Thursday, March 31, 2011

Looking After Small Animals

By Jack Walters


Small animals like rabbits and guinea pigs are popular pets among children and adults alike. First, these animals require little by way of space in the house, thus, their suitability for people living in apartments and other relatively small accommodations. Second, these pets only require basic care like food, water and shelter with little of the health problems that plague other domesticated animals like dogs and cats. Even a young child will be able to adopt the basics ofguinea pig care. Yet another advantage of caring for small animals where children are concerned is that these pets provide teaching opportunities for values like responsibility and respect for life. Such opportunities are priceless in that no words can equal the value of actual experience. But before you even think of giving your children small animals as pets, you must perform careful research on the needs of the prospective pets. Otherwise, you will be exposing both the pet and the child to potential physical and emotional harm. Let's start with guinea pig care since these cute rodents are arguably the most popular small animals as pets for children. Despite their small bodies, guinea pigs require spacious cages that will allow them to move in a relatively free manner. If the cage is too small, your guinea pig pet will suffer from many health problems from lack of exercise. If the cage is placed outside, your pet may be attacked by other animals or die from exposure to extreme temperatures.

Experts also suggest adopting two or more guinea pigs since these are sociable animals with intense needs for companionship. But if you are new to guinea pig care, you can adopt a single pet but make sure to spend more time with it. You may even have to play with it. Just make sure to handle guinea pigs with care.

You must also look after the adequate supply of healthy food for the guinea pigs. Grass hay must be made available at all times. Green leafy vegetables must be provided on a daily basis. Mix green leaf lettuce, red leaf lettuce and cilantro, among others, to make a cup of salads feed just once a day. Of course, you must always ensure that the water is clean.

As for rabbits, you can apply a few of the tips on guinea pig care. These tips include providing for plenty of room in the cage for the rabbit to freely move around. Plus, you must line the cage with a solid bottom to protect the bunnies' delicate paws. Since bunnies tend to move their wastes inside their cages even if it is in the litter box in one corner, regular cleaning of these enclosures is a must. Of course, proper diet is essential in keeping the bunnies healthy. Grass hay, small quantities of fruits and vegetables as well as commercial pellets is a great idea for feeds. Exercise sessions must also be provided to avoid problems associated with obesity. Like humans, a good balance between diet and exercise is essential for rabbits.

When it comes to bunny and guinea pig care, it is always best to educate yourself first. You will then be able to teach your kids the right way to care for their small pets. Your main aim is to ensure that pet and kids stay healthy - and that is always good news for parents.




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