Hedgehof in the compost pile

Yesterday Steffen found an hedgehog in our compost pile. The big question is how he get in there.

Well, in the evening we free him after we build a new, little compost pile next to the pieplant. And after he sat there a while he looked around, eat some cat food we offered him and disappeard in the pieplant. A very cute and nice animal such a hedgehog

The compost pile the hedgehog was trapped

Our new compost pile for the hedgehog

Steffen free him with gloves

Saving of a black bird

This morning we sat for the breakfast comfortably in the garden, as Steffen discovered in the neighbouring garden a blackbird who had got involved in the net of the raspberry. We immediately had got up and after I had asked with the neighbours briefly around permission, we are in the garden. The poor bird has totally got caught in the net and has wrapped the net already in the plumage. The bird can’t free himselft alone. We cut off a piece and tried to free the black bird from the net. Unfortunately, the blackbird has escaped occasionally and sit now under the currant. Steffen observes the little one now a little, perhaps it gets to release the rest of the net independently, otherwise we will have to catch the bird probably again.

species-appropriate keeping of animals

Over and over again I see with the purchase of feed for our guinea pigs in the zoo actions the following pictures: Children knock at the discs of the animals or shout loudly if the animals withdraw scraredly. Then a guinea pig or a hamster is bought, that the child has something to play.

The last Saturday I saw a good animal show in TV and there was shown once more that you can make so much wrong with animals. Namely many people do not know what means an appropriate to the species position. There dwarf hamsters are bought because these are at the moment strongly in fashion. Then these animals became a very small cage with a lot of plastic, nicely brightly etc. Besides, is not tuned at all to the need of a dwarf hamster. Since this needs a lot of outlet, sand and even more to feel fine.

We have 6 guinea pigs and also these are often popular toys for children. Besides, the guinea pigs absolutely have their rights, they need above all first of all a lot of place, and they must have a companion because they are gregarious animals.

In general you must inform you about the animals before you buy someone.  Since the animal is by no means only one toys that should serve for the pastime and after half a year can be taken out of service, only because one has no desire or costs are to high.

Therefore, you should put to yourselves first of all the question whether they really want to take over the responsibility for the animal. Give i.e. not only something to food, but  offer an appropriate to the species position and also do not let down it if it becomes ill and the money falls apart for the new computer  or the vacation for an operation of the animal.
I think children should grew up with animals, but only under conditions. The parents have the responsibility for the animals  and also for how the child handles with the animal. Please teach your childen very early that an animal is very well a being to be respected and no elastic ball etc.!

Unfortunately, often enough I see just in zoos that less and less adults and thereby also have the children no more right relation to animals. There it is beaten at the disc what holds the stuff and the parents simply look away or still knock with. The dog is bought because he is so lovely as a puppy and in the next vacation put out. Guinea pigs are put in the children’s room and then are neglected because they are “out. Hamsters are bought and pressed and put out, finally, or delivered, because they do not allow to sleep at night.

Believe me, the Germans are very active in the protection of animals and environment protection, but, however, also in the negative sense very well on the way. Simply peruse to yourselves sometimes the stories of some emergency stations (e.g., for guinea pig) or dogs. Or if they go sometimes to the animal home and they look what happens with the oh so sweet puppy. There one must protect not only the Orang Utan in the rain forest with 5 euros of donation, but start before your own door. Since here there is enough to act.

Home birds become extinct, because her living space is obstructed and no one is interested in their protection. Domestic animals are tormented, caged, forget and are simply put out.

So please think thoroughly before you buy an animal:

• Do I have enough money to supply the animal also in the case of illness?
• Can I renounce vacation or spend the money on a pension, while I am on vacation?
• Do I have enough time and place for the animal?
• Would like I to argue with the needs of the animal?
• Do I have time to observe my child with the contact with the animal and to teach it, how does one handle with this being?
• What is if the animal is old and needs more and more attention?
• Would like I to bind myself the next from 5 to 15 years or even more (with birds) to an animal?

These are only some questions which you should really put to yourselves. Since who suffers at last under the carelessness of the people is always the animal. Remember! And buy to your child rather a soft animal or go with him on occasion to the zoo, before again an animal is tormented on account of his sweet appearance and is locked up.

How much you can learn from animals

Animals are very good teachers for us. They demonstrate how we can and how we should enjoy life. Every minute and all of the day.

Human beings created a structure with many “have to”, “Should”, “Cannot” and so on. A lot of restrictions which avoid that we live a happy life full of fulfillment and gladness. But we all have an alternative. And we can change our life in every moment - if we decide to do it.

So learn a lesson from the animals. A cat for example sleeps a lot of the whole day. Or a bird which is singing each morning because he feels good.

Every day I experience how lucky our new guinea pigs are. They are sleeping, eating or playing with each other. They don’t think about a lot of things, they are present.

And that’s the secret of animals. They are present all the time!

Why do we think so much about tomorrow or yesterday? Be present and enjoy the moment.

If you are tired after lunch for example, than go sleeping. If you are stressed, make a break and go out into nature. Live the life you want and don’t allow your misconceptions from society to restrict your life. And have a look at the animals how you are able to enjoy your life.