Facts You May Not Have Known About Hermit Crabs

Hermit crabs are found both on land and in water. Whether they are land or sea crabs, they are crustaceans that live in a shell discarded by another animal. This article is talking about the peculiarities of "land" or "tree" hermit crabs, not the ocean varieties.

They truly start life like fish and grow into land life. These little crabs start out in the ocean, much like sea hermit crabs. While they're in the water as babies, hermit crabs start out as larvae called zoeae and grow into aquatic crabs, they swim and breathe underwater through gills. As adults, they can no longer breathe underwater, but they still breathe through gills that must be kept moist to prevent suffocation. Grown up hermit crabs have lost their ability to swim.

Their tail shape is set by their first shell. A hermit crab's rear end curves to fit into and hold onto the shell they live in. The shape of their first shell is very important, and will influence shell selection for the rest of their lives.

They "go number one" below their eyes. Hermit crabs excrete urine through glands at the base of their antennae. Which means that they "pee" through their faces.

Their name is a misnomer. Although these animals are commonly called "hermit crabs" they are actually not true crabs because they lack a hard abdomen armor, and they are not hermits, because they live in large groups of about a hundred crabs in the wild.

Hermit crabs have been bred in captivity, but this is not where pet store stock comes from. All pet stock available has been harvested off beaches throughout the world where these animals are native. Most pet hermit crabs in the US come from the West Atlantic coasts.

They have no vocal cords, but they still "talk". These cute little crustaceans make sounds sort of like chirps by rubbing legs together. This is called "stridulating" and works similar to the noise you get when you rub your two hands together. They can be very expressive.

They molt. To grow, this crustacean has to go through process of burying themselves, shedding their old exoskeleton, eating it, and re-emerging. This is called molting, and the whole thing can take weeks. Without somewhere safe to bury themselves for weeks approximately once or twice a year, a hermit crab will die.

Only six of their ten legs are generally visible. Although hermit crabs have ten legs like a spider, they keep the back four inside their shells to anchor them in and keep the inside of the shell clean.

Legs can be "thrown off" without killing the crab. If a crab is stressed or scared, they can "drop" a leg to distract a threat so that they can hopefully get away. They sometimes do this when they are sickly, too. They will grow a new leg back oven the next few molts.

Hermits do poop. Their owners sometimes wonder if they do, because crab poop is small and blends in with bedding materials. These guys either defecate inside their shell and then scoop it out or out the side of their shell.

"Hermies" have long been adored as short-term pets that are easy to care for. Actually, they can live up to 30 years or so in captivity when cared for correctly. Pet stores routinely give poor pet care to hermit crabs, and pass poor pet care information to owners, resulting in short lifespans. As a very misunderstood pet, they have a strong grass-roots following of devotees on-line distributing good care information.

Pet Hedgehogs - Buying Guide

When buying pet hedgehogs, there are some important things to look for to make sure you have a healthy animal.

Things to check: 

• Its Nose - your hedgehog's nose should be black and wet, kind of like a dogs. It should not be running and it should not be making "rasping" noises as this may be a sign of a respiratory infection.
• Eyes - should be black and ball like, the eyes should be clear and black, patchy eyes and or cloudy eyes are signs of genetic defects and any hedgehog with these should not be bought. Other signs that the hedgehog is not healthy include, runny, closed, sunken or droopy eyes and any signs of conjunctivitis.
• Ears - Ears should be nice and clean. Your new pet may have little nibbles or chunks out of their ears but this is fine as long as they are healed (sometimes a hoglets they can get a little too close to their siblings and be bitten)
• Weight - They should be "plump" if you look at their belly there should be a little padding and no loose droopy skin, it should also have fine hair and you should see its little chubby pink belly. Which if it will let you touch it will feel soft and a fluffy.
• Legs - Watch your hog have a little walk around, this one is mostly common sense, make sure it is walking as it should, no wobbles or limps or anything like that.
• Responses - A healthy animal will be very inquisitive and interested in anything in its proximity, if you put your hand in front of it, that should be enough to get it around you sniffing and maybe having a little lick. It should also start to "huffle" if it gets stressed, so try picking it up and seeing if it balls up and huffles, this is completely normal for pet hedgehogs.
• Quills - You want to make sure that there are no missing quills or bald patches, often there are broken quills but this is normal as they can be quite rough and tumble, but they are very resilient animals and can handle a broken quill or two.
• Skin - some hedgehogs have little mites at the base of their quills, if they do they will have small scabs at the base, these are easy to see and identify. Never buy a hedgehog with mites.

Testing a pet hedgehogs temperament - there are a few simple things you can do to test that your pet hedgehogs temperament is good and that you get a sociable animal, because nobody wants a moody or shy pet. 

• Pick up your hog and it should curl into a ball and "huffle", turn it onto it's back and see how long it takes to uncurl, a social hog will do this in about 30 seconds, if it does not ball at all then you have an extremely sociable little pet.
• Stroke your hedgehog - Will it let you stroke its quills or its belly? What about its feet? Most hogs will not let you do this without curling up, however if it does then that's a fantastic sign.
• Put it on the floor- When you put it down, a sociable hog will uncurl and start sniffing things almost immediately. Some will curl up and huffle and for a bit but if they do this for around 2 minutes or more then that is a sign that your hog may not be the most sociable.

Hedgehogs As Pets - An Amazing Idea

Are you searching for the perfect pet? Look no further, I have the solution, it has the cute factor, is cheap to buy, is even cheaper to keep, provides lots of entertainment, doesn't take up too much space and did I mention that they are ridiculously cute?

I'm talking about an African pygmy hedgehog, they literally are the perfect pet (in my completely biased opinion). The entertainment provided by these little cuties can last for hours, they are so curious and intelligent that just watching them is entertaining. Whatever you put in their cage will be sniffed, pulled around, licked and combined with other items to create some form of havoc. Mine has realized that if he puts his wheel up against his food bowl he will never knock it over, yet he doesn't seem to care that it makes it ridiculously noisy.

Keeping hedgehogs as pets is an awesome idea, you can pick one up from a good breeder for around £100/ $150, and once you have that initial outlay they cost barely nothing, they eat dry cat food and sleep on wood shavings. Of course if you feel like treating your hedgehog you can buy meal worms or scramble some eggs for them, at a minuscule extra cost. The toys that they play with can be anything from toilet roll tubes to a bit of string tied to the roof of their cage.

The cuteness comes in whenever your hog is awake, they will literally sniff everything you put in front of them, and there is not a cuter site in the world than when they like the smell of something and start licking it. It's ridiculously cute.

There are other things to consider before getting hedgehogs as pets, such as health, quality of breeder, these are things that require an article in themselves but we will deal with that later.

For now though, more reasons why you want one, watching them play with their toys is a sheer joy, my little boy Anderson loves running on his wheel, it is almost as if he knows when you are watching because he will run around in circuits, on his wheel for a minute, around his house, into his tube, over for a drink of water, then around his food bowl and back onto the wheel to repeat the exact same circuit. However when I am not watching, he will run around on his wheel for hours on end.

I highly recommend hedgehogs as pets.

How to Choose a Cage for Your Sugar Glider

You're considering getting a sugar glider as a pet. Great - a very unusual choice as they are enchanting little creatures and will bring you a great deal of pleasure, as they enjoy interacting with their owners - you can carry him around in your shirt pocket. They are very affectionate and bond well with their owners as well as with each other. If you are thinking seriously about this however, be aware that you need to have at least two sugar gliders - they are social animals and need to be among their own kind. They are considered exotic animals and as such, have special needs which must be met in order for them to thrive.

Be aware too, that some states have laws against keeping sugar gliders - in their native country of Australia, it is illegal to own one unless you have been approved by the state and are specially licensed. Sugar gliders can live for eight to fifteen years in captivity and taking a close look at your life-style will tell you whether you are equipped to take on such a responsibility for what could be many years. When you acquire a pet, you have it for life - a forever home!

Of course, you have given a great deal of thought to providing a proper home for such an exotic pet. You already know their habits and the fact that they are nocturnal. Providing an appropriate enclosure for them would be your first concern - and there are many ways to build or buy sugar glider cages. Building one might be a better choice, because you are better able to fit it in the spot you have chosen for it.

Its dimensions are important; for a pair, you will need a minimum of twenty-four inches for width and depth - but the important thing is the height of your sugar glider cage as these little animals are climbers. Thirty-six inches high would be the minimum and more would be better to accommodate their climbing instincts. The mesh used to build sugar glider cages should be no more than half an inch wide and if you put some branches and ropes inside, they will remain strong and healthy with climbing exercise. 

Some toys perhaps; they love an exercise wheel. It should be a large wheel with a solid surface so that tails and legs don't get caught. And how about those clear plastic globes which you can put your sugar glider in - he can roll around the house. How about a length of PVC pipe - this would give them a place to hide, as well as play.

Add a couple of platforms for them to climb on. Fixing a few horizontal bars on the inside of the mesh walls will help too because these little guys love to climb and jump - it's what they do! If you add branches, be certain that they are free from pesticides and fertilizers as well as being from non-toxic plants. Coniferous tree branches such as pine and cedar should also be avoided as they have sticky sap in them.

Consider placing your sugar gliders' cage inside a large plastic tray as this will catch any material which falls outside the cage - it's not easy to house-train them. A secure latch is essential as sugar gliders are pretty smart and can figure out how to open the cage door themselves. In the bottom, put a thick layer of shavings - aspen or fir is perfect as you can clean it out a couple of times per week. Avoid using cedar as it is toxic to small animals.

Your sugar gliders' cage should be placed in a spot which is free from drafts and where the average temperature is above a normal room temperature of 73 degrees F. Your sugar gliders' cage should also have a nest box in it and it's suggested that you place this against the ceiling of the cage so that they can't use the top of it as a bathroom. Best of all is a pouch (they are marsupials, after all) made out of a washable cloth, such as corduroy, which you can attach to the mesh wall of your sugar gliders' cage. 

You can make these at home - make a few of them so that you can change them frequently. Another great benefit is that you can remove the pouch with the gliders inside to make it easier for them to bond with you. Place their water bottle high in the cage too as they are happier at the top of the structure - they live high up in trees when in the wild.

Enjoy your sugar gliders but remember please - these are social animals and need their own kind to bond with. When you finally get your sugar gliders, get them both at the same time so that they can hang out together in their own new territory which you have provided for them.

Why Our Chinchillas Need a Metal Cage

This most appealing of small rodents can make a wonderful pet as long as the new owner understands and appreciates a few chinchilla facts, which must be taken into consideration if deciding to have one.

They chew. They are rodents and chewing is their gig. They need to gnaw because their long front incisor teeth continue to grow throughout their lives and, if allowed to grow too long, the animal cannot eat, eventually starving to death. They will gnaw on anything and everything including baseboards, the bottoms of wooden chairs, wires, your shoes, and cardboard boxes. Chinchillas can injure themselves by chewing on items which have high amounts of resins or other chemicals. They need safe items to satisfy their gnawing needs and may also need dental care to keep those incisors from becoming too long. So, when outside his chinchilla cage, he needs careful supervision - plus he can jump about six feet high!

Natives of the South American Andes, chinchillas have thick fur and are related to guinea pigs. Many find their appearance, soft thick fur, clean habits and lack of odor very attractive when considering one as a pet. But they are not for everyone - sure, they look cuddly, but they absolutely are not and neither do they like being held. So if you have small children, a chinchilla should not be your first choice as a pet. Chinchilla pets have some unique needs and one of the most important is the chinchilla cage in which you'll make his home for him.

First, your chinchilla cage should be made only of metal as he will chomp his way through plastic of any kind. He will destroy a plastic chinchilla cage over a fairly short time and as it will stain easily, it will not be very attractive as part of your home décor. Plastic can also harbor bacteria which is not good for the animal or for his human parents.

So a metal chinchilla cage is essential. Buy the largest your home and budget can handle because chinchillas are very active (at night) and need enough space to romp and play, stretch out and chill. And perhaps if you decided to get a second chinchilla, the cage would then be large enough to accommodate two of the little creatures, saving you the expense of having to replace your first choice.

Consider getting a multi-tiered chinchilla cage to allow him to climb around in his space. A chinchilla cage with a couple of ladders and platforms will suit him perfectly and if you can add a hammock for him to snooze in, he will be in chinchilla heaven. Choose your chinchilla cage with large doors so that you can reach him more easily and make cleaning the cage easier too.

Now, having got the chinchilla cage, we need to decide where to put it. Chinchillas are very susceptible to heat and cold, so his cage should be kept in a place where the temperature can be controlled. It should not be higher than 75F as your pet can become heat-stricken very quickly because of his thick, dense fur. You'll also need to give him a "house" inside his cage; a darker spot where he can curl up and sleep during the day as these little guys are nocturnal.

Another thing to keep in mind - in his native environment, your little chinchilla instinctively cleans his fur by taking dust baths. They roll around in volcanic dust which gets into their fur and absorbs oil and dirt. The dust bath is essential to his good health and he'll need one at least two to three times a week. You can get special chinchilla dust which is made from fine pumice at an exotic animal store or online - just pour it into a large shallow container and let him roll to his heart's content. Do not - repeat - do not give him a bath in water. His dense fur prevents air-drying and the fur close to his skin will retain moisture, which can cause fungus growth or fur rot.

Choosing the right chinchilla cage for your new pet will enable him to live in the best possible environment for his species - and allow you to enjoy him as well, each respecting the other's needs.

Hermit Crabs: Some Basic Information

As great as hermit crabs are to keep as pets, it's no surprise that you're looking for info on these fun little critters. Most people know little about these "oh so unique" pets, but I'd like to change that. The following article will include some of the basic information that anyone interested in "adopting" them should know.

"Hermies" are quite different from many other common pets. They are easy to take care of, inexpensive to purchase and maintain, and are just plain cool! Add to that the fact they can be found in just about any pet store, and you've got one good candidate for a new pet.

In the interest of getting you informed, I'll explain what hermit crabs are, and then I'll expound on why I think they make such terrific pets.

When you see these shelled creatures at your local pet store, you're looking at land-based or terrestrial hermit crab. This type of crab belongs to the family of coenobitidae.

These creatures are pretty unique. Not only does his "shell as a home" distinguish him from most other animals, but he starts off his life as a sea creature. They can survive for a few months away from the water, but will periodically travel back to the shore and take a dip to sustain them for a while.

On a personal note, I've been continually surprised by how much personality "hermies" have once you get to know them. Each individual crab I've owned has been a little different than the rest. As a matter of fact, I usually wait about a week before naming a new one, so I can pick a name that matches their personality!

What Do I Need to Take Care of My Hermit Crab?

Well, they don't require much in the way of supplies. If you're thinking of buying one, however, I'd recommend thinking again.

These crabs are very social in nature. As you become friends with yours, you'll see what I'm talking about. These carbs didn't earn their name from being loners. If you're considering keeping them as pets, let me give you a word of advice - the more you buy the happier they'll be.

These social creatures need each other's company, I recommend purchasing 4-12 of them at a time. In fact, many crab owners I know purchase their pets by the dozen. It replicates the social environment they would thrive in in nature.

The Best Foods for Your Guinea Pig!

When you think of grazing animals, you normally think of large livestock like cows or horses. What you might not know is that your guinea pig is also a grazer. This means that your little pet will need to have an ample supply of food left out with them all day. 

Perhaps one of the most important foods that you can offer your pet is fresh, bagged, and dust-free hay. Resist purchasing it from feed stores that normally sell for cattle or other animals. The hay will help to stabilize their digestive system properly. If you notice your little guy has loose stools, there is a good chance they aren't getting enough hay. This hay along with a fortified guinea pig mix should be left out for your pig at all times.

Obviously, they cannot obtain all their nutritional needs by hay and dry food alone. In fact, guinea pigs are complicated creatures and require other foods that will give them adequate supplies of vitamins and minerals. One of the most important vitamins for these guys is Vitamin C. 

The reason is because they do not have the necessary enzyme to produce vitamin C on their own. Before you start offering your guinea pig an abundance source of oranges and other fruits, remember that extra foods should be given in smaller quantities, and not left out for them to consume all day long.

Some of the best choices for your little furry friend are leafy green vegetables, melons (including the rinds), oranges, broccoli, kale, or even cabbage. Regular iceberg lettuce should be avoided as it can cause loose stools and dehydration. Offer your little friend one or two very small servings of fruit or veggies daily. When they no longer seem interested, remove it from the cage so it doesn't get moldy or sour, and upset their digestive system.

Another must have for your little guy is clean fresh water. If your refrigerator has a water filtration system use it to fill your little friend water bowl. Be sure to use heavy bowls or ones that attach to the cage so they don't end up spilling their fluids all over themselves or the cage. Additionally, change the water frequently every day as bacteria builds up quickly.

When looking for guinea pig dry foods, choose ones that are especially made for them. Although you may think your little guy could eat something that a rabbit or hamster could - the truth is they are different animals with different requirements. Choose a high quality guinea pig mix. Some of them are available with specific pigs in mind, for instance if you are breeding or have a 'senior' pig that you are caring for. Make sure that you read the labels and feed accordingly. A guinea pig will eat constantly if allowed, so don't mistake their interest in food for actual hunger, or need.

You will of course also want to offer your little guy treats. This is a great part of training. Remember though that too many treats can make your guinea overweight causing tremendous pressure on their heart and lungs and making them very sick! So give treats in moderation only. If you are training your pig, then take one treat and break it into very small pieces so that you can still offer positive reinforcement without risking overfeeding.

Pros Of Raising A Rabbit: An Exotic Pet

It is a known fact that many people consider raising pets of different kinds because of their own personal reasons. Dogs are just among the most common kind of animal that people consider as pets; after all they are known to be man's best friend. 

You can also see people with cats and birds as a part of their household. But aside from these animals, there are people who find raising a rabbit as the best option to take a look into. Instead of raising dogs and cats which are two of the most common and popular pets, such people chose to raise rabbits. So what's with raising a rabbit? Are there any benefits that a person can enjoy in raising one?

Just like taking care of other kinds of pets, raising a rabbit is also associated with a number of pros/benefits. If you are planning to get yourself a rabbit instead of a dog or a cat, that wouldn't be a big surprise because rabbits are normally irresistible. They are very cute and cuddly animals that will surely make you happy for quite some time even if they are among those that are called as exotic pets. 

The major benefit of raising a rabbit has something to do with your health and your diet. Because rabbits mostly eat fresh vegetables, then you have to buy fresh vegetables even if you are not really into this kind of food. Somehow, you will be encouraged by your pet to change your diet into a healthy one and eat fresh vegetables. This does not mean that you have to eat the foods that your pet rabbit eats, this simply means that if your pet eats healthy foods then why won't you?

Another thing that can be considered as a pro in raising a rabbit is the fact that it can take away your depression and somehow control your blood pressure. This benefit actually does not only apply if you have a pet rabbit, you can also enjoy this benefit if your have a pet dog or cat. 

However, unlike owning a dog or cat, there is no need for you to take your rabbit for a walk or brush its hair. You just have to get a rabbit hutch where it can comfortably stay and play. Also, you do not have to worry about your pet disturbing other people because of the loud sound it can create. Normally, rabbits do not cause too much noise, they do not meow like cats or bark like dogs.

These are just some of the pros associated with raising a rabbit. No doubt, rabbits can be considered as ideal pets regardless of your location and age. As long as you provide your pet with everything that it needs and you have a complete understanding on how to take care of it, then you will not experience any major issues. Just do not assume that rabbits are perfect pets, there will be times where in you will encounter nibbling issues, health problems and other issues/problems with your pet rabbit.

Finding A Herbivore Pet for A Herbivore Person

As a vegan I welcome my home to a herbivore pet of any kind. While I have problem with the natural order of the circle of life, I find myself unable to feed one animal to another so all of my little companions are happy little herbivores like me. This article is meant to help any other vegan that feels the same way in finding a herbivore companion of their own. If you own larger land, you may want larger herbivores that need more room to frolic and that's cool too! The best part of having an animal around is the feeling you get knowing they feel comfort in your presence.

Indoor Pets

So far when it comes to a herbivore pet to play with at the house you'll have a choice of a few furry little mammals, a couple of birds, and a reptile. The mammals are rabbits, guinea pigs, and chinchillas. All of them are vegan rodents and can be kept in cages. Whenever you take them out to play with make sure any children near the pet are careful when they are handling the little guy. 

Macaws and Toucans are iconic birds and are both vegan! Macaws aka parrots love to bond with their human friend if treated right. Toucan's may try to take a bite out of a bug but if you supply it with enough fruit it will stick as a herbivore. Iguanas, like Toucans will eat bugs, but only if they're starving so feed it the right kind of leaves and it will stay a true vegan pet.

Outdoor pets

Having little indoor pets may be too limited for you and you may be willing to share quite a bit of land for a herbivore friend. The best kind of vegan pets to suit your standards would be horses, emus, goats, cattle, and capybaras. Most people see horses, goats, and cattle in many different ranches and farms but I bet most people don't think twice that those animals are vegans. Emus are a close relative to ostriches and can get up to 6 ft tall. 

These guys have legs strong enough to tear down wire fences so it's good to keep the properly contained for their safety and your properties safety as well. Capybaras are giant rodents, it sounds terrifying but they're lovable oafs. They are a cousin to guinea pigs and you may notice they bark like dogs. They will always keep a smile on you're face.

Green Love

A herbivore for a pet as a vegan has you appreciating nature more knowing that you are connected with your companion in more than just diet but also as a friend. Understanding the animal before making it a lovable pet should be the most important part of the decision process. Always consider adopting an animal from animal shelters like the humane society. The best part in any animal relationship should be how comfortable and loved the animal feels towards you, the guardian.

When Your Pet Ferret Is Really Old

Ferrets are wonderful little guys, but their life span is short. Around the age of seven to ten years, these perpetual toddlers slow down, get sick, and pass on. I've had a lot of ferrets, many of whom have passed on. Since my daughter and I tend to pick up older ferrets from the shelter, we've spent a lot of time doing hospice care. How do you care for your elderly ferret?

Think about the bridge

The ferret community talks about a beautiful bridge where our animals go and wait for us after they die. They play and have fun at the bridge until their humans come, and then the entire family crosses together. Whether you believe in souls or not, whether you believe in an after life or not, it can help to think "maybe there's a bridge." After a ferret dies, my daughter usually says to me, "Mommy, I hope there really is a rainbow bridge." I don't believe in the bridge, but I sure do like to pretend that I do. It's kind of like pretending Santa Claus exists, and it can help while you adjust.

Love your friend while he's still here

My current hospice fellow is Mortimer. He doesn't like other ferrets, so he lives in a cage next to my desk. When he wakes up, he'll glance at me and give me that "I want out" look. I let him out and he wonders around the house for a bit. I've built some "love pouches" for him. These are basically sewn together rectangles with a strap. I hang the "love pouch" around my neck and put Morty inside. He likes to walk around with me to see and smell things. He likes to sleep near my heartbeat. And, he tries to jump out of the pouch when he's done.

Make sure your buddy gets food

Teeth tend to wear out as we age. Can your ferret still eat kibble? (Well, that's assuming you feed your ferrets kibble.) If he has trouble eating, or loses weight, try feeding him duck soup. Duck soup is a generic term for any customized food that's easier to eat. Duck soup could be softened kibble, pureed chicken, or any number of special recipes.

Watch your buddy and recognize when it's time

I've been "lucky" with some ferrets, and haven't had to make any decisions regarding the end of their life. Sonia Rose, for instance, ate happily and wondered the house until the night before she died. She had a stroke, and was gone. I say I'm "lucky" because I don't think she suffered long and I didn't have to suffer making a decision I didn't want to make.

Other times I have not been so "lucky." When Moe's stool turned tar-like, I knew his tumor had taken its toll, and I had to take him in to the doctor. It was obvious to me that he was in pain.

Watch your friend and consider these things.

• Can he still eat? Does he want to eat?
• Can he still move about?
• Does he want to interact with the world?
• Does he look like he's in pain?

No one can identify the right time. No one wants their pet to go too soon and no one wants their pet to live in pain. Just do the best you can.

Should I Bathe My Pet Rats

The question whether or not we should bathe are pet rats is debatable. Some people are of the opinion that rats are dirty and that they need to give rats bath on a regular basis. Is it necessary? Well, I give my rats bath semi-occasionally. I do not have a set schedule on when to bath, it's more when I see the necessity to. There are reasons on when you should bath your pet rats.

Reasons for bathing rats: 

• Dominance urination.
• Because they're sick.
• Overwieght, injured, ill, or elderly.
• Odor Control.

Wrong reasons to bath a rat: 

• Showing. Everyone wants their rat to look good in a rat show but also understand that bathing is stressful for most rats. Most rats do NOT enjoy baths. It's a stressful thing for them even if the bath is for their own good. The main issue I have with bathing rats is that it feels like it's more for the owner's pride in showing their rats and the desire to win. Winning a rat show has no benefit to your pet. My main priority is health.
• Regular cleaning. Your pet really do clean themselves meticulously. Bathing pet rats to often will result in drying out the natural oils in their fur. For the majority, rat baths are not necessary. If you're doing it more than once every several months without any reason (such as the ones listed above), you should probably cut back.

Ways to maintain healthy fur

My two male boys rats have very coarse fur. They're always little puff balls after a bath but as days go by, their fur becomes coarse again. Here are some suggestions to get your pet rat looking his best. 

• Feed them olive oil with some bread. I have heard this does wonders from helping your rat's fur to be smooth and soft to helping with dandruff.
• Biotin is a supplement that helps with fur and skin health.
• Condition them in olive oil. I've done this once and it really does do wonders. If you bathe your rats for rat show purposes, try this first as an alternative to bathing. You don't need to drown your rats in olive oil. Just a little amount if your hand will do. You can use a wet towel to wipe the oil out (or your rats will lick out whatever you don't get). It will lose all purpose if you wash your rats.

Pet Rat Supplies

Here's a list of pet rat supplies to start out with. I've given this list much consideration after going through my own rat supplies. Not everything is absolute necessary, especially when you get towards the bottom of the list. However, you should give everything on this list some amount of consideration when buying supplies for your pet rat.

Water Bottles

• Fill-top water bottles are easier to fill if you don't want to constantly detach it from your rat cage.
• Glass water bottles can prevent a rat that loves to chew from destroying it.
• Plastic water bottles will work for most rat. I commonly use water bottles from Lixit.
• Get the biggest water bottle you can find. Rats drink an amazing amount of water for their tiny little bodies.

Food Dish

• Rats will often hide their food so having a food dish can often seem pointless.

Rat Food

• Grain mixes can help supplement your rats diet. Despite popular beliefs, a grain mix is not necessary to have a balanced rat diet.
• Harlan Teklad (can also be named "Native Earth") is my rat food of choice. Most pet store brands are not very high quality. The only other brand that is acceptable is Oxbox Regal Rat.

Rat Cage

• Remember to always adopt your rats in pairs and to get an appropriate sized cages.
• If you choose a Critter Nation or Ferret Nation, you may also want to consider buying pans from Bass Equipment.

Bedding

• Fleece cloth can be laid out as bedding though this would require much more frequent cleaning (including laundry) to keep odors down.
• CareFresh is also a suitable bedding but rather pricey and dusty. Be sure to freeze for 24 hour before use as it can contain bugs.
• Yesterday's News can be used in their litter box. Make sure you get the fragrance free package.

Litterbox

• Corner litter boxes is more space saving but the regular rectangular ones work fine as well.
• To successfully litter train, it helps to use different material in your litter box than you use as regular bedding. Example: don't use carefresh in the litter box AND as bedding but you can use Yesterday's News as litter box material and Carefresh as bedding. Read more about litter box training here.

Hammocks

• Fleece hammocks are the most comfortable especially during cold nights.
• Nylon hammocks are suitable for summer nights because nylon is much thinner and lowers the risk of the rat getting too warm.
• All hammocks are at risk of being chewed and will need frequent replacing.
• Nesting Box/Storage box
• Avoid wooden nesting boxes as mites and their eggs can hide in the pores of the wood
• Plastic housing (such as the igloos from Super Pet) can be easily cleaned. I usually run mine through the dishwasher when it gets dirty.

Rat Cage Cleaning Supplies

• Spray bottles: useful for diluting cleaning products with water.
• Pooper scooper
• Vinegar - soak the litter box or cage pan in vinegar to remove urine smells.
• Scrubber - a sponge or scour pad would do just fine.

Pet Shampoo

• Oatmeal shampoo is what I personally recommend. There are all natural formulas out there.
• Herbal shampoos sometimes contains products to assist in killing mites. I generally try to avoid these as the smell can be too strong.
• Make sure that whatever product you decide to get, it has a mild smell (like Oatmeal) or is fragrance free.

Chinese Dwarf Hamsters Make Great Pets

If you want to adopt a Chinese dwarf hamster the first thing that you need to do is to check with your national and local governments. Unfortunately, in the case of this pet, you cannot rely on your local pet shop to only be selling legal animals. In Australia and New Zealand, all hamsters are banned; in some of the states within the United States, Chinese dwarf hamsters are specifically banned. 

Governments place controls on the types of animals that people can bring into their jurisdiction. Without implementing the security practices that are common in laboratories that work with, say, the Ebola virus, it is likely that any life form will eventually escape. And governments do not want non-native species overrunning native populations. (Unfortunately, this is not unprecedented. 

For example, the Mediterranean Sea is being overrun by a type of seaweed that is commonly used in fish tanks. It is causing dead zones where nothing except this plant can survive. Clearly, it is important that you follow your government's laws.)

Once you are certain that it is legal to adopt the Chinese dwarf hamster, then you are in for quite a treat. These animals are adorable and charming. Unlike the other hamster species that are kept as pets, these animals are more adapted to climbing. They are relatively easy to tame, and can wrap themselves tightly around your finger.

Another thing that you may find out about Chinese dwarf hamsters is that they are master escape artists. Who when they stretch themselves out low to the ground, it can seem that their bodies thin out to nothingness. You will get this impression because he will be shocked at how small a hole can be for a Chinese dwarf hamster to get through it.

This is one species that should be kept only one to a cage.

In the realm of the Chinese hamster, females are in charge. Although smaller than the males, females rule through the threat (and of the act) of violence. Females fight with one another for dominance; they also fight with the males. As a result, once a dominant female has established a nesting area, other females, males, and juveniles of either sex know to stay away. Female Chinese dwarf hamsters also attack and kill any weaker or ill member of their species. This ensures that the limited resources of the desert only are consumed by those who are most likely to survive.

All hamsters use their scent glands to mark their territories, and the Chinese dwarfs are no exception. According to Laboratory Hamsters, edited by G. L. Van Hoosier, Jr. and Charles W. McPherson, the most frequently used marking pattern is "scratching the flank gland vigorously with the hind foot, followed immediately by a perineal drag which consists of depressing the anogenital region on the substrate." You may find it quite odd, even disgusting perhaps when you first see your pet do this. But realize that in the world of the Chinese dwarf hamster this is perfectly normal and acceptable behavior.

ntroducing the Miniature Pot Belly Pig

Certainly one of the most exotic pets, and fascinating to so many, is the miniature pot belly pig. This exciting little animal has captured the imagination of people all over the world, and has shown himself to be a warm and loving pet that the whole family will enjoy. Where has this wonderful little pet come from? Here are some facts.

Origins

The story begins in southeast Asia which is the home territory of the pot belly pig. Raised for centuries by the Vietnamese, the first pot bellies were introduced to the United States in 1985 by the pioneering efforts of Keith Connell. Keith brought 20 pigs in from Europe after seeing them in a zoo there, and although some didn't survive the trip, 18 of them did make it successfully. These became the original stock that brought forth one of the two main pot belly lines in North America.

Another major line of little pigs began when Keith Leavitt brought some pigs into Texas and began his breeding efforts there. This was in 1989, so you can see that these little guys have not been in the US for a long time. Because of this rather recent development of pet pigs, there isn't a lot of information going around about them, or about the other pet pigs which have since been brought into the country.

Key Factors to Think About

If you're thinking of getting yourself a pet mini-pig, there are quite a few things to consider. Unlike the decision to have a cat or a dog, or a canary, the choice of a pet pig is more complicated. You really must evaluate whether your home environment, your lifestyle and your family can handle the challenge.

A pet pig needs a different level of care, training and a realistic expectation of what it's like to have a pot belly. He needs a house with a first floor access to a yard to get his exercise and to do his thing.

Even though they are small, cute and cuddly, some may still grow to size that you don't expect, and so you must understand this upfront. His living space must be planned out, and depending on which breed you choose, home requirements will differ.

The local legal situation must also be checked out because many communities don't recognize him as a pet, and will treat your piggy as a regular 'farm' pig. Which is another thing: you must make sure that you don't get a 'counterfeit' pig that will grow to over 1,000 pounds, and turns out to be a regular pig! You'll still love him, but can you really give him 'house room'?

Time and patience must be available in large quantities because pot belly pigs will need to be trained just like you would train a pooch, only the requirement is greater. These animals are extremely clean and highly intelligent, in fact, one of the most intelligent animals on the planet. Still, you don't want them rooting around under your carpets and causing damage.

Clearly, getting a pet pig is not an impulse decision that can be made on a whim. These pets have a life expectancy of well over 20 years, some say even 30 years, so you are making a long term commitment. Realize that you will fall in love with this little pet, and will not want to give him up, especially after you've trained him to do tricks, obey your every instruction, and he has become part of the family.

Pet pot bellies can be trained to a litter box, just like a cat, and so most pig owners train their pets to do their business both inside and outside. They are so clean, and they smell good, but only after they have been neutered.

Will He Fit In?

A miniature pig can be quite an investment, so just because you saw a cute little porker, or your friend down the street has one, don't jump in without considering all of the above. A wrong decision will hurt everyone involved but the one that will suffer the most will be your pet.

Let me not exaggerate the job required to raise and train a pet pig. Tens of thousands have joined loving families here in America, so the job can be done, and can be the source of much joy for the whole family, provided the conditions are right as described above. Knowing the facts will allow a pet pig enthusiast with the right circumstances to become a proud and loving owner of a pot belly piglet.

In addition to pot belly pigs, there are other breeds including the Teacup, so named because of his small size, that are available if size might be a problem. These cuties are adorable, and make wonderful, intelligent pets, just like pot bellies.

Helpful Tips About Russian Dwarf Hamsters

Winter White Russian dwarf hamster, Campbell's Russian hamster and the Roborovski's dwarf hamster are species that comes under the category of Russian dwarf hamster. The Russian winter white and the Campbell's Russian dwarf have almost similar features and hence, it often becomes difficult to differentiate between the two. 

They both have a size that measure up to 8 to 10cm and also similar body colours. The Roborovski dwarf hamster is known to be the smallest of the three species of hamster having a size of 4-5cm.

Of the Winter White dwarf hamster and the Campbell's Russian hamster the former is known to be a rare species. The Winter White dwarfs are sold in pairs and are known for their friendly nature. 

During the winter times they have the ability to change colour in their native homeland. They change from their original colour of dark grey to white mainly to camouflage themselves in the snow and hide from their predators. This change in colour is due to the natural sunlight that they receive on a daily basis.

"Djungaria" another name for the Campbell's hamster has their origin in the Mongolian region of Djungaria, hence the second name. You will find this type of hamster at large at your nearest pet store. Their growing popularity is attributed to their creative breeding and the increasing number of colour combinations, spots and marks. Apart from their normal wild colour, they are also available in cinnamon, black, shades of blue or lilac, in spots and other marks.

Roboroski dwarfs were originally found in the desert banks of Western and Eastern regions of Mongolia and parts of Northern China. Smaller than the White Winter Russian hamster and the Campbell's hamster, they also have longer legs. Their body is enveloped with a coat and an undercoat, of brown and grey respectively. They are extremely energetic and can run at a high-speed. 

Hence, as pet they are not so great because of their boisterous nature. They are also extremely small in stature and hence, have the tendency to escape through cage bars. However, an interesting fact about them is that they are clean and takes great care in grooming themselves.

All the species of Russian dwarf hamster needs equal care and attention. Most of the them love to indulge themselves in lively activities. For their entertainment purpose you can even get them hamster balls that are available at all pet stores.