Seven reasons to love cold-blooded pets, too!

Great commentary by Rachael Jordan on May 31, 2011

My dad always had iguanas as I grew up, so some of my childhood memories are of those awesome green creatures crawling up his wall-papered apartment walls and attending Cold-Blooded conventions where I got to pet Burmese pythons and hold DuMeril’s boas. I wasn't afriad of our first grade class' Rosy boa and I had two fire-bellied toads at home named Yzerman and Federov.

When I started dating my partner, Funk, I was elated to learn he had six — six!!!! — snakes, and I earned awesome points for wanting to hold them. We've since downsized to three snakes and added three bearded dragons. We are, officially, a reptile family. And it's rad.

There's a lot to love about our cold-blooded pets, starting at the beginning. After initial set up, reptiles are low-maintenance. Sure, they need heat lamps and the right environment in their cages or tanks, but once all that’s set up, reptiles get fed every two weeks and need watering once in awhile. Other than that, the critters need to be handled occasionally — or all the time! — and sometimes need a little help shedding.

It's a nice benefit that reptile tanks become instant décor — or even furniture! We have a gorgeous box tank that Funk’s grandpa built and Funk has turned an old bookshelf into a snake cage. The pieces look beautiful in our living room and the pets’ habitats have become part of our home décor.

Just like any other pet, our herps teach our kid responsibility. He’s definitely going to be helping out with the bearded dragons. We bought them when we were pregnant and have called them our son's dragons since before he was born. As soon as he’s able, he’ll be helping clean their cages and feeding them meal worms. Plus, how rad will that be to have his friends who come over might not have seen a reptile before?

Reptiles get a bad rap with the whole cold-blooded thing, but reptiles can cuddle, too! Have you ever had a snake wrap around your arms or curl up in your lap and just rest in the warmth of your body? It’s not a death grip; the snake is smart and knows it can’t eat you. Bearded dragons, meanwhile, love chilling on your shoulder or chest. You’re sharing your body heat with a cold-blooded creature.

It's important to note there are different options for feeding. I know many people freak about feeding the snakes live mice, but there are options. If you don’t mind the mice but aren’t cool with feeding them live, frozen pinkies are available for your snakes! Also, there are water-dwelling snakes which eat fish, if that's easier for you. And don’t forget about the other reptiles out there — most turtles and tortoises are vegetarians, bearded dragons eat meal worms and crickets, and iguanas eat everything from lettuce to corn.

While I'm definitely against the exploitation of exotic animals, they are pretty awesome as moving, living art. Our green tree python looks like a mix between a dragon and the snake, Kaa, from The Jungle Book. She is gorgeous.

It's my hope that the more people that own snakes and other herps, the more education gets spread about them. They aren't "bad" animals. Snakes do bite. They strike when they’re hungry and they think food is in front of them. Sometimes the heat signal from a hand reaching in their cage, especially when they’re hungry, can be mistaken for a warm mouse squirming around. But dogs bite, too; cats scratch; birds nip. All animals come with “what if” situations. Because of cultural mythology and a lot of hype, reptiles get a bad name. Like with any animal, it’s all about safe handling and good pet ownership practice. Our herp kids have become part of the family and overall experience of our home.

And no, none of our snakes are going to eat our son.

About Rachael Jordan

Rachael is a Master's student and alternative mama who loves her apartment-living on a college campus, tries to read everyday, and is constantly trying to figure out how to make a rental more Robot family friendly.

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Enjoy this excerpt from ABC News:

With the wind chill, it felt like nine degrees this weekend on the Upper West Side of New York City. That's why Peanut and Jelly, a pair of 10-year-old mixed-breed dogs, were sporting the latest in cold-weather canine couture.

"I think they're very cute," said owner Eric Amel. "I like seeing the dogs in their coats, so I don't think they look silly. I think they look very cute."

Cute, no doubt. But are all those pet parkas, sweaters and vests you've been seeing around the dog park during this cold snap really needed?

"For the most part, it's not necessary," said Matthew Cooper, an emergency veterinarian at New York Veterinary Specialists, a 24-hour emergency vet clinic in Manhattan. When it comes to enduring long walks in the cold, Cooper says, "I don't think the dogs mind it half as much as we do."

Some veterinarians take it even further, saying heavy coats can be dangerous for dogs. If they're getting a lot of exercise, it could lead to heat stroke. Plus, dogs don't catch colds, and low temperatures don't give them the sniffles. The truth is, many dogs don't mind the frigid temperature one bit.

For example, Iditarod dogs mush through more than 1,000 miles of Alaska snow every year in below zero temperatures.

"Certain dogs are built for this," Cooper said. "Certain breeds enjoy this. I mean, this is kind of what they've been waiting for. So to put a coat on them is kind of ridiculous."

Besides, some dogs already have plenty of padding. Like Ray Ramsey's pug.

"Any time it's like 10 below freezing, we put him in a sweater. Otherwise, because he's so heavy, he doesn't need it," said Ramsey, who lives in New York City.

If you play doggie dress-up, you're not alone. Last year, pet clothing was a $300 million industry. It's a trend fueled for years by Hollywood movies such as "Legally Blonde" and "Beverly Hills Chihuahua," and pet-loving socialites like Paris Hilton.

And when the temperature dips, dog owners will do anything to keep their pets warm and fashionable. Peanut and Jelly, for example, wear coats that cost owner Eric Amel between $80 to $100.

It's money you don't have to spend, according to Dr. Cooper, unless your dog has really short hair, or a case of the shivers. Of course that's easy for him to say. Turns out, his dog wears a coat, too. It cost him $125.

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If you're looking for pet supplies, pet stores, pet friendly hotels or dog friendly restaurants, specialty veterinarians, animal rescue, pet adoption, pet sitters and pet sitting, pet services, pet friendly services, dog parks and cat friendly bed and breakfast inns, etc- for all types of pets, birds, fish, dogs, cats, horses, reptiles, rabbits, sheep and goat, farm animals, small pets and pocket pets, etc- visit our site. It has all the free pet information and pet links you will ever need for your pet. And is totally free for anyone to use! BarleysList.org is Where People Go For Pet Info

What Kind of Horse is Right For You

What kind of horse you buy really depends on what you want to do with it, how much you can spend, and what you prefer.

The Beginning Rider

If you are a beginner, you will need an experienced horse that will teach you, and not fight with you. What breed, color, age, height, and sex you choose isn't that important. It is the horse's attitude, training level, and experience that counts.
Age doesn't make too much of a difference, but a young horse is not a good choice, because young horses don't have the ability to care for beginners that old, experienced horses do. Anywhere between 10-18 years old is probably what you will want.
Mares and geldings are both good choices, but just because you buy a one doesn't guarantee that it will be gentle. Mares and geldings can be meaner or wilder than stallions, it just depends on the horse.
The height of the horse won't affect its attitude (well, maybe it does.......ponies make up their height in attitude!), but it might effect the way you feel. If you are short, or if children will be riding the horse, you might want it to be a small one. I don't think that most beginners will want to go out and buy a 17 hand horse!
Color, of course, won't affect your horse in any way.
The horse's background is very important. You want a horse that has been ridden alot by alot of different people, and one that behaves well no matter what gets on its back. Old riding lesson horses, children's horses, 4-h horses, etc. are good choices. The horse you buy should be able to do what you want it to do, which is, in the beginner's case, be a calm dependable mount.

The horse's attitude is everything. If it acts sluggish, mean, or wild, you won't want it. You want a horse with a pleasing, happy attitude. One that is gentle and patient, but not stubborn or lazy. Sluggishness or anger may be signs that the horse is sick or lame. The horse shouldn't be overly jumpy or hyper, and it should like you. Sometimes, rarely, there will be a horse and a rider that just don't get along. They may both seem to fit each other, but they have 'personality clashes'. They just don't 'click'. If you feel the horse is unsure of you or unwilling to go for you, don't buy it.

The Children's Horse

If you are buying a horse for your child, it should follow the same guidelines as the beginner's horse, but it needs to be even safer. You should get a horse that has been ridden by children before, and has lots of patience. You will probably need to get a small horse or pony. I don't know why, but ponies have some sort of attitude. Not all do, but alot of ponies sort of act really tough and nasty. Most aren't well trained, because no one ever trained them, they just threw some kids on their backs. Why? There aren't alot of people small enough to ride ponies, except children. Some ponies are wonderful, they will care for kids and give them years of fun. Other ponies will take advantage of a kids, and most know every trick there is for unseating their rider.

Horse can be the same way- one horse will be extra careful with the little child on its back, the next will take advantage of it and run for the barn.

Make sure to get a horse that is very well trained, and that will take very good care of your child. And, make sure you teach your child to be safe around horses, and to always wear a helmet.

The Trail/Recreation Rider

If you buy a horse just for riding around and having fun on, it should be well trained and road safe. Get a horse that is used to trails, hills, traffic, and wilderness. You don't want a young horse that will always be shying and spoiling your rides. You will need a horse that is used to trail riding, and one that is used to the outdoors. A stall kept horse will not make a good trail horse, since it would be afraid of any ground that isn't perfectly flat, and shadows, wind, wild animals, etc. Make sure your horse rides well with other horses if you are going to go trail riding with friends. A horse that is always trying to kill the other horses isn't that fun to ride, as you spend all your time keeping your horse from misbehaving, and not enjoying the ride.

The Show Horse

If you are really into showing and competing, you probably don't need to read this, as you are probably well knowledgeable in this area of horsemanship. If you are looking for your first horse, and you would like to do a little showing, then you need to find a horse that can show. If you haven't ever showed before, a 4-h horse or open horse might be good. You will probably need a horse that is well experienced with showing, and that is well trained. You need a horse that can teach you, and one that is so used to its job, that even if you don't do everything perfect, the horse will. If you are focused on a particular event, then find a horse that is well trained for that event. Before you buy the horse, it is a good idea to see it compete, and maybe even show it yourself a little, to see if you like it.

The horse you buy should be well used to doing what you are going to have it do. If you are a beginner, don't go out looking for a show horse, and vice versa. Buy a horse that can, and will, do what you want it to do. Get one that has a good, willing attitude, and good training.

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If you're looking for pet supplies, pet stores, pet friendly hotels or dog friendly restaurants, specialty veterinarians, animal rescue, pet adoption, pet sitters and pet sitting, pet services, pet friendly services, dog parks and cat friendly bed and breakfast inns, etc- for all types of pets, birds, fish, dogs, cats, horses, reptiles, rabbits, sheep and goat, farm animals, small pets and pocket pets, etc- visit our site. It has all the free pet information and pet links you will ever need for your pet. And is totally free for anyone to use! BarleysList.org is Where People Go For Pet Info

How to Stop Dog Barking

Dogs will be dogs, and most dogs will bark, whine and howl at times - it's only natural. Dogs vocalize to communicate with humans and to express themselves. Sometimes we want our dogs to bark in order to warn us about potential danger or protect us from harm. However, excessive dog barking can be considered a behavior problem. What is the solution? Well, your dog needs to understand when to bark and when to be quiet, and it's your job to teach this to her. Start working on problem barking as soon as you can. The longer you wait, the harder it gets to curb the behavior. It is a good idea to teach your dog the Speak/Quiet Commands. This may be easier said than done. However, with dedication and consistency, you can teach your dog to bark on command AND to be quiet.

Why Dogs Bark

It is important to understand that dogs bark for various reasons. They do not bark just to annoy you and your neighbors, nor do they bark for spite or revenge. Dogs don't bark just because they can (though it might seem that way at times). Certain dog breeds bark more than others - some types of dogs were actually bred to be barkers. Then again, the Basenji does not bark at all (though the breed can vocalize in other ways). If you listen closely, you will eventually learn your dog's different barks. Understanding the reason why your dog barks is the first step towards controlling the behavior. In general, dogs will most commonly bark for the following reasons:

• Warning/Alert: It is natural for a dog to bark when someone is a the door or when strangers pass the house or car. Many will bark if they sense some type of threat, proclaiming "I'm here protecting this place so don't mess with me." The sound of this bark is usually sharp, loud and authoritative. Honing this instinct with training can help protect your home and family.
• Anxiety: Anxious barking often seems to be an an act of self-soothing for many dogs. It is often high-pitched and sometimes accompanied by whining. This type of barking is common for dogs with separation anxiety.
• Playfulness/Excitement: This type of barking is especially common in puppies and young dogs. Many dogs will bark while playing with people or other dogs. Even the sound of the bark tends to sound upbeat and possibly musical. Some dogs will bark excitedly when they know they are about to go for a walk or car ride.
• Attention-seeking: When you hear this bark, you will usually know just what it means. This bark says "Hey! Hey! Look! Here I am!" Other dogs may whine and bark together to get attention, almost like the tone of a whining child.
• Boredom: The bark of a bored dog sounds like a dog that barks just to hear her own voice. Though it tends to be annoying, it is also kind of sad. Bored dogs often bark to release excess energy, and sometimes bark out of loneliness. They usually need an activity and perhaps even a companion.
• Responding to Other Dogs: This is probably a familiar scenario - one dog down the street starts barking, and one by one the rest of your block joins in. It's like a cacophonous rendition of Row Your Boat.

Prevent and Stop Excessive Barking

Once you determine the cause of your dog's excessive barking, you can begin to control the behavior. The best way to prevent excessive barking in the first place is to try and remove any potential sources of the behavior. You also want to be certain not to inadvertently encourage the barking. Finally, give her better things to do besides barking.

• Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise so there is not as much pent-up energy to burn by barking.
• Avoid leaving a lonely dog alone for long periods of time if possible.
• Never comfort, pet, hug or feed your dog when she is barking for attention or out of anxiety - that would be rewarding the behavior, thus encouraging it.
• Shouting at your dog to stop barking does not help. It may actually cause her to bark even more.
• Avoid punishments like shock collars. They are not only painful and unkind - many dogs will learn to test them and eventually work around them.
• Try to get her attention with a clap or whistle. Once she is quiet, redirect her attention to something productive and rewarding - like a toy or treat.
• After getting your dog's attention, practice basic commands, like sit and down in order to shift her focus.
• DO NOT let your dog bark constantly outside, regardless of the reason. You can hardly train her to stop barking by yelling at her across the yard. Plus, it is one of the fastest ways to turn neighbors into enemies and send an invitation to your local police.
• Train your dog to Speak and Be Quiet.
• Consult your veterinarian and/or trainer if you continue to face barking issues despite your best efforts.

When It's Not Your Dog Barking

The sound of barking dogs in the neighborhood can quickly go from nuisance to nightmare - especially when you are trying to work or sleep. If you are comfortable with it, try politely approaching your neighbor to discuss the matter, or write a direct but civil letter. You may try gently suggesting a local dog trainer or behaviorist. Many people prefer to contact the neighborhood association or other group to act as a moderator. As a last resort, you may need to call the police - just keep in mind how this could be detrimental to your future relationship with said neighbors. On the other hand, you may not even care about that after a certain amount of sleep deprivation.

Pet Friendly Businesses- To edit and/or update your information follow the link to that page: http://www.barleyslist.org/ and Select Add/ Edit your business.

If you're looking for pet supplies, pet stores, pet friendly hotels or dog friendly restaurants, specialty veterinarians, animal rescue, pet adoption, pet sitters and pet sitting, pet services, pet friendly services, dog parks and cat friendly bed and breakfast inns, etc- for all types of pets, birds, fish, dogs, cats, horses, reptiles, rabbits, sheep and goat, farm animals, small pets and pocket pets, etc- visit our site. It has all the free pet information and pet links you will ever need for your pet. And is totally free for anyone to use! BarleysList.org is Where People Go For Pet Info

How To Keep Chinchillas As Pets

Knowing how to give a chinchilla the proper care is very important before deciding to get chinchillas as pets. A baby chinchilla living in captivity can live as long as 25 years if kept healthy, but the average lifespan being about 15 years.

A chinchilla baby living to adulthood in captivity will live much longer than one in the wild. So, you have to be prepared for owning your pet for a long time to come. Chinchillas are also very active with loads of energy. They'll need to have a nice spacious place to live with an exercise area.

They need to be let out of their cages occasionally to play around as well. You should give them attention and try to play with them daily. You do this to make sure they are getting daily exercise. Most chinchillas don’t like being held or pet.

If you are looking for a pet to hold and cuddle with then chinchillas are most likely not the pet you’re looking for. They can be very messy too. So, cleaning around their cages is something you may be doing often. Temperatures have to be at 55-75 degrees Fahrenheit.

If it gets to 80 degrees or higher they can suffer from heat stroke. If you live in an area that gets hot you’re going to need a way to keep temperatures low. Otherwise I wouldn't be getting one. You shouldn’t put their cages next to windows or doors where temperatures could go up and down frequently.

Chinchillas cost much more to keep than a hamster or rat. You can't just go out and buy a $40 cage and think that's enough. Cages should be big and this can get expensive. Also, you need to buy wood chips, chew toys, food and accessories for their cages. So now that you have an idea of what’s involved you can see there are more responsibilities in owning a chinchilla than you would think.

They aren’t hard to take care of, but if you think any of the things above would be difficult for you, it’s probably best to consider another pet. You should also ask your local pet store if they are even allowed in your area. I do know that Australia does not allow chinchillas.

Pet Friendly Businesses- To edit and/or update your information follow the link to that page: http://www.barleyslist.org/ and Select Add/ Edit your business.

If you're looking for pet supplies, pet stores, pet friendly hotels or dog friendly restaurants, specialty veterinarians, animal rescue, pet adoption, pet sitters and pet sitting, pet services, pet friendly services, dog parks and cat friendly bed and breakfast inns, etc- for all types of pets, birds, fish, dogs, cats, horses, reptiles, rabbits, sheep and goat, farm animals, small pets and pocket pets, etc- visit our site. It has all the free pet information and pet links you will ever need for your pet. And is totally free for anyone to use! BarleysList.org is Where People Go For Pet Info

Heat Stress In Llamas And Alpacas

Spring is rapidly passing and the warmth of the sun melting away any trace of winter. We are beginnings the throws of another spring parasite research project. This time we are looking at some herbal interventions (who says I am not open minded!). This reminds me of the individual variation of these creatures. Every animal responds to stress - heat stress or any other -
differently. Today, with the temperature at 72 F, the humidity at 65 % (HSI = 137 for those of you who remember the heat stress index calculation; HSI = Temp + humidity), and direct sun exposure, some animals show low-grade heat
stress when handled. The llamas and alpacas are not yet sheared - that is another lab for another day. Now, my mind drifts back to last year. 2003 was a decent year for us, but several llamas and alpacas died of severe, unrelenting heat stress in Ohio. 2002 was not much better but I was proud of our clients' whose preparation for summer resulted in extremely few problem. We saved most, but some get treatment too late. A friend sent me a reminder about an upcoming newsletter and I starting to think of all the things I
wished all our clients knew to prepare for heat stress season. So - here are my TOP TEN list of things to do. The list is not all inclusive, but these are some of the most important things we need to do to protect the llamas and alpacas from heat stress before it happens to you !

1. SHEAR - I recommend that all llamas and alpacas be sheared before June 1 every year. Barrel cuts seem to work OK, but not shearing is not an option.

2. SHADE - Lots of shade should be available. Most critical is that there is enough shade for ALL of the animals to be shaded at the same time whenever they want.

3. VENTILATION - A good breeze is worth a thousand words. The most important thing is that the wind can get underneath the animals where the "thermal window" is located. Fans should blow across the barn at floor level (not down from a height). Barns should have cross-ventilation so that stagnation does not occur in any area.

4. WATER - Clean, plain, fresh water should be available at all times. Water should be replaced at least twice a day to keep it cool (not cold). Water should be in the shade and animals should not have to compete for access.

5. BEDDING - Straw is bad in summer. This thick bedding closes off the thermal window and decreases access to ventilation. Sand bedding, especially slightly moist, is very good at absorbing heat from the animals. Concrete is hard, but cool and easy to clean and wet down.

6. WADING - I like pools. Llamas and alpacas will seek out puddles, ponds, etc to get cool. This tends to make hair fall out if they lay around in water too much of the time, but pools are very effective at allowing the animals to self-regulate temperature. Bad for show season, but good for non-showers. The pool should be in the shade and freshened daily.

7. MONITORING - Observation is the key to life. Watch your animals. If they spend a lot of time eating, standing, walking around and being active then they are probably happy and healthy. If they lay around most of the day and are not active, then they may have sub clinical heat stress (early stage) and intervention may be warranted. Watch your breeding males very closely. If you see the scrotum getting pendulous, "baggy", or increasing in size, do something immediately or you may loose fertility!

8. FEEDING - Eating and digesting hay takes a lot of work and generates a lot of heat. Some have suggested that less hay, more grass and grains cause less heat stress risk because heat production from digestion is minimized. I question the application of this concept, but certainly pasture grazing is the best management style.

9. ELECTROLYTES - I am a big believer in the protective effect of electrolytes. I make water available that has salt, potassium, glucose, and bicarbonate in it to help replace losses that occur in sweat and breathing. I am a big believer in the protective effects of a balanced diet. Of particular interest for heat stress is that adequate Vitamin E, Selenium, Zinc, and Copper are available.

10. PREGNANCY - I prefer to see females in this area of the country having crias in the spring. This optimizes easy re-breeding of females; allows optimal lactation because of the nutrition of fresh grass; optimizes cria health because of sunlight, clean pastures, and good nutrition; and prevents females from having to suffer late gestation in the hot summer months. Successful treatment of heat stress depends upon early recognition (increased respiration, lethargy, increased recumbency, decreased appetite, decreased cooperation with or participation in activity, flared nostrils). Most of the above mentioned prevention strategies can be applied as treatment. Consult a veterinarian at the earliest time for animals showing abnormalities of behavior during summer months.

Pet Friendly Businesses- To edit and/or update your information follow the link to that page: http://www.barleyslist.org/ and Select Add/ Edit your business.

If you're looking for pet supplies, pet stores, pet friendly hotels or dog friendly restaurants, specialty veterinarians, animal rescue, pet adoption, pet sitters and pet sitting, pet services, pet friendly services, dog parks and cat friendly bed and breakfast inns, etc- for all types of pets, birds, fish, dogs, cats, horses, reptiles, rabbits, sheep and goat, farm animals, small pets and pocket pets, etc- visit our site. It has all the free pet information and pet links you will ever need for your pet. And is totally free for anyone to use! BarleysList.org is Where People Go For Pet Info

Why do cats make good pets?

1. Cats Are Low maintenance

Not only do cats make good pets, but they are are low maintenance pets! As I'm sure you know, they are independent, free thinking creatures who take care of much of their own needs. Although most domestic cats enjoy companionship with their humans, they can typically be left to their own devices for many hours at a time without issue. Although some cats and cat breeds are more "needy" in this area, overall they are no where as needy as dogs.

Cats sleep on and off throughout the day and night, taking varying degrees of cat naps - where do you think the name came from?! Their total sleep time takes up many hours of the day, sometimes 18 or more!

Since they use a litter box, there is no getting up at 6:00 AM, and no rushing home to "walk the cat" after work.

Feeding time is at your convenience! Many cat owners feed their cats "free choice" dry food. Cats can "graze" throughout the day and night on what's in the bowl. Or, you can use one of the many automatic feeders on the market. This is especially convenient if you are going to be out of the house for more than a day.

Unlike dogs and some other animals, cats rarely need to be bathed, if at all. As the refrigerator magnet at my house says "the cat may be self cleaning, but the kitchen isn't!"

2. Cats Have Personality!

One of the things that makes cats good pets is that they are packed with personality. Even a less active cat has a certain spunk "under the hood" that you just don't find in other pets. Perhaps it's...

purrsonality!

I have found that most cats show a lot of love, but always with their own unique personal style stamped on it. And, of course, they are rarely at a loss to find something to play with. Combine this with their individuality, and you have one great pet!

A cat is the only animal I've seen that can be friendly and aloof at the same time. If you've ever experienced this, you know what I'm talking about. One minute, you're in the middle of a love session with your furry friend, and the next, she's off on her own adventure. It's as if she could do completely without you. Uh oh, maybe she can?

What do you think so far... do cat's make good pets? Read on...

3. Cats are Fascinating!

Why else do cats make good pets? Because they are fascinating and fun! A little bit of the wild in your own living room. They are beautiful to look at, and fun to play with. One of my favorite things to do is just sit back and observe their hunting behavior. And it's also way too much fun to play chase with them!

4. Cats Love!

I know, other pets can show a great measure of love to their owners, but I believe that cats are unique. Both the quantity and quality of their capacity to love is astounding. They don't really need you, you know... or so it seems, but they love you anyway.

The outpouring of love that I've seen from all three of my cats is amazing. For an animal that is supposedly a loner by nature, they show an incredible amount of genuine desire to be with you. And yes, cats do experience separation anxiety, contrary to what you may have heard. They miss you when you are gone, and they know when you've been gone too long.

So, what's your answer... do cats make good pets? Have I convinced you?

With the convenience of low maintenance, and the charm of great personality, here comes the house cat. With fascinating, wild traits, and an enormous capacity to love, does all that add up to a yes to the question - do cats make good pets?

I think so. Even if you are a dog lover, you have to admit it. You may not believe, as I do, that cats make the best pets, but you cannot deny that cats do make good pets.

Pet Friendly Businesses- To edit and/or update your information follow the link to that page: http://www.barleyslist.org/ and Select Add/ Edit your business.

If you're looking for pet supplies, pet stores, pet friendly hotels or dog friendly restaurants, specialty veterinarians, animal rescue, pet adoption, pet sitters and pet sitting, pet services, pet friendly services, dog parks and cat friendly bed and breakfast inns, etc- for all types of pets, birds, fish, dogs, cats, horses, reptiles, rabbits, sheep and goat, farm animals, small pets and pocket pets, etc- visit our site. It has all the free pet information and pet links you will ever need for your pet. And is totally free for anyone to use! BarleysList.org is Where People Go For Pet Info

Pet Fish Names

I found this great article at http://worldsbestfishnames.com/. Enjoy:

What would compel any of us to name a fish? It isn't like it is going to come when you call it, but, then again neither do most cats!

We name our pet fish for the simple reason that we want to bond and be close. We may not be able to take it for a walk or teach it tricks but we can sit and stare into the aquarium and get lost in the wonderment that is known as pet fish.

Before you decide on the fish you want for a pet or the perfect name, you have to have the perfect aquarium and set up. Whether it is a 75 gallon aquarium or a small bowl you need what is perfect for you and your pet fish.

You have to know how to look after your fish. You also have to be a "fish person". My daughter, try as she might, never bought "fish" she bought "victims". She did everything right, according to the books and at most, her fish would last a couple weeks. My brother, on the other hand, would grab the fish with a metal tea strainer, wash the bowl with soap and water, fill the bowl with tap water and plunk the fish back into the water and away it swam happy as can be. That fish lived forever.

You want to make sure you know how many fish are appropriate for your aquarium size. Generally speaking, the rule is 1 inch of fish per gallon of water. So, if you have a 5 gallon tank or aquarium it would hold 5 inches of fish at most. Keep in mind that you have to account for the size of fish it will be not the size it is when you buy it. If your type of fish is known to grow to 5" by adulthood, then you can only put that one fish in a 5 gallon tank.

You need to get the appropriate aquarium equipment for the type of fish you want to have. Most tropical fish are going to need a heater in the aquarium. Do you want or need a filter? A dirty aquarium does not make for a happy fish.

While fish aren't necessarily going to do tricks, they will need some playground equipment. There are all sorts of ornaments and "toys" to keep your pet fish happy.

Make sure you locate your tank in a secure, non hazardous location. Over a heat register is not a choice location, especially for cold water fish.

Do you want salt water fish or fresh water fish? Make sure you research what types of fish are appropriate for you, your children, your environment as well as your level of commitment. If you aren't into cleaning your tank as often as you should you may want to consider some type of algae eater fish as one of your fish. My daughter once had a snail that was suppose to eat algae. She was five at the time and she named her snail "Sleepyhead". It was the perfect pet "fish" name. We put it into her tank and it slept and slept and slept... Okay that victim didn't even make it home alive.

Pet fish can also help in teaching young children about life and death. The first time my daughter had a fish floating belly up, she cried for hours. A couple months later and several fish later she just stood there holding the dead fish in a strainer and sang "Another One Bites the Dust".

So, now back to why you are here in the first place, you want to name your pet fish. You will find thousands of names on our worldwide list. Think of your pet fish, think of your personality and choose wisely, unless you are like my daughter in which case you will be naming a different fish next week anyway. (By the way, she gave up owning fish).

Anyway, as I was saying, you might choose according to the fish: Spots, Finny or Stripes. You might choose according to your traditional personality: Bubbles, Flipper or Gill. Or you might choose according to your quirky personality" Bouncer, Jumper or Rover. Any which way, there are thousands of names to chose from.

Pick a name, try teaching him or her some tricks and then just sit back and get lost in the serenity of relaxation watching them.

Pet Friendly Businesses- To edit and/or update your information follow the link to that page: http://www.barleyslist.org/ and Select Add/ Edit your business.

If you're looking for pet supplies, pet stores, pet friendly hotels or dog friendly restaurants, specialty veterinarians, animal rescue, pet adoption, pet sitters and pet sitting, pet services, pet friendly services, dog parks and cat friendly bed and breakfast inns, etc- for all types of pets, birds, fish, dogs, cats, horses, reptiles, rabbits, sheep and goat, farm animals, small pets and pocket pets, etc- visit our site. It has all the free pet information and pet links you will ever need for your pet. And is totally free for anyone to use! BarleysList.org is Where People Go For Pet Info

What to Feed Your Rabbit

Just like people, bunnies enjoy a good meal. A nice mix of hay, pellets and fresh vegetables as well as fresh water will make your rabbit healthy and happy. An occasional treat can be given, but only in small quantities.

Hay

Fresh hay should make up the bulk of your rabbit's diet and needs to be readily available at all times. Adult rabbits can eat timothy, grass, and oat hays, while younger rabbits should be fed alfalfa. Alfalfa should not be given to adult rabbits because of the higher protein and sugar content. Hay is important for rabbits because it provides the essential fiber needed for good digestive health and it helps wear down a rabbit's teeth (which continuously grow) for good dental health. Placing hay at one end of a litter box will also encourage the use of the litter box, as rabbits tend to eat hay and poop at the same time.

When choosing hay, make sure it looks and smells fresh. Do not choose a hay that looks brown or moldy or no longer smells like fresh cut grass. Store hay in a dry place in a container that allows air flow to keep it from getting moldy. Buying hay in bulk from a local farmer tends to be much more economical than buying bags from a pet store.

Vegetables

A varied assortment of vegetables should be a part of your rabbit's daily diet. When choosing vegetables look for something fresh and free of pesticides. Always wash your vegetables thoroughly before feeding them to your rabbit. Feed new vegetables in small quantities until you can judge if your rabbit reacts well to them. Do not feed rabbits the leaves from houseplants as many are poisonous to rabbits. For a full list of poisonous plants, visit the Sacramento House Rabbit Society's page.

Your rabbit may enjoy some of the following vegetables:

• Basil
• Bok choy
• Broccoli leaves (stems or tops can make rabbits gassy)
• Carrot tops (carrots are high in calcium and should be given sparingly)
• Celery
• Cilantro
• Clover
• Collard greens
• Dandelion leaves
• Dill
• Kale (sparingly)
• Lettuce - romaine or dark leaf (no iceburg lettuce and no cabbage)
• Mint
• Mustard greens
• Parsley
• Water cress

Water

Fresh water must always be available to your rabbit. If you have a cage, a hanging water bottle is a fine option. Rabbits will also drink from a water bowl. On a hot day you can drop an ice cube or two in your rabbits water dish. If your rabbit does not seem to be drinking enough water you can leave the vegetables fairly wet when you present them.

Pellets

These should be purchased so that they are fresh, as bunnies will turn their noses up at stale pellets. Look for pellets that are high in fiber and low in protein. You will need to limit your rabbit's pellet intake as he/she ages. Pellets that are high in protein can lead to obesity and other health issues in rabbits.

Treats

Everybody loves a treat now and then, but to ensure your rabbits health they should be given only occasionally. Do not feed your rabbit items high in carbohydrates like breads, crackers, pasta, pretzels, cookies, chips, or cereal. Although branded for rabbits, many commercially-sold bunny treats are high in fat and sugar, such as yogurt chips, and should not be given. Never give chocolate as it is toxic to rabbits.

Fruit is the best option for a treat, but again you should give it only in small amounts because of the sugar content. We try to purchase organic fruits that we know are free of pesticides. Like vegetables, be sure that they are thoroughly washed.

Some fruits that rabbits enjoy include:

• Strawberries
• Raspberries
• Bananas
• Pineapple
• Apples (no seeds)

Pet Friendly Businesses- To edit and/or update your information follow the link to that page: http://www.barleyslist.org/ and Select Add/ Edit your business.

If you're looking for pet supplies, pet stores, pet friendly hotels or dog friendly restaurants, specialty veterinarians, animal rescue, pet adoption, pet sitters and pet sitting, pet services, pet friendly services, dog parks and cat friendly bed and breakfast inns, etc- for all types of pets, birds, fish, dogs, cats, horses, reptiles, rabbits, sheep and goat, farm animals, small pets and pocket pets, etc- visit our site. It has all the free pet information and pet links you will ever need for your pet. And is totally free for anyone to use! BarleysList.org is Where People Go For Pet Info

Snakes as Pets- Choosing the Best Snake for Beginners

This is a great article I found on about.com:

Snakes are fascinating, and with regular handling can be quite tame. However, snakes are obviously not the right pets for everyone. They have unique requirements and should only be kept by those with the commitment to understand and meet their needs. If you are new to pet snakes, find out what you should consider before deciding on a pet snake, and what species are the best snakes for beginners.

Choosing a Snake as a Pet - First Things First

• When choosing a snake, you are making a long term commitment - many can be expected to live longer than 20 years.
• You must be willing to feed prey animals to your snake (though frozen, pre-killed prey is the best choice), and you will probably have to devote some freezer space to frozen prey items (i.e. rodents).
• Snakes are very adept escape artists, so make sure you have an escape-proof tank, keeping in mind that http://barleyslist.org
• Snakes are persistent about finding and squeezing through any small gaps.
• Finally, as beautiful as they are, I strongly recommend against anyone keeping large constricting snakes or venomous snakes.

About Choosing Your Snake
Get a captive bred snake from a reputable breeder, if at all possible. Wild caught snakes tend to be more stressed and prone to parasites and disease, and more difficult to tame. For more about the advantages of captive bred reptiles, see Should I Get a Wild Caught or Captive Bred Reptile on About.com.

You will also want to do a cursory exam of your snake to check for any signs of illness: see Choosing a Healthy Reptile for areas and signs to look at on About.com.

It also doesn't hurt to ask for a feeding demonstration, to make sure your new snake is readily taking pre-killed prey and feeding well. Ball pythons are somewhat notorious for having feeding problems, so this is especially a good idea with ball pythons (though if you get a captive breed ball python it seems less likely that feeding problems will crop up).

Recommended Beginner Snakes
These are all reasonably sized, fairly easy to care for, and tend to be quite docile:

• Corn Snakes
• King and Milk Snakes
• Ball Pythons

Snakes to Avoid
Beginners should avoid large constricting snakes, venomous snakes, and snakes with more difficult care requirements, including such snakes as:

• Boa constrictors / red-tailed boas (not as large as some constricting snakes, but still a handful, especially for beginners)
• Burmese pythons
• Tree boas or pythons
• Water snakes
• Green snakes

Snakes Not Recommended as Pets at All Snakes that are potentially very dangerous (to their owners or others around them) are best avoided as pets, including:

• Reticulated pythons
• Anacondas
• Any venomous snakes

Pet Friendly Businesses- To edit and/or update your information follow the link to that page: http://www.barleyslist.org/ and Select Add/ Edit your business.

If you're looking for pet supplies, pet stores, pet friendly hotels or dog friendly restaurants, specialty veterinarians, animal rescue, pet adoption, pet sitters and pet sitting, pet services, pet friendly services, dog parks and cat friendly bed and breakfast inns, etc- for all types of pets, birds, fish, dogs, cats, horses, reptiles, rabbits, sheep and goat, farm animals, small pets and pocket pets, etc- visit our site. It has all the free pet information and pet links you will ever need for your pet. And is totally free for anyone to use! BarleysList.org is Where People Go For Pet Info