Animals Mom Hates Part 3: Rats

Rats have a negative stigma associated with them. Ever since the Bubonic Plague rats have been viewed as ferocious, disease-carrying, sewer-dwelling vermin. That may be the case for the wild rat, but the domestic Fancy Rat is totally different.

The Fancy Rat is one of the most friendly rodents. There's nothing that these rodents like more than to be with humans. They are also extremely intelligent and owners like to train their rats to do tricks.

These rats very rarely bite, and are highly recommended for children, (though many parents don't agree). They are very loving towards their owners.

Rats are extremely social and need plenty of attention. They should also be kept with another rat. It's best to have two females.

Fancy rats come in many colors and patterns. Some rats don't have fur or a tail. "Dumbo" rats have larger ears that are lower down on their heads.

Rat lovers say that their pets are adorable and adoring. The only bad thing about fancy rats is that most people really hate them.

I do think that the long tail is kind of creepy (maybe I should get a tailless rat), but their friendliness and intelligence makes up for it.

P.S.: The Giant African Pouched Rats are VERY creepy, since they are HUGE. They are NOT domesticated, and can be dangerous if it is not tame.These are NOT recommended for inexperienced rodent keepers (especially children).

Animals Mom Hates Part 2: Tarantulas!

WARNING!  If you have arachnophobia, it may be best not to read this post.

Tarantula. The very word strikes terror in the heart of most people. But (unless you have an allergy to the venom) the bite of the tarantulas commonly kept as pets (such as the Chilean Rose) is often compared to a bee sting. The urticating hairs that you may have heard about, can cause a rash, but they are unlikely to cause much damage (unless they get in yours eyes, so it is best to wear safety glasses), and a calm tarantula probably won't shoot them off. Very large tarantulas such as the Goliath Bird Eater, can be more dangerous.
                                     
Chilean Roses are very common spiders, from which bites are rare. They are cheap and highly recommended. They are so calm that a child can safely handle them. These spiders have urticating hairs, so you should wear safety glasses even if you have a very calm tarantula. A five gallon tank is the perfect size for these spiders. They are perfectly capable of living with out any heaters, but you may want to use a red light to encourage activity for your pet. They do not require much food at all; a dollars worth of crickets and/or mealworms will satisfy these animals for a month. They are extremely hearty tarantulas. Chilean Roses come in many different colors including black, gray, and red.

I like tarantulas, and I want a Chilean Rose tarantula. They seem to be very easy and cheap pets to care for.

I think that this is a Chilean Rose.

   

This tarantula is aggressive.

Animals Mom Hates Part 1: Ferrets!

                    Ferret lovers say they're cute. Ferret haters say they're creepy. Judge that for yourself.

Me, my brother, and dad thought this was adorable. Mom didn't think so.

I am a ferret lover. My mom is a ferret hater. A quote from Mom, "There is no such thing as a cute ferret...Ferrets are ugly, creepy, and smelly." 

As for being creepy or ugly that is simply a matter of taste.  As for being smelly, most ferrets in pet stores have been desented. If the ferret bathes regularly, and its litter box (yes, ferrets use litter boxes) cleaned often, there is almost no smell. Ferrets often nip and bite as kits but as long as they don't have rabies this probably won't do much harm. They can be trained not to bite.


Ferrets are intelligent animals that can be taught tricks and commands. Many owners take their ferrets on walks with a ferret harness.

They are very curious and an unattended ferret lose in the house can cause a lot of trouble. Some large ferrets have even found out how to open a refrigerator!


Ferrets come in many different colors. My personal favorite is a cinnamon like the one in the picture.


It doesn't seem like I'll be getting ferret while I live with Mom, but when I do it will be a lot of fun!