Pets Familys

Animal Pets-10 Dangerous Exotic Pets

noreply@blogger.com (jeng_llot) — Mon, 10 May 2010 04:12:00 +0000

Animal Pets - 10 Dangerous Exotic Pets

Most countries have laws against them. In most places around the globe it is illegal to capture, breed, or sell them. Yet world wide there is a fascination with owning wild, bizarre, exotic, and most of the time dangerous pets. What are this fascination with being different and the need to own something illegal and dangerous? Who owns these animals? And, what are these animals that are owned, sold, and traded worldwide regardless of the consequences?
The United With Animal Protection Institute issued a report of incidents involving captive held animals, which provided an interesting background report to base the list upon. There are also stories like this in papers around the world concerning the practice of keeping dangerous and exotic pets.

10. Turtles

A turtle may seem harmless enough, but did you know that they actually carry salmonella? It seems that the main concern is the baby turtles. It is not that the little guys have more cases of salmonella, it’s that the smaller they are the more attracted little kids are to them. And we all know how little kids can be; they will stick just about anything in their mouth – including their fingers after touching the turtles and the turtles themselves.

9. Constrictors

This is pretty much an obvious one. Sure that red tailed boa at the pet store seems harmless and kind of cute. But they grow quite rapidly; can get up to several feet in length, and speaking from a neighborhood experience, they have been known to escape. Lets just say if you feed them rabbits, they would have no problem with getting themselves around a dog or a cat even. One of the main concerns with owning constrictors is that once they start to get large, some people actually just let them go and return them to the wild. Watch out for Fido!

8. Scorpions

Did you know that there is a guy that as a performance and a world record chaser, he actually puts live Scorpions in his mouth? If you ask me, that’s not one of the best ideas I have heard of. Seeing the little ones when I lived in the southern US was enough for me. These little guys can pack quite a punch with their venomous sting!

7. Camels

Camels are known to be pretty temperamental guys. According to a report on Fox News when a local TV news crew was out filming exotic animal farms, an 1800 lb camel named Polo must have decided that they were not shooting his best side. When Polo became agitated he attacked his owner, kicking her and sitting on her. Ouch. Oh, and if you didn’t know, camels like to spit too. And it’s pretty gross.

6. Ostriches

Sure they seem cute and awkward looking. They hide their heads in the ground right. But apparently these guys will also chase you and they run pretty darn fast. Getting in the middle of an ostrich stampede just doesn’t sound like my idea of a really good time.

5. Chimps and Monkeys

They are adorable. The human resemblance is amazing. They are also known to bite and attack humans and animals alike. I once saw the damage that a monkey caused when it attacked a dog in India and let’s just say those puncture wounds weren’t pretty. The dog also lost an ear and an eye in the process. Sometimes cute is pretty deceptive.

4. Venomous Snakes

Again I go back to my comments about the scorpions. They are snakes. They are poisonous. They bite. None of this is a good combination. In Cincinnati a man was bitten by his rhinoceros viper snake, which is one of the world’s deadliest snakes. He did receive anti-venom and survived. But who really wants to take that risk?

3. Crocodiles and Alligators

Often people get crocs and alligators when they are little and cute and look like happy little lizards. Have you seen the jaws on those things? They didn’t make an entire TV show around hunting them out if there wasn’t some sort of risk and danger there. So keeping one in a kiddie pool in the back yard may not be the best idea. Just ask anyone who has lived in Florida and found one under their car.

2. Big Cats

Again it’s these cute ones that you have to worry about. When these guys are babies, who could resist? But no matter how young they are or how well trained they are, they can turn on you in a second. They feed them raw steak for goodness sake, shouldn’t that be a sign?

1. Kinkajou

Ok, so I had no Idea what a Kinkajou even was. But when I looked it up I couldn’t resist its adorable little furry bodies and those big buggy eyes. A kinkajou, also known as a sugar bear, looks like a cross between a squirrel, a hamster, and a chinchilla. They are pretty darn cute. But again it’s the cute ones. Paris Hilton has a pet kinkajou named Baby Luv. In 2005 she took it shopping with her and was attacked by the thing and it clawed up her face. The brilliance of this is that again in 2006 Baby Luv sent Hilton to the emergency room after she was bitten by that cute Baby Luv on the arm. And that is why this guy is number one on my list of dangerous pets…. Come on, cute rainforest animal that attacks Paris Hilton numerous times. You got to put that one at the top of the list just because.

Article Source: toptenz.net

Top Ten Reasons Ferrets Make Good Pets

noreply@blogger.com (jeng_llot) — Mon, 10 May 2010 04:06:00 +0000

Top Ten Reasons Ferrets Make Good Pets

While ferrets are not for everyone, they can make great pets for the right owner. They are affectionate and bond to their owners, and there are few pets as playful as ferrets (yet they are quiet for a large portion of the day). They seem to have garnered a negative image in some places, which is largely undeserved. Here's my list of reasons ferrets make good pets!

1. Ferrets are cute!
With mischevious eyes and sweet faces, ferrets are undeniably adorable. See the Ferret Photo Gallery for proof!
2. Ferrets are very playful and curious.
They will entertain you endlessly with their antics. They will happily play with toys, and watching ferrets play for the sheer joy of it is guaranteed to lift your mood. Remember, it is known that owning pets has real health benefits and the joy and affection they bring is the main reason.
3. Ferrets are sociable, friendly and affectionate.
It if often recommended (although not essential) to have more than one. Having two or more ferrets increases the fun factor for the owner and the ferrets as they will interact and play together, sometimes with wild abandon. And despite having other ferrets to socialize with, they will still crave attention from their owners.
4. Ferrets are intelligent.
Some owners are amazed at how adept ferrets become at solving problems - and training their owners. Ferrets are very determined and will work at figuring something out with surprising persistence.
5. Ferrets are quiet.
While they can and do vocalize, for the most part they are very quiet. For example, probably the only time a ferret will make a noise loud enough for someone in the next apartment to notice is if the ferret is hurt or very frightened. They also sleep away a large portion of the day.
6. Ferrets are small.
Therefore, ferrets don't need a huge cage. Of course, the bigger the better, and ideal ferret cages are tall with muliple levels, so they still don't take up too much room. They do need time out of the cage daily for playtime and exercise, no matter what size cage you give them.
7. Ferrets are easy to feed.
This is especially true now that a variety of good quality ferret foods have become more widely available.
8. Ferrets can be litter trained.
Perhaps not to the same extent as cats, in that there are bound to be a few accidents. However, most can be fairly reliably trained to use a litter box in and out of their cages - a big plus when you have them out for exercise for a couple of hours a day!
9. Ferrets are easy to exercise.
They can get all the exercise they need tearing around your (ferret-proofed) home! Of course, if you want you could take them for walks. With a ferret sized harness and a little training, you can take them out for a stroll. There are few things that will start a conversation with strangers faster than walking your ferret in the park!
10. Ferret have distinct personalities.
Every ferret is unique and has it's own personality. Some are independent, and some are very cuddly, but each is an individual and treat to get to know!

Article Source: http://exoticpets.about.com/cs/ferrets/a/ferretpettopten.htm

Pregnant Guinea Pig Care

noreply@blogger.com (jeng_llot) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 03:26:00 +0000

Female guinea pigs become fertile beginning as early as four weeks although pregnancy is not recommended until body weight has reached one pound. If the female is too small she may have trouble delivering the babies and special steps will need to be taken. Consult your veterinarian on the methods you can use to safely help a young sow if you find a pregnant one on your hands.

The average guinea pig pregnancy can last from 64 to 72 days. A female can give birth to one to six babies with three to four being average. Some sources indicate that the longer the gestation period the smaller the litter. By the time birth is eminent, the weight of the babies will account for 30% of the female's total body weight.

In order to support this growth expect your guinea pig to require more food and water as she could be supporting up to six babies. Be sure that the food being fed is particularly high in vitamin C as requirements double to 20 mgs per day during pregnancy. If food pellets are being used this is a good time to double check the quality of the product - look for 100% of the daily requirement of vitamin C as well as 20% crude protein and 16% fiber. Supplement her as usual with fresh fruits and vegetables focusing on foods high in vitamin C. Recommended foods include parsley, cabbage, and dandelion.

During this time be sure and remember to continue to let the pregnant female out for exercise and play. Be careful to avoid unnecessary stomach squeezing as well as stress on the female.

Advice about when to move the pregnant guinea pig into a separate cage is mixed. What is known for sure is that by the time the female gives birth, she'll need to be moved into a separate cage. Male guinea pigs will be a threat to the puppies and the female will be fertile again immediately. No female should have back to back litters as it is cruel and detrimental their health. Some sources indicate that if neutered the father of the puppies can remain in the cage with the mother. If the father is in the cage during birth he may assist with delivery by cleaning and warming the babies. Cooperation is not guaranteed and if the female appears distressed by the presence of the male - remove him from the cage. How early the female is moved is dependent on how much room there is in the existing cage and whether or not the pregnant female appears to be enjoying the company of others. If worried, move the female. In general though, a week before birth should be the minimum.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amanda_Toop

How to Properly Bury Your Pet

noreply@blogger.com (jeng_llot) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 03:50:00 +0000

When pet loss occurs there are several details that must be attended to. In addition to thinking of ways to memorialize your pet, you must also make a decision on what to do with the body of your deceased pet. While this certainly seems like the worst decision to make, it is a necessary one. Many people opt to bury their pet in a pet cemetery or in another special outdoor spot, such as a backyard area or garden.

While burying your pet is a difficult thing to do, when you do it properly, it can actually be a very healing way to memorialize your pet. Many pet owners opt to put pet grave markers in the spot where their precious companion is buried to ensure there is always a spot to visit and remember the joyous times you shared. There are however, some things to keep in mind when burying your pet to ensure they are buried in the proper manner.

To start, decide if you are going to bury your pet in a casket or not. There are a number of fairly inexpensive pet caskets available online for those that can't stand the thought of handling the remains of their pet in any other manner. Some pet owners opt to wrap the remains in a blanket or cloth, sometimes even the pet's favorite blanket (if they had one) and others choose to remain as natural as possible and bury the remains with nothing at all. Be sure to dig deep enough so that the remains are not affected by weather conditions or other animals scavenging for food. If you have opted to bury your pet in a pet cemetery, there is staff on hand that will usually take of these details for you. Also be sure to check both with your state and county to find out what their rules and regulations are regarding pet burial.

Once you've placed your pet in the grave, you, and whoever you invited to the burial, might opt to say a few words or share some thoughts about your pet and what they meant in your life. This is a shortened pet memorial, which can be an accompaniment to the larger, more elaborate service. Once you've covered the grave, place a pet marker of some sort on the space so you will always know it's there. Some pet owners purchase an official pet grave marker engraved with their pet's name, date of birth, date of death and a favorite saying or quote about their pet. Others choose something more natural, like planting a tree or plant over the space to symbolize the great circle of life. This part of the pet memorial is a personal choice and should be decided according to whatever you feel comfortable doing.

Pet loss and the subsequent burying of your pet can be such a traumatic process. By conducting a proper burial, you ensure the remains are ensconced deep in the earth and not accessible to other scavengers to dig up. Moreover, using a pet headstone or plant or tree of some sort as a pet memorial is a great way to have a constant and positive reminder of the profound impact your pet had on your life.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Colleen_Mihelich

All About the Guinea Pig

noreply@blogger.com (jeng_llot) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 02:23:00 +0000

Today the guinea pig is known as an eminently delightful, loving pet considered well suited for children. The history of the animal, or Cavia Porchellus, is less well known. Guinea pigs originated in South America where they lived in the wild and were hunted for food until they were domesticated as early as 5000 BC. The animals were then brought to Europe in the 16th century by European traders where they then became "high status" pets - even Queen Elizabeth I had a piggie!

Why "Pig?"

The exact history of the name "guinea pig" is not well known. Some people believe the name was given because of the pig-like squeal the animal makes. Other people believe the comparison has more to do with the physical appearance, or the time spent eating.

Contributions to Science

Today the guinea pig is well known not just as pet but also as a research animal due to certain physiological similarities with humans. While this is sad for those of us who are fans of the animals, the guinea pig is directly responsible for the creation of a variety of life saving medications and medical procedures. Guinea pigs are still used in medical research for juvenile diabetes, tuberculosis, scurvy, and pregnancy complications.

The Advantages as a Pet

Guinea pigs are part of a group of pets known as "pocket pets" - small animals, usually rodents and hypothetically small enough to fit in one's pocket including rats, mice, rabbits, gerbils, hamsters, and ferrets. Unlike smaller animals, guinea pigs are easier to catch if they escape and due to their size, less likely to hide within furniture or other small crevices that are hard to get to. These sweet furry friends are also less likely to destroy one's wooden furniture but they still require supervision during floor time just to be on the safe side. Guinea pigs are also happy to stay in a cage during the day and will happily return your affection using their own special language of chirps, purrs, and squeaks. Lastly, piggies are known for the adorable tendency to "popcorn" - jump in the air just like kernels of corn that become heated.

Classroom Learning Tool

For years teachers have been keeping guinea pigs in classrooms to be cared for and played with by the children. On the weekends and during extended breaks teachers or students would then take the pet home and care for him or her. While some people still consider this a useful tool for developing a wide variety of projects for students from scientific knowledge to personal responsibility, to budgeting and cage planning, there are a growing number of opponents to this use. Many people feel that being kept alone in a classroom without actual owners is too lonely and cruel. Other people suggest that animals should not be used to teach responsibility as only the animal will suffer the consequences of neglect.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Heather_Christine_Jones

Types of Cat Barrier & Their Benefits

noreply@blogger.com (jeng_llot) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 07:43:00 +0000

Cats, similar to dogs, are physically active domesticated animals and letting them roam around inside your house without supervision could cause damage and scratches to your beddings and furniture. If you want to prevent that from happening, the use of cat barriers such as cat doors, enclosure or playpen will be very helpful to keep your feline friend in a safe and contained area. Such pet containment systems are also a great way to keep your cat away from aggressive dogs and other dangerous stray animals in the neighborhood.

Here are a few types of cat barriers and the many good benefits they can bring to you and your beloved cat:

Cat Doors
Cat barrier, in the form of a cat door, will allow your kitty to enter and exit the house in a safe manner. As you all know, cats are naturally territorial and they immensely enjoy playing inside and outside the house. If you have a small cat door installed specifically for her, it can make the life of your cat easier and convenient. Hence, there’s no more need to exert effort to open the main door at all times to let her out or in.

Cat Flaps
This unique feline door design will let your cat to enter and exit a house on their own without needing you to open the main door from time to time, while providing protection against wind, rain and other harsh elements.

Cat Enclosures
For outdoor use, cat enclosures are very functional to contain your cat in the backyard or the park. More than being a cage, this spacious cat containment system can serve as an outdoor feline barrier where your furry friend can play, run, exercise and rest safely while enjoying the beauty of the outside world.

Cat Playpens
For indoor use, on the other hand, cat playpens are a great solution. This type of cat barrier provides a comfortable space for your feline pet to stretch out, move around and play inside the house, while preventing her to get in touch with fragile objects such as furniture and other precious decorations. Cat playpen is also ideal to use if you leave your cat home alone.

Dog Containment System Importance

noreply@blogger.com (jeng_llot) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 03:07:00 +0000

Looking after your beloved dog at all times is your responsibility, and in cases when your canine’s behavior becomes uncontrollable, the use of dog containment system can be very useful. Leaving your dog unattended might cause troubles inside or outside your house. You can crate train your dog or put him in dog crates but it will not give him the freedom to roam around.

Besides pampering your dog, it is equally important to give him the necessary freedom and space where he can play and enjoy the beauty of the outside world while ensuring his safety.

Here are some of benefits of using dog containment devices:

With the help of pet containment systems such as dog exercise pens and dog kennels, leaving your canine alone will no longer be an issue! Dog containment devices can either be wireless, electronic or motorized that are installed in traditional fences or under the ground. They are generally portable and can be set up in a few minutes. Many pet containment systems available in the market these days are battery-operated and comes with a training collar that is placed around the dog’s neck. The collar has a receiver that detects when the dog is getting near the wire. Within this boundary, the collar will give a signal to your canine by discharging static stimulation.

Other systems are wireless and have constant radio signal to create a “safe zone” for your pet. Having said that, the primary benefit of using dog containments is that they have the ability to teach your dog to behave properly and stay only within specific locations. Electronic dog containment is also a lot cheaper than setting up traditional metal or wooden dog fences.

You can also prevent your dog from running away or stepping outside the house if you install dog containment devices. This can be particularly effective for controlling aggressive dogs that can destroy your neighbor’s property or attack passersby. You can also keep you dog away from valued properties and causing damage to the flowers, shrubs and other things in your garden or backyard. Dogs, especially puppies, are highly prone to getting lost when they venture out. In order to avoid such incidents from happening, dog owners must install dog containment devices.

How can we make sure our pets and our new baby will live together harmoniously?

noreply@blogger.com (jeng_llot) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 08:04:00 +0000

Many pets are very tolerant of small children, but it's still important to be aware of potential dangers and take precautions you can take to avoid them, especially once your baby is crawling and walking.

While your baby is tiny, you can generally manage to keep him and the pets apart most of the time. Keep animals out of the room he sleeps in, and use a cat net on the pram or pushchair your baby uses downstairs or in the garden.

Dogs need supervision when babies and children are around. Even the most tolerant of dogs can be unwell or bad tempered sometimes. Most cats will simply escape if a child is teasing or hurting them, but some will scratch and bite. You may find it very helpful to use a safety gate to keep your pets and your children apart at least some of the time. These gadgets can also help keep your baby away from animal foods and litter trays.

Double check with your vet that your pets have been adequately wormed, and never leave worming tablets or other pet medications where your baby can reach them. If your pet has free range of the garden, you may need to check it over and use a pooper scooper before letting your child outside. You could also fence the garden in such a way that there is a safe baby area and a separate pet area. Lastly, curious babies have been known to use a cat flap to escape into the garden, so you may need to leave the lock in it while your baby is around.

If you have little children and are thinking of getting a pet especially for them, choose an animal that does not have to live in the house all the time, such as a guinea pig or rabbit. These pets can have cages outside in a sheltered place, and your children can visit them and handle them for short periods of time while under your supervision. Later, when your children are older and can understand that animals need to be respected, is the time to get them a cat or dog.

World's Most Unique and Weirdest Aqualand Animals

noreply@blogger.com (jeng_llot) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 08:39:00 +0000

1. Budgett's Frog (Lepidobatrachus laevis)

This amphibian is also called Escuerzo or Wide-mouth frog, an endangered species of frog due to habitat loss. It is

native to Argentina, Paraguay and Bolivia and lives on dry savanna, dry shrub land, freshwater marshes and ponds.

Budgett's frogs are very rare to find in a traditional chain pet shop. Due to their comical appearance, they are attractive

to amphibian keepers. This frog is aggressive and has been known to bite when cornered by a human or predator

2. Mexican Burrowing Toad (Rhinophrynus dorsalis)

Distinct among the frogs, the Mexican Burrowing Toad's tongue is projected directly out the front of the mouth, instead

of being flipped out, as in all other frogs. It is the only species with over 190 million years of independent evolution and

is the most evolutionarily distinct amphibian species on Earth today; a fruit bat, polar bear, killer whale, kangaroo and

human are all more similar to one another than this species is to any other amphibian. This frog lives from the southern

Texas through Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador to Nicaragua and Costa Rica.

3. Barred Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma mavortium)

This unique-looking creature named Barred Tiger Salamander is the State Amphibian of Kansas, USA. It is a species

of salamander found from southwestern Canada in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, south

through the western US to Texas, and northern Mexico. It is a species with a broad head and a bulky body. Its skin is

moist and capable of growing to 14 inches or 35 cm in length.

4. Purple Frog (Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis)

This is one of the freakiest looking creatures on Earth - the Purple Frog. It is also known as Pignose Frog and is

native to Western Ghats in India. The frog's reclusive lifestyle is what caused the species to escape earlier notice

by biologists. It was discovered only in 2003. This frog's cry sounds more like one from a chicken. The frog spends

most of the year underground, surfacing only for about two weeks, during the monsoon, for purposes of mating.

5. Common Mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus)

This weird-looking amphibian is endemic to northeastern US and parts of Canada. Mudpuppies prefer shallow

water with many places to hide, but have been found at depths of up to 90 feet and may live for up to 20 years. This

creature is nocturnal but can be active in the day in muddy or weed-choked waters. A carnivorous, it feeds on fish,

fish eggs, crayfish, insects, and mollusk.

6. Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum)

Axolotls fail to undergo metamorphosis and remain aquatic and gilled through adulthood. This unusual species

originates from Mexico. It also has the ability to regenerate most body parts. They are commonly kept as pets in the

US, UK, Australia, Japan and other countries.

Axolotl is one of the most popular weird amphibians in the world. This distinct creature should not be confused with

waterdogs and mudpuppies fully-aquatic salamanders which are not closely related to the axolotl but bear a superficial

resemblance.

7. Neuse River waterdog (Necturus lewisi)

The Neuse River Waterdog is found in rivers of North Carolina. It is a medium-sized Necterus with a rusty brown

dorsal side with many large, bluish black spots. The ventral side is dark brown to grey and also spotted. Males and

females are of a similar size and grow to a length of 16.5-28 cm from the tip of snout to tip of tail.

8. Suriname Horned Frog (Ceratophrys cornuta)

This odd-looking creature with exceptionally wide mouth known as Ceratophrys cornuta is also called as Amazonian

horned frog. This bulky frog may grow to a length of up to 20 cm. It is found in the northern part of South America. It has

horn-like projections above its eyes. Tadpoles of the Surinam horned frog attack each other (and tadpoles from other

species) soon after being hatched.

9. Olm (Proteus anguinus)

This blind animal native to southern Europe is also called Proteus. It lives in the waters that flow underground through

this extensive limestone region. It is the only European exclusively cave-dwelling chordate. It is also occasionally called

the "human fish" by locals because of its skin color, similar to that of Caucasians. This animal is most notable for its

adaptations to a life of complete darkness in its underground habitat. Although it is blind, its sense of smell and hearing,

are acutely developed. It also lacks any skin pigmentation. In contrast to most amphibians, the Olm is entirely aquatic,

and it eats, sleeps, and breeds underwater.

10. Texas Blind Salamander (Eurycea rathbuni)

Blind creature like the Texas Blind Salamander is a rare cave-dwelling amphibian. It is endemic to Texas. This animal

has blood-red external gills for absorbing oxygen from the water and grows to a length of 13 cm or 5 in. Its diet include

blind shrimp, snails, and amphipods

11. Albino Pacman Frog (Ceratophrys ornata)

This freaky frog is also known as Albino Argentine Horned Frog or Argentine Wide-mouthed Frog. It inhabits the rain

forests of Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil. A voracious eater, it will attempt to swallow anything that moves close to its

wide mouth, such as insects, small birds and mammals, lizards and other frogs, even if it would suffocate in the process.

Except for the Texas Blind salamander and Olm, most of these amphibians are good pets.

Hope you enjoyed this. Than you!

Richest Pets

noreply@blogger.com (jeng_llot) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 02:59:00 +0000

There is soo much interest about the worlds richest people but little did we know that the pets are also chassing fast!! Below are the list of the richest pets in the world, if they can become that rich…!

1. Gunther IV - Gunther IV is considered the world’s richest dog. His dad, Gunther III, was bequeathed a $124 million trust in 1992 when their owner, Countess Karlotta Lieberstein passed away. Since inheriting his former mistesses millions, Gunther III has passed on his fortune and legacy to his son Guther IV. The German Shepherd has successfully bid on Madonna’s old Miami mansion and a rare white truffle. For the latter, Gunther himself attended the auction accompanied by two handlers. There are reports however, that Gunther may be a hoax.

2. Kalu the Chimp - You think it’s nuts to leave millions of dollars to a German Shepherd? How about a chimpanzee? Kalu inherited Patricia O’Neill’s $109 million fortune to ensure her husband wouldn’t get a penny. The fortune includes a farm and mansion in Australia.

3. Tobey Rimes – Tobey wasn’t your ordinary dog, he enjoyed living a life opulence in the New York City home he shared with Ella Wendel. He didn’t have to worry about giving up that life either as she left him $92 million upon her death.

4. Gigoo the $10 Million Chicken – If there’s any proof rich people are a little screwy, this is it. Gigoo, a hen for Pete’s sake, inherited $10 million.

5. Frankie – Frankie the dog resides in a mansion in San Diego. He inherited $5.3 million upon his owner’s death.

The World’s Strangest Feral Animals

noreply@blogger.com (jeng_llot) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 01:20:00 +0000

Everyone has seen their share of once-domestic cats who have left the litter-box behind in favor of an outdoor life. Feral cats have made the transition easily. They are natural predators and able to fend for themselves. Other domesticated species seem, at first, to be less able to make it in the big, bad world. But pet birds, farm animals, and even aquarium fish have been able to thrive in the wild in certain situations. Here are some examples of domestic species that have unexpectedly made a life for themselves outside the cage.

Australia’s Feral Camels

Camels were imported to Australia to help with the exploration and settlement of the Outback. Their use declined with the advent of railways and automobiles, but the camels continued to thrive in the harsh environment. Some estimates claim that there are nearly 0ne million humped creatures on the continent. Because of their rapidly increasing numbers, hunting and eating camels is encouraged.

Feral Parakeets

The hardy monk parakeets, also called Quaker parrots or Quaker parakeets, have become famous residents of urban areas like Chicago’s Hyde Park. These wild parakeets are descended from pets and have somehow managed to adapt to the conditions and thrive in the city. They are larger and louder than common budgies.

Feral Honey Bees

Most bees were born in the wild. However, some, like the one in Southeastern Australia in the picture, were actually descended from domesticated honey bees. In the wind, they continue their hive lifestyle, creating honey that will never find its way into a jar.

Thailand’s Soi Dogs

A Bangkok alleyway (soi) is bound to have a few rather mangy residents. Feral soi dogs are sometimes fed by compassionate residents and sometimes able to scrounge food from trash or roadkill. They are as much a part of the city’s personality as its markets and temples.

Aquarium Fish in the Wild

Most of the tropical fish species that you’d find in a pet store are bred specifically for the tank environment. Hardy fish like koi and common goldfish are able to survive is most freshwater environments even if they were born in a tank. For other fish, like the Pearl Cichlids that wreak havoc in Northern Australian streams, a more specific settings is needed to survive.

Wild Parrots

Perhaps the most famous animals on this list are wild parrots. The red-masked parrots who starred in the documentary The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill are the poster children of the wild parrot population in the US. In fact, there are communities of parrots all along the West Coast that are equally welcomed by residents.

Feral Farm Animals

It would seem that most farm animals are ill-equipped to survive in the wild. What would a pig used to feeding at the trough do outside of its pen? But feral pigs and sheep are commonplace in rural areas around the world, especially in agricultural areas in the US. Some are hunted like wild animals and others are considered a nuisance, eating crops and forever altering eco-systems.

Feral Cows of Hong Kong

It is a common sight worldwide: cows sitting lazily in fields, chomping on grass. It is the same on Lantau, a sparsely inhabited island in the territory of Hong Kong. The difference is that these cattle do not belong to a dairy or beef farm. They are feral, but that doesn’t seem to have changed their lifestyle much.

Hawaii’s Feral Mouflon

Hawaii’s countryside is being eaten by the rapidly expanding populations of feral sheep and European mouflon. Mouflon are thought to be the forefather’s of domestic sheep. Their appetites mean that they can mow through vegetation quickly. With no natural predators besides humans, populations are difficult to control.

Bali’s Tame/Wild Monkeys

Though they are not, and were never, domesticated, it would be easy to mistake the Crab-eating Macaques at Ubud Monkey Park on Bali for trained pets. They pester visitors for hand-outs and some are able to turn on the charm the way a clever dog who wants a treat might. According to Balinese lore, the monkeys are protectors of the area’s Hindu temples.

Feral Guinea Pigs

Last year, people began seeing a strange rodent on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu. It’s not that guinea pigs are a rare animal; it’s just that they are usually found in cages with wheels and water-bottles (or as the main course of an Andean meal). The large litters that these rodents can have makes them a danger to any natural environment into which they are introduced. Some speculate that the original 40 sightings of feral guinea pigs last year where the result of one pregnant female being released.

Pet Millionaires: Seven Cats and Dogs Who Are Actually Richer than You

noreply@blogger.com (jeng_llot) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 04:55:00 +0000

We hear about millionaires — and billionaires — quite frequently. But less often do we hear about pet millionaires. They do, however, exist. Since 1923, when the first reported case of a pet inheritance was affirmed in Willett vs. Willett, pets have been receiving money. Sometimes quite a lot of money. Here are seven dogs and seven cats (in particular order) that are probably richer than you:

Some of the World’s Richest Dogs

These dogs know how to live the high life. Seriously. They give a whole new meaning to the phrase “being treated like a dog.”

Gunther IV, the German Shepherd: This dog actually received his inheritance from his father, Gunther III, a German Shepherd who received an inheritance from Karlotta Liebenstein, a German countess. Gunther IV has bought a Miami villa from Madonna and won a rare white truffle in an auction. Learn more about Gunther IV on a Web site devoted to him and those he hangs out with. He’s worth about $372 million right now, thanks to his growing trust fund.
Oprah’s dogs: Oprah Winfrey has several animals, including some dogs. She wants to make sure that her dogs are cared for when she is gone. Her will specifies that that her dogs receive $30 million for their care. (Just a drop in the bucket when you look at the billions Oprah is worth.) True, that money will be split amongst all dogs that she has, but even so, each and every one is probably richer than you are. They’re definitely richer than I am.
Trouble Helmsley: New York’s “Queen of Mean”, Leona Helmsley, famously cut her grandchildren out of her will, but left her Maltese terrier $12 million. However, a judge knocked $10 million off that amount, so that brings the amount to $2 million. Additionally, Trouble will be not be so well taken care of after death, as the dog can’t be buried in the Helmsley mausoleum, due to cemetary requirements and state law.
Flossie: Drew Barrymore’s yellow Labrador retriever and chow mix, Flossie, has been left a home. Flossie awakened Barrymore and then-boyfriend Tom Green when a fire raged through the home. Barrymore amended her will to leave the home, valued at $3 million, to Flossie in return for this possibly life-saving deed.
Tina and Kate: These two collie crosses received $1 million for their care upon the death of their owner Nora Hardwell. In addition to the provision for their care, Tina and Kate also enjoy unlimited use of the lovely home Hardwell occupied near Bath, England, in a town called Peasedown St. John. The home comes with five acres, so these millionaire dogs have plenty of room to run.
Jasper and Jason: These dogs live in luxury, since the death of their owner. Jasper is a Labrador and Doberman mix. He was destined for euthanization after being abandoned. However, Diana Myburgh, a brewery heiress, rescued him. Jason is a Whippet. They were both given trust funds of $50,000. As you might imagine, now their funds have more than tripled. It may not be $1 million, but it’s still a hefty fund. Besides, they own a 1,236 acre estate that is worth waaaaaay more than $1 million, and enjoy the finest steaks prepared by a personal chef and ride around in a stretch limo.
Tobey Rimes: A reclusive poodle who is worth $92 million. Tobey descends from a poodle who inherited $30 million from his New York owner, Ella Wendel, who died in 1931. Now Tobey is the poster dog for the benefits of trust funds and compounding interest. He makes #3 the list of richest pets ever, behind Gunther IV and a chimp named Kalu.

Some of the World’s Richest Cats

Cats already think that they are royalty. This list of cats rich enough to live like royalty is likely only to increase this feeling of pet entitlement.

Tinker: This is the classic rags-to-riches story. Tinker was a stray, regularly visiting Margaret Layne, an old widow. In return for Tinker’s loyalty, he was awarded a fortune. There is a $226,000 trust fund for Tinker, as well as a new home — worth about $800,000. Tinker has been joined by two lovely female cats, Lucky and Stardust. Of course, if Tinker returns to his wandering ways, the will strips him of his money.
Beryl Reid’s Cats: Beryl Reid was an actress. She had a lovely $1.8 million cottage. She was also famous for her love of cats. So, when she died, her cats Hamish, Boon, Eileen, Coco and Tuffnel inherited. A friend was commissioned to look after them as they lived in their house.
Lola, The Millionaire Cat: This cat isn’t a millionaire — yet. While the other cats on this list inherited their wealth, The Millionaire cat is trying to earn money through blogging. The Millionaire Cat has a blog that shows videos of this entrepreneur doing every day cat things. The Millionaire Cat is taking donations via PayPal, and hoping for enough money to become a millionaire. It’s an interesting concept, but, unfortunately, this cat hasn’t got a cent yet.
Red: A tabby cat who kept bachelor David Harper company. When Harper died, he left is $1.1 million estate to Red. The cat is cared for the United Church of Canada, and will enjoy the benefits of the best food, bedding and medical care for the rest of his life.
Blackie: When British recluse Ben Rea died, he left $15 million to various cat charities — and to his cat Blackie. Rea left nothing to his relatives, however. Everything went to Blackie and to help cat charities. We don’t have a picture of Blackie, who seems to be as reclusive as his owner, but here is a picture of a black cat enjoying life.
Fluffy: Mary Burton was a church organist in Great Paxton, Cambridgeshire, Enlgand. She left her entire estate to the Wood Green Animal Shelter, provided her cat — a ginger tom — was well cared for. Fluffy, the ginger tom, received $60,000, plus the ability to live in the house and be well cared for. His diet was even specified: steamed cod, lean roast beef, milk, frexh pilchards and vegetables. Fluffy also requires plenty of sun and relaxation. He’s probably not worth quite $1 million, but Fluffy lies better than a lot of humans. This is what Fluffy likely looks like (we couldn’t find a picture) — a regular ginger tom.
Brownie and Hellcat: These felines each received $415,000 in the 1960s when their owner, Dr. William Grier, died. Charlie Chan, another cat beneficiary of Grier, received $250,000. The legacies of Brownie and Hellcat live on, even though they are dead; each legacy is now worth $4.1 million. Not bad. I don’t know what Brownie and Hellcat looked like, but the cat pictured here is definitely living the high life.

16 of the World’s Most Sought After Exotic Pets

noreply@blogger.com (jeng_llot) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 03:50:00 +0000

Some people are content to own regular pets such as cats, dogs, birds, and gerbils while others prefer the more exotic, such as chinchillas, sugar gliders, monkeys, pythons etc., wanting the status of having owned an exotic animal.

It is the owner’s choice if they want to take on the many responsibilities that are involved in taking care of an exotic animal. And for those who seek the exotic, unusual and lavish, these pets can help fulfill that desire while adding to one’s status symbol.

There are many exotic pets that are legal to purchase [some even require special licensing] under the correct circumstances, ranging in price from approximately $800 to $138,000.

Most of them are available whether you are rich or poor, however all of these pets demand high attention and lots of time.

Bengal Cat

No relation to the Bengal tiger, the Bengal cat is a hybrid creation featuring pre-designed genetic characteristics that are crossbred with the likes of something more exotic, such as the Asian leopard cat.

The Bengal cat is a fun loving, always on the go cat that you won’t find resting very often.

The result is a new feline breed that acts much like a mellow domestic, but looks like he just walked off the Savannah plains.

Savannah Cat

Bred in a similar process to the Bengal Cat, the Savannah Cat is bred by mating the African Serval with a smaller domestic cat.

The Savannah inherently has a much more difficult breeding process, because an African Serval is 40lbs and undomesticated and breeding it with a domestic house cat is problematic.

Concurrently, the gestation periods between the two animals are different.

Chinese Crested Hairless Puppies

These chinese crested hairless puppies weigh about 5 to 12 lbs and are very vivacious, alert and friendly animals. Considered to be one of the rarest dogs, these dogs are prone to sunburning on a hot and clear day.

The dogs first originated in Africa and the animals is most often found to be a very pleasant companion that lives for over 10 to 12 years.

Hyacinth Macaw

The hyacinth macaw weighs in at four pounds, and the world’s largest parrot species also enjoys a tremendous four-foot wingspan.This South American native mates for life, is easily domesticated and will probably outlive you. In the wild, he eats the nuts from two kinds of palm trees, but one of them, the acuri, he only eats after it has passed through the digestive system of another animal.

Kinkajou

This nocturnal rain forest mammal is friendly and affectionate by nature and, therefore, enjoys some popularity among exotic-pet owners.

Despite their sharp, carnivorous teeth they eat bananas, eggs, mangoes, fruit loops, marshmallows, and gummi bears. This preserves their wicked, bacteria-loaded bite for when threatened or scared.

Sugar Glider

These popular little nocturnal marsupials from northeast Australia weigh no more than about five ounces.

Their lively and curious nature helps them to bond easily with humans. Unfortunately, they’re also social and nocturnal, and want your attention when you can’t give it - at night.

For that reason, it is recommended that you keep at least two.Owners should also provide an environment with branches or vines to satisfy the sugar glider’s desire to climb.

Snow Macaque

The Japanese Macaque, also known as the Snow Monkey, is a terrestrial Old World monkey species native to Japan.

The Snow Macaque is considered a threatened species as we continue to encroach on more and more of the animal’s habitat. Due to this fact, coveted licenses and special permits are mandated to own this very rare animal.

The Snow Macaque is a smaller primate with a lifespan of over 25 years with the distinguishing feature of a hairless red face.

Squirrel monkey

Hailing from Central and South America, the squirrel monkey is omnivorous, measuring in at about 2.75 pounds; they have a number of predators, which is one reason they run with a posse that can number as high as 500.

Speaking proportionately, they have the largest brain of all the primates (that includes humans). Couple that intelligence with a social and affectionate nature, and things like house-training come relatively easy to this monkey.

Mona monkey

This West African native is an Old World monkey who peaks out at about 15 pounds and lives into his early 20s.

Like any other monkey, this mona monkey also needs to move those crazy limbs. Owners should provide them with an enclosure that permits climbing, swinging, goofing around, and even hiding.

The most difficult job may be monkey-proofing your home, since he can outsmart or out-jiggle most baby-proof methods.

Chimpanzee

Eerily analogous to humans in life span, behavior and even DNA (we share 94%), chimps have a hold on human fascination and attract the likes of scientists, zoo-goers and potential pet owners.

This remarkable similarity also hints toward why they make for such problematic and unmanageable pets. Chimpanzee can be house-trained, but he’s intelligent enough to have a mind of his own. If he wants to raid the fridge, but fails to outwit you, his 115-pound frame has another option- take it by force.

His average upper-body strength is five times that of a human. With a more sophisticated gripping capacity he could show you up at the gym, but why bother? He can just maul you to death.

Chinchilla Lanigera

Chinchilla’s lifespan is typically about 15 years, but 18-22 years is not uncommon. Its Body length is about 10-14 inches; tail is another 5-6 inches or so.

With gentle handling from a young age most chinchillas will become quite tame and bond closely with their owners, although sometimes they do not like to be held or cuddled.

They are very active and playful. Chinchillas can be kept singly, and usually will do fine as same sex pairs especially if they are littermates or introduced at a young age.

White Lion Cubs

According to Forbes (America’s Priciest Pets), as a pet this cub is the world’s costliest animal. The white lion is not a species unto itself; he’s your standard lion with a potentially fatal flaw. The flaw is a recessive gene that alerts both potential prey (wildebeests, hippos and adult elephants) as well as predators (hunters) to his presence.

The problem with raising a cub is the same as raising some puppies — they grow up. In the case of a white lion, that can mean reaching 500 pounds.

Ball Python

There are two types of people: those who like snakes as pets and those who don’t.

It’s doubtful that the red eyes or exotic colors of some of these rare variations will entice the uninterested.

After all, ownership in this case means keeping your 5-foot-long ball python in a 30 gallon tank and feeding it dead mice, rats or gerbils every 10 days for the next 30 years.

Reticulated Python

Hailing largely from Thailand and Indonesia, reticulated pythons represent the longest known species of snake in the animal kingdom.

How do you keep this monster happy? Start with a fairly large tank for a habitat in which humidity levels and high temperatures must be regulated with some discipline.

Breeders recommend getting a second person to help you feed your reticulated albino type II tiger python ; someone needs to call an ambulance when it mistakes you for a carcass.

Lavender Albino Python Female

This Albino is very different from the more common form of albinism. The white areas have a nice lavender color and the eyes are a very deep, ruby red. The trait is a simple recessive and is represented in captivity at this time.

Also available from python breeder Bob Clark, the rarity has fueled demand.

Leopard Gecko

Leopard geckos may live about 20 years. Leopard geckos reach approximately 8-10 inches in length.

Leopard geckos are commonly yellow and white with black spots (hatchlings start out more striped, and gradually change to the spotted appearance). There are several color and pattern (e.g. jungle) variations.

Goldfish - Common Diseases and Treatments

noreply@blogger.com (jeng_llot) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 07:56:00 +0000

Goldfish are susceptible to disease and once infected can have a greatly shortened life span. The most common reasons goldfish get sick are if the fish tank is dirty, due to poor filtration, the water and oxygen levels are too low, the temperatures are either too warm or too cold and being improperly fed. Prevention and early detection is the key to help ensure healthy goldfish.

Ich (Ick, Ichtyopthirius, Freshwater White Spot Disease)

Symptoms: Body and/or fins are covered with tiny white dots and rapid gill movements may be noticed in later stages.

Ich is one of the more common diseases of goldfish, and if left untreated, it can be fatal to your fish. Treatment can take many days to cure, and it should be treated promptly since Ich is highly contageous.

The disease is easy to identify. The white dots are small and sometimes numerous, about a millimeter in size. They are easiest to see on the fish's transparent fins. When on the fish, medications have no affect on Ich. As the parasite grows, however, it will eventually drop off the fish to reproduce. At the bottom of the tank, it will form a cyst (also resistant to medications) and soon hatch into hundreds of baby parasites which will seek a new host animal. This process weakens the fish and leaves holes in the fish's body. A badly afflicted fish will likely display rapid gill movements.

Remedy: Contact your vet or pet store for further instruction. Several effective medications are available. It is wise to treat your main tank in order to ensure that you have successfully removed all traces of the parasite from it (although it may be beneficial to also move a badly afflicted fish to a quarantine tank). Leave the filter running, but remove any activated carbon because this substance takes medicine out of the water.

Tail or Fin Rot

Symptoms: Fin rot is a general term for necrotic loss of fin tissue, resulting in split or ragged fins. It is usually the edge of the fin that is attacked, although occasionally a hole may appear in the middle of the fin. The appearance of fin rot can vary between a distinct, semi-circular “bite” shape and a “shredded” effect.

Nearly all cases are caused by stress, fear or poor environmental conditions. Fin rot is often one of the first signs that a goldfish disease problem exists and all cases should be investigated to determine the underlying cause.

Remedy: You must first identify and address the cause of stress, this could be due to a fish disease such as parasites, overcrowding, low oxygen levels, bullying or poor water quality. If caught early, removing the stressor may be sufficient.
Medications used to treat the symptoms include Melafix, Maracyn, salt, antibiotics as a last recourse (such as Tetracycline or Sulfa-based products), hydrogen peroxide bath, or applied to the area (be very careful that this does not touch the gills since this can be fatal).

Fungus

Symptoms: Grey, or grey-white tufts of cottony material covering areas of the fish's body, sometimes covering almost all of the fish's skin.

When fungus is suspected, there could be several possible causes. All are somewhat similar in appearance, and include common fungus, mouth fungus, and body fungus.

Fungus normally indicates there is another problem which has weakened the goldfish. Some possibilities include parasites or even an injury due to spawning or due to colliding with a tank decoration. Whatever the secondary reason, it should be found and taken into account when the fish is treated for fungus.

Remedy: Improve water conditions and treat promptly. Standard anti-fungal medications, such as methylene blue, are usually very effective, but may affect filtration and water quality. When the disease occurs on open wounds, aquarium salt at a dose of 1-3g/litre can help reduce salt loss.

Constipation

Symptom: Goldfish is having trouble passing faeces, or are constantly trailing behind the fish. This is often caused by a diet without enough variety, or by feeding too many starchy foods.

Remedy: This problem is easily solved by changing to a diet with more variety and roughage. Some suggestions are live foods, peas, spinach, and tubifex worms. Enticing fish to swallow one grain of Epsom salt is also said to be beneficial.

It is also advised that dry fish food be soaked in water until it is soft before feeding. This helps in digestion, and also reduces the likelihood of constipation.

Dropsy

Symptoms: Dropsy is a bacterial infection that infects the goldfish from the inside and causes the scales to stick out from the goldfish's body. Dropsy can be caused by a bacterial infection which causes kidney failure in goldfish. The problem is, by the time you see the symptoms of dropsy on your goldfish, the damage to the kidneys has already been done.

Remedy: The main defence for dropsy is to keep your goldfish parasite free, which will reduce the chances of bacterial infections, which in turn will reduce the chances of a kidney failure. A broad spectrum anti-bacteria treatment is the best option in most cases.

Pop Eye

Symptoms: Fish's eyes stick out unusually. It is important to realise that some varieties of goldfish have eyes which naturally protrude, like the Moor, the Celestial, and the Water Bubble Eye. With juveniles, it is possible their eyes are developing into their adult configuration. Sometimes a fish will not develop telescopic eyes until it is two years of age.

Pop eye, however, is a condition which causes a fish's eyes to protrude away from the fish's head in an unusual way. Pop eye is usually caused by septicemia or tuberculosis.

Swim Bladder Disorder

Symptoms: A goldfish with swim bladder disorder will periodically float on its side on the water's surface or swim on its side a great deal. Usually it will only be periodically, with the fish sometimes able to swim normally. If a fish lies on its side on the water's surface without moving at all even after touching it, it may indicate a fatal kidney problem which fancy goldfish are prone to.

Remedy: Discourage the goldfish to swim greedily to the surface to suck down food, by soaking flake food before feeding so that it will sink lower in the water so the goldfish will not intake as much air. Also, the food will be less dry and instead of taking on moisture in the digestive tract and swelling up, causing blockages, the food will be moister and easily digestible. An increase of vegetable content in the goldfish's diet may also help, as well as the addition of aquarium salt to the water.

World's Most Beautiful Frogs

noreply@blogger.com (jeng_llot) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 03:00:00 +0000

Frogs as pet is becoming popular as aquarium fish. Sometimes, these creatures are domesticated because of their small size, fairly attractive looks, and in many cases, because of the undemanding conditions needed to take care of them. Since most frogs do not have the dietary needs of mammals, their food often represents a fraction of the expense needed to nourish dogs or cats.

Argentine Horned Frog (Ceratopphrys ornate)

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The Argentine Horned Frog, a species found in the rainforests of Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil, is a popular pet frog. This frog with wonderfully bright coloration is known in the pet industry as "Pacman Frog" It is usually the hardiest species and is easy to care for. The Argentine Horned frog has simple requirements as a pet. It usually fed mainly on large adult locusts, black and brown crickets and mice.

Malagasy Rainbow Frog (Scaphiophryne gottlebei)

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The Malagasy Rainbow Frog is also known for a variety of common names like Ornate Hopper, Rainbow Burrowing Frog, Red Rain Frog and Gottlebe’s Narrow-mouthed Frog. It is one of the most highly decorated of the Madagascan frogs. It was named in 2008 as “being among the rarest and most remarkable amphibians” on the planet. Thousands are captured every year for the pet trade.

Albino Pacman Frog (Ceratophrys cranwelli)

This variant of Albino Pacman Frog with orange and yellow back is very popular as pet. Its size ranges from 8-13 cm long or3-5 in and can weigh up to 0.5 kg or1 lb. Albino Pacman Frog of Cranwell's Horned Frog is nocturnal and rest with its eyelids open. As a pet they should be kept in a humid environment such as an aquarium with moist substrate (not gravel). They should be fed a mixed diet of crickets, mealworms, small mice, and feeder fish. It should be fed every 2-3 days until the age of 18 months, at which point they should be fed once every 10-14 days.

Magnificent Tree Frog (Litoria splendida)

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Another beautifully colored frog you'll certainly love to have as a pet is the Magnificent Tree Frog or Splendid Tree Frog. It is endemic to Australia and may grow up to 10.4 cm or 4.1 in. With an olive to bright green dorsal surface with a white ventral surface plus undersides of the feet and legs that are bright yellow, it is certainly another beauty of nature to admire.

Green Tree Frog (Litoria caerulea)

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The shiny and bright green colored with white spots Green Tree Frog is one of the most popular pet frogs throughout the world due to its docile nature, cartoon-like appearance, and long life expectancy. Other common names for this frog include Australian Green Tree Frog, White's Tree Frog, or Dumpy Tree Frog. It is endemic to Australia.

Common Reed Frog (Hyperolius viridiflavus)

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Amphibian lovers will certainly love to own this colorful and beautiful frog. The Common Reed Frog has one of the most unique and beautiful color combinations and pattern. It can be found in many countries of Africa. This species is not just pretty but unique as well because it had been observed to change their sex organs from female to male. This likely occurs when the population does not have enough males to allow procreation and is accomplished when a chemical trigger activates the sex gene to disintegrate the female organs and develop the male ones.

American Green Tree Frog (Hyla cinerea)

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Green tree frogs are popular species of pet frogs, one of which is the American Green Tree Frog. It is a common backyard species that can often be seen at porch lights, where they may gather to look for insects to eat. This frog is available in most pet stores and they are relatively easy frogs to take care of. They need a large (at least two-gallon) terrarium and do well with bark, pebbles, or even paper towels on the floor of their terrarium.

Red-eyed Tree Frog (Agalychnis callidryas)

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Puffing big red eyes, orange toes, yellow-green + blue + yellow body color combinations, the Red-eyed Tree Frog, an arboreal species native to Central America, is undoubtedly one of the most beautifully colored frog in the world if not the BEST. The red-eyed tree frog has three eyelids and sticky pads on its toes. Although most colorful frogs are poisonous, the Red-eyed Tree Frog is not. It relies on camouflage to protect itself.

Red Eyed Tree Frog (Litoria chloris)

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This frog is not just a beauty but also medically useful because it was found out that its skin secretions destroy HIV without harming healthy T cells. This adorable frog is also commonly known as the Red-eyed Tree Frog, but unlike the first Red-eyed Tree Frog that is endemic to Central America; this species is native to Australia. The Red-eyed Tree Frog is a uniform bright green above, occasionally with yellow spots, and bright yellow on the underside. The front side of the arms and legs are green, while the underside is yellow or white. The thighs may be blue/purple to blue/black in color in adults. It has golden eyes at the centre, which change to red towards the edge of the eye.

Rana Lemur Naranja (Phyllomedusa tomopterna)

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This pretty creature can be found in the South American countries Peru, Suriname, Venezuela, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana and Guyana. The Rana Lemur Naranja's natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical swamps and intermittent freshwater marshes.

Oriental Fire BMellied Toad (Bombina orientalis)

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The small but colorful Oriental Fire-bellied Toad found in Korea, China and Russia is commonly kept as pets in land and water vivarium. It is notable for its bright green and black coloration on its back and brilliant orange and black on their underside. This frog is toxic. The toxin is secreted through the skin on the belly in a milky-like substance when the frog is disturbed or frightened.

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It is also commonly kept as a pet in the US. It is fed with small crickets and other small insects and grubs.

Golden Dart Frog (Atelopus zeteki)

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Although the Golden Dart Frog or Golden Dart Frog is a species that belongs to the family of frog that is currently considered the most poisonous vertebrate in the world, some people keep it as a pet. In captivity, the frog is fed with Drosophila fruit flies, cochineals and crickets, the larvae of various insects, and other small live invertebrate foods.

Hyla japonica

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The Japanese Tree Frog, a species distributed from Japan, Korean and China, certainly has the edge among other frog species because the journalist Toyohiro Akiyama carried some Japanese Tree Frogs with him during his trip to the Mir Space Station (the world's first consistently inhabited long-term research station in space) in December 1990.
More colorful frogs you may like as pets.

Madagascan Mantella (Mantella madagascariensis)

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As manifested by the Madagascan Mantella, a species native to Madagascar, yellow and black combination is always one of the best color combinations. The natural habitats of Madagascan Mantella are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical moist mountains, and rivers.

Cruziohyla calcarifer

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Cruziohyla calcarifer is certainly unique for having two colors in the eye, both grey and yellow. It is also distinct by lacking the reticulated membrane that covers the eye in the genus Agalychnis. The range of this colorful frog extends through Central America into northern South America.

Heterixalus alboguttatus

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Of all the frogs I have searched, Heterixalus alboguttatus, a species native to Madagascar, it is the only frog that has polka dots coloration. Its natural habits are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical moist shrubland, subtropical or tropical seasonally wet or flooded lowland grassland.

Granular Poison Frog (Oophaga granuliferus)

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Big eyes plus a bright red combined with speckled grey, the Granular Poison Frog, a species found in Costa Rica and Panama is certainly a beauty. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical, moist, lowland forests. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Hope you enjoyed this. Thank you!

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Family pets teach children about friendship, responsibility, loyalty, and empathy.

noreply@blogger.com (jeng_llot) — Mon, 18 May 2009 07:49:00 +0000

For many children, the family pet is their best friend—a companion who not only provides unconditional love, but who also teaches them about friendship, responsibility, loyalty, and empathy.

While most family pets are cats and dogs, other animals can be wonderful additions to your home. Rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, small birds, and fish can make great family pets, for instance, as long as they receive the specialized care they need. Even though these animals are smaller than a cat or dog, they require just as much attention and care.

The key to creating true family pets who are gentle, loyal, and loving to both animals and people—is to treat the animal as a beloved family member and to provide the training and care he deserves. It's not enough to get a pet "for the kids."

A pet is not a temporary playmate for children, but a lifelong family member who depends on the entire family, especially adults.

How old should my child be before we get a pet?

Although many experts recommend a child be at least six years old before a pet is brought into the family, you are the best judge of your child's maturity. At the very least, your child should exhibit self-control and understand (and obey) the word "no." If you think your child is ready for a pet, first introduce her to friends' well-behaved pets so you can observe your child's behavior around them.

Should we get a young pet or an older one?

Adopting a friendly, calm, adult animal who has a known history of getting along with young children may be the best choice for your family. Before making a decision, talk with animal experts such as veterinarians, animal trainers, and animal shelter adoption counselors who can help you select the right animal for your family.

What kind of dog is best with children?

The best dogs for children are those who receive proper socialization, humane training, exercise, and attention; who are given adequate food, water, shelter, and veterinary care; who are sterilized; and who are safely confined.

How should my child interact with family pets?

To protect both your child and your pet, it's critical that an adult supervise all pet-child interactions. It's also important to help your child see the world through your pet's eyes. Ask your child how he would feel if someone poked at his eyes or pulled his ears. Explain that even the most docile pet has limits, and that all animals must be treated with caution and respect. Help your child understand that:

Pets need space and may not always welcome human attention, especially when eating, playing with their toys, or resting.

Pets may become upset by too much petting or stimulation. Teach your child to heed warning signs (such as hissing, lip curling, retreating, and growling) that indicate her animal friend wants to be left alone.

Other people's pets may feel and display discomfort if your child touches or even approaches them. Tell your child to get permission from an adult before touching another pet. Explain how some pets may feel threatened when stared at, cornered, or hugged.

Animals in pain may lash out or bite anyone who tries to touch them. Teach your child to leave an injured pet alone and to immediately notify an adult.

Some dogs get excited and may even become more dangerous when children scream and run. Teach your child appropriate behaviors around dogs.

Dogs contained in yards or cars may try to protect their territory if approached. Teach your child not to tease or get close to them.

How can I help my pet feel safe?

Pets, like children, need time to adjust to new surroundings and circumstances, and need opportunities for "down time." Provide pets with a place of their own where they can retreat from children. Don't put your pets in situations where they feel threatened. For example, dogs left alone in yards can be accidentally or intentionally teased by neighborhood children. What's more, pets live longer, healthier, and safer lives when kept indoors with the family.

How can my child help care for a family pet?

Allowing children to help care for a pet teaches responsibility and instills a feeling of competency and accomplishment. Choose tasks appropriate for the age of your child. Even young children can be involved in some aspect of caring for an animal friend—selecting a new toy or collar, assisting with grooming, or carrying a food can.

How can I teach my child to take good care of pets?

The best way to teach your children how to be responsible pet caregivers is to be one yourself. This should start before you even get a pet—make sure you have realistic expectations about pet ownership. And take steps to select the right animal for your family at the right time.

As soon as you bring a pet into your family, set up and enforce rules regarding proper pet care. For example, tell your children not to pull the animal's tail, ears, or other body parts, and insist that they never tease, hit, or chase the pet. Teach children how to properly pick up, hold, and pet the animal. These simple lessons are essential to helping children become responsible caretakers.

Although certain pet-care activities must be handled by adults, you can still include your children by explaining why and what you're doing. For example, when you take your pet to the veterinarian to be spayed or neutered, explain to your child how the operation not only reduces pet overpopulation but can also make your pet healthier, calmer, and more affectionate.

Also involve your children in pet-training activities, which not only make your pet a more well-mannered family member, but also teach your child humane treatment and effective communication.

Ultimately, your children will learn how to treat animals—and people—by watching how you treat the family pet. They'll study how you feed, pet, and exercise your companion animal. And they'll pay close attention to how you react when a pet scratches the furniture, barks excessively, or soils in the house. Frustrating as these problems are, "getting rid of" the pet isn't just unfair to the pet and your children, but it also sends the wrong message about commitment, trust, and responsibility. When faced with pet problems, get to the root of the problem. Often a veterinarian, animal shelter professional, or dog trainer can help you resolve pet issues so you can keep the whole family together.

Pets bring tremendous acceptance and love. Pets don't care how we look or even how we act; they love us unconditionally. Pets pays little attention to age or physical ability, but accepts people as they are.

Scientific research has shown that interaction with animals can significantly improve peoples' physical and emotional health.

For people who are in difficult life situations, pets can be of special benefit. Pets can offer entertainment, or a welcome distraction from pain and infirmity.

Pets can often reach people when human relationships may be difficult. Pets can help people feel less lonely, and less depressed. People often talk to their pets, and share with them their thoughts and feelings and memories.

Petting encourages use of hands and arms, stretching and turning. Stroking a dog or cat can reduce a person's blood pressure.

Pets can provide a welcome change from routine, or the renewal of old friendships. The pet can make it easier for two strangers to talk. It gives people a common interest and provides a focus for conversation.

People become more active and responsive both during and after interaction with pets.

Simply put, pets make people feel good and they help healing happen.

10 Tips for Adopting the Perfect Family Pet

noreply@blogger.com (jeng_llot) — Mon, 18 May 2009 07:34:00 +0000

Congratulations! You’ve made the decision to add some four-legged love to your family. Adopting a pet should be fun and joyful, so we’ve created a list of handy tips to help you make good choices, and properly prepare your home for its newest member. Bring on the unconditional love, people!

1. Before you adopt a pet, talk to family members about what they want.

Discuss everyone’s likes and dislikes. Large dogs may be too strong or active for young children, for example, while some people may simply prefer cats over canines.

2. If you’re getting a pet for your children, don’t expect the kiddies to do all the work.

No matter how mature your child is, he will need constant supervision and help handling the responsibility of a cat or dog. Ultimately, the parent is responsible for the pet.

3. Make sure your family is ready for the changes a new pet will bring.

A furry friend brings love and adventure, but he also brings new household chores. Some dogs—especially puppies—may need a lot of attention and training, while cats thrive on a daily schedule of feeding, grooming and play.

4. Do a little research to learn which breed matches your family’s lifestyle.

Some breeds are naturally more aggressive or high-strung than others. Breeds such as Labrador and golden retrievers are known to be more even-tempered and well-behaved around children.

5. Confirm whether anyone in your family suffers from allergies.

Even if a family member has allergies, it doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t adopt a pet. Learn how to create an allergen-free environment.

6. Teach your family and kids about pet parenting before you adopt.

Learn about pet care, and explain to your children that walking a dog several times a day or cleaning a cat's litter box is part of the ongoing responsibility of caring for an animal.

7. Know that some animals and young children may not play well together.

Young children may unwittingly mishandle or hurt puppies and kittens, who are particularly vulnerable to being injured. On other hand, baby animals may have needle-sharp nails and teeth that can hurt children.

8. Make sure a pet suits your home and lifestyle.

Family members may have their hearts set on a large, active dog, but that particular pooch may not be the best choice for your circumstances. Or perhaps you like the look of a long-haired cat, but aren’t so keen on daily brushing.

9. Stock up on supplies, food and toys before you bring a pet home.

Make Fido or Fluffy feel welcome with all the comforts of home. The last thing you want is to rush to the store for a litter box and hope that your new cat will patiently wait for your return!

10. Create a schedule to share responsibility for caring for your pet.

A schedule is a great way to get the family involved in your pet's care and ensure that no one forgets to walk the dog or feed the cat. It will also help foster relationships between your new furry friend and everyone in the house.

The Benefits of Living with a Cat

noreply@blogger.com (jeng_llot) — Mon, 18 May 2009 07:23:00 +0000

Your child wants a pet, and you think pet ownership is a good way to teach responsibility. Besides, you're getting tired of the whining and pleading. How much trouble can a little cat be, anyway?

Not much, if you want the cat. But a pet that isn't fully welcomed by the adults in the family can be a world of trouble. A cat isn't a baby, of course, but, like a baby, he depends on his human family for all his needs. A child can't be expected to assume that responsibility alone—it's not fair to the child, and certainly not fair to the cat. Children can learn a great deal from owning a cat, but only if an adult models responsible behavior for the child.

Try to include all family members in the decision to get a cat. Spend time together learning about cats. Read cat books or magazines. Visit a cat show. This is a great opportunity to teach children to be thoughtful and responsible when making decisions that will affect other living beings. And don't forget that children's interests change. The 10-year-old who is crying for a cat now will likely be passionate about something else next year—or next week!—but the cat will still need everything he needed when you brought him home. If you live with other adults, be sure they are comfortable with the idea of a cat in the house before you get one.

You also need to consider your other pets before you commit to getting a cat. If you have a dog, does he like small furry animals, especially cats? Dogs and cats can certainly live in harmony and even become loving friends, but not all dogs or cats appreciate contact with the other species. If you have birds or other small animals in your household, can you keep them safe from the natural predatory inclinations of a cat?

Beyond their households, cats are a frequent source of friction among neighbors. Unfortunately, a minority of cat owners just don't care if their cats annoy other people. But our responsibilities extend beyond our own family and pets to the communities in which we live.

The Cost of Owning a Cat

From free to thousands of dollars, kittens and cats come with all sorts of price tags. A feline face can capture your heart in an instant, and it's all too easy to underestimate the ongoing cost of responsible care. A pet brought home on impulse can prove very expensive!

The purchase or adoption price is a fairly minor part of the cost of a cat over her lifetime. There's no such thing as a free kitten! You will need to commit to spending at least several hundred dollars a year if your cat is to live a full and healthy life. An indoor cat typically requires only routine veterinary care once a year (see Vaccinating Your Cat Against Infectious Diseases), but advanced age, illness, or emergency care can add significant expenses for veterinary care, medications, or special diets (see Physical Changes in Your Aging Cat).

During their first year in a new home, kittens and some adult cats have higher veterinary expenses than they should during sub-sequent years. Kittens need a series of vaccinations to stimulate their immune systems to protect them from disease. So do some adult cats who haven't had proper health care in the past. Spaying or neutering is normally done around 6 months of age, although again, an adult adoptee might need to be altered. All cats need annual veterinary care as well.

Normal annual veterinary care includes a general physical examination, shots and boosters as necessary, and tests for intestinal worms, heartworm, and infectious diseases prevalent to where you live. Consistent preventive care will save you money in the long run—it's cheaper to prevent disease than to treat it.

Of course, health care isn't the only expense associated with cat ownership. Other routine costs include food and treats; litter, litter boxes, and scoops; toys; beds; climbing trees and scratching posts; and a crate for safe travel.

A Lifetime of Love and Responsibility

The cat you bring home will likely share your life for a decade or longer. As I write this, we live with Mary, our 17-year-old kitty. If you have never had a cat or if it's been a long time since you have lived with a cat, before you bring one home, please take some time to be sure you're ready for the reality of living with a cat for many years.

Cat lovers are always delighted to talk about their feline companions, so talk to people with cats. More important, listen to people with cats, especially those with the kinds of cat you think you might want. Include serious breeders, pet owners, veterinarians, and groomers in your search. The Internet offers thousands of cat-oriented websites, discussion lists, and bulletin boards. Some are devoted to cats in general, some to individual breeds, and some to health and behavior. Ask questions, and pay attention. You need to know if the breed you think is oh-so-gorgeous is talkative, a curtain climber extraordinaire, or shy around strangers. Fortunately, there is a wide variety of traits among the 40-some breeds of purebred and nonpurebred cats. This book will get you started, but there's much more information available than I can cover here.

Your public library and local book stores should have lots of books on cats, and several excellent magazines are devoted to cats. Some breed organizations publish specialized periodicals, and many maintain websites and will send you written information on request. As with any subject, some sources are more trustworthy than others, and opinions may vary even among reliable sources. Your best protection is to be an informed consumer.

Does this all seem like a lot of fuss for a small furry animal? It's not! A cat is a living being with a mind of his own. He'll be around for many years, and you can't put him away on a shelf when you're tired of him. The time and money you invest in learning about cats before you bring one home will pay off in less frustration and heartache later. You might even decide not to get a cat right now, or not to get the kind you thought you wanted. That's fine! It's better to know that before rather than after you bring home a cat.

If you're ready, willing, and able to provide for your cat's material and social needs, then forge on. There's nothing quite like the squint-eyed gaze of contentment and the rumbling purr you'll get from a cat who loves you.

Selecting the Right Pet for Your Family

noreply@blogger.com (jeng_llot) — Mon, 18 May 2009 07:12:00 +0000

For many kids, the family pet is their best friend—a companion who not only provides unconditional love, but who also teaches them about friendship, responsibility, loyalty, and empathy.

While most family pets are cats and dogs, other animals can be wonderful additions to your home. Rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, small birds, and some fish can make great family pets, for instance, as long as they receive the specialized care they need. Even though these animals are smaller than a cat or dog, they require just as much attention and care.

The key to creating a true "family pet"—one who is gentle, loyal, and loving to both animals and people—is to treat the animal as a beloved family member and to provide the training and care he deserves. It's not enough to get a pet "for the kids." A pet is not a temporary playmate for children, but a lifelong family member who depends on the entire family, especially adults.

1. How old should my child be before we get a pet?

2. Should we get a young animal or an older one?

Many families with young children choose a kitten or puppy, believing these pets are safer, easier to train, and more adaptable than older, larger pets. But this isn't always true. Because puppies and kittens are fragile, require extra time and care, and are prone to play-related scratching and biting, they may not be appropriate for a household with young children. Adopting a friendly, calm, adult animal who has a known history of getting along with young children may be the best choice for your family. Before making a decision, talk with animal experts such as veterinarians, animal trainers, and animal shelter adoption counselors who can help you select the right animal for your family.

3. What kind of dog is best with kids?

As a parent, you want your child to be safe around your dog. You want to know which breeds are good with children and which aren't. The truth is, all dogs have the potential to bite, and a dog's breed is only one of many factors that affect temperament and behavior. The best dogs for kids are those who receive proper socialization, humane training, exercise, and attention; who are given adequate food, water, shelter, and veterinary care; who are sterilized; and who are safely confined.

4. What animals shouldn't be pets?

Cats and dogs have been domesticated over thousands of years, selected for attributes that make them suited to live in our homes. This isn't the case for wild animals such as reptiles and amphibians who fare best in their natural habitats without our interference and shouldn't be pets. Most parrots are also unsuitable as pets, as they, too, haven't lived in domestication like dogs and cats. Only a few breeds make good companions


© iStock.com

5. How should my child interact with pets?

Pets need space and may not always welcome human attention, especially when eating, playing with their toys, or resting.
Pets may become upset by too much petting or stimulation. Teach your child to heed warning signs (such as hissing, lip curling, retreating, and growling) that indicate her animal friend wants to be left alone.
Other people's pets may feel and display discomfort if your child touches or even approaches them. Tell your child to get permission from an adult before touching another pet. Explain how some pets may feel threatened when stared at, cornered, or hugged.
Animals in pain may lash out or bite anyone who tries to touch them. Teach your child to leave an injured pet alone and to immediately notify an adult.
Some dogs get excited and may even become more dangerous when children scream and run. Teach your child appropriate behaviors around dogs.
Dogs contained in yards or cars may try to protect their territory if approached. Teach your child not to tease or get close to them.

6. How can I help my pet feel safe?


	© iStock.com

7. How can my kid help care for a pet?

8. How can I teach my kids to take good care of pets?

As soon as you bring a pet into your family, set up and enforce rules regarding proper pet care. For example, tell your children not to pull the animal's tail, ears, or other body parts, and insist that they never tease, hit, or chase the pet. Teach children how to properly pick up, hold, and pet the animal. Make sure your children practice good hygiene and wash their hands immediately after handling your pet. These simple lessons are essential to helping kids become responsible caretakers.

Also involve your children in pet-training activities, which not only make your pet a more well-mannered family member, but also teach your child humane treatment and effective communication.