Once all the research, planning and waiting is complete and the aquarium is full of water and has finally finished cycling you will finally be ready to introduce your first fish.

It is important to ensure that you make the right choice though as there are some fish which are suitable to be added at this stage and there are fish which are not.

Do you know what you are looking for in the selection of your first fish?

Firstly and foremost the fish you choose must be relatively hardy. The reason for this is that the saltwater aquarium is new and the water will not be completely stable. Another reason is that as aquarists we all make mistakes at one time or another and with having a hardy fish they are more forgiving to these mistakes.

You will probably have an idea as to the type of fish you would like to keep in your aquarium therefore it is imperative that this fish you choose now will be compatible with future tank mates. If you added an aggressive fish for example at the start then whenever you decided to add a new fish there would be fighting in the aquarium. Not what you really want at this stage, is it?

Which fish are good fish to start with?

Below is a list of what I believe to be good starter fish for a saltwater aquarium. They are all relatively hardy, peaceful and none of them have special feeding requirements.

* Clownfish
* Orchid Dottyback
* Royal Gramma
* Blenny
* Chromis
* Firefish

Lets have a look at each of these in a little more detail :

Clownfish

The clownfish to me is a fantastic little fish. The way it swims, the way it lives in corals etc and especially the colours – a great addition to any aquarium. They are also one of the most popular starter fish. They are quite hardy and are very well suited to captive life in an aquarium.

You can keep these singularly or you can keep them in pairs. When kept in pairs the most dominant fish sometimes will turn into a female and the two may even end up breeding.

There is a mis-belief that clown fish must be kept with an anemone. This simply is not the case. Clownfish will be more than happy in an aquarium without one. Anenomes are quite hard to keep and at this stage of the aquariums life the aquarium is not yet ready for one, possibly neither are you.

There are various species of clownfish, however the best ones to start with are :

* Common clown (Amphiprion ocellaris)
* Black and white clown (Amphiprion ocellaris)
* Percula clown (Amphiprion percula)

Clownfish can be purchased tank bred and if this is an available option it is recommended that you follow this option.

Orchid Dottyback

The orchid dottyback (Fridmani pseudochromis) is a relatively peaceful fish which grows to around 3-4 inches in length. The good thing about the orchid dottyback is that they can be purchased tank bred.

One thing to be noted is that you should not mix this fish with other fish of the same shape (ie the royal gramma below) or with other dottybacks.

Once the fish has become accustomed to life in your aquarium it will become quite bold and swim happily around the aquarium.

Royal Gramma

Royal grammas (Gramma Loreto) are a peaceful fish with the exception of their own kind and are very colourful fish with the colours changing from purple to yellow along the fish’s body.

There are other fish which can easily be confused with the Royal Gramma as they look very similar so ensure that it actually is a Royal Gramma prior to purchasing it.

Blenny

There are a couple of blennies which in my opinion make good additions to the aquarium as starter fish and there are the Midas Blenny (Ecsenius midas) and the Bicolour Blenny (Ecsenius bicolor).

These are both fantastic to watch. They both like to either rest on a ledge or find a hole and simply watch the world go by.

Chromis

Chromis (Chromis viridis) are great to add to an aquarium. They are relatively hardy and if you have a larger aquarium then you can add a small group. They normally come in two colours (blue and green).

One of the good things about chromis is that they do not grow to be that large. They normally do not grow larger than 2 inches in length.

Firefish

The normal firefish (Nemateleotris magnifica) and then purple firefish (Nemateleotris decora) are great starter fish to add to the aquarium. Both of these are very colourful fish which grow to a maximum size of about 4 inches.

The firefish has a large dorsal fin which it uses to lock itself into a hole in the rocks which is normally down at the bottom. This hole is where the fish retires to when the lights go out but it also uses it when it becomes startled. These fish are prone to jumping when startled therefore you need to take care to prevent this.

Unless you can locate an established pair I would recommend that these are kept singularly.

Peter Cunningham and John Cunningham between them have been keeping saltwater aquariums for over 35 years. Check out their Aquarists Online website if you are interested in learning more about the saltwater aquarium hobby.

Copyright 2009 Fine Pet Care.com. All Rights Reserved.

Fins shouldn’t be drooping, especially the dorsal fin. A collapsed fin is a bad sign for most fish, although for some species this tip doesn’t apply. Puffers normally curl their tail against their body, while butterfly fish have erect dorsal fins only when they are afraid.

In addition, fins need to be intact. Look for nipped, torn, or ripped fins. A few nips may not pose a problem if the fish appears to be behaving properly, but it’s a sign to watch out for.

Watch the fish as they swim and mingle with the other specimens in the tank. For example, smaller fish should move out of the way when a dominant fish swims by, as this indicates the fish is feeling normal. A sick fish may allow a dominant fish to intimidate it because it’s too ill to move out of the way.

Examine the fish’s respiration, comparing the movement of the gills to the other fish. It’s normal for some fish to breathe faster than others, but generally fish tend to move their gills at the same rate as those around them in a tank. Quick gill movement is a bad indication because it means the fish is probably stressed.

Other indicators of stress include dark patches and discoloration. If you purchase a book on fish before shopping, it will be easier to determine what coloration is normal for a particular fish, and what’s out of the ordinary.

As the fish swim back and forth, search for bumps and raised growths, small white crystals on the fins, or black dots. Fish with these characteristics have parasite infestations. Growths on the fins that resemble cauliflower are an indication of a viral infection and stress. In general, if you notice several fish in one store with signs of stress and disease, don’t buy any fish from that location.

And remember, fish that bully in the fish store will most likely do the same thing at home, so avoid purchasing fish that demonstrate aggressive behavior.

For saltwater aquariums in particular, avoid buying Undulated or Queen Triggers, Sohal Tangs, or Passer Angels. Avoid saltwater fish that grow bigger than six to eight inches, unless you’re looking to add a slow-moving fish to your aquarium.

Take your time when analyzing the fish so you have time to look beyond the beautiful colors. It’s easy to miss common indicators of problems when you have been mesmerized by a gorgeous fish swimming your way. Take a good look at the fish’s skin and fins, and watch its movements over a period of time.

By Richard Gilliland

reef aquariums, saltwater supplies

Copyright 2009 Fine Pet Care.com. All Rights Reserved.

If you are mulling over getting a Boston Terrier dog, but are unsure if it is the best choice for you and your family, then this article will expose five reasons to help make a decision.

While all too often dog lovers decide to get a breed based more on the look of the breed, it is not what should ultimately decide which one you get.

Although you may have already fallen in love with the Boston Terrier dog, here are five reasons why it could be the perfect four- legged companion for you:

A bundle of energy – If you are looking for a dog that just drags himself lazily around the house like a sleepy mop, then the Boston Terrier is definitely NOT for you! They are predisposed to being very active, lively and playful and thrive on being busy.

A true socialite – They are not called the “American Gentleman of Dogs” for nothing. If you use the right methods of training, Boston Terriers are very social and prove to be great entertainers for everyone around them. If you have any other pets, canine or non-canine, or have children in the house they prove to be safe and friendly with their diverse surroundings. A true family companion.

Grooming nightmares – Well, there are none to speak off! Due to their very short and shiny coat not only do you not have to groom frequently, you will avoid the frustration of having shedding and having to clean up the hair from your furniture and carpets.

The empty house – Are you or family away from home for large parts of the day? If yes, then I would strongly advise you to avoid getting this breed. One of the main reasons that they have increased in popularity is because they love and thrive on human company and lots of it. They don’t just love being with people, but need to do so. Therefore, if leaving him/her alone at home for long periods is a distinct possibility, then you should refrain from getting one.

Woof Woof – If incessant barking drives you up the wall, then you are in luck. The Boston Terrier dog while it does bark when he’s alerted to something unusual at night, are generally very quiet and don’t create much noise. They are a quiet bundle of energy, you and your family will enjoy.

The above five reasons should help you and your family make the right decision when choosing a companion that is right for your home.

To learn the secrets to raising and training Boston Terriers the right way, head over to http://www.boston-terrier-secrets.com

Copyright 2009 Fine Pet Care.com. All Rights Reserved.

Think about it first.

1) Why do you want a dog? It may be that you have recently lost a dog to illness or old age and she has left a blank space that you need to fill. If your children are now grown up and moved away, it may be that you need a new companion, who will also ensure that you get out and take plenty of exercise.

Perhaps you would like a big dog, to help you feel more secure in your home.These factors will help you to decide what breed of dog will be most suitable and also whether it should be an adult dog or a puppy.

2) You need to decide which breed of dog will suit your situation. There is such an enormous choice among all the different breeds. Will it be a large hound or a small terrier, a German Shepherd or a Bichon Frise? Will the size of the dog and the size of your home be compatible? You may decide not to get a pure bred dog but may find the ideal companion at the local Rescue Centre. This would certainly save you a lot of money.

3) If you decide to get a rescue dog, be aware that it may come with problems from a previous unsuitable owner. On the other hand, such a dog may be so grateful for a happy, loving home that it will turn out to be the ideal companion.

Dog breeders can vary from the superb to the criminal. Some are little more than puppy farms, with unhygienic quarters and indiscriminate breeding. Refer to your local breed society to find a reputable breeder and be sure to check the pedigree of the parents and the Kennel Club registration.

4) Who will train the dog and how? Will you take your dog to training classes, or employ a professional trainer? Are there other members of the family who could share in this necessary exercise. Perhaps you can do it yourself, with the aid of one of the excellent training courses which are available online.You must be prepared to devote time and patience to training your dog, to get the very best from your relationship.

5) Who will take most responsibility for the dog’s welfare? Will it all fall on you? You need to consider feeding, exercise, training and possibly grooming. Can you depend on promises of help from the kids and other members of the family, once the novelty has worn off?

If, on the other hand, you are now living alone, the trust and demands of a new dog in your life could be the very best thing to lighten your days!

6) Separation anxiety can be a big problem for a new puppy or an adult dog. He has suddenly been plunged into a new, strange environment and, in the case of a puppy, been taken away from his mother and siblings.

If the dog is then left alone in the home for long periods of the day, look out! He will be frightened and then bored and may resort to chewing and other destructive behavior, or keep up endless barking or whining, much to the annoyance of neighbors. And you may return home to a disaster zone!

7) Food. In the wild, your dog was a meat eater. Making sure that he gets a suitable diet, with all the correct nutrition is vital to his health and well-being. Just feeding him leftovers from your dinner table is not sufficient. Did you know that garlic and onions can be toxic to dogs?

Several vets and other authoritative sources have issued serious warnings that some commercial dog foods are potentially lethal, as they contain substances which are banned from human consumption. Visit the link at the bottom of this page for the full report.

8) Consider the cost of owning a dog. For a start, buying a pure bred dog with a good pedigree can be pretty expensive. He will need an initial health check with the vet and possibly you may want to have him micro-chipped. Whilst you are at the vet’s, you may want to get an idea of his normal fees, which should send you looking for pet insurance.

Once you’ve covered all that, there is the continuing cost of food, toys, collars, leashes, training and possibly a crate or kennel.

Get the right dog and he’s worth every penny!

http://allabout-dogs.co.uk covers all aspects of dog ownership, including dog training, dog breeds, dog health, dog food and dog supplies

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ken_Charles
http://EzineArticles.com/?Are-You-Getting-A-New-Dog?&id=904887

Copyright 2009 Fine Pet Care.com. All Rights Reserved.

Goldfish are a temperate breed that can be found in cool streams, lakes, and ponds throughout Asia and part of Eastern Europe. However, the ones you will buy for your tank have been bred in captivity. Once you’ve decided that the Goldfish is the right one for you – you will need to find the right kind of goldfish. Take your time and find out more, rather than just rush out and buy the first goldfish you find in the first pet store you come by. Decide on how many you want to buy. If you really want just a single Goldfish, please do a re-think on the issue because it can get lonely and boring for a lone ranger in a tank! Once you’ve though it out, here are some of the things you must keep in mind:

• Choose the right pet shop. Ask people you know who are committed fish keepers for reputed goldfish dealers. These are the people who care and would have professional knowledge of breeding and nurturing goldfish. See if they give a proper fish guarantee. When you enter the shop, look around at all the tanks. Make sure that the tanks are not overcrowded with fish. See if all kinds of fish are thrown together in one tank or care is taken to separate the various species. Look out for dead floating fish. The dead fish could have spread an infection to the other fish.

• Question the Goldfish Dealer. If the dealer claims that the goldfish are imported, then find out which country they are from and when they arrived. Ask him or her is the correct quarantine procedures have been adopted before putting up the goldfish for sale. If they were bred, find out when they were bred and how the fish have been kept till now as in what kind of medications if any has been used and for how long. Find out if the dealer has used salt in the water.

• Observe how the fish swims. This is a good gauge to identify healthy fish. A fish should be active, swimming with ease and style and poking around curiously at nooks and corners. Choose a goldfish that looks active and doesn’t wobble or tilt to one side or just rest at the bottom. Tap the tank and see how the goldfish reacts. A fish that is slow in its reaction might be a sick one. Make sure that it’s not opening its mouth too much for air, as it might be an indication of problems with the gills.

• Check out the fins. Make sure that the dorsal fin is straight and stands up. The backs of the goldfish should be smooth, without unsightly bumps. Also check that all the fins are healthy, even and are not rotted away or damaged. In all, a Goldfish should have a dorsal fin (unless it is a goldfish without a dorsal fin), pectoral fins that extend out on sides, two anal fins or one right in the middle. Beware a goldfish with just one anal fin that’s placed kind of off to one side. It could mean that the other anal fin is growing inwards and that could be fatal to the goldfish.

• Inspect the looks. Make sure that you give the goldfish you are choosing a thorough look over. See that the fish has a nice symmetrical shape and make sure they don’t have large heads compared to their body. It would do good to feel the fish to check if the skin is too slimy or too dry but at least ensure that the skin is free of spots and odd bumps and that the gills are red. There should be no redness in the anal region and definitely nothing sticking out or leaking out. The outside of the mouth should be free from redness and white strings and the eyes free from white flecks.

• Bag ‘em right. Where you’re buying goldfish, you will have to put them in the ubiquitous plastic bag, but do so with care. Make sure that the dealer leaves enough space on top for the oxygen and the right amount of water. The right amount of the water is that which covers the fish. Do not allow the dealer to add any medicine or drops or anything else. Don’t make the bag too tight and avoid a big bag that might lead to too many folds in which the fish could get trapped and hurt. The bag should be tied till it is adequately taut.

By Dane Stanton

Dane Stanton is an expert on goldfish health care. To visit his website visit http://www.goldfish-secrets.com for more information on Goldfish care and other aquarium related topics.

Copyright 2009 Fine Pet Care.com. All Rights Reserved.

If you have come to the conclusion that you would like to set up a tropical fish aquarium for the enjoyment of yourself and your family, then you are probably in need of some directions in how to get started. If you have never had an aquarium before, then it is recommended to start out with freshwater aquarium fish because they are easier to care for.

Freshwater aquarium fish, as opposed to their bright and flashy cousins of the saltwater variety, can be a good experience for people who have never cared for fish before. Saltwater aquarium tanks can be quite challenging to set up and properly maintain. For this reason, it is strongly recommended that those new to fish keeping, look first at starting with freshwater fish. After you have been able to master the challenges of keeping freshwater fish alive and their aquarium in good order, at that point you might want to broaden your fish keeping horizons and branch out into the saltwater aquarium realm.

Ultimately, it does not matter what kind of aquarium or tank that you choose for your freshwater aquarium fish, as far as care and maintenance is concerned. However, if you cannot keep to a regular, weekly schedule of cleaning and maintaining the tank, then perhaps you should not even bother setting up an aquarium.

In addition, you will also need to monitor your tropical fish tank on a daily basis. You need to be sure that the water is always properly in balance for your freshwater aquarium fish and that the correct and comfortable temperature is constantly maintained. The other daily task that you must remember to perform is to make sure that your fish receive the proper amount and type of food as needed.

After you have determined that you will be able to keep up with the regular required maintenance of freshwater aquarium fish, then you can start deciding on what kind of fish you want to include in your tropical aquarium. The tropical fish tank that you choose must be large enough so that it can properly accommodate the number and types of fish that you plan to purchase. The overcrowding of a tropical fish tank can be a deadly mistake because it can cause polluted tank water and can lead to diseased fish. Before making your final decision, make sure you ask how large the selected fish will be at maturity, as size can vary a great deal depending on the species. A newbie to fish keeping might want to start with a 10 to 20-gallon tropical fish tank and fill it with the smaller and heartier freshwater fish varieties.

In order to maintain a healthy environment for your freshwater aquarium fish, you will also need to have a quality water filtration system, a reliable heater and some nice aquarium decorations and accessories. When setting up your freshwater tropical aquarium, be sure to choose a location in the house where light and temperature can be controlled so that it remains constant. And, remember that once your tropical fish tank is set up and filled, it will be very heavy, so be sure that it is on solid footing with flooring that can handle the load.

Mike LaVallee is the webmaster of Tropical Aquarium Care a website for the
Tropical Fish Hobbyist including
SaltwaterAquariums. Here you will find articles, advice and resources on many tropical aquarium topic

Copyright 2009 Fine Pet Care.com. All Rights Reserved.

The Christmas holidays are fast approaching! While you’re busy decorating and preparing your home for guests, here are a few important tips to keep your dog safe this season.

The Christmas Tree

Tinsel, small ornaments, and ornament hooks are major choking hazards for dogs. It’s best to avoid tinsel altogether and keep small ornaments high on the tree, out of the dog’s reach. Also, make sure there are no stray ornament hooks on the floor!

If your family has a real tree (as opposed to an artificial tree), it’s best to block off the area around the tree with a screen or gate. Many dogs become ill from drinking tree water and ingesting pine needles. Vacuum the area around the tree regularly.

Holiday Guests

It’s exciting to have family and friends over during the holidays—even for your dog! But there are certain precautions you should take when having company over.

Dogs can easily slip out the door when people are continuously going in and out. Make sure your dog is wearing an identification tag with your phone number, even if he is micro-chipped. Not everyone who finds a lost dog knows to have him checked for a micro-chip.

Your guests may adore your dog, but don’t let them give your dog any food without asking. Children especially may want to give the dog a treat—hand them a safe treat and supervise while they give it to the dog. Under no circumstances should your dog be given turkey or chicken bones. They are too small and are a serious choking hazard. As an alternative, buy a marrow bone at the grocery store as a special holiday treat.

Why You Shouldn’t Give Dogs as Gifts

Bringing a new dog into the family is a wonderful thing, especially if you adopt a dog from a shelter. However, giving a dog as a Christmas gift is never a good idea. Regardless of whether the dog is a puppy or an adult, his first few days in your home should be all about him. The holidays, for most families, are too chaotic and busy for a dog to get used to his new environment, and he may become anxious or frightened.

A great idea for families who want to give their children a dog for Christmas is to gift wrap a dog bone. When the child opens it, tell them it’s for the new dog that you’ll be getting in a few weeks. Or you can leave a note from Santa explaining that he didn’t have enough room on his sleigh and will be coming back with the dog. Animal shelters are flooded every January with dogs who were given as Christmas gifts—so January is a great time to adopt a dog who needs a home.

Lastly, it’s always a good idea to have your vet’s phone number posted in a visible spot. Your vet’s office should have someone answering the phone 24/7.

The most important thing to remember, amidst all the chaos of the holidays, is to always know where your dog is and what he’s up to. That way everyone in your home, including the four-legged family members, can have a Merry Christmas.

Copyright (c) 2007 Jennifer Koretsky

luvmutt.com is a website dedicated to mixed breed dogs and the people who love them. Meet a new dog every day at http://www.luvmutt.com .

Copyright 2009 Fine Pet Care.com. All Rights Reserved.

Nothing makes apartment living fun like a playful pet.

Fido and Felix bring a number of new elements to an apartment other than the additional smell. On any given day pets add companionship, humor, personality, and tons of fun to even the most monotonous dwellings. Although dogs and cats lead the pack of domesticated pals there are a number of non-traditional, unique, and exotically extravagant creatures available. So, if you are seeking a cute, small, or just out of the ordinary companion check out the little buggers that round out my list of Top Six Unique Apartment Pets.

6) Pot-Bellied Pigs- While slightly destructive at times, Pot-Bellied Pigs can be as easy, if not easier to train than dogs. They’re playful, curious, caring, surprisingly odorless, and they don’t bark. Natural “rooters” and highly intelligent, these pets can get quite stubborn in their desperate search to feed their addiction to food, learning to open cabinets, drawers, bins, and find their way into making a real mess of the kitchen. Keeping food locked up is only a fraction of commitment to caring for these lovable little oinkers. Pot-Bellied Pigs may require much care, financial, and time commitment, but make an extremely fun pet and incredible family member.

5) Hedgehog- Although not a very social animal, a tamed hedgehog can make a nice furry friend. With a life-span of 4-6 years, Hedgehogs are relatively easy to care for and are easy to feed with high quality cat food. When they feel threatened these animals will roll into a ball, poking out the prickly spines on their back. These spines are not a big danger, but getting a hedgehog used to human handling is one of the biggest steps in making them comfortable and you avoiding getting poked. A seemingly quiet animal, they don’t require a lot of attention and are great at entertaining themselves.

4) Chinchillas- Pets don’t get much softer or cuddlier than one of these very soft, furrycreatures. Like most exotic mammals on this list, if handled from a young age Chinchillas bond very closely with their human owners. For a smaller animal they have quite the extensive life span, lasting about 15 years. An active and playful animal by nature, having a spacious cage and many toys available for the Chinchilla will add to their happiness and natural comfort level. Surprisingly, these little guys bathe in dust to keep their coat silky and smooth, so having a dust bath is a necessity. Does anyone else see the irony in the fact that an animal can bathe itself in dust to maintain a clean, shiny coat of fur?

3) Ferrets- A very mischievous animal, Ferrets can be highly entertaining. One of the more common animals on this list, Ferrets are known to sleep long hours (up to 18 hrs/day) and be very active during dawn and dusk. Most will adapt their sleeping and active times to fit that of their owner’s schedule. While they do have a reputation for having a musky smell, Ferrets are typically fixed and descented before being sold. Ferret owners should always try to be aware of the whereabouts of their pet as a ferret’s curiosity can lead it anywhere in the home. Living roughly 6-8 years, Ferrets make a really awesome and extremely fun apartment pet.

2) Prairie Dogs- One of the most social, playful, and active animals on this list, Prairie Dogs can make incredibly fun pets for an apartment. If trained very young to be around humans, these furry creatures become affectionate and very caring to their owners. With this need for affection, they require a good amount of attention. Feeding on rabbit pellets, hay, and the occasional treat, it’s fairly easy to keep a Prairie Dogs’ belly full. Make sure to have many chewable toys available as they do like to chew on things and you don’t want them to chew on you.

1) Sugar Gliders- This is the ultimate apartment pet. Sugar Glider’s are extremely social and bond naturally with their human owners. This in mind, these animals do require quite a bit of daily attention and interaction as without it they can at times become depressed or even die. A marsupial, the Sugar Glider is quite comfortable hanging out in a shirt pocket all day, cuddling close to its owner. They are a very endearing and non-aggressive pet that typically lives 12-14 years, so will make a wonderful long time pet that’ll connect well with its owner. Being small, fun, and easy to care for makes the Sugar Glider the perfect apartment pet!

That rounds out the list of Top Six Unique Apartment Pets. There are an increasing number of viable pet options for apartment dwellers out there, so make sure and look around and weigh those options to find the perfect pet for you and your place.

By Jeff Swett

Visit ApartmentHomeLiving.com for more information on apartments and living for fun!

Jeff’s just a regular guy with a funny goatee that really enjoys people and life. On top of that he is a bit of an expert on apartments, living in them, and getting the most out of the apartment living lifestyle. As a Managing Partner of Apartment Home Living, Jeff wants to help you find the right apartment by getting to know you. Not only where you want to live & what you want to pay, but what you like. This way, we can help you find an apartment that fits your personality, not just your budget.

At AHL Apartmentites have a platform to share their own stories, get great info & tips on apartment living, read Jeff’s entertaining blogs/stories, find Answers to a wide array of apartment related questions, and have a ton of fun sharing their love of apartment living with others. Don’t forget to go and set up your own MyPlace page to really get the full Apartmentite experience!

Copyright 2009 Fine Pet Care.com. All Rights Reserved.

When choosing a family pet, many people automatically think of a cat or a dog. Those who do not enjoy having a pet running around the house all day, might think of rabbits, guinea pigs or hamsters. But if you want a different kind of furry friend, I suggest looking into adding a chinchilla to your family.

Chinchillas are members of the rodent family. They originate from the mountains in South America. They are especially known for their soft fur, which they keep in excellent shape by rolling around in sand.

One thing to keep in mind when considering a chinchilla is that they can live for a long time, up to 20 years. You could compare it to the lifespan of a cat. The chinchilla is not a short-term pet, so you have to be sure you can accommodate them properly and are willing to make a commitment.

A fully grown chinchilla is about 12 inches long and weighs between 18 and 35 ounces – approximately the size of a smaller breed of rabbit. They have round ears and a bushy tail.

A chinchilla’s fur is so dense that fleas and other parasites are not an issue. They are very clean by nature, so there is practically no smell.

They are not difficult to keep, but you do need to provide them with sufficient space. Cages should be kept indoors and cleaned once a week. Hygiene is very important and avoids harmful bacteria which could harm your chinchilla.

Experts recommend that the minimum cage space for one chinchilla should be approximately 100cm high x 70cm wide x 50cm deep. The chinchilla does like room to move about in, so I advise building or purchasing a larger cage than that. I recommend creating different levels within the cage and perhaps a climbing branch, as they enjoy jumping and climbing.

Please keep your chinchilla away from the heat and allow them to have access to cool air and a shaded space on hot days. Chinchillas can suffer from heat strokes when the temperature goes too high.

I also recommend letting your chinchilla run free for at least an hour a day, within a safe space such as a closed room with not too many hidey-holes. Anything you would not like chewed should be removed, as chinchillas need to keep their teeth trimmed. A variety of items for them to chew can be purchased in pet shops.

Do not be afraid when a chinchilla runs straight at a wall. This can be a scary sight at first, but they will twist in the air at the last moment, and bounce off the wall with their back legs. They are agile and great fun to watch.

Chinchillas are friendly pets. It can take a bit of time for them to get to know you, and for them to be comfortable with being handled, but if you are patient and caring you will be rewarded. They are very intelligent and like to have fun, so once you have earned their friendship they might even try to play tricks on you in order to get a treat.

If at all possible, add a couple of chinchillas to your family, to avoid loneliness. Chinchillas love company and interaction, and will happily play together. If you only have room for one, they will need more attention and playing time to keep them stimulated.

Adding a chinchilla to your family is a rewarding experience, both for adults and children. So the next time you’re looking for a family pet, why not consider one of these friendly little creatures?

This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.PetLovers.Com/ which is a site for Pets.

Copyright 2009 Fine Pet Care.com. All Rights Reserved.

There are a lot of people today that want a parrot for a pet but there are also many that do not know how to take care of one. There are many problems that can appear when you want to take care of a parrot properly. The biggest problem costs in not providing to our new feathered friend with a proper house. Choosing a cage for a parrot seems to be very difficult because not many people realize that parrot’s needs are very complex.

There are more and more parrot’s owners that complain about different problems that appear to their new pet. There are indeed a lot of behavioral problems that can appear to a parrot but most of the times they have one cause: an unfitted cage to witch the parrot tries to accommodate but of course in vane. Here are some of the problems that can appear: feather plucking, phobic behavior, screaming and even biting and aggression.

We must understand that the cage is in fact the pet’s new home. How would you feel if someone will take you and put you in an unfitted home? Not good anyway. So is the parrot: if he doesn’t like he’s new cage he will complain all the time. These situations will surly bother you for a long time since a parrot’s life can reach even 40 years.

We must have in consideration the needs of a parrot and we must give him the much comfort we can. The cage is the parrot’s home. In his home he must have his water bottle, his bowl of food and his toys. The first thing we must do if we want to provide a comfortable home to our parrot is to buy him the largest cage there is! Some of us don’t understand that parrots are in fact birds and they must stretch their wings! A little cage will not give him this chance. So if you see your parrot under stress you must understand that there is something wrong with his cage.

Even if it is true that you must fit the cage’s dimensions with the specie of the parrot you have, my advice to you is to get the largest cage there is without regarding your parrot’s specie. You may ask why? Let me give you an example: there are a lot of people that have parrots as pets. Although they are a small specie parrots are very playful. You will not see your pet sitting even for a second. For you to provide them the playground they want you must take them a large cage even they are small birds.

Think for a minute that your bird will stay in his new cage at least 20 hours alone! I calculated here the night hours when he sleeps and the 8 hours you are at work. In these conditions he must have a very comfortable cage. Why is the cage important you may ask? Why can’t we let the bird free within the house or why can’t we let the cage’s door open? Well, that is the biggest mistake one can make! There are a lot of reasons why a cage is very important:

- First of all a parrot needs different textures as well as different diameters to be orientated.

- Then if you will let a parrot loss he will immediately go to the highest point in the room and just sit there. In this way he will think he is in control over his flock and territory.

- Also if he was to be free he will not play with his toys. You will not have a playful pet. So, to be sure he gets all the exercises he needs to develop his feet and his legs muscles properly you must get him to play with his toys and play pan. This is possible only when he is in a cage

When buying a cage take in consideration beside your bird’s dimensions, that inside that cage you will have to put also all kinds of toys, at least three bawls and a swing. Also do not be tempted to buy a round cage because this shape will get your parrot psychological problems. Also you must know that the vast majority of commercial parrot products are not made to be attached to a round surface.

If you want to know more about parrot care and about parrot cages or learn about pet parrots just visit my website.

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