Pygmy Marmosets - Finger Monkey

The smallest primate in the world weighing approximately 4.20 oz (119 g) is the Pygmy marmoset (Callithrix pygmaea). There are 16 ounces (0.453592 kg) in a pound so hold one stick of butter, you will realize how small, and light they are. The ultimate exotic pet? You decide.

Now stick your thumb up, a newborn is the size of your thumb! I guess we can see where the term finger monkey or thumb monkey came from. They are also known as a dwarf monkey or a pocket monkey. My article on the finger monkey Finger Monkey Pygmy Marmoset

They are sold as pets, they aren’t legal in many areas, and they are costly. Pygmy marmosets monkey for sale is not an advertisement you will find often. There are potential breeders in the United States.

The Pygmy marmoset needs painstaking care, and they have significant social needs. Please learn all you can about these little monkeys and gain actual experience before considering buying them as a pet. To gain the experience and skills that you need consider volunteering at a zoo or similar organization. This knowledge is crucial for all exotic pets.

This article is based on fact and not meant to represent my opinion if primates should be pets or not.

They have sharp claws which have allowed them to adapt well ecologically to their habitats in the rainforests of South America. They are suited well to the tall trees; camouflaged and protected by the dense foliage and vines. They are quick and have no trouble maneuvering. They are capable of jumping a full 16 feet! They depend on their dexterity and speed to protect themselves from predators. They are able to turn their heads to see completely behind them, pretty much a full 180 degrees.

Pygmy marmosets are omnivorous they eat substances that exudates from trees and vines such as sap and gums, these exudates are the majority of their diet. They will also eat blossoms, fruit, buds, insects, and many things in between.

Groups of Pygmy marmosets are territorial, but they will leave an area so that the plant life won’t be overused. They gouge holes in trees using their lower teeth to drink the sap, resin, and gums from the trees. These holes are left to heal. In some characteristics, they seem smarter than humans do.

As with all primates, pygmy marmosets are social, grooming, playing, and eating together in groups of up to nine monkeys. It’s the social aspects that concern me most when considering primates as pets. The males actually help deliver the babies. He will carry the infants on his back for a couple of weeks, returning the baby monkeys to their mother so that they can nurse.

They have very expressive faces and high pitch shrill voices. If you have an opportunity to see pygmy marmosets in a zoo or primate exhibit pay attention to their faces they are quite animated; the same with their communication.

They have a life expectancy of up to 15 years usually an average of 10-12 years. Their gestation period is 4.5 months. In the wild, they normally twin though they can give birth to three to four. Multiple births of four are more common in zoos and pygmy marmoset breeders.

The Pygmy marmoset is a threatened species primarily because of habitat loss and people gathering them to sell as pets. The United States has banned the import of primates. If you can find a pygmy marmoset for sale, make sure it is a captive bred monkey (legal not poached).

Original Finger Monkey Pygmy Marmoset article

Finger monkeys - while I admit the pictures of a tiny monkey hanging on to a finger are astonishingly cute the closest thing I can find would be a pygmy marmoset. Are finger monkey’s fact or fiction? You decide. The pictures of the finger monkeys are obviously infants observing the faces and the closed eyes.

I use to tour zoos when I was still able to get around before my accident. While I was at the Duluth Zoo in Duluth Minnesota I saw a marmoset for the first time ever in the zoo Primate Conservation Center, which I would like to add the Primate Conservation Center, is amazing.

The animal I believe to be the finger monkey or thumb monkey is the pygmy marmoset that comes from tropical forests of South America. The pygmy marmoset’s average lifespan is around 15 years. The marmoset lives about 25 years. They are of the callitrichid family.

The pygmy marmoset fully grown is around 4.4-5.8 inches body size and the tail 6.5-9 inches. Adult pygmy marmosets weigh from 3.5 to 5 ounces.

These darling little monkeys are highly social, and it would be challenging to raise them at home as an exotic pet. They live in family groups of a couple to nine pygmy marmosets. They reach sexual maturity around 16 months but because of their social order few females are allowed to breed. They weigh about a half ounce at birth. The females will usually have twins though triplets are not uncommon, they can have quadruplets occasionally.

The pygmy marmoset uses a series of trills and calls to communicate as well as body language. As with all primates they communicate chemically using glandular secretion from their scent glands to communicate needs, desires, expectations, and fears.

They are not facing the human predator quite as badly as other monkeys in that they are able to hide quite easily. Though habitat loss is certainly taking its toll on these pygmy marmosets, they are considered threatened and many endangered. Don’t think that for a minute their size will keep them from chasing off an invader, they have a “no fear” attitude. As adults, they can be unpredictable and aggressive. This is another reason they do not make good exotic pets.

The pygmy marmoset is omnivorous, eating insects and other invertebrates, fruit, and plant matter. The majority of their diet is from tree exudates, seed gums, and tree and plant sap. They chew holes in trees with their long lower incisors. Their diet alone would make it very difficult to raise them domestically.

Add the unpredictability and aggressiveness with the very long sharp teeth, and you may have a finger monkey without the finger.

California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, and Wyoming have bans on private possession of primates. Several more states are in the process of stopping the possession of primates as pets. There is also the possibility of federal legislation banning these exotic pets.

You must find a veterinarian able to treat a primate before you bring your pet monkey home. These veterinarians are not easy to find.

Make sure any primate you intend on bringing home has had a full physical with a complete set of laboratory tests. As with any primate, you truly don’t know if they have been poached in South America or Africa and you certainly don’t want to bring home a pesky disease like Ebola.

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Animal Stories - Free Range or Caged?

Perhaps a few pet stories will convince most of you that free-ranging exotic pets aren’t always such a good idea. I will tell the story of the rabbit in the dryer, raccoon that urinated on the surge protector, the ferrets that vanished, the rat on the roof, and the story skunks don’t climb.

I have received many questions, statements, and so forth about the topic of allowing exotic pets to have free run of the house. In my opinion, there are just too many dangers to allow many species of animals to have total run of the house. The use of common sense goes a long way.

Personally, I am in the middle. I allow my exotic pets plenty of exercise time and playtime outside of their cage or the area where I confine them. Some animals should never be caged. After a few potential mishaps and near disasters I just don’t allow them to run free without constant supervision.

"Honey, why is the rabbit in the dryer?" "What?" The rabbit is in the dryer. I had just taken out the clothes I wanted to hang up on hangers before I grabbed the last handful of clothes out of the dryer. I left the dryer door open. Evidently, the exotic pet rabbit thought that the cubby hole with warmth emanating from nice soft clothing looked intriguing. He climbed into the dryer, evidently to take a nap.

What if I had decided to turn the dryer back on to keep the rest of the clothes from wrinkling? There isn’t a lot that can be said about a fluffed rabbit. I also have heard of rabbits lured to fireplaces attracted by the heat and have gotten their fur scorched. After the dryer mishap, the rabbits were given one room to play in, and that one room was searched from top to bottom for any possible dangers. When they are out of their rabbit cages they are in their designated room and chaperoned.

One email I received was from a man that was concerned because his wife felt their rats should have total freedom of the house. It is near impossible to find all the dangers in the house when it comes to a rat. Here is what happened to us. We had the windows cracked open a bit in a second-floor bedroom. The windows had good screens. We went to check on our rat children and one was missing. There he was out on top of the second-floor roof wandering around. We are afraid to death of heights, we had to crawl out the window and retrieve the rat. Luckily he was the type to run toward us, and not run in the opposite direction. Rats just don’t fly well.

Even if an animal is in the same room with you, doesn’t mean he isn’t going to get into trouble. We had our office on one wall of the bedroom many years ago. We lived in Oklahoma in the country. I heard something outside and I looked out to see a sheriff’s car and then two sheriffs cautiously walking toward the house with their hands on their holsters. They looked very apprehensive. We both went outside to greet them, trying to look as friendly as possible. The two men were still uneasy until I asked what the problem was.

They explained a 911 call was made from our phone, but no one would speak to the dispatcher, and there was a strange noise on the line. In fact, they still had the connection and the bizarre noise was still coming over the line. I had one of those bingo moments. Our two baby raccoons had been playing on the bed behind our backs. The phone had also been on the bed. Somehow those two little rascals had taken the phone off the hook, managed to dial 911 and they were chuckling and chattering to the dispatcher. When I explained this to the two officers they looked incredibly relieved. I had to laugh when I heard them laughing quietly as they got back into their car. I was also glad I had my license to have the raccoons.

One of the same raccoons was playing under my desk one day. They were still very young and far from litter box trained. He urinated on my brand new APC battery backup surge protector. A loud zap and pop echoed through the room. Off went our computers. I looked under the desk and there was a very rattled, puffed up baby raccoon looking mighty scared. He ran to me and stayed in my arms for at least an hour. Thank goodness he hadn’t been electrocuted. But, I assure you he never peed on anything electrical again.

I don’t know how many times I have heard that skunks don’t climb. Bull roar, they climb. They may not be able to climb a tree like a raccoon but they can climb. We picked up two baby skunks up in Iowa; one skunk for a doctor that was a family friend, and also one for ourselves. Through previous experiences, I knew that baby gates didn’t work to contain a skunk. Nor, will I cage a skunk – ever. When they are tiny I use a baby's playpen. As they grow older I contain them to one safe room where we spend the most time. We had a piece of acrylic against the doorway to keep them from getting out of the bedroom. It was well wedged and the edges were guarded. A little while later we had two baby skunks coming toward us. To this day we have no idea how they got out of that bedroom.

I kept large dog food bags in big plastic bins so that the skunks couldn’t get into the dog food. It is not good for them, no dog food or cat food is good for a skunk. The container was kept under the stairs. Our skunk went missing one day. I was looking around the house when I spotted a white tipped tail sticking out of the dog food bag. The little monster had climbed the stairs and dropped into the dog food bag from above. Skunks are very smart animals.

Ferrets are great at finding nooks and crannies. One day in Northern Minnesota, not just one ferret, but all my ferrets went missing. How can this be? I had previously looked over that house with a fine tooth comb looking for any possible dangers and escape routes. After looking high a low for them in the house, I went outside and crawled under the house. There they were. Since I never did find how they had got down there. I placed blankets under the house near the access door. Any time they disappeared I knew exactly where they would be. After they played they run out of steam quickly. The blankets were the only warm place under the house. They also needed each other for body heat. I would just reach my hand in, pat for lumps, pull the ferrets out of the blankets, and take them back into the house; all seven of them. I now use a ferret cage with supervised playtime. A ferret cage has its advantages.

Of course, our pets need playtime and exercise time but with limits. They must have a closed-off limited play place and be supervised. It would take me days to list all the potential dangers in a home, from electrocution, getting loose, getting poisoned, or even burned. Be aware of these dangers and don’t let them have total free range of the house. Exotic pet safety comes first.

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Hybrid Macaws

I know that a lot of people are against creating hybrids especially in the bird world, primarily macaws. Many people will tell you that birds do not breed outside their own genus in the wild. This is simply not true. In fact, there was once a thread in the Birding Forum that referred to two different genera of cranes breeding. We have seen the results of some beautiful macaws as a result of hybrids.

Is it detrimental to the purity of bloodlines? Or, could it, in fact, strengthen the species? As a habitat of individual species of macaws is diminished there are fewer macaws, more inbreeding will occur, less of a gene pool; weakening the genetics of the species?

Two common hybrids are Harlequin (blue & gold macaw and green-winged macaw) and Catalina (a result of a scarlet macaw and blue and gold). There are several more hybrids; one not as familiar primarily because of the price of a hyacinth macaw; Caloshua macaw (combination of a blue and gold macaw and hyacinth macaw). The hybrids make me think of an artist’s palette.

Hybrid macaws

Photo courtesy of Cedar Hills Birds

The fact remains that these birds do breed in the wild, while it is not real common, it does happen. You don’t see many hybrids flying around though, and one reason could be because of the unnatural vibrant color combinations that stand out to predators.

It is interesting on the wee trek across Panama from ocean to ocean the number of parrots you see. It is interesting, even though they have such brilliant colors; it still harmonizes with natures colors. Just one hybrid species does not blend in as well; you really would have to see it to understand.

One logical argument against breeding two species of macaws to produce a hybrid is the fact that the regions in which the macaws’ inhabitant the land is disappearing at an alarming rate as are the macaws. The disagreement being is that the bloodlines must remain pure especially captive bred macaws since the wild population of these magnificent birds is in jeopardy. Each bird that is pure has valuable genetic coding.

Let’s imagine for a moment, and pray this never occurs. However, at the rate humans are destroying millions of acres of land, this hypothetical hypothesis could occur. That the entire population of wild macaws becomes extinct. The only remaining macaws are in captivity. If there are no remaining pure bloodlines the individual species of macaws could never be reproduced.

At one time the geographic boundaries of various species of macaws were pretty clear-cut. But, as the lands that these macaws inhabit disappear, the boundaries are less clear-cut; if not altogether encroached.

Look at the number of species of macaws, and other parrots that frequent the mineral-rich clay deposits in Peru. There are at least six individual species of macaws seen on the cliffs. So, they do inhabit the same areas.

Macaws don’t simply reproduce they form strong bonds. The same argument could apply to hand-fed baby birds. They are very difficult to breed. They have already bonded. No matter what the argument, any person that keeps a bird in captivity is not playing by naturally occurring rules that nature has set.

The realism that humankind has already intervened in nature makes it a good possibility that there will be no suitable land to start the pure bloodlines over again. The probability that the beautiful blue Spix's macaw is extinct in the wild, the Spix's macaw was trapped, poached, hunted, destruction of their habitat, every single one of the causes of the macaw’s destruction was because of humankind. Humans also hybridized the African bee that also helped the Spix’s demise. Extinction means – gone FOREVER!

What are your thoughts on hybrids? Why are you for and why are you against hybrids? You have read the article have you decided if I was for or against? Please post your opinions in comments

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Pet Ferret Guide

Learn all about ferrets, a funny, delightful, friendly little animal related to the weasel. Though their appearances are similar, their mannerisms are not. The weasel reminds me of a dysfunctional weed eater or a rabid sewing machine with their sharp, little teeth. Ferrets are generally lovable and friendly. The pet ferret is a remarkable small animal and an exceptional pet for the right person.

Meet one of my ferrets, her name is Missy.

Ferrets have been an important part of our household for many years. They often brought joy to my life when there seemed to be only dark clouds. They are more entertaining to watch than any television show, especially right after they have had a bath. A wet ferret is a disabled ferret! A damp ferret loses all sense of good judgment. They stagger like their drunk, cannot walk, they roll, and rub against anything and everything trying to get that nasty old water off them. Ferrets are extremely intelligent. Many people will tell you they are more intelligent than a dog or cat. I think they are just as intelligent, just differently. Adjectives that describe the personality of a ferret are conniving, devious, tricky, sly and wily. That pretty well covers the description.

Ferrets usually have a lifespan of 6 to 10 years. They normally remain alert, active, and playful well into their "golden years." I have a ferret that was born blind. He has gotten along fine for having a sensory disability. He is now seven years old and is still king of the mountain.

Many people will tell you not to buy just one ferret it will get lonely. I have seen numerous people with just one ferret. As long as you spend a great deal of time with them and supply them with lots of toys, and get down on the floor and play with the ferret, he will do just fine. I, unfortunately, have never been able to have one of anything. In our house, traffic lights are necessary to direct all the different fur balls running around.

Male Ferrets are Hobs, and Female Ferrets are Jills. Neutered they become gibs or sprites. If you get a bunch of ferrets together, they are a business of ferrets or a busyness of ferrets. Nothing could be closer to the truth. A baby ferret is a kit and a bundle of joy.

Ferrets come in several different colors, sable, albino, silver, cinnamon, and chocolate just to name a few. Like any animal, every ferret has its own distinct personality.

Ferrets love to play! They like to play with lots of different toys, and they like to play games with you. If he is jumping up and down in front of you or pulling on your pant leg, he wants to play. Get down to his level and play with him! They love to play tug-a-war or chase. If the ferret is running around looking spastic and making funny, chuckling noises, he is having fun. Fun with you or his other ferret friends is like watching the cartoon, Tasmanian devil. They exert so much energy so fast, and then they are down for the count, ready to nap.

Cat toys will work great for ferrets. I knotted men's socks; they are great tug a war toys as well as carry around toys. They love tunnels. Dryer hose makes a great tunnel to play in. They love to carry stuff around. I had seven ferrets at one time. Each liked something "best" and different. One loves little-stuffed animals. One, we called techno baby, had a love for cell phones and remote controls. Another loved metal objects, for example, pipe fittings, anything metal. Strange little critters they are and the best little thieves around anywhere. They were so good they would make my raccoons blush from thief inadequacy!

A sleeping ferret may seem like a dead ferret. One time I found a ferret, cold, stiff, and seemingly not breathing. With tears flowing down my face, I informed my family that our beloved pet was dead. We picked up the cold, stiff little ferret as he looked up and asked what do you want? Other words, they are dead to the world when sleeping. The body temperature drops considerably. In fact, when they wake up, they often have what we called the wake-up rattles. They will shiver to bring up their body temperature, no reason to be concerned.

Ferrets often have scratching emergencies. In the middle of everything, they will stop and frantically scratch. In the middle of deep sleep, they will jump up all of sudden and scratch. Usually for no other reason than they itch. Fleas can be a problem with ferrets. None of the prescription flea controls like Frontline or Advantage has been tested on ferrets. Nevertheless, many people have used it with no adverse effects.

Before you bring your ferret home for the first time make sure you are ready for him. They can and will get out of the tiniest of holes, heat vents, and dryer vents, mouse holes, any hole! Make sure your home is ferret proof. Any ferret owner will tell you the little dears do get into trouble! I had a house up in Northern Minnesota it had been a summer lake home that we turned into a year around the house. I diligently ferret proofed the place. However, it didn't take me long to realize I would never find all the tiny exits a ferret can escape through. All the exits came out under the house. I put a ferret "trap" under the house which consisted of a nice warm blanket. They would wear out, snuggle in the blanket and I would simply reach in, pull them out and return them to their bedroom.

Consider animal adoption from an animal rescue or animal shelter. You may even find a ferret rescue nearby.

The ferret cage needs to be big if not bigger. A large multiple layer cage is a great example. Make sure the wire is fastened securely, so that little toes don't get stuck.

I mostly housed my ferrets in their own bedroom. If they are housed in a cage, make sure the pen is no smaller than 2 X 3 feet and 2 feet high. Add hammocks for them to sleep in. Let them out to play with you frequently. Make sure the door latches are secure with locks if you have children.

You may post an advertisement for free ferret cages. Make sure you sanitize the cage. I got a free baby ferret from someone who had just bought the ferret, in fact, I got the free ferret, free cage, free food, free toys, everything free. They got the ferret home and realized they didn't litter box train themselves overnight. Imagine that.

Plenty of fresh water should be available all the time. Ferrets require a very high protein food. You cannot feed them dog food! They are meat eaters and unable to digest grains, vegetables or fruit. Cat food does not have enough protein for a ferret. A high-quality kitten food comes close. I used Iams kitten food, and the ferrets thrived. This is before it was sold to another company and the formula was changed. I tried Science Diet kitten food, and the ferrets got very dull and dingy looking. I use Marshall's ferret food now. Many times when my old blind little ferret started to fail, I would soak ferret food in hot water and restore him with the broth every hour, supplementing it with Pedialyte and vitamins. They love treats. Give them healthy treats though I am sure they will tell you otherwise. Ferrets should always have food available they have a fast metabolism and can starve after a few hours. There is an excellent food comparison chart located at Food Comparison Chart

Ferretone and Linatone are two great vitamin supplements. Ferrets love these supplements so much that the supplements make a tasty treat or reward. You can also bribe a Ferret with either of these supplements. Need to cut their toenails? Ha! Drip a few drops of Linatone on their tummy, and they will be so busy licking you can trim their nails.

Ferrets require vaccinations both canine distemper and rabies. After the first shots, the ferret should receive a booster once a year. Check with your veterinarian for their advice and recommendations.

Ferrets do not do well in the heat. Anything about 90 degrees is stressful and can kill them. Keep their cage out of direct sunlight. Cold weather can be very hard on them also. Ferrets are an indoor pet.

Litter box training a ferret is possible, but you do have to play by their rules. They like to void in corners. Put a litter box in a few corners and watch where they chose to go. If you are lucky, they used one of the litter boxes. If not, do not despair; just put one of the litter boxes in the same place. Grab a tissue and place the poo in the litter box. Keep this up for a while, you have been appropriately trained.

Ferrets should be spayed and neutered and their scent glands removed. You will usually buy them de-scented, spayed, and neutered. They will spray, well, not really spray, but ooze when frightened if the scent gland has not been removed. I accidentally bumped one in the rear one time, and it stunk! While they are small, they will retain some odor for a short while. Expect to pay about $150.00 to $250.00 for a de-scented and neutered/spayed ferret.

Ferrets do not make good pets for small children, but again, I do not believe any pet is good around small children unless supervised 100% of the time. Each child matures differently, so there is no set age. There have been far more numerous dog attacks on small children, compared to a rare ferret bite. Ferrets will sometimes bite just in play like a kitten or puppy. Baby ferrets can be a bit nippy. I was checking out the ferrets in a Minnesota mall and talking to a group of people. Out of habit, I raised a little baby ferret up to give him a kiss. He bit my lip and hung on. Here I am telling everyone about the joys of having a ferret when I had one hanging from my mouth. Check into the legality of the ferret in your area. Laws can be different from state, county or local government Ferrets are great little pets, and baby ferrets are as cute as a bug's ear. They are a blast to watch and are hilarious animals. Above all, enjoy your new pet!

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My Ferret Book Guides and Exotic Pet Books Guides

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Keep Exotic Pets and Birds Safe During Natural Disasters

If there was a tornado siren right now could you transport your bird or pet or exotic pet to safety? What if there was a fire in your home or a wildfire racing down the hill? Do you have a hard sided carrier to help protect your parrot from blowing debris? Is the hard sided carrier stuffed in the closet? In the garage under mounds of other stuff, you have stored? If you need to transport your bird or exotic pet to safety quickly, that carrier is worthless to you if you can't get at it quickly.

What did you say? Your state never has tornadoes? I beg to differ no state is tornado proof. If you have only a rare tornado how about straight line winds? Perhaps floods? How about an out-of-control car crashing into the living room? A fire? There are always natural or not so natural emergencies where your bird or exotic pet may need to be transported quickly.

Preparedness is the key to the passage to safety when it comes to tornadoes, but sometimes the best plans go awry. Tornadoes are sudden, unpredictable, and early warning systems can go terribly wrong; an example, being turned off?

We have a plan, a well-rehearsed plan. Of course, the first order of business is getting humans to safety. Now it is just the two of us living in this big old house, but in previous years we had an 80+ elderly person, five adults, and two babies plus all my animals. We had a plan for each.

If the upstairs bedroom doors are closed the hallway is a reasonably safe place if we can’t make it to the basement or if we can’t get the animals to the basement. One of the upstairs bathrooms has no windows and has what looks like a Fort Knox Jacuzzi tub. The house was built in 1885 and is built solid.

The plan was to get the children to the basement. Next, we would get the animals to the basement or a reasonably safe place. We keep all our hard-sided animal carriers (pet porters) upstairs where the animals hang out. The trick is, make sure the carriers aren’t stored under a pile of stuff or outside in the garage. We would stuff the animals in the carriers and run them down to the basement. If there weren’t enough time, the ferret cage would go into the hallway. The rest of the carriers sat side by side in the bathroom. All doors are then closed.

OK – then came an actual tornado. No matter how many times we went over the plans and rehearsed the plans nothing went as planned. My daughter was driving back from Sioux Falls and was just south of Huron when the tornado touched down. She was very close to where the tornado was. She called home on the cell phone and said she couldn’t see anything and the rain was falling UP. She couldn’t see any driveways to pull off the road - she was driving blind in a rain-wrapped tornado. We suddenly lost contact with her. She had her oldest daughter with her (two at the time). We had the baby with us.

In the meantime, we went into action. My husband went to the basement with the baby secured in her car seat. My daughter’s husband was sitting on a central stair on our staircase trying to reach his wife after losing contact.

I got my mother-in-law on the way to the stairs to get her to the basement. After a five minute shuffle, I realized she’d never get down two flights of stairs before the tornado hit our house. I put her in the Jacuzzi tub and tossed a mattress over her.

Now I got the animals situated. I pulled the ferret cage into the hallway. Got the rest of the animals into carriers and realized I couldn’t get them down the stairs. Again, our prearranged plans were completely thrown off. It was up to the adults other than me to carry the animals to the basement. With having a spinal disease and multiple surgeries I just can lift them anymore. So the carriers went into the bathroom with grandma.

Now, I was supposed to be in the basement and so was my son-in-law who was still busily hitting speed dial. I found I couldn’t leave my mother-in-law in the upstairs bathroom by herself. I yelled to my son-in-law to get down to the basement with the baby and my husband. He just yelled back, I’ve got to find out if my wife is OK. So I sat on the privy next to the tub trying to calm my mother-in-law down.

The all-clear sounded, and it was safe to come out of our safety spots. We finally got a hold of my daughter. She had passed a guy walking down the road in that horrid storm. Nobody would stop for him. She stopped and picked him up. His appearance caused people not to stop to help. When my daughter asked where he needed to be dropped off, he specified a local church. He was collecting aluminum cans for a fundraiser. I was so proud of her for not letting preconceived bias to influence her decision to choose between right or wrong.

All the animals, exotic pets and otherwise were safe but rather miffed off at us. We were thankful that the tornado never hit the main part of town.

Make plans, have everything you need ready. Even if your plans do go awry, those plans will help if you need to go “off script.”

If you become separated from your exotic pets or get as much information to your local shelters, nearby shelters and any rescue agencies as possible; with your contact information.

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My Ferret Book Guides and Exotic Pet Books Guides

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Pet Chipmunks

The pet chipmunk is a high maintenance - high octane pet. Pet chipmunks are full of curiosity, zip, vim, and vigor. They have very specific needs. They are not a hold me - cuddle me type of pet. They must explore. They must be able to dig and tunnel. They have many instinctual self-protection modes that must be respected, accepted and understood.

They can't live in a small cage they must - MUST have a large habitat. If you have a spare room with some chipmunk proofing this would be closer to ideal. Chipmunks can be very destructive. You must protect them from their own destructiveness. Anything electrical that is remotely accessible to them is out of the question. Remember, they dig immense tunnel systems in very hard ground and can chew.

Chipmunks require a great deal of attention. Few people realize this. At first, when bonding with a young/baby chipmunk, you will need to spend a minimum of an hour a day with your new pet.

Chipmunks are diurnal they wake with the sun bright and early in the morning and go to sleep with the sunset.

Chipmunks are very clean animals - they groom themselves often. They have no distinct odor. If they have an odor you are not doing your job and keeping their habitat clean. They will use one small area of their habitat as a toilet. Even cleaning their cages will be very different from other animals and other rodents. Clean the toilet area often. Don't clean their food caches very often it will really upset and agitate them. Storing foods is one of their preservation modes I was referring to. Other preservation modes are avoiding capture from all the animals above the food chain of the chipmunk. These instinctual behaviors are exactly that will never go away. Visceral behaviors preserve their life.

Chipmunks will die if you use phenol-based (phenolics) or coal-based disinfectants. These are toxic to chipmunks, and many other animals.

Chipmunk Care

Diet - There is no canned or bagged chipmunk food and there is no one pet food that can be substituted - ever! There is no one food that will sustain them, no one type of food. They must have dozens of different types of food to maintain their health.

They will need seeds, nuts, grains, fruits, vegetables, protein including meat - small bugs. Cooked egg is an excellent source of protein. They need calcium and Vitamin D - yogurt is an excellent source of calcium. have a mineral block and cuttlebone available at all times.

Always make sure they have plenty of fresh filtered water available.

They should never have sugar. Giving sugar to a chipmunk can be deadly. Habitually read labels of all food items so that there is not any hidden sugar. Do not feed chocolate.

Always make sure there are no pesticides on their food. If you can buy organic do so. But, remember to clean any fruits and vegetables completely.

They must have a material to dig and burrow in. Never ever use pine or cedar it is toxic. Aspen shavings are nice, so is peat. They must have places to hide, jump, and play. Toxic-free - pesticide free branches as wonderful. They must have toys! They love to chase. Make sure the toys are pet-safe.

They must feel safe give them hiding places to hide. If you use a LARGE wire cage made sure one side is solid. Otherwise, they will feel exposed.

If you cage your pet chipmunk make sure they have a good portion of the day they are able to run free in a chipmunk safe environment. No place to wiggle out, chew, objects that can fall on them, poisonous plants or other toxic or poisonous objects. They will be destructive!

Chipmunks must chew. Give them plenty of safe stuff to chew.

Make sure everything you need for a chipmunk is in place before you acquire one. Make sure you have located a veterinarian willing to provide the medical needs for a chipmunk.

Chipmunk as pets. Chipmunks do make great pets however, chipmunk pets are not a pet for probably most people.

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Planting Goji Berries

Goji Berry - Super Food!

The Goji berry or Wolfberry a highly nutritious plant where everything is edible. There is no waste in this very healthy food; both the berry and the leaves can be eaten raw, cooked or brewed as a tea. The berries can be eaten fresh or dehydrated. The berries and leaves are an excellent source of nutrition for humans, exotic pets that are herbivores or omnivores. The Goji is also great for birds. The Goji berry is a Lycium fruit. The newer leaves and tender shoots make a wonderful salad, more nutritious than any other green you can grow or buy.

Goji Berry

Goji Berry Blossom

The Goji has been a huge part of traditional Asian medicine since ancient times. The Chinese call it gouqizi. The first known publications were as early as 100 A.D. The Goji is also known as the wolfberry, matrimony vine, Duke of Argyll's Tea Tree or Lycium barbarum.

I began experimenting with the Goji plants at the beginning of this growing season. They are easily ten feet high and are branching out all over the place. Though I hadn't expected berries until early fall, it began fruiting a couple of months ago. It is a beautiful plant. My concern at this point will be overwintering in South Dakota. I am hoping it survives that harsh winter and fruits next year. I will be supplying both dehydrated berries and leaves next year if the little fellows survive the winter. I would love to be picking and dehydrating this year except I can't bend or twist because of my very recent spine surgery.

The Goji berry is over 15% protein, has 21 essential minerals and 18 amino acids as well as Lycium barbarum polysaccharides as well as more antioxidants carotenoids than found in any other food.

They have essential fatty acids, carotenoids, six essential vitamins including a very high amount of vitamin C, calcium, riboflavin, potassium, selenium, Beta Carotene, and many other nutritional values. Lycii Fructus or Lycium fruit is the pharmacological name or reference.

Do inform your doctor if you eat Goji berries or plant it can interact with some medications. Especially vitamin K and blood thinners, for example, Coumadin or warfarin.

For those watching or restricting their salt or sodium intake, the Goji only has 75 milligrams in 28 grams of dried goji, and it is a natural salt like a tomato would have.

One concern is the high amount of iron, please use in moderation especially for birds. Don't go overboard with the iron content. But, as with most anything moderation is the key. Nine mg of iron per 100 grams of dried berries.

Humans can add the berries and leaves to most anything. They taste wonderful, and the nutritional quality is beyond anything else. Consider loads of protein for a plant type food!!!

The taste of the fresh berry is said to be a cross between a strawberry, raspberry, and cranberry. I personally haven't decided what it tastes like yet, though it does taste good! It is not overly sweet (not a ton of natural sugar like many fruits) so blends well with most anything.

Add it to your bird or parrots food as well as your herbivores or omnivores exotic pets. I will supply links to buy the Goji's, but I will be supplying it myself (I hope) next year. Don't wait, this diet boost is through the roof.

Keep the Veterinarian and the doctor away! Get your immune system ready for winter.

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Update on the Goji Berry Planting

I promised an update on my Goji Berry, Goji berry plant, and Goji berries experimentation. At first, I became interested in the Goji berry for my own health. In the last two years, I have had most of my spine rebuilt. Healing from this massive amount of surgery was very hard on my body and mental health. The last two surgeries were in the late winter, so I am still in massive healing mode. Also, I am not impressed with commercial foods for pets. Any pet food especially exotic pets and birds. So I am always looking for better ways to improve and supplement their diet.

The Goji berry is also called the wolfberry (Chinese Lycium)

The Goji berry is a super food for humans, many exotic pets, and of course birds. I doubt if there is a single food that is more pack full of nutrition than this incredible - edible berry! The cool part. Both the berry and the foliage are edible!

Goji berries are pack full of nutrients, not only antioxidants like other berries. One example of a berry high in antioxidants would be the blueberry. Other nutritional qualities would be 21 essential minerals, 15% protein (very high for any plant food), and 18 amino acids. They are also very high in iron!

Many studies have been done on the Goji berry or Wolfberry (Chinese Lycium ), they give you a feeling of well-being, helps with a feeling of calmness, enhances the quality of sleep, immune system protection, prevent heart disease, protects against cancer, protects against Alzheimer's and other diseases related to age. In fact, they do slow down the actual aging process. They protect or help vision. These berries have a high vitamin A content and also phytonutrient anti-oxidants lutein and zeaxanthin all of which helps with healthy eyes. These same nutrients aid in a healthy nervous system They also have more vitamin C than any other food. They contain other major vitamins B1, B2, B6, and vitamin E. You hear a lot nowadays about probiotics which keep a natural balance of organisms (microflora) in the intestines. The Goji has Lycium barbarum polysaccharides provide an excellent food source for these good intestinal bacteria.

The Goji is the only food that helps stimulate human growth hormones (HGH) because the Goji has high levels of sesquiterpenoids. Add a little exercise and ta-da a new body!

There is little evidence that the supplements being sold have the same benefits as the Goji berry and foliage.

Goji's can interact with some blood thinners like warfarin, these berries will thin the blood. I had been on warfarin after I got a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) a blood clot in my inner thigh after one of my back surgeries. I no longer take a blood thinner just because of expense, so now I use Goji berries to thin my blood somewhat as a preventative measure against blood clots.

Last year I planted two Goji bushes. Since I live in South Dakota, I was concerned that I would have trouble growing them here. They grow into beautiful plants producing quite a few berries the first year. I used the berries and the foliage in our food and our pets food. The big test was going to be the plant surviving our harsh winters, and this was one seriously harsh winter. In fact, just last week we had sleet, rain, snow, hail, ice pellets, and freezing rain all in one day and then the sun came out. We had a couple of days of 70-degree weather and had snow in the forecast again today. But, darn it missed us by one county and is heading to Minnesota and east.

I was out weeding yesterday around the berry bushes and found leaf buds on the Goji berry bushes. Many of the buds were already leafing out. I also noticed new bushes forming a foot or two away from the plant. So that answers my question if the original two plants would spread increasing my berry yields.

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Pet Unicorn

How to care for the pet unicorn. I want to introduce to you an exotic pet that is wonderful but has extreme care requirements. Exotic pets all have individual needs, and we need to learn about those needs before acquiring any pet.

The pet unicorn can be quite shy and timid. They will habitually render themselves invisible until the danger passes. Unicorns are furiously protective of their young. They love to leap into the air cavorting with their friends. Weird and beautiful occurrences can happen when a unicorn is nearby. Because of this, many believe that unicorn is magical. The magical properties of the unicorn have never been proven. Then again, it has never been disproven either. Let's examine the world of the pet unicorn as exotic pets.

At night unicorns emit a natural radiance. While running through the night the glow leaves a temporary trail behind them, sparkling in various hues. However, this magical essence can only be seen if you have an open mind.

Unicorn Pictures

I attempted to get a unicorn picture of my pet unicorn. Pictures of unicorns are very hard to get because they are quite timid (and FAST). Mine evidently is very camera shy. You can see in the picture an image of a unicorn right before he disappeared. However, you can see his aura. Notice the radiance left behind.

The lifespan of the unicorn is unknown. Only a small number of people have seen dead unicorns. A few archaeologists have unearthed the remains of unicorns including intact heads with the single horn protruding from the center of the forehead.

The young will stay with their mother and father for fifty years or more. They have powerful family groups.

Unicorns have a complicated diet which could prove to be challenging to care for a unicorn as a pet properly. They love herbs especially the flowering parts of the herb plants. They also eat new and tender shoots off of many plants. They seem to adore fresh mushrooms, but only the mushrooms that sprout from the damp earth at night. They eat many fruits; especially fond of kiwis, raspberries, and pawpaws. They adore four-leaf clovers. Because of their extreme fondness of four-leaf clovers, this would make an excellent treat for the animal or as a training aid.

They must have fresh water, and I do mean very fresh. It must come from a cool, fast-moving stream or a waterfall. If the water is contaminated, they will refuse to drink water. They will catch raindrops with their tongue or lick the fresh morning dew off plants.

As I mentioned before, they are timid and become frightened. The disappearing can become a problem when working with your unicorns. We use to convince kindly fairies to dazzle the unicorn, making them reappear. But fairies are becoming very hard to find. Human encroachment has caused tremendous habitat loss and fairies are endangered, nearing extinction.

We have found another method to astonish the unicorn back from invisibility. You will have to make it yourself but, it is pretty easy. Take a quart fruit jar, diamond glitter, and a glow stick. Cut open the glow stick and pour the contents into the jar. Add the diamond glitter and shake. Keep the ingredients of the glow stick off your skin and also don't ingest it. The effect only lasts a short time and is only good for one use. This will wow your unicorn back to material form. If you use a real fairy be patient with the unicorn, they do act rather silly after seeing a fairy.

My concerns about having a unicorn as a pet are. First, they are challenging to feed and supply with fresh water. Second, they do need a lot of running and frolicking space to be happy and healthy. Ask yourself if you can truly provide for the needs of a unicorn. You also have to consider their extremely long lifespans. What would the unicorn do if confined and something should happen to you?

Since North Korea has proven the existence of unicorns, finding the grave of the unicorn, and the unicorn lair of the same unicorn that King Dongmyeong rode, I don't think anyone can doubt this evidence that unicorns are real.

A brief flight of fantasy is occasionally called for...

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Microchips - Lost birds, Exotic Pets and Pets

Microchips - Lost birds, Exotic Pets and Pets

I watched as many different pets were reunited with their human families after the many hurricanes because they had microchips. But then I realized that few pets were micro chipped. More animals than not, by far, did not have microchips. Animals were scanned for a microchip but few animals had them. These animals may never find their families. The sadist thing about all this, the microchip is easy to insert and is quite inexpensive.

I first thought about writing a story about finding lost exotic pets, pets, and birds and microchips after I read a story about a 15-year old dog found in North Carolina. He had been lost seven years ago in Louisiana during Hurricane Katarina. Imagine the joy of finding your pet after that many years. Imagine the dog's happiness! This only happened because the dog had a micro chip. The good news is when animals arrive at shelters animals are automatically scanned for microchips.

I was interested in learning more about birds and microchips. I found out that a bird as small as 65 grams could have a microchip inserted. Something else quite sad I learned, in one shelter alone, 150 birds had been scanned for microchips and not one of these birds had one. This could have been 150 birds that had been lost or stolen that could have been returned to their human families. Instead they couldn't be reunited.

Most any animal can have a microchip inserted. The procedure isn't limited to just dogs, birds or cats. Check with your veterinarian. Many people have lost their companion pets and depending on the type of animal there is usually little chance they will ever see their pet again.

If your pet is of an exotic nature the pet should also have visible contact information in addition to a microchip. Many people would be unaware that some animals could be pets. Would you presume if you saw a skunk or a raccoon that it could be a pet? Most people would never presume the raccoon, skunk, or opossum could be a pet unless they have visible contact information.

A microchip is as small as a large grain of rice and is inserted with something much like a hypodermic needle. The microchip is safe. Also, and this is very important, it is permanent, a thief cannot remove it. This in itself becomes a powerful deterrent.

Avoid the heartbreak of possibly never finding a lost pet. Talk to your veterinarian about microchips! Don't presume they can never get loose many people have lived to regret that presumption.

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Eclectus Parrots

The Eclectus parrot makes for an amazing pet bird. They are quite capable of reasoning, perception, and are highly intuitive. Compared to other parrots they are highly unusual because they are sexually dimorphic, the male and female's appearance is quite different. The female (hen) is primarily bright red and blue to purple. The male (cock) is bright green and red. Many years ago it was generally thought that the red and green birds were totally different birds while in fact, they are both Eclectus.

Baby female Eclectus. Photo courtesy of Cedar Hill Birds Lodi, CA Cedar Hill Birds Eclectus breeder

The Eclectus has a fun personality a very clownish nature. They are highly sensitive. They are very susceptible to stress and don't often do well in a noisy, hectic environment. They are capable of a tremendous amount of love and require a lot of love and attention. The need for complex games and toys is excellent in the Eclectus. They will need lots of your time and attention.

Because of a bigger proventriculus and a longer digestive tract, their dietary needs are much more complicated than most parrots. Because of this they also utilized nutrients. Careful with too much fat They utilize fat quite well too, and you certainly don't want an obese parrot. They need for an excellent choice of foods is crucial. Including protein.

They should have a right size cage; they are an active bird. They should also have a playpen on top of their cage or a standalone play stand. They should spend a significant amount of time outside their cage during the day. They need to spend a great deal of time with you and other human family members. They need plenty of love, affection, and attention. I can't stress this enough.

While not all Eclectus will learn to talk, most have good talking ability. You should never purchase a parrot because of their talking ability because some will never learn to speak. They can learn speech and understanding speech. They have a clear, crisp voice. They are also capable of a wide range of tones and sounds. They are also proficient at loud screeches though not nearly as bad as many other parrots. The louder their environment, the louder the Eclectus will be. The calmer their surroundings, the quieter they will be.

They usually breed fairly easily typically laying a couple of eggs. They have a lifespan on an average of 50 years. Make sure you make plans for your pet Eclectus if something should happen to you.

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Hedgehog Salmonella - Who Is Infecting Whom?

Guest Author - Z. G. Standing Bear

I sincerely applaud the efforts of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to track infectious illnesses, but it seems that the tracking mechanism, at least in the case of the animal appears to be one-sided and lays blame upon the animal rather than the human. Could it be that humans, given the overwhelming incidents of foodborne illnesses leading to salmonella, are passing his illness on to the cloistered pet hedgehogs? At least that seems quite plausible to me.

The 2012 Hedgehog Salmonella “Outbreak”

Then, in 2012, we have an “outbreak,” according to CDC, of incidents of a particular strain of salmonella (Salmonella typhimurium) - 20 cases spread over eight states where a pet hedgehog resides in the home of the human salmonella patient. Of these 20 cases, one case each is reported in Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, and Oregon, three cases each in Michigan, Minnesota, and Ohio, and seven cases in Washington state. Of these reported cases, one has resulted in death (Washington state) and 47% of cases involve children ten years of age or younger.

The “connection” to pet hedgehogs in this matter means that a pet hedgehog is in the household where the Salmonella Typhimurium was contracted. In my inquiry to the CDC on this matter, it was revealed that in only two cases of the 20 reported, was the hedgehog actually tested for this bacteria, and the results were positive. Of course, this means that zoonotic illnesses work in two directions – either the hedgehog passed the illness to the human, or the human passed the illness to the hedgehog.

The CDC estimates that about 1,000,000 cases of salmonella occur each year in the USA and some 20,000 require hospitalization. Some estimates place the number of annual cases of upwards of 1,400,000 cases. Most of these cases occur from contaminated food products, such as chicken and eggs, then recently romaine lettuce. So, I would contend that in these 20 "hedgehog cases" the hedgehog got blamed simply because the hedgehog lived in the home where a salmonella case occurred. Otherwise, why has this "problem" not been identified over the last 20 years (as PulseNet has been in operation since 1996)? Even if these 20 cases could be directly attributed to hedgehogs (which I seriously doubt) the number 20 out of 1.4 million cases is statistically insignificant.

The Reaction from Paxton the Hedgehog

Paxton is a hedgehog that posts his opinions from time to time on the Yahoogroups list-server Pog-Chit-Chat, a list-server for hedgehogs. In reviewing this “outbreak” of salmonella typhimurium, Paxton was swift to observe an interesting fact about pet hedgehog life in North America. Paxton noted that humans are fond of giving pet hedgehogs toilet paper tubes as toys so they can engage in a pastime called “tubing,” where the hedgehog places the cardboard toilet paper tube on her/his head and roams around, seemingly enjoying this “tunnel vision.” It is essentially unknown as to why these hedgehogs enjoy this, but such are the mysteries of the universe (we still have not figured out self-anointing) for these creatures that are the oldest continually surviving live-bearing mammals on earth – they used to hang out with dinosaurs.

At any rate, Paxton is swift to point out that toilet paper tubes are provided to hedgehogs by humans as entertainment devices. Now, really, where do virtually all toilet paper tubes spend their entire working life? So, the logical question that follows is whether PulseNet also asks questions concerning the use of toilet paper tubes as entertainment devices for the pet hedgehogs. In other words, it seems logical (to Paxton and myself, anyway), this salmonella strain is being given to the pet hedgehogs by their (otherwise well-meaning) human companions, rather than the other way around.

After all, pet hedgehogs are properly kept indoors and in relatively isolated enclosures. I have cared for over 350 hedgehogs long-term for fifteen years, and my average population here at the Rescue is between 35 and 50 resident animals. My primary orientation is to wash my hands thoroughly before handling the hedgehogs, rather than after (unless the hedgehog is in initial quarantine or afflicted with an illness such as mites or Clostridium, etc.). Otherwise, I have no concern about catching anything from any of the hedgehogs in the regular population here.

Of course, once CDC officials have a chance to read this article, I can see an additional question added to the already very complex PulseNet questionnaire about salmonella for laboratories:

a. Does the household have a pet hedgehog?

b. If yes, does that hedgehog have a toilet paper tube as a recreational device?

Who Is Infecting Whom?

I sincerely applaud the efforts of the CDC to track infectious illnesses, but it seems that the tracking mechanism, at least in the case of animals appears to be one-sided and lays blame upon the animal rather than the human. Could it be that humans, given the overwhelming incidents of foodborne illnesses leading to salmonella, are passing his illness on to the cloistered pet hedgehogs? At least that seems quite plausible to me.

Dr. Z. G. Standing Bear is a criminologist and forensic scientist who has been involved in animal rescue since 1995 and hedgehog rescue since 1997. He is the administrator of The Flash and Thelma Memorial Hedgehog Rescue, Inc., in Divide, Colorado, and is a member of the Board of Directors of the International Hedgehog Association.

PulseNet and Foodborne Disease Outbreak Detection

In order to understand the most recent chapter in the hedgehog salmonella alert, it is well to consider the methods by which the CDC examines and tracks “outbreaks” of illnesses that may be linked to animals and/or food sources. Since 1996, CDC uses a sophisticated computerized program called PulseNet to track reported illnesses according to a “DNA fingerprint” for bacteria making people sick. The program has produced some amazing results with a speed that is truly impressive. It tracks a cumulative database representing some half million isolates from food, the environment, and human foodborne illnesses. In a recent outbreak of Listeriosis, the PulseNet system was able to trace the origin of the illness to whole cantaloupes from Jensen Farms in Colorado. This took just seven days in Colorado and some 17 days in other states – truly a remarkable and exemplary public health effort. Contributing to PulseNet are 87 laboratories in all 50 states as well as other contributing federal, state, and local laboratories. There are many fascinating pages on the CDC as to how PulseNet produces illness outbreak data.

PulseNet triggered outbreak investigations have resulted in the recall of over one half billion pounds of contaminated food! More importantly, these investigations have identified unrecognized problems in food production and distribution. For further information on PulseNet, visit the CDC website at Pulsenet

The initial response article was originally published in the IHA News, Volume 7, Issue 2, February 2005.

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Bathing Birds

My birds love to shower with me. Since birds are naturally very social and baths (or showers - misting) are necessary for a happy and healthy bird. They get so excited in the shower demonstrating their excitement by fanning their wings and vocalizing. Birds and parrots love to get wet! It is a win-win situation for you both!

Be very cautious about water temperature. Make sure the water isn't too hot or cold. They like room temperature of lukewarm water.

Keep them out of the direct stream. Set the shower to mist as much as possible. Don't mist or spray the face of the bird.

Don't use soap, shampoo or detergent on the bird. It isn't safe or healthy for the bird. Also, birds produce an oil they preen their feathers with. Any soaps or even the shampoo made for birds can strip this oil.

Make sure to shower or bathe your bird when the house warms up. Also, shower or bathe the bird early enough so that there is plenty of time for the feathers to dry before bedtime and the house cools off in the evening. Make sure there are no drafts from an open window or air conditioner. Don't saturate your bird's feathers. The body temperature will fall too rapidly.

If you are bathing the bird make sure there isn't too much water in the container you don't want the bird to drown. Make sure you supervise bathing at all times. Don't leave your bird in the shower alone.

Don't use a blow dryer it will scare the bajemies out of them or burn them. Some hair dryers can release toxic fumes.

Keep the bath container low if attached to the cage you don't want anything in the cage to get soaked. Remove anything in the cage that gets wet you don't want fungus, mold or bacteria to get happy and multiply. Very unhealthy for the bird.

Keep any mist or spray from spraying directly in the bird's face.

Never force a bird to bath or shower. If he or she is frightened or resistant, there may be a good reason for it. If frightened, gradually introduce the bird to the bath container or shower. When you first introduce the shower avian perch, gradually introduce him or her to the shower and perch. Just let the bird get adjusted to the whole concept before using the shower. Remember to keep the water low no hard sprays! Make sure to make the showering/ bathing experience a positive one.

During a molt the bird gets itchy. The bath or shower will help alleviate the itch and to assist pin feathers to grow. New pin fathers have a keratin sheath; shower, misting or bathing helps soften this keratin and release the feathers to grow.

Bathing encourages preening.

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Pet Crawdad

I have had some pretty unusual exotic pets in my day. I think the most unusual, and a little fellow I grew very attached to, was a crawdad. I didn't go out to find a pet crawdad, it just kind of happened. Luckily, I had an aquarium set up at home. I had it set up to use for something, but I sure don't remember what it was.

When my kids were little, we had gone fishing for catfish. We had been fishing at a farmer's pond. It had been a beautiful day. Someone scooped up a bucket of lake water. When the bucket was brought home, there was a tiny little crawdad. I used the same bucket of water we had found the crawdad in to pour in the aquarium.

Finding food for the little critter to eat was a family project and an excuse to spend time scouting the pond area where we had located him. Everyone enjoyed watching him grow up. We created several caves for hiding spots. It was a neat family project.

I checked him one night before we went to bed and my heart sunk. He was very still in one of his little caves. The next morning I went to remove the body. I picked it up and had it part way out of the aquarium when I saw movement out the corner of my eye. My crawdad had only shed his old shell. He had moved to a new cave where his new duds hardened. It was a cause for celebration.

A year passed. After several more molts, he had grown quite big. One morning we were getting ready for church. I checked on the crawdad before we left and he wasn't in the aquarium. He had climbed up the air tubes and had gone on a walk-about. We searched high and low but mostly low. He was nowhere to be found. We went to church and came back home to search the entire house. No crawdad.

Later the next day I went to the coat closet off the living room to hang a new children's coat I had found on sale. When I opened the door, a crawdad came dashing out waving his claws at me. He looked up with pleading eyes, "Please put me back in the water I am parched!"

I placed him back in the aquarium. It wasn't long before he forgot his previous predicament and escaped yet again. It was apparent that the aquarium needed a much more secure top!

That little crawdad had been a great joy to our family — one of the many joyful experiences that added to my children learning the values of life. Caring for a living creature, loving the critter teaches compassion and responsibility. It is an experience I will never forget.

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Birds as Pets

Do you want a bird as a pet? You could have a lovely canary that may sing up a storm or a parrot friend such as the macaw. Birds as a pet have their advantages. However, they also have their disadvantages.

Birds are clever. Clever meaning they can find lots of mischief. Parrots will find even more tomfoolery if they are bored. Birds are highly intelligent. They are not a window dressing to be ignored. Birds are a flock animal and are highly social. If they don't have their flock, as a pet bird wouldn't, they need you for friendship. A bird cannot be kept in isolation. They do not like to be alone. They cannot be confined to a cage day in and day out. They must have a variety of toys and other outside stimulus. They must have a change of new toys and a variety of healthy food. The dietary requirements of birds are much like a humans. They must have protein, grains, fruit, and vegetables.

Expect birds to be messy and destructive. If they are unhappy, unhealthy, or bored; even more destructive. If you can't deal with your stuff getting broken, don't get a bird.

My first macaw de-wallpapered my wall. The cage was on wheels and was fitted with a on top of cage playpen . Evidently, the cage had gotten moved closer to the wall. I was busy doing something and the macaw evidently wasn't happy. He didn't have my attention and promptly peeled the wallpaper off the wall.

Always expect the unexpected. Often from the upper floor, the bird would hear us yell out to in response to a knock at the door - Come in! One day I got a phone call wondering why we were yelling come in and had the door locked. No one had been home. When people knocked at the door, the macaw was yelling come in to each rap at the door!

A bird will make considerable noise! This is their nature. If you have close neighbors that don't like noise, a bird is not for you.

A bird can be very affectionate and loving. A pet bird can be a great friend and even a confidant. They love to be close to you, see you, hear you and share every moment possible with you. They love to be at your side or on your shoulder. You will be delighted when he tucks his head and asks for a scratch.

Most birds have long life spans many birds extremely long lifespans. Before you get a bird make sure there is someone willing to love your bird and care for your bird as you would if something should happen to you.

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My Ferret Book Guides and Exotic Pet Books Guides

Exotic Pets: Family Guide Paperback and Kindle. Available on Kindle Unlimited!

Ferrets: A Complete Guide is available in Kindle, paperback and Kindle Unlimited!