Do Bearded Dragons Make Good Pets?

In recent years Bearded Dragons have become popular pets. I have never owned one myself but have met my share of happy owners, disappointed owners, and people who had their pet die within a few weeks of getting it.  This is often because they did not understand how to care for their pet correctly.  Others owners were not prepared for the size that their beardie grew.

How Big Do Bearded Dragons Get?

Bearded dragons originated in Australia. They typically measure about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) when first purchased, but owners must be prepared for their Beardie to grow to 20 – 24 inches (50 – 60 cm), with females being slightly smaller. In most cases this means the vivarium (reptile enclosure) for a small bearded dragon will not be big enough for when they are mature.

What Kind of Enclosure  is Needed for a Pet Bearded Dragon?

A young bearded dragon may be kept in a 20 gallon enclosure, while a mature one will need at least a 40 gallon enclosure. The tank selected should be one that is made for lizards and is therefore long rather than tall, allowing for more floor space.

Young bearded dragons can be kept in groups but as they mature bearded dragons should be kept individually. It is possible to keep a male and female together, or two females, if the enclosure is large enough, but two males will fight.

Bearded Dragons are desert lizards their vivarium needs to be created to resemble a desert habitat. When young its best just to use newspaper to line their enclosure with, but later they can have 4 inches (10 cm) deep of calcium sand. They should have rocks, and in particular a raised “basking rock” on which to warm themselves for digestion, you can even buy electric heated rocks. They also need a shaded area in which to cool down.

The tank will need to be cleaned weekly. The lid must be well ventilated with proper lighting (a heat lamp and UVA/UVB light).

Humidity should be maintained at 20% to 30% and there are special humidity gauges to help you monitor the conditions of the tank. The tank must be kept warm in the day, and slightly cooler at night.

They should have a food dish and water dish. Some bearded dragons are reluctant to drink from the water dish so should be misted in the morning (in the wild they get water by licking the dew off their head), or have water sprayed on their food.

photo source

What do Bearded Dragons Eat?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, they need a variety of food. When they are younger they need a balance of 75% insects to 25% plants, but as they mature this becomes more of a 50/50 thing. The insects can be live gut loaded crickets, meal worms, or wax worms. You can also buy dried crickets, or prepared foods and see if your beardie will eat them. The plant matter can be kale, collard greens, spinach, dandelion leaves (assuming no chemicals sprays were applied), shredded carrots, pears, and chopped up zucchini.

Additional Information on Keeping a Pet Bearded Dragon

Bearded dragons can be picked up and held but care should always be taken that they are not dropped. If not use to being held they may puff up but over time they can become “tame”. People need to wash their hands before and after handling their pet. Soap should not be used before handling the pet (just wash with water) but should be used afterwards. Bearded dragons are considered one of the more relaxed types of lizards as pets.

A bearded dragon can live for 10 to 12 years, so it is important for an owner to decide if they can provide a lifetime of care for their pet.

Note that as they get larger bearded dragons are not as “cute” as when they are small, and for some people (kids in particular) that can be an issue. Again it is very important to consider the mature size of a bearded dragon before getting too committed to getting one as a pet.

If you are serious about getting a bearded dragon as a pet you may want to get some supplies and set up your vivarium first.

Pet Warehouse has a Reptile section with proper lighting supplies, sands, accessories, grooming aids, medication, thermometers, food, and so forth.  Check to see their huge range of Reptile Supplies

Your Pet Purchases can Help Feed Shelter Pets

PetFoodDirect is an online supplier of pet foods and supplies. They have a rewards program that allows their customers to help shelter pets.

Many pets end up in animal shelters for no fault of their own, sometimes a person got the wrong pet for their lifestyle, sometimes the owner had to move but could not take the pet with them. There are many reasons why cats and dogs are surrendered to animal shelters.

Most animal shelters are non-profit, they depend on donations from the public, government grants, and fund raising, to help provide food for their pets. As a pet lover you can donate to your local animal shelter at anytime. They always are happy to receive cash donations, and donations of pet food, however you might want to call first to see what they need. 

probably not what you think of when you think of feeding shelter pets!

Some of the things people often do not think about donating to an animal shelter, but that the shelters often need, are office supplies (paper, pens, etc.) and cleaning supplies (garbage bags, bleach, etc.). For pets, animal shelters often need blankets for the dogs, and toys. They can use old towels for their cats. 

Of course making a donation is not always possible but that does not mean you cannot help pets.

As a pet owner all you have to do is join PetFoodDirect's Rewards Program and you can help shelter pets as well as saving on money for your pet's food and products.

PetFood Direct sells great quality dog and cat foods such as Orijen and Wellness. They carry treats and flea and tick products, heartworm products (such as Heartgard) and even pet toys. They sell things for pet birds, wild birds, fish, reptiles and small caged pets. Their autoship program allows for further savings and convenience of not having to worry about running out of pet food.

What is the PFD Rewards Program?

With the PetFoodDirect Rewards Program every dollar you spend earns you reward points. You earn 15 points just for joining the program and if you sign up for autoship your points are doubled, plus you can get 300 points just for signing up. 

• 150 points = Donates 2 meals to shelter pets
• 400 points = Donates 6 meals to shelter pets
• 600 points = Donates 10 meals to shelter pets

Or you can use your points on your own purchases, 1,000 points can be traded in for $10 off your next purchase, or 1,500 points can be used for 25% off.

Here are some links you can click to get you started on your way to help shelter pets just when buying things you already need for your own furry friends!

Join our PetFoodDirect.com Rewards program and earn points with every purchase that can be used to donate meals to animals in need! Help those who cannot help themselves!

Save 15-25% off All PetFoodDirect.com Orders When You Enroll in Auto Ship! Convenient, Reliable and Worry-Free. Start Saving Today!

Get $20 Off Any Order $150 Or More At PetFoodDirect.com Today! Use Code PFDSAVE20!

Signing up for PetFoodDirect's reward program is free and I encourage you to take advantage of it to help animal shelters to help their adoptable pets.

 

Information on Reeves Turtles as Pets

My daughter recently got a new pet, a Reeve's Turtle. In my area many turtle species are illegal to buy or sell (such as the red-eared slider) but Reeves are allowed. I was surprised to see turtles for sale that so tiny, her turtle was maybe 2 inches (5cm) at most.  In the USA this would not be legal as the trade of turtles whose shell is under 4 inches is illegal.  

I was quite worried about getting her, but my daughter is 18 so it was her decision.  

 
The Reeve's Turtle is also known as the Chinese pond turtle, they are found in China, Hong Kong, Korea, and Japan; they are considered to be an endangered species particularly in China. The biggest threat to them comes from being hunted for use in Chinese medicine, however they breed well in captivity.

Turtles are not good pets for first time pet owners, they have very specific needs and a person should never get a turtle unless they know they can care for it for its lifetime in relationship to how big it will eventually grow, which is 6 inches. They can live over 40 years.

Housing for a Reeve's Turtle

A small Reeve's turtle needs at least a 10 gallon tank, and 20 gallons (or more) when mature.  We are using a 15 gallon tank made for turtles, frogs, or salamanders, it is not tall but offers a lot of "floor" space.

The water should be 4 inches deep (see more below about water) with a rock for basking coming up out of the water. Other large pebbles can be placed at the bottom of the tank and a land area should be constructed at one end of the tank. A shallow container set on top of rocks can be filled with bark for reptiles and placed in the land area. Anything added to the tank should be sold specifically for use with reptiles.

A water heater and filter are important and should be selected for the size of the tank. An air pump is not required as turtles breathe air from the surface.

Live aquarium plants may be eaten but plastic plants can be used to provide some décor.

The water itself must be free of chemicals or chlorine. If you live rurally on well water there are usually no issues, but city water often has chlorine added. This can be removed by leaving the water out for 24 hours or by buying a product to remove the chlorine. Water conditioner for turtles should be used in either case. As young reeve's turtles may not be great swimmers the water for small turtles should be no deeper than 3 inches, with lots of things for them to climb up on. As they get use to their tank, and get bigger, a depth of 4 inches is fine.

The tank should have a screen lid. If you have other pets (such as cats) a fine screen is best as it will not only keep out the pet but pet hair and fur that will clog the filter system.

You will need two lights, one for UV and another for heat. The heat lamp should be above the basking rock. The lights should be on for 12 to 14 hours a day.

How Often do Turtle Tanks need to be Cleaned?

You should try to clean your turtle's tank once a week. This is best done by siphoning out about 1/3 of the water, getting under rocks with the siphon. Add warmed water that has had the chlorine removed. The filter itself should be cleaned once a month.

Feeding a Reeve's Turtle

Reeve's turtles are omnivores. They will eat small fish, crickets, worms, and so forth. They may eat romaine lettuce or dandelion leaves (only give in small amounts and only if washed very well and no chemicals were used), pear, and cantaloupe. They can be given turtle pellets. When the turtle is small and if the pellets seem long, they should be broken in half. In regards to fish a small turtle will have a hard time catching fish but a few small minnows or young feeder guppies can be kept in the tank.

Turtles can be fed at anytime but should not be fed just before bedtime.  My daughter feeds her turtle a pellet or two first thing in the morning and a cricket later on around noon.  She also has fish in the water and a few other crickets loose in the cage. 

About Handling your Pet Turtle

Always wash your hands before and after handling your turtle. Use only plain water (no soap) when washing before handling your turtle. You want to remove any salts, greases, or other contaminants from your hand. Washing afterwards is a good idea because turtles can carry salmonella.

Care should be taken not to drop the turtle (of course), but otherwise Reeve's turtles are fairly easy to tame.

When you put your turtle back into its tank, always put it on land.  Reeve's turtles might otherwise panic and dive without taking a proper breath of air first and have been known to drown.

Where to Buy Supplies for a Pet Turtle?

If you are lucky enough to have a store in your area that specializes in reptiles they will have a good selection of products for your turtle.  Most other pet supply stores carry basic supplies too.  If you are in the USA you might want to order some of your turtle's supplies from That Pet Place or Pet Health USA.  Here are some links to help you out. Click here to get reptile supplies from Pet Health USA, Get 5% Off Your Order with checkout code: PETHLTH Or Discount Reptile Supplies from the Largest Pet Store In the World: That Pet Place

Please do not get a turtle unless you are certain you can provide a good home for it with proper lifetime care!

Tips on Getting a Pet Rabbit

Are you thinking of getting a pet rabbit?

Rabbits are pretty good pets for the certain people such as those who do not have time or space for a cat or dog. Rabbits are active in the day (unlike hamsters and other nocturnal pets) and can be walked on a leash when using a harness.

There are several breeds of rabbits, some being rather small and others being very large (often used for meat). Fluffy rabbits require proper grooming and regular brushing. Breed selection is very important, keeping in mind that the larger rabbits will need a lot more space. The lop eared rabbits also tend to need more space because in a small cage they tend to stand on their ears a lot which makes them dirty.

The size of the rabbit's cage, or hutch, is important. At the very least a small rabbit will need three square feet of space in its cage, while a larger rabbit may need six square feet of space. The smaller the cage the more time the rabbit should have out of it for exercise and mental stimulation.

Some people leave their rabbit loose in their house, allowing it to use a litter box much like cats do.

You must consider where you are going to keep your pet rabbit. While many people do keep pet rabbits outdoors in hutches this is not the ideal place. Not only do they tend to be neglected when outside but they also are at risk for attacks from predators and problems such as fly strike.

Rabbits need proper rabbit food, timothy hay, and fresh vegetables. You can feed them carrots, cucumbers, apples, and romaine lettuce (no other lettuces), but be sure to wash all vegetables first. You can also give a rabbit dandelion greens from your yard as long as you have not used any chemicals on your lawn.
Bedding in the cage should be straw, or aspen shavings; pine shavings are okay, but cedar shavings should never be used in a rabbit's cage.

When looking for your rabbit's supplies be sure to check That Pet Place for discounted pet supplies and treats.

General Considerations Before Getting a Pet Rabbit

• Be sure you have space, and money, for a large cage.
• Be sure you have time to let your rabbit out of its cage for at least 2 hours a day.
• Can you make a lifetime commitment to owning a pet rabbit?
• If you are planning on keeping your pet rabbit outdoors, is it safe from predators, will it be warm and dry in bad weather?
• Where do you plan on getting your pet rabbit? Consider adopting your pet rabbit from an animal shelter.

Great Online Pet Product Deals for January

Are you looking for great online deals for pet products for January?

Hello pet lovers, and pet owners.  If you have been following along, the December deals are over and we move into some deals and coupons for pet products for the New Year.

These are all reputable companies  that provide good quality products for your pets.

To use the coupons (where codes are needed) just make a note of the code I have given you.  When you are done shopping and go to the checkout you will see a box where it asks for your Promotion, or Coupon, Code, put the code in and click the APPLY button and your total price will be recalculated.

Happy Shopping!

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Dog.com

Dog.com is offering a great January Deal, from now until January 21, 2013 you can get 10% off your purchase if the total is over $75.  This means a savings of at least $7.50 on fantastic products for your dog.

Get 10% off $75 or More at Dog.com! - Use code: CJDWEEK2 - Ends 1/21/2013

Ferret.com

Ferret.com is offering $5 Off orders over $75.  They have a great range of products for ferrets, from food to hammocks. 

Save $5 on orders of $75 or More at Ferret.com! - Use code: CJFWEEK2 - Ends 1/21/2013

Here is an article covering some of the basic ferret supplies offered at ferret.com.

Horse.com

Horse.com is offering two great deals.  From now until January 31 it is their big blanket blow out.
Winter Blanket Blowout! Save up to 45% Turnout Blankets and Sheets at Horse.com! - Use code: CJHWEEK
Another great promotion to help horse owners save money is this deal for $10 off orders over $100.

Save $10 on orders of $100 or more at Horse.com! - Use code: CJHWEEK2 - Ends 1/21/2013>

StatelineTack.com

And of course Statline Tack also has some fantastic January shopping deals.
They also offer a savings of $10 for purchases more than $100.

Save $10 on Orders of $100 or More at StateLineTack.com! - Use code: CJSWEEK2 - Ends 1/21/2013

Pet Care RX

Pet Care RX has great savings on pet supplies and medications and you can get free shipping right up until March, 2013.

Save up to 50% every day on Discount Pet Supplies at PetCareRx.com Pharmacy! Find pet meds for dogs, cats, and more! Enjoy FREE SHIPPING on orders over $49!

Only Natural Pet Store

Clicking on the ad will take you to the site where you will enjoy great savings, just make a note of the coupon code to get the discount on all your pet food, treats and supplies.

Supplies Needed for Owning a Miniature Horse or Pony

If you are considering getting a miniature horse or pony you might be wondering what supplies you need. Or perhaps you know somebody who owns a miniature horse or pony and are looking for gift ideas.

Halters and Lead Shanks

Normally a horse or pony is sold with a halter and lead shank, but not always, and sometimes it is just a good idea to have a spare halter and a few lead shanks If you intend to show your miniature horse or pony in conformation or halter classes you will also need a more decorative halter and shank for these reasons.

Grooming Supplies

There are many grooming supplies you need for brushing your miniature horse or pony. You will want a curry comb and dandy brush, as well as a mane and tail comb and hoof pick. There are other brushes and grooming tools that can be purchased later, including horse shampoo and conditioner. You may want to get a grooming kit to carry around your supplies in.

Medications and Wormers

Miniature horses and ponies should be wormed once a year if they have a large pasture with only a few horses, twice a year is better if there are many equines in the same space.

Pretty much those are all the things you really need to buy for your miniature horse or pony unless you want to ride it, but do note that only the larger miniature horses are suitable for riding, the smaller ones are normally only suited as “pets” or for driving and should not be ridden.

If you are thinking of riding your miniature horse or pony the other supplies you will want are as follows.

Bridle and Bit

Bridles come in many styles, if your pony is already broke to ride you should know what type of bridle and bit were being used on it before you bought it and should stick with the same type. Inexperienced riders should use snaffle bits rather than curb bits as a jerk on the reins with a curb bit can really hurt a horse's mouth. There are many different types of snaffle, some being more severe than others. Click here to learn more about bits and how they work.

Saddle and Saddle Pad

Saddles need to fit the horse and rider. If your pony has high withers and a narrow build be sure to select a saddle to fit it, the same applies to fatter, wider ponies. Saddle pads are also required and go under the saddle. You will also require a girth, or cinch, to keep the saddle on the horse. You can also buy bareback pads to make bareback riding more comfortable.

Boots, Helmets, and other Riding Apparel.

Boots with a heel are a must as they prevent the rider's foot from going through the stirrup. Helmets are also an essential. Even a fall from a short horse can be dangerous if your head hits the wall or is stepped on by the horse. 

Shop a great selection of Riding Apparel at StateLineTack.com PLUS $5.99 Flat Shipping!

Other Bonus Supplies for Owners of Miniature Horses or Ponies

You may also want to buy toys for horses, such as balls they can play with in their pasture. Toys are particularly important for horses or ponies that live alone. Toys help relieve boredom and may prevent problem behavior such as weaving or cribbing.

You may also want to consider supplements and treats. These help an owner to bond with their equine. Generally miniature horses and ponies do not need a lot of rich feed (and can founder if overfed a grain ration) but supplements can be used to improve the quality of their coat and herbal remedies can help with some behavior problems (such as moody mares).

For a new owner a book on horse and pony care might also be a good gift idea.

Take 5% OFF ANY SIZE ORDER at Statelinetack.com. Use coupon code CJSL5OFF at checkout.

Facts about Domestic Cats

Cats are common house pets, having been domesticated over 9,000 years ago. In most modern cities the domestic cat is a common sight and they are often considered members of the family. In other areas cats are seen as helpful farm animals, killing mice and rats who would eat and contaminate food. Feral cats can be tamed though kindness, and food.

One of the reasons cats are so common, is there fast breeding rate.  Cats come into heat frequently, they are pregnant for about 57-65 days and can have 6 (or more) kittens per litter.  Unlike dogs, cats usually have no problems delivering their kittens and rarely require caesarian sections.  The biggest exception being cat breeds (such as the Persian) which have large round heads.

 

Kittens can be weaned at 6 weeks, but it is better to wean kittens at 8 weeks.  Homes should be kitten proofed before getting a new kitten.  There are many common household dangers to cats owners should be aware of.

You should have your kitten checked by a vet before bringing it home, it should be vaccinated and wormed too.  Note that it is not uncommon for cats to have heart murmurs - not all are severe.

Kittens usually know how to use their litter box with no problems, however kittens from a farm might not have used a litter box before so some additional training may be needed.  Kittens should not be allowed outside until they are older (or should be kept indoors always). 

When it comes to selecting a new cat, most people want kittens, and sadly few adult cats, and even fewer senior cats, find homes.  There are some concerns with adopting an older cat, but there are also many reasons why people may want to adopt a senior cat.

Many people worry if their cat can make them sick.  In general the answer is "no" but kittens can spread cat scratch disease.  Toxoplasmosis is a parasite that cats can catch from mice and this is a concern mostly to pregnant women.

Another concern among cat owners is that cats enjoy being awake at night, so it is a good idea to try to train them to sleep when you sleep.

Cats sometimes do not drink enough water and as such are sometimes prone to having urinary tract problems.  It is important that owners find ways to encourage their cat to drink more water to keep its urinary tract system healthy.  Pay attention to the magnesium content in dry food, select a food with a low magnesium content.  If your cat is not getting enough to drink it can get a urinary tract infection - a clue that your cat may have an infection is if it starts peeing around the home, not in the litter box.

Cats are obligate carnivores, they need meat.  People often debate about how to feed cats correctly.  Many agree they should have good quality dry food available at all times and be given small helpings of canned food as per their age and health needs.  Although many people think of tuna as being a favorite, it is a food cats should not have.

Cats can suffer from diabetes, as such, unless you want to be giving your cat insulin injections daily, it is important to keep your cat's weight under control.  Cats have many risks related to being obese.  It is a myth that spaying or neutering causes a cat to be lazy.  In general this is related to a lack of stimulation by owners who sometimes expect cats to exercise themselves. 

Be aware that many human medications are toxic to cats.

Cats sometimes vomit; in some cases this is related to hairballs (see below) in other cases this is related to food or health problems.

Cats generally prefer to live alone, not with other cats, however if selected correctly, and introduced correctly, cats can get along.  Cats can even get along with dogs too, but certain dog breeds are better with cats than others
.

Other Tips for Cat Owners

Not all cats like catnip; kittens rarely notice it, but you can try it for your cat after it is 6 months of age.

Hairballs are not "normal" but are common, try brushing your cat more to remove loose hair, feed a better quality cat food, and reduce stress to reduce shedding.

Polydactyl cats are cats with extra toes, and are considered to be lucky.

While most cats look somewhat similar there are a few unusual breeds, such as the Manx and Siamese cats.

Most cats you see are not specific breeds, in order for a cat to be called a Purebred, it must be registered.

Adopting a cat from an animal shelter is often cheaper than taking a "free kitten" to the vet for a check up, vaccination, and worming.  Animal shelters often have health guarantees and may give out many coupons and deals.