Update 8th September 2008.

Ok so the dream of having Chickens hasn't manifested itself as yet this year. However I have put several of the spare hutches we have from previously being rabbit hobbyists, to use. I now have several guinea pigs in the following species - teddies, shelties and alpaca. And I've allocated 3 hutches for needy/rescue guinea pigs that people cannot look after anymore for one reason or another. Last Friday saw me fill the 1st of those hutches with 2 bonded boys, Murphy and Guiness. Murphy and Guiness came from a good home but their owner didn't have the time to devote to them anymore and contacted me to see if I had room for them... of course I did! They are fantastic characters, both short haired. Murphy is red and Guiness is black. They seem to have settled in really well too.

The next addition is a peruvian that I reserved for me, he should be ready in about a weeks time. He's chocolate and white and a really cheeky looker! Will have to make a page for my pets so you can meet them :)

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As you've probably gathered already, I'm very passionate about all animals and natural subjects. I have around 30 years of experience of many species of animals and am still learning - I'm a firm believer that you can never learn enough about them.

I am currently doing an advanced animal behaviour course and last year completed my Animal Care course with the highest grades. I may go back to college in September to do Animal Management but as yet am unsure as its the one below what I was recommended to undertake(Zoology degree or Foundation Degree in Animal Sciences) and the one I wanted(Foundation Degree in Animal Sciences) has been put on hold as not enough students for it.  Though I find it second nature to me and I enjoy it. It holds me back with my artwork and writing due to me having to stretch myself in other areas - guess I'll decide in a month or so.

 I used to be the secretary/treasurer of a National Rabbit Club under the BRC. I have bred, exhibited and judged rabbits and have made a supreme champion as well as other champions along the way. I gave up rabbits in 2000 due to my health problems and now only have 4 of the bucks we decided to hold on to, all now aged between 8 -9 years old.

Since doing qualifications in animal care and their welfare, I see alot of problems for captive animals and what people are recommended in their care and housing. Basically all animals should be able to act normal.

This means that if its a rabbit, for example, it should be able to stretch all ways in its hutch. It should be able to live socially and be as close to its natural way of life as possible.  Rabbits are social, however tend to fight aggressively in captivity, leading to many being kept solitary. In the wild you can see warrens and many rabbits about, seemingly living peacefully. Captive rabbits cannot get away from each other and so aggression flares. In the wild they have their space. All rabbits kept together should have space to ensure that they have a quality of life and are happy. There are many things that can be added to make the quality of life much better, so think about what it needs when buying any pet.

I have 3 dogs, 5 cats, 5 rabbits, 10 guinea pigs 1 budgies, 3 fish and also keep and breed Leopard Geckos (lizard species).

I've had work experience at a zoo, a petting farm and a dog kennels. Animals I've had and/or cared for are - mice, rats, gerbils, hamsters, chinchillas, degus, chipmunks, rabbits, guinea pigs, terrapins, tortoises, tropical fish, goldfish, dogs, cats, ducks, chickens, turkeys, geese, ponies, donkeys, horses, cattle, goats, sheep, llamas, pigs, pheasants, guinea fowl, lemurs, langurs, monkeys, (a little  care also of orangutangs/chimps), quail, rosellas, cockatiels, canaries, zebra finches, ferrets, corn snakes, royal pythons, rat snake, iguanas, bearded dragons, leopard geckos, tree frogs, african land snails, tarantulas, hermit crabs, plated lizard, chameleon and other various small lizards.

Another project I'm aiming at this year is having about half a dozen chickens. So have planned a revamp of my garden. It will include a wild bird /butterflies area and also a pond and of course the big shed being converted for them and a run made surrounding that.

I'll update this section every now and then with current news and articles, just click on the links when given.