February 24- March 2 - Homes for Birds Week
This event is held each year to encourage people to clean out and fix up their existing bird house as well as put up new homes for wild birds.
The birds who use bird houses are known as cavity nesters. About 85 of the 650 breeding birds in North America use cavities for nesting. Nature provides cavities in many ways. Dead and decaying trees are a good source. Woodpeckers create cavities for their own nest. These later become homes for other birds. In nature, there is usually a shortage of natural cavities especially now that most people think trees that are dying or have holes are ugly and cut them down. Because of this cutting and trimming plus the natural shortage in nature, there are usually many more pairs of birds needing a cavity than there are cavities. Fortunately for the cavity nesting birds, they will accept one of our bird houses as a substitute. Which is why you can usually attract a bird to your yard with a bird house.
March - National Adopt A Guinea Pig Month
Many people aren't aware that guinea pigs are available for adoption in shelters and rescues. Most people go to the pet shop to buy a guinea pig and that's the only option available. A lot of people adopt their dog or cat from a shelter, but don't think about guinea pigs in shelters. If more people knew that guinea pigs were avaiable for adoption, more people would adopt. The month of March has been designated as the month for raising awareness about guinea pigs in need of adoption.
According to the National Pet Survey prepared by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, Inc. in 2003-2004, there are 3.3 million guinea pigs in American homes. As is the case with other popular pets (dogs, cats, and rabbits), this means that many guinea pigs also end up being unwanted and left in shelters. The ASPCA declared March 2002 the first Adopt a Rescued Guinea Pig Month to raise awareness about guinea pigs in the shelter system and to celebrate guinea pigs as pets.
Guinea pigs make wonderful pets for the right person.
March 1 - National Pig Day
National Pig Day is a time to give thanks to the domesticated pig.
Pigs are clever and intelligent animals who can often be taught to do tricks.
Sing "This Little Piggy" and respect a pig today!