Pets

The My Pillow Pets Hippo Review

2010-09-03T23:06:00.001-07:00

If you are looking for a stuffed animal to use as a Christmas or birthday gift, but you want something that has a few more unique qualities to it than a traditional stuffed animal, than I would encourage you to look at My Pillow Pets, including things like My Pillow Pets Hippo. This unique item has the traditional qualities you like about stuffed animals, such as a soft and cuddly outside, and a fun design. But this item also has the ability to transform from a stuffed animal, and become a very comfortable pillow, and all you have to do is undo some Velcro that is located underneath the animal. It really makes these items unique and a lot of fun for children.
Cost and durability are two of the biggest factors that arise when parents are trying to make a decision about purchasing a gift. Luckily, all of these My Pillow Pets Hungry Hippo products are very reasonably priced, with some great prices on Amazon.com. The company that produces these products also takes a lot of time making sure they are well built, and that they are going to last a long time. You are going to get a great product when you pick these items.
The way a stuffed animal looks is also one of the most important factors when picking a gift. In the case of Hungry Hippo, you are going to be getting a stuffed animal that is mostly pink, with a lighter colored face, a big smile on that face, and some neat black eyes. This is not one of the more unique color schemes and designs they have, but this product did a really nice job capturing the look of a hippo and making it seem much more cuddly and friendly than they are in real life.
There are a lot of great product options to choose from as well. You are going to have the two basic sizes of Hungry Hippo, which is the My Pillow Pets Hippo 18" and 11" versions. Both of them are identical in look and feel, they are just different in size and cost. You are also going to have the My Pillow Pets backpack and blankets as almost bonus items. These items can really supplement the stuffed animal, or they look great by themselves.
All of these items make great gifts, and children will love to have them. If you want to do something a little bit different this year in the gift department, I think this product line is a great one to choose from.

My Pillow Pets Moose Review

2010-09-03T23:05:00.000-07:00

I have always thought that a moose is a neat animal, a large animal but a neat one. And apparently some stuffed animal companies do agree with me, because there has been some success selling these items to children. One of my favorite looking stuffed animal moose would have to be the My Pillow Pets Moose version. This great item is like all Pillow Pets, in the fact that it can become a stuffed animal or a pillow, and it is very easy to change back and forth. Here is a general review of the product that will hopefully give you some great information about this item.
For starters, you are going to be getting that great moose appearance that you would want from any stuffed animal. This is going to include a dark brown body color, with a smiling face, and most importantly those big lighter colored antlers. This company did a great job capturing the look parents and children are going to want for their stuffed animals. This is a big reason why they are so successful.
Because these items are so popular, and because they look so good, you are going to have a wide variety to pick from. Most people choose the My Pillow Pets Moose 18" item. That is because this would be considered the full sized version, and the version children like the most. Children love big stuffed animals, and this is certainly one of them. The other main option is the My Pillow Pets Moose 11" version. This is also a great looking item and it looks exactly the same as the bigger version. The only difference is you are going to spend a little less on it, and of course it is a little smaller.
The other two popular items associated with the pet moose would be the My Pillow Pets Moose Blanket, and the My Pillow Pets Moose Backpack. Both of these items are also very popular because they are made from the same materials and because they have the same basic look as the actual pets do. This makes them great items to pair with the pillow pets, or to get children on their own.
The other important information you are going to want to know about this item includes the fact that they are machine washable as long as you use a gentle cycle, they are very reasonably priced, they are very durable items, and they are recommend for children ages three and up. All of these things are important to remember, and when you combine those factors with the great options you have, and the great look of the item you can see why so many people have decided that these pets would make the perfect gift. If you need more information about the products to see if they would be something you would like, I would encourage you to click on the links below.

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My Pillow Pets Snuggly Puppy Options

2010-09-03T23:04:00.001-07:00

There are a lot of different options you get to choose from when you are deciding on what My Pillow Pets Snuggly Puppy you would like to purchase. It is very nice having some different choices, because this ensures that you can find the right product that your child is going to enjoy. While some of the My Pillow Pets are limited in choices, the My Pillow Pets Puppy has a very wide selection, probably one of the bigger selections available in all of the products available by this company. The great selection just shows how popular these items are becoming when they are making sure they have all sorts of products to offer.
The most popular option is always going to be the My Pillow Pets Dog 18" pet. This full sized version is very soft, very cuddly, and large. Children love the idea of having a big dog they can play with and use as a stuffed animal, making this the obvious number one choice. The second choice is often the My Pillow Pets Dog 11" pet. This item is almost the same as the larger version, with the only differences you are going to find coming in the size of the item, and the cost of the item. Some younger children, especially around the age of three, might like this pet better because it is smaller and more manageable. That helps them carry it around, and it can also become a better travel companion.
Another great option that is perfect for children that really love dogs, or for children that already has to many stuffed animal dogs, would be the My Pillow Pets Dog Blanket. This fun item is made from the same soft plush material, and also comes with a dog design. This large blanket is a perfect match with the pillow, and something kids would really enjoy having on their bed. You can also pair both of these items with the My Pillow Pets Dog Backpack, which also looks great. This item has a soft and cuddly dog as the back of the bag, and it is a very soft and neat looking item. This is perfect for youngsters staring preschool, or for youngsters that are looking at having an awesome looking travel bag.
With all of these great looking options, you are sure to find something your child will enjoy. All of these items will make a great gift idea, and something that they will really enjoy. For parents looking to find something that your children will like, but also something a little bit more unique than the standard stuffed animal, than this is a product line you should really enjoy.

My Pillow Pets Sir Horse Review

2010-09-03T23:03:00.003-07:00

Unique and fun stuffed animals have always been a fun gift idea. Traditional stuffed animals are nice, but they are outdated, adding new twists and unique designs to old classics is a great way to spice things up and create a unique product kids want. My Pillow Pets were able to do just that, and one of the best pets they designed, in my opinion, would have to be the My Pillow Pets Sir Horse. It is not often you are able to get a stuffed animal in a horse design that looks this good, and it is something that kids want to use a lot.
For those of you new to the My Pillow Pets product line, they are called this because they are a stuffed animal that easily turns into a very comfortable pillow. There is a piece of Velcro on the bottom that when undone, instantly turns this stuffed animal into a pillow. It becomes a stuffed animal again that stands up on four legs as soon as that Velcro is reattached. This unique design is their signature feature, and is found on Sir Horse as well.
The My Pillow Pets Horse does look great. It is a mostly brown body, with four legs, a neat little tail, two great looking ears, a nice long nose with a little spot on it, and of course a smiling face with two black eyes. The brown color and the fact that it is made from a soft plush material really give it the look of fur on the horse. If you are looking for a stuffed animal that looks great, this would be one of your best options.
There are a couple of great size options when picking this product, meaning you will be able to buy a bigger one for slightly older kids, and a smaller one for a younger child if you wish. These products are recommended for children ages three and up, so that is always something you should keep in mind. As for other basic information, these items are machine washable, they are very durable, and they have a very reasonable price. Combing those factors with the great look it possesses, and you can see why so many people have decided that this would be the perfect birthday or Christmas gift for someone special in their lives. If you are looking for that special gift as well, this might be a great option for you, and at least something you keep in mind.

Why People Like the My Pillow Pets Fiery Dalmatian

2010-09-03T23:03:00.001-07:00

There are a lot of reasons why people have decided they like the My Pillow Pets Fiery Dalmatian toy. There are many reasons why people have selected this type of item, and the first major reason has to be because of its unique design, and clever marketing. This item is much more unique than your traditional stuffed animals because the My Pillow Pets Dalmatian can become both a stuffed animal and a pillow. Just by simply undoing the Velcro located underneath it, you can instantly go from a full sized stuffed animal, to a flat and soft pillow. Kids really enjoy things like this that have multiple usages.
For parents, cost is also going to be a major factor. With this item you are going to have two nice options, one of them being called the My Pillow Pets Dalmatian 11" pet and the other being the My Pillow Pets Dalmatian 18". Both items have been very good, with the only real difference being the size and the price. The smaller one is cheaper, but both items have a very reasonable cost, and are something that many parents enjoy buying.
The other major factor is durability, and luckily for parents, they are going to be able to buy this item, and it is going to last a long time. There are not many things worse than buying a kid a new toy that does not last very long. Stuffed animals can also take a beating, so it is very important to purchase one that is going to be very durable. Luckily for consumers, My Pillow Pets understood this and made sure they produced a very well made product that can last a long time. And even better, is the fact that you can wash them in a washing machine on a gentle cycle, making them very easy to clean.
Cost, uniqueness, durability, those are all major factors, but the most important one is probably going to be the look of the item. This Dalmatian is going to look exactly like you would hope it would. It has a white body with black spots on them, a nice little black tail, black ears, and a smiling face. The material it is made out of is a very soft plush material, making it perfect to cuddle with, and the material makes it look and feel like fur. When you put together all of these positive factors, you can see why these items are so popular, and why so many parents are using them as Christmas presents, or for birthday gifts.

Pet Toad Care

2010-09-03T02:05:00.000-07:00

There is perhaps no other creature that has been so mythologized, feared, and misunderstood as the toad. Indeed, the toad has long been associated with black magic, poison, and death. At the same time, however, toads have been considered symbols of fertility, love, and health by alchemists, gypsies, and all manner of ancient peoples. In a more modern context, toads have enjoyed increasing popularity as easy-to-keep, unique pets. With options ranging from the garden-variety American toad to the more exotic Oriental fire-bellied toad, keeping a pet toad can be an education unto itself, provided you learn the following valuable pet toad care pointers first!
While your methods of toad pet care will depend largely upon the individual needs of the species you choose as a companion, there a few basic "rules" that should be heeded. The first rule as that most toads don't take kindly to being held or touched. While there is no truth to the old wives' tale that says touching a toad will cause warts, it is true that toads will secrete a toxic, defensive substance from their skin when they feel threatened. To that end, you should always wash your hands if you must touch your pet toad, but you should also keep in mind that the reason your toad feels threatened in the first place is because you're many, many times larger than it is! Toads are not wired to respond to affection like a cat or dog, therefore, they are best enjoyed happily dwelling in an enclosure that resembles their natural habitat as closely as possible-an appropriately appointed living space.
Your pet toad care success depends largely upon selecting a secure, adaptable home for your toad. Aquariums are always best, whether your toad is a land-dweller or a water lover as they allow for maximum viewing potential while keeping your toad safe from harm. Outfit your aquarium with a snug-fitting mesh top that will provide adequate ventilation, and ensure that your toad has enough room to hop and swim about. A good rule of thumb is that a single medium-sized toad should be given at least ten gallons worth of aquarium. Nearly all toads enjoy water to some extent-some pretty much live in it, climbing out only occasionally to rest, feed, or breathe while others spend most of their time grubbing around on land, entering the water only to drink or have a little swim. Once you've learned your toad's species-specific preferences, you can devote your time to building a realistic habitat. For instance, if your toad is a native to wet forests, give him lots of leaf cover, moss, and a few lush, live plants to enjoy. If your toad is a prairie dweller, he'll need flat rocks, a stand of tall grass, and a small pool to lounge in.
As you consider your pet toad care checklist, keep in mind that you'll have to account for your toad's dietary needs, even if you're squeamish about things like insects and worms. Most toads sold in the pet store will enjoy a steady diet of crickets, provided the crickets are dusted occasionally with a vitamin-rich powder (also available at pet stores). Toads may also enjoy earthworms or wax worms. Some toads have considerably more exotic dietary needs, and may need to be fed mice or goldfish to maintain their health and happiness, so always take care to consult a reputable book or salesperson before bringing your new toad home.
While owning a toad may not be for everyone, learning the ins and outs of pet toad care can make for a rewarding, unique, and perhaps even magical pet ownership experience for those who are up to the task. As you learn more and more about the varying needs, habitats, and mythologies behind these fascinating creatures, you'll soon be ready for a toad of your very own. Educate yourself well and head to the pet store. You may just return home with a new best friend.

Get a Pet on Craigslist

2010-09-03T02:04:00.000-07:00

If man could ever trust someone who can love unconditionally then it is your pet. A pet is close to one's heart and brings wonderful surprises each day. Whether child or adult, old or teen, a pet always makes life more beautiful than the usual mundane. One might like a dog, a cat, a bird, a fish, a monkey or a hamster for a pet but it is important to know how to take care of them. Pets are not mere toys - they are living things that make one's living worthwhile.
In order to allow your pet to grow fond of the owner and bring him joys he has not known before, it is important to learn about grooming and taking care of the pet! Once the expecting adopter is done with his basic homework, all the groundwork for adopting your special pet can be found already prepared on Craigslist.
With the help of Craigslist's search button, one can find the closest pet shop near home and the pets available their. Once the expecting adopter does the basic research work so he knows which pet can be taken care of by him, Craigslist can find out the places where these pets are available. One can check out the breed, colour, price, gender and all other important details that are required to be known before a pet is brought home. What better help could one find than accessing all the important information about his pet in the comfort of his home?

Twelve Things Buyers Should Know About Leopard Gecko Pet Care

2010-09-03T02:03:00.000-07:00

Leopard Geckos are categorized as Lizards. Lizards are cold-blooded reptiles and belong to the Squamata order. Leopard geckos are four-legged, have visible ear openings and of course movable eyelids.
Size can be from a few centimeters to as long as three meters and more.
Leopard geckos are considered to be very inexpensive pets and perfect as a pet for people who love animals but can not afford an expensive dog or cat.
Keeping a leopard gecko however can quickly get overboard and out of control if not managed the right way.
Depending on the type of equipments, the whole situation can become more expensive than keeping a dog. Keep in mind that the budget can be reduced to a minimum and this is the reason why leopard geckos make such a good pet for people who adore pets but can not really afford to keep an expensive pet. Keeping a leopard gecko is a hobby that can be self researched and does not depend on purchases from the pet store.
The most important thing before getting into the buying phase is to make sure to anticipate one's goals with the pet. It is important to think about the size of the gecko.
Remember the full-grown size of a lizard and this leopard gecko can grow up to six feet long. Do you want a pet of such a size? You have to think about this first before actually buying the pet.
Secondly you have to understand some basic things about the leopard gecko before you make your buying decision. Just know that leopard geckos need extra care and lots of space in order to stay healthy.
Uninformed pet owners should certainly choose a pet that is easier to handle than a leopard gecko. Stay away from the geckos which grow very big if you can not accommodate this kind of sized pet gecko.
My favorite is the leopard gecko which are the smaller sized alternative of its larger brother. A leopard gecko also require less maintenance and care in general.
A leopard gecko does not demand special conditions and attention such as big terrariums with special UV lightning.
Following the leopard gecko closely are bearded dragons. Bearded dragons are easy to keep and maintain but then again they do require a big terrarium with special UV lightning.
So this kind of situation is not great for someone who is on a small budget! In this case stay with a leopard gecko instead.
The investment for a bearded dragon is quite large as well.
Another good option for a small budget are angles and like bearded dragons angles are pretty easy to manage and maintain. On the other hand they need a big terrarium like the bearded dragons. They also require special UV lightning.
Next, let's talk about blue-tongued skins, green angles, fat tailed geckos, Madagascar grounds, Tokay geckos and day geckos.
Know that the bigger the lizard is the harder it becomes to keep them as pets. These types of animals really require large environments. Handling issues and many other factors can be involved with these kinds of animals.
Iguanas are still another option and they are very good pets, but they need a big space along with lots of care and patience. They get sick quite easily.
Other animals that challenge you as a pet owner are chameleons, Savannah monitors, iguanas, white tegu, geckos, and Argentinean blacks.
For most of them, lighting and temperature are very important factor. The temperature of their environment should be an exact match to their natural habitat.
Notice that lizards are cold-blooded and that they require warmth for healthy growth.
In the nature, these reptiles move to habitats where they can find their favorite temperature. They keep out of the sun and live in protected shade. This is the reason why a temperature gradient is a must for these animals. They must have an appropriate temperature in order to stay healthy.
Lizards consume all kinds of different fruits, leaves, insects, and smaller mammals. It is important to learn about what to feed your pet before getting into the actual phase of keeping one.
It is highly recommended that potential buyers should observe the lizard before buying it. Halos be aware that these animals get stressed out with all the traveling. Especially changing environments is not good for them.
You can learn more about the signs that give an indicator of whether the pet is in a healthy condition or not.
Things you can check to make sure the animal is in good condition.
1. Check if the body is fleshy and not flaky.
2 Their skin should be very shinny and without wrinkles or scratches.
3. The animals should be very healthy and not bony at all.
4. If the tail and hipbones are visible, this is a sign that they are probably sick.
5. Swelling on the abdomen or on any other part of the body should also be checked out immediately to make sure the animal is in perfect health or not.
6. The eyes should be clean and should not have any discharge or weird looks to it.
7. If the reptile has any respiratory disease or problem, you will remark that its eyes will be swollen. In this case there will be mucus formation around the eye area.
8. The condition of the nose.
9. The overall sanitary conditions should also be checked to make sure if there are any health issues involved.
10. Check out the surrounding and if it is unclean this is a sign of the reptile having a probable disease.
11. Ask for handling the pet. This test should be done to see the strength of the lizard.
12. The limbs of the pet should be firm and strong.

Highest Rated Pet Care Insurance

2010-09-03T02:02:00.000-07:00

If, like so many other devoted pet owners, you've decided that pet care insurance is an option you wish to explore to ensure the continued and excellent care of your beloved pet, then you're undoubtedly wondering how to go about wading through the sea of pet care insurance companies out there. One of the best things you can do to assuage your worry is to learn--with the help your veterinarian, the Internet, and other pet owners,--what the highest rated pet care insurance companies are.
What are the markings of a highest rated pet care insurance company? Many reputable, trustworthy companies have been around for many years-perhaps even before the pet insurance fad got underway. However, as the pet insurance trend continues to grow, the competition could become stiff, with more companies emerging and offering great rates for better services. While there is no official rating system for pet insurance, a simple web search will yield several websites that will allow you to do multiple side by side comparisons of pet insurance companies and plans. Some of these websites also offer pet care insurance clients the opportunity to chime in regarding the quality of the companies they've used or are using. You'll usually find the good, the bad, and the ugly on these sites, and while you can't trust everything you read on the Internet, a number of good or bad comments regarding a certain company should tip you off as to whether or not you would be making a wise investment.
In the midst of tragedy-be it your beloved dog being hit by a car, your cat being diagnosed with cancer, or your bird eating a poisonous plant-the last thing you need is to be further drained by having to deal with red tape, incompetence, or misleading fine print from a disreputable pet insurance company. Taking the time to find and do business with one of the highest rated pet care insurance companies is insurance unto itself-insurance that allows you to breathe easy and get down to the more important things in life, like spending more quality time with your finned, feathered, or furred family members!

Pet Turtle Care

2010-09-03T02:01:00.002-07:00

Turtles are fascinating pets to own, but many people get them not knowing how to care for them. They need to have the right amount of space, light, shade, and moisture to survive. You need to learn what turtles require before you get one.
The best place to keep a turtle is outside. Turtles hibernate in the winter and if they are kept inside they won't hibernate. This can cause them to develop liver diseases. A turtle's natural cycle should not be messed with. Also, if you keep a turtle pen outside you can create a completely natural turtle habitat.
Some people that keep turtles inside use refrigerators to make them hibernate. This is not recommended though because if the refrigerator suddenly rises in temperature or if the power goes off, the turtle's hibernation will be interrupted. This can be fatal for them. If you plan on keeping your pets inside, just don't let them hibernate.
Also, if you keep your turtle inside, you must have a tank that is at least forty gallons. There has got to be enough room to have a land area and a water area. Two-thirds of the aquarium should be water and one-third should be land. You also need a place where they can lay in the heat of a lamp. You should keep the tank around eighty degrees during the day and seventy degrees at night. Turtles are cold blooded animals so they take a long time to adjust to temperature changes. For this reason, you should not take the turtle out of the tank to play with it. This sudden change in temperature can harm their immune system.
Some turtles do carry salmonella so be sure to wash your hands after handling them. Your turtle's environment also needs to be kept clean. Keep the water fresh and keep any waste out. You might want to get a water filtration system to keep the water clean.
You should not use tap water for the tank, because tap water contains chlorine and fluoride. This can really mess up the ph balance. De-chlorinated water needs to be used for the swimming area and filtered water for them to drink. There are many commercial diets available for turtles. Dietary requirements differ depending on the species. You should feed your pet two to three times a week.
Do not put any wood chips or tree bark in your tank. If a turtle ingests this, it can cause problems. It will also get contaminated very quickly and cause molds or fungus to grow.
Turtles need twelve hours of sunlight. You should get a UV lamp for your tank to provide the vitamin D3 that sunlight gives off if you keep it inside. They need this to stay healthy. This is why you will often see turtles sitting out in the sun. Try to keep the tank in a room where the light doesn't change that much.
Turtles also need a shelter to go in. They are sold at pet stores, but you can also make one using wood or stones. If you decide to keep plants in with your turtle, just make sure they aren't poisonous to them.
Try to pay attention to your turtle's behavior and take care of it the best you can. Turtles are very interesting to watch and will provide lots of enjoyment for your whole family.

Different Types of Rabbit Breeds

2010-09-03T02:01:00.000-07:00

Today, you will come across many people who are domesticating rabbits either for their meat or for keeping them as pets. These serve as great pets. This article will give you a brief insight about various types of rabbits.
Angora: It is one of the most popular breeds. This breed is originated from Ankara, Turkey. Considered as one of the oldest breeds of rabbit, Angora has got several sub breeds. These include French Argots, Satin Angora, and English Angora etc.
Beveran: Animals of this breed are among the biggest of them all. Also, these are oldest fur rabbits. Rabbits of Beveran breed have coats of various colors like lilac, black, white, brown etc. One of the rarest breed is pointed Beveran and they have white tipped hairs and look amazingly well.
American rabbits:One of the most popular breed is American rabbits. It has got two sub varieties and these are:-
-American Fuzzy Lop: Animals of this breed have bulky wool on their body and they have got big ears. This breed came into the existence as a result of breeding of Holland Lops.
-American Sable: Rabbits belonging to the American Sable category have got a sandy colored fur and are a breed of Holland lops.
Britannia Petite: Animals that belongs to Britannia Petite are slightly heavy, they weigh around 2. 5lb and they have got an aggressive and wild nature. These rabbits are considered as unsafe to keep as pets.
American Chinchilla: These rabbits are mainly bred and raised for butchering and their medium built bodies are perfect for this purpose. They have got straight ears.
Dutch: This breed is said to have some excellent pets. These rabbits have got a colorful body.
Himalayan: These rabbits are originated in the Himalayas and they are mainly found in mountainous regions.
Lion head: Originated from Belgium, Lion head are among the fresh breed of the domestic rabbits. These have gone long hairs on their face and this makes their head look like that of lion.
English Spot: Pure white in color, English Spot rabbits have got a distinct butterfly mark on their

Why Cats Are Better Than Dogs

2010-08-31T03:05:00.001-07:00

A person or family usually decides between a cat and a dog when deciding to get a family pet. While dogs are considered man's best friend, cats also make excellent house pets. There are many obvious and more discreet advantages to owning a cat over a dog. The major reason why cats make better pets is that a dog's love is almost automatically given to its master, while a cat's love must be earned.
Cats make better house pets because they are cleaner animals on a whole. Cats bathe themselves and use a litter box. Litter boxes are much easier to clean and maintain then constantly picking up a dog's droppings around the yard or neighborhood. Because cats wash themselves, they produce far less odor than dogs as well that help make a home smell better.
Also, cats are largely more independent than their canine counterparts. People who want to plan short vacations must make much more accommodations when they have a dog as a pet. Cat owners can merely leave enough water and dry food for their pet and a cat will be fine for days. For people who like to or have to constantly travel, a cat is the right choice.
Because cats are more independent, they require much less attention and work while lounging around the house. Dogs require walks for exercise, while cats can come and go as they please. A cat will always return home and do not require leashes. Especially in the cases of puppies, if a dog gets off its leash, they are much harder to track down than felines.
People must also account for the relative noise factor between dogs and cats. Barking dogs can not only annoy their owners and people who visit a home by jumping all over them but can annoy neighbors as well by barking at all hours of the night. Cats are much quieter than dogs making them a better choice for people who live in neighborhoods and have a lot of people who frequently visit their homes.
Dogs are definitely not bad pets, but they lack some of the uniqueness that cats offer to their owners. Cats are much more independent pets that are cleaner, quieter, require much less work to train, accommodate them while their masters are away, and do not need to be walked. When a person chooses a cat over a dog, they are making a well informed decision on pet ownership.

How To Take Care Of Cats - Basic Things You Have to Learn

2010-08-31T03:04:00.000-07:00

If you want to learn how to take care of cats, you can actually find a lot of resources online and offline on this topic. Indeed, it is important to learn a few things on how to take care of cats even before bringing a new pet at home.
If you are interested or planning to take care of cats at home, here are a few things that you might want to learn and some tips that you may find useful in trying to take care of your pet cats.
- Conduct a research on a particular breed of cat that suits your lifestyle and your home. Keep in mind that one factor that will lead you to failure in adopting a cat into your home is the wrong choice of cat breed. Of course, you can take care of the breed you want but also consider if the breed is right if you have small children at home, or if you have other pets such as dogs and whether a particular cat breed is comfortable with that - or if the specific breed requires much time for grooming and may not be a good breed for someone who is as busy as you.
- House training your cats right when they arrive at home is also another thing that you have to be responsible for. Do not wait for your cat to get used to committing bad habits around the home before training them. This should be the first thing that you have to keep in mind if you want them to be good members of the family. In house training your cats, there are a lot of techniques and strategies that you can follow, but of course, do not punish your pets when they sometimes cannot follow your instructions. You have to be patient with them.
- Feeding your cats with the right food and avoiding the foods that may harm them is also another thing that you have to know on how to take care of cats. Of course, you can always go ask your vet among the good cat food available in the market, but make sure also that other family members are not giving your pet cat some food that may be a health hazard to them. Chocolates for example is not good for dogs and are also not good for cats. Chocolate can cause gastrointestinal problems in pets, so make sure all of the family members avoid giving your cats chocolate and other foods not for them.
- Grooming your pet cat. Learning how to take care of cats involve grooming as one of your responsibilities. You can train your cat to love water, and bathe them regularly. You have to also make sure that your pet is free from fleas and other parasites to make them happy and healthy as well as make your home free from such parasites as well.
These are just a few things that you have to keep in mind in learning how to take care of cats. There are other things that you also have to master so you can be a good master. Don't forget to also research on the specific tips that you need to learn in taking care of certain cat breeds as well.

The Benefits of Having a Pet Cat at Home

2010-08-31T03:03:00.000-07:00

Having a cat for a pet may not be as popular as having a dog. Most people still prefer dogs to have as pet than cats. This may be because of the saying, "A dog is man's best friend". They may not be aware of the benefits of having a pet cat at home. This article will give you some great reasons why you should opt for a cat rather than a dog.
What most people do not know is that a cat is a perfect pet especially for busy people. It requires lesser work and maintenance. With a dog, you need to be home almost all the time to attend to its needs.
Having dogs require many tasks as you need to potty train them or else your house is a mess. While with cats, all you need to do is to take them for a walk and play with them anytime you want.
Cats are more independent animals and they do not need too much attention. They are naturally sweet and affectionate even if you only spend little time with them. If you are a busy person and is always out of your home, a cat is a perfect companion for you.
Another advantage of having cats over dogs is that cats are more behaved and quiet companions. Dogs are often noisy and loud. There are times that you cannot get a peaceful sleep at night due to their barking. Cats also meow but they do not produce as much noise as dogs do. You can just imagine yourself tired from work and then you cannot get yourself a good night sleep at home because of the noise that your pet is producing.
One of the best things about cats is that they love to stay close to people. Is it not a heart-whelming feeling if you come home and then your cat will welcome you with so much affection by kissing your feet?
Cats are great pets to have at home. They require lesser work and will not give you any stress. If you are working and have a busy lifestyle, a cat is a perfect pet for you. They are more quiet, can take away your stress and are fun to play with. A cat can also be a man's best friend.

Different My Pillow Pets Ms Cat Options

2010-08-31T03:02:00.000-07:00

Most people want a few options when they are picking a stuffed animal or any toy items really. With that in mind, it is important to explore your options. One of the more popular toys this year has been the My Pillow Pets Collection, and items like the My Pillow Pets Cat really stick out to many people. This item has a few choices to it, and has really made a lot of people very happy. If you are looking for that perfect gift for a young child in your life, this might be something you want to look at.
There are two great options when you are picking from My Pillow Pets Sassy Cat. The first option is called the My Pillow Pets Cat 18" stuffed pet. This would be the more popular of the two choices, and is also the bigger option. Kids obviously love big stuffed animals that they can tackle and cuddle with, making this a very popular choice, especially for the older children. The other option is the My Pillow Cat 11" stuffed pet. This stuffed animal is almost identical to the larger version; the only major difference is the smaller size. Younger kids sometimes prefer this because it is easier to carry around and something that they can easily take with them on trips. Both versions are very popular, and both versions are going to make most kids very happy. The larger one is going to be more expensive than the smaller version, which can be a determining factor.
Both versions of this item are going to have a great looking black body that is made with a soft plush material. They are both going to have white paws and a white face, with a little pink nose and a smiling face. They are also both made from the same soft plush material. The only real differences between your two options are going to be the cost and the size, two things that are important to consider when making your decision.
For some people, these choices are not enough, but that is okay since there are a number of other pets to choose from. They even have a very traditional My Pillow Pets Mr. Bear that kids really enjoy. Between all of the options available on the market, I am sure you are going to be able to find one that makes the perfect gift for a special someone in your life.

Cat Care - Tips on Bringing Home a Pet Cat

2010-08-31T03:01:00.000-07:00

Cats can make wonderful pets if you like frisky animals around the house. In case you are preparing to get one, you ought to know the basics regarding cat care.
As soon as you bring your new cat home, you should give them their own room with food, water, and a comfortable sleeping area. This will help them start to get use to their new surroundings.
In the event that it has not yet recently been toilet trained, you will need to begin teaching it so your pet cat begins to learn where he or she should be going. When it comes to cat care, one of the more unpopular chores is making sure the litter box is always clean. This should be discussed and settled on before the pet cat comes home to avoid any misunderstandings.
Training the pet how to use the litter box can initially be accomplished by taking it to the box whenever nature calls. When you notice the cat is able to do it on their own, compliment and reward your pet so they understand that this is the right thing to do.
The size of the litter box is going to depend on the size of your cat. As your pet cat grows bigger, so should the litter box. The litter box should always be cleaned with soap and water. Never use chemicals to clean it.
Another aspect of cat care is if ever they do something wrong like climb up on the table or scratch the furniture, you should never scold them as they are very sensitive creatures. You may impose discipline without causing any injury by taking a water bottle that has a "mist" setting and mist their face with it whenever you catch them in the act of wrong doing.
Proper cat care should always start with your pet having food and water handy. Milk should only be given to a pet cat as a treat. Otherwise, water will do just fine. Use stainless steel or plastic bowls and to make sure you clean them often to avoid any bacterial growth. Any unfinished food has to be disposed of appropriately.
If you bring home a small kitten you should always start out feeding them a premium kitten chow especially formulated for kittens. This cat care will ensure that they get the nutrients that they need for growth. Aside from food, you may also give them dietary supplements. One example is Omega 3 fatty acids that are good for their nutrition.
For those that have got other pets in the home, you need to provide some time for the two pets to be acquainted with each other. If your other pet is a dog your going to have to make sure that he is on a leash or some other kind of restraint. If you have another pet cat then your going to have to slowly let them get adjusted to one another as to avoid a nasty fight.
House principles when it comes to cat care should be set as to what the cat can and cannot do in the home. For example, you can decide whether or not the cat may be allowed out of the house even if the professionals have said that they must always be confined in the house. There tend to be additional issues when caring for a new cat which you have to discuss among yourselves as a family.
You should also supply a scratching station so it can play around without causing any harm to your furnishings. Such items can be either a scratching post or a scratching pad. If their nails get to long then you can buy a set of nail clippers from a pet grooming supply store to trim them. When you take them to a vet for their shots the vet will usually trim their nails for you.
One of the most significant things about cat care is proper grooming. You may bathe the cat by wetting their head, tail, and body with shampoo. You should be careful as to not get the shampoo in their eyes or their ears. After the bath you apply a detangling spray found in pet grooming supply stores and gently comb their fur.
Finally, bring your cat to the veterinarian on a regular basis. Also, any time you see something new in their behavior that don't quite look right as quick thinking might prevent a possible sickness from getting worse. If you don't have a regular veterinarian, ask around your local neighborhood for a reference.
Cat care can have its rewards, but it could also be a challenge. You just simply have to put in the time and effort when you decide to bring a pet into your home.

Cat Houses For Indoor and Outdoor Pets

2010-08-31T03:00:00.000-07:00

No longer do only dog owners get the joy of picking out a beautiful outdoor home for their pets. Cat owners now have many options to choose from as well. Whether your cat spends all of its time outdoors or just goes out to play, it will need some type of shelter for rest. If you are looking for a cat house, you can choose from single story houses to multi-level condo systems.
When choosing a basic model for just one cat, try to find a cat house that offers comfort as well as low maintenance solutions. One new option on the market features cedar construction, which is easily washable, but also helps keep the fleas away with its natural oils. Some of these designs even come with sunning balconies or two story units to provide multiple ones for your pets. If your cat will be outside in all types of weather, you may choose a platform style selection. These ones are raised off of the ground a few feet to keep your pet off the cold ground and in dryer conditions.
If you are looking for a cat house that offers fun and relaxation, you may want to check out the new Kitty Castles or Palace trees. These new styles offer over 6 feet in height for you kitty to climb and play through. These structures are generally made of wood, carpet, or a basket weave solution. These products are usually 2 feet by 2 feet in dimensions, so you can fit them in just about any space. With this design, your pet will not only have a place to sleep, but a fun climbing option as well. These products generally have one to three enclosures, with many different perching shelves and poles to climb.
The main thing to think about is what conditions your new cat house will be used in, and what types are most comfortable. You also need to consider durability in outside elements. Make sure your new cat house can remain standing through rain, snow or even extreme heat. Many are insulated for winter but offer venting solutions for those hot summer days. Buying one can be a big step in pet ownership. Just make sure what you buy will be there for years to come.

Author Jennifer Akre is an owner of a wide variety of online specialty shops including that offer both items and information on pets. Whether it is dog supplies for your family companion, or even cat furniture for your cat, there are many tips you can use to help you make your home a better place for your pet. Click today and indulge your pet's senses.

The day dedicated to birds - "lovely"

2010-08-29T22:31:00.000-07:00

Selecting a Pet-Bird For Your Family

2010-08-29T22:25:00.000-07:00

Most of us select dogs and cats as their pets, but some may opt for birds. Though not uncommon as pets, birds have not been the first choice among the pet lovers. A lot of literature is available on the care and health of dogs, about how to select a right dog or cat for you. Through this article let us discuss the factors that one must consider while selecting a bird as their pet.
The research:
First and foremost is the research on your choice. Since there are not many who keep birds as pets, compared to dogs, one has to rely on the printed material or internet to collect genuine and comprehensive information about the bird that you are planning to bring home. You should know everything from the congenial environment to their feeding patterns. In fact, I would go further to say that you should be able to know almost everything about the bird before you buy it. It does not mean that you should not rely on the pet-shop owner's knowledge, it is definitely worth listening to since it comes from his practical experience, but you too should be able to discuss about the bird while you go to buy it. It will not only make both the bird and you easier to get used to each other, thus creating a healthy bond and thus nurturing a healthy environment for the bird.
The budget:
A pet of any kind does not come alone, but brings recurring expenses along with. The food, the housing, and the most important veterinary care will have its own cost. The costlier the bird you take, such accessories would cost you in the same proportion. The above research should also focus on possible health ailments, so that you know whether you can afford a medical care.
The time:
Birds are more sensitive than cats and dogs when it comes to emotional adjustments. Thus you should be able to decide how much and in what manner can you devote yourself to the bird. If you do not provide enough attention, the birds can exhibit behavioral problems of some kind. Owning a bird also demands a commitment for the care of the bird while you are away from your home.
The gender:
There are always characteristic features of both genders in most of the birds. For example, male psittacines are known to be better talkers than the females, but are more aggressive too. The ratio of male to female birds too needs to be thought about for a healthier breeding later on.
the moral of the story is - it is easier to think about having a pet bird, but difficult and committed job to implement it in right sense.

How to Care For Pet Birds

2010-08-29T22:23:00.000-07:00

If you are the proud owner of a pet bird you already know how nicely they fit into your family. If you have kids, they most probably adore your birds and take every possible measure to play with their little friends. But pet birds shouldn't be handled roughly, they require attention, care and love from your whole family and the more you learn about these amazing animals, the better you can enjoy them.
Before you select a bird at the pet shop or the breeder, be sure you understand what is expected from you for the bird you select. If you are short of space at home you should think twice about buying a large parrot for example.
Also factor in your needs in regards to the time you can invest in your bird. Cockatiels for example are very good mates to humans and they don't go well with being left alone for long spells of time. They love interaction and are ideal for people who love the idea of having a bird sit on their shoulder all day long. If space is indeed an issue, choose a smaller bird, like a budgie or a finch instead.
For those of you who enjoy big birds, make sure you have ample space available for the new family member. Buy a bird cage that is big enough so your bird has ample room to play. The last thing you wan is for your bird to become depressed and lonely because nobody ever plays with him.
Pet birds love to be taken out of their cages, especially if they are hand raised which is another important point to consider. Always choose a hand raised bird over one that is not. You will grow a lot closer to them and it is easy to handle them with your hands, plus it is more fun.
You will also need to learn how to handle the bird accordingly. Resist to grab your bird just like that. They deserve your respect and even though they love to be petted and stroked, they are not always ready for it. They too love their space and time out - just like us humans.
You will soon learn to see your bird's daily rhythm and adjust to it accordingly.
One of the most important aspects of bird care is their food. Learn about foods that are safe and those that are not - it could save your bird's life. Some food is toxic and so are most house plants.
It always helps to talk to an experienced pet bird owner to learn what is right for them.
If you want to train your bird, I suggest you arm yourself with tools that can teach you to train your bird. Some birds don't take lightly to being trained and they need special attention from you. If your bird tends to scream or bite a lot, he might have been terribly neglected or abused in the past. It is possible to work with these birds with a lot of love and patience on your behalf.
There is a wide range of training tools available in the pet bird market these days. Choose from training videos, books, eBooks and more to learn about your bird's behavior.
It doesn't take a degree to care for your pet bird in a humane and loving way. All it takes is a bit of patience and time.

Caring For Your Aging Pet Bird

2010-08-29T22:21:00.000-07:00

Owning a pet bird can be a wonderful experience. Small birds like finches are very active and their antics can be quite amusing. The larger birds like cockatiels and parrots are more interactive and need more attention. No matter what type of pet bird you have, sadly, he will age and many times he will require more specialized care as a result. This extra care of your aging pet will keep him more comfortable and a great addition of your family for longer. As your bird ages, it is important that you do all that you can to take care of him.
So, how long can you expect your pet bird to live? How long you can expect your bird to live will depend on the breed of bird you have and the environment it lives in. Smaller birds like finches will live on average 3-5 years. The medium sized birds like cockatiels can have an average life span of 15 years. Some of the very large bird species can out live a human. That means that in order to properly care for your aging pet bird, the first thing that you need to do is to be familiar with the life span of your particular bird breed.
How well your particular pet bird ages will depend on a variety of things. The one thing that you can greatly influence is your bird's environment. A clean cage, clean water, proper food and regular exercise will all go a long way towards making sure that your bird lives a long and quality life. Feeding the right diet for your bird will ensure that your bird gets the proper nutrition. Enough exercise will keep him strong and active, even when he is older. Birds are very intelligent animals and the larger bird breeds require social interaction either from you or from another bird to live a long and happy life.
As your pet bird ages, you will have to monitor him carefully for changes in behavior and appearance. If your bird spends most of his time in his cage, you are probably going to find that he appears to be the same, day after day even as he gets older. In general, as your bird ages, his feathers many times will look dull in appearance. He will spend more time sleeping and move around more slowly. An older bird that has other birds for companions may actually get bullied and chased away from food and water. Special care will need to be taken to assure that the older bird gets enough food, water and rest. Vitamins added to food or water can also help ensure that your pet bird is receiving the nutrition he needs. Your bird's droppings are also a very good indicator of your bird's overall health. Any changes in color and consistency could be a sign of problems.
It is important to establish a relationship with an avian veterinarian in your area. It is recommended that your bird be examined once a year to make sure that your bird is healthy and doing well. Taking your bird to the vet will ensure that there is a record on file of the condition of your bird year by year. Birds are very good at hiding illness from you and it may not be obvious that there is something wrong with him. It will be easier to catch any problems with regular wellness visits. The sad fact is that as your pet bird ages he will be more prone to getting sick and an established relationship with an avian veterinarian may just save your birds life. Over the long term, a vet will be able to help you keep your beloved pet bird happy and healthy for a long time.

Hi, my name is Debbie and I am passionate about animals. I have had dogs, cats, birds, hamsters, fish and horses in my life at some time or other. I currently have two poodles, a shi tzu, several finches and a cockatiel.
I write a variety of articles on a wide variety of topics. Check back often.

How to Take Care of Pigeons

2010-08-29T22:19:00.000-07:00

Pigeons are known for their intelligence and various, unique colors. And would you believe they were also considered as loyal soldiers during World War II? The pigeons' talents are exceptional; they are reliable and can travel fast. But nowadays, these traits of the pigeon are being overlooked. If provided with proper care and love, pigeons would never fail in easing your stress and fatigue. They are amazing pets! You would certainly love them. However, before deciding to own one or a number of these birds, you must consider the following; these will guide you in taking care of these wonderful birds.
1. Pigeons, just like human beings, need to be treated with respect and love. These creatures also have life thus pigeons do not deserve to be violated and exploited.
2. Before deciding to purchase, these creatures be sure that you, as an owner, will be responsible enough to take care of these wonderful animals. Be ready for the requirements these birds need if you want to own one.
3. If you decide to purchase or own a pigeon, be sure to consider its housing. Ideally, you must already establish a home for the pigeon before even purchasing one. Pigeons need a house just like human beings to maintain their health and performance.
4. Clean food and water must be provided at the pigeon pen or pigeon coop all the time. Pigeons are not fancy eaters so they will eat up just any grain or anything you serve, but if you are trying to breed them and to maintain their performance and good health, you should give them pigeon foods. Foods which are processed and are specifically made for pigeons. Water must also be available all the time, especially during hot weathers. Pigeons do not have skin pores nor are capable of sweating that is why they can easily be affected by heat.
5. Remember, healthy pigeons consume a lot of food that is why you can expect that they will also produce plenty of waste. Keep the pigeon's coop or pen clean at all times. This will prevent being infected with parasites and various diseases.
6. Pigeons also need vitamins. If you are planning to breed these birds, or are trying to engage on pigeon sports. Be sure to give your pigeons vitamins to enhance their performance and strengthen their immune systems.
7. It is also advisable to release the pigeons from their coops when the weather is fine. Not too hot or too cold. In this way, the pigeons will be able to stretch their wings which will promote your pigeon's better circulation. NOTE: Be sure to release your pigeons only if they are trained in going back to their coops. If releasing them is not practical then you can provide a flying pen in which the pigeons could fly a bit and stretch their wings.
8. During hot seasons, make sure you have a basin full of water where your pigeons can take a bath. These will help the pigeons to prepare in shedding their old feathers to new ones helping in the maintenance of the health of your pet pigeons.
Overall, taking care of pigeons is easy; you just have to be responsible enough. Just give them appropriate love and care and you will discover that pigeons are amazing pets.

Caique Parrot Care - 5 Tips For Caring For Your Pet Caique Bird

2010-08-29T22:17:00.002-07:00

Caique Parrots are delightful little parrots with lively personalities that make them wonderful pet birds. Here are 5 tips for caring for your bird so that it can live a long and healthy life with you and your family.

Food-Since Caiques are known for their love of food, starting with this tip seems very appropriate. They need fresh fruits and vegetables, sprouted seeds, some table food, and a high quality pellet mix as supplement. Change water as often as needed for it to be fresh. This will cut down on mold growth and infections that can result from ingesting mold. When feeding fresh food be sure to remove the food from the cage after several hours for the same reason.

Cage-Even though small, they are quite active and do best when they can move freely in the cage. Bigger is always better when it comes to the size of the cage, but a minimum size should be 24'" high by 24" wide by 24" deep. Since they are avid climbers, horizontal bars will be greatly appreciated by your bird. Avoid metals that are toxic to birds, and make sure your cage is certified as bird safe. Wood cages should also be avoided as they love to chew, and you would soon find your bird had escaped by chewing through the bars of a wooden cage. Sizing the cage properly keeps your pet happy, and can prevent undesirable behaviors from developing due to boredom. A happy Caique will provide unsolicited entertainment from morning to night, and all you have to do is have time to watch the show.

Interaction-These little parrots love people and need people to love them back. They can benefit from at least an hour a day of interaction with humans. They should be closely supervised as they are fearless little birds and can easily get into things they shouldn't. Go slowly and supervised carefully when introducing other pets. Never leave a child alone and unsupervised with the bird. Small children may unintentionally frighten, or make the bird feel threatened, and you can easily prevent disaster by being there when your Caique is exercising outside the cage.

Training-Caiques respond well to training. Most can learn to speak, do tricks, and whistle songs. And once these skills have been perfected they are more than willing to take center stage and perform for you, family, and friends. Training sessions should be short and daily if possible. Always reward your bird and end before your bird's attention span wanes. Remember that training is not only to teach your bird something new, but is a great way to continue to bond with your Caique. Make it a time that your bird looks forward to.

Preserving their Health-With proper care these parrots have been known to live for as long as 30 years. Like many parrots they are susceptible to airborne disease and infections such as Psittacosis and other respiratory illnesses unless their air is kept clean. Since birds in captivity are subjected to much more dander, feather particles, and other pollutants found in many households, filtering their air will keep their airways clearer, keep them healthier, and ultimately increase their life span.

Love Birds - How to Take Care of These Beautiful Pet Birds

2010-08-29T22:17:00.000-07:00

We have seen some beautiful cute little beautiful birds in some pet stores. In which lovebirds are the best choice for some one who is willing to buy a parrot. Usually large parrots like macaw specious can live for a life span of 60 years, where as small birds like seldom which is one of the lovebirds specious can live for an average of fifteen years.
If you are willing to buy a lovebird in any of the pet stores, you must have good knowledge of birds and maintenance of birds. Birds like parrots and lovebirds are not easily maintained birds. Some of the important key factors to keep in mind is the owner must show special care and dedication towards their pets.
Birds always live in companion few bird specious like love birds and parrots cannot live without the company of others, so the owner must spend at least few hours of his time with these social creators, if not it might affect the birds to cause some problems like aggression, constant squawking and excessive preening.
It would be better to buy a young lovebird with six to ten weeks old because they are hand feed and they will be easy to tame and train, instead of training the parent-fed lovebirds
The cage of a love bird should be designed in such a manner that it should be big and spacious with some small boxes fixed into the cage with a hole so that it can rest in it.
Even it can fly freely and it stretches its wings, place some toys in the cage to keep them stimulated. The bars of cage should be horizontal and there their needs to be few perches located at different levels. Most birds love to bath. The place at the bottom of the cage can be used for birds to bath.
To maintain good health of you bird specially lovebirds it should have some physical activities everyday. You can let you bird free in a safe room, be aware that all you doors and windows are closed and the room must be free form predators such as cats and dogs. Cleaning the cage regularly keeps the birds in good health which avoid infection, and some disease to birds. Birds are like kids they are very sensitive to smoke, air pollution, cigarette smoke and toxic fumes
Feeding of lovebird in proper time is important the owner should feed a good quality parrot seed mix and safe foods like feeding them plenty of fresh, clean vegetables and fruits. This makes the birds feel like feeding in the wild.

Sick Pet Bird Care

2010-08-29T22:15:00.000-07:00

The article is directed specifically to pet bird owners and is intended for their use as a basic how to guide on caring properly for a sick or injured bird. Please always follow the advice of your veterinarian & do not use this article as a means of avoiding a hands on veterinary examination. The key idea of this article is to reduce any and all stress to your recovering bird.
1. WARMTH: Ill birds will sit with their feathers fluffed in an attempt to conserve heat. The effort to conserve heat places an additional burden on the already debilitated bird. Your veterinarian will determine if your bird requires hospitalization, but if home care is acceptable, I recommend creating a tent to keep your bird warm. A birds natural temperature is much higher then ours at anywhere from 103F-106F. Therefore, what often feels warm to us can be chilly to them and this is particularly true in sick birds. A simple way of providing heat is to cover 1/2 of the cage with a blanket and place a heat lamp on the other side as a heat source. Generally speaking we keep our sick birds at environmental temperatures ranging form 85-95F. This will vary greatly with the individual bird so it is important to monitor your pet to ensure that you are providing the correct temperature and of course seek your veterinarian's advice. A bird that is too hot will have very sleek feathers held tightly to the body, will hold its wings (shoulders) slightly away from its body and may pant. If you see any of these signs your bird is much too warm and the environmental temperature should be reduced accordingly. For night warmth I recommend using a red light. Ill birds, just like ill people, require rest and if kept under bright lights all night they will become sleep deprived. Also, during the day it is important to provide light so that they may be encouraged to eat and can be monitored. Therefore, the entire cage should never be covered during the day. I don't recommend heating pads because it is very difficult to regulate the temperature. If a bird is not perching and sitting directly on the pad they can easily become overheated or burned. And in my experience baby birds that are raised on heating pad quickly become dehydrated and again are subject to burns.
2. STRESS: Debilitated birds must be kept in a stress free situation. Often what appears normal to us can cause stress in our feathered friends. I suggest taking a close look at your bird's environment with a critical eye to determine what may be stress factors. Some common ones include, the bird in the center of house traffic with no chance to rest, cigarette smoke or aerosols in the birds environment, lack of darkness/sleep time at night, other pets, small children, too much visual stimuli (cage directly in front of a window), competition from cage mates, too much handling, poor nutrition and temperature extremes (such as birds kept in kitchens). I recommend that sick birds be left in their cage and allowed to calmly recuperate. Think of this as bed rest for your pet! Too much handling can stress the bird and will require the bird to use additional calories. If the bird is housed with other birds, it is usually best to remove the bird to a single cage. Some birds can become too stressed when separated from the colony so you should seek your veterinarian's advice on how to cage your sick pet. However, generally removing the bird from the group will reduce the stress of competition for nutrition and allow for medicating easily and better monitoring. Of course, if infectious disease is suspected, then the pet must be moved into an isolation cage and at least a separate room - preferably a separate house with no other birds.
3. NUTRITION: If your doctor made dietary recommendations, now is not the time to implement change. Changes in the type of diet will cause enormous stress to your bird and should be started when the bird has recovered. Always discuss how and when to made dietary changes with your pet's doctor. Generally, I recommend offering all the bird's favorite foods during illness because many ill birds become anorexic and can be lost due to starvation. If your bird is normally a seedeater but not currently eating, try placing millets sprays in the cage which most birds enjoy. The important thing to remember is that it has taken months to years for the bird to become malnourished and this cannot be corrected in a day or a week. Slow changes are essential for the ill bird. If you are unable to get your pet to eat he/she should be hospitalized for gavage feeding and further care. Birds have a high metabolic rate and can quickly starve. Thus, a pet bird that stops eating should always be assumed to be critically ill, certainly the potential for fatality is present. Lastly, if your bird is a hand reared baby and is not eating due to illness, you can often revert them back to hand feeding (syringe feeding) during the convalescent period. A good hand rearing formula should be used. The formula should be mixed with hot water as directed on the bag and offered to the bird. Do not force the bird to eat. Pet owners should never force feed their birds. A bird can easily aspirate (inhale food) and develop pneumonia and force-feeding causes enormous stress to your bird. Reverting to hand feeding is only of use for those birds that willingly accept feeding from the syringe. Also, if hand feeding, the formula must be warmed correctly (follow the advice on the formula bag and that of your veterinarian) to avoid food burns from too hot formula and crop stasis from formula fed at too cool a temperature.
4. MEDICATING: Routes: 1. Injectable, 2. In water or Food, 3. Topical, 4. Oral I prefer not to medicate in the pet's water or the food. Medication given in this way often causes a change in the taste and can potentially cause the bird to reduce their food and water intake. Also, when medication is placed in the food or water it is very difficult to determine how much of the medication the pet has actually ingested. Thus, in my opinion the best routes are injectable and oral. Topical medication often is not of use to the pet and will cause oily feathers.
Prior to taking your bird home, you should be shown how to appropriately medicate your bird by the doctor or technician. Briefly, the patient should be held in an upright position and the syringe containing the medication should be gently introduced from the left side of the mouth and angled to the right side. Most birds will attempt to bite the syringe allowing it to be easily introduced into the oral cavity. Slowly depress the plunger on the syringe to dispense the medication into the lower portion of the beak. If the pet struggles while medicating, stop for a few moments and then try again. You should advise your veterinarian if you are unable to medicate your pet. Medication can be mixed with a flavoring agent (FlavorX), which will help to reduce some resistance. Occasionally, depending on the reason for treatment, your doctor may be able to give a long acting injection in place of oral medication but this has limited uses and thus is not available for every pet.
5. FOLLOW-UP EXAMINATIONS: As soon as illness was detected in your pet he/she was taken to the veterinarian for a through physical examination and diagnostic work-up including laboratory testing. Unfortunately, many people will see that their pet is improving and don't realize that a follow-up exam is necessary. I always suggest rechecking the patient at variable intervals depending on the state of debilitation. The recheck exam allows your doctor to assess the patient's response to treatment and the owner's compliance with instructions. Many times in the course of treating an exotic pet the treatment must be altered somewhat to ensure the best response. These rechecks are also used as a way of reinforcing the changes needed for the bird to remain healthy. Additionally, lab values can be rechecked to ensure that the patient is truly recovering and not just feeling well enough again to resume hiding any weakness. I can't stress the importance of this follow up enough, it is extremely important to the health of your bird.
Most importantly, follow the advice of your veterinarian and ask questions to ensure that you completely understand what is needed of you to get your pet back to health.

Today dedicated to SNAKES-"good pets"

2010-08-29T07:07:00.000-07:00

Choosing a Snake As a Pet is a Big Decision

2010-08-29T07:04:00.001-07:00

Snakes are different. They are not your usual kind of pets. So choosing a snake for a pet requires a special kind of person and family to take care of them. This is not your cute bunny or friendly pup that we are talking about. Snakes are different, they are regal, they are majestic, and they are different. Unless you and the rest of your family are prepared for the challenge and responsibility, you should not choose a snake for a pet. First of all you need to be prepared to deal with rats and mice. This is the preferred diet of snakes. You may get lucky and get yourself a snake that thrives well on eggs, but by and large this may not happen.
First of all snakes are cold blooded creatures, and therefore need more care to survive. Snakes crawl, and sometimes they slide or slither sideways. Once they do this, it becomes difficult to keep track of them and this can be dangerous.
You need to choose a snake that has a docile nature and does not bite, plus it is not a fussy eater. They should not grow to a huge size which will make them difficult to keep, and should not get snappish or ill when kept in captivity. Given below are four types of snakes that fit these criteria.
Corn Snake : The adult corn snake does not grow over 6 ft in length, it is docile and can be easily tamed. It does not fuss and will eat frozen rodents that have been thawed and given. If you feed it regularly and look after it, it will live a healthy and long life. Corn snakes come in various colors like snow, blood red, pewter and even multicoloured ones are found.
Kingsnake: There are many varieties of Kingsnakes and most of them are good as pets. Grey banded Kingsnakes, Mountain Kingsnakes and Florida Kingsnakes are popular as pets. These rarely grown beyond 6 ft and eat well. They do well in captivity too. They can be found in multicoloured and striped varieties. The grey banded one is very popular.
Gopher Snake: Extremely easy to keep. Once you raise a gopher snake by hand they become very tame and easy to handle. They are excellent feeders and so they give no problems and are healthy. They go slightly over 6 ft when fully grown. They are very manageable and not at all dangerous. They do not come in many colors but are a delight to behold.
The ball python: An adult ball python rarely grows over 5 ft in length. They are docile and very reluctant to bite. They do not need much space and do well in captivity. Some ball pythons are finicky about food. You may have to make regular trips to the pet store to get them live rodents to eat. Other than that, they make excellent pets.
It is not easy taking care of a snake. Before committing to keep one, read books about snake care, overcome your reluctance to handle rodents dead and alive on a regular basis and also learn how to clean a snake cage. Only then should you keep a snake as a pet.

How to Care For a Pet Snake

2010-08-29T07:03:00.003-07:00

Caring for a snake pet is a tough job indeed. These amazing and dangerous reptiles are prone to many mood swings and flexible temperaments that could cause severe harm to the owner. You will need to have proper training and dedication into making a snake happy and contented. Here are some tips.
1) Get the tame ones
Studies have shown that captive bred snakes are more likely to be better pets than their wild counterparts. This is because these creatures are already 'softened up' by the snake breeders and is more used to human presence, unlike wild-bred ones. This type of snakes is more aggressive and easily feels threatened when approached by a human. This increases the risk of harm inflicted on the owner.
2) Conditions
A healthy snake is a cold-blooded one. Surrounding temperatures, which differ for different snakes, need to be kept constant to allow the snakes to maintain their blood temperature. They can also wriggle through any gaps and holes, if there is any. So, your best bet is a sealed, breathable and temperature-controlled case.
3) Proper research
Find out everything you need about your scaly friend and about caring for snakes. Sometimes, something as mundane as feeding a snake can be quite complicated. Some snakes will only take live prey and ignore pre-killed ones. Others can only feed on certain types of rodents. It is also advisable to feed newborn snakes small portions of pre-killed prey. They can be quite hesitant in killing moving targets and may be injured in the process.
You also have to be able to 'read' the snake. Knowing your snake's pattern of behavior may come in handy when he's sick. That way, you can quickly treat it before its condition deteriorates.
Snakes care, no matter what you choose as your pet, has never been easy or for the faint hearted. For pet snakes, your responsibility doesn't end when you have chosen the species. You should be familiar with the correct care and feeding of snakes, the behavioral characteristic, and have the commitment to keep snakes as pets.
It is absolutely essential that anyone new to caring for snakes or thinking about buying a pet snake, gets as much information as possible about how to be a responsible owner and keep you snake healthy. A good snake care book will provide all the information you need, including how to breed snakes, and will be a helpful resource for you for the entire lifetime of your snake.

Top Tips to Care For Healthy Pet Snakes

2010-08-29T07:03:00.001-07:00

Snakes, in general, are viewed very differently by people all across the world. Some think of snakes as evil or demonic creatures which have great poisonous fangs and slimy skin. Others think of snakes as beautiful, docile creatures which have a great soothing effect on owners.
Both versions have some place in the world when it comes to snakes. There are extremely dangerous and even deadly snakes in the world. It is typically snakes that make the best television and drama in the animal kingdom. Due to most people's limited exposure to snakes, this may be their only experience they ever have with the animal.
Because of this, many people will fail to realize what an amazing pet they can make. They are low maintenance, they are not slimy at all, and they are odorless. Caring for one does require following some guidance, so you must accept some level of responsibility when deciding to care for a healthy pet snake.
Before even considering a pet snake, a good deal of research is required to see if owning a pet snake is the best thing for you. Buy a book on taking care of pet snakes and a book on caring for snakes in general. Learn about them and what they are like before buying one.
It is important to make sure that a snake is the right pet for you. It is also important to gather information on the different types of pet snakes and to ensure you buy from a breeder rather than getting a wild snake.
Wild snakes tend to make poor pets, while bred snakes are less inclined to be defensive about human contact. When someone's hobby or job is to breed snakes, they take the utmost care in ensuring everything there is when it comes to snake health.
A healthy, happy snake can make a delightful companion. A happy pet snake is one that has the proper enclosure necessary to resemble their habitat. Just like a human's home, a snake must have a temperature-controlled enclosure to be mentally and physically comfortable.
They are cold blooded, so this is necessary for their survival. Different snakes have different requirements, so before buying a pet snake, you should ensure you are buying the snake that best suits you. Again, a snake ebook on snake care is the best way to learn about your specific breed of snake.
Regardless of the breed, all pet snakes require the same basic enclosure. It must be completely sealed so that they cannot escape. It must be breathable and easy to clean.
In addition to knowing about the snake's living habitat, it is also important to know about their eating habits. All snakes need plenty of fresh water. Food may vary depending on the species, so research your pet snake to make sure you feed them the right food.
Most snakes eat rodents, but some may have other requirements. Pet snakes also tend to eat about once a week. Young snakes eat a bit more often. Once every few months a snake will shed its skin, so be on the lookout for that if you decide to take care of a snake pet.
During this time, the snake will likely refuse to eat. It is important that live food be removed from the enclosure, or the pet snake itself could become the dinner.
While these are all good general tips, the only way to be entirely sure your snake is properly cared for is to understand the snake itself. By ensuring you purchase the right snake for you and that you have a living situation that is specific to that kind of snake, you can make sure that you and your snake are happy companions together.
Some snakes can live for over 20 years, so you are entering into a long term relationship when you decide to take care of a pet snake. It should be the best possible relationship for both you and your pet snake.

Exotic Pet Corn Snake Care Sheet - Feeding Corn Snake

2010-08-29T07:02:00.001-07:00

Corn snakes, like all other snakes, are carnivorous. Meaning they feed only on the flesh of other animals. Corn snakes feed small rodents and sometimes lizards, although they have been known to take small birds from time to time. A pet corn snake owner, obviously, will have an easier time supplying his or her exotic pets with mice than anything else.
An active corn snake will eat every 10 days or so. It is recommended to feed your corn snake pre killed prey, especially if the snake has not been raised on live prey. A live prey may also turn on and attack a lazy snake that isn't feeling too hungry and possibly causing severe harm to your pet corn snake.
When to feed a corn snake and how much
Hatchlings are started out with pinkie mice for feedings and as the snake grows, gradually increase the size of the prey by offering fuzzies, crews, then small adult mice or rat pinkies.
A young hatchling will eat a pinkie mice every three days or so. Gradually, as hatchling gets bigger; feed it every four, five or six days. Around the time it is getting out to six days, it will be swallowing down a pinkie in next to no time, so try it with another one just as the tail of the first one disappears. If it takes two pinkies ok, continue with this for two or three more feedings and then offer it one fuzzy instead of the two pinkies. It might look too large for you, but if the snake can swallow it without difficulty, it is not too big. If you feed too much at one feeding session, or feed a prey item that is too big, your snake won't swallow it and will spit it out after trying. A general rule for food size is that up to 11D2 the snake's body girth is acceptable.
After a several more weeks of one fuzzy, repeat the process you did with pinkies. When your corn snake swallows a fuzzy easily, then try to feed it with two. And after a few feedings with two fuzzies, try it with small adult mice. A full grown Corn snake can eat a medium to large mouse.
How to feed a corn snake
Frozen prey need to be completely thawed and warmed slightly before feeding. After thawing, place the prey on a small plastic dish and place the dish in the cage and leave the snake to it. If the snake won't eat it after few hours, then remove it and throw it away.
Some snakes like their prey "jiggled" in front of them. To do this, pick the prey up by the tail with tongs (no sharp, pointy ends), and hold the prey in front of the snake for the snake to strike at.
Pet snakes that have refused to feed more than 2 times can be enticed into feeding by having the prey item slightly warmed, either by a heat lamp or soaked in warm water a few minutes before feeding. Don't put it in a microwave, as they can explode. Another trick to try is "braining", where you pierce the head of the prey with a knife point and liquid from the head exposed with forceps or tweezers. The smell of the liquid will entice your exotic pet corn snake to feed.

Rubber Boas - The Best Snake to Make a Pet

2010-08-29T07:01:00.001-07:00

Though it is rarely referred to as a pet, a Rubber Boa is most definitely an interesting creature, and in my own opinion, it is the best snake that a person can have, especially for a first pet snake. Everything about a Rubber Boa Snake is easy from their temperament, care, feeding, and hygiene. Most snakes are a pet to be observed but not to be played with. Rubber Boas are the type of pet that a person can interact with, as they enjoy the warmth from a hand and will curl up on one for hours. The feeling is mutual, as a humans hand enjoys the soft feel of these docile serpents.
What Makes a Rubber Boa So Great?
1. Interactive: Rubber Boas will be a pet that you can hold, touch, be held by, and not be afraid that it is going to get away while playing with it. They are rather slow and will prefer to hang out on a warm hand any day and stay there for a long time. The feel of their skin is much like their name, Rubber, but even softer than that.
2. Appealing: Rubber Boas have been used as a form of treatment for snake phobias in several cases. While most snakes are fast and quick to bite, these Boas are slow, docile, and almost never bite (I have never seen nor heard of one biting, but it could happen). If they are to bite a person, it will be harmless and most likely painless. The one thing that impresses me most of these snakes is their soft texture, which is why they are called a Rubber Boa.
3. Easy to Care For: Rubber Boas are very easy to take care of. They do best in an area that has similarities to their native range which is mostly limited to the Northwestern U.S. and Southwestern Canada. They can be found in both arid forests to the rainforests of the coast. Their temperature preference is between 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, such as room temperature in a home, and need a decent size dish of water for them to soak in. The only cleaning necessary is switching out the water once it had been defecated in.
4. Easy to Feed: Rubber Boas eat primarily on young rodents in the wild while fending off the parents with their blunt tail. Therefore it is best to feed them pink mice, and several at a time. They are known to binge feed and then not eat for a month or two. That is why they will eat several in one setting.
A Rubber Boa has many benefits over other snakes. Here is a list of just a few as well as the one negative.
Benefits:
• Interactive: easy to hold
• Soft to touch
• Slow moving
• Won't Bite
• Safe around children
• Easy to care for
• Long life span: 15-25 years
Negative:
• Hard to find in the wild and hard to find for sale.
While there are not too many bad things about this species of snake, the biggest downside is the lack of places to buy a Rubber Boa. I will keep an eye out and list any links I can find that sale them. The ones that I have had, I have caught on the road at dusk as I live in the Northern Idaho where they are common to find. They are incredible hiders and I have never seen one anywhere except for on the road. I would not attempt to go looking for them though as many times where they live is also areas that you may find rattlesnakes, unless of course you are in to that type of thing.

Looking For a Pet Snake? Step Into Pet Snake World

2010-08-29T07:00:00.003-07:00

Most people, when they hear the word snake, have feelings of fear. While most snakes are actually quite gentle creatures, their features in horror books and film have given us an unreasonable view of these reptiles.
If you put aside the reputation they have gained and take a look at them with an open mind, you will see that many snakes can make wonderful pets. Though they are not the right pets for everyone. Snakes have some very specific requirements with food, shelter, temperature and handling and commitment. Before purchasing a snake for a pet, it's a good idea to do research on the type of pet snake you're looking for and what care and commitment requirements they may have. If you are worried about getting a pet snake because of having to handle the snake itself, many snakes are quite tame with proper handling.
Out of the diverse variety of snakes, however, there are only a few that will make good pets. These excellent types of pet snake range from garter snakes to more exotic snakes like the ball python.
Each species has its own unique needs and care instructions. When deciding on the type of snake you want, you need to consider these needs before getting your snake as a pet. The things you might want to consider are things like life span. How large the snake that you choose will get. Some snakes can get very large, so if you don't have a lot of room, you may want to choose a pet snake that will stay smaller in size. Not matter what type or size of snake you choose for your pet, make sure you get a secure enclosure. Snakes have an uncanny way of getting out cages. If you don't want to have to chase your snake around, make sure you get a cage that latches securely.
When choosing your snake, choose a reputable breeder and choose captive breeds over wild. Captive-bred snakes are tamer, easier to handle, and usually better eaters. They are also not prone to some of the illnesses you'll find a wild snake prone to. Another consideration is feeding. Wild snakes will be used to live prey, making it harder to get them to eat already killed prey. Captive-bred are usually started on already killed prey so are less likely to refuse to eat. Also, already killed prey means less chance of injury to your snake and can be bought frozen. So you don't have to raise and kill the food of your snake.
Of the snakes to choose from for pets, look at king snakes, corn snakes and ball pythons. The king snakes and corn snakes usually live about 20 years. So be ready for a commitment.

King Snake Care - How to Take Proper Care of Your Snake

2010-08-29T07:00:00.001-07:00

King snakes are one of the smooth scaled snakes, and they come in an enormous variety of patterns and colours. Named king snakes due to their bias to eat other snakes, even those that are poisonous, they're found in virtually all locations and virtually any habitat.
King snake care doesn't involve too much that might be considered hard and they make great household pets. If you're already caring for a king snake, or if you're considering getting a king snake as a pet, there are a few things you need to think about in the supply of good king snake care.
As a juvenile, your snake will need to be fed on a selection of tiny food, for example baby mice (pinkies). As the snake grows, you can gradually move up to larger prey, like ten day old mice (fuzzies). Now it's important to note this food does not need to be fresh or alive.
It is simple getting the frozen rodents from your local provider or breeder, and if you wished to be totally self acceptable, you might even start your own breeding program. Young king snakes will need at least 2 feeds a week, and the adult's one feed. If you're going to reproduce your snakes then there's a special feeding regime established in the feeding season previous to the cooling season, but the entire point of this exaggerated feeding pattern is to fatten up the female to give her energy and strength to give birth.
Correct king snake care involves making certain that the snakes aren't over fed. You should not feed them anything that's larger than the widest part of their body (not the head), and you shouldn't over feed them. It is always better to under feed them instead.
They are going to need a fine supply of fresh clean water, and a good clean enclosure permitting for room to wander as they're reasonably active snakes. Having a shallow dish of clean water on the floor of the enclosure not only offers a source of drinking water, it doubles as a humidifier for the enclosure.
Temperature is critical and must be kept at a cosy 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, with a night drop off of almost ten degrees. Maintaining a stable temperature, improves digestion and appetite.
An enclosure of about 20 gallons is okay for maintaining good king snake care, and this permits masses of room for activities and sleeping. Having stuff like branches, upturned flower pots, rocks and bits of bark (not cedar, pine or redwood) provide places of shelter for the snake, and also places to explore.
Daily cleaning of the enclosure is advisable, and comprehensive weekly cleaning is an essential. To try this it's best suggested to move the snake to a different enclosure while you are cleaning. Use only neutral cleaning liquids like water to wash out the enclosure, and ensure that all traces of waste are removed.
Usually you can't fail with selecting a king snake as a pet, just do not forget about providing great king snake care, to guarantee they're with you for a long time.

Tom Hinojos is a king and milk snake expert. Discover The ULTIMATE Guide For King And Milk Snakes Care And Learn The Secrets About Proper King And Milk Snakes Care & Breeding!

Pet Snake Tips - Live Or Pre-Killed Food?

2010-08-29T06:59:00.000-07:00

Many of us think that it's a good idea to feed our pet snake live food instead of pre-killed food. Often, we'll think that this is the preferred way to feed our snake because it is more "natural", and this is the way the snake would prefer it. However, there are a few dangers of this practice which everyone should keep in mind. Of course, the most common food for a snake is rats and mice, so this article will discuss those foods.
1. Danger: your empathy may be in jeopardy
Have you ever heard an animal screaming for its life? Although we would like the rat to quietly accept its fate, this is not what happens. Instead, the rodent will scream, squirm, and do everything it can to avoid being placed in the cage with the snake. Tongs are an absolute necessity, because the rat will try to bite you in order to get away. Since a rat is a small mammal, you may find yourself empathizing with the rat as it screams for its life.
2. The rat or mouse can escape
A live rat has several opportunities to escape. If you aren't careful, it can squirm out of your tongs and run and hide somewhere in your house. Also, depending on the type of cage you use to house your snake, the rat could even escape from the cage. You'd be surprised at how far and high a rat can jump when it is faced with the prospect of being eaten alive by a snake. Searching for a loose rat in your house is rarely an enjoyable activity.
3. Sometimes the rat wins
Although 99% of the time your snake will quickly and efficiently take care of the rat, that rat isn't going to go down without a fight. It has fangs and claws of its own which it will use to defend itself. A carefully placed bite from the rat has the ability to kill your snake within seconds. Some people believe that feeding a live rat to a snake is actually the more humane way to do things for this very reason. At least it gives the rat a fighting chance. However, if you are solely concerned with keeping your pet snake alive, remember that every time you put a live rat in its cage, it has a chance to lose the battle. This is a matter of life and death to these animals.

A pet snake can bring us loads of enjoyment and education as we learn about the habits of these creatures. However, there are definitely some dangers to feeding a snake live food. If any of the above dangers concern you, then you should probably consider feeding your snake pre-killed food. One of the saddest things a snake-owner will ever have to do is stuff his dead snake into some trash can liners and deposit it into a stainless steel trash can.

Pet Snake Care

2010-08-29T06:58:00.001-07:00

Before you make that trip to the pet store, ask yourself "Why do I want a snake?" Is it because you're trying to impress your friends? Is it because you saw a killer anaconda in a popular film, and you'd like something along those lines to show people when they come over? Do you want to shock or scare your parents and other relatives during holiday gatherings? Thanks to a nearly age-old role in mythology, folklore, religion, and, more recently, horror films and music videos, snakes are in high demand as pets. Unfortunately, many people want a snake for all the wrong reasons and fail to properly educate themselves about pet snake care before giving in to the impulse to accept a snake from a friend or buy one at the store. A snake is not a fashion accessory, party trick, or practical joke. Snakes are highly sensitive and, for the most part, wild creatures who should only be kept as pets for the sheer pleasure keeping and observing a snake can bring. If you fit the profile of a true snake fancier, then you've no doubt studied up a bit already. If you're still deciding whether or not a snake is the pet for you, learn more with the following information.
Snakes, like all pets, have their own unique set of requirements when it comes to temperature, housing, and dietary needs. The size of your snake's enclosure depends, of course, on the size of the snake you plan on owning. A good way to judge the amount of space your snake will need is to allow ½ square foot of floor space for every foot of snake, provided the snake is under 6 feet long. For snakes over 6 feet in length, ¾ a square foot of floor space is adequate. Snakes need to feel secure in their new home, as they will spend a lot of time basking or hiding. A good solution is to get an adequately sized aquarium and secure the top with a pegboard to allow for proper ventilation. Mesh should not be used as a curious snake can rub his nose rose on such material. The furnishings in a snake cage can be relatively simple. Line the cage bottom with aspen shavings, reptile carpet (or Astro turf), or pea gravel. Add a hiding place such as a pre-made "cave," or a cave you make yourself out of various sized rocks to your pet snake care list along with a small potted plant, whether fake or real, and a shallow dish of water for soaking.
As snakes are cold blooded, their body temperatures depend directly upon the temperature in their environment. Snakes have no self-cooling or heating systems. They simply move into and out of the heat. It's imperative, then, that you maintain a daytime temperature of between 80 and 85 degrees and a nighttime temperature between 65 and 75 degrees in your snake's tank. An adhesive thermometer and a heat lamp or cage heater that goes beneath the cage will help you accomplish these things. A snake that is even a few degrees below its optimal body temperature will often stop eating.
Speaking of eating, you should probably reconsider owning a snake unless you're 100% sure that you can handle feeding live or dead mammals to your pet. Smaller snakes will eat baby mice (called "pinkies") and medium to large snakes will eat either pinkies or adult mice. Larger snakes may require larger meals in the form of baby chicks or baby rabbits. Figuring out what your snake wants out of his meal may take some doing. Some snakes are terrified of live food and will only eat a mouse after its neck has been humanely broken (this kills the mouse instantly). Some snakes enjoy hunting and will not eat food that has already been killed, and some snakes don't care either way. While most snakes can live for weeks without food, it's best to feed an adult snake once a week or every ten days. Baby snakes should be fed more often to support their growing bodies. Check with a specific care guide for your snake to figure out how much food to offer your pet per feeding.
Once you've ascertained that your motivations for snake ownership are driven only by your love for these creatures, use your newfound patience to spend time searching for a variety of snake that fits your budget and your personality. Only buy a snake from a reputable source, and make sure you've either got an excellent book on pet snake care handy or an expert snake keeping acquaintance who can address any questions you may have and help you on the road to blissful snake ownership.

Keeping Corn Snakes As Pets

2010-08-29T06:57:00.003-07:00

As exotic pets go, corn snakes make a good choice for beginners. They come in a variety of colors, are docile by nature and enjoy being handled, as well as being fairly easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to keep a pet corn snake healthy.
To be a responsible pet owner, you will need to be prepared to commit time and energy to caring for your snake. Corn snakes can live for around 18 years, so bear this in mind before you buy one. Reptiles have very different needs to cats or dogs, and you will need to make sure you have the right equipment to provide your snake with a suitable place to live.
You will need to take into account how big your snake could grow. Corn snakes can reach 4-6ft long when mature. They aren't especially active creatures, but will need a reasonably sized vivarium or aquarium with a secure lid. As a guide, for each foot of snake, provide at least 1 square foot of floor space. The height of the tank should be around a third of the snake's length. If you buy your snake as a hatchling, give it a proportionately smaller enclosure to begin with so as to avoid causing it stress.
For the substrate there are various products on sale in exotic pet shops, such as aspen shavings or Astroturf, or you could use paper towels. Make sure you remove any soiled substrate when necessary and disinfect the entire tank every 3-5 weeks, using a reptile-safe solution.
You should provide objects for your snake to hide in, and to climb on, as it would in the wild. For hiding places, you could use small cardboard boxes or toilet roll tubes, or shop-bought hides, which have the advantage of being cleanable so they can be reused. For climbing, branches and rocks can be purchased, or you could use ones from the garden if you sterilise them first to kill any harmful bugs. Plastic plants can be used, as some real plants may be harmful.
Corn snakes ideally need a temperature gradient of 21-30C, providing both warm and cool areas in the tank, so they can thermo-regulate by moving to different areas. To do this, use a thermostatically-regulated heat mat under a third of the floor space.
Corn snakes in captivity can be fed mainly on mice, depending on their size. Hatchlings can eat "pinkies" (baby mice), one every 5-6 days. As you snake grows, it can start to have a larger mouse every 1-2 weeks. Larger snakes may need two mice per feed. It's important to use frozen mice, thawed to room temperature, as live rodents could injure your pet.
With proper care and attention exotic pets such as corn snakes can be fascinating and rewarding animals.

How to Care For Your Snake Pet

2010-08-29T06:57:00.001-07:00

Caring for a snake is easy and it can be effectively done. We just need to be careful about getting the basics right. First, we need enclosures; the size of the enclosures would depend upon the activity and the size of the snake. Active snakes like the Black Racer need a spacious cage to move around. Lazy bums like Boa and reticulated python can do with very small spaces. For inactive snakes, a cage equal in length to the snake and nearly as wide as three-fourth the length of the snake is good enough. For the restless species, the dimensions must be doubled.
Different snakes behave differently in captive care. Each has a separate demand inclined towards individual tendencies. Having exotic snakes as pets is becoming common nowadays. In spite of this, snakes are not for everyone as care of snakes is quite complex. Just like in the case of having other types of exotic animals, commitment is essential.
Thus, prior to acquiring one, it is best to have the right information about them such as behavioral characteristics, dietary and habitat requirements, and other pertinent details. Only after which should you decide if you really are capable of having one.
You should do some research to buy good quality snake care books. These books are filled with useful information on how to care for snakes. It is best to find one that is reader-friendly and provides one-stop solution to most of your queries and can teach you the techniques of choosing the right snake in accordance with your home environment.
Since times immemorial man has dreaded snakes but at the same time few have also understood profoundly the sensations that are hidden within having a snake as a pet. This is where the book is helpful; in letting us understand snakes and the principles on how a snake's body works.
Such books are an eye opener for new owners who get to learn so much about caring for a snake pet. Snake pets can be efficiently handled irrespective of their sizes and venom content. These books also cover the delicate topic of keeping harmony between snakes, pets and other children at home.
Snakes like hiding. Naturally snake pet owners dread such snakes that like to hide. A snake gone missing can generate a lot of stress to the owner. This is also where these books are of great help. Do you know that snakes hold a lot of medicinal potency within themselves, cold blooded or that they need to be well kept in order to live? There is also a particular temperature at which snakes thrive. And that is not always HOT!
Snakebite comes with the territory when you have a snake as a pet but this can be minimized or prevented totally with a good understanding of snake behaviors. If you have any queries about snakebite, these snake care pet books can help you by providing valuable information to help keep you and your snake safe.

Today Dedicated to RABBIT's care

2010-08-28T10:05:00.001-07:00

Owning a Pet Rabbit - Rabbit Care Tips

2010-08-28T09:26:00.001-07:00

A rabbit is a very cute and fun pet to have. Kids also love playing and petting rabbits. However, before buying a rabbit for its visual appeal...think through this first. There are some very important points that should be looked over before making this decision.
Rabbits do have teeth and they do bite. Also, unlike other animals, they don't like being held very often. In addition to this, they're very delicate. If you don't handle them right, their bones could be broken leading to injury or even death.
Having a small young child taking care of a rabbit can be a very bad idea. If a rabbit scratches your kid, how will they react? If they react by squeezing the rabbit, this is a bad situation. The kid could easily kill the rabbit.
Even though many people just cage a rabbit and leave it there forever, rabbits require more than this. They need lots of care and nurturing. Daily exercise, change of water, cleaning of the cage, and such are all needed for having a healthy rabbit. In addition to this, you must prepare your house for a rabbit if you let it out. Rabbits can bite and gnaw at furniture and such.
Leaving a rabbit alone in its cage all day is not nice at all. Rabbits are social creatures and lack of contact can make them lonely. What is the point of having a rabbit if it's in a cage all the time? A portrait of a rabbit hanging on the wall is a much better idea.
It's really not hard to care for a rabbit. Grooming and caring for your rabbit will only take around ten minutes a day. And during this time you should check for any issues such as bugs or bruises. Rabbits are very delicate and should be cared for very carefully. A simple case of diarrhea could be very harmful to a rabbit.

Tips on Caring For Your Pet Rabbit

2010-08-28T09:25:00.003-07:00

Rabbits make great pets thanks to their friendly and inquisitive nature. They are really happy to be petted or stroked and over time a human can develop a great, interactive relationship with a rabbit. By looking after your rabbit you are doing your bit to ensure it leads a long and happy life. Looking after a rabbit is fairly simple, but before buying a pet rabbit please read these quick tips and guides to see if you are making the right choice.
Hutch
Every rabbit needs a hutch, a place of its own to snuggle down to sleep and run around and play. You don't need to spend a vast amount of money on your hutch, but you do need to buy one big enough for a full size rabbit to be able to stand up in (on its back legs). It should also be wide enough to allow the rabbit to hop at least four full hops in any direction. Just like us, a rabbit likes to have a distinct area for certain activities, so make sure you allocate a space for sleep, a space for the toilet and a space in which to play. If you have more than one rabbit in the same hutch you will need to increase this space.
Rabbits love to snuggle down at night and in the UK climate good bedding is very important. Line the hutch with newspaper and cover with dust free chippings and straw. All the bedding should be changed regularly (a great job for the kid's pocket money!). Think carefully about where you position your hutch. Do not allow it to stand in direct sunlight for long periods of time and make sure it is in a well ventilated spot. Cover the hutch at night with a breathable fabric so the rabbit is not confronted with any night time predators such as foxes and cats. In addition to your hutch consider buying a run. Rabbits enjoy being allowed to hop around and a run provides them with a protective area in which to do this.
Feeding
Rabbits have a simple but quite nutritionally specific diet. They need two types of fibre - digestible and indigestible. This is because the food they consume actually goes through their digestive system twice. Do try and avoid the mass market muesli type foods available as these can be high in sugar and starch which can lead to increased weight gain, obesity and even diabetes. Search out a specialist rabbit food which contains the two essential fibres and you are giving your rabbit the best chance of a long and happy life. These specialist products are affordable and generally available from a specialist pet centre, vet or online specialist retail outlet. In addition to specialist food try and give your rabbit treats such as apple, banana, broccoli, celery, tomato, turnip and cabbage.
Vaccination
As with all pets you really need to consider the cost of annual vaccination and routine health treatment before you commit to buying. Rabbits require annual vaccinations and occasionally may need treating for illness, fleas etc. Pet insurance is becoming popular with many pet owners because the high cost of treating a sick or injured animal can be substantial. At the same time as the vaccinations your vet will probably have a look at your rabbit's teeth. Rabbits can be frequent sufferers of overgrown teeth if they don't eat a sufficient amount of hay (which helps to grind the teeth down). Bear the cost of vaccinations / check ups / dental checks and insurance BEFORE you buy any pet.
Caring for a rabbit really isn't difficult, but caring responsibly is sure to lead to a healthier and happier life for your pet, so by providing it with a good sized hutch, quality pet food and a health care plan you are doing your very best to be a responsible pet owner.

Your First Pet Rabbit

2010-08-28T09:25:00.001-07:00

Rabbits make wonderful pets and there is absolutely no doubt about that. These can be kept indoors as well as outdoors. Domesticated rabbits are not like their wild counterparts, they cannot survive in the extreme temperatures. Also, they do not respond well to the predators. Pet rabbits are very affectionate and attentive. They are very social in nature and they do care about their owners. These are meant to be played with and are loved by the entire family.
The choice of keeping them indoors or in a cage is entirely up to you. If you plan to keep your pet rabbit in a cage then do make sure that you take him out for play or for exercise everyday. Before you purchase a cage for him, his height should be taken into consideration. Ideally, the cage should be at least five times the size of the rabbit. It should be high enough to accommodate a rabbit standing with his hind legs. It is preferred that you put pieces of untreated pine wood or cardboard at the bottom of the cages in order to protect his pawns from getting hurt.
If you are not putting your rabbit in a cage and allowing him or her to roam freely then you have to ensure that you house is rabbit safe. Rabbits are extremely fond of chewing and thus, they should be prevented from chewing electrical cords, clothes, curtains etc. Majority of the rabbit owners allows their pet rabbits to roam freely, however only on a specified area.
Rabbits are herbivores which imply that they only eat vegetables, grasses and fruits. Apart from these, you should give them hay everyday as hay strengthens the digestive system of rabbits. You should give something to rabbit to chew as this will avoid overgrowing of rabbit teeth. Access of water is must for the rabbit and make sure you change the water everyday.
When you pick rabbits, you should pick them up with both the hands. Place one hand around his rump and the other one under his chest. Never lift up a rabbit by his ears.
Since rabbits like cleanliness thus you should brush them regularly. This will help in keeping their fur from matting. Besides, trim the rabbit nail every 4-6 weeks. These simple steps will ensure that your rabbit remains in the best of health.
Rabbits are no doubt among the best pets that one can have. If you are looking for high quality, affordable and highly durable rabbit cages then do log on to. We offer wide range of rabbit cages that your pet rabbit will surely love.

Rabbit Care

2010-08-28T09:24:00.001-07:00

Many people love to keep rabbits as pets. Rabbits serve as lovely and wonderful pets, you just need to take little care of them and make sure that you are giving them a proper diet. A typical diet of rabbit consists of hay, fresh vegetables, water and cereals. Rabbits love fruits, but you should give them fruits in limited quantities, otherwise it may cause obesity in rabbits. Also, make sure that you provide them plenty of water as rabbits dehydrate very quickly. These steps will ensure that your rabbit stays in a healthy condition.
Timothy hay is among the best food items that you can give to your rabbit. It is rich in various nutrients and vitamins. Majority of people give cereal pellets to their pet rabbits. These are available at supermarkets, pet food stores and farm suppliers. These were originally given by rabbit breeders, as these items provide good amount of vitamins and minerals that too, at a reasonable cost.
Hay becomes almost essential for ensuring good health of rabbits. Presence of hay in stomach of rabbit ensures that your rabbit does not suffer from any digestive tract problem or gastrointestinal stasis. In addition to it, hay provides a good amount of minerals and vitamins at a low food energy cost. Alfalfa is another popular type of grass that you can feed to your rabbit, but do take care of the quantities.
Fruits are unhealthy if given to rabbits in large quantities. Most of the fruits sold in stores consist of high level of food energy and carbohydrates. Some of the best fruits that you can give to rabbits are berries, apple, kiwis, pineapple, peach and other citrus fruits. These if given in large quantities may have a negative impact on the overall health of rabbit, thus you need to ensure that you give such stuff in a prescribed quantities. Most fruits sold in pet stores are filled with sugar and high food energy carbohydrates. A good diet is must for your rabbit to grow in a healthy manner.

Pet Rabbit Care - What You Need to Know

2010-08-28T09:23:00.001-07:00

Rabbits are around the fourth most popular pet in North America today. Consequently pet rabbit care is a very important topic.
Rabbits, much like other popular pets such as dogs, are both physically and psychologically complex creatures. It is essential for any person that has the intention of caring for a pet rabbit to make an honest and sincere attempt to understand the inner workings of their rabbit.
There are many areas a rabbit owner will need to have an understanding of:
- the basics of bunny care
- what you need to look out for when you choose a bunny
- what type of rabbit is right for you...big, small, long haired or short
- which rabbit breed is right for you...especially important if you are looking to attend rabbit shows
- where to find the perfect rabbit. There are many options...pet store, breeders, adoption groups!
- how to house your pet bunny...indoor, outdoor, hutch, cage, how big
- what equipment you will need...cage, litterbox, nest box, food bowl, water bottle
- how to properly groom your rabbit, clip his nails, brush his hair,etc
- what to feed you pet bunny...pellets or natural foods
- the importance of grass hay
- which foods are dangerous to your rabbit
- which hays and pellets can pose a threat to the health of your rabbit and risk obesity
- how to keep you pet bunny fit by correctly exercising him
- how to spot, treat and prevent common and serious rabbit health issues
- how to train you rabbit... your bunny CAN be litter box trained
- how to stop your bunny misbehaving
- how to interpret your pet rabbit's body language so as to understand his needs and wants
- how to play and socialise with your pet bunny...without making the common mistakes that can frighten him
- what to do when it comes time for a vacation!
From reading the above you can see there is a lot to consider and why it is so important to have a good understanding of pet rabbit care.

Rabbit Cages - The Perfect Housing For Your Cuddly Pets

2010-08-28T09:22:00.001-07:00

No matter how well cared for your bunny is, there will be times when your rabbit gets ill. Rabbit illnesses can range from very minor such as ear mites (easily curable with the right treatment) to downright serious such as heat stroke. A properly stocked bunny first aid kit will ensure you are well prepared to deal with those minor illnesses/injuries.
To store your kit, you can buy a 'human' first aid box but what I find just as good (actually I use these for sewing kits, kids craft kits etc as well) is a fishing tackle box or something similar which you can get cheaply at your local hardware store. Even a large lunchbox or Tupperware container with a lid would work too.
Here's what we recommend as the basics:

Thermometer (not glass) and lubricant. Normal rectal temperature range is around 101-103 degrees Fahrenheit (37-39 degrees Celsius)
Stethoscope for listening to your bun's heart and chest. Normal heart beat range is around 130-325 beats per minute with approx 220 as average.
Cotton swabs and cotton balls
Saline eye wash (to rinse foreign bodies from eyes)
Gauze bandages and sterile cotton pads for dressing wounds
Styptic powder or cornstarch (cornflour) for stopping nails from bleeding
Betadine for cleaning and disinfecting wounds
A towel or small blanket for steadying your bunny if you need to hold him. or for stopping blood flow.
Plastic syringes (without the needles) for administering medicine or feeding your sick rabbit.
Small amount of mineral based oil like olive or cooking oil for killing ear mites
Small jars of baby food eg: pureed pumpkin for rabbits that aren't feeding properly. Use the plastic syringes to feed your bun. (NB: ensure the food has no added salt or onions. Very plain is best)
Small tube of Petromalt (to help dissolve hairballs)
Small sharp scissors
Teeth trimmers
Nail clippers
Small card with phone number for your usual vet and phone number for your emergency vet. (Please don't forget this one - it may be the thing that saves your bunny's life one day)

You can always add to this list, but having these basics will get you started for now. If you do want to include ointments recommended by your vet then check the expiry date regularly. Your first aid kit will help you with small bumps and bruises however always keep an eye out for any general signs of illness. It is important to note any changes to your bunny's behaviour and/or appearance as this may be a sign that all is not well. You know your bunny best! Once ill they can go downhill rapidly so don't hesitate to ring your vet any time of the day or night.

Bunnies are delicate creatures but with proper information on pet rabbit care yours can live a happy healthy life.
To your bunny's very good health!

Pet Rabbits - Care and Grooming Basics

2010-08-28T09:21:00.001-07:00

Rabbits are perhaps the most loved and cuddled pets by both children and grown ups alike. However, they need proper care and attention like all other pet animals. Since most of the pet rabbits are kept indoors, it is essential that you need to take good care of them to maintain its cleanliness and health.
These fluffy friends also have its emotional needs. Rabbits are known to love human company and they are happier when their masters are around. They are very playful and love to have fun. If you or your family is out most of the day, your pet may feel left alone. So, make it a point to play with them whenever you are at home to form an intimate relationship with your pet which they cherish very much. Shower them sufficient attention and they will be hopping around you with joy.
Equally important is the safety of the rabbits. Though they love to be in the company of other animals also, your other pets like cats and dogs may not always be happy to see rabbits in the house. Some dogs and cats may love rabbits and play with them while some others will try to harm them even if you have kept the rabbits in a cage. More than physically harming the rabbits, the other animals can scare them very much and sometimes even harass them to death. Make sure that your other pets cannot reach the rabbit cage or the rabbits feel safe in their cages even if a mischievous cat or dog tries to disturb it.
Rabbits would like to have its space. Cages must have sufficient space for them to move around freely and they must be put in a quiet place where they can rest or sleep when the day's playtime is over. They like peace while they rest; so keep the rabbit cages away from all noises. If the rabbits are kept in outside hutches, they must be properly insulated from extreme weather conditions. The hutches must be erected in long stands that keep the rabbits off the ground and secure from the attack of other animals.
Cleanliness is an important aspect of rabbit care. Clean rabbit droppings on a regular basis to prevent odor and other health hazards. You also need to take good care of the hair of the rabbit. Brush it hair once a day. It would be a good idea to trim the hair as this will help in keeping the hair free from mats and easy to groom.
Give your pets special rabbit food that contains fibers that rabbits require in its diet. Also give them fresh fruits and vegetables like carrots, cabbage, broccoli, apple, banana, etc. Rabbits like to chew all the time. It is a good idea to give them toys and hay to chew on. Regular annual vaccination is also necessary to keep your pet rabbits healthy and free from illness. Give timely treatment for infections and fleas.
And, most importantly, give them a lot of love and freedom. Do not lock them up in cages all the time. Allow them to hop around in a room when you are away for a long time. Remember is to lock the room to keep it safe from other animals and keep electric cords away from the rabbit.

Top Tips For Pet Rabbit Care

2010-08-28T09:20:00.002-07:00

It's a Pet - Not a Toy
As a pet, rabbits do not necessarily come to mind as a pet that needs to have a lot of care and attention. However, just like cats and dogs, rabbits need a considerable amount of both of those things in order to live a long and truly healthy life.
Spay or Neuter Your Bunny
A very important decision to be made is to spay or not spay. Spaying or neutering a rabbit typically lengthens their lifespan by two or more years. But factually, there is evidence that points to be spaying a rabbit leading to a more manageable behavior. Rabbits that aren't spayed can become territorial and very possessive later in their reproductive lives. When they are spayed or neutered, possessiveness is reduced, as well as moodiness, aggressiveness, and excessive biting and chewing.
Fur Balls
To avoid excessive fur balls, brushing a rabbit regularly is highly advised. At times, rabbits may swallow the fur balls their bodies create and that is a problem mainly because they can't spit it back up. So, this could definitely derail future digestive problems. For a short haired rabbit, brushing at least once a week is the advised brushing time. Rabbits shed every three months and it is advised to brush them daily when they do this and to brush even more frequently during the heaviest part of the shed.
The preferred brush to use on a rabbit is one specifically designed for them because to skin is very delicate and tougher brushes may irritate or cause them pain quite easily. Angora rabbits, no matter what period of time it is, require a daily brushing because their hair tends to be much longer than shorter hair rabbits. Along with daily brushing, keeping their hair trimmed to about 1-inch is also advised.
No Rabbit Baths
Baths as a way to clean them is definitely not advised. Baths tend to cause rabbits to develop a very stressful state and it is better to rely on "spot cleaning" opposed to placing them in a bath. Spot cleaning allows you to focus on one dirty spot a time to clean instead of getting their entire bodies wet.
If bathing is absolutely positively necessary, it is best to clean the rabbit as quickly as possible and to remember it takes a long while for their fur to dry so try not to get them too wet. A blow dryer is advised to use to speed the drying process. But even though instructions are given, it is best to try not to rely on bathing your rabbit at all.
Rabbits Chew
Rabbits need hard items to chew on in order to keep their teeth healthy and strong. If you allow your rabbit to roam free in your house, try to rabbit-proof the place so that rabbits do not chew on your furniture, wires, etc. Keep within their reach plenty of chewable items because it is very vital to their day-to-day living.
Other Factors
Security is also important to rabbits. They have to be held properly and in a way that makes them feel completely and totally safe. They are used to being hunted so they automatically become defensive or afraid if held improperly, which can lead to scratching.
Finding a great veterinarian who is trained in rabbit care is also important in terms of caring for a rabbit because they are considered to be an exotic pet and when something goes wrong, you want to know that you have someone you can call to be there for you.

Pet Rabbit Care - 5 Steps to Caring For Your House Rabbit

2010-08-28T09:20:00.000-07:00

Over the years rabbits as pets - as distinct from rabbits for fur, meat or breeding - have gained huge popularity.
Rabbits are now the third most popular pet in the United States, surpassed only by cats and dogs. We have welcome rabbits into our homes as friends and companions in droves however the information available on pet rabbit care can sometimes be lacking or confusing for the newcomer.
The subject of caring for our beloved bunnies is huge. To make it easy we will look at the five main area - housing, feeding, exercise, health/grooming and play.
1. Housing
More and more people are choosing to have their bunnies live inside with them rather than outside. Inside bunnies need a pen or cage with the following:
Sturdy bottom - if wire cover with a few layers of cardboard to protect your bun's delicate feet
Litter tray - use a high sided one (rabbits spray urine horizontally) and place in a corner as rabbits prefer to use corners as their toilets. If your rabbit seems to prefer one corner over another then move it to the preferred corner.
Food bowl - heavy ceramic is best as rabbits love to tip these over! However you can also use a metal one with a wide base. Plastic is a definite no-no. A bored rabbit could easily chew this and become very ill.
Hay bag/basket - rabbits love hay and they need a constant supply of it to provide the essential fibre they require for their digestion. The chewing also grinds down their teeth naturally. It is a good idea to hang their hay basket on the side of their cage so that it remains fresh. Placing it in the hutch is not a good idea as rabbits have a tendency to walk over it and even urinate in it.
Water bowl or bottle - teaching your rabbit to drink from a bottle is always a good idea. The water remains fresh and the cage will stay drier. Failing this place use a bowl similar to their food bowl ie: one they can't tip over!
Nesting/Sleeping box - your rabbit will need somewhere to sleep and hide when it wants some peace and quiet. It can be as simple as an upturned cardboard box with two holes cut into it. The two holes are important as bunnys need to know they have an escape route. Add some hay for warmth. Your rabbit will also probably chew this but that's fine - who would say no to breakfast in bed?!
2. Feeding
A rabbit's diet should be made up mostly of hay (70%) then mixed green veggies (1 cup per 3lb) and finally small amounts of treats (5%) like carrots (yes, these are treat foods as they are high in natural sugars), apples & pears (no pips, they're toxic), bananas, grapes, raisins, strawberries, papaya etc.
Hay is super important to a rabbit. It is low in calories and high in fibre and is import for both keeping teeth ground down and for your bun's digestive system.
Much has been written about feeding and whether a diet of pellets is really the most suitable food for rabbits. Bear in mind that pellets were developed as a high calorie food for breeders so that their rabbits gained weight quickly and better cope with the stressful environment of a breeding situation. House rabbits live a much more relaxed existence (well they should!) and don't need such high calorie, high protein meals. Feeding a diet of pellets may be linked to the increased rates of house rabbit obesity seen today. If you choose to feed pellets monitor your rabbit's weight carefully!
Fresh water must be available at all times.
3. Exercise
Rabbits need a minimum of two hours exercise per day. Now don't think you need to be donning your walking shoes and grabbing your rabbit's leash - although many rabbits can be trained to walk on a harness! - what we mean here is two hours out of their cage where they can roam freely, but supervised.
You may choose to let them roam your house or outside. We can't stress enough the issue of supervision. Unless your whole house and/or garden is rabbit proofed you must follow your bunny very closely. They love to burrow so could easily dig into your next door neighbour's house or eat something they shouldn't.
4. Health & Grooming
It is very important that you handle your rabbit often. In this way you will form a bond with your rabbit and know when something is wrong. Grooming your bunny gives you an opportunity to do this.
Rabbits are very clean animals and spend a lot of time grooming themselves. Unless you have a longhaired breed like an Angora or Lionhead which must be groomed twice weekly, your rabbit will require little grooming.

Brush his coat to remove loose dirt
Check length of nails and clip if necessary
Check ears for mites, fleas and any redness which could be a sign of infection
Check for nasal discharge. Rabbits should not have discharge from their noses. Consult your rabbit-friendly vet if yours does as they may have the case of snuffles which is a cute sounding but not cute to have respiratory infection.
Check his teeth regularly. A rabbit needs healthy teeth to chew properly. With healthy teeth the upper incisors should just reach over the lower incisors rather like how a pair of scissors fits together.

5. PlayCaring for your rabbit involves not just looking after their material needs (food, water, shelter etc) but their emotional ones as well. Playing with your rabbit is a fun and relaxing way to keep him happy and it vital for their wellbeing. There isn't much better in life than seeing your bunny doing a binkie - the rabbit equivalent of jumping for joy!
You don't have to buy expensive toys. Tie a juicy piece of carrot with a string and get your bunny to chase along after it. Or build them a rustle box out of a shoebox and crunchy autumn leaves. This one is only limited by your imagination.
So, there you have it. Rabbit care in 5 easy steps!

Pet Adoption Tips

2010-08-28T09:17:00.001-07:00

Pets make wonderful companion and give us unconditional love. But bringing up pets is not an easy task. It requires lot of time, energy, willingness and money on your part. Before adopting a pet consider these things so that you do not have to repent your decision later.

Some basic things to follow before the adoption of a pet

Raising a pet is a costly affair. Be sure about how much you can afford. Some of the basic expenses relating to different pets are:
- Amphibians, reptiles, and fish: Aquarium, filter, heater, plants etc.
- Birds and rodents: Cage, bedding or cage liner, dishes, toys etc.
- Dogs and cats: License, collar, leash, brush, toys, dishes, bed etc.
The other cost heads that are common to all the pet are;
- Food
- Bedding
- Litter
- Grooming or grooming supplies
- Regular well-pet veterinary care
- Sick, trauma, or emergency veterinary care
- Vaccinations and other medical care as needed
You need time and energy to feed, clean or groom, handle, train, exercise, and take your pet to the veterinarian regularly. Time requirement of each pet varies.
- Amphibians, reptiles, and fish: 10 minutes per day, plus 3 hours every few weeks.
- Rabbits, guinea pigs, mice: 30 minutes per day
- Cats and birds: 30 to 60 minutes per day
- Dogs: More than one hour per day.
Your pet also needs some space. Make sure that you have adequate space at your home to accommodate a new member.
Adopt a healthy pet, which is not suffering from any deadly disease. Before adoption get your pet examined by a veterinarian and get your pet vaccinated against deadly diseases.
Get your pet spayed or neutered immediately after adoption.
Adopt the pet from an authorized center/agency and complete all the legal formalities required.

Tips on Pet Bath

2010-08-28T09:16:00.001-07:00

Humans have not only developed specialized shampoos and soaps and brushes for themselves but their pets too. The bath and grooming accessories for animals have a wide range and are made typically for cats, dogs, birds, aquarium fish and other pets according to their sizes, nature, needs and requirements. There are pet combs that prevent hair shedding in dogs, cats and rabbits. There are booster baths available for your dog that saves you from getting wet and your pet from unnecessary stress and is in the first line of choice by top breeders. The waterless pet bath brush are meant to keep your pets clean without the use of chemicals or water and can be used on various species such as dogs, cats, rabbits, small pets and horses. Since they are quiet, timid pets are not frightened of them.

Pets that hate to bathe, especially in the colder months love to be brushed by the waterless brush with its sturdy plastic bristles that can undo the stubborn tangles in their fur and use air energizer to clear away pet odors. They love the gentle vibrations of the massaging brush too. Brushes with removable brush plates are easier to clean. Regular brushing is safe for dogs, cats, horses, ferrets and rabbits. Pet Bath wipes are used for puppies and are easiest and quickest way to keep your puppy clean. Some of them are specially designed to keep the pet's skin and coat clean, smelling fresh, healthy and shiny. Some of them are scented with fresh baby powder scent too. There are easily installed kits that you can use with your garden hose to give your pet an instant warm water splash.

They come with shower nozzle and allow you to regulate temperature and pressure of the water. Other bathing and grooming supplies include economical heavy-duty plastic bathtubs, hoses and complete bathing systems that are quite efficient, premium quality super-absorbent cotton towels and even tub restraints to keep your pet in place while you are bathing him or her. Special tiles that can control infectious germs, moisture and temperature are quite convenient while bathing your pets and ensure greater safety. Pet towels that can absorb water better are quite handy when it comes to drying furs or feathers of your pet quickly. The frizzy and split ends of the hair can be kept off, if the furs are dried properly and quickly. For traveling purposes, lightweight and compact towels are the best. Gloves that you can use while bathing your pet keeps you and your pet safer and makes washing and drying pets easier. The webbed fingers of these gloves help you to scrub your pet thoroughly while the pet relax under their massaging effect. Towel sponges that come in quite funky designs are just adorable. So, check out your pet store for these wonderful products next time.

Dog Care

2010-08-28T09:15:00.000-07:00

Dogs and humans have been best friends for long. While dogs give unconditional love, loyalty and friendship to their owners, the owners are, in turn, responsible for their proper care, food and water, shelter, safety, regular veterinary care and exercise. In fact, if you do not undertake proper care of your dog, it is not only likely to suffer from physical problems, but behavioral problems as well. In this context, there are some dog-care basics that you need to follow. In order to help you out in the task, we have listed a number of dog caring tips, in the lines below.

How To Care For Dogs

Collar your dog and attach an ID to it, with the dog's name, your name, address, and telephone number written on it. The ID will prove to be a great help if, and when, your dog ends up getting lost. Through the information provided on the ID, someone will able to bring your pet safely back to your home.
Bathing your dog at regular intervals is necessary. However, giving it a bath on an exceedingly frequent basis can dry out its skin and coat and result in skin infections. The best bet would be to bathe your dog once in a month. In case it gets too dirty in-between, rub it with a damp towel or wash just the paws.
While bathing the dog frequently is not advisable, you should definitely groom it on a daily basis. Move a brush or comb through the hair of your dog, ensuring that its coat remains smooth and free of tangles. Grooming of a dog can be started when it is 3-4 months old and continues throughout its life.
It is necessary to undertake a proper physical examination of your dog on a monthly basis. Check the pad of its feet for any injuries and also undertake an oral examination of its mouth. At the same time, make sure to keep its ears as well as teeth clean. You need to take your dog for regular veterinarian check-ups as well, say every 2-3 months.
One of the main points that you need to keep in mind, while taking care of your dog, comprises of its diet. Remember, a nutritionally balanced diet, with constant access to fresh water, is as good for your dog as it is for you. Before deciding on the proper diet for your dog, it is advisable to consult a veterinary doctor.
If you want your dog to remain fit and healthy, then you need to make sure that it gets a lot of exercise. Keeping its busy physically will also help keep behavioral problems at bay. You can take him for walk twice a day or play with him. In this context, remember that the level of exercise that your dog should get depends upon its breed and age.
While some people prefer to keep their dog free throughout the day, others prefer to keep it tied for majority of the time. It is advisable not to keep your dog constantly tied up, as this will lead to boredom and result in bad temper of the dog as well. As much as possible, keep your dog free of the leash.
If you do not want to breed your dog, get it neutered, after consulting a veterinary doctor. It will help the dog live longer, be healthier and have fewer behavior problems. You should also get your dogs vaccinated against rabies and other diseases. It is necessary to ensure the health of your dog as well as those who come in contact with it.
You need to provide proper shelter for your dog, mainly in the form of a dog house (and fence yard, in case of large and active dogs). However, most of the dogs crave companionship and do not like to be alone for long periods. So, try to spend as much time with your dog as possible and make it go into the dog house at night only.

How you can Take Care of one’s Puppy

2010-08-28T09:11:00.000-07:00

The Relationship that can arrive between a individual and a dog can be very strong, particularly if that relationship had been strengthened living with each other for many years, I have personally cried after loosing our family dog that had been like a greatest buddy to me from my birth till I as 15 years old, when he was hit by a car one morning.
Canines serve many different needs for individuals. Some individuals get a dog simply because they are lonely and need a loyal buddy or simply because they want a dog to guard. A dog that is used great care of and provided attention to frequently will give his existence to help guard his home and his owner. For that blind a dog can be a pair of eyes to help them get around and for that police a dog can be an essential device and a loyal partner, having a nose that absolutely nothing can beat.
The first point you need to know about taking care of a dog is the fact that canines need lots of physical exercise. This really is the same for large canines and small canines. All canines need to be let out a minimum of as soon as every 8 hours and should provided a minimum of a 20 minute walk to give the dog some fresh air, physical exercise and a chance to relieve themselves.
It is also essential to play using the dog on the regular basis. This can imply heading to the park on the weekend or working day off and having a good game of fetch, tossing the ball around inside your back yard or simply wrestling about the ground using the dog, just make sure if you’re ruff housing having a little dog that you do not accidentally harm the dog. Playing using the dog for a half hour each day, isn’t only great for that canines actual well being but a dig that is played with frequently is mentally healthier and less likely to become a depressed dog, it also lowers your blood pressure as well and it’ll type an unbreakable relationship between you and your pooch, which will extend to your family if you should begin having one after having the dog.
What you feed your dog is extremely essential to the canines continued great well being. The better dog foods is going to be marked for what are groups the foods is suitable for. Younger canines need particular vitamins and minerals in bigger quantities then an adult dog, and the same goes for an elderly dog they need much more calcium in their foods to help guard their bones and joints. Feeding your dog the incorrect foods can stunt the dog’s growth and opens the dog to some bigger danger of surgery when they are older.
Just like a individual a dog ought to be used to the veterinarian’s office every 6 months, and must obtain their shots every year. Regular checkups and vaccinations will also help assure that your dog grows to be an old happy dog.

Pet Care Tips

2010-08-28T09:02:00.000-07:00

Once you have adopted a pet you need to take full care of it. Such care is very essential for pet's well being and your own peace of mind.

Pet's diet is very important. It should contain all the necessary ingredients required by the pet. Some pets such as cats are carnivorous and hence they require some animal-source ingredients, such as meat, poultry, or fish, in their diets.
Keep aside some time every day for your pet. Your pet requires your attention and affection and this is very essential for between you and the pet.
Supervise the new pet diligently through undivided individual attention
and training, and restrict the pet's access to a limited area of the house
until training is complete.
A pet is an animal. It has to be trained for the desired behavior. Training requires constant and persistent effort on your part.
Promote good sanitation behavior in pets. Keep the area where they litter clean.
Get your pet vaccinated against the deadly diseases. Also regularly get it examined by a veterinarian to ensure his good health.
Never punish a pet if it indulges in bad behavior. This may lead to fear biting or aggression. Instead, correct bad behavior by providing positive alternatives such as scratching post for sofa in case of cat.
It is advisable to have the pet spayed or neutered. It helps in control of unwanted off springs and minimizes the risk of behavioral and health problems associated with sexually intact animals.
If in an emergency situation you have to give first aid to the pet take care to protect yourself. A sick or injured animal is often in a frightened state and may attack you. Cats can be handled with gloves or wrapped in a blanket; a dog can be muzzled.
Pets can get poisoned. Poisoning maybe due to snake bite, a poisonous plant, pesticides, fertilizers, acids, paints etc. In case of poisoning - Keep the pet warm and quiet; Determine what the poison was, when it was ingested and the amount swallowed; Take the pet immediately to a veterinarian.
Keep dangerous objects like pins, needles, blades, fish-hooks etc out of the reach of the pets.
Be well aware of your pet's normal behavior, so that you can recognize what's not normal.

Pet Snake Tips - Live Or Pre-Killed Food?

2010-08-27T09:20:00.000-07:00

2010-08-27T05:13:00.001-07:00

Tips About the Right Cages For Hamsters

2010-08-27T05:12:00.001-07:00

A hamster can be an amazing creature to get. The children are bound to love it. They are very cute and peaceable. With a hamster you are bound to have good times as long as you take care of it properly, there is nothing worse than neglect to an animal. The better you take care of it the more you will learn about it. A hamster is a beautiful looking creature it can be likened to a small kitten or a good looking rat. What ever way you want to look at it they do make nice pets.
Here are some tips that you may want to consider if you are planning on getting an Hamster.
The Pets safety
When you get a Hamster its important that you keep its safely, they have fragile bodies and limbs. You will need to get a range of cage accessories that are safe for it. So don't buy any thing that could be potentially unsafe for the Hamster. You can ask your self some of the following questions -
Will the hamster get stuck or trapped in any of the cage accessories?
If he got trapped how much harm would it cause?
The best recommendation for an accessory in the cage is a solid hamster wheel as opposed to metal spoked ones, that way the Hamster has no where that it can get its feet caught. You shouldn't take the chance.
Having the right safety elements in the Hamsters cage will alleviate any potential or fatal problems that may occur to the pet. It is not a pretty sight to see a Hamster get its leg caught on any thing. Especially on something that your cage can do with out. Ask your self the questions above when ever you buy your Hamster accessories and you will get the most out of him or her.

Hair Shampoos and Clippers and Combs, Oh My Gosh

2010-08-27T05:11:00.001-07:00

New combs and brushes, shampoos, conditioners, sweet smelling sprays will make your family pet luscious, Clipper and trimmers will make your puppy sing. These are a few of my favorite issues. Do not mind me, I am in Sound of Music mode. I could possibly write a second verse using the all of the items available to groom your pets.
Grooming supplies are large sellers, not just to groomers. Folks who attempt to maintain our pets looking nice will acquire anything that works or promises to work. You will find as many diverse combs and brushes with there being types of haircoats. You can find soft brushes, wire brushes, good combs, wide tooth combs, and an endless supply of gear to demat your pet's hair. I'm a big fan of the "Furminator." Don't you agree sound intimidating? It appears like a big clipper blade with a rubber handle and for people with a perpetually shedding puppy, this works wonders. My canine has a soft downy undercoat that leaves tiny puffs of hair flying like tumbleweeds all over the place. When he is frequently combed with the furminator, there is certainly so much less hair. I adore it.
There are also lots of shampoos. You can find hypoallergenic kinds, usually oatmeal based for your really sensitive pet. Certainly you will find the flea shampoos. Flea shampoos will often kill the fleas which can be on your puppy at the time. Many of them just stun the fleas. Most of us have probably noticed the miraculously resurrected fleas begin to hop when we have presumed they are dead. As soon as your puppy is dry, use a flea preparation designed to have him flea free. Shampoos fail to work for that. Conditioners are nice for your longer haired pet. Combing is easier whenever the coat is tangle free and the puppy will always be so much happier when you are not yanking and taking a comb through his hair. He has accepted the bath so he should not be expected to tolerate having his hair pulled throughout the comb out.
Nail clippers are a good grooming tool to have. These come in a number of sizes and there are extremely little curved ones just for cats. Cat and puppy nail are distinct and the very small clippers are perfect. Let's talk a minute about the hugely advertised pedipaws. It sounds excellent. You can't quick the pet. There exists a small rotating wheel of sandpaper to smooth the nails, pain free. You set the nail in the little hole and sand away. Not so much in a hurry, numerous pets don't like this. It takes tolerance and time to teach your puppy to tolerate it, and I defy anyone to attempt it on any other than the nearly comatose cat. It is comparatively quiet, but not quiet enough for that feline population. Try it if you have to, but it's not as easy as the ad makes it appear.
For that bath phobic pet, or just for a refresher in the midst of groomings, you will find powders and wipes designed for quickie clean ups. The dog wipes are good for muddy paws. My thundering herd bolts the door at warp speed just after being out while it's raining, so a mop can be useful for me. Older pets can be kept fresh even in cold weather conditions having a dry shampoo. Just sprinkle it on and also brush through the coat, without any fuss. Cats will tolerate this better than getting bathed in the normal way. Cats are usually fairly well groomed by themselves, but older and overweight pets need some aid keeping themselves clean. A good comb works nicely on the rear area for many who can't reach their posteriors after making use of the litter box. Was that not delicately put? Cat owners know precisely the reason.
After the grooming is complete, you should purchase a variety of bows and frilly hair things for your family pet. Please select something manly for your dear male canine. There are colognes as well. Will any self respecting canine wants to smell like green apple? There are a few unscented coat refreshers which are nice in winter, or wet weather conditions for that "doggy" smell.
As you can tell, you could spend a small fortune for the grooming supplies. Just keep in mind that a lot of them are marketed for the owner, not the canine, so choose carefully.

PETS

2010-08-26T00:45:00.001-07:00

Cat Care - Tips on Bringing Home a Pet Cat

2010-08-26T00:44:00.000-07:00

Pet Care is Important to Keep Your Pets Healthy

2010-08-26T00:43:00.001-07:00

We find that many people love to keep pets. People who love animals always keep one at home. Cats and dogs are the two most common animals kept as pets. They are a source of companionship and the house is livened with the playful activities of the pet-animals. Having dogs as pets is preferred by a majority of the people, because dogs are loyal and they guard the house. Some people dread keeping animals because they either hate to take care of them, or they are scared of allergies from pets.
Apart from cats and dogs, there are so many other animals that are kept,like rabbits, fish, birds like parrots and love birds, guinea pig and sometimes monkey's, spiders and even snakes. It is always better to avoid keeping wild animals as pets.
Although pets are considered as an addition responsibility, do you know that having pets has many health benefits? It has been found out that pets can reduce stress, reduce blood pressure and heart diseases, reduces loneliness, and will be there with you at tough times.
Whatever animal you keep as pet, the most important factor is that you have to take care of it. If you decide to keep an animal, you should also be willing to spend time and money to care for your pets. Caring for your pet should not be considered as a burden. Pets are like a part of your family and you should care for them just as you care for your children.
Make sure that your pet is given the proper diet. Avoid giving foodstuffs that are not suitable for your pet, like dogs are not be given chocolates. Your pets need your love and affection, so spend some time with your pet daily. Pet-sanitation training is also very important, so that they don't dirty your house.
Your pet should always be kept clean. There are many types of bath and grooming accessories typically made for pets depending on their type and nature. There are pet shampoos and soaps and also pet combs to to prevent hair shedding and pet towels that absorb water faster.
It is very important that your pets remain healthy and free from diseases, and it is essential that you pet eats a balanced nutritious diet. The food your pets eat should contain carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, fat, proteins and water. If you have dogs or cats has pets. make sure you include raw meat in their daily diet. There are many types of nutritious dog foods available in the market.
Another very important thing is vaccination. Your pets should be vaccinated yearly to prevent them from contagious diseases. Ear mites are very common in cats and dogs and it can lead to infections. So a regular visit to the veterinarian is a must.
It is fun to have pets at home. Take proper care of them and they will always be your best friend.