2013-PATS-logos---joint 

In This Issue
Shocking revelations of pet neglect
Aggressive dogs are a serious problem
Poor diet is root cause of pet obesity
Scheme to drive loyalty in independent pet retail
Thousands expected at Discover Dogs this weekend
UK pet companies enjoy export success
Breeder's guide to livefood for reptiles
Westland bird care facilities meet the highest standards
Abandoned rabbit numbers double
Make the most of Christmas pet care sales
Crufts finale on Channel 4
New Pets at Home store in Northern Ireland
BARF Diet pioneers celebrate 30 years in business
Thieves steal pug puppy from pet shop
Young Kennel Club members flock to Careers Day
Pet Product News
HiLife offers to tempt you and your customers
 

Town & Country Petfoods, makers of HiLife petfood, is following the launch of its ultra premium range, HiLife Indulge Me!, with a new super-premium range called HiLife tempt me!
Read more»
Fish4Dogs expand healthy natural treats range
 
Fish4Dogs

Premium Fish4Dogs pet brand has launched two new products which have been created in response to consumer demands for gourmet healthy dog treats...
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New launches from Pet Munchies
 

Pet Munchies has launched two new 100% Natural Dog Treats in time for Christmas...
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Canny Collar adds a touch of colour to dog walking
 

The Canny Collar is now available in deep red and royal blue to ensure dogs are colourful on their walks. A baby pink version will soon be available too...
Read more»
Wild bird food range from ChapelWood
 

ChapelWood Wildlife Care has a wide range of wild bird food for winter and is encouraging retailers to stock up in anticipation of a surge in buying activity...
Read more»
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Breeder's guide to livefood for reptiles

Hoppers

New reptile stockists should order livefood ‘little and often’ until they build up a regular and reliable clientele, according to a leading livefood breeder.

Jo Wise is Director/Owner at Monkfield Nutrition near Cambridge and has been breeding and supplying livefoods on a massive scale for over 20 years.  

“It can be disheartening to order lots of tubs, only to throw them away unsold at the end of their shelf-life,” says Jo.  

“Once you have an idea of what you can sell it is much easier to place a regular order. With proper storage you can expect at least a week of shelf-life.”

All crickets are not created equal. Banded Grey Crickets are the most common variety given their prolific breeding potential, but these can suffer mortality in transit in cold weather. 

‘Silent’ Grey Crickets fare better in cold weather and have the added benefits of being meatier, less noisy and less aggressive but this species is not always available. Only the most discerning customers will notice the difference between the two.

Black Field Crickets look much different and customers who like them will ask for them specifically. These are another bulky, slow and superior cricket and people tend to love them for their benefits, or hate them for their looks.

Locusts mushroomed in popularity in tandem with the Bearded Dragon and are the most profitable livefood for suppliers and retailers alike. The golden Desert Locust is the industry standard variety nowadays and could almost be described as pretty.

Words: Tony Jones

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