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im looking for a pet and i dont know what to pick.i want a small pet.i wanna pick a hamster,but im not sure.im thinking on a mouse,rabbit,ferret,and gerbil.which pet is the best to take care of and that only needs low maintance? im not really sure yet and i would like some pointers too,if you dont mind. Embarassed

Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2005 7:00 pm Post subject: GET a cat

To be honest think you should get a cat or kittten. They are low matinence and very independant. If you get one from a shelter you will be a true hero. I've seen how many cats and kittens are killed in shelters and i know there is the perrrrfect feline just waiting for you to save it.

Laughing

Posted: Tue Jul 05, 2005 2:12 am Post subject:

I hate to say it, but several of the pets you listed are not truly low maintenance. Because the animals you picked varied a large amount in personality and care I would do more research to find out what would fit your lifestyle best. Hopefully, this will help some. Smile

Rabbits and ferrets are a HUGE commitment time and money wise. They both require of time out and with people and socializing to keep them nice and friendly- you get out what you put in to them. It is harder than with a cat or dog that is out and doesn’t need to be supervised, because you always need to watch them to make sure they aren’t chewing a cord or digging into your carpeting. Both need to be spayed for their own health- female ferrets can actually become anemic and die if they aren’t! Most ferrets are prone to adrenal problems and need surgery which can run over $500- this can happen as early at 3 years old. Ferrets that are too old for surgery or ill need to either get Lupron or Melatonin. Lupron can cost $30-$40 a shot and only last for about 4 months. Those that forgo the Melatonin injectable need to get the pill version everyday for the rest of their lives.

Gerbils and hamsters are less maintenance than the above but still need plenty of handling to be sociable, especially as they are growing up. Many people get them thinking they don’t need vet care but actually they can get diabetes, broken limbs and urinary tract infections like most other animals. They are a bit more fragile due to their size, but can be rewarding pets with big personalities.

Of all the animals you listed I would suggest a hamster. They are friendly with proper socialization and actually a lot of fun! Mine recognized my voice and would jump into my hand for attention. A very good site information on hamsters, hamster health and behavior is www.hamsterific.com The people and articles there are very knowlegable (are crazy about hamsters!) and can help guide you should you choose one.

There are many hamsters in need of home at shelters, so adopting is always an option too. for more You could actually find any of those animals at a shelter or rescue easily, as many are surrendered because the owner decided it was the wrong pet or they didn’t have time. That is why it is so important to find a pet that is a good match for you and that you have time to care for. Good luck! :D

Posted Mon Jul 04, 2005 11:14 pm:

I do have to disagree that cats (especially kittens!) are low maintenance though. You will need to spend time clipping nails, playing with, teaching to use a scratching post and cleaning the litter box daily. Kittens tend to get into everything and need supervision and guidance to grow into well socialized adult cats. They are not as independent as people think but like their attention on their own terms and not being forced into it. Several of my cats want to be held, cuddled or brushed often- and will wake me up early to let me know! They are great pets, and if you did go that route I would suggest getting an adult cat from a shelter. You can see their personality as an adult, where as a kitten can change as they grow. But with any animal make sure they are the right match for you!

Posted: Tue Jul 05, 2005 1:56 pm Post subject:

a rabbit is the best a hamster sleeps all day Well if ur looking to cuddle a pet a rabbit is the best but if ur looking for an animal that will do funny things inside its cage then a hamster is ok rabbits do funny things too lol i preffer parakeets but ur looking for a gerbil type animal lol anyway good luck :lol:

Posted Tue Jul 05, 2005 10:57 am:

a rabbit is the best a hamster sleeps all day Well if ur looking to cuddle a pet a rabbit is the best but if ur looking for an animal that will do funny things inside its cage then a hamster is ok rabbits do funny things too lol i preffer parakeets but ur looking for a gerbil type animal lol anyway good luck Laughing

Posted: Tue Jul 05, 2005 4:57 pm Post subject:

But keep in mind a lot of rabbits aren’t cuddly and don’t like to be held. They are very different from gerbils and can have as much personality as a dog. Rabbits in many cases need a very patient owner to take the time and build up trust before able to bonding to them or showing their true colors. They usually prefer to be petted and sit next to you, not being snuggled. We get lots of them turned in at shelters because people don’t spend enough time with them- and they require much more than people think if done correctly. A single rabbit needs even more interaction because they have no one else to play or bond with. Time also needs to be taken to properly litter train them, nail clipping and lots of grooming during the heavy shedding seasons. I take my bunnies to a professional groomer to have their coats blown out a few times a year. Rabbits unlike cats cannot throw up the hair they ingest when grooming, and can get an obstruction and die- which is why grooming and feeding hay is very important. They also need to be fixed. Rabbits are great pets…for the right person. But they are VERY high maintenance and can live for over 10 years which is why you need to consider what happens when you are old enough to go to college or moving away from home.

Hamsters live in cages for their own safety but should not be strictly caged pets. They often will start chewing on their bars and climbing because they want out for playtime! They have in many cases adjusted their sleeping schedule to when you are home in the evening, so it is not like you never get to be with them when they are awake. They do have different personalities as well, and just like other animals some like more attention and others are more solitary.

Just like birdyandblake likes parakeets and I am a huge fan of cats you may find the best pet for you is different because of your lifestyle. If you have friends that have any of these go visit them and see what their care requires. Then research online what else they need as sometimes people skimp on care- like providing fresh veggies daily to many small animals.

Posted: Tue Jul 05, 2005 5:35 pm Post subject:

i agree some rabbits don't like to be cuddle.the last time i went to a pet store it took a long time to find a rabbit that actually wouldn't try to bite you while you hold it.and sure kittens are nice but sheez,they can scratch.you dont wanna end up in a cat fight with them,even if they are playing around. and hamsters ususally dont sleep all day,they only sleep in the morning. but a hamster is a nice pet,doesnt really need all that much care,and if you know your pets right you wont have to worry about the diabetes and stuff like that.especially if your a good pet keeper.

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