Small Critters
Posted on Friday, February 06 @ 18:13:51 GMT by jenvetadmin
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SMALL CRITTERS
I just wanted to write a small piece about small furry pets. Cats and dogs do seem to steal the limelight so why not talk a little about mice, hamsters, guinea pigs and so on.
We need some more photos of these in the galleries – so if you have any nice pics post them on. So how popular are small mammals as pets these days?
Well they are relatively easy to keep and they
don’t need walking that’s for sure. We can go to work all day without feeling guilty. But can we get as attached to them as we can cats and dogs?
Well, my opinion is that yes we do get attached to them but maybe in a different way.
Our cats and dogs are always pleased to see when we get home, love us unconditionally, and we can physically hug and pet them which is makes us feel very close to them.
With critters (as I call them) we have a different relationship. Yes they are amusing and each have their own quirky ways and we can stroke them but I don’t believe we can bond with them. Of course food treats, spending time with them etc make them like us.
Also I have heard stories of guinea pigs come running when their names are called but do they hold the same place in our affections? Tell us your experiences and your views.
From what I can see hamsters are still popular pets especially for children – although they are not really ideal for kids. They are generally loners by nature – except for Russian Dwarfs, they often bite (which hurts!) and they are quite smelly and need very gentle and patient handling. Something most kids might find frustrating. They are also excellent at escaping – it only takes one time for that cage door to be left open accidentally and they will be off. Living in your sofa, chewing your carpets etc. I haven’t put a link for a site on here for hamsters – a I can’t see a really good one with all the right information – just where to buy all the accessories. An article solely on hamsters soon to follow.
Degu’s were quite popular at one stage although don’t seem to be now. Degu’s if you are unsure are similar to a squirrel but closely related to the rabbit but also quite rat-like. Unusual yes they are. We would love to her tales from Degu owners – do they make good pets? See this site for general info on Degu’s.
Rats make good pets – they are amusing and very intelligent. They are surprisingly clean and smell less than hamster! They enjoy handling and human company on the whole.
Mice are difficult pets – quite smelly and very fast and difficult to pick up. is a good site for mice and rat info:
Guinea Pigs are fairly easy to handle although a lot of people are a bit allergic to their hair and have a rash on their arms and hands after handling them. Vitamin c is crucial for them; also it is good for them to have other company – from another pig or a rabbit.
Rabbits are great but they are demanding. They need a lot of time, cleaning out of the hutch, a good area to exercise, and so on. So many rabbits live miserable lives at the end of the garden in a tiny hutch. Children quickly get bored with them. If you have a rabbit please spend time with it, keep its environment clean and interesting. Feed ample hay and good quality dry food, and watch out for fly-strike. This is when flies lay their eggs around dirty bottoms and hatch into maggots. It is revolting and very painful for the rabbits – it will kill them if not noticed. An article will soon be coming about fly strike.
There will be many new articles coming to the site, common illnesses and how to avoid them. Tips on how to make your pet happy and live a long life and lots more.
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