A Peaceful Farewell
  • Home
  • The Decision
  • What to Expect
  • Services & Fees
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Additional Services
  • Pet Loss Support
  • Pet Memorials
  • Testimonials
  • The PAW Blog
  • FAQ
  • Home
  • The Decision
  • What to Expect
  • Services & Fees
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Additional Services
  • Pet Loss Support
  • Pet Memorials
  • Testimonials
  • The PAW Blog
  • FAQ

Small Pets That Could Be Right for You (#pets #pocket_pets #exotic_pets)

5/2/2014

0 Comments

 
Want to enjoy the benefits of pet ownership without the commitment of owning a dog or cat? One of these seven small pets might be your best bet.

Pets can be great sources of companionship and comfort, and the health benefits of keeping a pet are well documented. Pet owners often experience increased self-esteem and reduced feelings of loneliness, and they may even gain physical health benefits such as lowered heart rate and blood pressure.

But maybe you aren't up to the challenge and responsibility involved in owning a dog or cat. If that’s the case, don’t overlook the benefits of small pets! From pet birds and rabbits to ferrets and pet rodents, these guidelines can help you choose the best small pet based on personality and the level of care needed to safeguard its pet health.

Is a Rabbit Right for You?

Pros:
  • Rabbits are social and friendly animals, and adapt very well to human companionship.
  • They have one of the longer life spans of small pets, living between 7 to 10 years.
  • Their floppy ears, soft fur, and wriggly noses make them popular with kids.


Cons:

  • Companionship rabbits should be kept in the home, rather than in an outside coop or in a basement or garage. You will need room for a fairly large cage.
  • Rabbits need daily handling and care to become socialized. You need to pet your rabbit regularly and let it out of its cage for at least an hour each day.
  • Rabbits have a delicate digestive system and need a varied diet that includes fresh vegetables.
  • Rabbits and small children do not go well together. Rabbits are skittish animals that need a quiet environment, and the quick movements of excited children could startle and stress them.
Let a Bird Brighten Your Life

Pros:
  • Pet birds are colorful additions to any home, and you may find their tweeting and chirping to be charming.
  • Pet birds can be kept in a cage in one area of your home, eliminating the potential for mess elsewhere.
  • Many types of birds have been selectively bred for human ownership and adapt well to domestic life. These include finches, cockatiels, canaries, parakeets, and lovebirds.

Cons:

  • Many wild birds, such as toucans and parrots, belong in the wild and will not enjoy domestic life. They can be loud and destructive.
  • Most birds are flock animals, so when purchasing certain species you really should get two in order for them to lead a happy life.
  • A bird’s cage should be big enough for it to spread its wings fully and fly from one side to the other. Keep in mind that the cage will need to be cleaned regularly.
Keep a Hamster’s Schedule in Mind

Pros:
  • Hamsters are a cuddly, friendly, and inquisitive type of pet rodent.
  • Hamsters are relatively independent and self-entertaining and therefore don’t require the amount of attention that other small pets do. However, you will need to provide them with a variety of toys to enjoy.
  • Hamsters are solitary creatures, so you only need to buy one.

Cons:

  • Hamsters are nocturnal and won’t be awake for much of the time you are. They may also make some noise rattling around at night while you sleep.
  • Hamsters must be handled gently or they could bite. Children under 8 might not possess the motor skills needed to handle a hamster correctly.
  • Hamsters carry diseases like salmonella, so you should be sure to wash your hands after handling them.
  • Hamsters only live 2.5 to 3 years, so be prepared to explain death if you purchase one as a pet for a young child.




Have Fun With Ferrets


Pros:
  • Ferrets are engaging pets with a playful attitude and boundless energy.
  • Ferrets enjoy a long life span, about 8 to 10 years.
  • Ferrets can grow very cuddly as they get older, usually at 3 years of age or later.


Cons:

  • You will need to “ferret-proof’ your home and supervise them when they are out of their cage, as their inquisitive nature can get them into trouble.
  • You should not keep a ferret in a cage for long periods of time. They need to be out spending time with you when you are home.
  • Ferrets can be pretty smelly, as their fur contains a natural musky odor.
  • Ferrets require gentle handling and can bite if threatened or harmed.
Take a Gander at Guinea Pigs

Pros:
  • Guinea pigs are considered the sweetest and most social of the pet rodents.
  • Guinea pigs live 5 to 7 years, longer than hamsters.
  • Guinea pigs can be kept in an open-topped pen rather than a cage, as there’s less chance they will try to climb out and escape.

Cons:

  • Guinea pigs have long hair that will require grooming.
  • They are herd animals — you should get at least two guinea pigs so they will have companionship.
  • You will need to clean your guinea pig’s pen regularly.
  • Like hamsters, guinea pigs carry salmonella and other diseases.
Choose a Chinchilla

Pros:
  • Chinchillas are adorable pet rodents with soft fur, large ears, and bushy tails.
  • Chinchillas live between 5 to 10 years.
  • Chinchillas tend to be solitary and do not need a companion.
  • They are usually clean and odorless, and friendly to humans.

Cons:

  • Chinchillas can be easily startled and should be handled carefully. Also, patches of fur can come loose and slip off with rough handling.
  • Chinchillas require dust baths once or twice weekly to maintain pet health. The dust — usually powdered volcanic ash — must be provided deep enough so your chinchilla can roll around in it.
  • Chinchillas can be large and hard to handle.
Get Acquainted With Gerbils

Pros:
  • Gerbils tend to be very clean pet rodents.
  • Gerbils are independent and can keep themselves entertained for extended periods.
  • Unlike hamsters, gerbils are not nocturnal. They will be up when you’re up.



Cons:

  • Gerbils are smaller and can slip out of wire cages. You’ll need to purchase an aquarium in which to keep them.
  • As with other pet rodents, gerbils must be treated gently or they can bite.
  • You will need to clean your gerbil’s aquarium regularly. As desert animals, they tend to pass highly concentrated urine that can have a strong odor.
  • Gerbils live for 3 to 4 years, so you may have to explain death if you have a young child.


There are plenty of pet alternatives to choose from, especially if you are more comfortable welcoming a small pet into your home.

0 Comments
    The PAW Blog...
    For the LOVE of Pets
    The goal of this blog is to help educate pet owners by sharing pet health facts and pet news articles...and ... sometimes put a smile on your face with a cute or funny pet story! 

    Categories

    All
    Animal World Records
    Behavior
    Cat FAQ
    Cat Health
    Celebrity Pets
    Cute Pet Pics
    Cute Pet Stories
    Dog Health
    Dogs FAQ
    Dogs - FAQ
    Farm Animals
    Featured Breeds
    Fish And Exotic Pets
    Funny Pet Pictures
    Funny Pet Stuff
    Gift Ideas
    Health Alerts
    Holistic Pet Care
    Lost And Found AZ Pets
    Nutrition
    People & Pets
    Pet Adoption
    Pet Books
    Pet Facts
    Pet Gadgets & Supplies
    Pet Loss
    Pet Names
    Pet News
    Pet Nutrition
    Pet Of The Week
    Pet Poisons FAQ
    Pet Polls
    Pet Recipes
    Pet Rescue
    Pets With Cancer
    Pet Technology
    Pet Training
    Pet Travel
    Pet Trivia
    Pet Videos
    Pocket Pets
    Poisonous Plants
    Quick Tips
    Rainbow Bridge
    Recalls
    Research News
    Upcoming Local Pet Events
    Veterinary FAQ
    Weird Pet Stuff
    Wildlife

    Archives

    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    September 2019
    August 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    August 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    February 2018
    September 2017
    July 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014

    Search for any topic...

    RSS Feed

Providing compassionate in-home pet euthanasia to fellow pet owners in Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Scottsdale, and most of the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area
(480) 760-5896
email: [email protected]
Picture


Proud Member of the American Veterinary Medical Association

Picture


Proud Member of the AZ Pet Professionals