting area. This simple trick helps block out chilly drafts and keeps the warmth where it belongs.Chicken nesting boxes should always be lifted up off the frozen ground, so if yours are sitting flat, try raising them a bit to keep the cold at bay. The main goal is to keep the nesting area warm enough so your eggs don’t freeze before you can collect them, so don’t hesitate to pile on a little extra bedding or insulation when the temperatures really drop. A snug, draft-free nesting box not only keeps eggs safe, but also encourages your hens to keep laying all winter long, ensuring consistent egg production.
Collect eggs more frequently
During the winter, it’s a good idea to check for eggs a few times a day to keep them from freezing. Whilechicken eggs can usually hang out in the coop for a few days and still be perfectly fine, frozen eggs are best avoided. Most hens lay their eggs mid to late morning or sometimes in the early afternoon, so try to peek into the nesting box after your morning coffee, again after lunch, and at least once more before it gets dark. This way, you’ll scoop up those fresh eggs before the cold has a chance to get to them.
What to avoid when preventing eggs from freezing
There are a few tempting tricks out there for keeping eggs from freezing, but some are best avoided for your hens’ safety and comfort:
Don’t put a heat bulb or plate inside the coop. It can make things too warm, and your hens might go into shock when they step out into the cold.
Avoid sealing up the coop completely. Good airflow is key, without it, moisture builds up, which can lead to respiratory issues and even frostbite on your hens’ combs and wattles.
Skip using blankets or other cloth as nesting box bedding. Hens’ claws can easily get caught in fabric, which can lead to injuries.
Omlet and your eggs
Our range ofEglu Chicken Coops all feature the same expertly designed insulating methods to keep your hens as comfortable as possible in all weather conditions. And, with the addition of anautomatic chicken coop door, you can schedule your chicken coop to close as soon as the sun sets and the temperature cools further even if you’re not home, ensuring their body heat is locked inside sooner. When you choose an ingeniously insulated Omlet chicken coop, you can have confidence that your chickens are comfortable when they roost and lay their eggs.
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