| Pocket Pet BASICS |
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| Thinking of getting a pocket pet? Here are some tips to help you pick. |
| Some Questions to Ask Yourself -Are there any pet restrictions for the place I am living? -How much time will I have to spend with my pet? -Will other pets I already have get along with my new pet? -Do I have or will I be able to find a vet to treat this animal if the need arose? -How long is my new pets life span? -Do I have the room to house it? -Do I know the basics about this animal such as what it eats, drinks, what type of habitat it needs, time out of cage it requires and so on? -If for a child.... Is that animal a good choice for the age and maturity level of my child.? |
| Where to get this pet Breeders, Pet stores, Flea markets, Shelters, Rescue groups and Pet Shows: There are many ways to attain your pet once you have decided on one. Always use your best judgement here. Shelters and Rescue groups: Shelters typically have pocket pets too if you ask them. There are also many rescue groups for different types of pocket pets. The animals in these places can be babies to late stages in life, friendly but unwanted to having some sort of illness or temperment issue. They all need love and a home but always ask if any you are thinking about from a shelter or rescue if that animals has special needs and requirements. Many times these animals will already be spayed or neutered and checked for general health by a vet. Sometimes will even come with a cage and set up for the adoption fee. Flea Market and Pet Shows: Pet Shows pop up here and there no matter what state you live in. This can be a good place to go to look at a large variety of pets that fall into the category you are thinking about. Many times they are type of pet specific (reptile shows, bird shows, exotic shows and so on). Look for shows online and if not clear on what will be at the show there is typically a means to contact somone running the show to ask. Many pet shows have breeders that attend to show off their prize animals and /or to place animals from breedings. Make sure to take advantage of the fact you have someone right there that should be knowledgeable about that animal and ask them any questions you might still have. Most Flea Markets tend to have some animals as well though often times not from seasoned breeders so just use common sense there. Try to avoid impulse buying. These means of purchasing a pet offer a large selection all at once..... but make sure you know what it is you are buying before you get it home and realize it was not what you wanted after all. Pet Stores: Pet stores are the largest outlet for attaining a new pet. Make sure you go to a reputable pet store if seeking to get a pet from this source. Check the cleanliness of the store( clean store, cages, no foul odors or dead animals left in cages). Look at how animals are housed at that store. Are they over crowded? Do they have fresh food and water? Are the genders seperated? Do the animals housed there look healthy? If even one looks ill in a cage with one you are thinking of, it might be best to pass on that one since all in that cage could be exposed to whatever is making one or more others ill. Breeders: Going to a person that specifically breeds the type of animal you are looking for can be the easiest means to get exactly what you want, maybe a more unique variety of that breed, and to have assurance that the animal is personable and cared for. A person that breeds a specific type of animal should also be knowledgeable about that animal so always ask questions. Many times you can be put on a list for a litter that is upcoming and get to see pictures and hear updates on how they are doing before you pick them up which can be an early on bonding experience for you and your 'family member' to be. Many breeders these days have websites so you can check them out and many are also willing to remain available for questions and/or love updates on their offspring over the life of that pet. But as I have stated repeatedly here... use your best judgement. |
| New Pet Health Check - Are the eyes bright and clear? -Is the coat shiny? -Is the skin healthy and free from parasites? -Is the animal behaving normally?- -Is it the right weight (not too thin or fat)? -Check under the tail for signs of diarrhea. -Check the mouth, eyes, ears, nose, anus and genital areas for signs of discharge. -Are the teeth ( incisors) properly alligned? -Check for sores on the feet. -Check for over grown toenails. -Is the animal pregnant? ( pregnant females can be very grouchy and nippy) |
| Basic care pages are listed below. These are still in the works check back often to see our progress. |
| Basics for Gerbils and Jirds |
| Basics for Degus |