When you hear the phrase domesticated animals, you probably automatically think of cats or dogs. But, what about fennec foxes, prairie dogs, pigs, sugar gliders, and even skunks? Although it’s not very common, each of these animals can also be domesticated. More and more people are opting out of getting a traditional pet and deciding to add a more unusual addition to their family.
Before you decide to become an owner of one of these animals, it’s important that you take into consideration the special care it will need compared to other, more typical pets. You will also need to review your state’s laws and regulations to make sure that it is legal to own one of these animals. Select one of the articles below to find out more about the options you have for domesticated animals as well as what they eat, what type of habitat they need, and more.
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Camping with Pets
Category:
Living With Your Pet, Travel
Camping with pets presents its own challenges. Skunks, raccoons, porcupines, snakes, and other wildlife can bite or otherwise injure your pet. Keep your pet within sight and on a leash. Be considerate of other campers. Be sure to ask your veterinarian about flea, tick and heartworm prevention.
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Planning and Preparation
Category:
Living With Your Pet, Travel
Planning and preparation are necessary when traveling with family pets. Consider whether your pet is comfortable when traveling. Some animals, like some people, function better in familiar surroundings. A car-sick animal can make a trip miserable for everyone. Some ill or physically impaired dogs and
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Travel by Airplane
Category:
Living With Your Pet, Travel
Air travel is of most concern to pet owners. You can minimize the chances of an unpleasant experience by following a few guidelines. Federal regulations require that pets be at least 8 weeks old and weaned at least 5 days before flying. Generally, a health certificate (which is not more than 10 days
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Travel by Car
Category:
Living With Your Pet, Travel
Pets should not be allowed to ride with their heads outside car windows. Particles of dirt can enter the eyes, ears, and nose, causing injury or infection.
If your pet is not accustomed to car travel, take it for a few short rides before your trip. Cats should be confined to a cage or crate to allow
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First Aid
Category:
Living With Your Pet, Providing Care
Never leave dangerous objects like pins, needles, or fish hooks within reach. Keep poisonous products and materials far from your pet's reach as you would with a child.
Of course, before an emergency ever arises, it's a good idea to learn all you can about first aid techniques and pet health care. Never
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Grooming
Category:
Living With Your Pet, Providing Care
Cats
Felines do a good job of grooming themselves, but regular brushing to prevent matting of hair is important. Cats rarely need a bath, but one can be given if necessary. Cats object to bathing in slippery tubs, so give your kitten something to cling to, such as a wood platform or a wire screen. Use
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Exams and Vaccinations
Category:
Living With Your Pet, Bringing Your Pet Home
Experts agree that widespread use of vaccines within the last century has prevented death and disease in millions of animals.
Pets, like people, can be protected from some diseases by vaccination. Although this resource provides basic information about vaccinations for your dog or cat, your veterinarian
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Obedience and Training
Category:
Living With Your Pet, Bringing Your Pet Home
Obedience training helps prevent negative encounters between family members and the dog. It reinforces the bond between the handler(s) and pet.
Obedience Training
A MUST for every good family dog, regardless of size or breed! Puppies may start classes when they are as young as 8 weeks old. Obedience
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Travel by Bus or Train
Category:
Living With Your Pet, Travel
Most states prohibit animals from riding on buses and similar regulations restrict travel on trains. Exceptions are made for guide and service dogs accompanying blind and disabled persons. Consult your local carriers in advance for information.
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Cockatiels
Category:
Choosing Your Pet, Exotics, Birds
Cockatiels are among the most popular pet birds. Small parrots with a variety of color patterns and a crest, they are attractive as well as friendly and easy to tame. Because of their small size, cockatiel care and taming is easier than some other parrot species. They are capable of mimicking speech,
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Zebra Finches
Category:
Choosing Your Pet, Exotics, Birds
In general, finches have an expected lifespan of anywhere from 5-15 years. The wide range here can probably be attributed to species differences as well as an increased understanding of their husbandry, especially diet. Zebra finches are arguably the most popular bird species found in the North American
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Leopard Geckos
Category:
Choosing Your Pet, Exotics, Reptiles, Lizards
The scientific name for leopard gekos is Eublepharis Macularius. They may live 20 or more years and grow to be approximately 8-10 inches long. Their common coloring is yellow and white with black spots (hatchlings start out striped, and gradually change to the spotted appearance). There are several color
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Green Anoles
Category:
Choosing Your Pet, Exotics, Reptiles, Lizards
Species: Anolis carolinensis.
Sometimes also called American chameleons, although they are not true chameleons. They can do a color change from green to brown, especially when stressed.
Quite readily available in the pet trade.
Life span averages around 4 years, although they can live longer
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Handling and Restraint
Category:
Choosing Your Pet, Small Mammals, Rabbits, Choosing Your Pet, Small Mammals
Improper handling may cause serious, life-threatening injuries. Fractures and dislocations of the back, most often resulting in paralysis of both rear legs, are the most common injuries. These injuries occur when rabbits are suddenly frightened and attempt to escape from a small enclosure.
A rabbit's
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Ferret Health
Category:
Choosing Your Pet, Small Mammals, Ferrets, Choosing Your Pet, Small Mammals
You will need to take your ferret in to your veterinarian twice a year for a medical checkup and yearly vaccinations. Ferrets require yearly inoculations against canine distemper. They are highly susceptible to canine distemper and it is always fatal. Do not forget to inoculate against this every year!
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Food and Housing
Category:
Choosing Your Pet, Small Mammals, Rabbits
Food
Feeding pet rabbits is easy because nutritionally complete and balanced commercial pelleted diets are readily available. One of these pelleted diets and fresh water are all a pet rabbit requires. The pellets should be offered at all times unless overeating and obesity have become problems. The pellets
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