Exotic Pets

Getting to know the dwarf rabbit language (III)

noreply@blogger.com (BLQ Blogger) — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 03:28:00 -0700

Dwarf rabbits and any animal in general have to ability to express their feelings and needs, not as humans do, but they do “speak” an animal language, and as an owner and rabbit lover you have to learn to understand your little furry friend.

Here, we present some typical rabbit behaviors that you have overlooked, but that actually were direct messages from your pet rabbit to you:

Hitting the floor with the posterior legs. This means little rabbit is scared, so when you hear the noise made by his back legs go and make it know there is nothing to be afraid of.

Peeing around. Non-castrated adult female and male dwarf rabbits will demark their territories leaving on their way an annoying leaking for you to clean up. Males might also pee over the females to address possession.

Scattering feces. The dwarf rabbit is such a territorial little creature, and one way to demark its territory is by scattering its poops. This particularly happens when it is in new places. It becomes a custom when another dwarf rabbit is in the same place.

Rubbing with the chin. Their chins have smell glands; therefore they rub all their belongings with their chins.

False pregnancy. Some female dwarf rabbits that have been sterilized build nests with straw and hairs from their bellies they tear out to clear their teats. They may also stop eating as female rabbits do before they give birth.

Getting to know the dwarf rabbit language (II)

noreply@blogger.com (BLQ Blogger) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 21:01:00 -0700

Let’s continue learning more about the dwarf rabbit code, okie? Our little friends have their own particular way to express their feelings and needs as human beings do, however they do it through their body language and sounds.

So let’s see what and how your dwarf rabbit communicates with you its best loving friend:

“I feel sick”: Pay attention if your dwarf rabbit turns into apathy, inactive and with less appetite, and its stools are a bit softer than usual. Don’t panic, it is natural it has its bad days, too. But if this continues for over 3 or 4 days, then you should pay a visit to the vet.

“I’m mad at you”: You can notice it’s angry by its posture. It will give you a defiant look, putting its ears backwards and throw all the weight of its body on its back legs to jump on you at the minimum approach. It might scratch or bite you.

The best way to show it your peaceful intentions is by approaching from the floor, not from above. Never put your hand underneath or in front of its snout: secure attack.
Try to lay your hand on its head for caressing. If it allows you to do so, it means he accepts your apologies; otherwise, take your hand out immediately.

“I want to get out of here”: Dwarf rabbits just wanna have fun for sure! You can realize when you see your rabbit pet going crazy, standing up on its back legs, biting the cage bars, making noise to call attention or giving you a begging look.

Then it is time to come out and play. But even after all that running and jumping, they might want more. In that case, you have to talk to it with a soft voice fun time is over, and wait until it cools down again.

“Show me your love”: Dwarf rabbits need caressing and loving, so your pet will approach to you getting between your fingers or poking you with its snout. Do pay attention to this, because it might take it as an offence and answer back with a grunt or biting.

In case you have no time or not so much in the mood, just a pair of strokes on its head will make it feel you get its feeling.

Anytime you can, give yourself the time for pampering your furry friend. Caress its head, forehead, behind the ears and the back, but don’t touch the back legs: they hate it.

Source: Conejos Enanos

Getting to know the dwarf rabbit language

noreply@blogger.com (BLQ Blogger) — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 17:24:00 -0700

Our adorable the dwarf rabbit are not just cutie an cuddling little things to take care of, but with complex animal character that communicate through sounds, gestures and actions rich in significance, that you as an owner have to know in order to establish a closer and better relationship with your furry little friend.

Smelling and sniffing out. This indicates curiosity before something new as a place, object or person. It could be your dwarf rabbit has perceived a strange smell. The faster the nose movement, the higher is its level of interest and curiosity. If your rabbit barely moves it, that means it is in a relaxed mood.

Happy climbing! Rabbits love seeing things from above due to their curiosity, so no wonder they try to climb sofas, tables or any high furniture piece.

Grunting. This is a clear sign of anger, so you better leave it alone if you don’t’ want to get any scratch or bite.

Don’t touch my stuff! Sometimes your little friend will not be very pleased of you cleaning up its cage. It might even bite or scratch. Dwarf rabbits are creatures of habit, and they just like to mess everything up and they prefer things stay that way. That is why it is better you dot he cage cleaning when your rabbit is out of it.

Source: Conejos Enanos

List of dwarf rabbit breeds

noreply@blogger.com (BLQ Blogger) — Sat, 8 Mar 2008 08:38:00 -0800

These are the 45 dwarf rabbit breeds recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA):

American
American chinchilla
American sable
Amfuzzylop small
Belgian hare
Beveren
Britannian petite
Californian small
Champagne dargent
Checkered giant
Cinnamon
Creme dargent
Dutch small
Dwarfhotot
English angora
Englishspot
Englop small
Flemish giant
Florida white
French angora
Frenchlop small
Giant angora
Giant chinchilla
Harlequin small
Havana
Himalayan
Hollandlop small
Hotot
Jersey wooly
Lilac
Minilop small
Minirex
Netherland dwarf
Newzeland small
Palomino
Polish small
Rex
Rhynelander
Saint angora
Satin
Silver
Silver fox
Silver marten
Standard chinchilla
Tan

Dwarf rabbits’ character- Why you should make them your best friends? (II)

noreply@blogger.com (BLQ Blogger) — Wed, 5 Mar 2008 23:25:00 -0800

These little cuties will make a perfect pet animal for you because:

They do not smell bad; they do not even need a bath. But they do need to be groomed.
They are quiet and you do not need to worry about taking the, out for a walk. Though, they do need to do some exercise.
You can train them to potty.
They are smart and very social.

However, beware of not treating your dwarf rabbit as a dog or cat. The latter are used to live among humans or very long time, while rabbits are still very deep inside wild animals.

Dwarf rabbits can be clever, social and loving as well as spoiled, stubborn, destructive and vengeful. You will realize they tend to hate being lifted and cuddled up, which can be dangerous if you touch them when they are angry. You might get hut by their nails, and they have a spine fracture.

Dwarf rabbits have a very delicate bone structure, for this reason be careful of letting a child handle them. They are not teddy bears!

Finally, it is in your hands to shape up the personality of your dwarf rabbit and let it know you are its friend. So be patient, and you will see how lovable and faithful your little pet rabbit will turn out to be.

Dwarf rabbits character- Why you should make them your best friends

noreply@blogger.com (BLQ Blogger) — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 20:49:00 -0800

First of all, the super small size of a baby dwarf rabbit that you can largely hold in one hand makes it extremely tender an adorable.

But beyond their external softness and cuteness, these little rabbits are very clever, curious and social. They adapt very well in a country environment as well in a city small apartment.

Although, in a small apartment they can not run freely as in the countryside, they will still make themselves comfortable to jump around the sofa or lie down in bed. They love to explore around the place.

You may think they make a wonderful gift for a kid, and they are very kid-friendly indeed and their needs are quite simple. However, children will not be able to look after them as good as an adult can do.

From age 4, your dwarf rabbit is a “middle-aged guy or lady”, though she still has lot of time ahead to have fun with you, since he/she can live up to 7 to 9 years, as long as you love and take care of them properly.

Dwarf Rabbits – Great pets for small living places

noreply@blogger.com (BLQ Blogger) — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 15:32:00 -0800

So now it’s the turn of dwarf rabbits. I fell in love with these little rabbits once I saw them at a local pet store, they are extremely cute and small. you just can't resist them!

Perfect pet for people who live in small places

In the U.S. and many European countries these soft and docile pets have become a pet favourite because their small size, which makes of them the bets choice for people who love animals but do not have enough room at home.

Dwarf Rabbit facts

A rabbit is considered “dwarf” when it weighs from 1.8 pounds/800 grams to maximum 3 pounds. More than the latter weight would disqualify a rabbit as dwarf.

Dwarf rabbits do not reproduce as much as average rabbits, though they can interbreed among them perfectly. So if you are thinking about raising rabbits, you would de better with the normal ones.

Should I sterilize my ferret?

noreply@blogger.com (BLQ Blogger) — Fri, 9 Nov 2007 19:54:00 -0800

It’s hard to answer this since when it comes to surgery for our pets, we only have to consider the ones that are CERTAINLY necessary, and ferret sterilization is.

Spaying vs. neutering

When it comes to female ferrets, we use the term “spay”, which refers to the extraction of ovaries and uterus. When it comes to male ferrets, we use the term “neuter” or castration –that is more precise than sterilization- that refers to the removal of glands or any other part of their reproductive system.

Valid reasons to spay and neuter your ferret

Prevents interbreeding of runaway ferrets with polecats: Despite that they say ferret are no wild animals, there are populations of them in certain places. This wouldn’t be a problem if there were not the chance they can mate with polecats. This interbreeding would eventually make wild polecats disappear.
Improved ferret behavior: This is particularly true in the case of male ferrets. A non-neutered male ferret can be more aggressive with its fellow ferrets or even its owner.
Keeps female ferrets safety: Female ferrets stay in heat as far as they do not mate. But this would cause severe anemia that may even cause their death. So, it is indispensable to spay female ferrets.
Reduces ferret bad smell: Neutered/spayed ferrets smell much less than those who are not.

Does neutering ferrets can really get rid of bad smell?

noreply@blogger.com (BLQ Blogger) — Thu, 8 Nov 2007 19:07:00 -0800

As we mentioned on a previous post, ferrets’ bad smell comes from the glands all over their bodies. Nevertheless, most people think they come right from the perianal glands (located on the base of the ferret’s tail), reason why they decide to get them removed from their ferrets.

But, is this really worth it? Or are you just damaging a healthy animal?

Do not blame it on the perianal glands….

These indeed secrete a bad smell, but only when your dear ferret feels scared or excited only: They are not responsible of the “usual” bad smell of your ferret pet.

So…removing perianal glands DOES NOT solve the ferret’s bad smell problem. Though, it does reduces they strong smell ferret have during heat phase.

Why not neutering your ferret

There is a 30 % chance your ferret may suffer from rectal prolapse. But on the other hand, when your ferret keeps its gland it will eventually expel some gases that actually do not smell more than a cat’s or dog’s gas.

In some European countries ferret neutering is considered illegal, cruel and unnecessary. In the U.S. most pets stores sell ferrets already neutered.

The final decision is all yours!

How to combat ferret's bad smell - Part II

noreply@blogger.com (BLQ Blogger) — Sat, 3 Nov 2007 09:00:00 -0700

Five tips to get rid of ferret's bad smell

First of all we want to point out that we can DECREASE the smell, make it less intense and unpleasant, but we can NOT make it disappear, it is the ferret's natural smell. So here are the tips.

It is demontrated scientifically that non-castrated ferrett smell more than catsrated ferret (also known as hobbles)
Bathing a ferret frequently has the contrary effects to what we expect. What it does is drying ferret's skin, resulting in promoting more sebaceuos gland segregation
Some ferret food may make the ferret smell more. Some foods as fish can increase the smell of the cage, and the smell of the ferret as well
Ferret cage cleaning is an important issue. Sometimes what smells is the cage and not the ferret,the latter just absorbs the smell of the things inside its cage. The hot spots of a ferret cage are the hammock and the corner litter pan. Clean them, 2 to 3 times a week.
There are internal deodorants that help decrease the smell of ferret feces as BiOdor de Marshall.

Hope these tips help you have a better environment for your ferret pet and you at home. C-ya on next post ;)

How to combat ferret's bad smell - Part I

noreply@blogger.com (BLQ Blogger) — Thu, 1 Nov 2007 20:32:00 -0700

Do not let your ferret's odor drive your family mad

No oen can deny that ferret are such lovely animals and companions, but certainly their company would be way more enjoyable if we could handle their strong smell, so you coudl enjoy the most of your little friend, and make your loved-ones feel good about it as well.

Why ferrets are smelly?

Every animal has a particular smell, but some have stronger smell over others, as ferrets. The resposible of the strong ferret smell are the sebaceous glands these animals have all along their bodies.

These glands segregate an oil with a natural unpleasant musk-like smell. This strong smell allows ferrets mark the difference form other animals and mark their territory.

You may have heard about the perianal glands (near the anus, and certainly ferrets have these hormones well developed but use it only when they are sexually aroused or for self-defense.

Ferret Health Care - Most frequent ferret diseases

noreply@blogger.com (BLQ Blogger) — Wed, 3 Oct 2007 20:45:00 -0700

As any other pet, ferret must have a compulsory vet control. They only need two shots: Against rabies and distemper. It will also be necessary to remove ticks and worms internally and externally, especially if you have small children at home.

The most common ferret diseases are: constipation, flu, diarrhea, hair loss, distemper, among others.

Every domestic ferret comes from a legal pet store has a stable behavior and can perfectly live with a family and other animals. so if you live in a small apartment and you want the lovely company of a pet animal, a ferret is the perfect pet for you.

Ferret Pet : The most popular exotic pet - Part II

noreply@blogger.com (BLQ Blogger) — Mon, 1 Oct 2007 21:34:00 -0700

Breeders Ferret Food- Keeping your ferret pet well-nourished

Ferrets are carnivorous, therefore their diet is based in proteins, and thier favorite food is poultry. Nowadays there is ready-made ferret food that ensures your pet get the correct supply of proteins.

Please note: Don’t feed your ferret with cat food. You may have heard it is a good alternative, but it is not at all. Ferret and cats have different nutritional needs.

What to do with the smelly ferret

Ferret smell by nature, and this smell may so unpleasing. For this the solution would be neutering/spaying your ferret. But even after fixing your ferret, the smell does not leave at all. An easier way would be bathing them with special ferret soaps.

Taking it easy with ferret heat

When buying your ferret pet you have to be careful when choosing sex. If you opt for a female ferret, you must beware that ferrets heat is permanent, that is, until a male ferret mates with her she will remain in heat.

So, if you do not wish raising baby ferrets, then the best optiong is spaying your female ferret due to the fact that prolonging her heat will just elevate her levels of estrogen, which may cause her death by aplastic anemia.

Ferret reach thie sexual maturity at 5 months, but it is not advisable to mate them until they are 10 months.

Remember: A ferret pregnancy should not be longer than 42 days, and the regular rate a female should have is of 1 to 5 baby ferrets.

Ferret Pet : The most popular exotic pet - Part I

noreply@blogger.com (BLQ Blogger) — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 20:35:00 -0700

Ferret pets are very smart and lovely. If you are looking for a different pet animal and you don't have much time to dedicate to groom your pet, then a ferret pet is great option for you. They were used to be employed in hunting, but nowadays you can find them in legal pet stores as domestic pets. On the contrary of other animals, you will not find different ferret breeds, but different type of furs.

Ferrets, how are they?

Physical features: An adult ferret is generally 15 inches and weighs among 0.5 to 1 pound. Female ferrets tend to be smaller, rarely reaching over the 13 inches of length. Ferret's fur usually is dark brown, though some singular animals present white spots or are completely albino.

Character & Behavior: They are like small children, playful and mischievous but at the same time very loving and caressing. They love hiding in small holes and sneak around the house. They are also very clever; they can learn tricks very fast.

Pet ferret care

We have to be very careful with our ferret pet at home. Never leave the windows opened, cover the sockets, and do not leave plants close to them.

The ferret cage: Since it will spend many times in a cage, we have to prepare the pet ferret cage well making it as much comfortable as possible. It is important the cage is wide and has many levels.

Where to place it? Not in places where it can receive direct sunlight, and of course away from any radiator or near a terrace.

The most popular exotic pets - Part I

noreply@blogger.com (BLQ Blogger) — Sun, 2 Sep 2007 20:31:00 -0700

Iguanas

This reptile has skin covered with grudges and the very short extremities. There are over three hundred species of this animal, some of which are marine, whereas the rest is terrestrial.

In addition, it is necessary to know that these animals hav the special characteristic of being very sluggish and indolent. Its life expectancy goes up to around the 40 years, and if you buy a female iguana, this can reproduce herself at age 7.

Dwarf rabbits

Another animal very demanded is the denominated dwarfed or exotic rabbit, a species that has been appearing for only 30. These are one fo the most preferred mascots for being of small size, easy to take care of and very resistant. In addition, these animals are mammalian and they do not belong to the family of the rodents.

Also, they have the advantage of not contracting own diseases of nor trasmiten them. On the other hand, their is not expensive as in other cases, since they must live in a cage, whose price is not very high and its feeding is simple, with pellets. In addition to this, we have to say they are very adaptable to a home habitat and that they do not produce noises able to bother people, in addition, of being very affectionate. These animals live, approximately, 10 years.

Lizards

On the other hand, lizards -which belong to the classification of the saurios - require an insectivorous feeding. Between the most sought-after the chameleons, anolis and the small scincus. They also eat insects and invertebrates, as medium and small size snakes. In the case of buying a lizard, you have to be especially careful of not taking one that could be a danger for your and your family.

The Exotic Pet Boom

noreply@blogger.com (BLQ Blogger) — Sun, 2 Sep 2007 20:12:00 -0700

Some years ago speaking of pets was to say dogs, cats, birds... Today, animal preferences are changing and no longer it is so rare that the company of exotic animals as a iguana, a serpent or a Korean squirrel.

Buying one of these exotic pets not is not excessively expensive: A pretty toucan can cost about $180, and one Korean squirrel, for example, only requires of a cage of 10x10 inches, and a varied diet of dry fruits.

Many of these exotic animals have been bred in farms, for example, almost the majority of small parrots most of the cockatoos; between the reptiles, all the iguanas come from captivity almost, a part of the caymans, the exotic boa and some frogs.

But also it is certain that some turtles, several species of chameleons or the python snake, finish their days in very small terrariums that with too much frequency not even gather minimum conditions that these animal needs. So what could be better than taking them to home where you can groom them and breed them with the love and care they need.

Exotic Pets Commercial Success

Pet stores have gone with the flow. Many of them destine an important part of their physical, to this type of mascots. And apparently the sale of exotic pets is not bad, since these sections have not disappeared, but grow. Reason why it is possible to be deduce it is not a mere fortuitous fact or a fashion.

Exotic pets make the big difference: But that some people they like the different thing. And that wishes to have like pets, to animals, that mayoria never desearia to have. In fact one thinks that acquiring these a clear aspect as opposed to to mark certain individuality from the rest. Mostly in this world where we are getting so "homogeneous".

Visit to vet to prevent any disease: The important thing when buying an exotic pet is to do it in an established store that fulfills the animal control requirements and doesn't trade with are simply illegal species in danger of extinction. Likewise, you have to check if they have with medical control service in order to see if they carried algun type of disease. Making a and exotic pet buy in a nonauthorized place is the law, which means going imprisoned. So whenever you buy an exotic pet, it is always good paying a visit to the veterinarian.

Get to know your new exotic pet friend: If you are going to have an exotic animal you must to know what you are taking home. Get informed about all the thign regarding to your new pet to give to it the proper care that it will need for a long and healthy life.

Be sure you are making the right decision: Again, having an exotic pet is not a fashion, is a responsability, like having a baby. So make up your mind well if you are relaly decided and to get the commitment of breeding this exotic friend. Remember: Exotic pets are alive beings whom they require of well-taken care of and loving.