6 Ferret Behaviors - Understanding Their Secret Language

Ferrets can be the wackiest animals due to their funny antics and behavior. They will never fail to make you laugh or even a snicker. Here are some of their behaviors worth noting.

Tail Wagging This behavior is made only by some male ferrets which have a more dominant, aggressive and mischievous personality. They do this when it is having a good time running after another ferret. When it has already cornered its playmate, there you'll see its tail wagging really fast. Now, talk about getting excited! So, when you see your ferret in this zesty mood, answer his challenge by scratching or thumping at the other end of the tube. Bring it on!

Running into Things Ferrets don't see very well but their sense of smell help them in finding their way. However, there will be times when you'll see them bumping into things especially walls. Because of this, be cautious when playing with them. Do not play on a balcony or a patio or anywhere they may fall. If you have an open balcony on second floor, cover the areas which the ferret can access. Despite their poor eyesight, some ferrets can see red, black and white.

Sneezing They sneeze because they sniff everything around, below and above them. Remember that ferrets have poor eyesight. That's why they use their sense of smell more often. This means, they sniff anything that may cause them to sneeze such as dust. However, be wary of a runny nose or lethargy because if this is the case, go to the vet to avoid making it worse with coughing or thick mucus discharge.

Stealing Yes, they steal your heart but they also steal anything that they can put their hands on. They will take your jewelry, watches, keys, food and anything else that catches their attention. Worse, they'll hide it in places where you may never see them again. What's the reason behind this behavior? For your ferret, anything is a toy. Their curiosity gets the best of them.

Chasing By now, you should now that ferrets love to play. Chasing is just one of the things they love when they want to play with you or other pets. When your ferrets start jumping back and forth in front of you or tugs your pants, you'll know they want to play. Give them what they want by getting down on your knees and chase him around. You'll tire easier than them but you'll have fun, too.

Obsession with objects They will get insane on a certain object for no apparent reason. They won't stop until they get their "object of desire" and when they get it, they'll hide somewhere. After a couple of days, they will get it from its hiding place and hide it in a new hiding place.If you'll just allow them to have the object their obsessing about, you'll be giving then a huge favor. Aren't they the funniest?

Seth Evans is ferret enthusiast, if you would like more great information on Understand your Pet Ferrets Behavior, please visit http://www.ferrets-as-pets.com/

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Ferret Smell & Odor - 4 Tips to Deal With Your Ferret's Smell

They are funny. They are animated. And they smell. Yes, ferrets do have a distinct odor that makes them different from the other pets. They really do not stink as what others may assume but they have a "musky or cheap perfume smell" which some pet lovers do not like. If you are persistent on keeping your ferret, here are some ways on how to make then smell like flowers...well, almost.

Bathe Less Yes, you've read it right. Do not bathe your ferrets often. Doing so will only make their coat drier, thus producing more skin oil from their scent glands. The more often you bathe them, the more oil will be produced, the worse their smell will become. Bathe them at least once every two to three months or when they are already too dirty. Making use of shampoo that is specially made for ferrets would be better for your pet.

Keep 'em clean Cut down the odor by cleaning the cage and washing the beddings. Usually the musk odor sticks to the beddings, in the cloth, on the litter, around your house but not exactly on the ferret itself. Don't use air fresheners because these might irritate your pets and cause an unexpected allergic reaction. An alternative would be by using scented candles when you have visitors. Vacuum at least thrice a month and also include the place where your ferrets play on, in or under.

Ear ye! Ear ye! After making sure that their sleeping area is clean, it's time to check the ears. Ferret earwax also contribute to the musky scent. Clean your ferret's ears once a week. As part of good hygiene, it prevents ear mites and other problems in plaguing your pet. The best product to use in removing the waxy, smelly debris would be a product specially designed for ferrets.

Eat Right A poor-quality diet will result to an extra-stinky elimination. Foods with a lot of "preservatives, artificial colors and flavors and low-quality fats" will make your house smell worse than usual. One way of preventing this is by focusing on a diet with "32% protein, 18% fat and a maximum of 3% fiber". Never give your ferrets canned food or dog food.

Seth Evans is ferret enthusiast, if you would like more great information on how to rid your Ferret Smell & Odor please visit http://www.ferrets-as-pets.com

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Ferret Care - 7 Tips Every Ferret Owner MUST Know!

Ferrets are wonderful creatures. They make great pets which make them one of the more popular pets in the world. So, what's the catch? They require more care and attention than a pet dog or cat. However, if you have already sworn your allegiance to ferrets worldwide, then this would not be so much of a problem. Here are some tips that can make owning ferrets a breeze.

Manna Ferrets need a balanced diet to get the proper amount of nutrition. They are "carnivores and cannot digest plant products properly." They need at least 34% of protein. Go with ferret food rather than cat food as a substitute. The latter may work temporarily but it doesn't have enough nutrients that your ferret needs. For ferret foods, make sure that it doesn't have corn meal or mineral oil. For supplements, consult your veterinarian. Do give your ferret treats but do not over feed them to avoid having an overweight ferret with health problems.

Agua Next to the air we breathe, water is the second most important element for humans to exist. Ferrets are no different. They also need fresh water to avoid dehydration. Use distilled water when unsure of the tap water cleanliness. Always wash the water bowl or bottle properly to avoid any bacteria or algae growth.

To Cage or Not to Cage Ferrets are not caged animals. They prefer to play around freely. However, let's say you need to go somewhere else or if you have visitors, it is good to protect your ferrets by putting them in a cage. Think big when buying cages (this includes size and price). Make sure that your cage has enough space so your pet can play comfortably. It should also be large enough for the litter box, large water bottle and other cage accessories.

Vet Visits! Prevention has always been better than cure. Ferrets need to have regular vaccines and check-ups. Rabies and canine distemper (which is an airborne disease) are preventable diseases. As a heads up, ask your vets for other diseases. Let him check your pet for any lumps, dental problems, skin irritations or any other health conditions that are not common in ferrets.

Spaying and Neutering It is highly suggested that a ferret be altered (spayed or neutered) when thinking of owning one. A male ferret which hasn't been neutered is more aggressive and will have a very unpleasant odor. Females, which are not spayed, will not survive if they would not be able to mate and breed. "If they are not brought out of heat, they will die of anemia." Do not make it your personal duty to breed your ferrets. Breeding ferrets should be taken care of professionals.

Holding and Handling Pick your ferret around the midsection using both of your hands. Be firm and gentle when holding him/her. Never grab them by the leg or tail. Hold the ferret by the scruff (the skin at the back of the neck) to relax him especially during nail trimming and ear cleaning. If it grabs one of your fingers and doesn't want to let go, gently flick the tip of the nose with your finger.

Toys! When you are not always around to play with them, ferrets get bored easily. "Boredom leads to stress and stress can lead to health problems." Give them toys to occupy their time. Toys include "boxes, paper bags, cloth bags, PVC pipes, balls" or common toys given to cats, dogs and parrots. Please do not give them plastic bags. Though it may seem like the ferrets enjoy them, it isn't safe because it will cause suffocation. Do not also give them small objects that they can swallow accidentally. Check for any lead content for this is dangerous even to you.

Seth Evans is ferret enthusiast, if you would like more great information on Ferret Care please visit http://www.ferrets-as-pets.com/

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Russian Dwarf Hamsters Make Great Pets

There are several different species of hamster that are considered to be Russian dwarf hamsters. The three different types are the Winter White Russian dwarf hamster, the Campbell's Russian dwarf hamster, and the Roborovski's Russian dwarf hamster. All three of these kinds of hamsters are incredibly small. The Winter White and Campbell hamsters are both around the same size. They are both about three to four inches in length. The Roborovski on the other hand is about two inches in length. You can see why Russian dwarf hamsters are such popular pets, they are so small and so cute you can't help but love these adorable creatures.

Among the two larger kinds of Russian dwarf hamsters (the Winter White dwarf hamster and the Campbell's dwarf hamster), the Winter White is harder to find. If you go to a pet store, it's more likely that they'll have the Campbell hamster as opposed to the Winter White hamster. If you do find the Winter White Russian dwarf hamster at a pet store, they are usually sold in pairs and usually of the same sex. The reason they are sold in pairs is because they live best in pairs. Dwarf hamsters enjoy company and are happier when living with a roommate. The reason they're sold in same-sex pairs is because these guys mate like, well, like hamsters. And although there is a time for breeding, that time isn't ALL the time.

Back on the topic of the Winter White, this species is such an amazing kind of dwarf hamster because they change color during the winter (guess what color). The Winter White dwarf hamsters will change from a darkish grey color to white. This is a trait that was developed in the wild. By changing into a white color, they adapt their color with the color of the snow. Even if you don't have any snow in your dwarf hamster cage, they will still change color! The one thing you will need though, is sunlight. The winter white's coat changes color in tune with the amount of sunlight it receives (the sun is out less in the winter). So you may not be able to see this change for yourself if your dwarf hamster is living inside with you.

The Campbell's Russian dwarf hamster is easily found in pet stores. They may have been called Russian hamsters but these hamsters are technically Mongolian. That's right, they are from Mongolia, more specifically a region called Djungaria. To be fair they're also known as Djungaria hamsters. These hamsters may not be able to change the color of their coat like the winter white, but they do come in a variety of color combinations and patterns. Among the varieties of colors and patterns they can be found are spotted and mottled with colors of brown, black, and even slight shades of blue! The reason there's such a variety of Campbell's Russian dwarf hamsters is because for a long time now they've been bred as pets and over time the cooler patterns have been matched together to create the patterns you can find in pet stores today.

The third and final kind of Russian dwarf hamster is the Roborovski. Roborovski Russian dwarf hamsters can be found in Mongolia and China. As already mentioned, they are ridiculously small. They are so small that a lot of hamster cages wouldn't fit them properly so if you plan on adopting a Roborovski, make sure to get a cage where the gaps are small enough. One final thing about these hamsters, their coats are a mix of brown and gray.

Russian dwarf hamsters are incredibly adorable and make amazing pets. To learn more about dwarf hamsters and take the first step in adopting your own visit http://www.dwarfhamstercare101.com

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Things to Consider Before Buying Ferret Pets

Ferrets has been quite popular these days. Although they have not replaced our favorite household pets like cats and dogs. Ferret pets can co-exist with these pets as well as our children. Ferrets are warm, cute, friendly and cuddly. Generally, ferret pets are lovable and make wonderful pets. However, people should know some important things before buying ferret pets. Ferret pets are not like the cat or dog. So here are some things before you buy ferrets.

Time - well, ferrets are wonderful and excellent pets for those people who have time to bond with these kinds of animals. Ferret pets are naturally friendly, quiet, intelligent, companionable and intelligent. At a certain point of day they are active and needs supervision for a reason that they are playful and want to explore. That is why when you wanted to have ferret pets be sure to have enough time because they do require interaction and attention from their owners.

Legalities - ferret pets are not like some of the other domestic pets out there because this animal requires a paper or a legal document for the reason that ferrets are considered to be endangered species. The city or state or a military regulations can dictate whether it is legal or not for you to own and breed ferrets in the area where you live. The best thing to do is to consult first your local Wildlife so that they can advice you on your permit and license requirements.

Food & Shelter - your ferret pets need plenty of fresh water as well as a diet high in protein and fat. For some pets like cats and dogs they do have some foods that are especially made for them. Although ferret pets food are just a few. You can try Kaytee - a good ferret's food that is specially formulated for their nutrition. If you didn't find that one you can try cat or kitten food but keep in mind that you must avoid fish or a fish flavored food because it can trigger or create an odor problem. Aside from that it is also essential that you should provide them with a cage that is big so that they can roam around and be comfortable.

Compatibility - when you are planning to own a ferret be sure that they are compatible with your kid as well as the other pets in the house for the reason that it is not ideal to have ferrets if you have a baby or a child younger than 6 to 7 years old.

Peter Dee is a ferret owner. For more great ferret pets tips visit http://ferret-info.com

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How to Care For a Pet Chinchilla

Chinchilla's are wonderful little creatures that almost always get referred to as another type of animal. There really aren't a great deal of people who really know what a chinchilla is or what it does for that matter. Some people mistake them for bunnies, while others may even think they resemble a squirrel. The care of a chinchilla is not a particularly hard process, but there are a few things one must remember when caring for a chinchilla.

One of the most noticeable, and possibly the most annoying habit that chinchillas possess is the inability to control their chewing instinct. A chinchilla will literally chew almost anything, as this is its way of exploration. Some take annoyance from this habit, but it can be quite a cute thing to see when the chinchilla uses its hands to hold the object it nibbles so furiously at. This habit can be much more bearable if you keep items around that are safe for the chinchilla to chew, and present them to him purposely.Feeding a chinchilla this chewing habit, but as this process is natural for him, it cannot be totally contained.

Another care tip to remember is that chinchillas must have a dust bath on a regular basis to keep their fur healthy and protected. Dust baths must not be ignored, as they are an important heigenic maintenance procedure. Much in the same way that we fulfill our own needs for a bath, we must maintain the heigenic needs of our pet.

The socialization process is also important no matter the animal involved in the process. All pets need certain levels of social interaction to really get accustomed to their new homes. This can be done by simply holding them while they eat and letting them explore the house in a supervised manner. If you do decide to let your chinchilla venture about the house, it's a good idea to set up barriers around the area safest for your chinchilla to explore. A playpen can work great, just remember the chinchilla's chewing habit!

By following all of these pet chinchilla care steps you will not only have a fantastic relationship with your chinchilla you will also have a healthy pet. They really are amazing creatures and great pets to have. So make sure to treat your chinchilla properly.

http://chinchillacareguide.com

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Hermit Crabs - Where to Purchase

For anybody, adolescent through the senior age, the land hermit crabs make great pets for several reasons, one being the fact that they are real easy to take care of. Unlike some other pets like the fish, cats and dogs, the hermit crabs are regarded to be one of the most popular, low maintenance exotic pets sold today. Perhaps one reason why so many people may select hermit crabs as their pets is because they last for a very long time. Some hermit crab pets could live from a few years at the very least and about 30 years the most.

A unusual variety of the household pet, hermit crabs are viewed to be one of the few on the list of exotic pets which any pet owner may own. Also, having an inexpensive set up and low cost maintenance for this great pet, hermit crabs are hypoallergenic, real clean, quite, easy to maintain and might be taken in and out of their habitat for some bonding time with the owner, which is very different and unlike the fish. Just as these pets have advanced in popularity among people who are searching for a different kind of pet, there can be a lot of enjoyment from observing the hermit crab behavior. For individuals living near the ocean or beach area, it is simple to find a crab that be be taken to your home. Hermit crabs may be found wandering by the sea-coast. Given for instance that you live in the city or someplace far from the ocean, hermit crabs for sale could be purchased from pet shops.

Not all pet stores offers the hermit crab or the supplies and equipment. However, there are pet stores that stock a large array of hermit crab accessories from the cage to the hermit crab gravel. Among the most fundamental of all supplies is the hermit crab food. Even though hermit crabs are born scavengers and will eat almost anything, avoid giving them foods that contain the added preservatives and chemicals, as these could harm their digestive system. Hot, spicy and preserved foods are not recommended for these pets. Along with the crab food that may be purchased in the pet supplies of your favorite pet store, you can also add krill, fresh shrimp, worms and different seafood. Fish is also a favorite as well as fruits like banana, apples, grapes, pears. Having a hermit crab as a pet is not a complicated project. If you have ample food and a suitable shelter, your land hermit crabs will have everything he needs to survive and flourish.

The hermit crabs for sale at you local pet store will make a great pet for almost anyone, any age. But if you live near the ocean, you may be able to pick up the hermit crab for free while walking along the beach. And also, most of the souvenir shops along the beach will offer the hermit crabs supplies as well as the hermit crab for sale.

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