Looking After Pets
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December 15th, 2011Pets AdvicePeople have different reasons why they get an exotic pet. Others get them simply to be different and some out of impulse. These reasons unfortunately are rather imprudent, and these individuals are better off not having any pet at all. Exotics have unique requirements and should be kept only by those individuals who understand, and have the time and financial resources to meet all of those needs. Most of them have long life span as well, so you need to be prepared for the long-term commitment too.
Snakes are an example of an exotic pet, and it is among the most sought afterexotic pets. These animals don’t have very high upkeep requirements. Feeding is infrequent, typically just 2 to 4 times monthly, with at least a week in between feedings. Their space requirements are minimal as well. However, these snakes will try to escape whenever they have the chance, making a well-secured vivarium essential. When selecting a snake, go for those that are not too large and have modest upkeep requirements such as ball pythons. It is best to avoid huge constrictors and those that have venom.
Tarantulas are also another popular choice. There are a number of tarantula varieties, but those of Brachypelma genus are the ones recommended to those who are caring for spiders for the first time, since this kind is relatively less aggressive. Tarantulas are not very sociable critters, which is why you need to place each one into its own tank. To decrease the amount of transitional stress these spiders will have once they are in your care, you have to provide them with a home that simulates their living conditions in the wild. If you have a terrestrial spider, make sure its terrarium has adequate burrowing room and a place for them to hide in, like half hollow logs and if it is arboreal, provide branches or twigs it can climb on. Appropriate temperatures and humidity need to be maintained as well. As for diet, they need to be fed with crickets and other insects once weekly and should be provided with a shallow dish of water to remain adequately hydrated.
Lizards, such as iguanas and geckos, make for interesting pets too. The price for the lizard itself is typically not very high, however, the cost of keeping these exotic pets can easily become prohibitive though since you would have to provide adequate ultraviolet light and keep the temperature in the tank warm. The implements that allow you do achieve both UV lighting and control temperature gradient are costly, and need regular replacement. Exo Terra terrarium review are generally positive. Exo Terra terrariums were manufactured in such a way that its inhabitant can receive adequate ventilation and giving its owner an easy time in terms of maintenance or routine cleaning. They also have well-secured lock doors, another benefit pointed out in most Exo Terra terrarium reviews.
Safety should always be a top priority when you have these exotic pets at home, especially if you have young children. They can be aggressive, dangerous, destructive, and toxic. Remember as well that they can harbor disease causing organisms. Lizards for example are known to harbor Salmonella, a disease causing organism. In this regard, if you intend to get exotic animals, you need to have the know-how and practical experience in handling them. It is recommended to adopt exotics that have been raised in captivity, as these tend to be less aggressive and can adapt better to its new environment.The great thing is there are a number of pre-made vivariums you can buy nowadays, Exo Terra terrariums for instance.
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Tags: exotic pets, pets, reptiles amphibians, vivariums -
July 11th, 2011Pets AdviceCorn snakes, like all other snakes, are carnivorous. Meaning they feed only on the flesh of other animals. Corn snakes feed small rodents and sometimes lizards, although they have been known to take small birds from time to time. A pet corn snake owner, obviously, will have an easier time supplying his or her exotic pets with mice than anything else.
An active corn snake will eat every 10 days or so. It is recommended to feed your corn snake pre killed prey, especially if the snake has not been raised on live prey. A live prey may also turn on and attack a lazy snake that isn’t feeling too hungry and possibly causing severe harm to your pet corn snake.
Corn snakes are good at climbing, squeezing out very small holes, and can also use their bodies to push the screen top of a poorly fitted cage. Corn snakes are excellent escape artist, so picking a solid cage with a secure top is very important. Some snakes will constantly rub their nose against screened top of the cage to find a way out. The resulting scratch should be treated with an antiseptic and antibiotic ointment. Always evaluate the furnishings in the enclosure to provide a more natural environment. It is a good idea to use plants and many hiding spots in a large cage to make the corn snake feel secure.
Hiding Place
Hiding spots and plants for climbing and resting should be provided. A hide box, upturned cardboard box or plastic tube will do, should be provided that is just large enough for the corn snake to hide away and curl up in. Hollow bark “logs” (obtainable from most reptile pet stores) make a good choice to get “natural” look. Ideally, a hiding spot should be available in both the cooler and warmer ends of the enclosure.Generally speaking, the more exotic the pet the more education you will need and it will probably require more expensive housing and food. When you are looking for exotic pets do your research before you shop, you may find you purchase an animal on impulse that you know little about and does not fit your family surroundings.
Water
A bowl of fresh water for drinking must be available to the snake at all times. If the snake defecated in it, the bowl must be cleaned immediately. The bowl should be placed at the cool end of the cage, away from the heat pad.Substrate
A variety of materials can be used for substrate. Newspaper is the effective choice – it is very easy to clean up, but the look in the cage leaves a little to be desired. Indoor/outdoor carpeting and “Astroturf” (plastic lawn) can be used, and if you cut two pieces you can rotate them by swapping the clean one for the dirty one at cleaning time, and thoroughly washing and drying the soiled one. Pine bark chips are another good choice – the chips soiled with feces can simple be scooped out, and a thorough cleaning done as needed. Aspen shaving can be used in a similar manner, although it is probably a good idea to move the corn snake to a separate container for feeding so that the shavings are not inadvertently ingested.The pets are depending on their owners. Always keep in mind that the cage for pet corn snake should provide the same environmental conditions that the corn snake needs in order to survive. Make sure that you find the right place in your house where you will place the cage
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Tags: exotic animals as pets, exotic pet, Exotic Pet Shops, exotic pets -
June 29th, 2011Pets AdviceCorn snakes, like all other snakes, are carnivorous. Meaning they feed only on the flesh of other animals. Corn snakes feed small rodents and sometimes lizards, although they have been known to take small birds from time to time. A pet corn snake owner, obviously, will have an easier time supplying his or her exotic pets with mice than anything else.
An active corn snake will eat every 10 days or so. It is recommended to feed your corn snake pre killed prey, especially if the snake has not been raised on live prey. A live prey may also turn on and attack a lazy snake that isn’t feeling too hungry and possibly causing severe harm to your pet corn snake.
Corn snakes are good at climbing, squeezing out very small holes, and can also use their bodies to push the screen top of a poorly fitted cage. Corn snakes are excellent escape artist, so picking a solid cage with a secure top is very important. Some snakes will constantly rub their nose against screened top of the cage to find a way out. The resulting scratch should be treated with an antiseptic and antibiotic ointment. Always evaluate the furnishings in the enclosure to provide a more natural environment. It is a good idea to use plants and many hiding spots in a large cage to make the corn snake feel secure.
Hiding Place
Hiding spots and plants for climbing and resting should be provided. A hide box, upturned cardboard box or plastic tube will do, should be provided that is just large enough for the corn snake to hide away and curl up in. Hollow bark “logs” (obtainable from most reptile pet stores) make a good choice to get “natural” look. Ideally, a hiding spot should be available in both the cooler and warmer ends of the enclosure.Generally speaking, the more exotic the pet the more education you will need and it will probably require more expensive housing and food. When you are looking for exotic pets do your research before you shop, you may find you purchase an animal on impulse that you know little about and does not fit your family surroundings.
Water
A bowl of fresh water for drinking must be available to the snake at all times. If the snake defecated in it, the bowl must be cleaned immediately. The bowl should be placed at the cool end of the cage, away from the heat pad.Substrate
A variety of materials can be used for substrate. Newspaper is the effective choice – it is very easy to clean up, but the look in the cage leaves a little to be desired. Indoor/outdoor carpeting and “Astroturf” (plastic lawn) can be used, and if you cut two pieces you can rotate them by swapping the clean one for the dirty one at cleaning time, and thoroughly washing and drying the soiled one. Pine bark chips are another good choice – the chips soiled with feces can simple be scooped out, and a thorough cleaning done as needed. Aspen shaving can be used in a similar manner, although it is probably a good idea to move the corn snake to a separate container for feeding so that the shavings are not inadvertently ingested.The pets are depending on their owners. Always keep in mind that the cage for pet corn snake should provide the same environmental conditions that the corn snake needs in order to survive. Make sure that you find the right place in your house where you will place the cage
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Tags: exotic animals as pets, exotic pet, Exotic Pet Shops, exotic pets -
June 20th, 2011Pets AdviceWhen thinking about the proper form of meals for parrots additionally you should be mindful of what they would normally eat out there within the wild. Finding a diet regime that finest fits their normal diet regime is greatest and will help stay away from health complications. The searching record for foods for parrots ought to incorporate a range of things but while in the circumstance of veggies and fruits it is vital they are as refreshing as you possibly can. And this implies they are probable to go bad a lot faster and must be removed within a couple of hours of being served. Prevent letting them feed on servings which have gone poor. If for any explanation your pet parrot is not consuming that which you serve, check out offering foods for parrots during early morning or evening hrs. This really is since people instances correspond effectively using the instances they forage for food out there within the wild.
When considering food for parrots, one need to make sure that veggies make a hefty a part of their diet regime. Differing types of veggies will naturally have distinct nutritional values so usually try to feed them a wide variety. Carrots, sweet potatoes and cucumbers are best. So are leafy greens, sweet peppers, cauliflower, broccoli and eggplant. You can also serve them green beans and eggplant. The way you serve them will not truly matter however you could have a look at serving vegetables as foods for parrots in diced type, squashed or slightly cooked and warm. Equally as veggies are important when thinking of meals for parrots, so are fruits. In reality it really is one thing they’d considerably favor. And because they adore fruits much you might be totally free to serve them pretty considerably nearly anything you discover. Besides staples these as apples, oranges and pears you could also examine a lot more exotic alternatives this sort of as bananas, papaya, kiwi fruit and pomegranates. You can even contain different sorts of berries, cantaloupes and nectarines. Your pet parrot may well prefer many of these more than other individuals and there is certainly no issue with allowing for some indulgence. Nevertheless often make it a point to blend up the various types of food served. Foods for parrots is not restricted to vegetables and fruit. Seeds, especially sprouted varieties are ideal and so are higher on nutrients. Total in vitamins and power seeds are also usually favored by parrots. Furthermore to these staples you could also add nutritional vitamins and mineral dietary supplements to their diet plan but could only be needed in the event you sense they may be not receiving the essential nutrients with the foods you offer them. At times even though you could possibly must range what you feed them as well as the occasions you achieve this according to your veterinarian’s suggestions just in case of sickness or complication.
Article by Franklyn Massarelli who’s a furnishing expert. Check out his other contribution on solid wood furniture and home furnishings and accessories today.
Tags: birds, exotic pets, parrots -
June 17th, 2011Pets AdviceBirds have connected with guy from early ages and therefore became one among man’s most favored pets of all time. Out of birds also, you will find a select couple of who make good pets. Parrots arrive on the leading in the record in terms of domestic pet birds. Numerous Us residents as well as people all over the entire world exhibit a selected liking in the direction of parrots and retain them as pets. There are numerous varieties or species in relation to parrots. While a few of these species are very unusual, there are some, such as green parrots, which are fairly abundant in nature. Because of this cause, green parrots would be the ones which are mostly used as pets. Green parrots are one of the few species of parrots which may mimic seems after they are qualified.
As mentioned previously mentioned, green parrots make great pets. In the event you make a decision to have a green parrot being a pet, there are numerous items that you just have to contemplate and be proficient about. The very first task that you have to encounter once you have chose to have a very pet green parrot will probably be to choose one correctly. When selecting green parrots 1 needs to be mindful simply because all parrots look green for the duration of younger many years. Therefore make sure that you simply buy your green parrots from a trusted resource.
Among the main factors why people like to have green parrots as pets is as a consequence of their capability to mimic seems. They could not merely mimic people but in addition other noises this kind of as your doorbell ringing, a cat mewing along with the sound created by your lawn mower. This very same trait of green parrots which helps make them excellent pets can occasionally turn out to become a nuisance if your parrot is not qualified appropriately. If a green parrot isn’t educated appropriately, it can be your worst nightmare actually. Your pet can flip out to get a biting, screaming irritant rather compared to intelligent pet you imagined it to be.
Green parrots are explained to become fairly moody and temperamental from time to time. If you already have a new green parrot, you’d have noticed that it takes a particular liking towards biting you and screaming out loud. There can be several reasons for this kind of conduct. It might be because the parrot is bored or it is scared. As being the proprietor of a pet such being a green parrot, you should be capable to beat this kind of issues by merely becoming attentive in your pet’s entire body language.
The command that is certainly best to teach a green parrot is usually to perch on your finger once the finger is prolonged. This needs to be completed following the parrot is comfy with you. The parrot could be skilled to perform this by gently pressing your finger onto its chest. This will immediately trigger the bird to phase onto your finger.
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June 4th, 2011Pets AdviceCorn snakes, like all other snakes, are carnivorous. Meaning they feed only on the flesh of other animals. Corn snakes feed small rodents and sometimes lizards, although they have been known to take small birds from time to time. A pet corn snake owner, obviously, will have an easier time supplying his or her exotic pets with mice than anything else.
An active corn snake will eat every 10 days or so. It is recommended to feed your corn snake pre killed prey, especially if the snake has not been raised on live prey. A live prey may also turn on and attack a lazy snake that isn’t feeling too hungry and possibly causing severe harm to your pet corn snake.
Corn snakes are good at climbing, squeezing out very small holes, and can also use their bodies to push the screen top of a poorly fitted cage. Corn snakes are excellent escape artist, so picking a solid cage with a secure top is very important. Some snakes will constantly rub their nose against screened top of the cage to find a way out. The resulting scratch should be treated with an antiseptic and antibiotic ointment. Always evaluate the furnishings in the enclosure to provide a more natural environment. It is a good idea to use plants and many hiding spots in a large cage to make the corn snake feel secure.
Hiding Place
Hiding spots and plants for climbing and resting should be provided. A hide box, upturned cardboard box or plastic tube will do, should be provided that is just large enough for the corn snake to hide away and curl up in. Hollow bark “logs” (obtainable from most reptile pet stores) make a good choice to get “natural” look. Ideally, a hiding spot should be available in both the cooler and warmer ends of the enclosure.Generally speaking, the more exotic the pet the more education you will need and it will probably require more expensive housing and food. When you are looking for exotic pets do your research before you shop, you may find you purchase an animal on impulse that you know little about and does not fit your family surroundings.
Water
A bowl of fresh water for drinking must be available to the snake at all times. If the snake defecated in it, the bowl must be cleaned immediately. The bowl should be placed at the cool end of the cage, away from the heat pad.Substrate
A variety of materials can be used for substrate. Newspaper is the effective choice – it is very easy to clean up, but the look in the cage leaves a little to be desired. Indoor/outdoor carpeting and “Astroturf” (plastic lawn) can be used, and if you cut two pieces you can rotate them by swapping the clean one for the dirty one at cleaning time, and thoroughly washing and drying the soiled one. Pine bark chips are another good choice – the chips soiled with feces can simple be scooped out, and a thorough cleaning done as needed. Aspen shaving can be used in a similar manner, although it is probably a good idea to move the corn snake to a separate container for feeding so that the shavings are not inadvertently ingested.The pets are depending on their owners. Always keep in mind that the cage for pet corn snake should provide the same environmental conditions that the corn snake needs in order to survive. Make sure that you find the right place in your house where you will place the cage
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April 16th, 2011Pets AdviceCorn snakes, like all other snakes, are carnivorous. Meaning they feed only on the flesh of other animals. Corn snakes feed small rodents and sometimes lizards, although they have been known to take small birds from time to time. A pet corn snake owner, obviously, will have an easier time supplying his or her exotic pets with mice than anything else.
An active corn snake will eat every 10 days or so. It is recommended to feed your corn snake pre killed prey, especially if the snake has not been raised on live prey. A live prey may also turn on and attack a lazy snake that isn’t feeling too hungry and possibly causing severe harm to your pet corn snake.
Corn snakes are good at climbing, squeezing out very small holes, and can also use their bodies to push the screen top of a poorly fitted cage. Corn snakes are excellent escape artist, so picking a solid cage with a secure top is very important. Some snakes will constantly rub their nose against screened top of the cage to find a way out. The resulting scratch should be treated with an antiseptic and antibiotic ointment. Always evaluate the furnishings in the enclosure to provide a more natural environment. It is a good idea to use plants and many hiding spots in a large cage to make the corn snake feel secure.
Hiding Place
Hiding spots and plants for climbing and resting should be provided. A hide box, upturned cardboard box or plastic tube will do, should be provided that is just large enough for the corn snake to hide away and curl up in. Hollow bark “logs” (obtainable from most reptile pet stores) make a good choice to get “natural” look. Ideally, a hiding spot should be available in both the cooler and warmer ends of the enclosure.Generally speaking, the more exotic the pet the more education you will need and it will probably require more expensive housing and food. When you are looking for exotic pets do your research before you shop, you may find you purchase an animal on impulse that you know little about and does not fit your family surroundings.
Water
A bowl of fresh water for drinking must be available to the snake at all times. If the snake defecated in it, the bowl must be cleaned immediately. The bowl should be placed at the cool end of the cage, away from the heat pad.Substrate
A variety of materials can be used for substrate. Newspaper is the effective choice – it is very easy to clean up, but the look in the cage leaves a little to be desired. Indoor/outdoor carpeting and “Astroturf” (plastic lawn) can be used, and if you cut two pieces you can rotate them by swapping the clean one for the dirty one at cleaning time, and thoroughly washing and drying the soiled one. Pine bark chips are another good choice – the chips soiled with feces can simple be scooped out, and a thorough cleaning done as needed. Aspen shaving can be used in a similar manner, although it is probably a good idea to move the corn snake to a separate container for feeding so that the shavings are not inadvertently ingested.The pets are depending on their owners. Always keep in mind that the cage for pet corn snake should provide the same environmental conditions that the corn snake needs in order to survive. Make sure that you find the right place in your house where you will place the cage
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March 23rd, 2011Pets AdviceSugar gliders are marsupials belonging to Indonesia, Australia and New Guinea. They are small gliding possums and weight up to three to five oz. They have a silky fur of the color pearl grey with patches of colors cream and black. The black color is usually on their ears and end of the tail. They are named sugar gliders because they are able to glide because of the patagium or the skin membrane which connects first toe of the hind foot with the fifth finger of the forelimb, on either side. They expand them to create an aerodynamic plane to glide from one tree to another.
Sugar gliders have the habit of nibbling on each other, and this shouldn’t be confused with biting. They nibble to do many things like testing food, to show affection, force, groom, etc. Babies initially are taught by biting. When they are angered, they get aggressive and bite really hard. So, new owners should be alert until the pets becomes familiar and stops biting. Care should be taken that this biting shouldn’t turn into a habit. Incase, if it turns into a regular behavior, the animal should be held firmly when it bites, so that it cannot move and gets tired of crabbing. Although this takes a long time the pet will eventually get over its natural instinct. The animal must submit to the owner and it shouldn’t be given the feeling it has won. He should also be released very slowly; otherwise it will bite again and flee. Also, they can be fed with some food, to appreciate their discipline when they start learning. They also become comfortable with humans, when they eat in front of them. Usually female sugar gliders are tough to tame, especially those which come directly from the wild.
Sugar gliders come from a very rough environment. They are basically hunting animals. So they should be provided with a rich environment so that they don’t get disturbed mentally. The cage should be very big so that they can leap freely. Small cages hinder the health of the animal. They are also very active and need exercise. Their cage should be equipped with toys like exercise wheels with a diameter of eleven inches. They are also very inquisitive animals, so new things like cardboard boxes, should be introduced in their cage from time to time to prevent boredom. The food can also be placed in different places to keep them on their heels. Food can also be hidden in branch holes, which they can dig out.
The cage of sugar gliders should be cleaned every week to ensure their hygiene. The urine should be spot cleaned as the ammonia in it can be very harmful to the respiratory system of sugar gilders. Also the moisture can encourage the growth of harmful fungus. If the cage isn’t cleaned for a long time, not only will the occupants become sick but also the house will be filled with odor. Some precautions should be taken while cleaning the cage and also it should be sprayed with disinfectant so as to kill the germs and bacteria.
Sugar gliders are habituated to living in groups. That is the reason why they are never kept alone as pets, as this will adversely affect their health. It also requires attention from humans around it. They cling onto each other when they sleep, so as to keep warm. They communicate with each other by squeaking, crabbing, chirping and barking. They have a good memory and can retain a grudge against a human after receiving harm from him, even if it was caused by accident.
Females have the ability to beget offspring every seven to ten months. They give birth to a baby sugar glider after sixteen days of pregnancy, which usually weighs only 0.2 grams. After the birth, the baby shifts to the mother’s pouch, where it stays for seventy days and feeds on milk from the nipples. Both the mother and father have equal participation of bringing up their offspring.
Ellsworth Bollman likes to write for UniformHaven.com who sells cherokee scrubs, landau scrubs mens and lab coats as well as a lot of other items.
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March 18th, 2011Pets AdviceThe striking pattern of clouded leopard outdoes all other patterns, stripes, spots and shades. It can be better explained as marble blotches and hence, clouded leopard is sometimes called marbled cat. No one blotch is similar and the larger ones are more beautiful when compared to the smaller ones. Clouded animals are on the verge of extinction and the Endangered Species Act has been passed for them. Some states even say that it is illegal to keep them as pets and even in states where they are allowed, they come for a huge price.
There is major difference between weight of males and females. The males weigh up to sixty pounds where as the females weigh thirty pounds. Since the natural habitats of these animals are found on high altitudes, they have a long, thick and furry tail. They have the longest canine teeth among the cat family. The structure of the body in front is compressed and powerful. Clouded leopards have short but muscular legs with huge front paws.
Since the animal comes from the mountainous region, it is very found of climbing. Its cage should be built at least ten feet high and it would be even better if trees are provided within the captivity. Climbing trees and reaching great height is a must exercise for them to satisfy their psychological needs. But extra care must be taken when they are outdoors and on trees because if they escape they are very quick and difficult to catch. The cage can also be equipped with hanging toys, which they can leap to reach. Other than that other toys can be included.
Clouded leopards can be fed with fresh chicken, pigeons, chunks of beef, rabbits, rats and even with fresh blood. Before consuming the food it does a ritual which aids their digestion process. They have a very unique way of hunting it prey. The prey is killed first, after which the clouded leopard plays with the deceased prey for more than an hour. At the end, it eats its prey. And if a tree is provided in its living habitat, it will take its dead prey up the tree and eat it there. Clouded leopards can make up to forty sounds and have very good vocal chords. They mimic many birds and also monkeys in order to trick them and subsequently kill them. Other than the regular food they should also be given daily vitamins supplements and giblets. Their daily diet should comprise of at least one chicken, a rabbit and a rat.
Clouded leopards make partners for life and bonds very early in life. Unsuccessful attempts are made to breed them by introducing the pair to each other post adolescence which is too late. In order to be successful, the pair should be introduced very early so that they can take time to develop the comfort level and build love. The pair shouldn’t be separated till death, as that will affect both of them immensely. After the birth of the offspring, it can be kept with the mother for six weeks, after which it can be paired with the opposite sex for bonding. If the cub is separated earlier than that, it can be fed with bottled milk, which also helps to develop a relationship with the owner.
In zoos, too, these animals shouldn’t be exposed a lot to the public, which drags them into extreme stress and eventually untimely death. Also they shouldn’t be transferred frequently and separated from their partners after a certain age.
Cherlyn Rouse writes for UniformHaven.com which sells dickies scrubs, cherokee scrub pants and lab coats as well as a lot of additional products.
Tags: Clouded Leopard, exotic pets -
March 16th, 2011Pets AdviceChinchillas are of small sized crepuscular rodents belonging to the Chinchillidae family, almost the size of rabbit. They are found in the Andes Mountains of South America. There are two different species of chinchilla, Chinchilla Lanigera and Chinchilla Brevicaudata. Although they look almost similar, the tail and ears of Chinchilla Brevicaudata is shorter, its shoulder and neck are broader and is found in the wild. The Chinchilla Lanigera species can be kept as pets. Their standard color is grey and they can also be found in ebony, beige and other colors.
Chinchillas are endangered species. They can be kept as domestic pets, but are very shy animals and are not good with small kids. Because of their fragile bone structure, they should be handled with care and that might be the reason why chinchillas don’t like it when people hold them in their hands.
The life period of chinchillas is about fifteen years, when kept in captivity; some even survive till twenty or more years. They are noisy animals and make noises like squeaks, barks and chirps. They make noise to express their moods. They use a sweet chirping sound to attract another chinchilla for mating. They bark loudly when they get aggressive or scared. Chinchillas are social animals and can be kept together. When keeping the chinchillas of opposite sex, they should be neutered. A group of same sex chinchillas also does well, except that there is a chance of them fighting when a younger or older member is introduced in the group.
Chinchillas are very playful animals. Arranged shelves can be kept in their cage, which they can jump on. Toys like large wheel measuring more than eight inches in radius, hanging wooden toys, and paper towel cylinder can also be placed in the cage. Care should be taken that none of the objects should have a mesh structure as there is a possibility of chinchillas getting their legs stuck in it. Adding to this, when they are given wooden toys or wooden chew stick, the material shouldn’t be conifer wood, because it contains resins which are poisonous to them. Even plastics should be avoided for the same reason as they will block their intestines I swallowed. The cage should be very airy and the bedding again shouldn’t be of cedar wood. Birch, apple tree, willow, and Manzanita are good options for wood.
Temperatures should be maintained below seventy-seven degree Fahrenheit, because chinchilla don’t have sweat glands and do not sweat. When the temperatures get really high, they get overheated and get a heat stroke. Since the animals are hyper active they should be made to spend at least half an hour outside their cage to exercise, in supervision. They clean their fur many times a week by taking dust baths. A container filled with special chinchilla sand dust and fine pumice should be kept in their cage for bathing purpose. The chinchillas shouldn’t be given wet baths because their fur has the property to retain moisture and this could aid fungus growth. Even if they are given wet bath, they should be dried very fast with the help of blow dryer on a low setting.
Chinchillas shouldn’t be given a sweet and fatty diet, like nuts and fruits, as their digestive system is very delicate. Their main diet can comprise of hay based pellet and loose hay. They can also be given small pieces of papaya and raisins sometimes. If they are fed with sugar products, they have a tendency to develop diabetes or diarrhea. Even fresh vegetables block their digestive system which can be very dangerous.
The cause of extinction of chinchillas is that they are killed on a large scale for its superb soft feeling fur. Also, they have a very evenly colored fur which makes it most apt for small apparels and as lining for bigger apparels. Although, now the wild species aren’t hunted for fur, but domestic species are especially bred for this purpose. There are fur farms where chinchillas are bred in larger numbers. They are kept in really bad conditions.
Chang Palma is a writer for Uniformhaven.com who sells dickies scrubs, discount cherokee scrubs and lab coats as well as a lot of other products.
Tags: chinchilla, exotic pets
