As you know, it is that time of the year. The weather is nice and there are so many things we can go see and do. But have you ever stopped and wondered about your pets? What would they be doing if they had to stay outside? Even considering owning an outdoor pet might lead you to thinking- how might I accommodate them and keep them comfortable while they live outside? Animal Shelters have given pets and wildlife the opportunity to be supervised and secure from predators and the elements. Here are some great examples of both pet and wildlife shelters that allow the animals a place to stay without having to be in the house.

The Dura-Temp Duck House with Small Pond

The 6 x 10 Dura-Temp Duck House with Small Pond is a great place to keep ducks. For the bedding, ducks prefer straw. The small pond is also a nice place for a duck to get refreshed. Make sure that there is clean water because they enjoy dipping their heads in. Ducks are known for deterring snakes and are relatively easy to care for. They can simply be fed chicken layer feed and forage for plants and inspects but need large open feeders. It is also wise to keep food and water at a distance from each other because ducks can be messy. They’ll need you to put them to bed at night so you may have to herd them into the duck house. They also can stay in the duck house during the winter. The Dura-Temp Duck House with Small Pond has rear access for easy cleaning, asphalt shingles, and a drain for the pond. It can also hold up to 4 to 5 ducks.

The Dura-Temp Dog Castle

The Dura-Temp Dog Castle with 4’ Sidewall provides a nice place for your pup to stay when they’re outside. Not only does it protect your dog from the weather and other animals, it provides a safe area for your pet to settle in for a nap or simply just to stay out where the action is. Put in a puppy bed and their favorite toy along with some food and water and your dog will no longer have to worry about going in and out of the house during sunny days, nor will it be exposed to the elements in abrupt inclement weather. The Dura-Temp Dog Castle with 4’ Sidewall has asphalt shingles, a doggie flap, and a window. Just make sure to bring them in when it gets cold.

The Dura-Temp Double Rabbit Hutch

The Dura-Temp Double Rabbit Hutch is good place to house rabbits when they’re outside. Place newspaper at the bottom and cover it with bedding like straw, grass, hay, or paper shreds to make it more comfortable and prevent your rabbits from developing pressure sores. Rabbits also like to dig so providing materials for them to shovel through is a good idea. You don’t need to cover their hutch because good air circulation is also important. Rabbits also enjoy eating hay, grass, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Make sure to keep fresh water available as well. As long as the hutch is quite insulated, rabbits should be able to tough out cold weather but you should check on them regardless. The Dura-Temp Double Rabbit Hutch has a rear access door and wire floor for easy cleaning, as well as slide-in trays.

The Board & Batten Chicken Coop

The Board & Batten Chicken Coop provides your chickens with a safe and secure location to roost and perch. Typically, chicken coops should have nesting boxes, proper ventilation, four walls, and a roof. Chickens also like to go outside and stretch their legs so it’s a very good idea for the coop to be attached to a chicken run where they can enjoy the fresh air. A coop should also be big enough for you to stand in to gather eggs. Large flake pine wood shavings are a good example of bedding. Do not choose cedar wood shavings as it can be toxic to chickens. Also make sure that the shavings aren’t too fine as it can be dusty and damp. You should  include chicken feeders and a watering system. The Board & Batten Chicken Coop includes a green metal roof, vent with a lid, roosting bars, nesting boxes, and has easy access for cleaning it out.

The Poly Lumber White Birdhouse w/Copper Roof

The Poly Lumber White Birdhouse w/Copper Roof is a unique place for birds to stay, offering both space to nest and a classic look. Bird houses should be prepared for a specific type of bird and must use the proper materials. All bird houses need to be warm and dry as well as provide good ventilation. It’s not ideal for a birdhouse to have a perch because it can allow predatory birds better access. Young birds will also want to leave the nest, so make sure they have enough space to do so. Don’t overcrowd an area with bird houses. You’ll also want to be sure to clean them out and disinfect them every spring to help prevent the spread of avian diseases. Afterward, you may dry them and place fresh wood chips or sawdust inside. The Poly Lumber White Birdhouse w/Copper Roof is guaranteed not to crack, chip, peel, rot, rust, or become infested by bugs or termites. It also has a removable copper roof to allow for easy cleaning.

As you can see, Animal Shelters range from big to small structures and ducks, dogs, rabbits, chickens, and birds are only a small sampling of what kind of animals shelters are available for. Check out Fifthroom.com’s selection of Animal Shelters and find a home for your pets and local wildlife today! www.fifthroom.com/animal-shelters/