Christmas shopping for friends and family is hard enough, but now pet owners are going to increasingly more bizarre levels to treat their animals and keep them entertained.
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Pet accessory brand Omlet recently launched its Chicken Swing in Australia, just in time for Christmas. It's a toy that keeps poultry "hentertained" by allowing them to swing by themselves without help from their owner.
Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world, according to the Australian Companion Animal Council.
Illustration: Matt Golding
Executive director of the Australian Chicken Meat Federation Vivien Kite believes gifts such as the Chicken Swing may not be worth the fuss. She said there is limited evidence to suggest that "perches or other devices often referred to as 'enrichments' provide tangible welfare benefits to chickens". "I would have to conclude that a swing is not a 'must-have' item for a chicken," she said.
"Some hens may use the swing as a perch or roost, particularly if there is not a more stable and effective alternative means available. I would have thought a moving 'perch' would be somewhat aversive for a hen, as opposed to a more stable alternative."
Veterinary animal behaviourist at the Melbourne University Veterinary Hospital Melanie Rockman said toys can improve pets' behaviour and are particularly effective with animals that don't receive regular walks or are confined to constrained spaces.
"They've tailored toys to work with the behaviour of the animal," she said. "Toys such as the Chicken Swing bring things closer to how they would be in an ideal world for a pet. Other toys allow cats and dogs the freedom to engage with their predatory side in a positive manner, as they can play with a toy rather than their owner's shoe."
Rockman goes on to say that it's only natural for owners to treat their pets to presents, especially during the Christmas season, to ensure that they're "comfortable" and stay "motivated".
"For some single people their pet is their child," she said. "So it would be unfair to say that any toy is overindulgent.
"If a pet is happy, the owner is also more likely to be happy."
Croydon retiree Dawn Webb, who lives on her own, said she loves to treat her chickens to toys as it's the best way to keep them busy and content. She even considered making a swing herself until her daughter recommended the product from London.
"It makes a good Christmas present for chooks – you can put it under the tree and it's easy enough to wrap. Makes a change from food, which is what the dogs and cats in the family get."
Pet lover Jenni D'Amato also swears by the swing, saying that she has seen her chickens on it a few times and that for her it's "definitely worthwhile".
SOME UNUSUAL OFFERINGS FOR PETS
What: Chicken Swing
The Chicken Swing makes perching a moving experience, with a corn-like texture to facilitate grip.
Cost: $40
Where: Omlet.com.au
What: Zinngers Flying Rabbit Toy
Zinngers claims its flying rabbit can travel up to 30 metres through the air. This makes it a popular choice to "get your dog up on all four paws".
Cost: $16.99
Where: mypetwarehouse.com.au
What: Frolicat Pounce Toy
This toy aims to keep cats entertained and on edge as they chase around an electronic mouse. The mouse zips around the circular path and can even reverse its direction.
Cost: $66
Where: petbarn.com.au
What: Ware Critter Totter
A wooden see-saw for mice and rats. It can be used for exercise and fun as the small rodents aim to knock each other off their perch.
Cost: $13.99
Where: mypetwarehouse.com.au
What: Animates Bird Playgym
The Playgym allows birds the opportunity to "explore and climb". It helps to "relieve stress and boredom" away from the confines of a cage.
Cost: $33.40
Where: petbarn.com.au
What: iFetch Interactive Ball Launcher for Dogs
iFetch allows dogs to return balls into a machine that automatically launches them back into the air to be chased. Dogs may need to be taught how to use it and owner supervision is recommended.
Cost: $224.95
Where: luckypet.com.au
What: Multi Level Cat Scratching Poles Tree w/ Ladder Beige
This cat tree aims to be the "ultimate home" for any cat. It features a carpeted surface, two bed cubes, three perching areas, and a hanging mouse to keep cats entertained.
Cost: $99.95
Where: dealsdirect.com.au
What: Boredom Breaker Snuggles Small Animal Sleep-n-Play Octopus
A gift for ferrets and rats, this offers an opportunity for sleep and play. Four tunnel entrances into the middle of the "Octopus" provide entertainment for small pets.
Cost: $56.49
Sydney Morning Herald
