Seven Fun Facts About Spiders

A lot of people fear spiders because some of them are poisonous. Other people fear the thought of being bitten. Let's explore spiders in general and give you some facts about common spiders.

Though spiders have simple eyes, they usually are not well developed. Instead, spiders use vibrations, which they can sense on the surface of their web. The tiny bristles distributed all over a spider's body surface, are actually sensitive tactile receptors. These bristles are sensitive to a variety of stimuli including touch, vibration, and airflow.

Spiders are arthropods, so their skeletal system of their body is the outermost layer. The hard exoskeleton helps the spider maintain moisture and not dry out. The bristles are not hair, but actually part of their exoskeleton.

The word spider is from an Old English verb spinnan, meaning "to spin." Web weavers use the tiny claws at the base of each leg, in addition to their notched hairs, to walk on their webs without sticking to them.

Spiders digest their food outside their body. After the prey is captured, spiders release digestive enzymes from their intestinal tract and cover the insect. These enzymes break down the body, which allows the spider suck up the liquid prey.

The feared tarantula isn't poisonous. A tarantula's bite can be painful, but it isn't any more dangerous than a bee sting.

A Daddy-long-legs isn't a spider, though it looks a lot like one. It doesn't have a waist between its front body part and its abdomen. Its legs are longer and thinner than a spider's, and it carries its body hung low.

Under a spider's abdomen, near the rear, are tiny stubs called spinnerets. The spider uses its legs to pull liquid silk made in its abdomen from the spinnerets. The silk hardens as it stretches. Since silk is made out of protein, a spider eats the used silk of an old web before spinning a new one.

Not all spiders spin webs, but many use silk in other ways. Some protect their eggs in silken egg sacs. The Wolf Spider carries her egg sac attached to her spinnerets. Many tarantulas line their burrows with silk. Some trap-door spiders make silken lids for their burrows.

On an American one-dollar bill, there is an owl in the upper left-hand corner of the "1" encased in the "shield" and a spider hidden in the front upper right-hand corner. Most spiders belong to the orb weaver spider family, Family Aranidae. This is pronounced "A Rainy Day."

A strand from the web of a golden spider is as strong as a steel wire of the same size. In the 1960s, animal behavior researchers studied the effects of various substances on spiders.

When spiders were fed flies that had been injected with caffeine, they spun very "nervous" webs. When spiders ate flies injected with LSD, they spun webs with wild, abstract patterns. Spiders that were given sedatives fell asleep before completing their webs.

Cure your fear about spiders. Overcome arachnophobia and other fears with our proven anxiety and fear management methods and techniques. Fast and safe. http://www.overcomefearofspiders.info/blog

By Hong Brandon

Chipmunks as Pets

As I was walking around a local pet store recently, I happened to see a Siberian Chipmunk racing around its cage, performing acrobatics that entertained a growing crowd gathered around its cage. It got me to wondering - do chipmunks make good pets? How would I choose one? What involves taking care of one?

Purchasing a chipmunk

First and most importantly, find a reliable and reputable breeder or pet retailer. A local veterinarian may be able to help you locate one. When you do find one that offers chipmunks, be sure to select an active one with bright eyes, a shiny coat and an undamaged tail. This will help ensure that your pet is healthy. Next, choose a chipmunk that is fully weaned, which means it is at least 6 to 8 weeks old, but no older than 16 weeks (as younger pets are more friendly and gentle, and can be acclimated more easily to you and your family).

You’ll also need to be sure a local veterinarian can provide checkups for your chipmunk.

Care of chipmunks

Chipmunks are very active and not at home in small cages. The best habitat would be a large outdoor area fenced with a fine mesh with an attached indoor section. Fencing should extend into the ground since chipmunks are known to be good diggers.

Chipmunks need a varied diet, with a standard seed-based food as a base. They’ll eat fruits and vegetables, too, so those should be provided at least once per week. The pets shouldn’t be fed every day, to encourage foraging behavior. Your chipmunk will store extra food when it is fed. Be sure that the food does not contain too many nuts or sunflower seeds, as these have high fat and calorie content. A standard rodent drip bottle will provide an adequate water supply, and you can also include a salt lick.

Handle the chipmunk often, but never handle the chipmunk by its tail! It could be damaged easily or break off. The pet needs a lot of human contact, especially when young, to become a tame and friendly pet.

So, to answer that first question, “Do chipmunks make good pets?,” yes. They’re not exactly low maintenance, though. They require a lot of attention, room, and a variety of food. As with any pet purchase, it’s best to do your research and make sure you have the time, money, and patience to provide a happy home to a new pet.

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

By Tonia Jordan

Tonia Jordan's writing portfolio can be found at http://www.Writing.Com/authors/spidergirl so stop by and read for a while.

Why Exotic Pets Should Not Be Banned

We all know how special interest groups can blow things out of proportion – like the nonexistent “Exotic Pet Crisis.” If you listened to some animal rights groups, you’d think keeping exotic pets is cruel, dangerous, and even bordering on treason! Before you buy that agenda, consider that a junior high student once made a convincing case for banning dihydrogen monoxide: colorless, odorless, and tasteless, it kills thousands of people every year.

Most deaths are caused by inhalation, but the dangers of dihydrogen monoxide do not end there. Prolonged exposure to its solid form causes severe tissue damage. Dihydrogen monoxide is also known as hydroxl acid, is the major component of acid rain, may cause severe burns, contributes to land erosion, may cause electrical failures and decreased effectiveness of automobile brakes, and has been found in excised tumors of terminal cancer patients.

This report was presented to 50 students, asking them what should be done about the chemical. 43 students favored banning it, 6 were undecided, and only one correctly recognized that 'dihydrogen monoxide' is actually H2O -- plain old water. How gullible are you?

Banning my cat makes about as much sense as banning yours – and the results are just as heartbreaking for pet and owner. Are you ready for the truth about the “Exotic Pet Crisis?”

*Exotic pets are not dangerous! One study showed that the risk of injury to exotic cat owners was less than the risk of injury due to a domestic dog bite. And every person who drives a motor vehicle subjects themselves and their family to a risk three times greater then does someone who owns even a large exotic cat such as a tiger.

*Most exotic pet owners are kind, intelligent people who adore their animals and take excellent care of them. We love our pets just as you love yours.

*Exotic animal bans result in beloved pets being confiscated, impounded, and usually killed. A lucky few live out their lives in cages under the care of strangers in zoos and sanctuaries. This is the dirty secret animal rights groups don’t want you to know. Banning does not help animals: it kills them!

*Exotic cat ownership is already regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Interior, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, CITES, the Animal Welfare Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Lacey Act, more city, county, and state regulations than you can shake a stick at, as well as existing animal welfare and public safety laws that govern both exotic and domestic animals.

*“You can buy a tiger on the Internet for $100.00,” research-averse activists proclaim in horror. Just try to order up a tiger online, or even a serval. You won’t succeed. This urban legend has great repeatability at cocktail parties and save-the-cute-animals-from-evil-humans fundraisers, but is severely lacking in the reality department. Breeders do have web sites, but it takes much more than a click of the mouse to purchase an exotic cat.

For information on wild and exotic cats from servals to tigers as pets, visit http://www.exoticcatz.com. The site includes articles on care, behavior, housing, and legal issues as well as species profiles and photos.

By Jessi Clark-White

This article may be reprinted in its entirety only. Permission is not granted to reproduce in edited form or to support the ending of exotic pet ownership

How To Care For A Potbellied Pig

Although for many people the word pig conjures up images of a farmyard, potbellied pigs are increasingly popular as domestic pets. They are much smaller than the standard farm pig, and commonly seen with mixed black and white coloring; or all black, all white, or silver coloring. Adults typically weigh around 125-200 lbs, are fully-grown at 2-3 years and are about the height of a medium sized dog. They have a projected lifespan of 15-20 years, and are relatively low maintenance pets, requiring roughly the same amount of daily care as a dog. Potbellied pigs are popular city pets, and their small size lends itself well to apartment living.

The potbellied pig originated in Vietnam, and is a combination of several breeds. Given the chance, they can interbreed with common farm pigs and wild boars, as they are all part of the genus sus scrofa. Potbellied pigs are exotic pets, which can make them a bit more troublesome than a cat or a dog for this reason: not all veterinarians treat them which can make it difficult to get these pets the care they require. Pigs need their tusks trimmed every couple of years, and may need their hooves trimmed annually. A veterinarian, or an owner who has learned how from a doctor, can perform these tasks. Pigs will need to be spayed or neutered and require regular vaccinations.

Potbellied pigs make enjoyable pets because they are very intelligent and affectionate. However, like many animals they are prone to laziness and aggression if not properly exercised and socialized. At times, an adult pig may rebel against the owner in so-called “dominance aggression”, and will need to be reprimanded gently yet strongly, and taught to respect the owner’s authority. They can be well trained, if properly motivated by food and other rewards. They take well to positive reinforcement when they are behaving well, but should not be physically punished.

Pigs should have daily leash-led walks or they will gain weight. They will eat nearly endless amounts of food, particularly high-carbohydrate unhealthy food, if allowed, so it is vital to restrict your pet’s access to the food it craves. They are relentless in searching for food, and should be kept far away from the kitchen or any food storage. Special pig feed can be purchased in a pet store or special-ordered. Pigs are omnivores, equally interested in vegetables, meats, sweets, and carbohydrate-based foods.

Pigs are social herd creatures, and it is often recommended that they be kept in pairs or groups, especially if they are kept outside the house. This keeps them stimulated and active. Because of their intelligence, if pigs get bored they may become destructive and troublesome. Inadequate attention or playtime can compel pigs to do anything from rooting up plants to taking up linoleum floors and eating drywall. Pigs need to be kept in their own confined area of the house, preferably an entire room, if not a confined outdoor area. They are clean and essentially odor-free, so it is not usually difficult to find a room where they can roam.

Like any pet, a potbellied pig is a serious commitment, and requires some specialized care that demands time and resources. Shelters are overflowing with abandoned pigs whose owners did not anticipate the kind of attention that their pet would need. However, the intelligence, affection and personality of a well trained, adequately cared for potbellied pig can be very rewarding for the prepared, responsible owner.

By: Gray Rollins

Article Source: http://www.articlemap.com

Gray Rollins is a featured writer for PotbelliedHogs.com. To learn more about how to care for pet pig and potbellied pigs as pets, visit us.

Tips For A Successful Exotic Pet Adoption

You are certainly not alone in considering an exotic pet adoption. Every year, more and more people decide that a normal cat or dog isn't the right pet for them. There are many different types of exotic pets available that there really is a pet that goes well with almost every type of personality.

Adopting an exotic pet isn't all fun and games. To help you decide which exotic pet is right for you read the tips below.

Exotic pet adoption is such a big ordeal, make sure to take time during the process to think everything through. We have all walked into a pet store and have wanted to take home a cute cuddly pet on an impulse.

However, in a few days if you realize that you bit off more than you could chew, you might not be able to give the pet back. Rather than taking a pet home right away, go home and spend a couple of days researching.

Find out what kind of supplies you will need, what kind of food, home, and health items you will need for your exotic pet. Find out the prices of these things as well. You need to fully understand how much money you will be spending.

Try to find out what their natural character traits are. Do they stay awake all night and chatter, chirp, or make some other kind of noise that will keep you up all night?

Find out if the exotic pet you want needs loads of attention, or prefers to be alone. Is there a special type of food that you will have to provide? Fully research everything.

After doing all this you will be able to make a responsible and educated decision for your exotic pet adoption. Decided that you still want the pet? Then go for it!

By: Jessica A

Article Source: http://www.articlemap.com

Want to learn more about Exotic Pet Adoption? Visit ExoticPetAdoption.com and Adopt an Exotic Pet.

Why Choose Reptiles As Exotic Pet?

Pets are a source of enjoyment and fulfillment for most people. Pets like dogs and cats serve as loyal companions to people and are rewarded with tender loving care by their owners. However, there are people who pour out their affection to exotic pets.

Exotic pets are named as such because they aren't domesticated and tamed and are most often found in the wild. However, the popularity of exotic animals as pets has encouraged pet stores to stock up on exotic pets to meet the rising demand in the market.

When a person hears exotic pet, the first thing that comes into his mind is an animal that is uncommon and maybe wild. There are quite harmless exotic pets like hamsters, mice, guinea pigs and rabbits. On the other hand, there are also exotic pets that may seem ferocious and wild at first glance.

Reptiles are one of the most favored exotic pets especially people who have a love for the outdoors. There are different kinds of reptiles but the mere sound of their names can evoke fear from people who don't know an iota about their nature.

Among the common reptiles that have been purchased or adopted as exotic pets are snakes, crocodiles, turtles and iguanas. The frightening lead character in the legend of the Loch Ness is said to be a reptile. No one can of course validate this belief and scientists are still at a loss as to the truth behind claims of people who have seen the monster.

But not all reptiles are scary. The misconceptions people have about the nature of reptiles that are often regarded as exotic pets came from ignorance and lack of willingness to accept reptiles as exotic pets.

A person who is planning to buy a reptile as an exotic pet should bear in mind that most reptiles eat meat but there are reptiles that eat plants. Make sure that you know everything about the chosen reptile because there are reptiles that can be considered venomous.

There are people who believe that keeping snakes as exotic pets will bring them luck. Some prefer to keep snakes because they are a natural deterrent to the thousands of rodents living in the neighborhood.

There are plenty of reptiles to choose from and anyone with a penchant for these strange and eerie creatures can choose from a variety of reptiles that can be found roaming in the environment or being sold in pet stores all over the world.

Why Choose A Rabbit As Exotic Pet?

Every person has his own choice as to the kind of pet he will bring home and take care of. Generally, people choose dogs or cats as pets since these animals are sociable and easier to take care of care. However, there are people who prefer to take care of exotic pets.

Ordinary pets are animals that people consider as pets because they are highly domesticated and subdued. On the other hand, exotic pets are animals that aren't commonly found near society, aren't domesticated and most of them belong to the wild.

A person who is planning to get an exotic pet should take into consideration his commitment in caring for such pet. If the motivation is merely to have the exotic pet shown off then it is better to think again. Owning an exotic pet is a heavy responsibility because they require special care.

Parents who are planning to give an exotic pet to their children should choose an exotic pet that is more subdued and can be easily handled by children. Safety should also be a main consideration when giving exotic pets to children.

Why not give your child a rabbit as an exotic pet? Rabbits are cuddlier and safer compared to other exotic pets like reptiles and the likes. Can you imagine your child holding a boa constrictor for a pet? Of course that would be the day! But rabbits, well they look like stuffed toys they don't even seem like exotic pets at all!

Rabbits have become a common site nowadays because there are people who breed rabbits for business purposes. Some breed rabbits for their meat while some breed rabbits for reselling. Giving a rabbit to a child as an exotic pet would surely be appreciated without the giver worrying about safety and other issues.

Rabbits are fairly easy to take care of except of course when you have to give them warmth when temperatures go down. While rabbits are simple exotic pets, they also need tender loving care so make sure to educate the child on how to take care of the rabbit. Also ask the pet store about vaccines that may be given to the rabbit to make sure it is safe and healthy.

When buying rabbits, make sure you get one with a good pedigree because they have a higher resale value. In any case, rabbits with known and good pedigrees are better to breed and to take care of as exotic pets.

Use Tips When Considering Box Turtles as Exotic Pets

While many people find exotic pets to be cool, many pet owners are still quite reluctant to veer away from having dogs and cats as their animal companions. The thought of having exotic pets seems so out-of-this-world when one thinks of the special care needed for such unusual critters.

However, such isn't really true since not all exotic pets are hard to keep. Some may even be easier to maintain than typical pets. One example of easy-to-keep exotic pets are box turtles.

When buying box turtles it is best to avoid doing it during the cold seasons as box turtles hibernate during such times. Box turtles tend to be stressed during the winter due to the dehydration and starvation that comes with hibernation.

A good box turtle would feel solid and weighty when you pick it up. Check for its strong reflexes by gently tugging its hind leg and seeing if it quickly and strongly pulls its legs away. The face and limbs should have no swellings, the eyes should be alert and clear. There should be no discolorations or slime on the shell.

There should be no secretions coming from the mouth and nose. There should be no breaks, cracks, or overgrowths in the beak. Common sense would usually help one find the tell-tale signs of bad condition.

Boxed turtles live well both indoors and outdoors. They just need an enclosure that allows them enough space to live in. The enclosure should be at lest 36 by 12 inches and have a wall high enough to keep the turtle from climbing out.

Box turtles prefer living on slightly moistened potting soil that have no coarse substrates that may damage their shells. There should be enough water for the turtle to dip in and climb out as it wants. For cold areas, there should be a heat source such as a heating pad to regulate the temperature.

Box turtles need only to be fed once every morning for youngsters, and every other day for adults. Box turtles need a balanced diet that contains both animal and plant materials. Varied vegetables are good when combined with canned dog food are usually recommended for the turtles. Other owners feed box turtles with mashed chicken liver, earthworms, slugs and small insects.

Keeping box turtles as exotic pets may be a good decision for many. They are easy to live with and easy to maintain. It is also very enjoyable to witness these creatures grow and live.