Exercise For Small Animals

Rodents, being part of the mammal family, are curious and intelligent little creatures. Because of this they can get bored very quickly! When boredom sets in they can become destructive to their environment, gnawing and chewing on their enclosures. This is why it is important to give your little companion plenty of things to do, by providing him or her plenty of exercise. There are lots of ways to do this, all of which are fun and rewarding for both you and your pet!

Gnaw Toys

Rodents need to keep their teeth in check. Gnawing is a part of their daily routine and if they don't have anything interesting to chew they will use bowls, water bottles and even their enclosures. Providing a gnaw toy will prevent this and give your little friend something to think about. There is a wide variety and it's best if they type of chew you provide is changed regularly, to keep your pets interest. You should also replace the toy when it has become old or over chewed!

Kabob Mini Salad bites are perfect toys for all small animals, made from wood they come in a variety of interesting shapes. They are even better teamed with the Kabob for small animals, which you can slide multiple gnaw toys on as well as treats to provide hours of fun for your rabbit or guinea pig. If you prefer something more natural, willow rings or willow balls are interesting objects that won't only keep your pet's teeth in check but will also give somewhere to hide in or clamber through. Playstix are another good toy, which consists of bendable log strips, providing a gnaw-able refuge for your pet. You can also provide interest to your rodents diet, by adding small amounts of vegetables and other hard treats, such as dried fruit or rodent biscuits. Slat and mineral licks attached to the cage also provide interest and give your pet a good source of extra nourishment.

Out and About

On top of gnawing, rodents need to be able to travel. A hamster can run up to 10 miles per night, which goes to show how active our small pets can be! On top of handling items should be placed in the cage or given to your pet when being handled to allow your little friend to carry out this active lifestyle. There are a number of toys that can help you do this.

Hamster balls and wheels.

For smaller rodents, such as hamsters, you can buy hamster balls, allowing you to put your pet in a safe place while cleaning out the cage or changing water and food. It gives them the opportunity to roam freely and burn off some energy! Some hamster balls have changeable doors so you can stand the ball on a frame so it can act like a hamster wheel, or if you leave it in a pen, your pet can freely choose to go in and out of the toy. When using a play ball you should always secure the area, making sure no escapes down stairs or in potentially dangerous areas are able to happen.

Hamster wheels are also a great way of exercising your pet, either in its enclosure or in a run. Although they still have the name 'hamster wheel' many are sized appropriately for rats, guinea pigs and even ferrets! Placing one in your pets housing gives it the opportunity to exercise whenever it likes, keeping it happier and healthier. You should always aim to choose the plastic variety as they are safer and have no areas for feet or tails to be caught in.

Temporary pens and runs

If you like to let your pet roam free you can use runs and temporary pens to make sure it doesn't get into trouble! Wooden runs are best suited for outdoors or larger rodents such as rabbits. If you want to section an area off in your home the foldaway hamster fort is perfect. It is a durable cardboard 'castle' with many partitions, effectively creating a maze for your small pet. This is a great way of letting him or her run free whilst you can sit and watch or join in the fun by placing tasty treats in the partitions. Another idea is to section an area off and provide tunnels and hides. These of course could also be placed in your pets enclosure. The 'soft tunnel' is a fabric tunnel that your hamster, gerbil or rat will love to tunnel through and play with.

Leads

If you like to let your pet roam free a lead and harness set could be perfect. Ferrets, rabbits and even guinea pigs can safely roam around whilst sporting a stylish harness and lead combo. This is a great way to know where your pet is going and whilst allowing it to explore a little. If you own a hamster, you can also use a 'lead' although this is to see where your little critter is going so you can keep it safe while exploring indoors.

Ladders, hides and other cage items

The fun doesn't have to stop when your pet is back safely in it's cage! There are a number of toys to keep you pet occupied when it's relaxing at home. Changing these toys regularly to keep him or her occupied. The crazy climber is perfect for rats, mice and hamsters as you can attach it to the top of the cage and allow your pet to either climb around on top of the ladder like platform or play with the items hanging off of it. You can also purchase a number of hammocks for pets such as ferrets and rats, allowing them to go through suspended tunnels, giving them that extra exercise they need. If your pet isn't much of a climber you might want to provide tunnels or plastic hides for him or her to explore. They might even decide to make a nest in there! The Bunny shake and chew is another great toy that you can put treats and gnaws toys on. It rattles as it is moved and is great for rabbits, who love the noise as well as guinea pigs and rats. You might even catch your pet throwing it and chasing it!

Whatever combination of toys you choose, remember to swap them round frequently. This will prevent boredom for your pet and will provide both of you with hours of fun and enjoyment.

Why You Should Consider a Pet Fountain

Most of us are told at one time or another that we have to drink enough water. In the end, it is extremely vital to keep ourselves hydrated, isn't it? Well, what about our pets? Obviously we offer them water, more often than not in the form of a bowl of stagnant water that they occasionally drink from. Wouldn't it be better if our animals were motivated to take in more water? Let's face it, the majority of dogs and cats live pretty boring lives. If we're not playing with them they are probably sleeping! We can instantly make their lives a bit more interesting while also maintaining their health. Enter the pet drinking fountain.

The idea of pet fountains is absolutely not a fresh one, although one can find significantly better versions to be had now than in prior years. The first versions used to be basically a plastic bowl that had a tiny pump to move the water. They didn't look very good, and the water wasn't even filtered. Things are a lot different now that pet owners have taken to the concept. Producers are making fountains of various styles and sizes, and making accessories such as cleaning products and replacement filters available.

It is very important for many people that any pet accessory they bring into their house looks good. They do not want some ugly, loud bowl on the floor of their kitchen or eating area. The fountains being produced nowadays are incredibly quiet, and you can find a number of very classy versions that should be right at home with the remainder of your interior decoration.Perhaps the most popular brand in pet fountains is Drinkwell. There are a number of different Drinkwell fountains for sale, and this company also offers a full line of supporting accessories. A drinkwell pet fountain might range anywhere from $30 to $75 depending on the type.

Pioneer is the next largest name, and they make some of the nicer looking fountains. The Pioneer ceramic pet fountain is popular as a result of its appearance. This is one of those objects that looks like something besides what it actually is. It has been known to be mistaken by some houseguests as a piece of artwork rather than what it actually is. That truly says something regarding the looks of this fountain.

Our animals have natural urges to perform things in a specific way, and that is true of how they drink water. Running water will make a pet drink since it is fun and interesting, even though they are not thirsty at a given moment. They just usually do not feel the same way if they spot a dish of stagnant water on the ground. Investing in a fountain for your pet is a good way of helping your pet help themselves!

What Makes a Great Toy For Your Pet Hamster?

Hamsters make great pets. They are small, and easy to handle and are not at all intimidating. In addition they are generally confined to a restricted part of your home, in the cage in which they live.

They can be an ideal pet for younger children and adults alike, although remember hamsters are nocturnal so a child's bedroom is not necessarily the best place for this cage, as the hamster will be awake whilst the child is trying to get to sleep.

Like many pets, your pet hamster will love to play and there are lots of ways you can entertain him, and have him entertain you.

In the cage you should have a variety of toys and chews including a hamster wheel which will also provide exercise for your hamster. Some plastic cages allow the possibility of adding additional tunnel elements that can be connect to form an intricate play space, suitable for many pet hamsters. As the cage will need cleaning regularly, be aware that these tunnel and tube parts will need to be disconnected and cleaned as well. They can also be expensive if you end up adding a large number of these elements, but there are some free options to consider as well.

There is a wide selection of cardboard and wooden chew toys available from pet stores but a cardboard tube can provide just as much entertainment for your pet with no cost if you use a toilet roll or kitchen towel tube. Once this has been climbed through and chewed beyond recognition, simply replace it with a new one. For more durable toys simple untreated timber can provide ramps and hiding places for your hamster and if it chews the wood a little it will not cause any harm.

Letting your hamster out of their cage to run and explore the world outside his cage is also a great form of entertainment. With a hamster ball, which is a spherical plastic enclosure the size of a soccer ball that you can place the hamster inside, he can roll where ever he chooses without any risk of getting lost or escaping. If you do decide to let your hamster out for a run without a hamster ball, then be sure to first close the doors and windows and block up any gaps that could provide a means of escape for your tiny friend and of course keep a close eye on him whilst he is running around.

What Makes a Great Toy For Your Pet Hamster?

Hamsters make great pets. They are small, and easy to handle and are not at all intimidating. In addition they are generally confined to a restricted part of your home, in the cage in which they live.

They can be an ideal pet for younger children and adults alike, although remember hamsters are nocturnal so a child's bedroom is not necessarily the best place for this cage, as the hamster will be awake whilst the child is trying to get to sleep.

Like many pets, your pet hamster will love to play and there are lots of ways you can entertain him, and have him entertain you.

In the cage you should have a variety of toys and chews including a hamster wheel which will also provide exercise for your hamster. Some plastic cages allow the possibility of adding additional tunnel elements that can be connect to form an intricate play space, suitable for many pet hamsters. As the cage will need cleaning regularly, be aware that these tunnel and tube parts will need to be disconnected and cleaned as well. They can also be expensive if you end up adding a large number of these elements, but there are some free options to consider as well.

There is a wide selection of cardboard and wooden chew toys available from pet stores but a cardboard tube can provide just as much entertainment for your pet with no cost if you use a toilet roll or kitchen towel tube. Once this has been climbed through and chewed beyond recognition, simply replace it with a new one. For more durable toys simple untreated timber can provide ramps and hiding places for your hamster and if it chews the wood a little it will not cause any harm.

Letting your hamster out of their cage to run and explore the world outside his cage is also a great form of entertainment. With a hamster ball, which is a spherical plastic enclosure the size of a soccer ball that you can place the hamster inside, he can roll where ever he chooses without any risk of getting lost or escaping. If you do decide to let your hamster out for a run without a hamster ball, then be sure to first close the doors and windows and block up any gaps that could provide a means of escape for your tiny friend and of course keep a close eye on him whilst he is running around.

What Makes a Great Toy For Your Pet Hamster?

Hamsters make great pets. They are small, and easy to handle and are not at all intimidating. In addition they are generally confined to a restricted part of your home, in the cage in which they live.

They can be an ideal pet for younger children and adults alike, although remember hamsters are nocturnal so a child's bedroom is not necessarily the best place for this cage, as the hamster will be awake whilst the child is trying to get to sleep.

Like many pets, your pet hamster will love to play and there are lots of ways you can entertain him, and have him entertain you.

In the cage you should have a variety of toys and chews including a hamster wheel which will also provide exercise for your hamster. Some plastic cages allow the possibility of adding additional tunnel elements that can be connect to form an intricate play space, suitable for many pet hamsters. As the cage will need cleaning regularly, be aware that these tunnel and tube parts will need to be disconnected and cleaned as well. They can also be expensive if you end up adding a large number of these elements, but there are some free options to consider as well.

There is a wide selection of cardboard and wooden chew toys available from pet stores but a cardboard tube can provide just as much entertainment for your pet with no cost if you use a toilet roll or kitchen towel tube. Once this has been climbed through and chewed beyond recognition, simply replace it with a new one. For more durable toys simple untreated timber can provide ramps and hiding places for your hamster and if it chews the wood a little it will not cause any harm.

Letting your hamster out of their cage to run and explore the world outside his cage is also a great form of entertainment. With a hamster ball, which is a spherical plastic enclosure the size of a soccer ball that you can place the hamster inside, he can roll where ever he chooses without any risk of getting lost or escaping. If you do decide to let your hamster out for a run without a hamster ball, then be sure to first close the doors and windows and block up any gaps that could provide a means of escape for your tiny friend and of course keep a close eye on him whilst he is running around.

What Do Ferrets Eat?

Congratulations on your first ferret! You will soon discover the joys, the laughter and the frustration of owning a cunning, smart and energetic pet who will change your life for the better. But, have you considered how you are going to affect his life? You probably have a cage and some toys, but have you considered what you're going to be feeding your ferret?

Some people still think that ferrets can eat dog food. While it's true they can do so for a short time, it's not healthy for them. Unlike dogs, ferrets have a very small intestinal tract and a very simple digestive system. They need highly concentrated food designed for their dietary needs. Dog food simply doesn't have the protein they need, and can be loaded with carbohydrates which ferrets simply can't digest.

However, for a healthy, happy pet you need to make certain that whatever you feed your pet, your ferret is given a high protein diet that doesn't have too much fiber. In past years, it was widely believed that the best food for a ferret diet was cat food. Fortunately for ferrets, more and more pet stores are carrying vet approved food designed to meet the needs and tastes of your ferret. These ferret diets take into account what vitamins, minerals and other additives your pet needs to be his happy, healthy best, and can be found at more and more pet stores.

When buying ferret food, you will occasionally see a frozen option made with fish and other meats that says it's ideal for your pet. But many ferrets don't like the taste of frozen food, even if it's been reheated. You will soon learn just how picky an eater a ferret can be, so it may take some trial and error before you find the perfect combination for your pet.

Ferrets can become quickly devoted to one particular flavor or brand of food and will soon turn their noses up at any other offering. This is why you need to be aware of what a ferret diet ought to contain in order to keep your pet healthy. You might want to consider getting your ferret used to a varied diet by mixing two or three different foods into his bowl. Not only will it keep him from becoming too fixated on one flavor in particular, it will also help cut down on difficulties for you if his favorite brand is discontinued.

If your ferret spends more of his meal time digging at his bowl, try exchanging it for something smaller and more shallow, like a saucer. But the digging could simply be your ferret looking for the best bite of food. Ferrets are playful, curious animals who can get into mischief without meaning to. Part of keeping your ferret from getting into too much trouble is giving the best ferret diet to your pet.

A List of Honey Bee Supplies That You Need

For those who enjoy nature and activities in the outdoors, beekeeping is proving to be a regular pastime. Aside from the physical activity involved in taking care of bees and the mental stimulation of learning all there is to know, good beekeepers are rewarded with products such as beeswax and honey. Get comfortable, and let us share with you some additional information regarding the supplies you would need to get started in this great hobby.

While some humans may be fearful of buzzing sounds in their garden or by the pool, honey bees actually play a very important role for a healthy environment. Known best for making honey, their daily activities involve the spread of pollen through out the fields amongst thousands to millions of flowers. Imagine we humans trying to do all of that by hand! Our ecosystem relies heavily on their ability to help. As a beekeeping hobbyist, you will be not only be involved in a rewarding activity, but you will be ultimately contributing a positive role to ecology in general.

In order to get started, it is necessary to have some standard honey bee supplies. Don't worry too much about where you will find them. In fact, there is a good chance there have been some in your local community all along that you were just unaware of. Many can be found at beekeeping supply stores, but if not there are plenty of online retailers just for this market.

1 - A Beehive

Before bringing home your new little living creatures, you need to set up an appropriate place for them to stay. This is where a hive comes into play. There are lots of variants, but basically 2 beehive types - the Langstroth and the top bar hive.

The Langstroth type is the most common and the one used by commercial beekeepers. For maximum honey production, this is the best type of beehive. But proponents of natural beekeeping often prefer the top bar hive. This is a simpler option, and arguably more akin to natural bee behaviour in the wild, but the bees will have top produce more wax, so will produce less honey. Every pound of beeswax produced by bees 'costs' 8 pounds of lost honey production.

Whichever type of beehive you go for, make your choice and stick with it.

2 - Protective clothing for the beekeeper

While your bees health and happiness is the most important to getting the best honey results, don't forget about protecting yourself! Wearing the right clothing when approaching your hive is going to make the job a whole lot easier. An entire beekeeping suit is in order. This is specially made to protect the body against stings and cover as much of you as possible. Try not to skimp as the cheaper suits may very well be less protective. Be sure to accessorize properly with the hat, veil, and gloves.

3 - A Smoker

This may be the only time someone agrees that smoking is a good thing. Beekeepers use a smoker to calm the bees and make the hive more approachable. On regular occasions you will need to go in and open your hive as part of the management of your bees, so a smoker is essential - especially for beginner beekeepers.

Beyond these physical supplies, you will want to stock up on your knowledge. Grab a complete guide on bee colony care. It will help you answer questions as they come up as well as giving you some more detailed step by step help. Finding the right guide can really help you turn this hobby into a big success.