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.

What Will My Hermit Crab Eat?

You might be wondering "What in the world do hermit crabs actually eat?" Well, look no further, I'm going to go over a wide array of foods that your crab will love, and that will keep her healthy.

They actually consume a fairly decent variety of different foods, most of which are common and inexpensive. Commercially prepared foods will make up the foundation of a healthy crab's diet, with fruits, grains and other common foods rounding things out.

You will be able to find commercially prepared foods at any pet store that are safe for hermit crabs, and you will find a thorough list of "people foods" your crabs will love below.

Variety is the Spice of Life

Oh so true, and especially when it comes to a healthy hermit crab diet. Your crabs will thrive if given a variety of different foods each day. Choosing a good prepared food and supplementing with fresh foods is always a good way to go. Foods should be rotated regularly since prepared foods, fruits, and other foods listed below all contain different vitamins and micronutrients that will benefit your little crabby friends.

Be diligent when choosing a commercial crab food from the pet store. Any food containing ethoxyquin or copper sulfate should be avoided, as these ingredients are both included in common pesticides, and I don't feel good about feeding them to my crabs.

For the "people food", try some these!

He'll enjoy: 

• Dried cereals, crackers, and bread
• Diced pears, bananas, coconut, and apples
• Grapes (peeled)
• Peanut Butter
• Shredded Spinach
• Shredded Lettuce
• Cooked Potatoes

Serve your crab the food in very small pieces so she can manage eating them without difficulty.

Did you know that hermit crabs have a sweet tooth? It's true. They often enjoy munching on sweet foods, and a good way to satisfy these cravings is with baby food.

Some flavors they will like: 

• Bananas and Apples
• Apples, Kiwi, and Mango
• Apple Sauce
• Sweet Potato & Apple
• Apple and Pear
• Guava Fruit
• Papaya Fruit
• Mango Fruit
• Sweet Corn
• Chiquita Banana

Anything fruity will work, so don't feel limited by the above list. Baby foods are sweet and nutritious so they make an ideal choice. Hermit crabs, like people, will all have different preferences when it comes to the foods they enjoy. Take notice of what your crabs polish off quickly, and what tends to sit for some time without being eaten.

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.

Pocket Pigs: Sweet Companions For Pet-Lovers

They have wrinkled little nose, large ears compared to their body size; appealing color, funny tricks... I am talking about little pigs which are grabbing people's heart rapidly. "Micro-pig is a perfect pet", said Jane Croft, a breeder at Little Pig Farm.

Whatever you call them... piglets, mini pigs, pixie pigs, pot belly pigs, pocket pigs...one thing is certain... These are the cutest pigs you will ever glimpse!

Small is Beautiful

As the name suggests, these are tiny creatures, much smaller compared to regular pigs. In height, they can grow around 14 inches and weigh around 30-65 pounds. They attained their full growth in 2-3 years and have an average life expectancy of around 15 years.

These pigs are exceptionally clean. Even people who are likely to catch allergies easily will not face any difficulty with tiny companions. Reason being their skin is similar to ours only and it is near to impossible that they will carry and pass-on allergies.

Intelligent Companions

Believe it or not, these pocket toys are very intelligent also. Some people consider them as competitors of dogs in intelligence level! Keep in your bedroom; they will never make it a mess. Their affectionate and highly social nature is bound to surprise you. Can you imagine any pig enjoying TV and FM with you? Take these pigs at home; you will get this unique experience also.

Things to Take Care

You need good pet care to maintain their activeness and social nature. Play with them, keep them active. Else they would become lethargic, lazy and a bit aggressive also. At times, you may feel that they are challenging you as an owner by doing against what you say or by other such activities. But there is nothing unusual in it. Initially many pets behave this way. You need to train them properly how to respect their owner and others. Make sure you don't punish them physically. After all, they are animals only and may take time to learn and understand. Instead, it's better to keep them motivated by providing healthy food and involving them in some tricks like playing with ball, sitting on order etc.

Having a tiny pig at home is similar to having a little kid at home. They require special attention, especially when it comes to food. They are very fond of food and have the capacity to eat endlessly, so it's your duty to take care of their diet. After all, maintaining pet health is your foremost responsibility. To prevent them putting on excessive weight, they should be kept away from kitchen and their favorite dishes. You should also provide them proper space to run else they will become obese!

Lot of celebrities including Paris Hilton, Victoria Beckham, and Rupert Grint have purchased these little animals to grace their homes. If their novelties have attracted you also, take a cute tiny pig at your home and enjoy with this unique friend!

A Definitive Guide In Taking Care Of Your Pet Rabbit

Because rabbits are not the usual pets that people take care of, there are some things that you need to know first in order to properly take care of your exotic pet. Remember that taking care of a rabbit requires you to exert a lot of hard work, effort, time and even money in some cases. It would not be as easy as you may think it is especially if it is you first time to raise a rabbit. Below is a guide and some tips to properly take care of precious pet.

The first thing that should be taken into consideration is a place where your pet can stay particularly outdoors. Looking into building a rabbit hutch or buying one would be two of the best options that you can consider. You should make sure that the hutch is designed and built basing on the needs of your pet. Considering the fact that rabbits can become ill due to too much heat exposure then the hutch should be shady. You also need to consider the weather. 

Because the weather changes every once in a while, you have to take a look into a hutch that is made of waterproof materials in preparation for the winter or the rainy seasons. This is one way of making sure that it will be a safe place for your pet. If you do not have the tools, materials and the time to build a hutch, then you can just purchase one from a pet store.

Constant cleaning of the hutch is also required to prevent your pet from getting sick. This is a very important part considering that not all veterinarians have enough knowledge to treat and take care of rabbits when they get ill. This is also one way to avoid spending a certain amount of money in order to have your pet treated by professionals. Place newspapers in the area where your pet sheds its waste to clean it easily daily. Remove foods that are scattered inside the hutch and replace them daily. Keeping the hutch clean is also a way to avoid it from having any unpleasant smell that will be bad for you and your pet.

Providing your pet with what it needs is also an important part. This is the part when you need to provide the foods and other things that your pet needs. Normally, rabbits eat fresh vegetables which mean that you have to keep a supply of this food to make sure that your pet won't starve. Your pet also needs exercise in order to become healthy and fit. And, for it to exercise, you need to provide some equipment inside the hutch where your pet can exercise and play.

If you will be able to properly take care of your pet rabbit, you will definitely find out that raising a rabbit is really rewarding. You will be able to experience the benefits associated to taking care of a rabbit. Rabbits may not be like dogs which are known to be man's best friend but they are also good pets.