Aug. 31/2022

How to Take Care of a Dwarf Bunny

"Rabbits are burrowing prey, so providing them with hiding places like logs or cardboard boxes is good for their well-being. One or 2 per rabbit, depending on how much space you have, will give the rabbit ample room to huddle.

How to take care of rabbits

The rabbit always needs the opportunity to run away. If you hold it tightly in your arm, it can panic & suffer from the stress. Let your rabbit come to you...

How do you properly hold a dwarf rabbit?

Rabbits do not like to live in warm rooms. The ideal temperature for keeping rabbits is 18° Celsius & below! Rabbits are therefore well suited to being kept outdoors. Please note, however, that a rabbit hutch must be very well insulated against wind & cold in winter.

What does a rabbit need to feel good?

They need a place to do their business, a feeding area, water trough, & a den or hut to shelter from wind, weather, temperature changes, & predators. The outdoor enclosure should be secured with wire all around.

Can you cuddle with rabbits?

Even if rabbits trust you & genuinely love you, you should refrain from holding onto them. Stroking & lying snuggled together & cuddling is of course allowed...

What breed of rabbits to cuddle?

They instinctively support each other in grooming each other & love to cuddle up close to their partner animal. Therefore, dwarf rabbits or the slightly larger stable or house rabbits are also very suitable as petting animals. But not every rabbit is the same.

Can rabbits be sad?

They can be angry, tense, anxious, stressed, sad or happy: just like us! They also communicate a little with sounds. A rabbit, warning of approaching danger, will pat its hind legs. A rabbit that is scared or in pain may growl or even scream.

How can you tell if a rabbit is sad?

It rotates the earcups in the direction it wants to listen. It’s a really bad sign if the rabbit lays its ears flat. That often means: I’m afraid of you. However, it can also show its submissiveness or its bad mood.

Can a rabbit cry?

If rabbits have frequent watery eyes, one naturally wonders if rabbits are capable of expressing feelings through crying. Here we can state quite clearly that rabbits do not cry. So they definitely don’t show through crying eyes if they don’t like something.

How does a rabbit behave when it is in pain?

If they are in pain, rabbits will sit down more hunched, i.e. the back falls very steeply, the hind legs are pushed further forward towards the front feet.

Are dwarf bunnies hard to care for?

Rabbits, including dwarf rabbits, can be good pets, but they are also high-maintenance, requiring a lot of care, love, & attention, so carefully consider if a house rabbit is the right pet for you before adopting one. Set up your dwarf rabbit’s new home as a large exercise pen or a large cage (the bigger the better).

What do you need to care for a dwarf bunny?

Provide them with a comfortable shelter. If you do not know how to build a comfortable rabbit hutch, you can always purchase one that is ready-made.

Feed them with the right food. Dwarf rabbits must always have access to fresh hay.

Make sure they have fun.

Let them exercise.

Give them freedom.

What do dwarf bunnies eat?

They require a balanced diet of hay, fresh veggies, & fruit, & a few pellets. Rabbits have very sensitive digestive tracts, so the transition to hay or pellets, or the introduction of new fruits & vegetables, must be done gradually to allow the rabbit’s system to adjust.

Do dwarf bunnies like being pet?

Rabbits don’t particularly like being picked up, carried, or cuddled, so do these things as infrequently as possible. Your rabbit will most likely be jumpy, but may be willing to sit still on your lap after developing trust over time.

Do dwarf bunnies bite?

Healthy, happy rabbits aren’t generally aggressive,’ Rosie says. ‘Sometimes, though, even if your bunnies are well looked after, they may lunge, bite or give a sharp nip...

Do dwarf rabbits smell?

...Rabbits themselves are very clean animals with odourless fur & they fastidiously groom themselves all day. Only their urine smells so as long as you keep their living area clean (spot clean every few days & a full clean-out once a week) you shouldn’t have a problem."

Mary Allen

petreader.net/how-to-take-care-of-a-dwarf-bunny

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Aug. 24/2022

 

Do Snakes Make Good Pets?

"Dogs, cats, bunnies, parrots, hamsters, guinea pigs— they're not for everyone. You might be in a more reptilian frame of mind when it comes to pets. If you're thinking of getting a snake as a pet, here's some basic information you need to know before you slither down that path.

How long do snakes live as pets?

It really depends on the species, of course. Commonly, snakes like corn snakes, ball pythons, boa constrictors, & kingsnakes are the ones people will keep as pets. Corn snakes live 5-10 years. Ball pythons can live from 20-30 years. Boa constrictors can live up to 30 years. Kingsnakes can live about 20-30 years.

What do snakes eat?

Snakes, by nature, are all carnivores, & they swallow their food whole. However, some prefer warm-blooded prey like rodents (mice, gerbils, rats, hamsters, etc), rabbits or birds. Others will seek out insects, slugs, earthworms, frogs or amphibians, eggs, other reptiles, & even fish. When feeding your pet, never feed it a live rodent. Frozen or thawed rodents are typical food for most pet snakes.

How much space do snakes need?

It depends on the species, but at least a 20-gallon (30″x12″x12″ (76x33x33 cm)) terrarium (also called vivarium) is typically suggested for most snakes. However, corn snakes can be more active than other species, & adult corn snakes & ball pythons can require as much room as a 40-gallon (36″x18″x16″ (90x45x45 cm)) terrarium. If you start with a 20-gallon terrarium, you can move on to a 30-gallon one as your snake grows in size. It is typically best to only have one snake per terrarium.

What are snake personalities like?

Snakes tend to be rather solitary, though other species may be a bit more aggressive. Unlike dogs, for example, snakes most likely do not feel affection or loyalty toward their owners. However, they can become accustomed to their handlers over time. Snakes also do not like loud noises, but do prefer consistency (perhaps it makes them feel safer). Thus, you can try to keep feeding & cleaning on a certain schedule to maintain a routine.

Can you train a snake?

In short, not really. Do not confuse a snake for a dog. They cannot be trained in the same way. However, they can become accustomed to routines & actually remember them their entire lifespans...

Bonding with your snake

Though bonding with your pet snake won't be the same as bonding with a cat or dog, you can handle it occasionally to let it learn to trust you. Basically, the more time you spend with it, the more likely it will become accustomed to you & learn to relax around you, but don't overdo it either. Some recommendations for corn snakes, for example, allow for handling 1-3 times weekly but not more than once a day.

Where you can own a snake in the United States

Non-venomous snakes are legal in the United States, except for corn snakes in Georgia. Surprisingly, most states in America even have laws regulating the ownership of venomous snakes. In many of them, you can actually legally own a venomous snake provided you have a permit. Non-venomous snakes also require a permit/license in many states.

The state of Georgia, on the other hand, actually prohibits the possession or killing of native non-venomous snakes like corn snakes (to prevent people from going out to catch them in the wild). However, native venomous snakes can be kept with a permit.

Hawaii prohibits the possession of any exotic animals in general, whether or not they are venomous. This is necessary to protect the state's ecology.

In Louisiana, it is illegal to own a venomous snake or snake that is longer than 12 feet without a permit.

You will most likely want to purchase a non-venomous snake for a pet, & shouldn't have a problem, but if you do want to keep a venomous snake, make sure you inquire with your state's laws to determine whether you will need a permit, or whether you can have one at all."

Maggie Hira

cuteness.com/13718222/do-snakes-make-good-pets

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Aug. 17/2022

 

10 Best Dogs For Apartments & Small Spaces

"Living in a small space & bringing a pet into the situation can be a challenge. But just because you have a tiny home or small apartment doesn’t mean you can’t get an animal to share your life with. In fact, you don’t even have to compromise on the size of the animal.

Some people will opt for cats or small dogs even if they would prefer a larger breed, but there are lots of dog breeds of all sizes that can do well in small spaces. Some of the largest dog breeds on the planet are also some of the biggest couch potatoes. And on the other end of the spectrum, there are small dogs that are more prone to barking & aggression, while others are calmer & more suited to living in close proximity to others in an apartment & in a smaller space in general.

Apartment-Friendly Dog Breeds

Here are 10 examples of dogs of all shapes & sizes that do well in small living situations. Some of the bigger dog breeds might just surprise you!

Basset Hound

Let’s start with a medium-sized pup. Weighing in at about 60 pounds on his stubby legs, the basset hound is everybody’s favorite lazy doggo, & he’ll certainly live up to his reputation when you invite him into your apartment. He’s a calm boy & will be easily kept busy with treats, toys, & attention. Get ready to love on those long floppy ears as you lounge on the couch with your new friend...

Yorkshire Terrier

For those who prefer a smaller dog breed, the Yorkshire Terrier may be the way to go. This adaptable 7-pound critter isn’t going to take up much space in your apartment, & he’s also a good choice for many people with pet allergies, because his hair is very similar to human hair. As small dog breeds go, this one is pretty friendly toward pets & people & doesn’t tend to be a barker, making him the perfect addition to your apartment.

Newfoundland

The Newfoundland is a very large dog breed, but it’s also known for being extremely relaxed & friendly, as well as very smart & trainable. Your Newfie will be very good with kids & neighbors, but its stature makes it a good dog for keeping unwanted attention at bay. The Newfoundland is great dog breed for families with young kids or single people.

Maltese

The Maltese only weighs around 9 pounds & comes with the added bonus of less dog hair to clean up than most dog breeds, thanks to its silky coat & lack of undercoat. He’s also a quiet boy who desires lots of time with his owner, so he’s a great apartment dog, especially if you’re going to be around a lot.

Bulldog

Whether you prefer the smaller 20-pound French bulldog or its larger cousin, the 45- to 55-pound English bulldog, bulldogs are generally relaxed & lazy creatures who love cuddling up on the couch & don’t desire to spend all day long at the dog park. Their calm demeanor makes them the perfect dog breed for living in small spaces, particularly an apartment.

Boston Terrier

Your 12- to 18-pound Boston Terrier is the perfect small-space pet, as long as you’re home enough. This dog breed refers to have a tight bond with his human & spend as much time as possible with them. They’re great pets for those who work from home or are able to take their pet into the office. In exchange for your attentiveness, he’ll be easily trainable & your most adoring fan.

Great Dane

The Great Dane is the largest animal on our list, at around 130 pounds, but don’t let that stop you from considering him. He’s a massive animal, but he’s also a natural cuddler & loves to lean on his humans whenever possible. Sure, he’ll take up a lot more space than some of the other breeds we’ve discussed, but he’ll be a calm, quiet, & friendly companion, & you’ll likely find this dog breed easy to train. Plus, nobody’s going to mess with you while he’s around.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is calm & adaptable, as well as easy to handle at just 13 to 18 pounds. He will likely be one of the friendliest dogs you’ve ever owned, making him the perfect breed to have around other tenants’ animals in apartment common areas.

Greyhound

Just because a dog is bred to move fast doesn’t mean he likes to spend all his time moving. Greyhounds are known for being couch potatoes, &, while they’ll certainly require exercise, they may be able to burn up all their energy at the dog park in just a few minutes. This is a very trainable & adaptable dog breed who won’t mind spending time in a small space. He’ll likely be around 60 to 80 pounds.

American Staffordshire Terrier

The American Staffordshire Terrier is usually categorized as a pit bull, & many apartment complexes or homeowners associations will not allow these breeds. However, if you’re in a living situation where you are able to bring a pit bull into your home, the American Staffordshire Terrier is a great choice. This dog breed is easily trained & forms a tight bond with his owner, but he also tends to be more dog-friendly than other similar breeds (while still retaining the look of a fiercely protective guard dog). He’ll weigh somewhere around 55 to 65 pounds.

Conclusion

All dogs need to spend time outside & get exercise every day, so make sure you’re walking your dog on a regular basis to keep him healthy & prevent the bad behaviors that might come with boredom & frustration. Your new pet may also take some time to get used to the new sights, sounds, & smells of his new place, so be patient if he doesn’t behave perfectly right away. As amazing as dogs are, they weren’t built to intuitively understand all the rules & restraints humans place on them. But in time, we’re sure your new dog will become the perfect small-space companion for you.

When bringing dogs of any breed into a tiny living situation, remember to make some special accommodations for him, such as making sure there’s some open floor space for him to walk around, creating a space where he can sit & see out the window, establishing a firm routine, & being present for him as much as possible, especially in the early days, while he’s still getting acclimated."

Elizabeth Morey

blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/small-space-dogs

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Aug. 10/2022

Why Does My Cat Follow Me To The Bathroom?

"Cats can be real creeps. One of their commonly-reported creepy behaviors is the habit of following their owners to the bathroom. Why do cats do this?

It turns out that some cats are big fans of following their owners everywhere. Their reasons for following you to the bathroom are probably similar to their reasons for following you in general. Though veterinarians & scientists haven't come to any definitive conclusion, they have several theories that might explain why your cat is so keen on following you to the bathroom.

Vulnerability

Veterinarian Dr. Kathryn Primm writes that cats may feel vulnerable without you. Cats are predators, but they are also prey, & they are aware of that. Since you are a source of safety & comfort, they might feel less safe when you're behind closed doors, & prefer to accompany you to the bathroom, where they may continue to take advantage of the safety you provide.

Curiosity

Dr. Primm also posits that curiosity plays a role in a cat's bathroom-following habits (like it does with many cat behaviors). Cats are visual hunters, & like to use their vision to keep track of where things are. Dr. Primm points out that when you close the door to the bathroom, you are doing something mysterious behind it, & your cat may feel compelled to get to the bottom of this.

You're a captive audience

Cats learn quickly that when a human is seated in the bathroom, they can't go anywhere. Plus, most bathrooms have a counter conveniently located at cat-petting level. This is a great setup for cats, as you have to pet them on their terms, & you cannot leave.

Cats just like you

A lot of cat behaviors can be explained by the fact that they simply like you. Additionally, domestic cats' lives are fairly uneventful, & you're probably the most entertaining thing in the room most of the time. Your cat may want to follow you to the bathroom to see what entertaining thing you do next. What if you do something really funny in there & they miss it?

Cats demand privacy when they have to use the litter box, but they refuse to grant us the same courtesy..."

Allegra Ringo

cuteness.com

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