How To Find A Good Pet Sitter For Your CHINCHILLA

When you have an exotic animal such as a chinchilla, because they're in the exotic animal family, they need special care.  So if you're going away, you'll need someone to take care of your pet.  However, it can't be the same kind of person who can pet sit dogs or cats.  They have to be someone who is experienced in taking care of exotic animals such as chinchillas.  Where do you find someone who fits that mold?

2 pet Chinchillas (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If you don't know anyone offhand, you can start by checking out a professional pet sitting service.  See if you can find one that deals with exotic animals.  It may take you a little more time than usual because these types of services are not common.  You'll want to start your search at least several weeks before you leave; that is, if you know that far in advance that you're leaving.

You can check with Pet Sitters International and The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters for more assistance.  You would probably have them do a few more additional tasks, like get the daily newspaper and check the mail.  You may also have them maintain the lighting by turning them on and off at different intervals of the day.   

Getting a referral is a great way to get a sitter for your pet.  Make sure they know enough about exotic animals before you consider them to take care of yours.  In addition to professional pet organizations, ask around to see if anyone knows of people that are experienced in taking care of exotic pets such as chinchillas.  If by chance, you happen to know someone that has a chinchilla, see if they're available and willing to watch your pet.

Just because they have the same kind of pet doesn't mean they're willing to take on the extra duties.  Ask your veterinarian if they know of anyone who can and are available to be a pet sitter while you're gone.  Or even try the pet store.  Ask the employees if they can recommend someone.  

Once you do have a candidate available, ask them questions to make sure they are knowledgeable about chinchillas.  Make sure they know how to take care of them, what to feed them, etc.  When you do find that person that will be able to take care of your pet, the next step is to find out the setup.  If you can move your chinchilla and the cage, then you may be able to transport it to a facility or take it to the sitter.

There is a downside to this:  if you do have to transport, beware that they may come in contact with other animals that have contagious diseases.  Also, since chinchillas don't adapt to change well, especially an abrupt change, it may cause them to be stressed.  You can also have the pet sitter come to your house if you feel comfortable with that.  At least your pet will be in familiar territory.  They already know the surroundings, and they would be able to thrive.  If you use this option, you must be able to trust the person to stay in your home.  

When you have found the right person, make sure you provide them with detailed instructions on how to care for your pet.  This is very important, because you want them to care for your pet like you care for them, so the chinchilla won't notice a difference in that.  You should also leave detailed instructions and information for the pet sitter in the event of an emergency.

If your pet needs treatment and you can't get back right away, then you may want to give them permission to get treatment for them.  Leave a contact number for your veterinarian as well as a contact number where you can be easily reached.  

It may take time for this process, but once you find the right person, your mind will be at ease.   

Cavy Care: Is A GUINEA PIG Right For You

If you are thinking about getting a pet for your home, you might want to consider a guinea pig. Guinea pigs, also called cavies, are lovable furry little critters that will bring you a lot of joy.  In addition, guinea pigs can be a perfect first pet for children because they are easy to care for and more cuddly than a hamster and or fish. Here is some more information to help you determine whether a guinea pig is the right pet for you.

Guinea Pig baby. About 8 hours old. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If you are thinking about getting a pet for your home, you may a first consider a dog or cat. These animals are perfect for homes if you have a lot of time to dedicate to owning a pet. Dogs and cats need a lot of attention and a lot of space.  Guinea pigs on the other hand are just as cute as dog, cats, and they do not require near as much space or care. Many people love the idea of guinea pigs as first pets for children because they live a lot longer than hamsters or gerbils. In fact, a well cared for guinea pig can live up to eight or nine years. Once you own a guinea pig, you will be hooked by these cute, sweet natured critters.

When you go to the store to get a guinea pig, it is always a good idea to look at them carefully and choose them by their personality. Each guinea pig has his or her own personality.  Some are more reserved in nature, while others are more outgoing.  If you are choosing a guinea pig for your child, you want to make sure that your guinea pig can tolerate being held and petted. Guinea pigs are not known to be aggressive or to bite, but your child will have no fun with a shy guinea pig. 

Guinea pigs are also should social animals, and they enjoy the company of other guinea pigs.  If you are planning to get a guinea pig, you might want to consider getting two guinea pigs at the same time. Male guinea pigs get along quite well with each other when you get them when they are babies. Male guinea pigs will fight with each other.  If you introduce them after they are grown. Female guinea pigs can also get along well with each other. It is not recommended that you get a male and a female, unless you want to breed guinea pigs.

When looking at guinea pig cages, you need to find one that will allow enough room for movement and play. Guinea pigs like to stay hidden when they sleep, so make sure that your cage has a place where they can hide. A plastic or wooden structure inside the cage is always a good idea. You will also want to add some sort of betting to the bottom of your guinea pig cage for easy cleanup. Cedar chips are not recommended. You also want to include a large water bottle for your guinea pig. If you have, two guinea pigs consider getting two water bottles. Guinea pigs love to drink water, so make sure that you give them plenty of fresh water every day. 

Some experts recommend adding vitamin C drops to their water. This works well for some guinea pigs. However, some guinea pigs do not like the taste and will not drink the water. If you do decide to add vitamin C drops to their water, make sure they are staying hydrated throughout the day. If you choose not to include vitamin C drops with their water.  You can supplement their diet with fresh fruits and vegetables.  Guinea pigs love fresh vegetables and fruits of all kinds. Just make sure that you are not overfeeding your guinea pigs and use fruits and vegetables as treats. As far as food is concerned, you will want to feed your guinea pigs specially formulated guinea pig pellets available at pet stores. Guinea pigs also needed daily supply of Timothy hay to help aid in digestion.

Guinea pigs are great pets for all types of homes. When you get your guinea pig young, you can work with it to social it. You and your children will enjoy these adorable pets for many years to come.

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How to Groom Your CHINCHILLA Properly

Chinchilla dust allows your pet to stay clean.  If they were still living in the Andes Mountains, they would have to use volcanic ash to stay clean.  Oils and dirt stay in your pet's coat because of the dust.  The dust then causes the oil and dirt to be released from your pet.  This is the process of how the chinchilla's fur is cleaned.  

Chinchilla -  CC Wikimedia

A chinchilla's cleanliness relies on regular dust baths.  If they don't have them, they can end up being stressed which can turn into health issues.  They can also suffer from behavioral issues as well.  When it's warm, give your pet a fresh dust bath every other day for about ten minutes.  Their fur will not be matted and greasy.  If their fur stays like that, they can get overheated.  When it's cold, you should dust bath your pet twice a week.  When you're giving them a dust bath, cover the cage with sheets to prevent dust from flying everywhere.  

You can give your chinchilla a dust bath every day if their skin doesn't get dry.  They did it when they were running wild.  This may help them especially if their fur is continuously matted and greasy.  You may want to consult a veterinarian just to be sure.    

It's not good to smoke around your pet.  The second hand smoke is detrimental to your pet's health as it is a human's health.  The tar from the cigarette covers their fur.  The chinchilla would be able to taste the smell because they clean their fur with their mouths.  The tar is ingested in their bodies.  You must give a new chinchilla in your care a wet bath if you find this to be the case for your pet.  

Another idea for the dust bath is to mix Arm & Hammer Baking Soda to the mix.  This helps your pet to smell fresh.  If your pet is urine-sprayed, wipe him with a damp cloth and dry them completely with a towel.  Then you can administer the dust bath.  Usually the chinchilla learns to roll in the dust bath from their parent.  If not, that means that the parent was not throughout in their training of the pet.  

If your pet is sensitive or allergic to dust, you should wipe their nose.  The sensitivity can result from inhaling particles.  You will know this by the chinchilla clearing their nose.  Other symptoms include the eyes watering.  You must beware when you see this happening to your pet.  It could be a sign of pneumonia or an issue with the respiratory system.  

If your pet is not using the dust bath, give him a massage everyday.  Once your pet starts accepting feeling the cleanliness, he'll use the dust bath on his body.  If they still refuse it, it may mean something more serious, like an injury.  You will know this if they don't move around like they normally do or if they can't roll without feeling pain.  They may also refuse it because of the texture of the dust bath.  Some stores carry a heavier texture than others.  If that's the case, check with the pet store to see if they have a lighter texture.  

However you do it, make sure that your pet feels clean and fresh at all times. 

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The Top Three PET RAT Training Mistakes

It can be very rewarding to train your pet rats to do tricks and learn obstacle courses. Since they tend to be highly intelligent creatures, rats can actually learn a lot (and get bored if they have nothing to do).

A common hooded fancy rat (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Furthermore, because they're people-pleasers, rats enjoy the challenge of striving for your reward and praise.

However, before you begin training, you may be interested to know the main pitfalls of pet rat training. That way, you can get started on the right foot and make the most of training time. Here are the top three mistakes that novice rat-trainers will often make:

1. Neglecting to create a stimulating living environment for their rats. 

Sometimes trainers make the mistake of thinking that their ratties' living environment doesn't need to be interesting or fun to be in. They seem to think that an hour of play time or training time is enough to stimulate their little minds. 

This is untrue. 

Rats are constantly problem-solving, 24/7. Giving them a stimulating and challenging living environment will ensure that their minds stay sharp for learning tricks.

- Buy or build a large caged enclosure complete with shelves, ramps, ladders, cubby holes, bins, hammocks, exercise wheels, tunnels, hidey holes, baskets and ropes strung across.

- Occasionally, treat them to a game of "hide n' seek" with sunflower seeds. Hide them in hard-to-reach places so they really have to think hard about how to get to them.

- Be sure to adjust and rearrange the furniture and food locations. Always keep 'em guessing.

- Make playtime games challenging as well with swimming pools, sand boxes and tunnel-mazes.

2. Being too "results oriented" about training. 

One major pitfall a rat owner can fall into is to be too demanding about what is to be accomplished during training. This approach to rat-training will only end in frustration and neglect. 

Never forget that training is just an extension of play time and that repetition, along with positive reinforcement, is the key to success.

3. Forgetting to reinforce old tricks.

As the saying goes "If you don't use it, you lose it." The first-time rat trainer will often teach his rats a few basic tricks, move on to other ones for several weeks, only to discover that his rats have forgotten the first tricks! 

Just because a rat learns a trick, it does not mean that the little guy will remember it later. Reinforcement is everything. This is why, when teaching a rat to run an obstacle course, the trainer must tack a new obstacle onto the one(s) that were previously learned. Otherwise, the rat will fail to remember the first obstacles learned.

So, remember: keep their lives full of challenges at all times; try to be patient and not to get too attached to results and accomplishments; and don't take it for granted that they will remember those first tricks they learned... because they won't. Repeat and reinforce their learning at all times!

Knowing about these three major pitfalls will go a long way in helping you to make the most of your rats' intelligences and abilities; and as long as you are together, you will look forward to training time every single day.

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Pet RABBIT Nutrition 101

One of the most important aspects of properly caring for your pet rabbit is providing him with a healthy, satisfying, and well-balanced diet. Fortunately, doing so is relatively easy, since there is general consensus about what is good for rabbits and a wide range of great food pellet options. 

Rabbits can also eat many of the fruits and veggies that you probably have on your dinner table every night (see below for recommendations and portions).

Bunny in cage (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Hay 

Hay is an essential component of a rabbit's healthy diet. One reason why is that feeding a rabbit hay on a daily basis seems to reduce rabbits tendencies to pull out and consume or chew on their own hair, which leads to (sometimes very dangerous) hairballs. 

Buy high-quality leafy grass hay, timothy hay or clover hay. Avoid alfalfa hay, as it can sometimes be problematic and has been shown to increase the risk of bladder stones. 

FRESH Water 

Like all creatures, rabbits need fresh water in order to survive. Change water daily or at least every two days. When you change the water, also wash the water bottle or dish thoroughly to get rid of bacteria. 

You may want to use a water bottle that can hang on a cage, as this can reduce the messiness factor. If you prefer to use a bowl, make sure it is sturdy and heavy enough so that your rabbit won't overturn it. 

Yogurt? 

Although it may sound funny, rabbits can actually benefit from yogurt just the same way that humans do. Yogurt is proven to reduce the bad bacteria in the body, balancing out the good bacteria in the process. Many pet rabbits seem to like yogurt and accept it as a part of a balanced daily diet. 

Chew Toys 

As you will quickly learn as a new rabbit owner, bunnies love to bite and chew on things. This is actually essential for good dental health, but the trick is to give them good substances to chew on so they won't be tempted to eat up your furniture or other, more dangerous substances, like wires or electrical cords. 

A dog's chew toy (on the smaller side) can be a great alternative, one which most rabbits seem to enjoy a great deal. Two more natural options are a large bone from a piece of boiled meat, with the bone marrow taken out, or some apple tree branches (the twigs are great roughage and help keep the bunny's intestines clean). 

Rabbits tend to be quite sensitive when it comes to changes in their diet or feeding schedule. In fact, if there is a sudden change or interruption, a rabbit may lose his appetite or become ill.

Therefore, it's important to be consistant. Establish a feeding routine that is easy for you to stick to each and every day. Set your timer and fix the feeding schedule into your own everyday routine. Make sure you have enough rabbit food (whether hay, pellets, veggies, etc.) on hand so that you don't run out unexpectedly. 

Feeding your rabbit a consistent, balanced and healthy diet is one of the best ways to ensure that your pet has a long and happy life as your prized companion. 

by Andrea Austin,

http://www.rabbits-n-bunnies.com

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Keeping RABBITS As Pets

Keeping Rabbits as Pets is Fun Thing To Do

Rabbits will be your perfect family pets because they are very adorable and loveable. Keeping rabbits as pets needs a couple of factors that will help you to take care of them. You have to prepare the space that you can use for exercise. And then it is the time for you to find comfort accommodation for your rabbits. Bedding and food are also important to make them happy living outside or indoors. Meanwhile, keeping rabbits as pets will take a lot of your time every day in order to take care of them. Unlike other smaller pets, you have to give more attention to rabbits because they sometimes can bite and scratch. For those of you who have children, these pets are not suitable for them. But rabbits will become nice friends for older children with the help from their parents to supervise their kids.

Miniature Lop from the United Kingdom Pet's Name :Si (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

How to Take Care of Indoor Rabbits

Rabbits are perfect family pets because they love gathering. You have to prepare a couple of important things such as a comfort space for sleep, and box and tray on keeping rabbits as pets. You will have to make sure that your rabbit can play in your garden because they have to achieve vitamin D from the natural sunlight. Rabbits can hang out well with a couple of other pets but you have to be careful with that and supervision is needed on keeping rabbits as pets.

How to Take Care Outdoor Rabbits

The first thing that you have to do in order to feed outdoor rabbits is to build a comfort place for your Rabbit. And it is important for you to apply clean straw. For those of you who have two rabbits with medium- sized you have to build a hutch with the measurements of 60cm x 60cm x 150 cm. But if you have a smaller hutch, you have to consider using a separate run in your garden or you have to do some exercise for your rabbits outside from their cage. You have to build the hutch that will allow shelter when winds come and shade during the summer time. You can build a grass run for the hutch or you can place it in your garden according to your needs. But once again, you have to make the nest area which is protected from the sunlight. You can empty the litter tray day by day and you can clean the hutch easier.

Feeding the Rabbits

Rabbits love fresh vegetables such as spinach, carrots, broccoli, watercress, apples and dandelion leaves. But you have to limit the consumption of the vegetables before it is overfed. There are a couple of foods that are not allowed to eat by your rabbits such as potatoes, grass clippings, and lettuce. Those foods will make your rabbits have a problem with their health. You can also try a diet schedule for your rabbits. 75% hay is good enough with the addition of fresh water. Vitamins and nutrients will be provided by a high quality of pellet.

By Kevin Coop http://rabbithutchworld.co.uk/information-pages/rabbit-and-guinea-pig-keeping-articles/looking-after-your-rabbit/ http://rabbithutchworld.co.uk/ Article Source: EzineArticles

What Do FERRETS Eat

Ferrets have a unique diet compared to other animals. This is because they need one that is rich in protein and low in fat. Aside from that, it must also not be rich in carbs and sugar. 

Domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo), lots of Ferrets, who sleep, male
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Perhaps the best one to buy in the market is Totally Ferret. The problem is that it is not always available in the market. As a result, owners have to switch to something else like cat food and some examples of these include Iams, Science Diet and Pro Plan. 

The products mentioned are not soft cat food which does not contain less protein that has the tendency to lead to tooth decay. Although these are quite expensive, buying an 8 pound bag of any of the brands mentioned will last up to 2months. 

But ferrets in general are carnivores so when you feed them, make sure that you are using two types of food at all times ideally meat and poultry. This will prevent them from being stuck on only one type of food so they won’t have a hard time adjusting later on. 

Aside from food, you should also give your ferret supplements. Examples of these include Ferretvite and Ferretone but only in moderation. 

Using the right food will prove to be worth it when you notice that your ferret is very energetic and their coat are in excellent condition. Of course, you will still need to groom it by combing the hair and giving it a bath every so often because they tend too smell when they get dirty. 

Once in a while, it wouldn’t hurt to feed your ferret some small pieces of fruit and vegetable. The same goes with sugar free cereal. This must never be given in large quantities as this causes gastrointestinal upset, a possible blockage and even malnutrition. 

As your ferret grows older, you should change their diet to kitten food because studies have shown that these too much protein may cause kidney problems. This should only be given if ever your ferret is recovering from an illness or has undergone surgery.  

Some ferret owners believe that a raw food diet may also work. One good example is raw meaty bones which, helps prevent tartar from forming on the teeth and also provides calcium in their diet.   Because of this diet, you will have a more active ferret around the house that has excellent coat condition. You don’t have to clean up that much after your pet because it also decreases the stool volume as the food ingested is absorbed by the body and their natural scent is greatly decreased. 

Those who want to try the raw food diet should not be worried if ferret’s stool turns white to a grayish color because this is only temporary and will soon return to normal.  Since it takes time for the pet to adjust, you can mix it with ferret food that can be purchased from the store then gradually decrease this with raw bones from either meat or poultry. 

Knowing what do ferrets each is just one of the many steps for those that want them to live for a long period of time. Proper care, attention and love are also needed because these creatures are great to have when you need a friend to take your worries away.