The Omlet Blog Archives: January 2019

7 ways to help your chickens stay cool this summer

Family outside in summer with their chickens in the Omlet Eglu Cube Chicken Coop

Did you know that chickens can’t sweat? Instead, chickens use their legs, combs and wattles to lead heat away from their bodies. They also pant and spread their wings to get some air through those feathers. Chickens also enjoy lying down in the shade when it’s very hot, and of course, they drink lots of water. Did you know that it is actually easier for chickens to keep themselves warm in winter than it is for them to cool down during the summer? It isn’t just an issue of comfort either – chickens can die of heatstroke. Since chickens have a hard time cooling themselves down and when it gets extremely hot they rely on you to help them. So, what can you do to help your chickens keep cool in the summer heat? Here are our 7 top tips.

1. Warm weather means plenty of water

Eggs consist mainly of water, so producing an egg absorbs a lot of water from a hen’s body. Drinking cool water is also one of the main ways chickens cool themselves down. Your chickens will therefore need lots of fresh, clean and cool water in the heat of the summer. It’s best to change the water every day to make sure they have this. It’s also a good idea to provide several water sources so all your chickens can drink at the same time and avoid fighting for access.

Another way you can use water to help your chickens cool down is by providing some shallow pools where they can dip and cool their feet and legs – remember, this is one of the areas where heat leaves their bodies. Try filling some shallow bowls or tubs and leaving them around in the run or your garden. If your chickens don’t like to stand directly in the water you can try placing a brick in there which will be cooled by the water and the chickens can then stand on top of it.

2. Soak up the shade

It’s absolutely essential to provide shade for your chickens and even more so when it gets really hot. If you let your chickens free-range in the garden they might be able to find shade under trees and bushes but in any case, it’s a good idea to provide shade in the run as well. You can easily create shady spots in the run by having a raised coop and/or attaching chicken run covers.

3. Summertime snacking

Try giving your hens some cool treats such as frozen berries, vegetables or pieces of fruit. You could even create hanging treats by freezing your chickens’ favourite treats in the Caddi Treat Holder or an ice cube tray with a string in the middle so they can hang in the run. Or, try keeping a whole watermelon in the fridge to cool it down before serving it as a summery treat.

Be careful not to give your chickens too many treats though, as you want to make sure they still eat their layers pellets. Chickens eat less when it’s extremely hot because digestion produces more body heat, so it’s important to make sure they eat the right things and get the vitamins and minerals they require. Try feeding your chickens during the cooler parts of the day such as in the evening.

4. Nutritional supplements

It’s also wise to give your hens supplements in the heat such as vitamins and tonics which can be added directly to their food or water. These can improve the absorption of minerals, boost your chickens’ overall health, and help them cope better with the heat. Apple cider vinegar, for example, can help with calcium absorption in the body which is essential for eggshell production.

5. Dust bath galore

Chickens love to dust bathe in the warm weather, but you might not want them scraping around in your flower beds. The best thing to do is to build another flower bed and fill it with some sand, soil and some louse powder. If you have a large flock you might even want to provide several spaces so all your chickens have a chance to dust bathe in the shade. Be sure to place the dust bath in a sheltered spot or cover it up when your chickens aren’t using it otherwise the rain might turn it into a mud bath.

6. Give them space

Your chickens will need plenty of space during the hot summer months so make sure they aren’t overcrowded. Chickens need to be able to spread out and spread their wings for ventilation, and everyone in the flock needs to be able to drink cool water and lie in the shade at any time.

7. Keeping the coop cool

All Omlet Eglu chicken coops have a unique twin-wall insulation system which works similarly to double glazing. This means your hens won’t overheat in the summer. The Eglus are also built with a draught-free ventilation system, carefully designed to avoid air blowing directly over the roosting area whilst allowing fresh air to circulate.

If you have a wooden chicken coop, it’s important to think about how you can keep the coop nice and cool for your chickens. Make sure you create plenty of ventilation either by opening windows in the coop or by using a fan. Be careful not to have too much thick and heavy bedding as it absorbs heat. Also, keep an eye out for mould if you’ve got a wooden coop. Mould can make straw and hay start to rot faster, thereby producing more heat.

Omlet and your chickens’ summer

At Omlet, we design products that are built to last a lifetime and thrive in every season. From our Omlet Eglu Chicken Coops to our Caddi Treat Holders, our innovative creations mean happy owners and even happier pets. We wish you and your chickens a lovely summer.

Pouring water into the Omlet Chicken Waterer in the Omlet Walk In Chicken Run

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This entry was posted in Chickens on January 16th, 2019 by linnearask


Healthy Oat Pancakes

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Ingredients

2 ripe peeled bananas,

1/2 cup of oats,

2 eggs,

1 tbsp of yoghurt,

Splash of milk.

To cook

1 tsp coconut oil

This is the easiest and quickest breakfast to make if you’re on the go. All you have to do is put all the ingredients apart from the coconut oil in a blender and blend until it’s smooth. Then heat a non stick frying pan with a little bit of coconut oil and then pour or ladle the pancake mixture into small ‘American style’ pancakes on the frying pan. You should be able to fry roughly 2-3 at a time depending on the size of your frying pan. Wait for the pancake to cook on one side, once you start to see air bubbles coming through, you can then flip the pancake to cook on the other side. They should come out golden brown and fluffy. Serve with any fruit of your choice, we personally like them with blueberries and a dollop of greek yoghurt. If you wish to reheat these pancakes at a later date for a healthy alternative breakfast, just pop them in the toaster for a minute for a crisp and warm pancake.

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This entry was posted in Recipes on January 14th, 2019 by helenkennedy


Top 10 benefits of owning a pet

Woman stroking a puppy sat in the Omlet Fido Studio Dog Crate

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.

Woman holding boy, stroking a cat on the Omlet Freestyle Cat Tree

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. 

Woman looking into the Eglu Cube Chicken Coop to collect eggs

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This entry was posted in Pets on January 14th, 2019 by helenkennedy


New Year Resolutions For You And Your Pet

A woman jogging on a beach with her dog

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!

A girl taking a freshly laid egg from the Omlet Eglu Cube

 

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This entry was posted in Pets on January 14th, 2019 by helenkennedy


New Year, New Eglu – $100 off!

Treat your chickens, rabbits and guinea pigs to a new home this January!

$100 off all Eglu coops and hutches with the promo code UPGRADE2019.

 


Terms and Conditions:
Enter code UPGRADE2019 at checkout to get £50 off your Eglu order. The promotion includes all containing Eglus, including the Eglu Classic Coop, Eglu Classic Hutch, Eglu Go, Eglu Go Up, Eglu Cube, Eglu Rabbit Hutch and Eglu Guinea Pig Hutch. Subject to availability. Omlet ltd. reserves the right to withdraw the offer at any point. Omlet cannot take responsibility for third party supplier delays such as courier service. Offer is available while stock last. This offer cannot be used on existing discounts or in conjunction with any other offer.

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This entry was posted in Chickens on January 2nd, 2019 by linnearask