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Hamster Health Concerns

May 7th 2008 15:03
Roborovski Hamster

Hamsters are probably one of the most commonly kept small mammal pet. They're small and cute, and usually the top pick for kids. Granted, it wouldn't be my top child's pet, but it usually is. Parents love them because they're small and take up just a small bit of space. Children love them because their cute and furry.


Usually, hamsters are pretty healthy and robust, but that isn't always the case. You want to make sure that you are aware of the possible health concerns related to hamsters so that you can catch them early on. Because hamsters are so small, by the time you notice serious symptoms of health problems, it's usually too late. So, by knowing beforehand which symptoms to watch out for, you're more likely to know what to look for.

Common health concerns can include:
* Abscesses
* Respiratory Infection
* Diarrhea
* Wet Tail
* Skin Diseases (mites, ringworm, allergies, and skin infections)
* Hibernation

By knowing what to look for you'll be one step ahead of the gang, and two steps out the door.

Before you bring home a cute furry hamster, make sure that you know a vet that can take care of you new pet in case something were to happen to him.
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Breeding Reptiles

May 6th 2008 22:11

The last post wasn't too informative or flashy, but I thought that it was necessary to get more information and background about myself out there. I do breed reptiles over varying species to include leopard geckos, crested geckos, gargoyle geckos, and soon to be knob tail geckos.

I've found that so many people decide that since they can handle one leopard gecko, they'll try their hand at breeding the species. That's great, more power to you. But, think about it. There's really a lot that is involved in breeding reptiles.


You need housing for all possible hatchlings for hte season, adequate heating and lighting, more feeders, at least one incubator, A LOT of patience, and A LOT of cash.

I mean, this year alone I've spent well ovver $1,000 on high quality breeding reptiles, to include 7 crested geckos, 3 gargoyle geckos, and 5 leopard geckos, and I know that this is just the start of the year. I have plans on introducing at least 1 more high qualtiy crested gecko, 4-5 low quality crested geckos, and 2 southern U. milii to my collection.

Of course the low quality crested geckos will be resold as they are wholesale quality. Now, if a few of them spark my interest, I will be keeping them for my plans as long as I can fit them in.

But, anyway... Breeding reptiles can be very expensive. I mean the housing alone is a killer. I currently have 2 leopard gecko racks and tons of other tubs and kritter keepers set up for my geckos. Although, I need to update a few pictures, you can see my reptile housing here. Let's say I've spent $300 per rack, $60 for all of my kritter keepers, $24 for 3- 66 quart tubs, and $10 for 2- 16 quart tubs, which totals about $694. But by the end of this year to sometime next year, I will be spending another $300 for a third rack, $100 for another thermostat, and about $60 on more tubs, bringing my total housing to $1,154.

But, then again, by just opting to breed your reptiles, it doesn't mean that you've opted to go to the extreme of a hobby business. Say you opt to breed maybe a 1.3 group. That's 1 male and 3 females. That means you need 4 enclosure, which is pretty simple. But then those 3 females (if leopard geckos) will lay about 2-10 clutches a season, which equals to 4-20 eggs. That means you have to be able to house up to 20 hatchlings per gecko, given if they are all fertile and hatch.

I just think it's hilarious that so many 13 year olds who have had their new reptile for all of one or two months find that they need to add another gecko to their responsibility. Now that's great, if they follow the proper quarantine rules and don't mix male and females or males and males. But so many times over I hear, "my male and female mated and the female's pregnant, how should I incubate them?" or rather they'll ask idiotic questions that they could have either 1) known as long as they already know how to care for their species or 2) done a simple search and found out.

Personally, if you're not willing to research and prepare, you're no where near ready to breed your pet reptiles.
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goReptiles

May 5th 2008 16:08

I shared in my "Welcome" post that I breed reptiles. It's true. I'm not a girly girl who prides herself on shopping, shoes, and boys. Well, yes boys are nice, but it's not one of those "OH MY GOD that guy is HOT!" moments.

Anyway, goReptiles is a small hobby of mine. It has grown from a few leopard geckos to over 20 leopard geckos. I've added 10 crested geckos and 5 gargoyle geckos to my projects. I've also been through about 7 African fat tail geckos, but I have sense gotten out of breeding AFTs.

I pride myself on high quality reptiles that are pleasing to the eye as well as healthy and robust.

I keep my website up-to-date, so you can always find something interesting to read or check out, of course that's if you're interested in pet reptiles. Check out my availability pages. I have multipe products and reptiles available.

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I Welcome You and Your Pet

May 4th 2008 21:37
So I have tons of animal knowledge that ranges from reptiles to amphibians, birds to rodents, dogs to cats, and anything in-between.

I'll be posting information towards wettail in your pet hamster to caring for leopard geckos


[ Click here to read more ]
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Bigger is not always better

September 26th 2007 03:23
It is a problem that is on the rise, and because this problem develops slowly over time, often it can go unnoticed. The problem is feline obesity, and considering the host of health concerns that can accompany obesity, it really is time to ask: ‘Is my cat overweight?’

Fat Cat
Just like for people, feline obesity an ever increasing problem. Unfortunately, the image of the contented, fat cat is so accepted and adored in society that many people do not realise their cat is overweight - and that excess weight can be a serious health risk for cats


[ Click here to read more ]
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Food Glorious Food

September 20th 2007 12:51
Walk into the pet food isle of a supermarket and you will find dozens of different dog foods for sale. Walk into a pet shop, and there are dozens more dog foods available. When did feeding Fido get so complicated? Here are some no-nonsense answers to common dog food questions.

Dog
Are all of the dog foods available going to meet my pet’s nutritional requirements?
[ Click here to read more ]
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Vet Visit Etiquette

September 19th 2007 12:09
vet clinic
Turning up late for appointments, demanding to be seen without an appointment and skipping appointments entirely; these are just a few of the faux pas made by some veterinary clients. Just like you should always shower before going to your local GP for a pap smear, there are some golden rules that you should follow when taking your pet to the vet.

1. If your dog bites, tell your vet BEFORE pooch takes a swipe. Don’t be embarrassed. It is worse to have your dog draw blood


[ Click here to read more ]
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Seahorses ahead: Proceed with caution

September 18th 2007 13:48
Their mysterious part-horse, part-monkey, part-fish appearance has made the seahorse the subject of myth and legend – and a popular aquatic pet. But keeping these mystifying creatures as pets comes with a warning: proceed with caution.

Seahorses
Seahorses are notoriously difficult to keep in captivity, so thorough research and preparation are essential before even contemplating purchasing your first seahorse


[ Click here to read more ]
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