If you’re searching for really terrific pets, you may want to take a little walk into the unusual. While dogs and cats – arguably the two most common and beloved pets – are good choices, there are some other animals out there that may very well be better suited to your lifestyle.
To find the perfect pet, start by examining your reasons for wanting to take this step. That reason is very important. For example, if you’re looking for companionship, a turtle probably isn’t the best answer. But if you have a child and you’re looking for a pet to help teach responsibility, a turtle may be just what you need. Here are some other pets that may not have immediately come to mind.
Gerbils, hamsters and mice – Yes, they’re rodents and that may be an immediate turn-off for some people, but these little guys can be really good pets for several reasons. They don’t take up much room, they don’t eat much and they’re fairly easy to care for. On the downside, they also tend to have shorter life spans than some other animals, meaning the kids (and adults) who become attached to them face the heartbreak of losing their pet sooner. Remember that they still take care, even though they’re very small. Cages can become very smelly if not cleaned regularly.
Hermit crabs – These are a recent hit with many people and you’ll find that hermit crabs are readily available in malls and pet stores. They’re not cuddly and they’re very shy, but there are some positive points. If handled carefully and often, they can become quite friendly. Children can learn a lot from watching them drink, burrow and change shells. Care is minimal and the biggest routine chore is probably keeping the sponges wet (hermit crabs drink from a sponge).
Prairie dogs – Quite a few people have discovered that these furry little guys make great indoor pets. They’re inquisitive and most have very unique personalities. If raised in captivity, a prairie dog will typically be happy to remain inside with no attempts at escape. They can be litter box trained and many families report that their prairie dogs have free roam of the house. The downsides include the fact that these animals like to chew. If trained well, they’ll chew only in designated places, but furniture and clothing can become casualties of their need to gnaw. Remember, they’re wild animals and you should be careful of your source to be sure you have a healthy animal.
There are plenty more options that you may not have considered. If you’re looking for great pets, don’t immediately assume that a cat or dog are your only choices.
2008年8月28日星期四
2008年8月23日星期六
Want To Know More About Alligators
Alligators are the most life-threatening of the exotic pets. They're like crocodilian, which comes from the family line of Alligatoridae. The name was derived from a Spanish word Anglicization, which was used by a Spanish people who were settled in Florida, U.S.A. Alligators are found by and large in America and China.
There are two types of alligators, Alligator Mississippians or the American alligator and Alligator Sine sis or the Chinese Alligator. The American alligator weights around eight hundred pounds and is thirteen feet long. The record for the longest alligator is of nineteen feet two inches, from Louisiana. Comparatively, the Chinese alligators are smaller in length and measure out not more than seven feet long. Alligators exist for more than fifty yrs. The most aged existing alligator is of seventy years, at the Belgrade Zoo, Serbia.
There are many characteristics of alligators that differentiate alligators from crocodiles but both of them belong to different taxonomical categories. Alligators have a wider muzzle and their eyeballs are sited nearer the upside. When light is blinked over their eyes, larger alligators have a red glow and smaller alligators have a green glow. This can be a very useful tip for those who are looking for alligators in dark. Even in daylight, we can observe that alligators have brown eyes and crocodiles have green eyes.
When the alligators close their jaws, only the upper teeth are able to be seen while in crocodiles, the upper and the lower teeth are visible when they close their jaws. The shape of an alligator's mouth is like a"U" and the crocodile's is like a"V". Although the skin of both the animals is a darker, almost black, the color depends on their environment. The Chinese alligators have a light pattern skin, alligators which live in algae growing water are greenish black and in high tannic acid water which is released from hanging trees have a darker skin.
As the presence of the gastroliths (stomach stones) in the stomach of alligators they can eat anything. Young alligators depend upon crustaceans, fishes, snails, and insects for their food. As they grow into larger size even they need larger feed. Bigger alligators prey turtles, bigger fishes, birds, and, other reptiles and mammals. They even eat up deer, razorbacks, small alligators and even carcass of animals when they are very hungry. They have also been reported for few attacks on humans, but the number is on arising. People set out overconfident about this reality and enter alligator habitats without more caution, resulting in provoking their aggression. But alligators don't right away attack humans, like crocodiles.
Today Alligators have turned very protected and regulated animals. Special processing is to be experienced to get the detention of an alligator. Normally baby alligators could be bought from Florida. Owners are given a special license and must be well aware of their duties. They're against the law of many another states to take out an alligator from its natural habitat. Alligator pets should be provided with wide and wet habitat, same as the subtropical, to live in.
There are two types of alligators, Alligator Mississippians or the American alligator and Alligator Sine sis or the Chinese Alligator. The American alligator weights around eight hundred pounds and is thirteen feet long. The record for the longest alligator is of nineteen feet two inches, from Louisiana. Comparatively, the Chinese alligators are smaller in length and measure out not more than seven feet long. Alligators exist for more than fifty yrs. The most aged existing alligator is of seventy years, at the Belgrade Zoo, Serbia.
There are many characteristics of alligators that differentiate alligators from crocodiles but both of them belong to different taxonomical categories. Alligators have a wider muzzle and their eyeballs are sited nearer the upside. When light is blinked over their eyes, larger alligators have a red glow and smaller alligators have a green glow. This can be a very useful tip for those who are looking for alligators in dark. Even in daylight, we can observe that alligators have brown eyes and crocodiles have green eyes.
When the alligators close their jaws, only the upper teeth are able to be seen while in crocodiles, the upper and the lower teeth are visible when they close their jaws. The shape of an alligator's mouth is like a"U" and the crocodile's is like a"V". Although the skin of both the animals is a darker, almost black, the color depends on their environment. The Chinese alligators have a light pattern skin, alligators which live in algae growing water are greenish black and in high tannic acid water which is released from hanging trees have a darker skin.
As the presence of the gastroliths (stomach stones) in the stomach of alligators they can eat anything. Young alligators depend upon crustaceans, fishes, snails, and insects for their food. As they grow into larger size even they need larger feed. Bigger alligators prey turtles, bigger fishes, birds, and, other reptiles and mammals. They even eat up deer, razorbacks, small alligators and even carcass of animals when they are very hungry. They have also been reported for few attacks on humans, but the number is on arising. People set out overconfident about this reality and enter alligator habitats without more caution, resulting in provoking their aggression. But alligators don't right away attack humans, like crocodiles.
Today Alligators have turned very protected and regulated animals. Special processing is to be experienced to get the detention of an alligator. Normally baby alligators could be bought from Florida. Owners are given a special license and must be well aware of their duties. They're against the law of many another states to take out an alligator from its natural habitat. Alligator pets should be provided with wide and wet habitat, same as the subtropical, to live in.
2008年8月14日星期四
Bird Watching in Africa - A Different Type of Safari Adventure
Although bird watching is an activity that can be done virtually anywhere on the planet, Africa remains one of the most popular destinations on the planet for a bird watch adventure. Specifically, there is a substantial portion of the tourism industry in Southern Africa that is meeting the needs of bird watching in Africa. Service providers recognize the needs and desires of bird enthusiasts and create safaris and adventures designed with the serious bird watcher in mind.
What Region is Best?
Bird Watching in Africa is also popular on the Eastern portion of the continent. The bulk of the tourism is in the South, but a larger number of species exist in the Eastern nations of Kenya and Tanzania than anywhere else. Boasting over 1300 species, bird watchers in Eastern Africa have the opportunity to see 15% of the world's bird population in one trip. While the number is not so striking in the South, it is still substantial at 920 species. This equates to about 10% of the world's known species.
The nations that make up the Southern bird watch areas are Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. South Africa specifically provides a number of government sponsored parks and reserves where avian life is abundant. Any birder who is interested in researching bird watching in Africa should be sure to look at Kruger National Park, Ndumu Game Reserve, Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park, West Coast National Park, the De Hoop Nature Reserve, and Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. These locations provide prime habitat for many of the countries' 900 species of birds, and ensure that your trip will include many varieties of bird watching opportunities.
When considering East Africa for bird watching, Kenya provides a diverse range of opportunities. From the Central Highlands, which are heavily forested, to the lower lying lakes region, Kenya is a haven for many of Eastern Africa's bird species. When considering Kenya, be sure to check out Aberdare National Park, Amboseli National Park, Lake Baringo, Lake Nakuru, Lake Bogoria, Mount Kenya National Park and the Kakamego Forest Reserve. Several of these parks also serve as the home to various species of primates that are sure to attract your attention as you keep your binoculars turned towards the trees searching for birds.
Make the Most of this Incredible Bird Watching Destination
As with any major investment, make sure that you know what you are getting before you put any money on the table to go bird watching in Africa. There are a large number of service providers who will be competing for your business, and you should make sure that you are getting exactly what you want. Research the outfitter you choose. Read reviews and don't be afraid to talk to other people who have used them. Do whatever is necessary to ensure that you get the most out of every precious dollar that you lay down for this once in a lifetime trip.
What Region is Best?
Bird Watching in Africa is also popular on the Eastern portion of the continent. The bulk of the tourism is in the South, but a larger number of species exist in the Eastern nations of Kenya and Tanzania than anywhere else. Boasting over 1300 species, bird watchers in Eastern Africa have the opportunity to see 15% of the world's bird population in one trip. While the number is not so striking in the South, it is still substantial at 920 species. This equates to about 10% of the world's known species.
The nations that make up the Southern bird watch areas are Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. South Africa specifically provides a number of government sponsored parks and reserves where avian life is abundant. Any birder who is interested in researching bird watching in Africa should be sure to look at Kruger National Park, Ndumu Game Reserve, Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park, West Coast National Park, the De Hoop Nature Reserve, and Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. These locations provide prime habitat for many of the countries' 900 species of birds, and ensure that your trip will include many varieties of bird watching opportunities.
When considering East Africa for bird watching, Kenya provides a diverse range of opportunities. From the Central Highlands, which are heavily forested, to the lower lying lakes region, Kenya is a haven for many of Eastern Africa's bird species. When considering Kenya, be sure to check out Aberdare National Park, Amboseli National Park, Lake Baringo, Lake Nakuru, Lake Bogoria, Mount Kenya National Park and the Kakamego Forest Reserve. Several of these parks also serve as the home to various species of primates that are sure to attract your attention as you keep your binoculars turned towards the trees searching for birds.
Make the Most of this Incredible Bird Watching Destination
As with any major investment, make sure that you know what you are getting before you put any money on the table to go bird watching in Africa. There are a large number of service providers who will be competing for your business, and you should make sure that you are getting exactly what you want. Research the outfitter you choose. Read reviews and don't be afraid to talk to other people who have used them. Do whatever is necessary to ensure that you get the most out of every precious dollar that you lay down for this once in a lifetime trip.
2008年8月9日星期六
All the Secrets of Ferrets Revealed...
Ferrets are fury little mammals that are like a stretched out version of a cross between a rabbit and a rat. They are highly playful and curious domesticated animals that provide great companionship for anyone. Many people do however believe that ferrets are rodents like rats and mice, but contrary to this, they are actually in the Mustelid family along with weasels, stoats and martens.
The exact origin and date of domestication of the ferret is unknown, however remains of these cute little animals have been dated back as far as 1500BC, so they are quite a mature species. Ferrets, despite their cute appearance and cheeky nature, were in fact used originally for hunting or also know as ferreting. The ferret was usually used by hunters to chase rabbits and small rodents out of their burrows, however this is now illegal in many countries, but still practiced in the United Kingdom and Australia because this method is still more successful than many of the technologies developed for the same purpose.
Ferrets are more commonly kept as pets, because of their curious and energetic playful nature, they are very similar to kittens that never grow up, which is why they are preferred by many animal lovers. The slight drawback of the ferret is that they tend to nip when they are young, intending it only in a playful manner, but it can get annoying for an owner who does not fully understand their nature. This habit can be eliminated with correct training, and generally dissipates on its own with age. Ferrets have quite a long lifespan, of around 6 to 10 years, but in some cases can live into their teens.
Diet
The diet of a ferret its a lot like that of a cat, but they tend to need more protein and fat than in typical cat food. They can be fed dried cat food, but be sure to check that the top 3 ingredients are meat based, as the ferret's metabolism cannot properly digest proteins from grains. There is a wide variety of ferret food in pet stores around American and the United Kingdom.
Sleep and Play
Ferrets spend the vast majority of their time sleeping, usually 14-18 hours in fact, so they require a comfortable place to sleep that is also quiet and away from other pets that may disturb them. They do sleep a lot, but when they are awake they have extreme energy, so should be provided with lots of toys and activities, like running wheels, climbing towers, balls, and even fellow ferrets to play with. This will keep both the ferret and the owner entertained.
All these factors and more make the ferret an ideal pet to add to any family. They are sociable, non-aggressive, playful, cute, cheap, clean and extremely lovable. So why not add a ferret to your family tree and reap the reward of unconditional love and affection.
The exact origin and date of domestication of the ferret is unknown, however remains of these cute little animals have been dated back as far as 1500BC, so they are quite a mature species. Ferrets, despite their cute appearance and cheeky nature, were in fact used originally for hunting or also know as ferreting. The ferret was usually used by hunters to chase rabbits and small rodents out of their burrows, however this is now illegal in many countries, but still practiced in the United Kingdom and Australia because this method is still more successful than many of the technologies developed for the same purpose.
Ferrets are more commonly kept as pets, because of their curious and energetic playful nature, they are very similar to kittens that never grow up, which is why they are preferred by many animal lovers. The slight drawback of the ferret is that they tend to nip when they are young, intending it only in a playful manner, but it can get annoying for an owner who does not fully understand their nature. This habit can be eliminated with correct training, and generally dissipates on its own with age. Ferrets have quite a long lifespan, of around 6 to 10 years, but in some cases can live into their teens.
Diet
The diet of a ferret its a lot like that of a cat, but they tend to need more protein and fat than in typical cat food. They can be fed dried cat food, but be sure to check that the top 3 ingredients are meat based, as the ferret's metabolism cannot properly digest proteins from grains. There is a wide variety of ferret food in pet stores around American and the United Kingdom.
Sleep and Play
Ferrets spend the vast majority of their time sleeping, usually 14-18 hours in fact, so they require a comfortable place to sleep that is also quiet and away from other pets that may disturb them. They do sleep a lot, but when they are awake they have extreme energy, so should be provided with lots of toys and activities, like running wheels, climbing towers, balls, and even fellow ferrets to play with. This will keep both the ferret and the owner entertained.
All these factors and more make the ferret an ideal pet to add to any family. They are sociable, non-aggressive, playful, cute, cheap, clean and extremely lovable. So why not add a ferret to your family tree and reap the reward of unconditional love and affection.
2008年8月3日星期日
Dog Collars and Leashes Give Your Dog an Identity - In More Ways Than One
Dog collars and leashes are a very low-priced way help identify your pet - not to mention being a fashion statement! This very important single item can save your companion's life, if he should ever disappear from your home for any reason.There are a variety of dog collars and leashes you can purchase for your pet. No matter if he is big or small, there is a collar out there for your special companion. With all of the choices out there, your best bet is to keep it simple.The weight and width of dog collars should be in proportion to your pet's size. To get an accurate length, measure your dog's neck a few inches below his head, adding an inch for small dogs and 2 inches for medium or large dogs.Your final consideration in types of dog collars and leashes should be what type or style best suits your animals coat? If your pet has a short coat, a broad, flat leather or woven nylon collar with a sturdy metal buckle works well.Do dog collars differ depending on my pet's type of coat?If your pet's coat is thick and lush, or if he has long hair a "rolled" style may work better. Although "snap together" types are convenient and sometimes more attractive, if your dog is large or strong, a buckled type is a safer choice.Nylon styles are not only sturdy and inexpensive, but come in a variety of colors and patterns. If your dog spends a lot of time around other canines, check his collar frequently for signs of chewing damage and replace it right away if necessary.Your dog may be your best friend, but your pet's best friend is his collar. They are more than a fashion statement, they are important because they also contain your companion's ID. Attached identification tags can save your pet's life and at the very least, ensure that your best friend could be returned to you if lost.Personalized Dog Collars Can Make All the Difference in Finding a Lost DogPersonalized dog collars are not only a great way to accessorize dogs but also provide the best way for a dog to be identified in the event he is separated from his owner. In the past dog owners depended on engraved rabies tags listing the address and phone number of the dogs vet.The problems with using rabies tags in place of a personalized dog collar exist because the veterinarians office is not always open. If a dog was picked up by a concerned citizen after the vet's office closed, he would have to wait until the following morning to contact the dog's owners. Personalized dog collars enable dog's owners' to be contacted as soon as their dog has been found.Pet owners should be sure the information provided on the collar up to date with current addresses and phone numbers. A collar offering outdated information equates to no collar at all. With all the confusion of relocating pet owners often forget changing the information on the dog's collar until it's too late.Ordering a new collar with an interim address or a cell phone number as soon as you know you're moving and ordering another when you know your new address helps keep the family dog from falling through the cracks during such a busy and stressful time.Pet owners who are hard to reach should add other contacts to the collar. If the person who found your dog can't reach you, they are unable to help you or the dog. Situations such as this can be prevented by adding the phone number of a friend or relative to the personalized dog collar. Choose someone dependable, easy to find, and willing (of course).In addition to being very fashionable, personalized dog collars serve their purpose proudly as they help millions of dogs find their way home every day.
订阅：
博文 (Atom)