Abstract: A finch food formulation comprised of thistle, red millet, fine sunflower chips, and fine peanut hearts attracts more colorful finches than other commercial formulations typically consisting of thistle/nyjer seed alone or a thistle/sunflower chip blend. This finch food formulation attracts more individual bird species than commercial formulations typically consisting of thistle/nyjer seed alone or a thistle/sunflower chip blend. This finch food formulation also attracts twice as many birds in general (by total number) than commercial formulations typically consisting of thistle/nyjer seed alone or a thistle/sunflower chip blend.

Abstract: Inclusion of electrolytes in sucrose/water solutions comprising hummingbird food formulations may reduce dehydration in hummingbirds that feed on these formulations. Potassium and/or sodium bicarbonate are electrolytes that may be added to sucrose/water solutions. Concentrated as well as ready-to-use hummingbird food formulations may be prepared including these electrolytes.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally provides a scented compound applied to animal feed, particularly birdseed, in order to deter squirrels from consuming the feed. This scented compound may deter squirrels in that squirrels often quickly detect most aromatic compounds due to squirrels' keen olfactory sense, while birds may not notice them at all. Further, given that this scented compound is non-toxic to both birds and squirrels, birds may consume the scented birdseed and birds and squirrels can smell the scented compound without experiencing health issues. The scented compound applied to birdseed may be citrus or peppermint oil.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vacuum device for an aquarium comprising a tube having a pump contained therein. The pump utilizes a ring-shaped rotor with interior vanes for impelling water through the, device.

Abstract: An insect bait station including a housing forming cavity for holding a liquid insect bait. The housing includes a main chamber, at least two reservoir chambers fluidly connected to the main chamber, and a bait station entrance. The entrance has a downwardly-positioned continuous wall leading from an opening in a top of the main chamber to an interior opening in an interior of the main chamber. A plug is provided for removably sealing the bait station. Various aspects of the bait station are directed to resisting spills and leaks after activation.

Abstract: Disclosed are filter assemblies for an aquarium tank. The disclosed assemblies include a filter basket assembly in which one or more filter baskets are connected, either directly or indirectly, to a filter pump basket. The filter pump basket typically is located upstream of the one or more filter baskets and pumps water upwards through the filter basket assembly.

Abstract: A vivarium cover locking clip prevents removal of a cover from a vivarium tank. The clip includes first and second brackets matingly engaging each other in a detent locked position and respectively engaging the cover and the tank and preventing separation thereof. The brackets have a released position permitting separation of the cover and the tank.