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15
JUN
2014
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Your hamster may have stolen your heart even before you brought him home, but before long, you may not want to take a whiff of air near his cage. It's usually his urine that stinks so bad. If the smell of your pet hamster's urine is the first thing you notice when you enter the room you keep him in, chances are you need to change how you are taking care of your pet. Hamsters are not smelly animals -- they're super-clean -- but their cages can develop a serious odour problem if you aren't taking measures to keep bad smells at bay.
Normal Urine Odours
Urinating is one of your hamster's way of removing waste from his body. Urine is a sterile fluid that primarily contains water along with various salts, minerals, toxins, sugars and various compounds. The odour of hamster urine is typically weak, but the smell becomes more noticeable depending on what your hamster has been consuming, whether he is suffering from medical problems and whether you clean his cage as you should... [More]
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Tags :
How to Control Odors in Hamster Cages , Controlling Hamster Cage Odours , Bad Smelling Hamster Cages , Getting Rid Of Hamster Odour
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15
JUN
2014
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There is no escaping the fact that a trip to the vet has the potential to be very unsettling for all concerned, especially the first time. Here we take a look at how to organise the vet’s visit so that it goes as smoothly as possible.
Choosing your rabbit’s vet
Where possible, it is always a good idea to find a vet that specialises in small animals. Although many owners do not feel that taking a rabbit to the vet is necessary, it is certainly reassuring to know that in the case of emergencies, there is an experienced person at the end of the phone, or in the surgery. Before choosing the right vet for you, do your research: check that they have relevant experience with rabbits, what their costs are, and how close they are to you. Speak to friends with rabbits and see who they use, and check out organisations online, as many offer information regarding recommended vets.
Don’t wait for an emergency
Many owners put off visiting the vet until th.. [More]
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Organising Your Rabbit’s First Trip To Vet
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13
JUN
2014
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They are small, hairless and have been taking the UK by storm... meet the skinny pig. The bald creatures are just a few inches long and can easily fit in the palm of your hand standing them out from the larger and more common guinea pigs.
The bald animals must live indoors and need sun cream in summer
Unlike their Peruvian cousins, 'Skinnys' do not occur naturally in the wild, but were created by scientists in The Institute Armand Frappier lab in Montreal in Canada in 1978.
Because they only have a small amount of hair on their muzzles, feet and legs skinnys have become a popular choice for animal lovers with allergies to hair. 'Skinnies, as they're known, can come in a variety of colours and patterns, such as Dutch, tortoiseshell, Himalayan and many others.
The skinny pig (left) is smaller than its Peruvian cousin (right)
While they typically have hair on their muzzles, feet, and legs, they are hairless over the remainder of their bodies.' However,.. [More]
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Tags :
Meet The Skinny Pig , Guinea Pig South Africa
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12
JUN
2014
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Like all domestic pets, rabbits need their fair share of attention and care. As one of the most popular pets in South Africa, these animals are coming ever closer to our hearts. And, we are learning increasingly more about the proper way to love these pets so they can live long, healthy and happy lives.
A great deal of media attention has been paid to proper housing of domesticated rabbits, and every year around Easter, the public is urged not to adopt bunnies arbitrarily as gifts as this leads to a surge in rescue efforts annually.
One area that receives exceedingly little attention, unless tied to overall digestion is oral health and hygiene. Fortunately, rabbits do not need to brush their teeth, but they do have terribly specific concerns. Rabbit owners should know the main concerns, how to spot them – and more importantly, how to prevent them.
What Big Teeth You Have!
Unlike humans, rabbit teeth continue to grow throughout their lifetime. On a.. [More]
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Tags :
Caring For Rabbit's Oral Health , Maintaining Good Rabbit Teeth , Rabbit Food South Africa , Pet Rabbit Dental Care
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08
JUN
2014
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House rabbits make wonderful pets and can live happily indoors throughout the year, provided you meet all their welfare needs. There are a number of considerations you need to make before committing to owning house rabbits so you can be sure that this is the right pet for you, and vice versa.
Companionship
Rabbits are social creatures and thrive in the company of others. We would always advise owning more than one rabbit; neutered males and females usually make a great pairing, especially if they have been brought up together. If you own a rabbit and are adding a second rabbit take time to introduce them slowly. You may find that they are initially hostile towards each other so seek advice from your vet or local rescue so that you understand how to bond your rabbits successfully.
Exercise
You need to provide your house rabbits with the opportunity to dig, graze and exercise, just like they would do in the wild so why not grow trays of grass, and provide c.. [More]
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Tags :
Keeping House Rabbits Happy , Pet Rabbit South Africa , Pet Rabbit Food South Africa , Pet Rabbit Hutch , Pet Rabbit Cage , House Rabbits , Bunny Home , Bunny Food
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06
JUN
2014
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Guinea pigs are more than just soft, adorable pets. They are smart animals that are good with kids and make a great addition to the family. They are normally very friendly and sometimes even squeak happily when their owners walk into the room.
If you’ve decided to adopt a guinea pig, you probably already know how important it is to provide a good home for him. Guinea pigs need proper care and the best home so they will be healthy and content. When guinea pigs are well looked after, their lifespan is usually between five and seven years.
So how do you make sure your guinea pig has the best home possible? Here are some guidelines to help you welcome your newest family member into the home.
What You Will Need
There are some supplies you will need from the day you pick up your guinea pig. These supplies need to be ready for your guinea pig in order for him to be safe and happy while he gets used to his new home.
When you purchase a guinea pig, make su.. [More]
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Tags :
Guinea Pigs Make Adorable Pets , How To Care For Guinea Pigs , Pet Guinea Pig South Africa , Guinea Pig Cage South Africa , Pet Guinea Pig food South Africa , Timothy Hay , Hay
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05
JUN
2014
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Rabbits eat mainly carrots, right? Wrong! There are lots of misconceptions about what rabbits should eat. Find out what rabbits really should eat to stay healthy!
Myth #1 - Rabbits eat carrots
Carrots shouldn’t be main source of food. Rabbits don't naturally eat root vegetables/fruit. Carrots/fruit are high in sugar and should only be fed in small amounts as occasional treats. Rabbits need mainly hay and/or grass, some leafy greens and a small, measured amount of pellets.
Myth #2 - Hay is just bedding
Hay isn’t just bedding. Fresh, dust–free hay should be their main source of food available at all times. We recommend Timothy hay because it is high in protein and other nutrients and has lots of beneficial fibre.
Myth #3 - Rabbits eat lettuce
Diets shouldn’t be lettuce based. Rabbits shouldn’t eat some lettuces (e.g. iceberg) as they contain laudanum which can be harmful in large quantities. Some lettuce is "worse".. [More]
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Tags :
Common Rabbit Diet Myths , Pet Rabbits South Africa , Pet Rabbit Care South Africa , Pet Rabbit Food South Africa , Food for bunny , petfood for bunnies , buy Timothy Hay South Africa
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02
JUN
2014
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Pets make a delightful addition to many families. But, furry friends, just like their human counterparts need daily care and a bit of affection too. It applies to rabbits as much as it does for some of the more persistent pets (did anyone say puppies?). Fortunately, bunnies tend to exercise themselves, given enough room to run, which takes that strain off owners who are not keen for a nightly walk. But, they do require veterinary care and immediate attention if they become ill or contract a disease. However, rabbits do not tend to let their owners know when they are suffering – you’ve just got to be alert. Not sure what you are looking for or need to know?
Illnesses Requiring Annual Vaccinations
Myxomatosis
What Is It? Myxomatosis is an extremely fatal virus. Most rabbits are unable to recover once they contract this disease. It is spread through biting insects like mosquitoes and fleas. Occasionally it is also spread through direct contact w.. [More]
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Tags :
Rabbit Health What Owners Need To Know , Know Your Rabbit Diseases in South Africa , Pet Rabbit Health
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31
MAY
2014
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Chinchillas have an exceptionally long lifespan, making them an appealing pet choice for people looking for long-term companions. In their natural habitat in the Andean regions of South America, they typically live for 8 to 10 years, but in captivity, chinchillas often live 15 to 20 years. To maximize a pet chinchilla's lifespan, proper care is essential.
When your chinchilla suddenly dies young, between 5 to 10 years of age, especially if they looked healthy and showed no signs of illness, it can be very upsetting. Understanding the history of chinchillas, the breeding techniques and their sensitive digestive system does help explain why many chinchillas can die younger than expected.
In the wild
When chinchillas were first imported from South America - at first into the United States,and then into Europe - people found it really difficult, at first, to keep them alive in captivity. This was mainly because of a lack of understanding of what wild chinchillas eat.. [More]
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Tags :
Dangers of Muesli Type Foods For Chinchillas South Africa , Never Feed Chinchillas Muesli Type Foods South Africa , Why Chinchillas Die From Eating Muesli Diets South Africa , Facts About Chinchilla Life
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30
MAY
2014
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Getting a pet should never be taken lightly, before you rush into picking up your very own bundle of fluff, give it some good thought. Here are some points to consider before you get a rabbit.
Rabbits like company
Rabbits are naturally social creatures and enjoy company. Your first consideration should therefore be to take on not just one rabbit, but at least two. We always advocate adoption; there are many rabbits living in rescue across South Africa right now. If you adopt more than one rabbit then ask the rescue for their advice on bonding, neutering etc.
Do you have the time?
You may think that rabbits are a low maintenance pet. They are not. You need to be committed to giving your pet the happiest and healthiest life possible, perhaps for many years and this involves interaction with your pet, plus time devoted to feeding, cleaning, trips to the vet etc. If you’re adopting or buying a rabbit for your child, can you trust them to keep looking after the.. [More]
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Tags :
Your First Rabbit - Things To Consider , Getting Your First Pet Rabbit in South Africa
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