We all know that pets are not just animals, they’re members of our family. So for the pet parents who are also human parents, why not foster an even stronger bond between your children and four-legged friends by engaging them in exciting activities that promote laughter, joy, and unforgettable memories? Get ready to unleash the fun with this treasure trove of ideas that will ignite imaginations and provide endless hours of entertainment of engaging activities for your kids and pets to do together.
Bake treats for your pets
Kids love to help in the kitchen! And when they know their culinary efforts will end in a delicious delight for their favourite furry family member, they’ll be sure to raise their helping hands. Just make sure the recipe you choose for your pet is safe for them to eat, and abide by the same rule used with kids – treats are to be enjoyed on a limited basis.
Have a hamster in the house? Grab some of your pantry staples to make these yummy honey homemade hamster treats. For a tail-wagging breakfast, let your kids break the eggs and blend the bananas to make these dog-friendly pancakes. The best part of this activity is that every member of the family can taste the treats.
Find new games to play with your cat
When the cat’s away, the mice will play. But when kids and cats are together, play is even better! Most cats love to play games because it mimics their natural instincts to pounce and bat with their paws. So before allowing your child to play closely with any pet, make sure they understand how to handle them safely.
An interactive game of chase with feathers, cat toys, or scarves makes for a fun-filled time for both kids and cats alike. Want to take the fun outside? Let your littles roam free together in a safely enclosed Catio while chasing bubbles all around. And for the senior cats who may find the chase games too much, encourage your child to stretch alongside their favourite feline on a sturdy cat scratching post.
Teach your dog a new trick
They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but that’s simply just not true. With the right encouragement, some patience, and lots of love, your dog can learn new things at any age in life. And what better way for your kids and canine to spend some quality time together than with a fun new trick?
Summer is a great time to let your kids get involved in teaching Fido how to fetch a stick or even learn a new command like “sit and shake”. Make sure your child keeps plenty of dog treats in their pocket to give as a reward for the newly learned behaviour. And because new tricks require lots of mental stimulation, make sure you have a comfortable and supportive dog bed where your furry friend can rest after all their hard work. By the time summer is over, your kids and dog will impress the whole family with all they have both learned.
Pocket money
Chores are a great way to teach your kids the importance of responsibility, but they’re also a great way to let your child earn some spending cash. And learning the value of work at a young age will always pay off later. So in an effort to get your kids and pets more time together while also completing needed work around the house, why not have them clean out the chicken coop to earn a bit of extra pocket money?
The Eglu chicken coops are so easy to clean that anyone tall enough to reach in and touch a hen will be able to get it spotless with ease. With a little bit of pet-safe disinfectant and water, your chickens’ home will be sparkly clean and hygienically healthy in no time. Plus, what kid doesn’t like to use a water hose? This simple chore of cleaning and collecting eggs not only allows your child more interaction with the hens, but it makes one less task for you to do. Win-win for everyone!
Homemade toys for rabbits
When it comes to fun for rabbits, Omlet has you covered. But if you’re looking for activities for your child and rabbit to enjoy together, look no further than your own garden. One of the best ways to get everyone outside and having fun is to go on a garden scavenger hunt. Have your kids locate a willow tree and collect some twigs to weave into a ball or a wreath. Your rabbits will love playing with their new toys as well as nibbling on the nutritious wood, and your kids will feel accomplished in creating a new rabbit masterpiece.
But the floppy-eared fun doesn’t stop there! If you’ve got an old towel or a ripped pair of jeans you’re getting rid of you can make a rag doll for your rabbits. Have your kids use their creativity to make something beautiful. Even just tying a knot in the middle of a strip of sturdy fabric will provide hours of fun for rabbits to tear apart in their outdoor rabbit run. Just make sure to take it away before they’ve ruined it completely – you don’t want them to ingest too much fabric.
Build an obstacle course for your hamster
Hamsters are the curious and energetic pets of the animal world. So engage both your child’s and hamster’s love of running, jumping, and climbing by helping your kids build an obstacle course for your hamster. Start by finding a safe area in your house where the hamster can be let out, away from open doors and other pets. You might want to build the course inside a playpen or create a barrier using books or other heavy objects. Just make sure they can’t fall over and hurt the hamster.
Have a LEGO-loving kid in your house? Get them to use their brick-building creativity to make the outline of the obstacle course. LEGO pieces will also make great jumps and steps for your hamster to navigate. Use clean popsicle sticks to build a ladder or a ramp for the hamster to climb up on, and build tunnels and hiding places with toilet paper rolls and cardboard boxes. Glue them together to create a hamster maze within the obstacle course and have your kids hide treats to encourage your hamster to explore.
Photoshoot
Capturing the bond between children and their furry companions in photos creates cherished memories that can be treasured for years to come. During a photoshoot, kids and pets can engage in various poses and interactions that showcase their special relationship. This activity not only allows kids and pets to have fun together but also encourages their creativity and self-expression. It’s also a great opportunity to teach children about patience, empathy, and respect for animals. Have fun with different locations and colourful outfits (if your pet obliges!) and make the photos as creative as you want. Here are our best tips for taking better photos of your pets.
Abstract paw art
If you have children, you likely have several crayon drawings hanging on your fridge. Why not add to the gallery with some abstract paw art made by your favourite furry child? Let your dog’s creative juices flow by helping your child work with your pup to create a beautiful piece of art.
Get some toxic-free, water-based paint and gently put your dog’s paws in it. With the help of some dog treats, guide your dog to a blank canvas and let them walk all over it, creating an abstract paw-print painting. You can even have your kids get in on the fun by adding their handprints as well! Be sure to have water on hand to clean everyone’s paws and best to do this activity outside to avoid the risk of paw prints on carpets and furniture.
Omlet brings kids and pets together
At Omlet, we know the bond between kids and their pets is a truly special one. Engaging in activities together not only strengthens their connection but also offers countless benefits for both of them. With our personal pet experience and ingenious expert designs, we create products for dogs, cats, chickens, rabbits, and more, that will bring out the best in everyone in the family. So try out one of these shared experiences with your kids and pets and create a lifelong friendship that will leave pawprints on their hearts forever.
This entry was posted in Pets
January is historically the month to set yourself some achievable goals for the year ahead. We’ve put together some ideas for creating New Year Resolutions for you and your pet!
Get fit
No more quick walks around the block after dinner. 2019 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.
Try a new activity with your pet
From hiking to kayaking, hitting the waves to joining a pet exercise class, it’s easier than ever for people to incorporate their pet into a new pastime. These new activities will help you burn lots of calories! A 30 minute walk on the beach will burn approximately 150 calories and you could expect to burn 220 calories on a 30 minute hike.
Incorporate more playtime into your routine
Dogs love to play games and Cats love the thrill of chasing a toy; let’s just not tell them it’s exercise! Enjoy spending more time playing with your pets this year. A fun 20 minute tug of war would see you burn 50 calories.
Groom your pet every day
Brushing your pet helps to remove excess fur from their coat which reduces the amount you find on your clothes and furniture. It also helps distribute oils from the skin to the fur, to keep their coat healthy and shiny. Grooming an average sized dog burns 200 calories.
Teach an old dog a new trick
Studies show that mental stimulation can help reduce cognitive deterioration in older animals. By keeping your senior pet’s brain active, it can actually make it healthier.
Update your pet’s ID info
Over the course of a year, a lot can change — people move, get new phone numbers, and forget to update their pet’s tags. Don’t wait — update their tags and microchips now.
Make new friends
Visit your park and get to know other pet owners! It’s easier that you think!
Maintain a healthy diet
Lead a healthy life with a balanced diet and not too many treats.
Most of all; enjoy spending time with your wonderful pets!
This entry was posted in Pets
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.
5. Mental health benefits
The companionship of pets contributes significantly to mental health. They offer a sense of purpose, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and provide a constant source of joy and entertainment, uplifting spirits during challenging times.
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.
7. Improved immunity in children
While many people, and children, are allergic to certain animals, a lot of research has been conducted to suggest that early exposure to pets can actually bolster a child’s immune system. Pet hair and dander allergies are certainly real, however, the earlier a child is exposed to an animal, the greater the chance of reducing the risk of allergies and asthma.
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.
This entry was posted in Pets
Christmas is a wonderful time of year, and we’re all looking forward to celebrating together with our loved ones, including our pets! It’s therefore important to consider what effect all the festive fun is having on our furry friends, and to make sure they’re also having a great time. Here are some of our top tips for keeping your pets safe and happy this Christmas!
Limit treats
We know it’s much more difficult to resist feeding scraps to your pets over Christmas, but in most cases, it’s really not good for them, and can even be harmful. Instead, we suggest that you spend this special occasion making the most of plenty of quality time with your pets. They’ll without a doubt prefer your company to treats or presents! For a guide of what you can feed your dogs this Christmas, take a read of our blog Happy Howlidays: Food Do’s and Don’ts for Dogs This Christmas.
Keep routines
Try to stick to the normal schedule as much as possible over the holidays, especially when it comes to mealtimes. Our pets don’t understand that we have got lots to do during this time after all, and a disruption of their routines will add to a possibly already stressful time. Let your chickens out at the same time as usual, walk your dog as you would normally and give your cat their daily play time.
Give your pets a safe space
Christmas can get hectic, so make sure your pet has somewhere to go to get away from all hustle and bustle, preferably in a different, quieter, room. If you’ve got guests coming over, let them know what to do, and what not to do, around your pets. It’s important that everyone knows what doors, windows and gates need to be kept closed, what the pets are allowed to do and eat, and when they are to be left alone.
Going away
If you’re spending Christmas somewhere else, you need to take your pets into consideration. Don’t leave them alone for longer than they are used to, and make sure they’ve got what they need while you’re away. If you’re taking them with you, bring something that will remind them of home, like a cat blanket, dog toy, or their hamster cage. If you can’t take them with you, you will need to find an alternative solution.
Make sure you plan the journey and be aware of the fact that traffic can be busy around Christmas. Your pet must have access to food and water at all times, and depending on your what pet you’ve got, there might be a need for toilet breaks.
Christmas trees and plants
Make sure your Christmas tree if safely secured, as cats tend to try and climb them. It might also be a good idea to hang especially intriguing and tantalising decorations higher up in the tree where pets can’t reach them as easily. This minimises the risk of cats getting tangled and the tree falling over.
Hoover under and around the tree regularly to get rid of fallen pine needles. The needles can get stuck in mouths or between toes, which can be very painful.
Lots of our most common Christmas plants, including poinsettias, mistletoe and amaryllis, are poisonous to a lot of pets, so make sure you stay clear of them, or keep them out of reach.
Decorations and presents
Choose non-toxic Christmas decorations and keep cables from lights and other decorations out of reach. Should your pet try to nibble through them, this can cause damage to both cable and pet.
Don’t leave presents containing eatable things (chocolate in particular!) under the tree. It will soon be sniffed out, and it won’t take a couple of greedy paws long to get into a wrapped present.
Once the gifts have been opened, clear away the wrapping paper straight away. Not only will you avoid having paper all over the room once your pets get to it, but coloured paper and string should also not be ingested by pets.
This entry was posted in Pets
Animals can either be social or solitary, which you’ll find information on below. But which category does your pet fall under, and do they have their own friend already?
Social animals
An animal that exhibits a high degree of sociality is called a social animal. This means they need contact with their own kind. Being kept on their own causes these animals to experience boredom, frustration and fear. Unless you have plenty of time to socialise with them, it is recommended these pets have a buddy.
Solitary animals
Solitary animals on the other hand spend a majority of their lives without others of their species, with possible exceptions for mating and raising their young. They are often territorial and do not like the company of another animal, especially an animal of their own kind. Some solitary animals will even start fighting when kept together, which can harm or even kill one or both animals.
Does my rabbit need a friend?
Wild rabbits spend their lives as part of a large group, known as a warren. Rabbits are very sociable animals and need to be kept with at least one other rabbit. It is easiest if rabbits are kept together from birth, but rabbits less than 3 months old will usually live together happily. The best combination is a neutered male and a neutered female. Two litter brothers or two litter sisters will also get on well, but to prevent fighting it is important that they are both neutered.
Does my hamster need a friend?
Syrian (and sometimes Chinese) hamsters must be kept alone. If kept together, these hamsters will get very stressed, even if they are housed in a large enclosure. For owners who want to keep two or more hamsters together, Dwarf hamsters are recommended (such as Roborovskis or Winter Whites). These species can be kept in pairs or groups as long as they are given adequate space.
Does my guinea pig need a friend?
In the wild guinea pigs live in groups of 10 or more, they are social creatures, and like company. As pets they are usually kept in pairs; two females (sows) will live happily together, as will two males (boars), particularly if they are brothers. Two boars of different ages will usually live together, as long as there are no females around. If a female and male live together the male should be castrated.
Does my gerbil need a friend?
Due to their social nature gerbils need the company of their own kind, the exception being Fat-Tailed gerbils. It is always advisable to get a pair of gerbils because it can be difficult to introduce two gerbils to each other when they are adults (around 16 weeks old). You can keep either two males or two females. Whilst gerbils are social and can live in groups, unless you have a very big area to keep them in, it’s better to keep no more than 2-4.
Does my dog need a friend?
Dogs love nothing more than attention and affection, whether it be from you (their owner) or their fellow dog friends. They can be perfectly happy with just the attention from their owner and family, which means getting another dog is not essential. It is often thought that adopting another dog will instantly solve all problems associated with your first dog’s separation anxiety, but unfortunately this isn’t always the case. When adopting a second dog you must consider a number of different variables, including gender, temperament, energy requirements and size. You can find out more about setting your furry friend up on a successful doggy playdate in this previous blog for some more tips!
Does my cat need a friend?
It is thought that cats don’t actually crave companionship from one of their own. Often they are perfectly happy being the only cat in the house. Cats are indeed a solitary species but they can and do live in groups. But an extra cat friend (or partner in crime) does provides extra mental and physical stimulation. The major benefit to getting two cats is that they will keep each other company whilst you are away. Getting kittens from the same litter of cats is always the best choice.
Does my chicken need a friend?
Free-ranging chickens are social animals. Hens and chicks are the core, while roosters live independently. Because chickens are social animals they prefer to live in a flock. Furthermore, a chicken without a buddy will get lonely and stressed out. When you have a group of chickens or add new chickens to your existing flock, they will have to establish the pecking order and you might start to wonder if they are social animals after all. Read the guide on our website for more information on how to introduce chickens to an existing flock.
For more information on what else you need to know about getting a new pet, have a read of the Omlet Pet Guides. You can also shop everything you need for your furry or feathered friend on the Omlet shop!
This entry was posted in Pets
This entry was posted in Pets
If you’re looking to get some great shots of your furry or feathered friends, follow these tips so that you can master the art of the perfect pet pic!
Patience
The first thing to remember is that pet photography requires patience. It doesn’t matter if you want a posed photo of your rabbit or an action shot of your dog, you’re probably going to get rather frustrated when your models are not behaving in the way you want them to. So arm yourself with patience, and never force your pet into doing something they don’t like.
Get help
If you have a family member or a friend at hand, it’s always useful to ask them to assist you. They can use toys or treats to get the attention of the pet and direct their gaze while you focus on getting a great photo. If you’re by yourself you’re going to have to find other ways. Sometimes making a sudden noise can get the attention of the pet, but probably only for a second or two, so make sure you’re ready. Depending on the type of photo you’re after it might be easier to have the photo session after you’re played together for a while and the pet is less excited and bouncy.
Use natural light
If you’re not a professional photographer with access to different lenses and flashes, you’re probably going to want to take advantage of the natural light. Try starting outdoors, or if you’re indoors, by a window. The light will make the photo look better, and will give you more freedom to experiment. We would suggest going somewhere where both you and your pet feel comfortable, maybe a place that means a lot to you and where you have created lots of memories together. Try to choose a place with a relatively clear backdrop, like a while wall or a grassy field, as a messy background can be distracting.
Try to focus on the eyes
If the eyes are blurry or out of focus the photo will look slightly off. The camera will automatically focus on what is closest to the lens, which in most cases will be the nose of your pet rather than the eyes. This is especially important when you’re taking close ups.
Get down to their level
This might mean you have to crouch down in the mud or crawl on the floor, but in return your photos will be significantly more unique and interesting. Try taking photos from different angles: from above, below, in front of your pet, behind it. You’ll get to see your pet from all sides, and sometimes the photos from the weirdest of angles are the ones you will love the most.
Have their personalities in mind
The whole point of taking photographs of your pets is to try and capture their personalities, so try to make sure that their characters are showing in the photo. If you cat is the lazy ruler of the house you probably want to capture it yawning in their favourite spot on the sofa, and if you have a dog that bounces around the house and is impossible to tire, you probably want to capture its liveliness in the middle of a jump or running towards you in the park.
Quantity is key
The more photos you take, at different times and locations, the more likely you are to get that one amazing shot. This will also mean that you get loads of photos of your pet in different places, moods and positions. Get used to taking photos when you’re out on walks, playing in the garden, or just relaxing at home, and try to spy on your pet to catch what they’re doing when you’re not around. And remember to always take 20 photos instead of just one.
Use treats
If you’re trying to have a properly arranged photo shoot, try using treats. Depending on what pet you have, and their personalities, offering treats can make them sit still and look at the camera. Others will just walk up to you to get the treat, or ignore the treat completely, but it’s worth trying. Make sure that you reward your model throughout the shoot.
Include props
Props go a long way when getting a great picture of your pet. Not only are they a great way to make your shoot more fun, but they can make your pet look even cuter! Why not feature some of their favourite pet toys and accessories in the background of some of your shots, or you can even smarten fido up with a fun dog bow-tie and adorable dog fleece (or high-vis jacket for your chickens!). Of course, it again goes without saying that if your pet doesn’t feel comfortable with any props you’re using, then stop using them. Remember – no one likes a pushy petographer!
Add humans to the photo
Having family members in the photos with your pet makes the pictures even more special, and they are the ones that you will come back to and look at. A photo of your child playing with your dog or feeding the chickens will capture their characters in a way that a posed photo very rarely does.
This entry was posted in Pets
This entry was posted in Pets
This entry was posted in Pets
For Valentine’s Day we asked our lovely followers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to share their pictures of #UnlikelyLove. We wanted to celebrate the unlikely pairings of animals who you wouldn’t normally expect to be friends and we were overwhelmed with entries. It was very hard to pick a winner but in the end we came to a unanimous decision at Omlet HQ that the winning due was Henry and Lexi the springer spaniel leopard gecko entered by Julie Barrett on Facebook.
This entry was posted in Pets
We just wanted to say a very Merry Christmas to all of our Omlet customers across the world. We hope Santa is good to you this year and that you and your pets get everything you were hoping for.
If you have purchased any products from us this past year, we would like to thank you and if you are thinking about joining the Omlet community then we look forward to helping you find the perfect house or accessory for you and your pet.
Keep your eyes and ears peeled in the New Year as we have some very exciting products launching, make sure you subscribe to our newsletter to be the first ones to find out when these new products are released.
In the meantime, as the January temperatures continue to drop it might be a good idea to invest in one of our Extreme Temperature Jackets to ensure your pets are extra toasty this Winter.
All that’s left to say from us is EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY.
Many thanks,
Barbara & The Omlet Team.
This entry was posted in Pets
It’s that time of year, Christmas is just around the corner and preparations are in full swing! As the temperatures start to drop and the smell of mulled wine fills the air it is easy to start panicking about the festivities you need to get ready for. To help with this mad rush, here at Omlet we have compiled a selection of products we believe will reduce some of that stress.
First of all the Christmas shop….there’s nothing worse than getting to the supermarket trolley park and realising you don’t have a pound coin to put in the trolley. Then you have to make the decision between using a basket in the style of the Incredible Hulk or having the faff of asking someone for change. FEAR NOT, Omlet is here to save the day! Get your hands on one of our Trolley Key Coins and you will never have this problem again. Top tip: why not attach it to your bags for life then you won’t ever forget it.
As you start all your cooking prep and baking, it’s very easy to catch yourself on a hot pan or a handle resting on the hob. Make sure you get through this festive season scot free with one of our stylish range of oven gloves. Not only do they look great in the kitchen but they keep your hands safe and burn free, win win.
And don’t forget about keeping all your lovely clothes in nice condition for the holidays. We have a fantastic offer on our Vintage Doris Apron, only £15!
This entry was posted in Pets
The Victoria and Albert Museum houses the largest collection of art and design in the world, across 145 galleries and 13 acres of space in the centre of London. Home to priceless pieces by Faberge, Michaelangelo, Charles Renee Macintosh and Frank Lloyd Wright to name a few it’s not exactly the kind of place you would expect to find a couple of chickens wandering around. But that’s exactly what you would have found if you went to the Late Nights series in August which the V&A puts on every last friday in the month. In August the focus was on Urban Grow Your Own and as well as hydroponics, a seed exchange and disco soup, Omlet were invited to display an Eglu and chickens in the amazing surroundings of the John Madjeski garden. A beautiful summers evening meant that the garden was packed and plenty of people did a double take as we set up the Eglu and produced two real live chickens who promptly did real live droppings much to all the kids delight. We answered loads of questions from people all over the world who were visiting and it was great to meet so many chicken fans. It’s not the first time the Eglu has been in the V&A though, you may remember that the Eglu Classic was picked to represent great british design alongside the E-Type jaguar and Concorde during an exhibtion that ran alongside the London Olympics in 2012.
This entry was posted in Pets
Would you like to WIN a New Eglu Cube? All you need to do is download the Barbara Colouring Sheet here and then get your children to colour it in.
Once complete, please take a picture or a scan of the drawing and post it to our Facebook page or Tweet us @Omlet.
Barbara Colouring Sheet PDF Download.
Competition ends midday 30th September 2016.
This entry was posted in Offers and promotions
As the pollen count in the UK has begun to rise in the recent weeks, us humans are not the only ones suffering from hay fever. Your pets can also struggle with the allergy so here are some top tips to reduce the side effects.
If your dog likes to run through fields and flowerbeds or roll about in the grass, you might want to think about keeping him or her on a lead for your walks.
Keep your pets well groomed throughout the pollen season. This includes keeping their coats short and giving them weekly baths to make sure there’s no pollen lingering.
Don’t forget to wash their beds as well, too often people concentrate on the animal and not on its habitat. We would suggest a weekly deep clean of all bedding and comforts to remove any excess pollen.
This entry was posted in Dogs
Hello,
Earlier this month we decided to celebrate World Egg Day by donating £50 from every Eglu sold that day to the brilliant British Hen Welfare Trust. Thanks to your chicken coop purchases we managed to raise £700 for the BHWT, enough for them to buy 20 new poultry crates. Each crate will allow them to transport a dozen hens for rehoming, allowing even more ex-commercial hens to be given a wonderful new life.
And that’s not the only good news for the BHWT this month. They have just been chosen as the British Veterinary Nursing Association’s official Charity of the Year. Not forgetting it’s their 10th birthday this year, and the fact that they’ve almost reached their target of re-homing half a million hens, 2015 has turned out to be an eggstraordinary year for both them and an whole lot of chickens!
Why the Eglu Cube is a 5* Chicken Coop
We love getting your feedback on our products and it’s great to see how much you’re loving your Eglus this month. If you’ve been thinking about buying an Eglu Cube, these reviews may just help you decide that it’s the chicken coop for you!
“I now have two large eglus, and they are totally wonderful. The design is brilliant, I clean mine out daily and it takes no time at all. I have all the neighbours saving me newspapers, and I hose down the perches. Mites are a thing of the past, there is nowhere to hide, and the chickens seem to love it too. I would not recommend anything else to anyone thinking of keeping chickens and I have kept chickens for over twenty years.” by Penny Murray
“Absolutely love my cube. So easy to clean compared to my wooden coop, well ventilated, doesnt leak, red mite is no longer a problem, chickens love it!” by Katie Morrison
Find out more about our best-selling Eglu Cube Chicken Coop here!
Results of the Outdoor Guinea Pig Run Competition
How much do you love your guinea pig? As much as Ella and Ruby Dawes? They were the deserving winners of our recent Outdoor Guinea Pig Run competition due to their clear passion for piggies. We asked you to make a film showing what your guinea pigs mean to you and we got a brilliant response. Your videos included performing pets and sensational singing but we were most impressed with Ella and Ruby’s well-thought mini documentary. When we told their Mum the good news she said “the girls are going to be absolutely thrilled and so are our guinea pigs”.
You can watch the girls’ prize-winning video here and find out more about the Outdoor Guinea Pig Run here!
Pumpkins at the Ready
The time of ghouls and ghosts is upon us again and that means it’s time to pick up your pumpkins and get creative with carving. With a £50 Omlet Voucher on offer for our favourite design, its a great excuse to get in the spirit of Halloween and show us what you’re made of. Email a photo of your petrifying pumpkin to stephanie@omlet.co.uk, send us a tweet or post on our Facebook page for your chance to win. The closing date for entries is Sunday 1st November.
Not sure what to do with the insides? Why not try Tom’s tasty recipe for pumpkin soup!?
Last Few Days of 3 for 2 on All Covers
With autumn well and truly here it’s the perfect time to stock up on some covers for your Eglus and Walk in Runs. With our great selection of Clear, Heavy Duty and Combi Covers, your pets will have the freedom of being able to roam around their run whatever the weather, without the need for a quick blast of the hairdryer afterwards.
Order your covers today and take advantage of our 3 for 2 offer. Just add three covers to your shopping basket, enter promo code: COVERS3FOR2 and the cheapest one will be free. But be quick – the offer ends this Sunday!
Brand New Egg Skelter 12
We are very eggcited to have a new Egg Skelter product now in stock. Egg Skelter 12 has all the benefits of its big brother but at a smaller size and prize. Holding a dozen eggs, this spiral storage rack will keep your eggs in date order so you always know which one to use first. This is great for chicken keepers with just a couple of hens, or small families that don’t need to buy 24 eggs at a time. Cream in colour, it will look great in any kitchen while showing off those brown eggs beautifully. Simply add eggs to the back and take from the front – easy!
Egg Skelter 12 is available to buy at a special introductory price of just £9.99. (Usual price £14.99). Order yours by 30th November to take advantage of this eggcellent offer!
This Week’s Customer Favourites
Cat Playhouse Fire Engine – Let your moggy play the hero in this cardboard fire truck – only £20
Cat Playhouse Laptop – Give your cat its own laptop to scratch & keep yours safe – only £20
Cat Playhouse Car – Your pet won’t be able to resist hopping aboard this cardboard ‘cat’illac – only £20
This entry was posted in Pets
Planting Greens for you and your Hens
No one can deny that the delicious orange yolks from your own hens’ eggs is a sight to behold. Allowing your hens to free range in your garden, feeding on fresh grass is the best way to get those wonderful yolks, but this isn’t always practical in the winter when the grass stops growing. Feeding your hens green vegetables helps them produce these amazing eggs and keeps them happy, so why not try growing a few veggies at home and both of you benefit?
Winter isn’t the best time for sowing crops, but if you start planning now, there are a number of greens that you can grow at home to feed your hens over Winter.
Swiss chard
Soak the seeds for 15 minutes in warm water to give them a head start, then plant them 1/2″ deep in previously water soil. I plant around 6-8″ apart to allow the plants to grow well as they can reach quite an impressive size. Water well for the first week or so and protect the emerging seedlings from slugs and snails. The seeds are in a cluster, so you will get at least a couple of plants from each seed.
You can also plant them into individual seed trays and plant out when the seedlings are large enough to handle.
When the plants reach 8′ high, start by pulling a couple of leaves from each plant. Pull the stalk at the base of the plant and they should snap off easily. They are classed as a cut and come again crop, so only take a few leaves from each plant at a time and they will crop over several months.
Swiss chard is very tolerant of cold weather, but if it is very cold where you live, they will benefit form a cover of horticultural fleece to give them added protection. It also grows well in a pot, placing 3-4 plants in a 14″ pot. There are many different types of Swiss Chard, but my favourite is ‘Bright Lights’ which has dark green leaves and thick stems coloured red, orange, yellow and purple. They also make attractive plants in a mixed border.
Kale
Kale is a member of the cabbage family and is very tolerant of cold temperatures. Most garden centres now have this winter vegetable as small plug plants available now. For around £2-£3 you can pick up a tray of kale and that should last your hens for the winter.
Kale isn’t demanding, but can grow quite tall, so place them in a sheltered spot or make sure you stake the plants when they reach 12″ + high to prevent them being blown over in the wind.
Plant the plug plants deeply, up to the first layer of leaves and this will help anchor them down. Firm the soil in really well and they don’t do well if rocked around and the roots are disturbed.
Water well for the first couple of weeks and the plants soon start producing dark leaves, that can be harvested in the same way as Swiss chard.
Varieties to try – Red Russian is one of the quickly to start producing leaves. Nero di Toscano produces large dark green leaves and plenty of them.
Salad Mache or Lambs Lettuce
These little plants grow well in cold weather, but run to seed when it gets too warm, so perfect for growing as a winter crop.
Plant the seeds thinly 1/2″ deep and allow 6″ between plants. Water well and they will soon form little rosettes. Harvest a few leaves from each plant and they will continue cropping over winter.
They are also called Corn salad.
Any cut leaves should be placed into a wire wild bird feeder, similar to the ones that you can put suet blocks into. This keeps the greens off the floor and allows your hens to peck at the leaves.
Dedicating a small area of your garden or a few pots to vegetables, will keep your hens happy all winter. Don’t forget that planting a few extra plants and you can be picking fresh winter crops for your kitchen too!
If you have any questions, please contact me at Tom@Omlet.co.uk
This entry was posted in Chickens
Bring your kitchen to life with the Egg Ramp™, a stylish new way to store eggs and keep them in date order. Available in great colours to suit any kitchen.
Every time your hens lay a lovely egg, simply add it to the shiny melamine Egg Ramp™. When it comes to using them, always use the one at the front first, which will be the oldest – no more guesswork. At only 15cm deep it looks sleek and it won’t take up much space on your worktop. There are several colours to choose from so you can be sure to find one that will suit your kitchen, and your personality, perfectly!
he Egg Ramp™ can hold up to 12 medium chicken eggs. If your hens eggs are a bit bigger or smaller it doesn’t matter, the Egg Ramp™ can handle them!
The gap between the sides is 3cm, so unless your eggs are the size of Maltesers they won’t fall through, making the Egg Ramp™ ideal for bantam eggs as well! You will of course be able to store lots more than 12 of them… pretty hendy if you have a whole flock in your garden!
Cast: Omlet
Tags: chickens, pets, kitchen, eggs and cooking
This entry was posted in Pets
Find out how the Beehaus works and see inside a colony of bees based on a London rooftop. If you are considering getting a colony of bees then a Beehaus is a great way to get started. The Beehaus has been designed to make it easier and more relaxing to manage your colony. The good working height make lifting the frames and boxes very easy. The Beehaus is essentially two hives in one, which gives you the space to manage a colony through the year and the ability to divide the colony in two for swarm control. The Beehaus comes complete with everything you need to get started.
Cast: Omlet
Tags: beekeeping, bees and beehive
This entry was posted in Pets
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