Introduction to the Pet Chinchilla

Becoming more and more popular as a pet, the chinchilla, with its timid and gentle nature, big black eyes, large round ears, long whiskers, long bushy tail and the finest and densest fur of any animal in the World is often described as the nearest thing to a real life cuddly toy. Chinchillas make ideal pets, they are very clean, rarely bite unless frightened and with a little effort and patience are easy to tame. They are also hardy and quite simple to care for provided a few basic rules are followed, the most important of which is correct diet. In the wild chinchillas are ground dwelling animals living in crevices in rocks and belong to the group of animals known as ‘rock hoppers’.

They are nocturnal by nature dozing during the day and becoming more active and feeding in the evenings, being nocturnal makes them quite a good pet for someone who is out at school or work during the day as they enjoy the peace and quiet during the day to doze and enjoy their exercise period in the evenings. Being nocturnal they can be quite active and noisy during the night so may not be the ideal pet for the bedroom!

The best location for their cage would be a cooler part of the house away from direct sunshine and radiators.
The chinchilla has the finest fur of any animal in the World, isn’t it strange it should be closely related to the porcupine!
How is the chinchillas fur different from other animal? Animal hair grows from tiny follicles (holes) in the skin, each follicle usually growing one hair, but with chinchillas, they have approximately the same number of follicles, but each hair splits into 50-90 hairs giving the chinchilla its beautiful, fine silky, dense fur and because the fur is so fine and dense no parasites (fleas or lice) can live in it.

Responsibilities attached to chinchilla ownership;
Fresh pellets( not a mix!), hay and water need to be supplied daily
A daily dustbath is essential to keep their fur in good condition.
Chinchillas are very intelligent and inquisitive, they get attached to their owners so you should be prepared to spend a little time with them every day.

They are very clean animals with little odour but need to be cleaned out regularly.
Chinchillas are rodents with continuously growing teeth, it is in their nature to spend much of their time gnawing, a continuous supply of correct materials should be supplied for this purpose.
Treats and titbits should be fed sparingly, their digestive system has evolved to deal with a very basic diet, rich foods can cause problems.
Chinchillas enjoy raisins and if used in moderation, two or three a day, do not seem to cause any problems.

Another unusual factor with chinchillas is their long life span, the average being ten to twelve years the documented record being twenty two years.
For further information visit our website at
Paul Spooner Chinchillas, Cages & Accessories
Paul Spooner has been a breeder and judge of chinchillas for almost 20 years
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Some Tips To Help You Get Ready For Your New Pet

Perhaps your children have begged and pleaded for a new pet, promising to take care of it so that you won't have to. Maybe you live alone and decided to get a pet to keep you company or to provide safety for your home. Whatever the reason, you finally decide to go for it and adopt a new friend.

There are so many types of pets to choose from that the choices are endless. Aside from the conventional cat or dog, you can choose fish, snakes, mice, birds or any number of furry or feathered critters. The important thing is to be ready for them before you even bring them home.

If you don't know how to prepare for your new pet, the first place to seek information is from the veterinarian that you plan to take it to. Not only will they be able to tell you what you will need to prepare for your new pet, you will also be able to find out about vaccination and annual checkup fees. You can inquire about pet insurance so that should a medical emergency befall your pet, you can be assured of having some or most of the fees covered. It's important to read pet insurance policies carefully so that you are aware of what is covered and what isn't. You will also need to know if you will need to pay for the care upfront and be reimbursed or if the insurance agency will allow the vet to bill them for the services.

Ask the vet what the best food to provide for your pet is. Walking into a pet or grocery store and seeing the countless brands and types of food can be extremely confusing. There's food that fights tartar or hairballs. Some are easy on the digestion while others are made to keep your pets active. Your vet will best be able to advise you on the type of food that you should provide your pet with.
Grooming supplies are another concern. Long haired pets may need more attention to grooming than the shorter haired ones but either way, you will need to know how to clean their fur or feathers and know how often this needs to be done. There are plenty of professional groomers that can take of this for you but if you choose to take care of this yourself then you will need to make sure that you are using the right products.

The same way that humans are encouraged to take vitamins to help to improve and maintain good health; the same rule applies to your pets. There are plenty of vitamins on the market but it can be difficult to know which ones that you should give to your pets. Again, you can ask your vet about this to get suggestions on which of the many vitamins on the market are the best ones to give your new friend.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about this as well as pet supplies at http://www.petmedicationandsupplies.com/
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Are You an Animal lover?

Some people almost seem to run a veritable zoo from their home. They often have several dogs, a cat or two, perhaps a rabbit, and maybe a guinea pig. Then again, there are those people who would not have an animal in the house. These folks will tell you that they want nothing to do with a pet and that they are not at all interested in adding a non human member to their families.

In reality, all people are probably animal people at some level. There seems to be a natural bond between humans and animals that almost everyone experiences at one time or another. Those who proclaim their distaste for pet ownership are probably not really aversive to animals; they just dont make a great connection with traditional pets. Thats perfectly acceptable, of course.

The dog many be mans best friend, but that does not mean each and every man has to love it! Unfortunately, we often allow our perception of dealing with animals to be governed by a limited perspective regarding pets.

For most people, the term pet means dogs and cats. Those are the two most popular forms of house pets. These animals are perfectly suited as human companions in general, but many people just dont seem to get along with them. Those folks may say they are not animal orientated, but they might not feel that way if they looked into some alternative pets that are available.

The realm of pets is not just a matter of cats and dogs. There are literally hundreds of other great pet options. Many of those who dont feel a connection with the cats and dogs can find a perfect match among the tiny pet alternatives that are available.

So how about a small pet. Many small, easily manageable pets will fit with anyones lifestyle while providing companionship and many enjoyable hours. These small pet friends run the gamut of species and personality, meaning there is probably a great option available for everyone. Even the most hardcore anti animal person is often surprised to discover his or her ability to develop a meaningful kinship with a small pet.

Those who prefer a quiet pet and who do not particularly want to be able to pat an animal may enjoy an aquarium. The soothing powers of keeping fish are well known and many people who have claimed to dislike animals have found themselves active aquarists over time.

Those who might want to explore an underappreciated animal might look toward snakes as an option. Though reviled by many people, snakes can make a wonderful pet and many people enjoy having them around and caring for them. Rodents are also popular among many pet owners, even though the whole of society tends to perceive them as a nuisance.

Not all of the small pet options lack fur, however. There are childhood standbys like hamsters, gerbils and guinea pigs. There are also other mammalian options in addition to dogs and cats. From rats to ferrets, there are many possibilities.

Birds. Turtles. Exotic species. Options abound. In addition, believe it or not, some people who had previously expressed their absolute disdain for dogs and cats become completely enamored by miniature breeds and find themselves changing their perspectives after being introduced to the little guys (and gals).

These alternative pet ideas work because they usually overcome the chief objectives non animal people have to keeping a pet. Those with allergies need not worry about fish fur! A person who does not like the idea of taking long walks with a dog or training it appropriately can escape those concerns while enjoying his or her turtles. Those reluctant to add an animal to the family due to space limitations need not be concerned with a teacup cat running the house!

Really, deep down inside, everyone is an animal person. The trick is matching the right animal with the right person! Most of us find comfort with a cat or dog, but others might want to consider some other possible animal friends. For those who are not excited at owning a dog or cat, miniature pet options might make a perfect alternative!


Author's Resource

John Savage has an interesting Blog About Pets which can be seen here blogaboutpets.blogspot.com Visit Animal Pets & Friends for more pet and animal articles.

How to Choose a Pet Bird

Buying a bird is a major commitment that should be carefully considered and researched. Owning a bird requires a significant amount of time, money and adaptation to the needs of the animal. All types of birds are noisy, messy and require daily attention.

Since birds have very delicate respiratory systems, they must live in a smoke and pollution free environment. Air fresheners, cigarettes, pesticides and some cleaning solutions can make birds sick and even cause death.

If you decide that you are ready to make the long-term commitment of caring for a bird, you need to carefully think about what type of bird to buy. It's essential to choose a species that fits well with your family's life style.

A general rule is that the larger the bird, the more it will cost to buy and maintain. You can buy a Finch for about $10 while an Amazon parrot may cost up to $800. You will also need to buy a cage, toys, food, and set aside sufficient money for vet visits. For most birds you will need to buy pre-formulated pellets, greens, sprouted seeds, and fruits. Birds like lories, toucans have very specialized diets while others such as finches, canaries and doves have simpler needs.

Different types of birds require different amounts of socializing. If you are often gone or busy, you should not get a single parrot, a cockatiel or a budgie because these breeds needs lots of socialization or they become skittish. Parrots should be allowed out of their cage on a daily basis to exercise and interact with people. If you are unable to make this time commitment, finches, canaries or a pair of lovebirds would be a better choice.

On the other hand, if it is important to you to be able to handle the bird, then you would want to get a cockatoo or another type of large parrot. Birds such as finches and canaries do not do well with a lot of petting or touching and do not usually develop a strong pet-owner bond.

Beyond the day-to-day time you spend with your pet, you also need to consider the lifespan of the pet you choose. While Budgies tend to only live for 8 years, cockatiels can live for 20 years and an Amazon or African Grey parrot lives from 50 to 100 years! It is important to think about what would happen to your birds in the very real chance that they outlive you.

The noise level is another concern for most owners. The squawking of a parrot can upset other pets that are sensitive to sound. If you have young children, their noise and quick movements can make birds nervous. Your living situation and personal comfort, therefore, may limit the type of species you can own. If you live in an apartment and buy a cockatoo, macaw or another large parrot you will most likely face some angry neighbors. Budgies and cockatiels are quieter than large parrots. Finches, doves and canaries are on the farthest end of the noise spectrum so these may be a good choice for apartment dwellers.

Once you have considered all the practical issues, the next consideration to think about is the personality and vocal ability of the bird. Some birds are known for talking, mimicking voices, whistling, or singing. Personality also varies by breed. Some types of bird are affectionate, gentle, energetic or playful. While researching the type of bird you wish to purchase, it is important to remember that each bird is an individual and may not match up to the typical traits of its breed. There have been African Greys who don't say a word and cockatiels who are skilled speakers.

Before you make a final decision as to the type of bird you want to own, you should be certain that you will be able to give your new friend all the care and attention she or he needs to be a happy, well- adjusted bird.

This article is one of many featured at http://www.parrotsite.com A website dedicated to the world of Bird Lovers. Want to learn about How A Revolutionary Speech Training Method Will Change How Bird's Learn To Talk. Copyright © 2006 Parrotsite.com. All rights reserved. - This article is available for reprint on your ezine, website or ebook. You MUST agree NOT to make ANY changes to the article and the RESOURCE BOX MUST be included.

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