Guinea Pigs - Piggy but Cute!!!

Guinea pigs are adorable! They are sturdy little animals…perfect first pets! Guinea pigs, in fact, are NOT pigs….they are rodents! They are native to the Andes Mountains of South America…mainly in Peru. They are called pigs because of the “pig like” noises that they make. I had a guinea pig when I was a child and I can still remember the loud squeaking noises it would make when I would enter the room. Of course, he was squeaking for food!

Guinea pigs require a hutch (similar to a rabbit) to live in. You can make your own hutch…if you happen to be handy….or you can buy one at a pet supply store. Guinea pigs need fresh food and water on a daily basis so you will also need to purchase a food dish and a water bottle. They eat guinea pig pellets (also sold at pet stores) along with fresh, raw vegetable peelings and leafy greens. Trust me when I say that guinea pigs LOVE to eat! They will eat just about anything you put in front of them and squeal for more as soon as they are done. I still remember some of my pig’s favorite foods: apples, cabbage, spinach, carrots with peanut butter, and corn. Yes, he was truly a pig…adorable, but piggy.

The guinea pig needs to be fed and watered every day. Twice a week, you should clean your pig’s hutch and replace the old, soiled newspaper. I must warn you…if you do not clean your pig’s house on a regular basis, the smell will knock you over! Yuck…it is NOT pretty!

If you are looking for a pet that you will be able to train and play fetch with….obviously, the guinea pig is not the pet for you. However, once your pig has bonded and become familiar with you…he will squeal in delight when he sees you and will enjoy being handled. If cared for correctly, guinea pigs can live approximately five to seven years.

Guinea pigs are generally healthy, however, they are prone to vitamin deficiency. If you notice your pig’s hair thinning…it might be time to add some vitamin drops to his water. Guinea pig vitamin drops can be purchased at your local pet store. Just be sure to read and understand the directions before putting the drops in your pig’s water bottle.

Overall, I’d say that the guinea pig is a wonderful pet for a child….especially if the child is between the ages of 7 and 10. Young children should be supervised when handling a guinea pig as they tend to squeeze and drop small animals. Guinea pigs are sturdy, fun animals that will teach your child responsibility and what it means to care for another living creature. They are also the ideal pet because they are inexpensive to purchase and their up-keep won’t empty your bank account. Three squeaks for the guinea pig….SQUEAK, SQUEAK, SQUEAK!

The Land Tortoise

Now here is a small pet that boys will be especially interested in….the land tortoise! Ok, I’ll admit, land tortoise is just a fancy way of saying, turtle…but in my opinion, I sound more intelligent when I say land tortoise…ha! Turtles that live on land are usually called tortoises, but otherwise they are hardly different from water turtles. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you buy your tortoise from a reputable breeder or pet store as they can carry salmonella. Salmonella is very serious and can cause both children and adults to become very ill. So, again, I must reiterate…buy a tortoise from a reputable breeder or store!

Before you buy a tortoise make sure you are ready for a long commitment! Tortoises that are properly cared for can live approximately 15 to 25 years! Sadly, many do not receive proper care; therefore, they die way before their time is up.

Land tortoises vary in size depending on the species. Some grow to be as big as a dinner plate…even larger. It is very important that you know and understand the exact needs of the tortoise that you are interested in buying as your hard-shelled friend will need adequate room as he grows up. In other words…don’t buy a tortoise that will eventually need an actual room or outdoor pen in order to live if you cannot accommodate it. That would be bad…for you…and the tortoise!

Tortoises can have many special requirements (depending on the species). You should learn as much as possible about the tortoise you are purchasing BEFORE you bring it home. Some need very dry environments while others need a lot of humidity. Many tortoises (though called LAND tortoises) need water for soaking. After all, who doesn’t enjoy a good soak now and again?! There are also special lighting and dietary needs to consider. Many experts consider tortoises incredibly difficult to keep healthy and happy in captivity…so I hope you are up for the challenge! If you are not…please do not get a tortoise…don’t even think about it!

Tortoises have special dietary needs however most eat dark, leafy greens, ripe fruits, insects, special tortoise pellets, and calcium supplements. It is important that you clean old food out of their cage at the end of each day and provide fresh food and water daily. Believe it or not, your tortoise will also need exercise…the more the better! Tortoises should be taken out of their habitats at least once a week so they can take a little stroll. They also enjoy fresh air and sunshine…so the more you can take them outside (weather permitting) the better! Land tortoises eventually become very accustomed to their owners and may eventually even beg for food. They don’t, however, like to be handled. So hands off the tortoise!

If you are willing to do your homework, educate yourself and put in the time it will take to care for a special pet such as the land tortoise…then I say go for it! Land tortoises are wonderful and interesting pets.

Rabbits - Can you say CUTE?!

I must start out this post by saying… I LOVE rabbits! Rabbits are adorable, fun and make excellent pets. They are quiet, clean and if handled correctly and often, very affectionate! Rabbits are great pets for older children that know how to handle animals (especially small ones). Rabbits tend to frighten easily and can scratch when struggling (ouch), so young children should be supervised. Younger children also tend to squeeze and drop small animals…not good if you happen to be a scared rabbit!

Rabbits do not live in cages…they live in what is called a hutch. Hutches can be purchased or, if you are a handyman, homemade. The bottom of the hutch is usually constructed of heavy duty wire so that the rabbit’s droppings can fall through onto newspaper. Your rabbit can live in an outdoor hutch as long as you live in an area that does not get too cold and his hutch is secure from predators.

Rabbits eat a diet of rabbit pellets (which you can purchase at a local pet supply store), timothy hay (which can be purchased from feed stores and some specialty pet stores), and vegetables… such as lettuce. They also require a water bottle in their cage. The water bottle should be filled daily with fresh water so that your little bunny doesn’t get parched!

Rabbits are smarter than you might think. Some pet rabbits, that are handled constantly and have formed bonds with their owners, can actually be potty-trained! They love to have free-roam play time so it is important that you schedule time for your rabbit every day so that he gets his exercise! Rabbits live approximately six to ten years…which is longer than other small pets such as gerbils and hamsters.

There are many different types of rabbits to choose from….some of which require more care than others. Fluffy Angoras require a lot of maintenance and must be groomed on a regular basis. The French Lop-Eared rabbit is a huge, plump bunny with wide ears that flop down to the side. These rabbits are too cute for words; however they are very expensive and too large for most people to accommodate.

Rabbits are relatively healthy animals and do not get sick often. Rabbits that are allowed outdoors can get fleas and ear-mites which you can easily treat with flea powder (consult with a vet before applying anything to your rabbit!). A common sign that your bunny is under the weather is fewer droppings in his cage. Yep, less poop means your rabbit is probably not feeling up to par. Another tell-tale sign of illness is if your bunny stops eating or eats considerably less than usual. If you think your little hopper is ill…do not medicate him with over the counter drugs. The best thing to do is take him to the vet. It is important to note that rabbits are generally healthy animals and rarely become ill.

If you are looking for a small pet (but not TOO SMALL!) then the rabbit may be right up your alley. Rabbits are adorable, fun and will…well, keep you hopping!

Rats - Friendly, Smart & Fun!

Many people wouldn’t even consider getting a pet rat. They get the creepy-crawlies just thinking about it. Personally, I think rats have gotten a raw deal. Don’t get me wrong, wild rats that you find around dumpsters carry disease and can bite like monsters…but domesticated rats can be great pets! Rats are actually very smart animals and are much friendlier than hamsters, gerbils or mice. Not all pet stores carry rats, however, they are much more common than they used to be and are excellent small pets.

Rats are brave, curious and friendly. Females tend to be more alert and less lazy than males (isn’t THAT interesting!). Females are also better off in the looks department. Ok, I just threw that in there….but I’m sure it’s true. Rats enjoy interacting with their owners and even enjoy a bath now and again. They are extremely curious and love to check out new things. Adding a paper towel tube or an empty can (without the sharp edges) to your rat’s cage will keep it entertained for hours! Rats need daily interaction with their human. If you do not have a lot of extra time, then two rats is better than one (they will keep each other company and entertained).

Most cages that are sold in local pet stores are too small to house pet rats. A 10-gallon tank is the ideal home for your rodent friend. Rats are simple animals and only need the basics (food dish, water bottle, small bones to chew on, and some nesting material). Be sure that the tank you choose to house your rat has a secure lid. Trust me, if your rat can find a way to escape…he will (like I said, they are smart!). Rats enjoy free time to wander and explore. It is important to take your rat out of its cage occasionally so that it can check out new and exciting things. Be sure to keep an eye on your rat while it is wandering around your room as you wouldn’t want him to get lost! If there is a hole to climb into…trust me, your rat will find it!

Rats eat “rat chow” or gerbil pellets…both of which are sold at your local pet supply store. They also love raw vegetable, meat and of course, cheese! It is probably no surprise to learn that you will not be able to teach your rat tricks such as sit or speak but you can teach him to eat from your hand. Rats also enjoy being carried around outside of their cages….they are perfect pocket pets! Once your rat becomes familiar with you and is comfortable, he will run to greet you (hoping for a ride outside of his cage!). Rats do not live very long…only two to four years….but, in my opinion, they are the most interesting of the rodent family.

The Energetic Gerbil!

Gerbils, like hamsters, are small rodents that are active at night. Personally, I think the plump, furry hamster is a tad bit cuter than the gerbil, but hey, who am I to judge!? Gerbils are inexpensive, easy to care for small pets that can be purchased at most pet stores.

Like the hamster, gerbils require a cage with a tight lid (trust me, if there is a way to escape, the active, clever, gerbil will find it!). Gerbils are one of the easiest rodents to keep as a pet. They are desert animals that have the ability to use almost every drop of water they take into their bodies. What this means for you is less waste…which in turn means less smell! Less smell is a good thing! If you supply your gerbil with enough bedding (at least 1 ½ inches) then you should only have to clean their cage one time per month. A glass tank is an ideal container to house your gerbil. The glass walls will keep bedding from flying out (gerbils are diggers) and they won’t be able to climb up the slippery sides.

Like hamsters, gerbils enjoy running on an exercise wheel. Just remember…gerbils have long tails so you should get a wheel that is solid (not open bars) so that their tail does not get caught. Ouch! Gerbils are active animals but not nervous (like mice!). They are not as grouchy as hamsters…so no need to worry about biting…unless of course you provoke your little friend.

Gerbils eat inexpensive commercial gerbil food (pellets) that can be found at local pet supply stores. They also love to eat raw oatmeal, peanut butter, dry breakfast cereal and of course, raw, fresh vegetables such as leafy greens, carrots, apples and even broccoli. Gerbils live approximately two to three years…some a little longer if well cared for. As with the hamster, you will not be able to teach your gerbil any cool tricks such as fetch or speak, however they will become calm with handling and will eat eventually eat from your hand.

If you are interested in a small pet that is energetic and friendly, then the gerbil just may be the perfect pet for you.

Hamsters - Small, Cute and Fuzzy!

Hamsters are great pets for children. I had several hamsters when I was child and can still remember their names (Fang and Teddy!). Hamsters are cute, cuddly little critters that don’t require a lot of care nor will they empty your wallet as they are relatively inexpensive to keep. Don’t get me wrong, you can spend a lot of money if you choose to go all out and purchase a top of the line hamster house or a lot of hamster toys and accessories! However, over all, the cost to keep and care for a hamster is minimal.

Hamsters love to eat fresh, raw vegetables; however, their main diet should consist of store bought hamster pellets. Most pet supply stores (or even places like Walmart) sell hamster food. Hamsters also love to chew! It is probably their favorite past-time…well, that and running on a wheel to no-where! Hamster chew sticks are also available at pet supply stores but twigs and bones are also good chewing options.

Hamsters prefer to live alone; however, two females from the SAME LITTER may be compatible house mates. It is important to keep your hamster’s home clean! An unclean hamster cage will (trust me on this) produce a very bad smell! Not to mention your hamster will not be very happy living in a dirty cage. You don’t want an unhappy hamster….do you?! There is good news on the smelly side of things, hamsters smell LESS than mice so if you are considering a small rodent as a pet, the hamster may be the perfect choice.

Unfortunately, hamsters cannot be trained to sit or fetch (now that would be something to see!) however, they will become calm and friendly once they are comfortable and familiar with their owner. However, I feel that it is my hamster duty to warn you that these furry little critters can be grumpy and will nip or bite when frightened or nervous. They also do NOT like to be woken from a sound sleep. Don’t say you weren’t warned…I didn’t name my hamster, FANG, for nothing!

Hamsters love to dig and crawl so it is important to keep your hamster’s home filled with fresh, clean shavings. Also, put some old rags into their cage as they will rip these up and use them to build a nest. Toilet paper and paper towel tubes are perfect toys for your hamster and cost nothing!

So there you have it, some basic hamster facts that may help you decide if the hamster is the right small pet for you. No matter what little critter you choose, keep in mind that all animals need the proper care and attention in order to be happy and healthy.

Small Pets are Best!

Most children I know LOVE animals! However, most kids are not ready for the responsibility that comes with owning a large pet such as a dog or cat. Getting a pet for your child is a great way to teach responsibility and compassion. Enter the SMALL pet! Small pets are a great place to start. Whether you decide on a hamster, gerbil, guinea pig, or even a turtle…they can all teach your child responsibility and the joy of pet ownership!