Related Articles to A Guide to Chinchillas
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Rodent bedding should not only be kept clean and changed at very frequent intervals, it should be appropriate for the species concerned. This discussion intends to give an overview of the most appropriate bedding to use for rodents, and explains why the use of pine and cedar woods should be discouraged. Read more...
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This article deals specifically with dental disease in Chinchillas (Chinchilla Langier). Degus (Octodon degus) and Guinea Pigs (Cavia porcellus). Read more...
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The life span of a gerbil is about 3 years, although many will reach 4 (and some even 5) years old. The most common colour for a gerbil is agouti; this name comes from the Agouti animal of South America, and is a speckled brown and grey. Read more...
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As rats are sociable animals, no matter how much attention you give them, they will be happier if they have a (same sex) friend or two living with them. The best way to do this is to get your rats from the same place at the same time. Read more...
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Degus are sociable animals, so it is best to keep at least two animals. Never keep one degu, as it will not be happy and will not live for as long as it could do if it had a same sex friend. Read more...
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Of the many species of hamster that live in the wild, relativity few have found their way into the pet world. One of the most common of these is the Golden or Syrian hamster; although this is still a comparatively new pet which has only been available since its re-discovery in 1930. Read more...
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Guinea pigs, as with most animals, need exercise to stay fit and healthy. Having a big area to explore and bullet around in also keeps our furry friends stimulated and entertained, which is equally as important. Read more...
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As any rat lover will tell you, rats make wonderful pets – they are friendly, intelligent, funny and loyal. However, like all species, there will be occasions where you get a rat that bites. Read more...
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Mice make great pets, being intelligent, friendly and relatively low maintenance to keep. They live on average for 18 months – 2 years, are easily tamed and if handled properly very rarely, if ever, bite. Sociable by nature, mice are best kept in pairs or groups but can be kept singly. Read more...
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Flystrike is a horrible illness that can cause terrible pain and distress to an animal and can even lead to death. However, there are simple, easy steps you can take to help prevent it. Read more...
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Respiratory disease is a horrible and distressing, and one of the most common causes of death in pet rats. Many rat lovers have lost a pet rat due to respiratory problems, despite having seen their vet and tried various medications. Read more...
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As winter gets underway, wild mice and rats enter houses more often to escape the cold. However, while this can be a matter for concern, there are ways that you can humanely remove these uninvited visitors rather than calling the local exterminator. Read more...
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Some snakes are rare, endangered and protected by law. These snakes may only be kept by zoos and legitimate herpetologists with the appropriate permits. This is also the case with venomous snakes, which should not under any circumstances be kept by the average hobbyist. Read more...
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Many snakes are kept as pets around the world. Here we look at the range of diseases that pet snakes can suffer from, and some of the techniques currently employed to treat them. While many of these diseases can be avoided by good husbandry, some are just bad luck for the snake. Read more...
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Rabbits are strict herbivores that eat a variety of plants in the wild. Although they prefer grass and leaves, they can digest more fibrous foods and are able to survive on sparse vegetation. Read more...
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It isn't always easy for us humans to sex young rabbits. Rabbits know immediately when they meet! Behavior doesn’t always help in identifying the sex of a rabbit. Mounting is dominance behavior and both sexes will do this, often the females more than the males. Read more...
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Rabbits have been popular pets for centuries, and live on average to about 5 years old. They are usually very docile creatures but, if cornered, frightened or frustrated, can get nervous and will bite or 'attack' you by scrabbling with their front paws. Read more...
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Caring for wildlife presents many challenges. Not only do most rescuers have little knowledge of the biology of the species in question, there are also often strict laws governing the protection of wildlife species which must be abided by, not to mention the numerous ethical dilemmas. Read more...
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If you have a rat who needs to have medicine, it can be a nightmare trying to get them to eat the crushed up tablet disguised in food or if it is a liquid medication, to syringe it down them. Here are some tried and tested tips. Read more...
