Frogs As Pets
How do you know if you should get a frog for a pet? What kinds of things should you consider?
If you're shopping around for the perfect pet frog then you may have a greater task at hand than you first expected. There is a diverse market of tamed frogs for sale today, so be sure to consider these things before you pick out your next amphibian buddy.
What kinds of frogs make good pets?
Frogs have become popular pets because of their exotic looks and intriguing habits. If you wish to own an active frog that will entertain you or your children, then a good choice would be an aquatic frog or a tree frog. These frogs require minimal care and will be an active addition to your amphibian family. The African Dwarf Frog and the Oriental Firebellied Toad are two active frogs that are great for beginners. As long as you maintain their aquarium and provide these frogs with crickets to eat, they make excellent pets. Another good beginner frog is the White's Tree Frog. This frog likes to perform for its owner and loves to be held. However, the White's Tree Frog is inclined to get very fat and can thus become a less active pet. Also, this frog prefers a more humid environment so you must be sure to mist its tank a couple times every day.
Which frogs should average pet owners avoid?
Unless you are an expert frog owner, leave the poison frogs off of your want list. Though domesticated poisonous frogs no longer retain their toxic elements, they are extremely difficult to care for and require expert care from their owners. Expensive frogs are generally rare and exotic animals, and have very delicate lifestyles that must be maintained by experts. Very small infant frogs should be avoided on account of the care they require and their tendency to grow into drastically different adult
frogs.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Monday, January 5, 2009
To Care For Rabbits: Droppings
How To Care For Rabbits: Droppings
Why do rabbits have different colored poop at night? Should they be eating it? Should I keep them from eating their night droppings?
Though the habit sounds disgusting, it's perfectly normal for rabbits to eat part of their own waste. Rabbits produce these "cecotropes" or "night droppings," as well as most other mammals. However, unlike most mammals, rabbits rely on the process of eating their cecotropes after they've passed them through their bodies.
Exactly what are "cecotropes"
Cecotropes are a substance that leaves a rabbit's body, but still has important nutritional value. Naturally, they are entirely different from the small pellet droppings that rabbits produce. Those droppings are actual waste. Even though they exit from the same end of the rabbit, the difference between ordinary droppings and cecotropes is vital to a rabbit's health. Within its intestines, a rabbit produces cecum. Cecum is an indigestible part of the animal's diet. Though it passes through the rabbit's body, it is not waste. Cecum helps rabbits produce vitamins, minerals, fatty and amino acids and the rabbit needs to eat the cecotropes to get these important nutrients.
Do cecotropes look different from ordinary rabbit droppings?
Yes. Cecotropes are a greenish color and are much softer. Rabbits often lick cecotropes straight from the anal area, so don't be alarmed by this behavior.
Do cecotropes mean that my rabbit is sick?
No, this process actually helps keep rabbits healthy. In fact, if your rabbit is unable to eat its cecotropes this could be an indicator of illness. Sometimes the cecotropes exit the rabbit's body at the same time as other wastes, or sometimes they are too runny for the rabbit to eat again. In each case, the rabbit could have a disease or nutritional problem, and should be checked out.
Why do rabbits have different colored poop at night? Should they be eating it? Should I keep them from eating their night droppings?
Though the habit sounds disgusting, it's perfectly normal for rabbits to eat part of their own waste. Rabbits produce these "cecotropes" or "night droppings," as well as most other mammals. However, unlike most mammals, rabbits rely on the process of eating their cecotropes after they've passed them through their bodies.
Exactly what are "cecotropes"
Cecotropes are a substance that leaves a rabbit's body, but still has important nutritional value. Naturally, they are entirely different from the small pellet droppings that rabbits produce. Those droppings are actual waste. Even though they exit from the same end of the rabbit, the difference between ordinary droppings and cecotropes is vital to a rabbit's health. Within its intestines, a rabbit produces cecum. Cecum is an indigestible part of the animal's diet. Though it passes through the rabbit's body, it is not waste. Cecum helps rabbits produce vitamins, minerals, fatty and amino acids and the rabbit needs to eat the cecotropes to get these important nutrients.
Do cecotropes look different from ordinary rabbit droppings?
Yes. Cecotropes are a greenish color and are much softer. Rabbits often lick cecotropes straight from the anal area, so don't be alarmed by this behavior.
Do cecotropes mean that my rabbit is sick?
No, this process actually helps keep rabbits healthy. In fact, if your rabbit is unable to eat its cecotropes this could be an indicator of illness. Sometimes the cecotropes exit the rabbit's body at the same time as other wastes, or sometimes they are too runny for the rabbit to eat again. In each case, the rabbit could have a disease or nutritional problem, and should be checked out.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Rabbits And Children Get Along
Do Rabbits And Children Get Along?
Do rabbits and children get along? What do you need to teach your children about rabbits before you buy one? How do you improve the relationship between your rabbits and your children?
If you have children you always want to research any pet you plan you buy. You want to make sure that this animal will pose no threat to your children.
Usually, rabbits are one of the best and safest pets for children, but you can never be too careful. Here are some things to consider before buying a bunny for your child.
Are rabbits good pets for children?
This mainly, as with any animal, depends on the child. Some children can play and be gentle with animals while other children are prone to be a bit more high strung cause the rabbit stress. Children love to pet rabbits because they are soft and furry. However, sometimes the rabbit may not want to be picked up and the child must realize when it is time to leave the rabbit to itself. If a child continues to pick the rabbit up it will squirm and scratch and possibly bite. This is where you come in to demonstrate and teach your child the appropriate way to handle and enjoy the rabbit. With a little discipline and respect, nearly any child can have a successful relationship with a pet bunny.
How old should a child be to have a rabbit?
This is definitely something to consider. A child under seven is a huge responsibility as it is, do you want to add another responsibility to your life. A child should be somewhat responsible and respectful to have a pet. If you already have a cat or dog, think about how your child treats those other animals. If your child plays just fine with those animals then it shouldn't have any problems with a rabbit. Again, it is based mostly on the individual child. You have to make the decision, remember, though, you are responsible for whatever happens.
Do rabbits and children get along? What do you need to teach your children about rabbits before you buy one? How do you improve the relationship between your rabbits and your children?
If you have children you always want to research any pet you plan you buy. You want to make sure that this animal will pose no threat to your children.
Usually, rabbits are one of the best and safest pets for children, but you can never be too careful. Here are some things to consider before buying a bunny for your child.
Are rabbits good pets for children?
This mainly, as with any animal, depends on the child. Some children can play and be gentle with animals while other children are prone to be a bit more high strung cause the rabbit stress. Children love to pet rabbits because they are soft and furry. However, sometimes the rabbit may not want to be picked up and the child must realize when it is time to leave the rabbit to itself. If a child continues to pick the rabbit up it will squirm and scratch and possibly bite. This is where you come in to demonstrate and teach your child the appropriate way to handle and enjoy the rabbit. With a little discipline and respect, nearly any child can have a successful relationship with a pet bunny.
How old should a child be to have a rabbit?
This is definitely something to consider. A child under seven is a huge responsibility as it is, do you want to add another responsibility to your life. A child should be somewhat responsible and respectful to have a pet. If you already have a cat or dog, think about how your child treats those other animals. If your child plays just fine with those animals then it shouldn't have any problems with a rabbit. Again, it is based mostly on the individual child. You have to make the decision, remember, though, you are responsible for whatever happens.
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