Weirdest Celebrity Pets

Reese Witherspoon’s Donkeys

In 2010, animal lover and actress Reese Witherspoon got a pair of donkeys named Honky and Tonky after falling in love with some of her friends’ pets. “They’re just docile and sweet,” Witherspoon told Ellen DeGeneres in December. “I call them badonkadonks.” Now, they’re reportedly being a pain in the Oscar-winning actress’ badonkadonk. The donkeys have been making noise and angering Witherspoon’s neighbors, so much so that they sent her a letter to complain, Us Weekly reports. However, the donkeys are not Witherspoon’s only odd pets: She also has two pigs, three goats, 20 chickens, three dogs, and her very own pony. “I have one horse,” Witherspoon told DeGeneres. “It’s hanging with the donkey; it’s sweet.”
*Image is not of actual pet

George Clooney’s Pig

George Clooney’s longest relationship ever might have been with a pig. The actor owned Max, a 300-pound pig, for 18 years until the he died in 2006. “He was as old a pig as the vets had ever seen,” Clooney told People magazine. The bachelor was so close to Max that he sometimes allowed him to sleep in his bed and accompany him to interviews. His pet was so irreplaceable that when asked if he would get another pig, Clooney replied, “No, I think Max covered all my pig needs.”

Michael Jackson’s Chimp

Bubbles the chimpanzee was Michael Jackson’s constant companion in the late 1980s. In a videotaped interview, the eccentric singer stated that his pet would use his toilet, help him clean, and used a spoon and fork at the dinner table. Jackson also allegedly said that he and Bubbles shared a bed in the same video. But their honeymoon period ended by early 2002, when Bubbles was removed from Jackson’s Neverland Ranch because he became too aggressive. The following year, a depressed Bubbles reportedly attempted suicide, according to The Telegraph. But Bubbles is OK now and currently lives at the Center for Great Apes in Florida, where he spends his time painting and hanging out with other chimps. According to his trainers, he could easily live to age 60. Upon Jackson’s death, the chimp’s trainer told The Telegraph, “Bubbles definitely missed him when they parted and will miss him now.”

Tippi Hedren and Melanie Griffith’s Lion

She may have been running from Hitchcock’s Birds, but Tippi Hedren has a long-established love of lions. The actress allegedly kept a fully grown lion as a pet at one point, even though her daughter Melanie Griffith was bitten by one on the set of Roar in 1977. But Hedren now says that wild animals should not be kept as pets. In 1983, Hedren founded the Shambala Preserve to protect exotic animals. After the zoo at Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch was shut down, his two tigers, Thriller and Sabu, were sent to live at Shambala. When Jackson passed away, Hedren said she had told the tigers that he died. “You don’t know what mental telepathy exists from the human to the animal. But I hope they understood,” Hedren told The Guardian.

Nicolas Cage’s Octopus

When money is no object, a man can acquire some interesting… and completely ridiculous items. Part of what led to Nicolas Cage’s financial struggles was his purchases of several yachts, a jet, a castle, more than 50 cars, and two islands. But most bizarre of all was his alleged $276,000 spending spree that included two king cobras—Moby and Sheba—and an octopus, New York magazine reported. Cage claims that he bought the octopus because it would help him with his acting, but unfortunately he had to say goodbye to his tentacled companion.
*Image is not of actual pet

Kristen Stewart’s Wolf-Dog Hybrids

Is Kristen Stewart secretly on Team Jacob? When the actress fell for a werewolf in The Twilight Saga, she may have been channeling her previous experience with the furry creatures. Stewart’s mother raises wolf-dog hybrids, which are legal in some states. The starlet told David Letterman that the oldest male Jack is “really sweet. He, like, falls at my feet.” When the late-night host reminded Stewart that wolf packs go around killing herds of elk, Stewart retorted, “And you know what? It’s such an awful thing because all the hunters have much more of a privilege to shoot them because that’s the only reason we’re killing the wolves, and it’s awful.” Edward Cullen better watch out.
*Image is not of actual pet

Leonardo DiCaprio’s Tortoise

After attending the North American Reptile Breeders Conference and Trade Show in 2010, Leonardo DiCaprio bought a 38-pound Sulcata tortoise for $400. TMZ reported that DiCaprio asked for the biggest tortoise they had. The actor’s 10-year-old tortoise could grow to as big as 200 pounds and he’s still basically a child–tortoises of that kind can easily live for 80 years!
*Image is not of actual pet

Rupert Grint’s Teacup Pig

Buying into trends has its consequences, as Harry Potter star Rupert Grint would know. In the midst of the U.K.’s teacup pig craze, Grint bought one of the tiny porkers, which can sell for up to $1,100. However, there was a rumor that Grint was actually ripped off and bought a normal pig instead. In response to the controversy, the actor told NBC in 2010 that the pig was getting “kind of big now. We’ve got him living outside now.” When asked if his pet species of choice is really the most intelligent, Grint replied, “I haven’t really seen proof of that yet.”

Paris Hilton’s Kinkajou

Hotel heiress Paris Hilton has had her fair share of pets. Though her Chihuahua Tinkerbell may be the most famous, Baby Luv, her pet kinkajou, an endangered mammal, is definitely the most rare. In 2005, Hilton was reportedly given notice that she had to give up Baby Luv because it is illegal to keep the animal in the U.S. The species is native to forests in South America and the pet could never have been house trained. In spite of all this, Hilton kept Baby Luv around until at least the following year when her beloved pet bit her on the arm. “It seems she thinks animals are as disposable as her friends and fiancés,” a rep for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals said of Hilton.

Mike Tyson’s Pigeons

Though his pet tiger was stolen in The Hangover, in real life, Mike Tyson used to keep pet pigeons. At the age of 11, Tyson got into his first fight after a bully tore the head off of one the pigeons. Tyson now has a reality show about pigeon racing, much to the dismay of PETA. “This is what I love to do– this is a hobby I do with childhood friends, we battle against other friends,” Tyson told Entertainment Weekly of the activity. “It’s a really ancient sport, before Christ even.”

John Quincy Adams’ Alligator

Move over, Bo Obama! While many presidents have kept pets in the White House, the sixth, John Quincy Adams. reportedly owned an alligator while occupying the Oval Office. The Marquis de Lafayette gave Adams the odd pet, which he reportedly kept in a White House bathroom, along with his wife’s silkworms. And shockingly enough, Adams is not the only president to keep the biting reptiles around: Herbert Hoover allegedly had two gators that he sometimes let roam the White House grounds.

*Image is not of actual pet

Article source: thedailybeast.com



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Adopt a Homeless Pet this Holiday Season

Similar to human beings, there are many homeless pets luring the streets of cities across the world. They have no where to rest, find clean water nor eat a good, nurturing meal. There are individuals who would save every animal on this earth, but we all know that is impossible.

Charities, such as PetsMart Charities, have made it their mission to find a lifelong, loving home for every homeless pet. They aspire to improve the quality for all pets by creating and supporting programs that save the lives of homeless pets and promote healthy relationships between people and pets.

According to PetSmart Charities' website, they try to maintain their initial vision by doing the following:

* Funding new and collaborative programs that save the lives of homeless pets
* Joining forces with thousands of animal-welfare agencies across the U.S. and Canada to create innovative animal-welfare solutions that we share with other animal-welfare organizations
* Providing immediately needed emergency relief, for both natural and man-made disasters
* Granting adoption rewards funding to animal-welfare Adoption Partners that participate in PetSmart Charities® Adoption Centers
* Lifting awareness of companion animal-welfare issues
* Promoting healthy and happy relationships between people and pets
* Conducting customer and associate fundraising programs, such as pin pad donations in PetSmart® stores and P.A.U.S.E. (PetSmart Associates United to Stop Euthanasia)

Want to help a homeless pet? PetSmart is giving you the opportunity to save a life this holiday season by adopting a pet during the PetSmart Charities Holiday National Adoption Weekend. This three-day event runs from Friday, November 12th through Sunday, November 14 at all 1,164 PetSmart stores in the U.S. and Canada.

Additional information is available at http://www.petsmartcharities.org

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Serving the Charlotte area, Queen City Pet Sitting offers an array of services worthy of any pet owners respect. Jump onboard the Pet Taxi for a ride to the veterinarian, order a quick grooming, or even ask for an errand run to return your late movie rentals. Whatever the case may be, these pet care sitters promise to get it done!

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Protect Your Pet in Cold Winter Weather

By Norma Crozier

The cold weather seems to be upon most of Canada and the United States in the month of January. Your pets should be taken into consideration when the cold weather hits your area There are some guidelines to keep in mind for the winter months in protecting your pets.

Dogs should never be let off the lease in the snow or ice because they often lose their scent in this type of weather, may get away from the pet owner and be hard to find in this cold weather. They can become disoriented in the cold weather and therefore be lost to you being out too long in the cold.

People are warned to stay bundled up and inside in below temperatures this also applies to your pets. You must keep pets indoors as much as possible when temperatures are in the low freezing times when wind chill warnings are out. The effect on a person does not take long in the wind chill or pets.

You should never leave your pets- dogs, cats etc.outside in the cold weather unsupervised because you cannot tell unless you are with them how the cold is really affecting them. If there is some reason that you cannot bring your pet inside then try to make a place that is warm and away from drafts for them to sleep. Ensuring that they will be safe away from the winter chill. Provide some form of bedding which will give some insulation and help keep them warm. Straw for example will help protect them from the cold floor and provide some insulation.

Cold weather can affect a person's hands, face exposed places so you should take precautions with your pets as well. Clean your pet's paw's off before they come inside. The salt and ice-melting chemicals used on most streets during the winter months can burn dogs' paws. There are many new styles of winter boots or overshoes available now for dogs as well as the new pet-friendly ice melts now being carried in many pet stores. There is more and more new items available for protection of your pet in the winter. Also many stores now carry clothing in the forms of coats and sweaters for many pets. We must dress warmer in the winter for those temperatures so it is therefore necessary to prepare your pet as well.

We have all experienced strange noises at one time from out car start up. Be sure to knock on your car hoods before starting the engines because it is found that warm car engines provide an inviting place for cats and small animals to cozy up to for warmth not realizing the risks involved.

Antifreeze is another well known threat to pets and taken in large amounts can be harmful. . It is a sweet tasting treat which seem to attract animals and found more at this time of year on the ground. A precaution is to keep this poisonous substance from pets by wiping up any spills that may occur and by storing containers where they are not easy assessable by anyone except yourself. Antifreeze will not harm pets if taken swallowed in small amounts, but reactions can happen, because it is made from propylene glycol but can be poisonous if digested in large quantities. Any kind of alien chemical should not be of access to pets or anyone.

The winter is hard on everyone and people tend to take vitamins, apply more creams and lotions to keep their skin moist in the cold dry air. Pets also need supplements such as fatty-acid and skin conditioners for protection of their skin and coats through the winter months. Pets with short hair will be affected more with the cold.

Pets should not be left in a vehicle for a long period of time during the winter any more than in the summer months. The summer the vehicle can become a furnace well it is opposite for the winter and pets can pick up chills in a cold vehicle for long periods of time.

Heaven Pet Urns cares about your pets and the pet owners. We hope you will keep these guidelines in mind through the winter months when temperatures drop. Protect yourself and your pet because we care and it shows in our pet urn products and our thoughts.

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Do Chinchillas Make Good Pets

Chinchillas are quick, perky little animals. I love them. If you have never met the acquaintance of one, they have a personality similar to a park squirrel.

Chinchillas have many characteristics that make them great pets. However, they are not suited for everyone. I do not suggest them for children because they are small and fragile and if they are squeezed too tight - they will bite. I prefer them to all other rodents because of their lack of unpleasant smell and unusually long life spans.

What Are Their Good Qualities?

Their good qualities include a beautiful soft lush fur, an inquisitive, boisterous nature and no objectionable noises. They are very low-maintenance pets.

They're a very clean animal. The video below shows how they clean themselves.

Chinchilla Dust Bath - Click here for the funniest movie of the week

What Are Their Not-So-Good Qualities?

On the down side, chinchillas are somewhat high-strung, and they have relatively short attention spans. They also do not tolerate hot weather or high humidity well.

Where Do These Animals Come From?

Chinchillas originated in the Andes Mountains of South America where they inhabit crevices in the rocks. Chinchillas come in a variety of colors. The most common color is silvery gray; but the also come in white, beige, ebony and sapphire (super-violet) color.

What Are Some Characteristics Of Chinchillas?

Adult female chinchillas weight about a pound-and-a-half and are a bit bigger than males. Chinchillas can live 12 to 20 years – an exceptionally long life span for a rodent. They also have an exceptionally long pregnancy, 111 days. So babies pop out ready-to-go like their distant cousins, the guinea pigs. Chinchillas will not thrive above 78 degrees Fahrenheit (25.8C) or in humidity over 40%.

Buying A Chinchilla

Unfortunately, pet stores are in business to make a profit - not to provide you with a friendly, healthy pet. Pet shops are the worst place to obtain a chinchilla. If you have not yet obtained your pet, go to a reputable breeder such as those that are members of The Chinchilla Club and ask the breeder for the phone number of satisfied clients in your area.

Chinchilla personalities are determined during their first month of age. They need to be handled and petted frequently after they are born or they will grow up skittish and aggressive. An ideal age to purchase your chinchilla is 10 weeks of age.

If possible, check both the parents and the youngster for problems before you become attached to a Chinchilla. Be cautious of watery or pasty eyes, drooling (tooth alignment problems), wool pulling or missing areas of fur. I prefer to buy directly from a breeder I trust or one who willingly supplies me with satisfied contacts who have purchased her animals. Most of the problem animals I see were purchased through pet stores. Common problems I see in pet store purchased chinchillas are wool pulling due to boredom and stress and malocclusion due to improper diet and genetics. Aggression is a problem in animals not socialized to people at a young enough age.

Do's-and-don'ts With Chinchillas:

Chinchillas allowed to run free in the house will slowly but surely chew it down. Besides this, through their indiscriminate chewing they will be exposed to many household toxins.

I like to keep a chinchilla in no smaller than a 6’ x6’ x 4’ mesh cage with a galvanized droppings pan. If the galvanize is new, I wash it thoroughly with vinegar. The galvanized cage coating has been known to be toxic when chewed. Powder-coated metals are apparently safe. Imported Chinese-made cages may be coated with lead-containing paint. If you make the pen, the ABS plastic pan that is supplied with collapsible dog crates works well - it the chinchillas can not reach it to chew on (they need an exposed corner to get started).

Chinchillas love cardboard boxes to hide in and destroy as well as ledge shelves to bask on. They also love dust bathing. I supply them with cornstarch or corn meal in a shallow dish or crock. Beware of plastic toys or cage parts that the chinchilla might ingest.

The floor of your pet's cage should be solid – never wire. Wire floor housed chinchillas eventually end up with arthritis of the foot. I prefer pine shaving or corncob bedding. Chinchillas do not do well on cedar chips. Cedar smells pleasant, but it contains natural chemicals that can be toxic. That is why insects do not bother the tree.

Cages need to be cleaned every two days. You can sprinkle baking soda in the corner the Chinchilla uses to eliminate. Locate your cage out of drafts and strong direct sunlight.


As a food bowl, I prefer a human-quality food crocks (no lead glaze). All chinchillas need a water bottle with ball bearing sipper tube. It is a good idea to purchase a metal shielding for plastic water bottles as chinchillas quickly chew through the bottles.


A large specialty activity wheel is a real treat for active chinchillas. They can be purchased over the internet. Chinchillas need more exercise than most cages will accommodate. Chinchilla-proofing an exercise room is a challenge. These rodents will gnaw all wiring and wooden base molding and trim. Some bitters mist or triple no-chew spray from a pet store might discourage this behavior.


Chinchillas have an insatiable desire to gnaw. That is because chinchillas, like all rodents, have teeth that grow out continuously through life. These teeth must be continually worn down by gnawing. Be sure there are plenty of things for the pet to chew within his cage. Good chewing blocks are pieces of hard rock maple, non-resinous pine, fruit woods and beech. Deer antler and bone also make good gnawing blocks.


Given its choice, a chinchilla will select a diet far too rich for itself. They love pizza crust, chetos, raisins, apple and the like. However these items given more than occasionally will soon lead to digestive upsets, loose stools and eventual death.

The Chinchilla’s primary diet (90%) should consist of chinchilla or guinea pig chow (Mazuri 5M01, ZuPreem, Purina or equivalent). This can be supplemented with coarse alfalfa and timothy hay, endive, escarole and spinach. Some alfalfa is entirely too rich. Do not feed beans, corn, sweet potato apples and carrots. They are too rich in carbohydrates and sugars.

Carbohydrates , including sugars, poison the normal intestinal flora (bacteria yeasts and molds) of the chinchilla. Raisins, bits of fruit and fruit roll-ups should be reserved as occasional treats and training aids or not given at all.


Keep a mineral/salt block from a feed store or chinchilla supply in the cage.

I have never read that chinchillas needed vitamin C. Guinea Pigs do require vitamin C. However, many owners feed rose hips to chinchillas. These should be OK in minute quantities (no more than 10 iu ascorbic acid per day).

Training Your Chinchilla

Chinchillas are relatively easy to train. The secret is in using food treats as encouragement. They should quickly learn to come to the scent of a raisin. Next, use a cupped hand as a cradle for the animal while coaxing him with a raisin in the other hand. Soon it should trust you enough to hop into your outstretched hand and hop to your shoulder and let you pet him/her.

Chinchillas are creatures of habit with strong internal clocks. Play with the pet at the same time each day and let him know what to expect.


Portions of cement blocks allow for your chinchilla’s toenails to wear naturally. You may still need to trim them every 3-4 months with a human toenail clipper. I suggest that you have your pet’s fecal specimen examined twice during the first year of life. After that examination is optional.

You may want to clip the hair surrounding your pets anus to prevent soiling. Generally, chinchillas with soiled posteriors are chinchillas that are eating too rich a diet. Any change in consistency of their droppings is a cause for concern.

Chinchilla Health:

Teeth

Because chinchilla teeth grow up to 10 inches a year, tooth apposition problems are relatively common. Some feel this problem is genetics; others feel it is due to improper calcium/phosphorus content of their diets. Both factors probably play a part in this condition.

Lead paint

Lead paint ingestion in houses constructed before the late 1960’s can also be a problem. Beyond these problems, chinchillas generally have healthy long lives. This is another reason they make great pets.

Ringworm

I occasionally see Chinchillas with ringworm. Sometimes, the pet's fur coat appears normal - but it is the owner who develops a ringworm lesion. Another form of ringworm is also common in large chinchilla farms - particularly those supplying the fur trade. It is caused by a similar fungus, T. mentagrophytes. Chinchillas with this problem loose their hair and develop and scabby red spots on their nose, feet, and around their eyes. Two medications, griseofulvin or itraconazole will cure it.

Intestinal Problems (Enteritis)

This is caused by feeding the wrong diet, crowding or poor sanitation. Pet shop stress can also be a factor. When the pet's diet does not contain sufficient fiber or contains too much carbohydrates, their "good" bacteria die and organisms such as E. coli, salmonella, pseudomonas or giardia take advantage of the situation. Treating them is a challenge because they are so small and have minimal body reserves to fall back on.

Respiratory Infections

Pneumonia, sneezing and upper respiratory infections and eye drainage are problems associated with poor sanitation, crowding, improper temperature and a deficient diet. You can avoid these problems by purchasing your pet from a reliable source. Once the pet has this problem, only TLC and antibiotics might cure it. Even once your pet has recoverered, it may still harbor the bacteria for a long time. So you must continue to keep it in a low stress situation.

Slobbers

When a chinchilla's teeth do not line up properly they will overgrow and cause the pet to drool and loose weight. This is called malocclusion. In many cases, the problem is genetic. In others, it is due to an early mineral-deficient diet. If your pet developes this problem, its teeth will need to be clipped or sawed off periodically.

Barbers

This is only a problem when several chinchillas are kept together in close quarters. It is the chinchilla without the missing fur that is the culprit. It it do to boredom and stress.

Heat Stroke

Because these pets are native to the cool, dry Andes Mountains of South America, they do not take heat or humidity well. They do best in the United States when their quarters are well ventilated, shaded and air conditioned during hot weather. Sudden colapse or weakness in a hot environment may signal heat stroke. These pets will be breathing rapidly and may feel hot to the touch. They should be misted off and massaged immediately with cool water to which a drop of dish washing soap has been added.

This cute poofy guy is a royal Persian angora chinchilla


Article source: 2ndchance.info



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5 Questions to Ask Before Bringing Home an Exotic Pet

By CS Swarens

A super cute baby sloth

Are you considering purchasing an exotic pet? If so, you aren't alone. A growing number of people are deciding to adopt exotic pets for a wide variety of reasons. But, are you really prepared to bring home an adopted pet? Before you go out and make a purchase, be sure to provide yourself honest answers to a few important questions.

Why Do I Want an Exotic Pet?

The first question you should ask yourself is why you want to purchase an exotic pet in the first place. Is it an impulse purchase because you fell in love with the little critter while stopping in at the pet shop? Do you want the pet because you think it seems cool to own one? Are you trying to be part of the latest fad? If your answer is yes to any of these questions, you should really reconsider making the purchase. Remember, taking home a pet requires making a long-term commitment and, once the novelty wears off, it is easy to become overwhelmed by the time and effort required to keep many exotic pets healthy and happy.

Am I Able to Care for the Exotic Pet?

In addition to requiring a time commitment, many exotic pets also require making a substantial monetary commitment as well. In fact, you will likely need to purchase special housing and supplies for your pet. Depending on the availability of specialists you may need to travel an extended distance or pay a premium price for veterinary care.

Is it Legal?

Many exotic pets are illegal to own in certain areas or, even if a pet is legal to own, certain jurisdictions may restrict the ownership of certain pets. Even if a pet store is selling the pet, don't automatically assume it is legal for you to own one. In some cases, you may have to complete certain paperwork in order to be legally permitted to own a pet. So, make certain you are aware of the proper procedures and that you follow them. Otherwise, you may find yourself in legal trouble and you may lose a pet that you have become attached to.

Does the Pet Suit My Household?

When deciding whether or not a pet is right for you, you should also consider your current household situation. Do you already have pets at home? If so, how well will your current pet or pets get along with your new pet? Are the types of pets compatible?

If you have children, you should also consider whether or not the pet is a good fit with your children. Consider the safety and welfare of both your children and your pet before bringing it home.

Do I Know How to Properly Care for the Pet?

Many exotic pet owners make the mistake of bringing home a pet before they really learn how to care for it. Make certain you are aware of the feeding and housing requirements for your pet before you bring it home. You also need to know how long your pet is likely to live and how large it can become. That way, you are prepared to accommodate your pet as it grows larger and its needs change.

Owning an exotic pet can be very exciting and fun. At the same time, exotic pets can be time consuming and expensive to care for. Therefore, you should be certain to do your research and to make sure you are prepared for the commitment before you bring one home.

CS Swarens is the CEO of Find a Pet Online. 800 998-7065

For additional information on dogs, cats, birds, horses, and exotic pets visit the internet's resource for pets for sale.

Research pet information with detailed profiles of over 430 pet breeds.

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Got A Pet Rat? Some Helpful Tips About Pet Rats

By Ian Catlin

Most people misunderstand rats. The idea of rats as pets seems to be self-contradictory to them - rats are dirty, wild, they chew up on everything in their path, they cannot be trained and kept at a home with humans - especially children.

However, more people than commonly thought own a pet rat, or even several pet rats - often nicknamed fancy rats. If you have arrived here you may own one or some already, or thinking of owning one, or simply want to know more about the fancy rat. Whichever is true, you should know that pet rats are more delicate than some might think, and caring for them requires a lot of attention to detail. Here you will learn some tips about attending to pet rat health, which pet rat cages are best and how they should be prepared for your pet rat, and general tips about pet rat care and pet rat training.

In order to house your pet rat, care must be taken to which cage you choose and how to prepare it. The cage should be large enough so that your fancy rat has room to run around. It should be made to provide an environment of different activities for your pet rat - toys to play with and keep your fancy rat interested are very important, for example, because fancy rats can literally get sick with boredom. The cage should also have places in which your pet rat can snuggle and rest, and preferably something it can climb. The cage floor should be properly bedded with newspaper or some fabric. Keep an eye on the cleanliness of the cage as well - clean it on a weekly basis, at least.

Which toys should you use in the pet rat cage? well, pet rats have personalities, and each pet rat is different. An old tennis ball can be good for one, a wooden ring to chew on can be good for the other. At the end of this article you will find a pointer to the source of an abundance of ideas for pet rat toys. However, just like with a child, your pet rat can have all the toys in the world - but nothing would match up to some quality time with you. So make time to play with your pet rats. Pet rats are also good companions for each other - if you put more than one of them in the same cage (if the cage is big enough, of course) they'll be able to play with each other, and that will make their lives much better and more interesting.

Pet rat care begins with what you feed them with. Rats can eat pretty much everything, but in order to keep your pet rat healthy there are certain things you can do with regards to their diet. You can feed them ready-made mouse food that you buy in a shop, but make sure you diversify it with bits of fresh fruit and vegetables (except citrus fruit which are bad, especially to males). Trial and error will tell you which foods your pet rat loves best - like I said, rats have personalities, and each one is different. You can sometimes even spoil your pet rats with a sweet delicacy such as a dog biscuit, if you find they like it. You can also hide food in their cages for them to look for. Water should be given in a drip bottle attached to the wiring of the cage - make sure water never runs out.

A healthy diet, without overfeeding, will generally keep your pet rat healthy. But pet rat health requires attention in other aspects too. For example, pet rats are very sensitive to heat or cold. They should be given worm cloth to snuggle in during cold days, and fed cold food (such as frozen veggies) on hot days.

If your pet rat does not act like its usual self (particularly if it's much quieter or more indifferent than usual), if it does not drink or eat normally, or if it sneezes often or shows signs of breathing difficulty - it may be sick. If you notice a lump in your pet rat's body, that may be a sign of serious illness. Rats may also contract skin diseases or worms in their digestive systems. Whatever the symptoms are, the best thing to do is to when you notice something out of the ordinary is to take it to the vet, the sooner the better.

What about pet rat training? Is that even possible? Of course it is! That is the fun part. Rats are very intelligent animals. They catch on fast, they are curious, and they aim to please.

Don't push your pet rat too much in training or teaching trick. Be patient. This is not a race.

Rats can be trained to litter at particular places in their cage, and save you some trouble cleaning it. You can create a corner with some special bedding for that, place older litter in it so your pet rats can smell it. If there are certain places in the cage your pet rats prefer to litter at their own will, don't fight them. Create that litter tray where they prefer it to be.

Pet rats can be taught many things - to come to you when you call their names, stand on their hind legs and clap the fore paws, and so much more. Their reward is mainly food, and praise from you. Be patient, it takes time.

There is so much more to know about pet rat training, pet rat care, and pet rat health. Click here to get the comprehensive source for everything you need to know about pet rats.

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Top 10 List Of Exotic Pets

Sugar glider
These popular little marsupials from northeast Australia weigh no more than about five ounces. Their lively and curious nature helps them to bond easily with humans. Unfortunately, they’re also social and nocturnal, and want your attention when you can’t give it — at night. For that reason, it is recommended that you keep at least two.
Owners should also provide an environment with branches or vines to satisfy the sugar glider’s desire to climb. Additionally, their diet is a subject of some controversy among vets and nutritionists. The only agreement between these parties is that the diet should include protein, insects and various vitamins and minerals.
Pet peeve: When gliders eat, they suck what they need from the food and spit out the rest. As a result, bits of crescent-shaped gunk pile up on the floor around the cage and stick to the walls.

Kinkajou
This nocturnal rainforest mammal is friendly and affectionate by nature and, therefore, enjoys some popularity among exotic-pet owners.
Despite their sharp, carnivorous teeth they eat bananas, eggs, mangoes, Fruit Loops, marshmallows, and gummi bears. This preserves their wicked, bacteria-loaded bite for when threatened or scared. If you harbor doubts, just ask Paris Hilton: Her kinkajou sunk its teeth into her arm and sent her to the ER.
Pet peeve: The kinkajou’s nocturnal chattiness has been known as la llorona for centuries. If your Spanish is rusty, it means ”the crying woman.” Need I say more?

Squirrel monkey
Hailing from Central and South America, the squirrel monkey is omnivorous, preferring to eat fruits, nuts, bird eggs, and small vertebrates. Measuring in at about 2.75 pounds, they have a number of predators, which is one reason they run with a posse that can number as high as 500.
Speaking proportionately, they have the largest brain of all the primates (that includes humans). Couple that intelligence with a social and affectionate nature, and things like house-training come relatively easy to this monkey.
Pet peeve: Any method of marking territory that a pet has is bound to be a peeve, but when the squirrel monkey does it, he rubs his tail and skin into the urine. As a result, he’ll mark any place he goes next, like your lap.

Bengal cat
No relation to the Bengal tiger, the Bengal cat is a hybrid creation featuring pre-designed genetic characteristics that are crossbred with the likes of something more exotic, such as the Asian leopard cat. The result is a new feline breed that acts much like a mellow domestic, but looks like he just walked off the Savannah plains. Variations include the Serengeti, the toyger, and the cheetoh. The more pure-bred the cat, the more costly; one sold for $42,000 in 1998.
Although some consider the Bengal cat’s disposition more like a dog, and thus, more of a man’s pet, I can’t help but detect a woman’s hand behind this breed; it’s like the feline equivalent of the sensitive, domesticated boyfriend dressed up like a dangerous bad boy.

Pet peeve: There are no complaints beyond the typical ones associated with cats, such as watching your nice furniture shredded to bits by claws.

Ball python
There are two types of people: those who like snakes as pets and those who don’t. It’s doubtful that the red eyes or exotic colors of some of these rare variations will entice the uninterested. After all, ownership in this case means keeping your 5-foot-long ball python in a 30 gallon tank and feeding it dead mice, rats or gerbils every 10 days for the next 30 years.

Pet peeve: Your $40,000 lavender albino ball python has refused to eat. Out of options, you take the breeder’s advice and scalp a dead rat, since seeing the brains of his prey might be enough to entice him to eat.

Mona monkey
This West African native is an Old World monkey who peaks out at about 15 pounds and lives into his early 20s.
Like any monkey, he needs to move those crazy limbs. Owners should provide them with an enclosure that permits climbing, swinging, goofing around, and even hiding. His diet is fairly basic, consisting of pumpkin and sunflower seeds, fruits, and insects. The most difficult job may be monkey-proofing your home, since he can outsmart or out-jiggle most baby-proof methods.

Pet peeve: Enjoy his broad range of vocalizations, which include a loud, expressive lament, a danger alert that sounds like a sneeze, and a territorial boom and hack

Hyacinth macaw
The hyacinth macaw can’t dance, roller-skate or ride a unicycle like Big Bird, but he’s still big. The hyacinth macaw weighs in at four pounds, and the world’s largest parrot species also enjoys a tremendous four-foot wingspan. Not only that, but his beak is so strong that it bends the bars of most cages without much effort.
This South American native mates for life, is easily domesticated and will probably outlive you. In the wild, he eats the nuts from two kinds of palm trees, but one of them, the acuri,
he only eats after it has passed through the digestive system of another animal.

Pet peeve: How long will it take before harvesting the recycled acuri nut gets old?

Reticulated python
Hailing largely from Thailand and Indonesia, reticulated pythons represent the longest known species of snake in the animal kingdom. And just how do you keep this monster happy?
Start with a fairly large tank for a habitat in which humidity levels and high temperatures must be regulated with some discipline. Adults don’t need to eat very often, only every 10 to 14 days, and when they do, they prefer dead guinea pigs, rabbits and big rats.

Pet peeve: Breeders recommend getting a second person to help you feed your reticulated albino type II tiger python; someone needs to call an ambulance when it mistakes you for a carcass.

White Lion
According to Forbes, as a pet this cub is the world’s costliest animal.
The white lion is not a species unto itself; he’s your standard lion with a potentially fatal flaw. The flaw is a recessive gene that alerts both potential prey (wildebeests, hippos and adult elephants) as well as predators (hunters) to his presence.
The problem with raising a cub is the same as raising some puppies — they grow up. In the case of a white lion, that can mean reaching 500 pounds.

Pet peeve: Some lions are more prolific man-eaters than Jeffrey Dahmer.

Chimpanzee
Eerily analogous to humans in life span, behavior and even DNA (we share 94%), chimps have a hold on human fascination and attract the likes of scientists, zoo-goers and potential pet owners. This remarkable similarity also hints toward why they make for such problematic and unmanageable pets.
A chimp can be house-trained, but he’s intelligent enough to have a mind of his own. If he wants to raid the fridge, but fails to outwit you, his 115-pound frame has another option — take it by force.
His average upper-body strength is five times that of a human. With a more sophisticated gripping capacity he could show you up at the gym, but why bother? He can just maul you to death.
Pet peeve: You’re showing him off to friends. Then for whatever reason, he appears smarter than you, and your friends laugh. The chimp vocalizes — who knows why — and it sounds like he’s laughing too.

Article courtesy of artsonearth.com



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Virtual Pets - Why Are Virtual Pets So Popular?

By Victor C.

Virtual pets, also known as a digital pet, are popular all over the world today. Many will say you can trace the virtual pets origin back to the 1970's and the "Pet Rock". The Pet Rock was an ingenious marketing idea. The idea originated in southern California but quickly spread across the United States. The Pet Rock fad only lasted around six months but it laid the ground work for many new ideas in the future.

Virtual Pets were built on the age old idea that you do not need a real live pet to have fun. You can create an emotional connection with an inanimate object. Today Virtual Pets have grown into much more than a passing fad. Virtual Pets have morphed into both physical robots and toys, to strictly digital in manner.

They are enjoyed by millions of people all over the world. VP's (Virtual Pets) are popular with both the young and the old. They have become extremely popular in the big Cities of the world. People in big cities do not have the room to raise a real pet. The Virtual Pet gives them the opportunity to feel the same emotional connection they would with a normal pet. VP's have to be cared for. You have to feed them and give them water; they must be walked and loved. If you do not take care of your Virtual Pet it could die.

There are different kinds of digital pets. A few of the different types are:

o Digital Pets: these are the most prominent. A computer or digital device is used to interact with the virtual pet. More often than not the pet is interacted with in a virtual world that exists in the computer or on the Internet. Games or puzzles are often played to allow the owner to earn money to buy food and care items for their pet. The pet can be bred with other owner's pets and can have offspring. You are limited only by your imagination. These virtual worlds come and go making it difficult to keep an accurate count of how many there are. They are numerous on the internet. Digital pets do come in different types.

Some of these are:

o The online Internet Virtual Pet.

o The desktop digital pet; requires software be installed on your computer.

o The digital device Virtual Pet such as the Palm pilot pet.

o Physical Virtual Pet: these come in several varieties. There are robot dogs, fish aquariums, small plastic pets and therapeutic pets for the sick and elderly.

o MP3 Digital Pets: there are different types here as well. Some of these have morphed over into the cell phone.

These are just some of the many different types of Virtual Pets you will find available for your enjoyment

today.

When you tire of your digital pet you can think about creating your own alter ego in a digital person. Virtual people have also been created today. You can now create a digital avatar that looks somewhat like you, and lives in a "Virtual World". Your digital clone can have a digital family and a virtual pet. You can live and interact in huge digital cities and worlds. You can get lost in this fantasy land for days on end. It truly is amazing and great fun. It has taken the idea of the Virtual Pet to the next level.

Whether you decide for a physical Virtual Pet or a digital one you will have hours and hours of fun playing and caring for your pet. So let your imagination run wild. Get your digital pet today.

Victor C. is an Engineer in Computer Systems who loves to read and write about any subject, as long as it's interesting and useful for the reader.

He is specially interested in Health, Flirting and Babies And Animals

Watch Funny Pets Videos At: Funny Pets Video Collection [http://www.petvideosworld.com]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Victor_C.

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Pet Parties - The Latest Craze

By Marion Algier

As the baby-boomers are taking the lead, in ever-growing numbers, as pet owners, so is pet spoiling and the 'special pet events' phenomenon. Baby-boomers, who are primarily empty-nesters are replacing their grown children with pets and spoiling those pets as they used to spoil their children.

Pet parties are one of the newest crazes; birthday and holiday parties with and for pets. They include activities and goodies for both the pets and their humans. Pet 'birthday' parties top the list, especially for dogs and then cat parties rank as a distant second. They vary from a group of pet owners and their pets going to lunch or dinner at a pet friendly restaurant to parties at the park or backyard house events. Pet-care facilities (doggy daycare sites and pet hotels) are another option to consider if you don't have room for a home party.

As with Halloween... with pet 'dress-up events' or just having your pet at a conventional gathering or party, there are lots of factors to consider. Will the pets on the guest list get along? Are your human guests pet focused enough and willing to keep an eye on their pet as well as maintain a pet positive environment at the party for everyone, while still having a good time themselves? And is your pet the type who likes being around other animals and groups of people, or is this party really for you?

There are many restaurants that are pet friendly these days so will cordon off an area, as they do for kiddy parties, for your pet event; some even supply decorations and goodies.

But if you prefer to do it yourself and go all out, here are a few suggestions:

Indoor Party Activities:

o Pick a fun theme. Party favors and decorations are now available for most types of pet parties.

o Have each doggy (kitty, bird, monkey, pot bellied pig, etc) guest come in costume and have a mini-fashion show or have your guests and their humans come in matching costumes! Give prizes for best costume(s), funniest, most original, etc.

o Bring Kong type toys, one for each doggy guest, filled with cheese or peanut butter; catnip or tuna for the kitties.

o Have plenty of training treats, snacks and biscuits on hand and hold contests for best sit, stay, shake, roll over... (perhaps for most finicky for the felines?).

o Bring a good supply of rope toys for a doggy tug of war! You'll find that sometimes the humans will participate as well.

o Paw mural painting can be done inside or out as long as you cover the floor well.

Outdoor Party Activities:

o A silly pet trick contest is a great event, indoors and out, but outside parties lend themselves to a greater variety of tricks. Give a prize for 1st, 2nd and 3rd or just for first prize and then give a treat to the others for participation.

o If you have mostly the same types (or breeds) of pets or groups that are the same sizes, dog (or piggy and kitty... if you can motivate them) races can be fun. (Dachshund or Chihuahua races are always funny.)

o Bring enough balls so there is at least one ball or Frisbee per doggy guest and play free-for-all fetch or wands with fake birds, small balls or catnip toys tied at the end for the cats.

o Agility equipment events like a tunnel for the dogs to race through is a good addition; make sure you have lots of training bits or other treats to offer them when they run through successfully!

o Water activities like swimming events in the pool for certain dog breeds during the warm season are possible activities to consider, or bobbing for biscuits using a small tub or kiddie pool with water and then tossing in some biscuits. Whoever gets them out the quickest wins!

o Also, if at the park, make sure you consider safety issues like portable fencing or stakes to attach leashes, so the dogs and their humans can relax for awhile.

Food:

o Make sure there is plenty of water - Provide separate bowls for each pet guest (possibly personalized for them to take home) filled with mineral, filtered or even Smart(TM) water.

o Order goodies from the local or online doggy (pet) bakeries and party suppliers, or better yet bake them yourself.

o Have an outdoor bar-b-que and fix a special dinner for both the pet guests and their humans with their own grilled boneless steaks or chicken for the doggies or tuna and salmon for the kitties!

o And of course, you must have a birthday cake! You can make it yourself or order one from a local or online pet bakery. A small slice of carrot cake or really any other cake as long as it doesn't contain chocolate could be served to most pets as well their humans at a special occasion, but in most cases you will probably want a special one for the pets and one for their humans.

o There are also many human goodies (candy and baked goods) shaped like pets, bones, or pet articles that can add fun to the party.

o A goodie bag to take home filled with unique biscuits, doggy ice cream, dehydrated meats (dehydrated fish, a catnip toy, cat grass or grass seeds and gourmet cat desserts for the kitties), and a small pet safe toy, along with their personalized water bowl is a nice touch.

Make sure you label the food appropriately, especially at a buffet-style meal, to ensure that no people accidentally bite into a dog or cat treat or that the pets don't get too many human treats!

Regardless of the style of the party or the range of food served, you will need to consider both the fun of all the party guests as well as the safety of the food you choose for the people and the dogs (cats or birds, etc) at the event. You might want to skip serving chocolate and onions completely, keep alcohol to a minimum and have a special (pet free) smoking area to keep the guest of honor and friends from eating the butts. Discussing allergies and safety matters of the pets, children and adults at the party in advance will prevent any surprises for the day of the party, as well, perhaps as part of the invitation RSVP request.

Kids have will have fun participating in the games and giving out treats to the winners, so include them if you have any children on your guest list. But be sure to consider supervision, and I would recommend limiting the number of children present. If you do have children or grandchildren at home, include them in the preparation and give them jobs and responsibilities at the party.

And finally, make sure you have a way of capturing all this fun on film! A volunteer photographer or videographer is great for memories and someone taking Polaroid's for the costume contest, to send home with guests, is always a great touch!

Future articles will include throwing a 'fancy' doggy party and 'pet' party recipes. But for now, for those of you baking and making the party food on your own, here is a fun recipe for your human guests (and a small sliver, minus the Tootsie Rolls, won't hurt the pets either):

Famous kitty litter cake

(Several variations of this recipe can be found online)

Ingredients:

1 spice or German chocolate cake mix

1 white cake mix

2 large packages vanilla instant pudding mix, prepared

1 large package vanilla sandwich cookies

green food coloring

12 small Tootsie Rolls

1 new kitty litter pan

1 new plastic kitty litter pan liner

1 new pooper scooper

Directions:

Prepare cake mixes (or scratch cake) and bake according to directions (any size pans).

Prepare pudding mix and chill until ready to assemble.

Crumble white sandwich cookies in small batches in food processor, scraping often. Set aside all but about 1/4 cup. To the 1/4 cup cookie crumbs, add a few drops green food coloring and mix until completely colored.

When cakes are cooled to room temperature, crumble into a large bowl. Toss with half the remaining white cookie crumbs and the chilled pudding. Important: mix in just enough of the pudding to moisten it. You don't want it too soggy. Combine gently.

Line a new, clean kitty litter box. Put the cake/pudding/cookie mixture into the litter box.

Put three unwrapped Tootsie rolls in a microwave safe dish and heat until soft and pliable. Shape ends so they are no longer blunt, curving slightly. Repeat with 3 more Tootsie rolls bury them in the mixture. Sprinkle the other half of cookie crumbs over top. Scatter the green cookie crumbs lightly on top of everything -- this is supposed to look like the chlorophyll in kitty litter.

Heat 3 Tootsie Rolls in the microwave until almost melted. Scrape them on top of the cake; sprinkle with cookie crumbs. Spread remaining Tootsie Rolls over the top; take one and heat until pliable, hang it over the side of the kitty litter box, sprinkling it lightly with cookie crumbs. Place the box on a newspaper and sprinkle a few of the cookie crumbs around for a truly disgusting effect!

Have a great party!

Marion maintains Just One More Pet at http://justonemorepet.wordpress.com dedicated to stopping unnecessary pet Euthenization and animal abuse through awareness.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marion_Algier

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11 Silly Halloween Costumes for Pets

As though your dog or cat isn’t cute enough already, just picture it in a Halloween costume…

Casual Canine Taco Costume

No need to worry about the fixings: This all-in-one soft tortilla shell comes “stuffed” with peppers, tomatoes, and lettuce.

To buy: From $8.25, petedge.com.

Cowboy Cat Costume

Get ready for the rodeo with a red bandana scarf and cowboy (or cowgirl) hat. Yee-haw!

To buy: $7, petsmart.com.

Jockey Costume

All bets are on this Derby-inspired getup. Bonus points to the owner who sports a fancy hat.

To buy: $8, walmart.com.

Prince Lionheart Hoodie

For the pride of your household: Dress your pup as the king of the jungle and hear him roar (or, you know, bark).

To buy: $32, trixieandpeanut.com.

Ladybug Costume

Spot on when it comes to cuteness. The purr-fect costume for a cat who enjoys getting a bit of attention.

To buy: $28, thesophisticatedcat.com.

Costume Couture by Simon Doonan—Spaghetti and Meatballs

Simon Doonan’s Target-exclusive costume, with its jaunty spaghetti-and-meatballs hat, is made for the pet who’s got food on its mind.

To buy: $10, target.com.

Dragon Hoodie Dog Costume

How to train a (furry) dragon? Suit him up in a sweatshirt-style outfit with a hood that snaps down.
To buy: $32, barkerandmeowsky.com.

Frog

Yes, outside he’s a frog. But inside? A prince (in plush polyester).

To buy: Unfortunately, this item is no longer available, but find other options here: oldnavy.com.

Mouse Hat Cat Costume

In an interesting cat-in-the-hat twist, Mr. Mittens can do a bit of role reversal.

To buy: Unfortunately, this item is no longer available, but find other options here: petsmart.com.

Casual Canine Elephant Costume

Going trick-or-treating? Bring along a trunk—in the form of an elephant outfit.

To buy: From $12, ppepets.com.



What is this?
RETURN OF THE DINOSAUR GUINEA PIG!
now in a variety of colours!

Each are $14 from cuddlycavies.homestead.com


Written by By Krissy Tiglias for realsimple.com



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Homemade Pet Food - The Latest Animal Dietary Trend

By John Darby

Pet owners in the United States and in some other countries began to seriously worry about the safety of pet food in the Spring of 2007. Pet food was found to be contaminated on what can only be called a massive scale. Pet owners in many different locations were faced with very sick pets -- even with pets that ended up dying.

As a result, the move towards preparing and creating homemade pet food became even stronger. In fact, over the course of the past fifteen years, a growing number of people have taken to making their own pet food for their companion animals. There are a number of stellar benefits associated with creating homemade pet food for your pets.

Wholesomeness and Safety

Of course, as has been mentioned previously, many people have become concerned about the safety of commercially made pet food. And, as has also been mentioned, this has driven more and more pet owners towards making their own food for their companion animals. Thus, one of the most obvious and most significant benefits associated with homemade pet food is the fact that you can be assured of its safety and wholesomeness. Because you are making the food, you know what has gong into it. You will not be worrying that you are taking some sort of crap shot by purchasing pet food off the shelf at the market or pet store.

Nutrition and Homemade Pet Food

When all is said and one, nutrition is the second most important consideration in regard to pet food after the safety issue. When you obtain food your pet, one of your primary concerns needs to be the nutritional content.

The problem is trying to dig through all of the claims and counterclaims associated with commercially produced pet food. It becomes very hard to determine what fact is and what fiction is when it comes to commercially made pet food.

By making your pet's food directly, you know precisely the nutritional content that is in the food. You have 100% control over what goes in and what stays out of your pet's food items.

Saving Money with Homemade Pet Food

Many people have found that maintaining their pets can be an expensive proposition. Because pet owners overall have become more astute about what their pets should eat, many pet owners are investing more money in commercial pet food products. In truth, this really can become more expensive.

By making your pet's own food, you really have the ability to prepare high quality food for your pet and not pay high prices for those meals.

Homemade Pet Food -- Variety for Your Companion Animal

Pets have a number of things in common with people. For example, most pets like at least some variety when it comes to their food. By making your pet's own food, you have the ability to provide you friend with choice, change and variety when it comes to its menu.

Creating Homemade Pet Food can be Enjoyable

Many people have found preparing pet food to be an enjoyable task -- particularly people who have a penchant for cooking and baking. If you are such a person, odds are strong that you will also enjoy making pet food for your favorite friend.

Conclusion

There are, indeed, many benefits associated with homemade pet food. Through this article, you will have the chance to weigh and balance your options in order to determine whether making pet food for your companion animal is the right choice and the right solution for both you and your friend.

For your animal companion who has become a loyal friend, celebrate your unique friendship with a pet portrait painting! This article brings you a concise description regarding the purpose and the benefits of transforming ordinary pet photos into lasting pet portrait oil painting. At Portrait Kingdom your pet portraits is in better hands.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Darby

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How To Care For Guinea Pigs

A descendant of the wild guinea pigs of South America, today's domesticated guinea pig is viewed by many as an "easy" pet for children. Many parents select a guinea pig as a first pet for their child, believing a small pet needs only a small amount of care. It is important to understand that these little guys have lots of requirements, including a roomy cage, specialized diet, daily cleanup, and gentle handling, and that an adult should be the primary caretaker.

1. Make Room at the Inn
They may be small, but guinea pigs require ample space to move about. Make sure their living quarters are at least 18 inches wide, 14 inches high, and 25 inches deep. Guinea pigs housed in larger cages are more likely to be active. Do not use aquariums, as they provide poor ventilation, and mesh or wire-floor cages hurt guinea pigs' tender feet.

When choosing floor linings and cage furnishings, keep in mind that guinea pigs will chew on just about anything to wear down their constantly growing teeth, so everything placed in the cage must be nontoxic. Use plenty of lining material—shredded ink-free paper or commercial nesting materials available at pet-supply stores, for example—because guinea pigs will use the material as both bedding and bathroom.

Remember also to provide plenty of high-quality hay, which these rodents use for nesting and snacking. Do not use materials such as sawdust, cedar chips, or fabrics that may cause respiratory or other health problems. Finally, provide your guinea pig with a gnawing log (such as an untreated fruit tree branch), tunnels to crawl through, and platforms to climb on. Add a heavy food bowl resistant to tipping and gnawing and a water bottle with a sipper tube.

2. Get a Little Closer
Guinea pigs are easily stressed, so they require careful handling. To pick up a guinea pig, slowly place one hand under his chest just behind the front legs, and gently cup your other hand under his hindquarters. Once you have a firm but gentle grip on the animal, lift him. Then immediately pull him close to your chest or lap so he feels safe and doesn't thrash around.

3. Give 'Em Their Greens
Feed your guinea pig a commercial guinea pig food, formulated especially for the species. These herbivores require a lot of vitamin C, so provide veggies such as kale and cabbage and ask your veterinarian about vitamin supplements. Treat guinea pigs to fruits, including melon slices and apples (but remove the seeds, which are toxic).

4. Help with the Cleanup
Guinea pigs try their best to keep clean, fastidiously grooming themselves with their front teeth, tongue, and back claws. But pigs—particularly the long-haired breeds—require frequent brushing and combing to stay clean and tangle-free.

Also, because their cage lining doubles as bedding and toilet, guinea pigs require daily housekeeping assistance. Scrub and disinfect the cage, then let it dry before lining the floor with fresh bedding and replacing the cage furnishings. Also clean the water bottle and sipper tube daily to prevent buildup of food, algae, and bacteria.

5. Pair Them Off
Guinea pigs are happiest when with other guinea pigs, so many pet care books urge owners to keep two or more together. Choose pairs that are the same sex and compatible. (For example, more than two male pigs together are likely to fight.)

If that hasn't convinced you to get yourself a guinea pig check this out:

RAWR! too cute!


Article courtesy of the Animal Sheltering Magazine,



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Take Better Pet Photos

In Ten Simples Steps
Step 1

Know your camera

The first task that must be undertaken before any other, is knowing your camera inside and out.

Say if for instance you don't know where the zoom button is, you could miss a crucial shot, a picture that would have been perfect and may never arise again.

So look at your camera, read the instruction booklet if need be and take plenty of practice shots.

As you try out every option your camera has and remember those options that you liked and/or you think will come in handy when photographing your pet.

Of course this all assumes you already have your own camera. If not, when purchasing a camera make sure it has everything you're looking for.

You don't need to go overboard with extra features that you will never use.

Most camera places will show you how to use the camera anyway, at least the basics and be sure to ask many questions.

For you don't want a camera that won't do the things you're looking for.

To get a general idea of what you'll need to look for, I suggest you finish the ten steps beforehand and then buy your camera around them.

So now that you've fiddled with your camera or you already knew well before reading this what your camera can do, it's time to test it out.

Photograph everything that you find interesting, whether that be your spouse, your garden or some stranger walking down the street.

Take a wide variety of shots, such as people doing activities or leaves blowing in the wind. Each of these tasks will make you better at taking shots on the go, for in a lot of cases most pets like to be on the move.

Therefore you will now have experience photographing moving targets.

To increase the vibrancy of your pictures, learn how to adjust the shutter speed on your camera.

All of these options should again be checked out by you on your camera, if you camera is able, then pick the best option that suits you.

Also checking into your camera's ability to shoot in continuous mode, would be an asset. Then you can get multiple shots and decide for yourself what the best option is.

All of this can also be practiced on your pet, but given that fact that your pet is likely the main focus of your attention, trying your hand at photographing other aspects in life might not be a bad idea.

For you will be taking plenty of shoots of your beloved pet anyway and this will give you a chance to see if you have any hidden artistic abilities.

So now that you are one with your camera and feel confident in your abilities, it's time to focus on your pet.

Step 2

Know your Pet

For this step no one but you and your, if any, immediate family members can answer because in the end, you are the only person or persons that know your pet inside and out.

This step is one a lot of people tend to forget. Instead of trying to fit into their pet's routine, people try and shove their routine onto their pets.

This only makes for more trouble than its worth in most cases and never lets you truly capture the essence of your pet.

For most pets like their routines, you change that routine and they became a tad upset, leading to disobeying commands, unruly behavior and an overall unhappy pet.

This will in turn end up leaving the owner frustrated and just snapping the easiest picture possible, never truly capturing the true nature of their pet.

So instead of trying to get the photos you want when you feel like it, take a moment to think about your pet's routine.

For instance is there a certain time your pet likes to be walked or is in a livelier mood or a lazier mood, depending upon the picture you'd like to get.

For that is when your pet will be more open to you taking their picture. This is because your pet will be enjoying themselves and therefore more likely to tolerate your persisted attempts at photographing them.

Plus this will allow you to capture what you see every day, what makes you want to photograph your pet in the first place, the pure enjoyment they are getting from their daily activity.

Whether that is walking, tearing around the house or simply sleeping on the window ledge.

This is only something you can know, for each and every pet is different and only you truly know what your pet's routine is.

Now that all assumes you aren't looking at a new member to your family. If that is the case, then now you and your new pet have to build a routine together.

In some, if not many, cases this can be a lot easier for you to build your photo taking into your pet's routine.

This will get your pet used to the constant photos and allow you to get many great shots as your pet matures and ages.

Also the most important thing to remember is never put your pet in any discomfort or in harm's way.

For this is not only dangerous to your pet, but will scar them for a very long time and may result in them never allowing you to photographic them.

One other important aspect to remember if you want a great shot, is never get discouraged or upset with your pet, keeps your emotions in check.

For your pet knows better than anyone the vibes you are giving off and if you let them know they are safe and you approve of what they're doing, they'll again more likely to comply with your photo taking.

Step 3

Ideal Situations

This step directly derives from the first two. Now that you know your camera inside and out and figured out the best time to take photos of your pet, you have to make sure you're able to capitalize on it.

Firstly, and probably the hardest part, is having a camera handy at those opportune times when you'd love to have a picture of what your pet is doing.

How many times have you thought, I'd love to have a picture of that. Only knowing by the time you went and got your camera, your pet will have long stopped doing whatever it was you wanted a picture of.

That is why you have to know such things as the mobility of your camera as well.

If it's one that can fit in your pocket, fine, use that, get used to carrying it around.

Whether this be done in your purse or pocket. Of course there always is the chance that you could break it or dirty up the view screen.

But there are plenty of cases on the market that will prevent both and if on the off chance your screen does get dirty, most camera stores will clean it for you and sometimes a soft cloth is all that is needed.

Also another aspect is if you have more than one pet. It can be kind of tricky to get the ideal situation, whether you're looking for a single shot of one of your pets or a shot of both of them together.

For they will easily be distracted by what the other is doing, always wanting to be right there with them.

This may again lead them away from focus on you and the camera and to each other.

But with your camera at the ready, when you see a good shot of the two, or more, of them sleeping or playing together you'll be prepared to get that great photo.

But you must again persevere and use these steps, only factor in how every many pets you'd like to get in the photo.

Step 4

The Background

Now with all of that behind you, you have to think about the background of your photos.

Usually the great outdoors is best for this because you'll never know what you're going to get.

For instance the wind could pick up and blow a couple leaves in the background of your picture, making it that much better.

You could also catch your pet acting rather cute to a nearby noise and just standing in the green grass or pile of snow, adds so much to the photo.

But then not all days are bright clear summer days and sometimes you have to take shots inside.

Also not all pets can go outdoors. If either of these are the case, just remember the less clutter the better.

Unless of course your pet has upset something and you want to get a picture of it.

Other than that survey the background before your pet gets into the part of their routine that you want to take pictures of them in.

Move things aside, clean up a bit, whatever it takes to make your shot that much more focused on your pet and not some unneeded surroundings. Unless of course you're pet is interacting with these surroundings.

All and all you must use your best judgment because after all you are the one that has to be pleased with the pictures and as long as you are, it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks.

But of course it's always nice to hear them comment on how great your photos are.

Step 5

Lighting

Next up is one of the most crucial aspects of photo taking, whether that is pets or anything.

That's not to say everything else isn't as important, but without proper lighting it doesn't matter what you do.

Again if you're outside in a lot of cases this isn't a problem and there would be no need to use a flash or light a room properly.

But if you're inside, your best bet is to make sure there is as much light as possible.

But worse than that if you're facing your pet head on, you blind them, causing them to squint and in some cases ruin the photo.

Plus even worse, your pet would probably rather not have a blinding flash in their face every ten seconds, so they'd avoid you.

They'll learn that the camera causes them discomfort and avoid you with it at all costs, especially up close. Some pets can or do learn to tolerate it, but a lot don't.

So if at all possible get them to a room where you can set up as much common light as possible.

This will not only keep your pet happy and allow you to take pictures of them, but it will make your overall pictures that much better.

Another thing to remember when photographing your pets is their color.

When photographing pets with dark hair try overexposing your photo's to get more detail, again rather than a flash.

The opposite is true with lighter haired pets, try underexposing them and again avoid the flash if at all possible because they may become one big blur.

The same can be said for direct sunlight, which could block them out all together.

Step 6

Adding Props

This is a great way of not only adding to the picture of your pet, but adding to the background as well.

It can also keep your pet content while you snap your photos. For adding props to the mix can get other sides of your pet.

One instance could be showing off your pet's curiosity as they discover something new and interesting or their general dislike for something as they show it in whatever form they decide.

But when using such things as Christmas hats or other holiday dress up clothes, remember to not spring it on your pet unexpectedly and then expect a good picture.

Gradually get your pet used to the new outfit or hat you want to shoot them in.

Then when they can be trusted not to yank it off for at least a few minutes, go for the shot you've been looking for.

Also be aware that there are many different types of hats and such and that each animal has their own likes and dislikes.

For some pets may be more compliant if you put them in a hat that doesn't require a strap, while others may be more receptive to the notion of a strap.

Again it depends on your specific pet and only you have, at the very least, a general idea to how they'll react.

One other way to add props into the situation is to use a friend or family member, preferably someone your pet trusts.

Have them dangle the item in front of your pet, play with them with it or use it for whatever purpose you are looking for.

All these methods are just another way of showing you pet in a different light because your pet has different moods just as you do.

Step 7

Features

Another thing to remember is not to be afraid to mix up the shots you take every now and again.

For you never know what kind of photo's you will get from a different angle on the same shot or by taking photos of different parts of your pets.

For instance try taking photos of your pet from afar, using zoom and not using zoom, trying taking some from on top a staircase, try taking photos of their fur, huge feet or whiskers.

Basically anything that you find makes your pet unique. For the old adage you never know until you try works really well in this case.

You never know what shots can arise from just focusing on one aspect of your pet.

Also predict where you pet is going to go and have the camera positioned there, you may end up being wrong and get nothing or you could get a perfect shot, you never would have got without doing so.

Also remember that some digital cameras can even fix your photo's right on the camera.

Heck some even allow you to zoom in on the picture you've just taken and if your photo has been taken well, you may even be able to see a flea on your pet.

Yes some are that effective.

Also just as you gently touch the button to take your photo, some cameras let you see on screen the exact image you will be taking.

This is a good test to see if there is going to be any red eye or glaring effects in the picture.

Step 8

At Their Level

For this step, although obvious, many people tend to ignore it.

You can and will get good photos from standing at your normal height and snapping photos of your pet, but by stooping to their level you can fully ascertain the level at which your pet presides.

This will give you a whole new way to focus on your pet, opening up many different avenues for which to take photos.

Although this does increase the risk of your pet coming over and rubbing their nose against your camera or figuring you want to play.

Therefore it is recommended you first get your pet used to the camera, by taking photos as you normally would.

Then once you feel your pet has become accustomed to your photo taking, stoop to their level and give it a shot.

You'll find a whole new world of photos has just opened up to you.

Of course in this case you'll have to be sensitive to the lighting, for the closer you are with the flash, the more annoyed your pet may become.

So it would be a good idea not to use it if possible, plus it would greatly reduce the risk of red eye, which will likely increase, the closer you are to your pet.

Also in case your pet persists to see why you're on the floor or yard with them, be creative, throw a few treats their way, have the kids play with them or give them their favorite toy to play with.

But then stooping to their level doesn't always mean you have to get down on your hands and knees, for with some pets, cats in particular, you can get them to come to your level.

Whether it is accomplished through them perched on their cat house, the window ledge or your dog, if allowed, up on the furniture.

Again it all stems back to the routine you've let your pet become accustomed to.

You know when or how they like to be up to your level, so use that to your advantage.

Then all that's left to do is continue to try different features and shots with your pet, finding even more special shots that will give you lasting memories for years to come.

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