Unusual Cuddly Pets

Hello all. My first contribution to this blog might seem to be an unusual one. Most people do not consider of reptiles when they think of cute and cuddly pets. Rest assured, however, that reptiles do have representatives that can appeal to the affections of the human heart and a very select few might be fall into the category of cuddly.

Blue-tongued Skink

Skinks are the first reptiles I will be discussing here. They are a family of lizards (Scincidae) that include the eastern blue tongue skink (Tiliqua scincoides scincoides), the prehensile tailed skink (Corucia zebrata) and the shingleback skink (Tiliqua rugosa). All three are pretty well known among reptile lovers for behaviors that defy reptilian stereotypes of being loners.

The shingleback skink, aka the pinecone lizard, aka the bobtail, aka the two headed skink is well known for two reasons; the first being that it is one of those animals with well over a dozen common names and the second being that it has a very complex social life that includes monogamy and parental care. There is one well known, oft repeated story involving a female shingleback that got caught under a barbed wire fence and expired and the male loyally was found by her side even after her death. Whether or not this story is true does not change the fact that pair bonding has been well recorded in this species. Unfortunately there are very few in captivity as Australia has understandably put tight restrictions on wildlife that can be exported, even for scientific study. Any individuals that are found are almost certainly captive bred.

The eastern blue tongue skink is another Australian species but unlike its close relative, it is at least somewhat available as a pet in Europe and the United States. Blue tongue skinks are known for their big personality and intelligence. It has been stated that they have the ability to recognize their keepers and will actually seek affection from them.

The prehensile tailed skink, a large bodied lizard from the Solomon Islands, is actually known to enjoy handling to an extent and will gladly climb the arm of its keeper. It should be noted, however, that while it has an even temperament it also has a strong grip as well as a very powerful bite if provoked so it is advisable to wear gloves when holding it, at least until it you become familiar with the individual.

Well, that concludes the first part of my unusually cuddly pets series. Part two will be arriving shortly!

Unusual Cuddly Pets

Benefits of Animal Companionship

It is delightful to be a Chinparent! Bijou is adorable, friendly, loving, cute, and smells like chocolate. The companionship animals bring to the table is quite valuable and beneficial. Studies show having an animal companion can increase your lifespan. Most animals that live in captivity have significantly longer lifespans when cared for by humans. Chinchillas are well known to live 8-10 years in the wild, but can live 10-20 years as a companion. Many animals have happy, healthy lives with people.

Bijou the Chinchilla

From time to time it may be challenging or frustrating to keep an animal. My advice (that I constantly remind myself of) is to be patient. Most of the time she doesn’t know any better. Bijou does a lot of little things that annoy me sometimes, like hop out of her habitat or launch herself off of an elevated surface (IE me) at an inappropriate time, or persistently attack baseboards or something else she shouldn’t go after. When I get fed up with something Bijou does I take a deep breath and think “she’s a baby,” and if that doesn’t work, “she’s just a rat.” It is imperative to remember that despite thousands of “domestication” cats still do whatever the heck they want. Any companion is still essentially a wild animal on some basic, instinctual level, and therefore prone to random (read stupid) actions. Forgive them. Move on.

Caring for something or someone can make your life and their life better. Just take what you know you know and try it. When you don’t know something, take a look around and find out everything you can about it. Self actualization and making things better for yourself and those around you begins with realizing that you make things possible: you can always make a situation better. You can always improve it. You have the responsibility of caring for precious fragile life, and the power of love.

Treat all of your companions, animal or human, with love and respect.

Benefits of Animal Companionship

Welcome Bijou to Our Family

Bijou sitting on Pynk

Bijou has arrived!

Pynk and Erik have taken the Chinchilla Challenge.  First they hurdle over spiny hedgehogs, then skip from stone to stone in a lake full of koi.  After dodging various horned lizards and snakes, they find the chinchilla pit.  Closely inspecting each adorable fur baby, they find the chin with just the right amount of fur, sass, energy and love to complete their circle.

Here is a diary of our Chinventure.  The first day…

“8:58pm September 6, 2012″

Pynk gets all the essentials.  You need most of these for any animal companion, along with a few chinchilla specifics listed last.

• Food.  For a chinchilla that includes a high quality alfalfa based pellet, such as Oxbow, and a constant stream of fresh Timothy hay.


• Toys.  Chinchillas require a lot of attention and get bored easily, so Pynk snagged lots of toys to keep Bijou happy.


• Water dish and Food dish.  Everyone has to eat.  Use a heavy enough dish that your companion can not knock over.


• Habitat.  For Bijou, we spared no expense and got the largest cage our house could accommodate.  The 3′ x 2′ x4′ steel wire zinc free bird cage works great with a few modifications.


• Munchies.  Sticks to munch on are vital for chinchillas.  Their teeth grow constantly, so they chew to file their nibblers down.


• A ceramic Chinchilla Bath.  This serves 3 purposes: the ceramic keeps her cool, shelters her, and a place to bathe.

 

“11:48pm September 6, 2012″

Erik assembles the habitat for Bijou.  He would love to let Bijou run, jump and frolic around the house all day and night. Most small pets get in too much trouble to be able to run freely over the whole house.  Any small pet owner should know that gerbils, hamsters, mice, rats, bunnies, chinchillas and any other rodents will chew up walls, baseboards, wires and anything else they can get their paws or teeth on.  Since this can be harmful to them they need a good habitat. Erik and Pynk put together the spacious steel bar cage for Bijou. Most standard steel bar cages have a rows and columns on the bottom so droppings can be easily caught in a tray below. These bars are fine for birds to walk on, but unfortunately for us chinchillas’ long toes can get caught in the grate, leading to sprained / broken toes or nails.

After getting the steel wire cage together, Erik cuts some ceramic tile. Any high quality ceramic tile or frost resistant porcelain you can find should do. Make sure it is high quality and a pure material, free from oils and resins. These can seriously harm a chinchilla. If you have a hardwood floor, wooden furniture or any other surfaces that are treated with any kind of oil or resin DO NOT let a chinchilla run around there or chew on it. Using a diamond-toothed saw to cut the ceramic and porcelain tiles to the exact proportions of the bottom of the cage using as few loose pieces as possible, Erik formed a solid, easy-to-clean surface to cover the grate in the cage. This forms a solid surface that protects chinchilla feet from getting caught in bars, and also serves to keep her cool.

DO NOT use grout, spackle, or any kind of glue or sealant to set the tiles. Chinchillas have a strong urge to chew pumice and grout seems to attract them the way pumice does. Pumice is a natural stone formed from volcanic rock and ash. It is the main ingredient in chinchilla dust.

It is delightful to be a Chinparent! Bijou is adorable, friendly, loving, cute, and smells like chocolate. From time to time it may be challenging or frustrating to keep an animal, but remember there are benefits of animal companionship. Try to think about this: it may be your job to keep your animal companion fed, clean, and healthy, but it your companion’s role to make you happy. Treat your companions with love and respect.

Welcome Bijou to Our Family

Top Fifteen Small Pets

Black Bear Hamster

Commonly people will get their children small pets to start out with. This might not be the best route as these small furry friends will have delicate bodies that are easily damaged. They also scare more easily than a larger pet so some are prone to biting or scratching. That being said, small pets can be the perfect companions for some owners. Quiet households with older, mature children can be loving homes for all sorts of tiny buddies!

 

Hamsters ~ Escape artists that can nibble sometimes; ham-hams are quite the popular pet choice. While they do not have a long life span they can be a rewarding responsibility for some children.

 

Gerbils ~ Very much like the hamster but with long tails. These pets can get stinky if their cages do not get changed often.

 

Love Birds ~ Pretty hued, sweet birds that chirp moderately. They can learn to speak & sing too!

 

Turtles ~ these little guys are not as slow as the cartoons make them out to be! Get a couple of them & watch them race. Turds are low maintenance pets that require a tank, light, water & some store bought food. Perfect for a busy owner & household. Remember that no pet is “set & forget” though! The turtles & all of our friends require quality time.

 

Chinchillas ~ Agile, hopping creatures with the softest fur ever! Their diet is strict & the bones are fragile so this is a pet for an older, more experienced person.

Blue Diamond Chinchilla

Guinea Pigs ~ Kind of like taking care of a giant hamster. Cuddly, sweet & a bit less nibble-y than the hams. They require a larger tank/cage & have larger poops to deal with though!

 

Bunnies ~ Run around lots & poop with every hop! They need a large cage to hop around in even though they are a smaller animal.

 

Degus ~ Closely related to the Chinchilla. They look like the Chin’s darker, smaller cousin & have a less strict diet regimen.. Easy to pet, hold & take care of.

 

Beta Fish ~ Easiest Pet Ever! Keep them solitary in still water & away from mirrors. Perfect starter pet for any level owner. If you can’t handle a Beta than reconsider being a pet parent haha!

 

Hermit Crab ~ Another simple, low maintenance pet. They drink from wet sponges. Very interesting creatures to watch that would be perfect for a younger child.

 

Frogs ~ HUGE poops compared to their bodies. Need a habitat that they can keep wet in because they breathe thru the skin. Common frogs & toads eat cat food, dog food & insects. Exotic frogs are inexpensive & fun pets. Better suited for older children because they can hop away quickly!

 

Hedgehog bath!

Hedgehogs ~ These adorable balls of fun have quills instead of fur! They love to splash around in baths in the sink & are so cute. A bit expensive & it is an exotic pet so they require some extra care.

 

Ferrets ~ These pets can be smelly because of their glands. They also require a large cage with lots of ledges & ramps to play on. Ferrets love to cuddle & nap!

 

Dumbo Rats ~ Super cute trainable rat. Very friendly & sweet; people train them to sit on their shoulders.

 

Sugar Gliders ~ Loud but loveable pets that are trainable. They can learn to stay in your pocket! Sugar Gliders require lots of attention & love & get clingy so be prepared for a long time responsibility & friend.

 

Please comment with any other awesome critters you consider a top small pet.

Top Fifteen Small Pets

Cuddly Pet has arrived!

This blog is dedicated to Persephone, a brave, beautiful dwarf hamster who we rescued from an unnamed corporate pet store.  She was a fantastic burrower.  As the days and weeks of Autumn begin to roll in, always remember Persephone, for she is the reason for the changing of the seasons.

 

Cuddly Pet has arrived!