Ball Pythons As Pets

In today's society people are still afraid of snakes. I might ask you, why? OK, some snakes may be a bit aggressive, but that number is very minimal. I'm talking about maybe three or four species.

Ball pythons are a snake to get started with, because of how docile they are. Another great fact about them is they do not get very large, in fact they are considered a small snake ranging from 4-5 feet. They are also cheaper to feed than dogs, cats, even birds. They only eat once every week, and can even go up to two weeks without eating.

I have owned Ball Pythons, now for a little over seven years. My wife and I started out with one because she herself was afraid of them. That was until we got her home and my wife started handling her. Her I keep saying, Bonnie is what we named her. My wife now loves them as much as I do. This means a lot, due to the fact that she was scared of them before Bonnie. We now own eleven Ball Pythons.

From the time my daughter "Angelica" was just a baby she has held and helped feed our snakes. She actually looks forward to helping us with them and enjoys the responsibility of misting the cages everyday. I feel as though this is teaching her how to be an ethical person. So not only is she learning about snakes, but she is bettering herself. She knows the snakes rely on her to help them live, they return the favor by being a great pet.

I hope you have liked this blog, I will keep posting and if you're interested in learning more about Ball Pythons or looking to buy one, then you should stop by our site.
Eric Rovegnohttp://www.ballpythonplanet.com

By Eric Rovegno

Rat Vets - Finding A Good Vet For Your Pet Rat

There are loads of good vets out there for your rat, but it is not always the easiest task to find them.

Some vets may be wonderful with cats and dogs, but do not have the same knowledge about rats. Some vets do not respect rats and think it easier to let it die and buy a new one. Some may overcharge because they don't want to treat your rat.

But there are some who respect rats and have knowledge about them. There are others who respect rats and are open to advice. These are the ones to track down.

You should try and locate a good rat vet as soon as you can, so that if an emergency occurs you know who to call.

Never accept derogatory comments about your rat.

Call up your chosen veterinary practice and be upfront. Ask whether the vets there have dealt with many rats before. Maybe even talk to the vet and ask as many questions as you like. Ask them how many rats they treat and their surgery success rate (it should not be less than 95%)
You can even ask a trick question, such as "Should I withhold food before surgery?". If they know about rats they will know that they can't vomit, so you don't need to withhold food.

When you take your rat to the vets they should put a towel down for your pet, so that the cold table, doesn't make them uncomfortable.

Read up on your rat's symptoms, so that you can maximise the productivity of your trip to the vets.

And finally...if you find a good one spread the word and contact rat websites so that they can let others know.

http://www.RatsRatsRats.com

Catherine Smith 2007

Check out my website for everything you've ever wanted to know about pet rats. From training to toys, housing to health. You can even go shopping for your ratty friend.

Ferret Food - The Pros and Cons of a Raw Diet

The lack of truly ideal ferret foods is one reason there is growing interest in more natural diets for ferrets.

Basic Feeding Rules

Ferrets have unique feeding requirements, which are now finally being addressed by commercial pet food manufacturers, though with varying success. Ferrets are obligate carnivores, and food passes through the digestive system of a ferret very quickly. They have a sweet tooth but do not give in -- avoid sweet treats (including raisins and other fruits).

Ferret diets should list meat, poultry or fishmeal, or animal by-products as the first ingredient. Ferrets love fruits and veggies, but their systems don't. They do not digest fibre well at all; a banana in comes out a banana. For this reason, a ferret diet must be high in animal protein, high in fat, and low in fibre.

Feeding Young Ferrets

Whether you are feeding raw or commercial food you should always feed at least two types of food in your young ferret's daily diet to prevent them from imprinting on one food. Ferrets imprint on foods when they're young, so varying the diet will make things easier if you need to change your ferret's food later on.

There are vitamin supplements for ferrets and hairball remedies, which ferrets generally love, and they provide some benefits.

Raw Diet Pros

Good diets tend to be expensive, but are worth it. I researched raw food diets further and found a diet combining raw meaty bones and mince which keeps our ferrets in top condition. Feeding whole raw meaty bones help to prevent tartar forming on the teeth and provides calcium in the diet. Even if not feeding a raw food diet they can be fed alongside dry complete a couple of times a week to keep the teeth clean.

You will see an overall improvement in your ferret's energy and coat condition. One bonus of a natural diet is that the stool volume decreases as more of the food is absorbed and the smell is greatly decreased.

There are many websites containing information on raw feeding. When feeding groups of ferrets watch to ensure no fighting occurs over bones.

Raw Diet Cons

The biggest drawback to feeding any fresh, cooked meat would be the ferret's normal habit of stashing food for later. It is pretty unhygienic and dangerous to have a pile of stashed meat in the corner of the cage. Make sure you collect any leftovers after every feed. When first fed raw bones it can cause your ferret's stools to turn a white/grey colour, the ferrets digestive system will develop stomach acids to break down bone and should soon return to normal.

(Note not all veterinarians promote a raw food diet) In the wild a ferret's natural diet is a mixture of small mammals, some birds, fish, amphibians and invertebrates. When feeding groups of ferrets watch to ensure no fighting occurs over bones.

Getting the balance right

Perhaps the best thing to do is to pick up a bag or two of the highest quality ferret food on the market. Make sure you check the ingredients on the pack and see that the first ingredients are meat. Make up a meal of some dry food, some raw bones and meat and even a vitamin supplement. Gradually you can increase the amount of raw food in the diet. Make sure you keep up the vitamin supplements to ensure your ferret is not missing out.

Canned ferret food can be given as a treat or supplement, but only occasionally.

The diet you feed your ferret is vital to their health and overall well-being and could even help your ferret live a long and happy life.

By Catherine Smith

2007 Copyright Catherine Smithhttp://www.ferret-training.info

If You Love Your Ferret But Are Frustrated By Its Naughty Behaviour And The Numerous Annoyances Associated With Ferret Care, Then check out http://www.ferret-training.info to Learn How To Turn Your Ferret Into The Most Well Behaved Ferret In The World, While Feeling Great About It.

Keeping Degus as Fascinating Pets

A small caviomorph rodent native to Chile is the Degu. The caviomorphs are characterized by their large heads, plump bodies, slender legs and short tails. They are also distinguished by the formation of their jaws and massafer muscles. The degu is sometimes also called the glitter-tailed rat though it is not related to the rat family.

The rodents are highly social creatures living in burrows. They dig together communally to make larger and more elaborate burrows than what they could do individually also. There are chains formed by degus digging together and coordinating their activities. The social behavior is also observed in case of the females who live in the same group who not only nest communally but also nurse the young of each other.

Caring for Degus Kept as Pets

The degus can indeed become very tame if handled from an early age. It is best however that they be kept with other degus as they are social animals. These are playful creatures and are active during the daytime i.e. they are diurnal.

If encaged, the degus need a large cage. A couple of degus ought to be kept in a cage that has the minimum length, breadth and height of 24 inches, 18 inches and 24 inches respectively. The larger the cage the better it is. The cage should be made of wire so that the degus who are avid chewers cannot chew and damage the cage. However, the floor should not be made of wire and should be solid and shelves and ledges should also be made of solid material. This will ensure that the degus do not have foot problems.

It is important that a solid surface exercise wheel is introduced in the cage of the degus. There can be thick branches placed in the cage helping the degus climb on to them and chew them for fun and exercise. There can also be placed thick cotton ropes for climbing purposes. Within the cage the use of ceramic dishes that are chew proof and a water bottle with sipper tube with chew guard is required. Since degus love to chew very much some chew toys can also be placed in the cages.

The degus need regular dust baths to keep their skin and coat in good condition. So, a shallow bowl is to be placed in their cage with an inch or two of sand a couple of times per week and left for around half an hour for the degus to enjoy sand bathing.

To feed the degus high quality of chinchilla or guinea pig pellets can be given together with rodent blocks. Grass hay like timothy hay should be made available for munching of the degus all the time. A little of alfalfa hay can also be provided. Small hay racks to keep the hay stocked can be arranged for in the cage.

Fresh vegetables may also be given to the degus preferably in small quantities because otherwise they may be causing diarrhea. The vegetables which are members of the cabbage family should be fed in very small quantities if not avoided altogether. The water in the bottles placed should be changed on a regular basis.

**You are free to use this article on your website as long as the author box stays intact and the URLs are hyperlinked**

By Tania Penwell

Tania Penwell is an author who writes for Exotic Pet Stop, which provides information on degus and more on small and exotic pets.

Pet Food - Choosing What Is Best For Your Pet

Every animal owner wants to give their pet the best life possible. Feeding them the best food will give your pet a better quality of life.Have you ever considered making your own food? It may sound time consuming but it need not be, home made animal feed is becoming more and more popular and there are many websites that can provide you with free pet food recipes.

Making your own will give you peace of mind knowing exactly what your animal is eating, not to mention save you 80% of your food bill for your animalAnimal owners are turning to home made animal feed because of worries and concerns over what is actually put into tinned or dried pet food.

There are many misconceptions about tinned food actually being harmful, Some people have been advised not to buy pet food that contains corn as corn is wrongly considered just a 'filler' with no nutritional function however the corn in feed is ground up so that it can be easily digested and the nutrients are absorbed.

It is important to feed animals the correct diet, if you have a younger animal such as a puppy it is important to feed them puppy food rather than a feed for an older dog this is because puppy food is specially designed with a puppy in mind, providing them with the exact balance of vitamins and calcium required.There are so many different brands of pet food available on the market today and generally the higher the cost the higher the quality of pet food is with better quality ingredients.

If you have a pet that is about to start a different type of pet food for example dried food to meat based food it is recommended by vets that you gradually wean your pet off the old one and gradually introduce the new food.

Variety is also very important you may think your pet does not care what flavour its pet food is but would you get bored of eating the same meal every single day?Pet food can be purchased in many ways, your local convenience store or pet shop being the most popular, however it is becoming more and more available to order over the internet, you may find you can save a huge amount of money if you order your pet food through a wholesaler or a pet food trader that sells in bulk.

Whether you are buying pet food for your cat, dog, fish, hamster or birds try to remember that this is a major part of your pets life and choosing the wrong food could not only cause your pet discomfort but also lessen their quality of life. Choosing the best pet food possible will keep your pet fit and healthy for you to enjoy for years to come.

Author: Allen Jesson

Pet Sitters - Choosing The Right One

Some people embark on purchasing a pet with out really thinking about the consequences. If you are in full time work and want to own a pet such as a dog, have you considered how much it will need to be walked? And who will do this when you are at work.Pet sitting is a professional pet sitting service that is rapidly growing.

Pet sitters provide extraordinary care and will lessen the stress to you while providing your dog with freedom.Advantages of using pet sitters Less stress to your pet as the animal will be cared for in their own home and own surroundings.Being kept in the same area and around your home your pet will be less likely to pick up any strange illnesses or parasites.

A pet sitter will travel to your home to care for your pet this means there will be no travel trauma as he/she will not need to be transported anywhere.Most kennels will require specific vaccinations to allow any animal to board there, pet sitters are less restrictive in this area.Your animal will have a set routine and will not be required to adapt to a new environment.Many pet sitting services will provide additional personalized touches which will leave you worry free, having someone come in and pick up your post and turn a light on so that you do not come home to darkness is just some of the added bonuses a pet sitter can provide.

Some people say they double as a house sitter.For you to be completely happy you need to be able to trust the person you choose to care for you animal, pet sitters will care for your pet as you do giving them time for play, exercise and will also be aware of any medical conditions.Tips On Choosing A Pet SitterI would recommend that you ask friends and family if they can make any recommendations so you know the pet sitter has a good reputation.

Arrange a meeting with in your home with each pet sitter. Watch how they interact with your pet and see if you can sense that your pet actually likes this person.Make the pet sitter aware of any health problems your pet has and let them know what your pet enjoys, a reliable pet sitter will take notes as you provide them with this information.

Make sure you ask for a copy of their contract this will provide you with exactly what you can expect from this person as well as their rates of pay.Prepare detailed instructions. Include all your contact phone numbers including one of a friend in case you are unreachable in an emergency.Being armed with the right questions will help you choose the perfect match for you pet leaving you stress free and you pet happy.

Author: Allen Jesson

Types of Animal Adoption Pets for you to Consider

The idea of having a pet is an idea that many people consider but they rarely take the various needs of their new pet into account when they start the process to adopt this pet. These people will just see about adopting any pet that they see in pet stores and at the pet shelters that look cute.

It is only when the animal adoption process is finished and they have taken the new family member home, that they are confronted by the reality of their having adopted an animal.For this reason and many others when you decide to adopt any type of pet you should see if you have the ability to take of that pet.

There are many different animals that can be considered as pets. These pets are generally dogs, guinea pigs, cats, parrots, rabbits, hamsters, and different varieties of fresh water fish and saltwater fish. While these are the main types of animal adoption pets that people consider having as companions or just plain pets, there are other exotic pets that some people think would be appropriate as pets. These types of pets include snakes, turtles, other reptiles and hawks, and even lion cubs.

Regardless of the type of animal that you may consider owning there are certain factors that need to be thought of before you go through with an animal adoption procedure. These factors will include the animal’s emotional state, mental state and the physical condition of this animal once you have taken the animal to your home. While you may think that owning a pet is easy there are many requirements that your new pet will need seen to.

As these various animals have different temperaments and requirements for their happiness and health, you will need to talk with an animal veterinarian or staff at animals shelters to understand the various needs of your new pet. In an animal adoption you are taking home a pet whose likes and dislikes are already probably well established.

These likes and dislikes will extend even to their dietary requirements. When you are looking into the types of food that are suitable for your new pet you should understand what are the foods that will provide them with a good nutritious meal.

These many facts are needed to be thought of when you are looking into an animal adoption. Even though there are lots of pets who need a home and lots of love you have to be suitable for their future needs and happiness. So until you are sure about giving a 100% of your time and attention to these animals you may want to wait a while before you adopt a pet.

Author: Muna wa Wanjiru

Mink - The Unexpected Endangered Species

When I think of mink, I certainly didn’t think they were endangered…In fact, they are one of the most endangered mammals in the world. The terrible thing is that the 1st thing that comes to my mind is a mink coat. How sad. I don’t even think of them living in the wild…

They are semi-aquatic and are carnivores.

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Mammalia

Order: Carnivora

Family: MustelidaeGenus: Mustela

There are 4 species of mink: Mustela vison, Mustela vison evergladensis, Mustela lutreola, Mustela macrodon.

Mink are in the same family as otters and polecats.

It’s true, the mink has been highly prized for it’s fur, and this lead the way to large-scale mink farming. This is the precise reason that the animal welfare activists have been vocal and adamant about standing up for the mink.

Preferring a habitat of forest brooks, the American mink is well suited to it’s homeland range. However, the Everglade mink, a subspecies, is very endangered. The Great Lakes mink has had a widespread decline, primarily thought to be due to pollution of PCBs and dioxins.

Mink have an extremely high mortality rate. Mink that survive the 1st yr of life in the wild can live as long as 3 yrs. In contrast, mink in captivity have been known to live between 10-12 yrs.

That’s a huge difference. The other problem is that, in captivity anyway, they will have 4-5 kits per litter and that’s only once/yr. Unfortunately, this number would be dramatically reduced when it comes to breeding in the wild.

What Can You Do To Help?

1. Help stand up for the mink by not purchasing or wearing mink fur coats.

2. Donate to local and worldwide animal welfare groups.

Live exotically!

By Kimberly Edwards

Kimberly Edwards is the founder of ExoticAnimalLover.com - Keeping Up The Fight To Preserve The Planet's Wildlife. Find awesome information about animals from all over the world, exotic animal news, updates on conservation, and anything else "Animal". For all of you who are exotic animal lovers, you know who you are...Check out: http://www.ExoticAnimalLover.com

Rat Intelligence - Why Rats Are The Smartest Pets Out There

We know are rats are intelligent, just by being around them. The knowing looks they give us, the way they solve simple problems and work out how to cause even more mischief. Here is some more info on what we already knew. Our Rats Are Smart!

Learning

Rats pick up new behaviors and tricks very quickly. They try hard to please their owners and you may be surprised how much your rat can learn. In the wild, rats, like humans are survivors and generalists. They have to cope with every eventuality that nature throws at them. They learn to raid human food and stores and avoid being caught.

Rats have been trained to press a button for food. If they are given food, every fourth time they press the button, they will quickly press it four times to get the food. They can also learn to turn a light on and off, with no reward. They will simply do it as they like the change. They also like to feel they have power over these things. Rats have amazing senses of smell and hearing and have been trained to sniff out land mines and bombs, in the place of dogs.

Mazes

Rats are also very good at mazes. It is actually quite fun to make up a maze for your ratty and put their favorite treat at the end. The first time it may take a while for them to get to the treat, but the next time you will see they are much faster.

In one incident a rat was placed in an eight arm maze, with a treat at the end of each arm. The rat learnt how to empty the maze, without going down the same arm twice. It didn't follow a set pattern, so it's route could not be predicted. Someone suggested that the rat was leaving a scent mark at each tunnel entrance it had been down, so that it would know not to go down that one again. However, further tests eliminated this possibility. They then turned the maze around and the rat became disoriented. It turned out that the rat had used visual markers to remember what arms of the maze it had already been down. Some arms were near a window, or a light. This showed that the rat could picture the maze and the location of the tunnels it had been down. It then reflected on this experience and could find food with minimum effort.

Social Intelligence

Rats are incredibly social creatures, who have very complex relationships with other rats. As you probably know, they can have a very strong bond with people too. In the wild and in horrible labs, rats can die from social stress. Their relationships are so important to them that there have been report of rats dying from heart break after their partner has died.

Shy rats have been proven to die younger than their more confident peers. It is important to be patient with him, if you have a shy ratty. If you are gentle and quiet and consistent in your efforts you may have a breakthrough.

Rat Dreams

Yes, rats do dream. Have you ever seen your little ratty twitching a little in his sleep? Or even squeaking? Well, it has been proven that rats dream, in very much the same way as humans. They dream about what they have done that day and you may see them moving as they dream.

By Catherine Smith

Nursing A Sick Rat

We all hope it doesn't happen, but no matter how much of a good rat owner you are, there will be a time when you find yourself nursing a sick rat.

Quarantine?

The first decision to make is whether you are going to move your sick rat into another cage. If he is not too sick and the disease is not contagious, it is best to leave them in with their companions. It will be less stressful and your rat will feel better being around his friends.

If your rat is very ill, or has a contagious disease, you should move him into a separate cage. This way he will not spread the illness and he will also have peace and quiet, in a space where he can recuperate.

Bedding

Make sure the cage is extra comfy for your rat. Use old jumpers, or towels for bedding, so that your rat can snuggle up.

If your rat has a respiratory disease he may get rather cold, so make sure you take steps to keep him warm. Put a heating pad under the cage, covered by a towel. Do not put it inside the cage, or your rat will chew the wires. You can also get a microwaveable heat pad. Keep the pad over one side of the cage, so that your rat can move away if he gets too hot.

Make sure you change the bedding in your rats' cage frequently. If it gets dirty your rat's illness could get worse. Clean the cage with a germicidal cleaner, such as Parvasol, a mild bleach solution.

Drape a towel over one half of the cage, so that your rat can retreat to a dark place to hide. Make sure that your rat doesn't get too hot and that he stays hydrated.
Remember your rat may not be able to clean himself when he is sick. Use a damp cloth to clean off any urine or waste. Whatever you do don't rinse him under the tap. It will be too stressful. Make sure to dry him thoroughly and gently with a towel.

Food

Your rat may not be eating much, or may not be able to eat the same foods when he is ill. Try soft foods such as avocado, thinly spread peanut butter, eggs, baby food and bananas.

Vanilla mixed with banana will be really tasty.

You may need to hand feed your rat. Use a syringe if he will not eat. 3cc, 6cc or 12cc are best.
Give your rat a pea sized blob of a vitamin supplement such as Nutrigel, along with his other food.

You may also need to give water by hand. Mix the water with a teaspoon of sugar and syringe feed it to your rat..

Use a damp tissue to gently clean any food off your rat after each meal.

You can also use a syringe to administer your rat's medication, or if he is eating you can add the meds to his favourite liquid food (yoghurt or Soya milk).

If your rat is very ill, you may need to administer injectable drugs. Gently pinch the skin on the scruff of your ratties neck and slide the needle under the skin. Massage the area before you do this. If possible, try not to get antibiotics in pill form, as they are hard to administer.

Check that your rat is not dehydrated by gently pulling up your rats skin and then releasing. It should ping back straight away. If it takes time, your rat is not getting enough water and you should give it water by syringe.

Keep a careful eye on your rat and if his condition worsens seek advice from your vet
http://www.RatsRatsRats.comCatherine Smith 2007Check out my website for everything you've ever wanted to know about pet rats. From training to toys, housing to health. You can even go shopping for your ratty friend.

By Catherine Smith

Goldfish Breeding Tips

Breeding goldfish can be a relaxing hobby but is not to be undertaken lightly as it will take time, money and patience. First off, you will need to invest in a large tank which will serve as the goldfish's home while you are breeding. Make sure you get good quality fixtures for the tank to keep your fish happy and healthy.

The most important task in breeding goldfish is choosing the variety of goldfish you want to breed. As a beginner, it is advisable to choose the small and easy to handle breeds of goldfish, the lionhead, red and white oranda and pearscale. After you have chosen the breed, select a male and female pair.

Be sure to choose a high quality goldfish for your breeding stock. Look at the body shape, color and size, and finnage to determine quality. An ideal male goldfish will show breeding tubercules on its pectoral fins and. While a female goldfish should be heavy but with a soft, slender body.
It's best to buy two male for one female fish. Try to get younger goldfish if you can as the younger fish produce more fertile eggs and in proper form, making them much better to breed than older ones.

When starting the breeding process, you first need to see to it that the fishes are ready to mate with each other. The first sign is when you see the male goldfish chasing the female around the tank. That is when the courtship will begin. You will also notice the colors of the fish change to a brighter color, this is in order to attract their mate.

Spawning of goldfish eggs usually start early in the morning or late at night. Then after an hour, the male will be able to spray its milts.

Do not change the water at this time, so that the female fish will be fertilized. After a few days, the male fish will become aggressive and will push the female fish around the tank this is when she will eject her eggs. The eggs will automatically stick on the plants of the tanks.

Watch the eggs carefully to look for growth and changes. Once you see that the eggs have already hatched, your work will begin. Remember that the parent goldfish eat their eggs so the need to be separated from the fry. Transfer one or the other to a new tank or container.

You must learn how to feed the fry (small baby goldfish). You need to use teeny particles of food like frozen shrimps, dried flakes, boiled egg yolks and even liquid foods. Make sure to give them food three times a day. Ensure that the food you have given is enough for the fry but not too much or you will effect the water quality in the tank.

If you give proper supplement for the baby fish, they will grow fast. As they grow, these fry must be transferred to a more comfortable tank.

Once they are large enough, transfer them to their new tank home and sit back and enjoy your new finned friends!

Author: Lee Dobbins

Want To Know More About Alligators

Alligators are the most life-threatening of the exotic pets. They're like crocodilian, which comes from the family line of Alligatoridae. The name was derived from a Spanish word Anglicization, which was used by a Spanish people who were settled in Florida, U.S.A. Alligators are found by and large in America and China.

There are two types of alligators, Alligator Mississippians or the American alligator and Alligator Sine sis or the Chinese Alligator. The American alligator weights around eight hundred pounds and is thirteen feet long. The record for the longest alligator is of nineteen feet two inches, from Louisiana. Comparatively, the Chinese alligators are smaller in length and measure out not more than seven feet long. Alligators exist for more than fifty yrs. The most aged existing alligator is of seventy years, at the Belgrade Zoo, Serbia.

There are many characteristics of alligators that differentiate alligators from crocodiles but both of them belong to different taxonomical categories. Alligators have a wider muzzle and their eyeballs are sited nearer the upside. When light is blinked over their eyes, larger alligators have a red glow and smaller alligators have a green glow. This can be a very useful tip for those who are looking for alligators in dark. Even in daylight, we can observe that alligators have brown eyes and crocodiles have green eyes.

When the alligators close their jaws, only the upper teeth are able to be seen while in crocodiles, the upper and the lower teeth are visible when they close their jaws. The shape of an alligator's mouth is like a"U" and the crocodile's is like a"V". Although the skin of both the animals is a darker, almost black, the color depends on their environment. The Chinese alligators have a light pattern skin, alligators which live in algae growing water are greenish black and in high tannic acid water which is released from hanging trees have a darker skin.

As the presence of the gastroliths (stomach stones) in the stomach of alligators they can eat anything. Young alligators depend upon crustaceans, fishes, snails, and insects for their food. As they grow into larger size even they need larger feed. Bigger alligators prey turtles, bigger fishes, birds, and, other reptiles and mammals. They even eat up deer, razorbacks, small alligators and even carcass of animals when they are very hungry. They have also been reported for few attacks on humans, but the number is on arising. People set out overconfident about this reality and enter alligator habitats without more caution, resulting in provoking their aggression. But alligators don't right away attack humans, like crocodiles.

Today Alligators have turned very protected and regulated animals. Special processing is to be experienced to get the detention of an alligator. Normally baby alligators could be bought from Florida. Owners are given a special license and must be well aware of their duties. They're against the law of many another states to take out an alligator from its natural habitat. Alligator pets should be provided with wide and wet habitat, same as the subtropical, to live in.

Author: Ranju Kumar

Dog Training Made Fun-find Out How!

Dog training does not have to be an excruciating painful task, it can actually be quite enjoyable, if it is done appropriately. It is always very important for a dog owner to understand that dog training is not going to happen overnight, it will in fact take a little bit of time, which means patience is an absolute must.

With the right amount of knowledge and a really good attitude, your dog could eventually be the best and most trained dog around in your area, which could really give you something to brag about right. Everyone that owns a dog really does want their dog to be well behaved and for their dog to listen to their commands, but nobody seems to want to put in any amount of work in order to really make this happen.

It is so funny, it seems that most people just expect that their dog will just automatically listen to their commands, maybe if they scream it at them or whip their behinds. It is so important to realize that it just does not really work this way people. In order to have a well trained dog that does listen to your commands, you will absolutely have to gather up some correct information on different dog training tips that can help you throughout this process, or else it probably will not happen for you.

Instead of looking at this as a dreaded task, look at it as an opportunity for you and your dog to become closer and while this is happening both of you will begin trusting one another much more and a special bond will begin being created as well. Dog training will be a time when you and your dog will be spending a great deal of time with one another, which is always a great thing. One reason for so many different kinds of behavior problems with a dog is because they are lonely, nobody to play with, not getting enough attention, which is why spending time with your dog is so very important.

Let your dog know how very proud of him you are anytime that he does something worth rewarding, even if it is just something small really. The more you praise them, the more likely they will be to continue their good behavior for you. Have fun with your pooch, try throwing a ball for him and letting him go and get it and bring it back to you. Each time that he brings it back to you and lets you have it, really brag on him.

This quickly turns into a new little game for you to play with one another and is really a fun way for you and your dog to pass some time. You could be using dog training techniques on your dog and not even realize it, that is always a great thing right. You and your dog will be much happier in the end thanks to you giving him the attention that he requires and applying dog training techniques on him every single chance that you do get with him.

Author: Chris Simpson

Choosing Your Fish Tank

One of the first and most important things that you do when you first start to keep fish, is to choose your fish tank. Probably the first thing that you decide is what shape tank to have. You can buy aquariums in a huge variety of shapes and designs these days and any feature that you want can be found if you look hard enough.

There are so many styles that there is sure to be one that fits in with whatever room you are putting it in. Probably the most popular shapes of tank are the hexagonal and rectangular. Both can be very ascetically pleasing and there are many good quality tanks available.

The rectangular tank is usually thought to be the best type of tank for the fish. This is purely because there is more surface area for the water and as such it has more access to oxygen. But it is perfectly acceptable for most people to have the kind of tank that they want as long as they make sure that there is a sufficient supply of oxygen to the tank.

But whatever type of tank that you go for it is important that it is big enough for the amount of fish that you have. Putting too many fish in a small tank is not a good idea. The fish can be overcrowded and it can be hard to get enough oxygen for them. Of course if you are only having a few small fish then it should be ok. Not everybody has the room for a huge aquarium, but it is important to make sure that you do not have more fish than the tank is made for. Even a small tank can be a very interesting hobby if it is filled with interesting fish.

You do not need large amounts of fish for it to be fun, indeed half of the fun is in looking after your fish and making sure that they are well.

You do need to make sure that you think about where you are going to put your tank before you buy it. There is no point in buying a large tank and then thinking about where to put it afterwards. Tanks can also be very heavy and the weight of the water can put a great strain on both floors and carpets, so make sure that the floor is strong enough to take the weight.
Buying your first fish tank can be great fun and with a bit of thought it can give you a really good start to your fish keeping hobby.

Author: Johnny Blade

Why You Should Become An Exotic Pet Vet

The rich and famous are known for starting all types of trends and one of the latest is using pets for fashion accessories. Famous for nothing Paris Hilton and pop starlet Britney Spears are just a few of the individuals in the limelight carrying small pocket sized pets as accessories. However, while this trend seems to be taking off and many stars as well as the not so famous have purchased pets to accessorize their wardrobes it really is not a trend that the general population should follow.

Reasons Why You Should Become an Exotic Pet Vet

If you are a practicing local veterinarian, you might want to consider taking in exotic pets as patients too. Regular pets like dogs and cats maybe a common thing for you, but are you ready to take on the challenge of being an exotic pet veterinarian?

Since you are in this field for quite sometime you might think of becoming one. Being an exotic pet veterinarian has a lot of advantages. And here are just some of them.

1. You will have a broader range of clients. Imagine more people consulting you for all their pets, no matter what kind it is. That also means you will be able to earn more by being able to expand your clinic or office.

2. You will become more famous. There are just a few exotic pet veterinarians in your area, for sure. A regular veterinarian may be one too many, but an exotic veterinarian isn't. You may even have customers coming from other states, just to consult you regarding their pets. What are exotic pets like?

3. You will widen your knowledge about animals. Being confined to dogs, cats, and other regular pets could be less challenging after being in the field for too long. Maybe it's time to take your expertise to another level and take on skunks, turtles, and snakes as patients.

The International Association of Pet Cemeteries (IAPC) has designated the second Sunday in September as National Pet Memorial Day, a day set aside to remember our departed animal friends.

4. You will be able to help the environment. Being a veterinarian of exotic pets would enable you to help injured and very sick animals out of danger. You can lengthen their lives and add to the preservation of their species in the process.

5. You will be able to inform other people. As you attend to sick exotic pets, you can enlighten its owners as to the proper care these types of animals need. And you will also be able to give them tips to prevent the same illness from happening again. What are exotic pets like?

6. You can use your knowledge and expertise in reaching out to more people. Once you have became an exotic pet veterinarian and have done well in it, you will be able to use all the things you have learned in making informed decisions people wanting to get exotic pets. You can join an advocate protecting exotic animals or other similar organizations according to your personal beliefs and principles.

Being an exotic pet veterinarian could mean lots of things to learn and lots of information to digest, even if you are a practicing veterinarian already. You might even go back to school again for that purpose alone. But think of the things it can give you. Being an exotic pet vet can become really fulfilling so just go for it.

If your pet can feel happy when there is the cause to,then why do you think it can't feel sad and grieve whenthere is cause to?

Author: Hazel Leong

Before Buying Exotic Pets

Each year millions of family pets are lost, and end up at shelters that have no idea who these pets belong to, or how to contact the owners to return the pets. But, something as simple as a pet tag that you only have to register for once, because the contact information can be updated free for the life of the pet, can almost erase this problem and reunite many pets with their families.

Questions to Ask Before for Buying Exotic Pets

Having a pet has always been found by many to be a life enriching experience. It isn't unusual for people to have a dog or a cat as companions at home. However, there are people who aren't content with the typical animal friends, others want the excitement and thrill that can be provided by exotic pets. Acquiring and maintaining exotic pets are not really that difficult nowadays, but if you are considering to get an exotic pet, you must first ask yourself the following questions:

Why do you want an exotic pet?

Many people consider having exotic pets because it seems to be cool to have one. However, having exotic pets is a serious decision that one must carefully examine. Many exotic pets need more care than typical pets. You should weigh all factors according to your abilities and capacities before getting any particular exotic pet.

Is it legal to keep the exotic pet?

Some animals are prohibited by law to be kept as pets. You should make sure that your area allows people to own the particular species you are eyeing before getting it. Otherwise you might have to give up your pet or be penalized for owning it. What are exotic pets like?

Do you have the capacity and ability to own the exotic pet?

Keep in mind that some pets, like a dog for example, are much more expensive to own than others. It is important that you know what you and your family can do to keep your pet healthy, happy and safe before you make any purchases.

As mentioned, most exotic pets need extra care and attention. You must be sure that you have the time, effort and money to spend caring for the exotic pet. Can you feed it? Can you provide appropriate shelter? Can you afford the health care expenses? Owning pets, especially exotic ones, takes great responsibility, and you must be certain that you have this quality before owning one.

Can the pet live in your area?

Certain pets may be legal in your area, but they may not necessarily be able to live in your home. Some pets might be too noisy or too rowdy to live in apartments and condominiums. Pets usually require a certain amount of space, air, and sunlight to live well and you have to be sure that your home can provide that.

Is the pet safe for you and your companions?

Pets have different levels of aggression and you must be sure that you and the people you live with can cope with the behavioral tendencies of the pet. Some exotic pets might also be poisonous or are prone to certain infectious diseases, and thus you have to make sure that you and your companions can avoid any untoward incidents.

Having exotic pets is a serious matter and you should examine everything before deciding to own one.

Some pets are stolen. A pet thief may snatch Fifi or Fido in hopes of getting a reward for its return, or to use in dog fights (even small or gentle dogs are susceptible - they can be used as "bait"), or for use in cult rituals.

Author: Carrie A.Hall

First Aid For Your Exotic Pet Bird Or Parrot

Although you cannot dial 911, you should have your Avian Veterinarian's phone number close at hand. When a bird is sick, he or she hides it well because in nature, the flock, out of fear of disease, might harm a bird that appears ill so as to protect the flock from all becoming sick.

Therefore, by the time you notice signs of illness in your parrot, the bird may have already been sick for some time. Be in touch with your bird's personality and characteristics that are "normal", so that you will recognize any signs of "abnormal" behavior.

What should you watch for as "abnormal" behavior?

*Respiratory distress of any kind, difficulty breathing.

*Lack of appetite. You may notice food untouched or clean water that normally is used to soak food in.
*Sleeping and "puffed" up. The bird will always have his eyes closed when you walk by, or does not open his eyes as quickly as usual, so that you notice that he's sleeping a lot. He has a "puffy" appearance.
*He sits hunched on his perch or goes to the bottom of the cage and does not perch and his feathers appear fluffy, not smooth.
*He's quiet, not talking or calling.
*You may see runny droppings or lack of droppings in the cage bottom.
*You should always be aware if you notice nasal discharge or runny eyes and any vomiting should alert you although regurgitation is not always a sign of disease. Regurgitation can actually be a sign of "affection" or courtship behavior. However, vomiting is much messier in general and is not as solid as regurgitation. The bird will shake his head and therefore "spray" when he is vomitting, as opposed to a more solid pile deposited in the cage or on you.

In addition to illness, any trauma should be evaluated by a Vet, in addition to any abnormal swelling or growth on your bird. If your bird were to suffer a seizure, prompt Avian Veterinary care is required as it would be for any bleeding the bird suffers. In a female bird, reproductive issues can develop such as egg binding or continual egg laying, and these too require a call to your Vet.

Establish a relationship with your Vet so that if you need him in an emergency situation, he knows you, and your bird. He should have a well bird weight on file for your pet and that's the best place to start when examining a bird who is ill. If you believe you have a sick bird, do not wait. Prompt medical attention is a life saver. But is also a good idea to have a birdy first aid kit.

Your birdy first aid kit can be purchased complete with many items that you might need in case of an emergency. However, you can also put one together on your own. It should always include the following items:

Styptic Powder This should stop any bleeding from a broken blood feather, toenail, or injury. I also keep Liquid Band Aid on hand. I use Bandaid Brand as it has little smell. NO, THIS IS NOT THE BEST THING FOR A BIRD TO SMELL OR CHEW, but when your bird is in an emergency situation with bleeding, it does work and may be necessary when styptic powder won't stop the bleeding. If it's a smaller bleed, and you do not have styptic on hand, I recommend you try flour or cornstarch in an emergency.

Heat Pad or Lamp Heat is very medicinal to birds and a sick bird may not be able to maintain his own body temperature until you can reach medical care. Ideally, some type of tub or small cage works best. Be sure the bird still has access to food and water easily. MONITOR how you provide heat so that you do not overheat your bird.

Bandage Material This can be used to apply pressure to a wound until you reach medical care.
You might also want to have close by a TOWEL to be used if it is necessary to restrain the bird.
Something to sanitize a wound such as IODINE or BETADYNE.

And it's always recommended to have an adequate BIRD SAFE CARRIER ready, should you need to travel to your Vet's office, or to quickly get your bird out of your house should an environmental emergency develop.

BE PREPARED: just like with children, emergencies with our pets happen when we least expect it!

By Gayle Arent

Gayle Arent is the primary editor and contributor of the Exotic Pet Bird Care blog currently published at Birdfarm.com Please stop by with your questions about purchasing or caring for Parrots, Macaws, and Cockatoos

Burmese Pythons

Burmese pythons are increasingly common as exotic pets, but there are some things to keep in mind about their care.

These snakes grow to enormous size, some up to 20 feet long. Since they can also live a quarter of a century, an owner should be prepared for a substantial responsibility. Many owners, unable to provide a home for very large snakes, have released them into the wild and damaged ecosystems in some states.

Burmese pythons are generally considered very docile for their size, but can still be dangerous after getting to eight feet long. An owner or handler should always have another person present when feeding or handling a python of this size or larger.

A young snake can be housed in a 55 gallon tank with newspaper floor, but larger snakes require larger and larger enclosures, with the largest needing entire rooms. The room should be extra well sealed so that the snake does not escape. Linoleum floors work well. There should be many hides for the snake, such as logs or even a tree. Be careful of lamps, as a python might easily burn itself.

Young pythons eat mice, moving up to rabbits as they grow. The prey you select for your python should be approximately as wide as its body, and should be alive when presented to it.

Make sure to maintain temperatures of at least 80 degrees in the day and 70 and night. Your python will need a pan of water when young and perhaps a whole swimming pool when older.

Pythons are an enormous responsibility, but a great challenge for an ambitious owner.
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By Kum Martin

Dental Disease in Exotic Small Mammals

At our Practice we see a large number of small mammals with symptoms of dental disease both as first opinion cases and as referrals from other practices. This article deals specifically with dental disease in Chinchillas (Chinchilla Langier). Degus (Octodon degus) and Guinea Pigs (Cavia porcellus).

The most common presentations include weight loss, anorexia, cachexia (chronic wasting), excess salivation (slobbers), small faeces or absence of faeces. An ocular (eye) discharge or a discharge from the nose may also be evident. The incisions (front teeth) are commonly overgrown and there may be a history of repeated burring or clipping of these teeth as an attempted treatment for the anorexia. On careful palpation the jaw of these presenting animals may be irregular and painful. Sometimes the animal will grind its teeth, a sign of pain in these species. There is often a poor dietary history which will be addressed later.

One of the most important points to stress is that a detailed oral examination of a conscious small mammal is nigh on impossible. This is especially true of the species dealt with in this article. Guinea pigs often have food in their mouths at the time of examination (in fact if they don't it is a worrying sign), chins and degus resent oral examination vigorously. Anaesthesia is often required to thoroughly examine the oral cavity and this allows the clinician to perform skull radiography, arguably the most informative diagnostic tool in small mammal dentistry.

This is because most dental disease processes in exotic small mammals are concerned with the tooth "roots" which are encased in bone and therefore not visible on a dental examination. In fact, many animals with severe dental disease have mouths that look essentially normal on casual examination of the anaesthetised patient.

Dental Anatomy

Guinea pigs, chinchillas and degus have the dental formula of 2 x I 1/1 C 0/0 P 1/1 M 3/3 (where I = incisors, C = canines, P = premolars and M = molars). The premolars and molars act as a functional unit to grind food and the incisors are used for prehension and cutting of fibrous foodstuffs. All teeth grow continuously. There is no true anatomical root. The lower (mandibular) cheek teeth are arched toward the tongue and overgrowth can lead to tongue entrapment. The upper (maxillary) cheek teeth are angled outward (laterally). Angulation of the teeth provides an effective surface for grinding thin fibrous food material and when eating this high silicate foodstuff, rapid tooth wear occurs and new growing tooth replaces the wear caused by grinding. In the wild these animals spend a long time eating low quality grasses which are high in silicates (the precursors of glass). This continual grinding prevents overgrowth of the teeth.

Diet and dental disease

Captive bred specimens are larger than their wild counterparts and it is established that a proportion of cases of dental disease can be attributed to genetic causes. However, by far the most cases of dental disease in Guinea pigs, chinchillas and degus results wholly or in large part from inappropriate diets. Specifically a lack of dietary fibre is implicated. Most modern "complete" diets are complete in that they contain adequate protein, carbohydrates, fats and trace elements. However, their sole use leads not only to problems with obesity but also does not allow these animals to spend the large amount of time chewing and wearing their molar teeth that they require to grind down their continually growing back teeth. This can lead to spur formation and entrapment of the tongue by the diagonally growing lower molars. This can be picked up and treated by a detailed examination of the mouth. All the time however, a more sinister development is occurring which is all together more difficult to treat.

If less time is spent chewing, the exposed parts of the teeth elongate. This puts pressure on the teeth which slows eruption, but tooth growth continues at a slow rate. Essentially what happens next is that the cheek teeth grow backwards, invading the structures of the skull. The teeth can grow into the nasal sinuses causing respiratory infections or towards the eyes causing weepiness. The lower teeth invade the jawbone causing bony changes and sometimes abscess formation (common in rabbits). The net result of this growth is that the mouth is progressively forced open. The front teeth elongate as they do not meet any more and becomes progressively more difficult for these animals to eat (try swallowing with your mouth open!). This leads to the condition known as slobbers where saliva spills onto the skin often causing a fetid smell. Clients often notice this and the fact that the incisors are growing and present these animals for incisor trimming. In fact the incisors are growing because they are not meeting as a result of the mouth being forced open by the overgrown back teeth. Skull radiography is the only way to accurately quantify if this has occurred and to what extent. All too often, animals are referred to this practice with histories of repeated anaesthetics with no radiography performed.

Treatment

To sum up, difficult at best. Most presented cases have advanced disease. Aggressive burring of the cheek teeth may be attempted. If abscesses have formed, these need specific treatment.

Eye infections require antibiotics. Otherwise force-feeding and anti-inflammatory drugs are required. Quality of life needs to be assessed on a regular basis and weight monitoring with faecal output are useful indicators of appetite. The liquid anti-inflammatory drug meloxicam (Metacam: Boehringer Ingleheim) is well tolerated in these species. It has the advantage of being very palatable (it tastes like honey) so is well accepted also. Often patients require life long treatment. Secondary problems associated with anorexia (e.g. intestinal stasis where the guts shut down and stops moving) also need to be addressed. Often euthanasia is required in patients that fail to respond.

Prevention

As always, better than cure. The diet of these animals needs to resemble their diet in the wild. They are not like dogs and cats that get a bowl of food twice daily and that's it. Their anatomy and physiology is specifically set up to deal with ingestion of large quantities of lower quality foodstuffs in order to meet their nutritional requirements. This means lots of good quality hay.

Timothy hay is usually the beat. The fibre requires lots of chewing and keeps the intestines moving which is essential for health. 1 to 2 tablespoonfuls maximum of concentrate mix is the recommended daily allowance; the rest should be good quality hay with occasional treats. Offer the hay in a hayrack to prevent contamination with faeces. This also provides environmental enrichment, as the animals have to work a little harder for their food. Twice yearly veterinary checkups allow careful palpation of the cheek teeth. Also monitor weight and faecal output on a regular basis so that any symptoms can be managed early in the course of disease.

References
BSAVA Manual of Exotic Pets 4th edition

Hillyer, Quesenberry: Diseases of Ferrets, Rabbits and Rodents 2nd edition

O Malley: Clinical Anatomy and Physiology of Exotic Species

Carpenter: Exotic Animal Formulary 3rd edition

By Mark Rowland

Mark Rowland BVSc cert Zoomed MRCVS is in practice at: Sandhole Veterinary Centre, Snodland, Kent, ME6 5LG. He is an Exotics specialist with a soft spot for chinchillas.

Metabolic Bone Diseases in Exotic Animals

Metabolic bone disease is optionally described as osteoporosis, cage paralysis, nutritional secondary hyper Parathyroid, rickets, and paper bone disease. Actually imbalance between calcium and phosphorous is also one of the causes.In such case a well balanced diet will help with proper absorption and retention of calcium in the bones.

Pets suffer from diseases caused by deficiency of proper nutrients in the diet apart from diseases from infection from bacteria and viruses. A deficiency of vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus causes metabolic bone diseases. The major cause of this disease is due to improper care in dietary needs of animals. Ironically, this disease can also be caused by high consumption of proteins.

Animals out in the wild have lesser chance of developing metabolic bone disease. These animals get their prey as a whole which means the meat is taken in with so many other items like skin, fat, fur, bones, feathers, intestines, etc. Different parts of the prey provide different nutrients and the animal feeding on it gets a balanced diet by eating it.

Imbalance of calcium is THE major cause of Metabolic bone disease in exotic pets. Meat fed to Pets contains very less quantity of calcium and high levels of phosphorous. Phosphorous causes calcium deficiency by decreasing the capacity of the body to absorb the available calcium. Same result can be expected if the meat consists only of neonatal prey. Recommended ratio of calcium and phosphorous is 20:1. Historical evidence suggests that organs such as heart, kidney and liver will have calcium and phosphorus in the ratio of 1:44 which is quite alarming. Excess intake of vitamin A suppresses the absorption capacity of vitamin D and even of calcium, resulting in neuromuscular abnormalities and poor motor reflexes.

A well-balanced diet, and bones with scanty meat on it like ribs, necks, thigh bones, given twice a week will ensure proper health for your exotic pets. A more expensive method is commercially designed diets because it has the required composition. If you are worried about metabolic bone diseases of your exotic animals, you must understand these basic facts - calcium is necessary for proper bone growth as well as proper functioning of muscles. Calcium activates enzymes. The function of vitamin D is to maintain the proper ratio of calcium and phosphorous in the blood stream.

By Niteen Mehendale

Author Niteen has done research on a variety of topics including Exotic Pets. You can get it all at http://pe.tspl.us
To get a lot more information about pets, visit visit this link Metabolic Bone Diseases in Exotic Animals.

Exotic Pets - Top 5

Often people look for a pet that is out of the ordinary. Sometimes a normal cat or dog just won’t do! Though, it is always wise to know what you’re getting into. Here, then, are the top five non-traditional pets:

5. Scorpions

There are many species of this particular creature, and the strength of their venom varies between species. The most commonly found pet species, the emperor scorpion, is not particularly dangerous. Its sting can be compared with that of a bee or wasp, though like bees, there is a chance of an allergic reaction.

Scorpions do not require a great amount of care, but are not an ideal pet. Handling a scorpion is not a good idea – Besides the risk of its sting, scorpions become very stressed when handled, a health risk to the creature itself. Also, the animals can live up to 8 years, making them a long-term commitment kind of pet.

4. Cockroaches

Hissing Cockroaches – These insects are great for beginner pet-owners! They are quite docile and require little maintenance. Though they’re not of the “cute and cuddly” variety of pet, they are quite interesting. They hiss when disturbed, and males will hiss while courting a female. Sometimes, for reasons unknown, the entire colony will hiss in unison.

Hissing Cockroaches are best kept in a large tank with wood shavings. Water and fresh fruit and vegetables are all they require. They are hardy creatures and can live up to five years.

3. Tarantulas

This fascinating creature has become a more popular pet in recent years. There still remains some fear in potential owners, though keeping a tarantula as a pet is often more harmful to the animal than to the pet owner. Tarantulas can die even from a short fall, if their abdomen ruptures.

Tarantulas are venomous, but in most species, the toxicity of their venom is akin to a bee or wasp sting. In some cases, a person can have an allergic reaction to spider bites, in much the same way that some react to bee stings.

There are hundreds of species of tarantula, and some are more aggressive than others, so potential owners really need to do research before purchasing one. Tarantulas are fascinating, quiet, and in most cases, need little space.

2. Ants

Purchasing an ant farm is the easiest and simplest way to keep and maintain this interesting pet. With an ant farm, you only need to feed your ants once per week, making them a very low-maintenance pet. A small crumb of bread soaked in sugar water is enough to feed your whole colony for a week!

1. Rats

Rats have a life-span of two to three years and are considered quite social and intelligent. They are also easy to tame and are very gentle. Though they are nocturnal, they tend to adapt to their owner’s schedule. Due to their social nature, they should also be kept with other rats.

Rat owners compare their care to that of a dog – they require a lot of attention and at least an hour of exercise per day. These curious and playful pets are easy to care for, but not necessarily low-maintenance.

This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.PetLovers.Com/ which is a site for Pet Forums.

By Tonia Jordan

Tonia Jordan is a freelance Journalist and a writer on Writing.com.

Unusual or Exotic Pets Call for Special Care and Planning

Unusual or exotic pets carry responsibilities for care and keeping than your run-of-the-mill family cat or dog. But don't worry, if you'd prefer a snake or turtle, tiger or crocodile, or simply a perky gerbil or hamster, it certainly can be a good choice for you. You just need to plan ahead, and you must start that planning before you shop for your dream tiger or ferret -- and the more unusual or exotic the pet, the more important it becomes to do your planning or pet homework.

Here are 5 basics to consider before buying that unusual, uncommon, or exotic pet:

1.Check local/state/federal laws and regulations for pet ownership.

If you plan on getting a gerbil, a hamster, or exotic fish, chances are that local laws won't matter, and your biggest issue will be related to pet care and keeping the peace in your home/family. But if you've always wanted a pet tiger and now have lots of land and adequate facilities, you really need to be sure you are allowed to keep tigers in your neighborhood. A simpler but unusual pet you might want would be a rabbit or even a chicken. (Don't laugh -- where do you think all those Easter chicks go?) A rabbit or two in the backyard, or a carefully guarded chicken may not seem to be an issue. If your town or city has laws against keeping livestock on your property, your unusual pet becomes a pet legality issue.

2.Make sure you have the environment your unusual or exotic pet needs.

Don't think plenty of room to roam is the only thing you need for your snakes, rabbits, or hens. You also need adequate containment, i.e., proper fences, hutches, roosts, rocks, temperature, humidity, etc.

3.Make sure you have the right food available for your unusual or exotic pet.

When he was a youngster, my nephew persuaded his mom he had to have a pet snake. Being more adventuresome than the average mom, she agreed. It took a bit of getting used to the fresh and frozen mice she helped him learn to feed the snake. If your pet is only an "unusual pet," such as a turtle, a ferret, or small caged animal, food probably isn't much of an issue. Various reptiles and large cats (there's that tiger again) are a different matter. Do your homework about this, just as you did about living quarters and pet legalities.

4.Plan in advance for your exotic or unusual pet's health care needs.

If you have a horse and a gerbil, chances are good that the same veterinarian won't have the expertise or interest to care for both pets. If you have one of the big cats, even adequate environment and proper food supply won't resolve every issue you face when it comes time for your pet's checkup (or dental cleaning). You must limit your pet choices to those pets you can properly care for. It will become a hardship for you and could become a health and safety issue for your pet if you cannot find adequate veterinary care for that pet within a reasonable distance from your home. Don't let your desire for an unusual or exotic pet turn you into an abusive pet owner.

5.Pet lovers have family, friends, and neighbors, too.

If you've planned carefully and prepared well for the pet of your dreams, only to find that your wife/husband/son/daughter is allergic to hermit crabs or has a major phobia about tarantulas -- you'd better reconsider your pet choice. If you live in the suburbs and are fortunate enough to have no legal problems keeping goats and roosters, you must remember that you still have neighbors. Before you buy that expensive cage and put it on the rear patio as a home for your new cockatoo, be aware that cockatoos can be noisy neighbors to, uh, the neighbors.

Plan carefully and do your homework if you want to go beyond cats and dogs and look at some more unusual, uncommon, or even exotic pets. You can own that cockatiel or macaw you've always dreamed of having, but make sure the experience is good for the pet, your family, and your neighbors. Now, where did I put that ferret leash? Panther needs his daily walk.

By Gary Speer

Gary Speer, both a cat lover and a dog lover, has enjoyed the pleasures of pet ownership for years, with pets ranging from cats and dogs to hermit crabs and hamsters (with even a few gold fish in the mix). Check out one of Gary's pet-oriented websites at http://www.forpetsandpetlovers.com/unusual for tips and information about owning and caring for unusual, uncommon, or exotic pets.

6 Unique Apartment Pets

Nothing makes apartment living fun like a playful pet. Fido and Felix bring a number of new elements to an apartment other than the additional smell. On any given day pets add companionship, humor, personality, and tons of fun to even the most monotonous dwellings.

Although dogs and cats lead the pack of domesticated pals there are a number of untraditional, unique, and exotically extravagant creatures available. So, if you are seeking a cute, small, or just out of the ordinary companion check out the little buggers that round out my list of Top Six Unique Apartment Pets.

6) Pot-Bellied Pigs- While slightly destructive at times, Pot-Bellied Pigs can be as easy, if not easier to train than dogs. They're playful, curious, caring, surprisingly odorless, and they don't bark. Natural "rooters" and highly intelligent, these pets can get quite stubborn in their desperate search to feed their addiction to food, learning to open cabinets, drawers, bins, and find their way into making a real mess of the kitchen. Keeping food locked up is only a fraction of commitment to caring for these lovable little oinkers. Pot-Bellied Pigs may require much care, financial, and time commitment, but make an extremely fun pet and incredible family member.

5) Hedgehog- Although not a very social animal, a tamed hedgehog can make a nice furry friend. With a life-span of 4-6 years, Hedgehogs are relatively easy to care for and are easy to feed with high quality cat food. When they feel threatened these animals will roll into a ball, poking out the prickly spines on their back. These spines are not a big danger, but getting a hedgehog used to human handling is one of the biggest steps in making them comfortable and you avoiding getting poked. A seemingly quiet animal, they don't require a lot of attention and are great at entertaining themselves.

4) Chinchillas- Pets don't get much softer or cuddlier than one of these very soft, furry creatures. Like most exotic mammals on this list, if handled from a young age Chinchillas bond very closely with their human owners. For a smaller animal they have quite the extensive life span, lasting about 15 years. An active and playful animal by nature, having a spacious cage and many toys available for the Chinchilla will add to their happiness and natural comfort level. Surprisingly, these little guys bathe in dust to keep their coat silky and smooth, so having a dust bath is a necessity. Does anyone else see the irony in the fact that an animal can bathe itself in dust to maintain a clean, shiny coat of fur?

3) Ferrets- A very mischievous animal, Ferrets can be highly entertaining. One of the more common animals on this list, Ferrets are known to sleep long hours (up to 18 hrs/day) and be very active during dawn and dusk. Most will adapt their sleeping and active times to fit that of their owner's schedule. While they do have a reputation for having a musky smell, Ferrets are typically fixed and descented before being sold. Ferret owners should always try to be aware of the whereabouts of their pet as a ferret's curiosity can lead it anywhere in the home. Living roughly 6-8 years, Ferrets make a really awesome and extremely fun apartment pet.

2) Prairie Dogs- One of the most social, playful, and active animals on this list, Prairie Dogs can make incredibly fun pets for an apartment. If trained very young to be around humans, these furry creatures become affectionate and very caring to their owners. With this need for affection, they require a good amount of attention. Feeding on rabbit pellets, hay, and the occasional treat, it's fairly easy to keep a Prairie Dogs' belly full. Make sure to have many chewable toys available as they do like to chew on things and you don't want them to chew on you.

1) Sugar Gliders- This is the ultimate apartment pet. Sugar Glider's are extremely social and bond naturally with their human owners. This in mind, these animals do require quite a bit of daily attention and interaction as without it they can at times become depressed or even die. A marsupial, the Sugar Glider is quite comfortable hanging out in a shirt pocket all day, cuddling close to its owner. They are a very endearing and non-aggressive pet that typically lives 12-14 years, so will make a wonderful long time pet that'll connect well with its owner. Being small, fun, and easy to care for makes the Sugar Glider the perfect apartment pet!

That rounds out the list of Top Six Unique Apartment Pets. There are an increasing number of viable pet options for apartment dwellers out there, so make sure and look around and weigh those options to find the perfect pet for you and your place.

Visit ApartmentHomeLiving.com for more information on apartments and living for fun!

by Jeff Swett

About the Author
At AHL Apartmentites have a platform to share their own stories, get great info & tips on apartment living, read Jeff's entertaining blogs/stories, and have a ton of fun sharing their love of apartment living with others. Don't forget to go and set up your own MyPlace page to really get the full Apartmentite experience!

Pet Insurance Even For Your Lizard

A pet unfortunately is often considered an accessory not important in a household. But if you decide to have one, you will be surprised how a simple animal can enrich your life. Soon your pet will be part of the family and you will feel obliged to take care of its well being as much as you can afford to.

One of the ways to provide your pet with a healthy life is to heed every advice the vet has given you and thus to afford all the medical attention your pet require which also means buying them a pet insurance policy.

If Your Pet Is A Cat

When your pet is a cat and because of its docile nature, you may think it unnecessary to invest for it a pet insurance. But the fact remains that cats do age regardless of where they stay and they are prone to suffer medical as well as dental problems that can put them at risk from a health point of view. Therefore, if you want to afford the medical bills that your cat may summon, you must have a cat pet insurance, regardless of its circumstances.

Another reason to get your pet cat an insurance policy is to have it act as a safeguard to take care of the pet cat and give its owner a certain amount of money in the event of the death of the cat.

Also there is another manner in which a cat may be insured. Cat health pet insurance is most often favored by those who are old in age and who wants their pet to be taken of in case of their deaths.

This means the elderly owner pays a fixed amount of money into a trust and if the cat does outlive him or her then the person or persons that become the pet's new guardian will receive the sum of money for its upkeep. Thus, cat health pet insurance will take care of the pet when the master dies and it can continuously live a normal and healthy life in the care of its new owner.

If Your Pet Is A Dangerous Dog Breed

Unfortunately, some of our pet dogs have been classified as dangerous breeds. These dog breeds usually fall on the larger dogs.

There are homeowner associations that have put restrictions on certain dog breeds. Some of these associations have banned specific breeds in their neighborhoods. Those associations who have not banned specific breeds have strongly requested that the homeowners purchase dog liability pet insurance.

Fortunately most insurance agencies will not label your dog by its breed, but by its history.

They often understand that it is not the particular breed that determines whether a dog is dangerous, but its circumstances and training.

Most of these agencies impose different options for their dog pet insurance. If for example, your dog might be a biter, then your dog pet insurance will be a little higher than the dog which is calm and submissive.

While most of those which are classified as dangerous are the larger breed dogs, some of the designer dogs can be just as fierce. The owners of tiny dogs should also invest in dog pet insurance in case these dogs injure someone. But to be safe, any dog owner should purchase dog pet insurance. Not only will it help in case of liability, but will also help with the general health expenses of your dog.

If Your Pet Is An Exotic Animal

If you are inclined to have an exotic animal for a pet, it is all the more reason to get it a policy. After all no matter what sort of exotic pet you have, you most likely to have spent a huge sum of money on them. Since exotic pets are also not cheap pets to maintain, and when it is time to purchase an insurance policy for them, exotic pet insurance is going to be the best.

Another main reason that you need to have exotic pet insurance is that most vets will probably not know a lot about your pet, and so they aren't going to know what to do when your pet needs care. This will mean that if you have to see the vet with your exotic pet, you might be spending a lot more money than you realize. This is very important for you to know, because if you get an exotic pet insurance you are making sure that the pet care is covered, no matter how much it costs you.

About the Author
Cindy Heller is a professional writer. Visit pet insurance plan to learn more about pet sitters insurance and cat health pet insurance.