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.

Links on Exotic Pets and Pet Care

It has been a busy spring which has left me little time for blogging.  We had 18 lambs and a couple need bottle feeding so that is time consuming.  Rather than writing a full article about one specific pet, I am just going to provide you with some short information on several exotic pets with links to further reading on each.

Rabbits

Rabbits are very popular as pets, there are many breeds of rabbits, some of which require more care in regards to their fur.  Rabbits are often kept as outdoor pets however if their rump becomes dirty they are at risk from fly strike, a condition in which flies lay eggs on the rabbit's rump and the maggots can kill the rabbit.  Rabbits should have at least 2 hours out of their cage every day.

Read more about Rabbits.

Ferrets

Ferrets are possibly more work that rabbits in that they are very intelligent, curious, and playful.  A ferret should be out of its cage for at least 4 hours a day.  Ferrets are carnivores and will try to kill other small house pets, such as rabbits, birds, or even kittens. 

Read more about Ferrets.

Hedgehogs

Hedgehogs are nocturnal pets so may not be suited for everyone, as they can make a lot of noise at night.  Hedgehogs should be taken out for at least 2 hours every evening, usually starting around 8:00 pm.  Care should be taken when buying a hedgehog food as many low quality hedgehog foods do not meet their needs for meat.

Read more about Hedgehogs.

 

Skunks

Skunks are not a common exotic pet but they are certainly one of the most unique.  Skunks are carnivores and are nocturnal so they are not a suitable pet for everyone.  In some areas descenting skunks is illegal even though they may legally be kept as pets.  Once they are tame they are not likely to spray.

Read more about Feeding Pet Skunks.

Insects

For some people furry pets are no good, they cause allergies and are more demanding than a smaller pet such as an insect.  There are many types of insects that can be kept as pets, however in most areas it is illegal to catch and keep wild insects for more than 24 hours, however the pet trade does sell some insects as pets, such as mantis, beetles, and walking stick insects.

Read more about Walking Stick Insects.

Toucans

Toucans are considered to be soft billed birds, this is not in reference to the bill, but rather to what these birds eat, they eat soft foods, not things like nuts.  Their mouth is not as strong as a parrot's.  As such they are a more gentle pet.  Similar, but smaller, are Toucanets.

Read more about Toucans and Toucanets.

Buying Exotic Pets

Remember exotic pets are not for everyone, be sure to buy from a reputable breeder and do your research first to make sure you pick the right kind of exotic pet for your lifestyle.  Never buy a pet that you cannot provide lifetime care for.

Read a Guide to Buying Exotic Pets.

Also remember many animal shelters have exotic pets up for adoption, always check there first.

Pet Spiders

Todays' article is on Keeping Pet Spiders, by Jerry Lee Hall

Spiders' Increasing Popularity As Exotic Pets
Spiders can be really be amusing to observe. They move about quietly and are known to cope well in several types of environments. Maintenance is likewise not very difficult as they are generally clean and don't leave much clutter. These reasons account for the growing popularity of keeping spiders as exotic pets.

However, as spiders are generally seen as low-maintenance pets, owners at times fail to recognize that taking care of them is, in fact, not that straightforward. There are still many things to take into consideration. Thus, having spiders as pets as a result of mere influence of their popularity shouldn't be the case. You must also remember that, just like in taking care of other types of pets, a high level of responsibility is involved.

If you are a first-time owner, it would be wise to choose those which are neither fragile nor treacherous. Tarantulas like Chilean rose, Mexican Redleg, and Costa Rican Zebra are well suited to being pets. Their venom isn't very harmful but is instead similar to that of the bees.

Strength of venom is one of the important things that you have to check at the very start of your search for an exotic pet spider. Mild venom may cause significant pain. Hairs on their abdomen are equally harmful as they may shed it in moments of threat and stress and may cause irritation and great hazard when they get into the eyes. You have several options but, in general, prior to acquiring any type, you have to check with your local government if there are policies regulating such.

To maintain a spider's suitability to become pets, you have to create a habitat that closely mimics their natural living environment. This need not be expensive, or spacious, as a simple terrarium may be enough. You also don't have to worry about giving spiders companions of the same species as they are usually not after socialization. By nature, they are also predatory thus they may just end up eating their companion even if it is a fellow spider. What you have to check is the enclosure as spiders are good climbers and they can easily pass through small holes or crevices. They may escape if their habitat isn't secure enough.

Taking care of spiders indeed isn't that easy. They deserve respect just like any other animal. At the same time, you also have to protect yourself from possible harm that they may inflict. Overall, acquisition must be a result of careful research and consideration.

Read more: http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Spiders--Increasing-Popularity-As-Exotic-Pets/105810#ixzz1dSI6sEGX

The Animal Cabin would like to add:
As with buying any pet be sure to buy from a reputable breeder.  Spiders are sometimes sold in pet stores but also are often sold at reptile and herp shows and sales.  Reputable pet spider breeders often advertise in reptile and amphibian shows.
Make sure you are instructed on how to feed your new pet spider as well as how to handle it carefully, dropping a spider can kill it.

Pet Conures

Conures are small, colorful, and playful, parrots.  They are smart and enjoy learning tricks.  There are many different species of Conures in the pet trade, these include:  Green Cheek Conure, Jenday Conure, Nanday Conure, Blue Crowned Conure, and the Sun Conure. 

Nanday Conure ©

Sun Conure ©



Conures tend to be noisy birds (although few learn many words), so may not be a pet suitable for every home. As well they can be nippy in play if not handled correctly, keeping in mind that birds tend to “test” thinks with their beak, if they “test” your finger, and you pull back, they learn this as a game, and can soon become biters.

Conures require large cages, with thicker bars than would be needed for a budgie, or cockatiel. They must have enough time out of the cage to meet their mental requirements.  It should be noted that conures need 10 - 12 hours sleep a night, and prefer to be in the dark for sleeping, so should have their cage covered.

Conures are generally a friendly bird, especially if raised correctly, and many enjoy cuddling in blankets or with toys. However one should be aware that it is best to buy Conure from a reputable bird breeder, not a pet store.

Pet Conures can live up to 25 years, so should be considered as a long term commitment.

Read More:

How to Stop a Bird from Biting

Should I Cut my Bird's Wings?

Conure Information - Avianweb

Conures - Parrots 101