Just Say No To Big Cats For A Pet

If you are one of those people considering a big cat as your next pet purchase, you may want to think again. There is much to consider when it comes to purchasing a large cat. Besides the fact that it is a wild animal that will never be truly domesticated, there are some tremendous costs involved. If you think it is just the cost of the cat itself that will empty your wallet you have not done enough research.

Not to mention that most large cats die within the first two years, up to 98%. You will have to cover all the expense of your large cat’s diet, which can be extremely costly when your cat is eating 15 pounds of fresh meat per day. If you try to skimp on nutrition, the vet bills will be even more costly than they would be normally.

You can expect to get a large cat at several price ranges. Some cats can go for as little as $500 and as high as $15,000. The more rare and large cat you get, the more you can expect to pay. Even if you are willing to pay that price for that sweet furry baby, he or she will not stay small for long. Within a year a large, full sized cat that will be sexually mature will replace your fuzzy baby. Even if you decide to spay or neuter your big cat, both sexes will spray continuously on everything and everything that they assume belongs to them, including you! This is how they mark what belongs to them. This large tabby is not going to go in a giant litter box; it is a wild animal, not a domestic house cat.

The most difficult task is to find a vet who is even willing to take care of your large wild cat. This will be a chore, as most vets do not deal with exotic pets at all, let alone a giant wild cat. There is much in the way of liability that their staff will be placed in as well as their regular domestic clients. You can expect if you do find a vet willing, to have to purchase a stainless steel squeeze cage. This cage should hold your big cat at it’s full grown weight. A tiger can weigh as much as 800 pounds or more and average a length of 12 feet long from nose to tail tip. A squeeze cage for an animal this size can cost as much as $2000. Not to mention the forklift rental for $300 you will need to transfer the animal. Once on the forklift, what are you going to put your large cat in to transfer him or her to the vet? Your large cat will not fit into your car. You will need a large van that is in perfect running condition to transfer your cat. You will not want to be stranded on the side of a road with an angry wild cat. This is not something you can borrow either, emergencies happen and you must be prepared.

Another thing to think about when owning large cats is where are they going to live. Most states require you have a minimum of 5 acres of land to build an appropriate cage for your large cat. When you consider that an acre of land can cost any where between $10,000 - $75,000 plus, this could be a costly venture. Plus many states also require an eight foot fence be erected around the property, there goes another $8,000 - $20,000. Your fence cannot be used as part of your cage, so that too is a separate expense ranging from $2500 - $8000 plus. Your cage must have a roof to prevent escape as well. These numbers represent your start up costs and do not include the first year of your big cat’s life. You will also need to be able to provide your big cat with food and vitamin supplements as well as flea and parasite treatments. A large cat is not going to just let you treat them so you will want to be fast and inventive when applying. This does include all the governmental costs you be continuously spending out on as well or leisure items for the cats. Choosing a large cat as a pet can be a costly endeavor. If not done right, you could lose not only all your money, but also your life.

Getting to Know your Pot-bellied Pig

If you are thinking of investing in a pot-bellied pig to bring home as a pet, you will need to know what to expect. Knowing what you are getting yourself into when you adopt a pet pig includes a variety of aspects.

One part of getting to know your pig is to get to know its behavior. For example, even though a pig lives to be approximately 15 years old, its maturity level stays relatively the same. An adult pig has the mentality of a three-year-old child for pretty much its entire life. If you think you can handle this immaturity for over 15 years, then you may be ready to purchase one as a pet.

You also will want to know that your pig may start out small, but it often reaches a weight of over 100 pounds. Not only that, but you will need to have the patience to train your pig if you want to allow it to stay in your house. Even if you do allow your pig in the house, the best place to keep your pet pig would be on a farm or huge property that provides enough land area.

If you have enough land or farm area for your pig to run around in, you can set up a place where it can roll in the mud or take a dip in a small pool. This will help keep your pig cool during the summertime. Furthermore, it is a great way to let your pig burn off some energy, and to do what it is naturally prone to do-get dirty.

Many pigs, especially if they have grown up to be an only child, do not require a companion. However, providing for them a companion cannot hurt. They are somewhat social animals, but they are also comfortable being alone. If you are concerned about your pig being lonely then you can purchase another pig so it has some company while you are gone.

If you own pigs you will need to be aware that they have a tendency to try to raid household cupboards and refrigerators, so you will need to think of a way to lock these for your protection. They can also be quite aggressive and they can disrupt your landscaping in some cases.

The good news is, however, that these creatures are very easily and readily trained. You can encourage good behavior out of your pet pig by setting boundaries and saying “no” when you mean it. Furthermore, you can use positive reinforcement to praise your pig when your pig behaves according to the rules you have set for your home. It is best not to use physical punishment, because they will not respond well to it. They could possibly rebel even further.

The other bit of happy news about pigs is that they can be adorable and fun-loving creatures. Furthermore, they are more intelligent than people might think. Furthermore, you can find pigs that have been brought into the world by breeders who care about animals, and who do not exploit them.

If you want to invest in a pig you also will need to make sure you have enough money financially to take it to the doctor at least once or twice a year for checkups. It will also need to be spayed or neutered as soon as possible and will need the proper immunization shots. In fact, it may be wise to make sure you can find an animal doctor who lives close enough to you that can care for the animal.

If you want to be successful in raising a pig you need to study as much as you can about how to raise them. You also need to know what kind of diet they need and how to clean them after a mud bath if you intend on letting it back in your house. You will also need to keep up with new trends of animal care, which your vet can help you do.

The more you understand about how to take care of your pet pot-bellied big the more you will be able to provide for its needs. For more information about how to raise one of these animals you can read more articles just like this one or you can contact a professional who knows how to handle them.

FAQ’s of Hedgehog Care

When it comes to pets these days, many people look for something that will best compliment their personality. Some people opt for cats, while others look at getting a family dog, then there are some that just want to stray from the norm.

These people are the ones who look to be original and have a pet that no one else has. This is where the African hedgehog comes into the picture. These cute prickly little creatures are anything but normal when it comes to pets, yet more and more people today are looking into these wonderful little animals to introduce into their homes.

Like all pets there is a certain level of care that must be applied to the raising of hedgehogs, while it may not be litter boxes or leases there is still a regime that must be followed to keep your hedgehog happy and healthy.

There are many questions that are asked when someone is looking at buying and caring for hedgehogs. There really is no right or wrong question to ask when you are interested in a hedgehog as a pet. Considering the fact that hedgehogs have become a very popular pet over the last decade we will explore some of the most asked questions about these great little pets.

What are the laws in regards to hedgehogs and keeping them as pets?

Like all exotic animals, there may be laws governing their keeping in your area. It would be best to find out from your local authorities prior to purchase. This will keep you out of trouble should you not be allowed to own one and you get caught.

With breeding always an issue, when is it best to breed hedgehogs should you choose too?

African hedgehogs generally are ready to reproduce between 3-4 months, it would be best however to allow them to become at least 6 months of age before considering it. The average gestational period of the hedgehog is 34-37 days, and the litter will usually be somewhere in the 1-7 pup range. More often than not however, you will see a litter of 4 pups.

Should a new hedgehog mother be left alone after she gives birth?

A new hedgehog mother should definitely be left alone after she has given birth to her pups. Hedgehogs are naturally shy and skittish animals to begin with, should you attempt to handle your hedgehog shortly after she has given birth more than likely she will become stressed and she may eat her young. It is always best to leave her be until the pups are weaned from her and they can be moved into a separate environment.

What kind of housing should be appropriate for hedgehogs?

One thing that must be remembered about hedgehogs is that they are great climbers and swimmers. You will need a home that is smooth and high walled should you want to keep your hedgehog within its confines. Generally people will use a 20-gallon aquarium with a mesh lid. Placing an old plant pot or small cardboard box in the tank will give them the privacy that they need, as they are very shy.

What type of bedding should be used in a hedgehog home?

You will want to avoid any cedar or pine shavings for the bedding of a hedgehog, as the oils in the wood will introduce repertory tract infections as well as trouble with their feet and skin. It is always best to use shredded newspaper or paper pellets in the hedgehog home.

What temperature should the hedgehogs be held in?

The most ideal temperature to house hedgehogs would be between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Should you go lower than 75 there is a chance that the hedgehog will go into hibernation. If you go above the 85-degree mark you will risk the hedgehog and could put them in heat stress. They could also become very sluggish and will not have very much energy.



What types of food should they eat?

It is possible for your hedgehog to eat small amounts of chopped fruits and vegetables, yet they will also eat bugs. They should not be given bugs that you find around your home; they should ideally be bugs like mealworms from your local pet store.

Fun Facts About Your Pet Ferret

There are lots of great things about ferrets. These are charming little sweeties that are very playful. Many people first get a glimpse of a ferret through a friend or a pet store. They can be almost irresistible to not take home. For many people, ferrets make extremely rewarding pets. There are many things to consider before just taking your wonderful ferret home with you. Depending on your life style, a ferret may not be the right pet for you, no matter how bad you want one or more. It is important to discover all the wonderful ferret facts prior to making your final decision. There is much in the way of responsibility when it come to ferret raising. Each ferret has his or her own specific needs, feelings, and personality.

Ferrets are magnificently social and need to be played with quite frequently. They strive for interaction and crave attention. Ferrets may be small, but they are not “hand pets” that are happy in the confines of a cage, no matter how large. They will want to come out and play with their owners and snoop all around the home. Ferrets require more out of cage time than they do inside. So be prepared to watch you sweet ferret explore the house with vigor and find things you forgot you even owned. For ferret lovers this is extremely amusing and entertaining. If you cannot provide the constant play time and interaction that your ferret friend needs, it is important to get him or her a companion. Ferrets enjoy each other and will play with each other often.

Ferrets are amazingly smart creatures, which can be very dangerous. They will get into things that once could never dream of. Ferrets have a special ability to get into what they are not supposed to and out of what they should be able to. They are little guys and can quickly dodge being seen by following along walls or hiding under furniture. Your ferret may even sneak past you when you open the door for a quick second. One must be very cautious with a loose ferret around the house in order to keep him or her safe. Everyone in the home should be trained on keep a watchful eye out for his or her smart ferret companions. It is also a good idea to ferret-proof your home. This will have to include some very ingenious maneuvers. Ferrets have very flexible bones to go with their wit. They can get into spaces that defy all rationality, so ferret proofing can be very tricky. Not to mention they are avid climbers and will manage to get into something you think is out of reach if so desired. With their smart nature you will find your ferret will drag other objects into position to make climbing to the desired location easier. You can also expect your ferret to explore any cabinet without a latch as well; they can open them with ease.

Ferrets can be litter trained. This is wonderful news for many free roaming ferret owners. Although they may not use it every single time, for the most part if trained properly they will. Ferrets metabolize food quickly and eliminate often, so having many litter boxes at your ferret’s disposal will encourage relief in an appropriate location. It is also a wise idea to have newspapers scattered through frequently traveled ferret areas. Your ferret will have at least one accident outside the litter box per day, so newspapers help provide a secondary place to relieve should the need arise.

Although there are so many fun things about ferrets that can make them great pets and companions, it takes time and consideration when deciding if they are for you. You do not want to buy a ferret on impulse to find out you cannot handle the responsibility and have to abandon him or her at a shelter. Make sure that you are informed about your ferret and know what to expect before bringing him or her into your home. It is far easier to make an error when getting a ferret than with other domestic animals because finding appropriate information can be harder. Always be sue to find out everything about ferret raising prior to purchasing so you can be sure that a ferret is compatible with your life style.

Food Facts and Care Tips for Sugar Gliders

Taking care of a sugar glider takes quite a bit of patience and dedication. You need to know how to properly care for this small animal, which is native to Australia and Guinea. Proper care of this exotic pet includes knowing what types of food this creature will eat and how to properly house it.

About 30 percent of a sugar glider’s overall food intake includes vegetables. Some sources suggest a little more than 30 percent while other sources suggest less. The point is that sugar gliders need healthy foods in their diet, and veggies contain one main source of nutrients that they need. Likewise, 25 to 50 percent of what nutrients a glider needs come from meat and the remaining 15 percent comes from breads and cereals.

Overall, the food that is fed to these animals should contain as low of fat as possible, with as little amount of sugar as possible. Of course, cutting these animals off from sweats will be a challenge since they naturally have a taste for it. However they will feel full and satisfied if you give them a proper diet. You can read more information about the exact diet that a sugar glider requires if you read more articles and search for more information online.

In addition to feeding your pet properly, you need to house it properly as well. They do not do well in cages that are less than 3 feet high. Therefore, even though they sell them in pet stores in some cases, you will have to use your better judgment and either find a larger cage or make one. If you choose to make a cage, you are better off using unexposed metal that is not galvanized.

Also, you will want to use coated metal to make the walls of the cage, because metal that is not vinyl or powder treated will irritate your pet. If you want to make your cage even more homelike for your sugar glider you will want to add tree branches or other climbing gear so they can enjoy their time in the cage.

The best type of materials to use for making climbing devices is non-toxic wooden structures and tree branches of different varieties. Plastics and other materials that give off harmful fumes are not recommended for your pet. You will also want to use a pillow or other small material to make a bed for your animal so it can sleep at night. In addition, you may want to provide for your animal a friend, such as another sugar glider, since they are social animals. In fact, the more the merrier for them, so you may want to invest in a few of them so they can hang out in a pack.

To further keep your sugar glider occupied, you will want to add some small toys to its cage. Examples of good toys to give your pet include swings, rings, ladders, and mirrors. All toys that you provide for your glider should be free of loose ends or fabric that they could possibly swallow. You can also add an exercise wheel that contains no cross bars or spaces in which the animal’s tale can get caught. Your glider will love running around in the wheel, and could possibly do so for hours.

One more fact about gliders that you should know is that they get bored fast. Therefore, you may need to rotate the types of toys that you include in the cage in order to keep their interest. You can also take them out and hold them. Usually they will be sleeping when you hold them if you do so during the day. You can also play with them if you are up when they are up.

Important things to remember about cleaning a glider’s cage, particularly a male sugar glider’s cage, is that you need to make sure you do not clean it too often. Otherwise, your male pet may increase his male territory marking, which leaves even more of a stench. If you cannot stand the stench of the male’s cage you may need to spray it with a baking soda and water mixture and then rinse/wipe it off. You will not have to clean the entire cage every single day.

If you are contemplating the purchase of a sugar glider the above tips can help you. If you have any further questions regarding these or other aspects of owning a sugar glider as a pet you will want to contact professionals trained to deal with them. You can get most of your questioned answered researching online.

Guinea Pig – Why these are Great Pets

Guinea pigs are cute, there’s no escaping that fact. If you want to get a couple of guinea pigs as pets, then you’ve made a good decision. They make great pets, especially if you’ve got young children in your household. Find out why a guinea pig is the best type of rodent pet you can buy, and a few other very interesting guinea pig facts.

A guinea pig pal is a good animal pal for everyone in the family. Children love them! An animal pet pal of this sort will live a long time, as compared to others in the rodent family. The guinea pig will live on average about eight to ten years, if you take very good care of their dietary needs. Some guinea pigs will live over ten years, and their long life gives children a chance to really bond with their animals. Plus, you don’t have to concern yourself with the sadness of younger children when they die after a few years; broken hearts are hard for even adults to take. Mature guinea pigs will grow to ten inches long, and weight close to four pounds.

The guinea pig family comes in a lot of different colors, from tan to white with brown circles on them. Their cute black noses and silky hair make them feel comfortable to hold, and plain adorable to look at. You’ll love the fact too that guinea pigs won’t bite unless under extreme stress. It’s not hard to train them if you want, but their natural curiosity will lead them to play on most toys that you place into their cage. You can find fun and sturdy guinea pig toys at your local pet shop, and they will use them a lot because guinea pigs will play even at night. Your children will be able to enjoy them after they get home from school, or watch them play at bedtime. They’re adaptable to your schedule when they’re used to it.

One drawback about owning a guinea pig is that you’ll have to buy two of them because they’re very social animals. They’ll become depressed if there’s not another one around to play with, or cuddle up against. If you don’t want any more, make sure to buy two females to live together, males usually don’t work well because they can be aggressive with each other. Cages are another drawback because guinea pigs need a larger than average one because of their size. Usually, two feet per guinea pig is all you’ll need per square foot. Make sure your cage is large enough because you don’t want a depressed guinea on your hands. One nice thing about the animal is that it they love their home, and won’t try to get out as much as other rodents. Also, they don’t have to have as much exercise as others either.

Feeding a guinea pig is a little more difficult than other pets from the rodent family, like rats. You’ll need to buy specialized pellets from a pet or feed store that has lots of vitamin C, and make sure it’s fresh because it can become stale and the necessary vitamin is degraded. The reason you have to supplement their diet is because like humans, the guinea can’t make its own vitamin C, they just aren’t born with the enzyme to do it. You can add a little extra supplement and make the guinea pig very happy, with fresh kitchen scraps of vegetables and small amounts of hay, too. If you don’t feed your little guinea pig their needed foods and supplements they will die, usually within 3 weeks after they symptoms appear of diarrhea and a runny nose. Scurvy will set in too and they will not walk around a lot due to inflamed joints.

Guinea pigs are great pets, and taking care of their nutritional needs is a little more work, but there are so many benefits it’s hard not to dote on them. Spend a little time researching all you can about the wonderful animal, and shop around for a pair. Take the children along and let them pick out a couple; they’ll love it when you say they can get two! Before you do though have their home in place, and all of your foods planned out for them. You want to start out right with a happy and snuggly pair of guinea pigs that are a lot of fun and love.

Hamsters and Gerbils – What's the Difference

A hamster is a hamster, but not necessarily a funny one, but still a cute one to look at. Gerbils and hamsters are both members of the rodent family, but they’re very different in personality, but a lot alike in needs. If you are not sure which one you would like to have then read on a little more, and learn about the personalities and care of hamsters and gerbils.

Socially gerbils and hamsters are two very different creatures. If you like to buy only one animal at a time, then you’ll want to look at the gerbil. A gerbil is content to either live by itself, or if introduced when pups they can live with other gerbils. Don’t be fooled by the gerbil’s intelligence because they will not accept another pup, or even the same pup back into its cage, even if it’s only been a few days since its brother or sister left. Hamsters on the other hand, want to be left alone and will fight with other hamsters, so if you want more than one you’ll need to buy a separate cage. Hamsters are smaller than gerbils on average, but not significantly though. Typical gerbils range in size from the tip of the nose to the end of its tail to eight inches, and hamsters are about seven inches long. The sizes of their cages are about the same, too, of 12x24 inches wide with a foot of height.

Gerbils have been reported to live a year or two longer, and some can live up to six years. Hamsters live about three years. During their lifetime you’ll find that gerbils love to play a lot, while hamsters will have periods of inactivity. Children love animals that really play and interact with them a lot. Another great thing about gerbils is that they’ll adapt to your schedule, and that’s good for kids. Also, your children will be able to pop in their rooms most anytime, and a gerbil will be up and about. Temperament is another thing that encourages people to buy a gerbil. They’re much easier to tame, and overall compared to other members of the rodent family, they’re docile and people friendly. Of course both the hamster and gerbil have to be tamed to get used to being handled. A hamster will bite if they are startled when awoken from a dead sleep, but the gerbil is not as skittish, and has to be provoked to bite, but it will bite if extremely frightened.

Hamsters just like most of its rodent cousins will urinate frequently. In their bedding it will become soggy from a high ammonia smell. It will need to be changed often, at least once every two weeks. The benefit of a gerbil is that because they originated from the deserts, they don’t urinate as often, and their bedding can be changed about once every two weeks. You’ll need to keep clean fresh water out in a non-toxic ceramic bow, or bottle on the side of their cage, but it won’t have to be filled up as much because they don’t drink as often as the hamster. Both the hamsters and gerbils dietary needs are about the same. A good way to know what they need is to talk with a veterinarian that works with exotic animals; they can tell you the best diet for either the hamster or gerbil.

Physically both species are prone to injuries because of neglect, or not enough knowledge about their bodies. One drawback to owning a gerbil is that its tail can be damaged very easily. A gerbil will bite if hurt, so know how to handle them. Don’t ever pick up a gerbil by its tail! The skin can dislodge from the base of its tail, and pull off exposing bone. Some gerbils have died, and others have to be sent to the vet for the tail to be amputated. Hamster have problems too because people leave them unattended and they fall to their death. The eyesight on a hamster is not good at all, and that’s part of the reason they will snap out and bite, even if putting a hand into their cage.

Finally, it might sound like the hamster has gotten a bad rap, but its important to know what type of animal you want, especially if you’ve children in the home. Its not that the hammy hamster is bad, their just different, and they might be more appropriate for older children.

Hermit Crab Hoopla – What to Expect from this Pet

Should you be looking for a small and easy to maintain pet for yourself or your children, why not consider some hermit crabs? These wonderful little crabs have become increasingly more popular as of late, and for good reason they are one of the most effortless pet endeavors you can find. Another wonderful thing about keeping hermit crabs is the cost, not only are the crabs themselves relatively cheap but the food and care products are next to nothing.

Your biggest investment for your crabs will be the dwelling that you place then in. most people place their crabs in a small fish tank, anywhere from 2 ½ gallon to 10 gallon will be just fine depending on how many hermit crabs you intend on keeping. Filling the bottom of the tank with gravel or sand is an excellent source of substrate. Placing a small shallow dish for water and another for their food is all that the hermit crab really needs, as they really do not play like many other pets that you would own.

When it comes to feeding hermit crabs, it could not get easier. Hermit crabs are omivores, meaning that they will eat just about anything ranging from plants and fruits to small insects. It is also possible for you to feed them dry oatmeal; it is very nutritious and cheap to purchase. The oatmeal can stay in the dish all the time, any fruits and vegetables should be in the dish no longer than 24 hours as they will start to rot. Hermit crabs really do not eat very much so the cost of feeding these little creatures is low. One large bag of Quaker oatmeal could easily feed 6 hermit crabs for a period of 5 years; this makes for a very cost efficient pet project to say the least. The hermit crab will eat Mealworms from the local pet store as well; this should be nothing more than an occasional snack rather than a continual diet.

It is always a good idea to gently mist the hermit crabs with Luke warm water from a spray bottle once a day or every couple days to ensure that they do not dry out. You will want to keep the temperature of the tank in the 80-85 degree F range, as this is the normal temperature that they are accustomed to in the wild. This can be done with a good heat lamp or heating pad under the tank. This will keep the crab or crabs active, and they will be more prone to move around so you can enjoy them more. If the temperature in the tank is below this level, your crabs will become sluggish and will more than likely bury themselves under the sand or other substrate that you have chosen. You will not really need to concern yourself with a lid for the tank, as hermit crabs are not the best of climbers and they will likely never get out of an aquarium. What hermit crabs are good at actually is digging, it is always a good idea to have enough substrate for them to burrow and hide should they feel a little shy or chilly.

Hermit crabs will shed their old exoskeleton, this period on how much they are shedding depends on their age. When the hermit crab is young they will shed once monthly, when they get older the likelihood of them shedding anymore than once in an 18 month period is low. It is best to ensure than you have a new home for the crab lined up prior to this shedding period, they do not survive long should they not have a new shell to take over. Many people will go to the place where they bought their hermit crabs and buy a bigger shell for them. The most popular shell on the market for the hermit crab is the Whelk shell. When buying a shell for your hermit crab, you will want to make sure that it is at least 1/3 larger than the shell that they currently occupy. This will give them room to grow and the process will start again come molting period. Hermit crabs can be very tame and enjoy interaction; the more you hold them the better.

Helpful Hints for Proofing your Home Against Rabbits

While rabbits may indeed be great pets for many people, the fact that they can be a handful is seldom mentioned to the new owner. Rabbits require a considerable amount of care and control when they are in your home, by not meeting the demands of the rabbit or not offering what the rabbit will most likely appreciate they will take it upon themselves to entertain themselves and more often than not land themselves in some trouble. Take the time to ensure that you have an environment that will work with and for the rabbit before they find things to do that will be unappreciated in the long run.

Rabbits are avid and active chewers, they will chew on just about anything. This can include furniture, clothing, plants, electrical wires, and anything made from wood. This is not because the rabbit is being malicious or spiteful rather they are just trying to shore down their Peg teeth, or what is known as their incisors. If these teeth that are large and in the upper region of the mouth, get too large they will eventually penetrate the roof of their mouth and cause them a great deal of pain. If this problem is left unattended it could easily breech their skull into their brain cavity and kill them. For this very reason rabbits are instinctual chewers, and they know no better way than to chew something and cut the teeth down to size.

While this is understandable, the rabbit can still do some serious damage to a home should they be left unattended. You will need to keep a very close eye on a rabbit in your home at all times. Make sure that the area that you are letting the rabbit free roam is clutter free, and without wires or furniture that they may find appealing to chew on. This will allow the rabbit to get its required amount of exercise time and the social interaction that they will need to be a healthy happy animal inside your home. You will want to make sure that the area that you have deemed the rabbits exercise area, is free from houseplants or garden bulbs, the rabbit will easily chew on them and they are toxic to the rabbit. This will surely make the rabbit very sick if it does not kill them all together.

When you rabbit proof your home, you are ensuring that you are providing the animal with the best possible environment. This will keep them safe, and allow them to be more social. When the rabbit feels comfortable they will more likely come to you when you wish them too. This will only enhance the experience of owning the rabbit in the first place. In the room that you have designated the rabbit play room; it would be best if it did not have carpeting, as rabbits are true diggers. Rabbits have very sharp nails and they will want to dig, if you have carpet in this room chances are it will become shredded over time making it very unsightly and perhaps even costly. A wood floor or tile will work best to keep the rabbit from wanting to dig.

If you plan on having the rabbit roam freely, you will want to have the room equipped with litter boxes if you trained the rabbit to do so. This will prevent the rabbit from wanting to instinctually defecating on the floor or other areas that you will deem undesirable. When you have elected to keep a rabbit in your home, you have taken on a very dedicated task where much of your time will be devoted to the care and maintenance of the rabbit itself. It would also be a good idea to have no curtains in the room that will drop to the floor, as the rabbit will surely chew on them as well. Keeping rabbits may be a fun endeavor, yet it must be remembered that they are very unique and truly fidgety animals by nature. Ensuring that your home is prepared for the rabbit will help the rabbit is prepared for your home. Take the time to rabbit proof your home, so you and the rabbit will not have to worry about anything other than the common bonding between owner and pet.

How to Take Care of the Crickets for your Pet Frog’s Health

As we all know, raising reptiles can definitely be a laborious task. With the housing constraints, lighting and temperatures, skin care, and feeding owning a reptile of any sort is not your typical everyday routine like raising a cat or dog. Any one who has ever had the pleasure of actually raising a reptile will know just how tedious the feeding can be. Many times the snake or lizard will require you to feed them crickets. This is not a horrible thing; it can however be a pain when it comes time to getting more food for your reptile.

While many pet stores now carry a large stock of crickets for the reptile owners out there, carting them back and forth can be a chore in itself. For this reason, many people have decided that they are going to raise or keep the crickets at home for themselves and save all of the travel fuss when it comes to food for their pet. What many people fail to realize however, is that there is no easy way to raise, keep, and control a large cricket population in your home without a sensible plan ahead of time.

Should you elect to keep crickets in your home for purpose of food for your pet frog for example, it would be best to place the crickets in at least a 10-gallon aquarium. This will easily be big enough to house many crickets at one time. Should you have a large assortment of reptiles as pets, it may not be a bad idea to double the size of the tank to accommodate more crickets as a food source. So in terms of space a 10-20 gallon aquarium will easily suffice as a home for the crickets. Once you have the tank, you will want to find a lid that allows the passage of air. Without a passage, the crickets will be of no use to you because they will be dead. Nine times out of ten, a reptile will pass on a dead cricket apposed to a live one. For this reason, you will want to ensure that the tank has breath-ability. One of the best measures for this would be a screen, such as a window screen stretched over a frame, this will allow the air to get in and keep the crickets in their place and not running rampant all over your home.

You will need to place some egg crate into the tank for the crickets to walk on, otherwise they will all be walking on each other and there will be many crushed crickets in your tank. This is not healthy for your stock, and eventually you will have to go in and remove the dead crickets. Depending on how many pet frogs you have, or their size can pretty much dictate how many crickets you will need to keep in the feeder tank. Ideally you will want to order more than you will actually use, as many of them will most likely die in the transition and new environment. It is far cheaper to order the crickets online and have them shipped to you in a box, than it is to go out to the pet store and purchase them. Some places online however, have policies as to how many you must purchase at one time. For example you may be faced with a company online that requires you to order a minimum of 500 cricket lots, there may be another place that asks that you order 2,000 at a time. Doing your homework in this area will save you a lot of time and money.

You will want to feed the crickets in your tank as well, as if you do not they will only die on you and become useless. The best way to feed them is to place a small shallow dish with anything from fish flacks to cereal crumbs from the bottom of a box. Make sure that you do not feed them crumbs from a sugary cereal such as fruit loops as this will only make them die, if they do not die for what ever reason they will only make your frog or other reptile ill. Place an orange wedge in there for a source of water, not a dish of water or they will surely drown. This is what is known as gut loading, the healthier you treat your crickets the healthier your frog or other reptile will be in the end.

History of the Fennec Fox and Why People Have Them as Pets

For people that are looking for something a little different when it comes to a house pet, why not consider an African Fennec Fox? Provided the local laws in your area permit the keeping of exotic animals this could very well be the pet you have been waiting for. Fennec foxes are native to Northern Africa within the desert regions, and are considered very social and well-mannered creatures. This is a very passive and relaxed canine and has been said to be the smallest in the world.

One really great aspect about the Fennec fox is that it will live between 12-16 years in captivity, making this pet a welcome addition to a home that has a small family to bond with. With the right amount of training and socialization the Fennec fox can become very much like your typical household dog. What is really interesting about the Fennec fox is that you can actually train them to use a litter box, rather than have them go outside. This is due to their tiny structure, and private nature while doing its business. You will however, want to ensure that the litter box is covered, as the Fennec fox is an active and avid digger. This will keep the litter where it belongs and not all over the house.

Fennec foxes are very curious and active animals, they can be very social and will warm up to their owner relatively quickly. The Fennec fox will even take to strangers with the right socialization and patience. Fennec foxes are very small ranging from 8-10 inches tall, and 16-18 inches long. They are very meager in weight topping in at a whopping 2-4 pounds. These tiny little canines can be very quiet yet extremely friendly and will demand a lot of attention from their owner or the family that it lives with. This makes the Fennec fox a great addition to the home, even with children involved. You will need to keep a close eye on the Fennec fox inside and outside of your home, as they are great escape artists and are more than a little curious. They are a very energetic and active breed and will surely keep you busy most of the time.

Fennec foxes are great climbers and even better diggers; there must be some form of supervision at all times when the fox is not in a pen or cage. With the speed that a Fennec fox can display, you must be very careful when taking a Fennec fox out for a walk on a lead. Should they get startled they may wriggle free from their collar and you will definitely have a chore catching the little fox? Another wonderful thing about the Fennec fox is that they are practically odorless, in comparison to other foxes. This is great for an animal that will be in your home at all times, as we all know some animals can really stink a home up relatively quickly. Fennec foxes regardless of their small size have absolutely enormous ears. The general measurement of the fox’s ears is 6 inches; this is huge in comparison to the size of their head. It is not that the fox needs those big ears to hear well, as much as it is for heat dissipation. While in the desert region in Africa the large ears allow a great measure of rapid heat loss.

The Fennec fox likes the warmer climate, yet when it gets too hot you can see them rapidly panting. If the temperature falls below 68 degrees F they will start to shiver in an attempt to keep warm. It is always best to keep a Fennec fox in a warmer climate. When the Fennec fox is most comfortable and happy, you can find it making very interesting little noises. Many times people will refer the sound to the purring of a cat, and many people find this absolutely adoring. The Fennec fox is relatively easy to feed, with eggs, fruits, vegetables, premium dog or cat food, mealworms, crickets, and wet dog or cat food being the most common elements in their captive diet. This is because the Fennec fox is omnivorous and will eat what ever it can find in the wild.

Best Snake Options for Reptile Newbies

If you’re thinking about getting a snake as a pet, then know what it takes to care for them, and what the best type of snake is for the first time owner. Lots of people have started to keep snakes as pets after serious consideration of the responsibility of purchasing one, and that’s the best way to begin, knowing the facts about picking the right type of snake and caring for one.

The best way to get your first snake is by talking with and then purchasing one from a reputable breeder of snakes. They know what it takes to capture and then breed the snakes, and can tell you the correct way to handle and feed them. Some people try to go out and capture wild snakes and then breed them. This is very dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing; so don’t try this at home! Wild snakes do have a nasty temper, and will bring into your house diseases and certain parasites that live underneath their scales before they shed their skin. Because they’ve lived in the wild, they aren’t used to humans interacting with them, and the snakes will bite.

Several different kinds of snakes are good to have as a first time owner. Small garters to massive pythons can be kept in captivity, but pythons are certainly not for the first time snake owner. Ball pythons and Corn snakes are two of the best types for you to have as a first time snake owner, but remember to buy it from a snake handler. Their size depends on the age, but typically they range from four feet for the Corn snake to about 21 feet for the Ball pythons. You might find when feeding a captive or trained Ball python that they’re finicky eaters. When they’re stressed or just stubborn they will not eat for months at a time. A Corn snake on the other hand will eat on a regular basis that is if it’s not sick. Both of these snakes usually have a good nature and overall feeding them in a captive environment is easily done.

Of course, all snakes in the wild kill their own food, but if you want a trained or captive bred snake you’ll have to provide its food for them. You want to feed them already killed food because they types of rodents they kill can inflict some nasty cuts and punctures. The last thing you want is to loose your snake after you’ve made a nice home, and have gotten emotionally attached to it, so feed it with dead bait. Also, you’ll find that it’s much cheaper to buy dead food than to pay for live mice or rats, and it’s a lot more convenient too. Just pop a supply into a freezer that’s kept from your food and you’re ready to feed the snake. A large local pet supply store might carry what you need, and if they don’t you can order it from them, the handler you bout your snake from, or on the Internet.

There are certain snakes to stay away from if you’re a first time owner and handler. This is very true if you’ve got small children in the home. A large Burmese python can take down any small person, or child. They’ve even been known to kill other household family pets like dogs and cats. A Burmese python can grow to over 20 feet, and weigh up toward 250 pounds. A boa constrictor is dangerous too if you don’t know how to handle them because they have massive constricting power for a smaller snake than the Burmese. Snake handlers state that having either type of snake should have two people when working with them.

Finally, there are other types of snakes that you should stay away from like any that is poisonous. Not only could someone else be fatally injured, but you could find that you’re sued in court for damages. Having a snake could be a life long commitment of time and money, so make sure you’re ready for the challenge. Read and learn what it takes to care for your new snake before you ever purchase it, and you’ll be ready for snake ownership for years to come.

Considerations before buying a box turtle

While many people enjoy a nice dog as a family pet, there are actually many people that find them very troublesome and opt for something a little less time consuming. There are a great number of retile enthusiasts out there these days, and with the choices and options as to what your pet will be are staggering. What has really become a very popular choice these days is the box turtle.

There are currently four varieties of North American box turtle that are in the pet stores, and two Asia breeds that are now becoming increasingly popular. Whichever box turtle you choose really means little, as they all tend to have the same traits and lifestyles. There are of course many things to consider when bringing home a new pet, box turtles are no exception to this rule. It is always best to have the pets environment prepared prior to bringing them home for the first time, as this will relieve some of the stress that will surely follow the trip from the store to your home.

The more sensible way to ensure your turtle will make a safe and happy transition is to have the dwelling prepared ahead of time and have everything that you will need right at your fingertips. While many people would consider housing the turtle in an outdoor enclosure, this is not the safest of practices and is not recommended for your pet. You will want to have an aquarium that is a minimum of 40 gallons and should not have any cracks or shards or glass sticking out where the turtle can hurt itself. You will need to make sure that the tank is tall enough that the turtle cannot climb out of and escape; generally a larger tank will be high enough to keep them contained.

It is not advisable for you to use sand or rocks for a substrate in the enclosure as it can scratch or cut the turtle’s shell giving way to a build up of harmful bacteria or infection for the turtle, which will be hard to treat. It is best to use a good potting soil that does not contain perlite or vermiculite, as that can be very harmful to the turtle and make them very sick. This potting soil should remain moist at all times. This does not mean that it needs to be saturated, rather gently misted with a spray bottle everyday will be sufficient.

You will want to place some mix of soil with shredded orchid bark. You may use plain fir or orchid bark, or deep drifts of alfalfa. This will offer the turtle something to burrow in, as they enjoy crawling in areas such as this. It is never a good idea to place anything in the tank that will be difficult for the turtle to get through as it can introduce stress or injury to the turtle. Make the substrate as soft and comfortable as possible, and your turtle will love you for it. As turtles are naturally shy animals, you will want to put a hide box into the tank as well. This will give them a shelter and offer them some privacy should they want to be left alone. This can be making from many different materials however; most turtle owners simply place a cardboard box inside the tank with an opening cut out of the front of the box. Inside this house there should be an ample supply of the same materials that are throughout the rest of the dwelling. This will give the turtle something to burrow in and allow them the chance to hide when desired.

Turtles love to swim and offering them their own wading pool is a good way to keep them happy. If your tank is large enough you could place a small litter box or Tupperware bowl that is rectangular in shape inside the tank. Make sure that it is recessed in the substrate and offer some form of ramp for the turtle to get in and out of the wading pool with ease. You will need to change the water in this pool regularly as it will become fouled and the turtle will more than likely defecate in their pool, which will lead to serious health issues if not changed and cleaned regularly.

Tips for Getting your Exotic Pet to Use a Litter box

Many exotic animals can be litter box trained like an indoor cat. Most of these animals will use the litter box 100% of the time with no accidents once fully trained. Other types of exotic pets will have a few accidents and may need to have multiple boxes or newspapers to help keep accidents to a minimum. To get your pet use to the box it is very important to make sure it is large enough and filled with a safe substrate. You will also want to be sure that the litter box is secured; many animals love nothing more than to dump over their new toy onto the carpet. You will want to confine your pet to a cage, crate or small section of a room with the litter box first and foremost. This will allow your pet to be in site of the box at all times.

You should start litter training early in your pet’s life and use a box without a lid. This will encourage your pet to get right in from any angle it wants. Do not be surprised if your animal plays in the box, this is common for animals who have never seen a litter box before. Many times it is helpful to use already used litter or add feces and urine soaked newspapers to the box. This way the animal can smell the waist and will naturally be draw to it for relieving itself. Animals instinctually go to the bathroom in the same place if they can smell the waist.

Once you pet has become familiar with the box and is done exploring it, it is time to encourage use. There is no way to force your animal to use the box, but you can help your pet out. Every hour place your pet in its litter box and see if it uses it. If you pet goes to the bathroom in the box reward him or her with a treat. The reward system for using the box will definitely work well. The more that you give treats for litter box use and nothing if your pet goes elsewhere, the quicker he or she will get it. They will realize that if they use the box to go in they will be rewarded, but if they go anywhere else they get nothing. Most exotic pets are very smart and catch on very quickly. It is very possible to have your pet trained in less than a week if you spend enough time with him or her.

It is best to not use punishment methods with your exotic pets if at all possible. Nose flicking or swatting will not help train your animal to use his or her box faster. This could backfire and intimidate your pet to use other areas more frequently. If your pet is not responding quick enough, enclose them with the box in a very small space or near their food and bedding. Many animals will not use the toilet near their food or bed. This will force your pet to use the box. Once he or she has successfully used the box reward him or her so they will continue. After your pet has shown he or she will use the box most of the time you can expand the space you pet has and see if the usage continues. Remember to reward your pet when you see box use.

Many animals will find a spot the like to go to the bathroom in for a variety of reasons. It may be hidden, more protective, or a whole host of other reasons. If you find that no mater what you do your pet goes in a specific spot, place the litter box on top of that spot no matter where it is. You will find that your pet will now use the box as his or her spot. Once the animal has fully adapted to litter box use you can move the “spot” to a more suitable location. At this point the “spot” has become the box and your pet will go in it no mater where you move it. Litter box training does take time and patience, but the rewards are enormous. You will find that the time you spend helping your pet learn will make your experience with them much more enjoyable in the long run.

Peacocks as Pets

Pet peacocks are very popular as well as gorgeous.

These birds love to run and play and need room to roam. Even though peacocks are not normally what one would consider pets, they adapt to the right living conditions quick provided they have enough space. Peacocks are very easy to keep fed. They prefer things like chicken feed, snails, dry cat food, Cheerios, bugs, seeds, and plant leaves.

The peacock will get along fine with all other family pets if they have enough room to not be bothered or intruded on by other domestic animals like dogs. It is best for them to have a large area so that they will have less confrontation. Peacocks have sharp talons and a claw on their legs than they will use if threatened.

You will want to be sure your property has trees because peacocks roost in them during the night to protect themselves from predators. You will also want to have plenty of land so that when the females nest they have a place to hide from the males. If she has adequate room and coverage to hide, the female peacock will lay 8- 12 eggs each year. Usually only a few will actually hatch.

Since the chicks cannot roost in the trees with the female peacock it is best that you keep them penned and away from predators that might invade your yard at night. One the chicks become about a month old they can be released to roost with the other peacocks at night. Another reason for a large landscape is so you are far from neighbors. Peacocks have a very loud and annoying call that can be quite disturbing to some.

Even though many landowners like their live lawn ornaments, it is important to know what you are getting into. Under the right conditions and land space your peacocks can like up to 50 years. This could be a problem if you decided to move to a smaller location. You will not have to worry about Vet bills due to the fact that peacocks are very resistant against many diseases. However, it is wise to have your peacocks wormed twice a year to prevent internal parasites.

The chicks will be quite easy to tend to. They require mash made from the adult feed. If you plan to breed your peacocks be sure you have a market for the chicks when they mature. Even large landowners must be careful to not over populate their property.

If you are one of those people who live in the city, you will want to think twice before investing in a pet peacock or more. It is pretty unlikely that your neighbors will approve of the high-pitched womanly scream that will be coming from your home. Not to mention many largely populated places have city ordinances that restrict loud noises after a specific time. Not to mention most back yard in suburban areas do not provide the amount of space needed by the peacocks.

The small area that the peacock is confines to can leave him or her more susceptible to predator attacks or attacking others. If the peacock feels too confined and cannot get away or hide from such things as the neighbors, children, dogs, or raccoons, they can lash out to protect them selves.

Since peacocks are amazing flyers, including their chicks, city living is definitely frowned against.

They can easily fly into the next yard and that could spell disaster for many. Caging your peacocks is an option as long as the pen has a roof. This is cruel for a bird that requires space to live. Pens do provide a great nesting area for females but should not be completely enclosed. Many irresponsible city peacock owners have had to let their clutches go due to over population or escape. This is not acceptable.

Peacocks taken out of their natural habitat should be provided with plenty of land to roam and populate on undisturbed. Always be sure if you have a male with multiple females you have homes for the chicks or you remove the eggs from the mother’s nest to control clutch populations. Peacocks can make wonderful pets if allowed to roam free and be admired when they so choose.

Purchasing Supplies for your Exotic Pet

When you are trying to purchase supplies for your exotic pet, you find you can run into some difficulties depending on what type of pet you have. If you purchased your exotic pet from a pet store you should be able to find all you need in that store to take care of your new pet right. Most pet stores offer a pretty wide selection of goods for the animals they sell. If you got your exotic pet from a breeder you will want to check out what all the local pet stores have in stock before you bring your pet home. You would not want to bring home an animal that you cannot feed or provide appropriate shelter for. Pet stores offer a person a way to get what they need and look at the items thy need to purchase physically.

The problem with many pet stores is that many times they will carry a specific type of exotic animal and their supplies for only a short amount of time. They will use them to draw in new customers and then cease to carry the supplies once a new type of animal comes into the store. This can be very discouraging to many exotic pet owners who were relying on that store for their pets needs. If your exotic pet is a snake, you will be hard pressed to run out of food from a pet store. Most pet stores sell live rodents of all kinds all the time. It would be advisable to not tell them your purpose, as many stores will not sell their rats for feed. Some pet stores on the other hand do carry feed rodents just for snake owners.

If you would like an easy option for purchasing your supplies than it is wise to try the Internet. Buying online has many advantages for exotic pet owners. You can sit from the ease of home and find a supplier that carries products specifically for the type of exotic pet you own. It will not be hard to locate a dealer no matter how rare your pet is. Buying online can also save you money if you buy in bulk. You can buy all of your supplies including cage, toys, food, and anything else your pet needs from one online store and many times receive free shipping or a discount. You will also never have to worry about them going out of business. Internet businesses have less capital, so not matter how small they are they usually stay in business.

For those exotic pet owners that need pre-killed food for their pets, the Internet is the best option as well. Many times live food will fight against your pet and may cause injury or infection that will require a vet. Pre-killed food is much safer for your pet and more humane to the animal that is dinner. Many people have a hard time killing the prey themselves and do not like the idea of doing it. The Internet offers a whole range of dealers who can ship you frozen pre-killed food for your exotic pet. Many times you can save on this as well. You can order in bulk if your pet is a frequent feeder or you have many of that species. This will enable you to take out food, as your pet needs it. Simply thaw out the prey and dinner is served.

These two options are both good choices for their own reasons. As long as the pet owner has a way to get the necessary items for their exotic pet, it does not make any difference. Exotic pets can be more expensive due to their rarity and specific needs. It is important to make sure you know what the costs will be prior to getting an exotic pet and search for the best deals on supplies as well. Once you find a store, physical or online, that serves your needs at a good price, you can simply order all you need to bring your exotic animal home and keep it happy. You will also be able to continually buy through that dealer to get the best deals and things your pet needs and deserves as long as it lives.

Details on Degus as Proper Pet Material

There are many small animals on people’s radars these days when it comes to finding the right pet for your home. They are quickly becoming a very popular choice for people that do not have the space to own a dog or cat. One such pet is the Octodon Degu, or Degu for short. This very social and adventurous creature is very similar to the chinchilla and ranges from 5-7 inches with another 6 inches of tail. This rounds the Degu out to about a foot in total length. This is a great pet for those that would like to have an animal live a healthy life span as the Degu can live up to 10 years. Typically the Degu will enjoy an n active 8-year life, and there will never be a dull moment when a Degu is concerned.

Degus are considered extremely active and curious animals, they will always explore should they be given the space to and will seldom be found sleeping during the daytime hours as Degus are diurnal. If you handle your Degu at a very young age and very often, the Degu will become very tame and easy to trust. If you do not socialize or interact with your Degu however, you will find that it will become very neurotic and aggressive. This is due to their extremely social nature. If you have been thinking about purchasing a Degu you may want to consider buying more than one as this will help with the Degu development due to their active and social lifestyles. Degus need an ample amount of exercise and should be kept active while awake so they do not become bored or lazy.

Having a lot for the Degu to explore while they are awake and alert is a very good idea, while in the wild Degus will construct vast tunnel systems in their colony much like prairie dogs. By having newspaper strips and cotton batting scattered within their home, you will encourage their digging and burrowing nature that is a major part of their make up. Aside from digging and burrowing, Degus are avid chewers and will indeed find means of escape should you opt for a wooden cage to house them in. a wire cage will be the best method of keeping them where they belong. The cage should ideally be of the larger variety, as they will need room to play, this would especially be the case if you have more than one Degu residing in the same environment. The minimum recommended cage size should be 24 inches long x 18 inches deep x 24 inches tall. This will adequately house two active Degus and you will not see size constrictions.

When choosing a cage for your Degu, or more than one, it would be best that you have a solid floor to the cage and not a wired one. This is because Degus are prone to foot problems, they can easily get their feet caught in a wired floor and could really hurt themselves. Not unlike any other smaller animal make sure that you do not use cedar or pine chips as a form of bedding as the oils in the wood can impose skin irritation and repertory tract problems. Using paper pellets or shredded newspaper works best. Some people elect to use a form of cotton batting like the type that couches are stuffed with. This will ensure that they will be comfortable and healthy. You will need to change this on a regular basis again for health reasons. A very good idea would be a nest box for your Degu and it will simply fit right into a cage that is large enough. The nesting box is very important for the Degu as it offers them a safe haven should they not wish to be disturbed. This gives the animal a sense of security and will allow the Degu to be social under its own terms and not feel forced or pressured.

Degus are in many ways like chinchillas where a dust bath is concerned. They will need to have a dust bath 2-3 times a week and this can be done at their own leisure provided you place a shallow bowl in their cage with sand or a store bought chinchilla bath dust.

Local Laws & Exotic Pets

When it comes to the rising popularity of exotic pets there are many concerns. Many people think because you can get an exotic pet simply by waving around cash means that it is perfectly legal to have one anywhere.

This is not the case at all.

There are many places that have banned all or specific types of exotic animals as pets. If you are seriously considering an exotic animal as a pet in your home, you want to find out whether they are legal of not. You will need to be very thorough and talk to the proper agencies in your area.

You will not only want to call the state government office, but the county and city government offices as well. Many times a particular exotic pet could be legal state wide but banned within specific city or county limits. So be sure to cover all your bases before purchasing any exotic pet.

If you are looking up laws in your area on the Internet, it is still important to double check via phone communication. Some states, counties, and cities do not update all of their information all the time. Most of the government offices try to keep up with their web sites, but you cannot rely on that everyday.

The information could have changes months ago and no one has had the time to update. Be sure to visit or call your agencies for verbal confirmation that the exotic pet you want is legal. Most people find that the strictest laws governing exotic pets are at the city or town level. To find out whom you need to call you can start with your local shelters, Vets, and humane society for names and numbers. Once you have found out your exotic pet choice is legal in your city or town, the search is not over. Now you will need to check out your county laws. Some cities will not put a law in order against a specific exotic pet if there is already one in place at a higher level. Many times they will not even tell you that there is a law above their own. This is why you must look for yourself.

If your exotic pet is legal in your county and city, it is now time to check the state laws. Once you have cleared that now it is time for the federal laws. Many times it is legal all the way up to the state law but then the country’s government may need you to apply for permits or other services depending on the type of exotic pet you are choosing. There are many guidelines for exotic pets depending on what they are, how large, and whether they are a danger to those around you. So be sure to dig for information at every level of the government. If you fail to find out what laws apply to you and what stipulations, you could end up with a pet the government has banned.

This may sound like a huge bother just to get a pet. It is very important though for you and for the pet you are choosing. Just because you can find an exotic pet locally does not mean it is legal by any means. Reputable stores and breeders would never sell illegal animals, but you cannot assume all breeders and stores are on the up and up. Some pet stores will sell illegal animals because they only illegal to have as pets in one city verses the rest of the surrounding area that they cater to. These laws may be questionable and seem unfair, but they are laws and must be obeyed. Failure to comply could cause them to seize your pet, even euthanasia of your pet, and a hefty fine or other punishment. There is no reason to get an animal just because you want it and then have the government destroy it.

There are reasons for these laws and restrictions in some cases. Many animals being sold as pets today are endangered species and do not belong in the homes of people as domesticated animals. This could further kill off the species if they are removed from their natural habits. Most of these poor animals smuggled in for exotic pets sales die before ever reaching a home and many more die soon after. Other reasons can be that the animal you want is a dangerous wild animal, such as big cats and crocodiles.

These animals have many regulations where they are permitted and for good reasons. Some species of exotic animals are invasive to native populations if they get out of control and escape or are released. So even though finding out the local laws in your area may be daunting, it is very important for you and your considered exotic pet.

Spiders, Bugs and Other Pesky Insects as Pets

There is not a little boy on the planet that would disagree that bugs are very neat creatures. Many people find great fascination with insects and go on to keep them as pets. It is wise to be sure what type of insects is best kept in containers.

It would not be a good idea to keep anything that flies or stings as a pet.

Even though insects are extremely low maintenance pets you must provide a few essentials if you plan to keep them contained and alive.

• The proper amount of space and air ventilation
• Appropriate temperature for that species to thrive
• The right food for that particular species
• The right surroundings that mimic their natural habitat, this will require research
• The appropriate amount and timing of light and humidity
• Plenty of hiding places
• Specific food items for the different stages of life your insect may go through

Most people find that insect and spiders are absolutely amazing to watch. Not to mention that these creatures are very quiet and clean pets, which do not require a back yard or lot of care. You will not be required to spend much time with your insects or spiders. In fact, most prefer to be left to themselves and simple observed.

You will still want to be sure insects or spiders are the right pets for you prior to purchasing them. If you are just getting one to impress or because it seems “cool”, this may not be a good choice for you. While they are easy to care for, all pets including insects require tending to. This is just like any pet. Many people who impulsively purchase a spider or insects as pets find that the novelty wears off fast and tire of caring for the pet at all.

If you have decided that a spider or insect is the right pet for you and you have the commitment to care for one, then you must choose what type and species you want. It is best to get a species that is not dangerous or too delicate. Many people find a great starter bug that is hearty like the hissing cockroach. These insects are extremely easy to care for and are very docile. For spiders, the best beginner spider is the tarantula. They are extremely laid back and not very venomous as far as spider species go. Another popular insect, especially in the UK, is the stick and leaf bug. They are a bit more fragile but extremely easy to keep. All children should be advised to look at the bugs only and not to touch. This will teach you children to respect nature without going out side and foundling the wrong insect or spider.

Some thing you will want to consider before getting a new pet insect or spider is whether there is some state, local, or country laws against keeping such creatures. There usually is no problem, but it is always best to be safe. Do your research to know exactly what your bug will need to survive and thrive in captivity. Some species can be extremely tricky to maintain. If you cannot fully mimic their natural habitat easily then it is best that you do not go with that species. You should be able to find the food that your insect or spider requires for a proper diet and be comfortable in feeding your pet.

Other considerations will include the life span of your insect or spider. While most are very short lived, some can live up to 30 years. If you have children, it is important that they understand that these pets do not last long as to not get upset. You want to know how to handle your insects or spiders appropriately to keep you and then safe. Also make sure from a reliable source what species the insect or spider is to be positive that it is harmless and not venomous. If you do go with a species of tarantula, remember that even though they may not be too venomous, their bite will be painful. These spiders also have hairs that can be quite irritating to skin and even dangerous if gotten into the eyes. So be sure how to avoid bites and what to do in case a bite does occur, as well as what to do for hair irritation and treatment.

Pet Rabbit Basics

All throughout the United States and Canada, more and more people are keeping rabbits as house pets. Often referred to as the cutest animals one could keep, these furry sweet little creatures can in fact be quite a handful if they are not cared for properly.

It is not enough for the rabbit to simply have a cage and some carrots as many people would believe, rabbits need lots of exercise time and an abundance of socialization with their owner for there to be a healthy bond between the two. Rabbits are naturally skittish animals in the wild, as well as in domestic settings. They need constant calm conditions in order for them to thrive and stress is a very harmful thing for these lovely little animals. Considering their heart rate is about twice that of a human, they really are at all times at risk of heart failure due to fear or stress.

Should you elect to keep rabbits as household pets, you will want to be sure that you are prepared to cover all of the basis that will come with their care and well being. This means that you will need to allow them to actually co-exists with you in your home and make it a mutual environment where both you and the rabbit will feel secure with one another. Sometimes this is easier said than done, as rabbits are not quite as co-operative as one would believe. Rabbits are actually intelligent and sharp, and will always detect a problem that they may consider a threat. Ensuring that you are eliminating all threats within the home will be a very good start to co-habitation with your new pet rabbit.

When it comes to socialization, one of the easiest methods to accomplish this feat is to set a room as the environment for the interaction. This room should really be uncluttered and have no chewable things that will only harm or get the rabbit in trouble. Chew sticks and hard vegetable can be scattered around the room, and give the rabbit an opportunity to explore to find them on their own. By sitting quietly in the room with the rabbit, you will find within a very short period of time that the rabbit will eventually come to you on its own accord. There should ideally be plenty of things for the rabbit to explore, as they are naturally curious animals when they are not stressed or in fear on a regular basis.

You will want to ensure that there is nothing in the room that will place the rabbit into a fit of stress; this will only prolong the co-habitation process and the development. A rabbit needs to feel very secure in their environment; this will easily be accomplished through dedication and patience. Being persistent when training your rabbit to co-exist with you, will indeed pay dividends and help you and your pet forge a bond quickly and securely. Should you have the room in your home, you may wish to place the cage for your rabbit in the same room that you socialize with it. You could then simply leave the cage door open at all times and allow the rabbit free roam of that particular room. You will want to make sure that you have the door of the room closed at all times to prevent the rabbit from venturing out into troubled areas of the house where there are many things to get into such as wires and household plants. This will also keep any other animal that you have in the house such as a dog or cat chasing the rabbit and causing unneeded stress. Take your time and be diligent when showing your rabbit the ins and outs of your space that you have provided for them.

It is never easy for you to convince a small animal that all is safe around them, yet with time and patience you will be able to show them that they do have a place in your home and a place in your heart that will not go unnoticed. The time that you put in will be well rewarded with a rabbit that not only trusts you, but also will easily co-exist with you in your home.

Why Monkey Are Not Good Pets

Many people have actually thought about the idea of a pet monkey at one point or another. Some actually go as far as to truly consider it. Exotic pets have become one of the most wanted and discarded animals in today’s society. The individuals who decide that purchasing a monkey is going to make their home complete are in for one rude awakening. Monkeys are wild animals no matter how many people try to tell you they make great pets.

They do not train the way a domestic dog or cat does, and are susceptible to a whole host of different issues. Taking a monkey into your home requires much thought and is a huge commitment. One needs to be realistic to them self if a monkey is the type of pet for them and education is the key to determining the truth.

You can expect a whole range of experiences when you turn your home over to a monkey. These are wild primates and need to be respected as such. Monkeys are used to social interaction with their own kind and can suffer greatly from not having that type of companionship or bond. This can lead to a lonely and neurotic pet monkey with uncontrollable behavior.

A pet monkey will require almost constant stimulation to stay healthy and happy. If you cannot provide this, your monkey will make due with what he has and can become very mischievous. You really want to be sure that you are ready for a pet that has no problem destroying the house without any warning. No matter what you say or do, your monkey does not care about your personal possessions and will love nothing more than to destroy them all in the name of entertainment. You will not be able to potty train your monkey either. Do not expect him or her to be like the monkeys you see on television wearing diapers, this will not happen. Expect to be cleaning urine and feces multiple times a day off of any surface for the rest of the monkey’s life.

A baby monkey is absolutely adorable and will be a cuddly companion for a very short time. Once your cute baby turns into a sexually mature monkey, things can go very wrong very fast. Here is when your monkey will now develop his or her own personality. A sexually mature monkey, hand raised or not, will have no problem attacking you at any given moment as well as all members of your home including infants and children. This is normal for a primate and is part of their natural make up to display acts of aggression, public masturbation, and sexual advances including copulation. If you believe you will raise him or her to the point of sexual maturity and then just hand your monkey over to the zoo, think again. Zoos very rarely, if ever, take a pet monkey into their care. These so called beloved pet monkeys have not been socialized appropriately with their own kind and are very difficult if not impossible to introduce to a well-established group within the zoo. The pet monkey has no idea what the “rules” are for primate society and can wind up badly injured or dead from introduction into zoo society.

You will want to consider how long you will have to care for your pet monkey. Monkeys can live 30-40 years and are a life long endeavor. You can expect to spend well over $50,000 in monkey maintenance for your pet. You will also have to consider the extra expense on an indoor and outdoor enclosure. It is imperative that your monkey gets all the room and exercise he or she needs to remain healthy and happy. You need to be prepared to offer your monkey a very diverse diet. It should include some for of primate chow as well as a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. Your pet monkey will also need a vet. This may be a task that nears impossible. Many vets will not take on a monkey as a patient due to their lack of knowledge on the species. You will have to be willing to travel to keep your monkey healthy.

With all that must be considered when getting a monkey as a pet, legality and disease are the most important. Your monkey can give you the gift of Herpes B, which is fatal in humans. You can also expect measles, rabies, hepatitis and more. These are known as zoonotic diseases, which means they are transferred to humans from animals. If you still decide to take your chances, you will need to be sure it is even legal for you to have a monkey where you live. You can be fined heavily or even jailed if you illegally bring a monkey to some places.

Taking Care of your Pet Rat – Things You Should Know

Pet rats might sound like it’s a weird idea, but rats make very good pets to have in the home. You do need to know how to care for them because the better informed you are the happier and healthier your rat bill will be. Rats aren’t just for the attic and basement anymore, so read on to learn how to care for your special new friend.

Depending on how you look at it, the good thing about rats is that their very smart creatures. Rats can easily work their way through small crevices, and gnaw through wood boxes with ease. They are over one foot long, but they’re playful, and not jumpy in personality, and won’t bite at the drop of a hat. Rats will develop a routine around your schedule, even though they sleep a lot at night. So if you’re up and about your pet rat can be trained to be up and playful when you are. Downside of a pet rat is that they urinate when wondering round, and have to have other rats around to socialize.

To house your pet rat, you’ll need to one that has strong wire around the frame. The more room a rat has to run around in the happier they are. Because rats are happier in pairs it’s best to purchase a cage that is at least 24-36 square feet, and the bottom of the cage should have some kind of flooring, usually wood or plastic. A wire mesh is fine for a support system, but not for them to walk on because it injures their feet. Bedding for your pet rat should be wood shavings, but remember rats urinate a lot, so a soft but absorbent layer of pellets that’s super absorbent works well under the wood shavings.

You’ll need to meet their nesting desires, too. A nesting box of wood is good to put in, but you can improvise with pipe, or a soft cardboard box. Rats will eat on the box, so it’ll need to be changed out a lot. Be sure to include some paper products inside the cage too because your pet rat will shred it to line their nesting box. Pick out paper that does not have any dyes that could make them sick. Believe it or not, rats love to play, so visit your pet store and pick out a few ropes, and tunnels. They’ll spend hours having fun, and a lot of people have found that ferrets toys work well for their rats and playing. Throw in some blocks of wood too to keep down their chewing, and it’ll cut back on how fast their teeth grow.

Their food and water bottle are important. A heavy bowl like ceramic will not spill food as easily, and are rinsed out with warm water. Water bottles can be found in pet stores, which are used for all kinds of rodents, from rabbits to gerbils. Just be sure that the water is changed out at least every two days because rats won’t drink it if it’s not, and they’ll become dehydrated quickly. Even though your pet rat can adapt his schedule to yours, try to accommodate their basic nature, and put the cage in a place that doesn’t have a lot of sunlight, and is relatively quiet. Also, if there are other animals around that can bother the rat put the cage out of the way. Rats will if their scared bite and a sore puppy dog nose could send it to the vet from infection.

Finally, don’t forget that your pet rat will need to have their teeth filed, and the nails too. If you feel uncertain about doing it yourself with nail clippers, you can always take it to your local vet and have it done. Playtime is important too, your new rat will need to get out of the cage very once in a while, and move about. Anything is fair game though for them to chew on once they’re out of the enclosure, so make sure that wire, books, dog or cat food are put up or concealed. If you think that your rat might chew on it, it probably will, so take precautions when they’re out. Rats are fun and entertaining pets, but plan well for one to live with you, your family, and other pets in your house.

Scent of a Skunk – Tips on Caring for These Black and White Critters

It is a mystery to some why some people would want skunks as pets. Perhaps it’s because they look like the old school Pepe LePew cartoon character. Some people actually prefer them to other pets and think they are cute. If you are a person who finds glory in owning what is thought of as one of the stinkiest animals in the whole world you may want to keep in mind the care tips presented in this article.

Caring for a skunk means feeding it the proper foods, having it checked for diseases, and getting it spayed or neutered. The spaying or neutering process should be done by the time it is four months old. Furthermore, the skunk glands should be removed if not done so already. Along with having your pet checked for diseases along with being spayed or neutered, you will want to make sure it gets the appropriate immunization shots as well.

Immunization shots recommended by vets include Galaxy DA2PPvL+CV and Eclipse 4, which is for the prevention of rabies and other diseases. These are often given to dogs and cats in the U.S. Other preventative measures against rabies or other diseases that skunks could contract and spread are in the development process. Canada, however, has a shot that is approved for skunks that needs to still be approved by the U.S.D.A. to be used in America.

Another aspect of skunk care includes taking it to an animal doctor at least once or twice a year for a checkup. Not only that, but it means making you properly groom the animal. Furthermore, you need to keep up with the changes involved in skunk care as pets as new research provides new evidence.

One example of a change in care you would need to know about is the following: in times past it was thought of as acceptable to feed your skunk dog or cat food. However, studies in more recent years have proven that a dog or cat food diet can lead to a premature death, or at least severe obesity, in a skunk. Instead, your skunk should be fed about 90% vegetables in its diet. The remaining 10 percent of a skunk’s diet can consist of foods such as low fat yogurt and cottage cheese, fruits, vanilla wafers, graham crackers, and dog biscuits. Either that or they should eat chicken, lamb, or rice-based pet meals.

Other foods that they may want to eat include baked or broiled chicken or turkey, and water packed, baked, or broiled fish. They also take well to popcorn and high fiber cereals low in sugar and fat. Your skunks should not eat any foods containing preservatives such as sulfur dioxide or MSG, and should NEVER eat chocolate. Other foods that your skunk should not eat include raw meats, red meat, or pork.

Another job for skunk owners is in the process of grooming. You can carefully comb or clean your animal but you should NOT be de-clawed because skunk claws are equated to human fingers (at least according to one source). If you de-claw your black-and-white friend it may have an extremely hard time handling food and walking. Not only that, but it would be impossible for them to remove any obstructions from their throat in the case of an emergency.

One more aspect of caring for your skunk is that you need to litter train your pet. The best way to teach skunks how to go to the bathroom is to place a box in a corner that contains unscented litter material in it. It will not be hard to train your skunk to go the bathroom in this way if you let them choose the designated “potty corner”. This is one thing that comes natural to skunks so let them choose the place where they will then go to the bathroom time and time again.

If you properly care for your skunk it can live to be over 20 years old. For more caring tips of skunks and other small household animals you can read more articles such as these. Keep in mind that new research is being done daily on the advancement of pet care for skunks. A large portion of this information is made available online to the general public.

Are Macaws the Right Bird Pets for You?

Deciding on whether or not a Macaw is for you can be a hard decision. There are so many beautifully colored to pick from. Getting ideas from Macaw owners can be helpful, but most owners are partial to their own species. You will get the ins and outs of one species, so be sure to find multiple species owners to get a full grasp of what is available. What you need to decide is which Macaw will fit best into your life style.

These birds will often be lifetime companions if fed a healthy diet and allowed freedom.

Macaws can live for such extreme time lengths you can go through many births and deaths of other pets like dogs and cats. Your Macaw’s life span should be highly influential and considered prior to purchase. You will also have to consider what the bird will do while you are at work. Will you be able to take your Macaw with you or do you have to invest in a large caged environment that allows the bird to play and exercise happily?

The common Macaw species are mostly bred in captivity and have good numbers. Macaw species in the wild are not so fortunate and populations are very low. Because many of the species are so rare they should not be taken from the wild and turned to pets. You should get your Macaw from an experienced breeder who does not take birds from the wild. This will ensure your bird is domesticated and young when you get him or her for optimal bonding. There are many species of Macaws available to the bird lover.

The most popular are the large colorful birds that many people see in pet stores:

Blue and Gold Macaw

Greenwing Macaw

Military Macaw

Red Fronted Macaw

Scarlet Macaw

Hyacinth Macaw

The size of your Macaw will depend mainly on the species you choose and can range from 20 – 42 inches including the tail. If you decide that you would prefer a mini Macaw, then you will be at a more manageable size of 10 – 20 inches. The size of your bird at full growth will determine the cage you get for your bird companion. Most Macaws can live up to 30 – 50 plus years. The mini Macaws tend to live on the lower end of the scale, while the larger breeds can live to be well over 50 years with good care and nutrition. Macaws are not pets for those who do not want to make a life long commitment.

These gorgeous birds have very playful and active temperaments, as well as amazing personalities. Macaws can be very challenging pets and require a lot of attention from their owners to be happy. They are also extremely affectionate and love to be loved. Expect your Macaw to be very noisy. The can scream very loud and are excellent at mimicking speech. They will whistle, talk, babble, and scream quite frequently to entertain you and themselves. So you will need to be a person that is unscathed by excessive noise and noise levels.

Your Macaws cage will be a large investment. A mini Macaw alone will require a cage 24 x 36 x 48 inches minimum. This is very reasonable for those with less space or who live in apartments. For large Macaws you will be looking at cages with minimum dimensions of 36 x 48 x 60 inches. These cages must also be very strong to with stand the beak strength of these birds. Stainless steel seems to be a very Macaw proof and friendly material when it comes to cages. Your cage should have many toy options for your Macaw. Good toy choices include wooden toys or untreated wood chunks for chewing, toys meant to be taken apart to find treats, and safe hanging and climbing toys. These are all toys that Macaws enjoy and will need to be replaced regularly once they have been used too much.

There is a considerable investment when it comes to getting a Macaw. For many the cost is worth a lifetime companion that brings great joy. For others it is just too much. Once you have weighed out all the pros and cons of Macaw care you will be able to see clearly if one of these fabulous birds could fit into your family.

Typical Care Tips for your Soft, Furry Rabbit

Who could possibly pass up the chance to touch a soft rabbit, with their beautiful coats and long velvety ears rabbits are what many people consider adorable. Many children all across North America and Europe enjoy keeping rabbits as pets because they are fun and cute. What many people do not know however is that they can be a considerable amount of work to keep as pets. It is not as simple as keeping them in a cage and petting them when you desire, rabbits need much more to become suitable house pets.

While they can be less troublesome than a dog at times when it comes to walks and vet costs, rabbits have their own share of issues that must be addressed in order for the animal to be a good house pet. There are a few things that you can do to ensure that your furry little friend will be a happy and enjoyable pet for years to come.

One of the most important aspects that must be considered is the fact that rabbits have and always will be regarded as prey for many larger animals. For this reason the rabbit should not be housed outside, as it they will become a target for as stray fox or raccoon when not watched. Albeit the fact that the rabbit will be in a cage, just the notion that a wild animal is viewing them will be enough to send the rabbit into stress and the rabbit can indeed suffer a fatal heart attack.

It is not only the threat of predators that can be a major concern when housing rabbits outside, it is also the elements that must be considered. Depending on where you live, you will need to ensure that it is not too hot or cold for the rabbit to live outdoors. The last thing you want is to have the rabbit overheat and die, or freeze to death out in the cold. Domestic rabbits are not as adaptable as their wild counterparts, for this reason it is best to keep them indoors and save the rabbit from undue stress.

You will want to make sure that your home or area where you let the rabbit roam is completely rabbit proofed, rabbits are extreme chewers and can actually do an awful lot of damage should they be left unattended. Electrical cords are a major concern, as they cannot only die from electrical shock, they can also start a fire. Many common houseplants can also be a big problem as rabbits are leaf eaters; they may find a quick meal right inside the home. This is a big mistake unbeknownst to the rabbit of course as many houseplants are toxic and will poison the rabbit. Make sure you have a safe and open area for the rabbit to roam and play should you elect to have it un-caged. It is always a good idea to supervise your pet rabbit when not caged as this could save the house and the rabbits life all at the same time.

Should you decide to have the rabbit roam free in an area in your home you will most likely need to teach them to use a litter box. This is not a difficult process, actually no more difficult than teaching a cat to use one. While it may be true that rabbit feces are small little pellet like waste, it really can accumulate rather quickly if not addressed. It is also a good idea due to the acidic nature of their urine which left unattended to will surely damage your carpet or floors. It is not healthy for any animal to be allowed to waste in inappropriate areas or outside of an acceptable area.

Feeding is not really an issue when it comes to rabbits; they are avid leaf eaters so plenty of greens will suffice. Carrots and other various vegetables will work fine too. You will want to ensure a constant and steady stream of fresh water for the rabbit as well. Make sure that you do not leave rotting or older vegetables in the food dish, as this is harmful to the rabbit. Not only is it unhealthy for the rabbit, it may invoke feeding problems down the road that you will want to avoid.