Pocket Pets
Which
Include Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Hamsters, Prairie Dogs, Rats, Chinchillas,
Ferrets, Sugar Gliders and Mice
Rabbits:
Below
are some helpful links to site about caring for rabbits:
House Rabbit Society
All
Experts Rabbits Q&A
About.com's
Info on Rabbits
Rabbit
Care
Ferrets:
• Ferrets, while domesticated, are neither
cats, nor dogs.
Many people are prone to wanting to treat a ferret as they would the usual moggy
or pooch. Ferrets are not cats, nor are they dogs. They share familiarities with
them in some character areas, but have totally different needs.
For instance... While a cat can be left at times, due to their independence of
spirit, ferrets (while often independent) need much more personal attention. A
couple of hours a day isn't enough. Ferrets thrive on attention, and will show
you much more affection if you give them this. Each ferret is an individual -
some prefer cuddles while others love being petted or praised. (None of these
would go amiss!) If you can give this type of attention, then a ferret will show
you much more than you could believe!
While a dog can be momentarily tied, or allowed outside, a ferret cannot.
Ferrets need to have a harness, if they're to be on a leash. While they often
walk readily on the leash, if they're left alone, they will escape. Their bodies
are designed so that anything their head can fit through - their body can
follow. And the heads can fit through very small places! In time, a ferret can
wriggle itself out of their harness, and often the time needed is negligible. If
ferrets are allowed outside, their curiosity and short-sightedness often work
against their being able to get home. Ferrets work mainly by a sense of smell,
and they're immeasurably curious. Yes, you can take your ferret outside. Yes,
you can walk them on their leashes. No, it's not a good idea to let them go for
a run in the park, as people are prone to with dogs. The dangers to such a small
animal in the 'real world' are great, and the loss of one is painful.
• Ferret Free Zones
(FFZs)
Some places, such as California, Hawaii, and South Africa are Ferret-Free Zones
(also known as FFZs). Within other American States, there are small pockets of
FFZs, and if you are looking at getting a pet ferret, it is suggested to check
out the legality of this venture first. Currently, a bill to legalise ferrets is
on it's way through the Senate in California. It's outcome is as yet uncertain
(although it's looking good right now, if the bill is rejected at any time, a
new one must be drafted and started over again).
• Ferret Loves and Hates
A ferret will spend a lot of time specifically on the search for something
interesting to do. The most interesting this is often something like: A bottle
top, a cut up 1.5 liter bottle tunnel, a cardboard box, or a screwed up piece of
paper. All these things are FAR superior to the expensive toys found in the
"ferret-friendly" area of the pet store. The most fun can be spent
with the least expensive toys. Personal ferret dislikes often seem to be: A
human who is right (must always be proven wrong, and will probably do everything
that their owners say once they hear this, just to prove me wrong). Expensive
ferret toys. Expensive ferret beds (that little box with a t-shirt'll do!). An
expensive ferret anything. Ferrets absolutely refuse to believe they are
'ferrets', and wish to be treated as what they are - members of the family.
• Ferret Health
Because ferrets have not been a popular pet as long as cats and dogs (although
they are now classified as Americas' third most popular pet), some veterinarians
are not ferret-knowledgeable. There are many vets available that know a lot
about ferrets, but there are also many who have only seen a few, and know only a
little. Searching for a vet who knows something about ferrets before anything
goes wrong may save a lot of heartache later. This is something that should be
checked with any animal! Be assured that at P.L.V.H. our Vets are experienced
with the care and health of ferrets!
In some countries (America and Canada mainly) ferrets are prone to cancers such
as insulinoma (tumors on the pancreas), adrenal tumors, and lymphosarcoma. The
reason for this high cancer rate is currently not known, but it may be
genetically related - as when ferrets were first brought to that Continent,
there weren't a great number, and could be inbred. Other bloodlines are being
introduced into this area from places such as Sweden, Australia, and New Zealand
- who have a low incidence of all of these cancers. Another illness found in
this area is known as ECE (also known as Green Slime Disease). This is a
relatively new illness, and is still being studied.
Overall, however, ferrets are a hardy breed. They are not as prone to illness as
many other animals.