| |
| |
|
Pets Information |
|
|
|
Need a Low-Maintenance Pet? Try a Tarantula!
If you're like me, then you don't really have the luxury of keeping a high-maintenance pet such as a dog. Even a less demanding pet such as a cat might be beyond your time constraints. Fish tanks can be difficult too, since it's easy to under-estimate the time and effort involved in keeping them clean. So what options do you have? Well, you could try a snake or one of the hardier lizard varieties. My personal favorites, however, are tarantulas. That's right-those big, hairy, eight-legged freaks. Contrary to popular belief, tarantulas are really not deadly; in fact, there are no known instances of anyone dying from a tarantula bite. In addition, most of the pet store specimens that you'll encounter are exceedingly docile, and will generally not bite unless they are severely provoked. The most common variety available is the Chilean rose hair tarantula (Grammastola rosea), which is notoriously gentle and easy to handle. It is also known to have fairly mild venom, and almost never bites. Other docile and readily available species include the Honduran curly hair tarantula (Brachypelma albopilosum) and the Guyana pinktoe tarantula (Avicularia avicularia). Unlike a dog or a cat, these animals do not require much care. They can go for weeks without food or water, although regular care is still recommended. They do not generate much waste either, and so cleaning their cages is easy as well. Some species do have rather specific humidity requirements, but the most common pet store varieties are not so demanding. They also require very little space, and most of them can be kept in plastic shoebox-sized containers. Make sure that their lids fit tightly though, since these animals can be quite good at escaping. I do recommend reading up on tarantula care, so as to learn the proper care requirements for the specimen that you choose. Be aware that some species can be quite aggressive, and are not recommended for beginners. These species are less commonly available though, and are generally obtained via mail order. If in doubt, start with a Chilean rose hair, as this is an excellent beginner species. Owners should be aware that even within docile species, there can be some individuals that are more aggressive than others. In addition, there is always the possibility of an allergic reaction if you are bitten. In theory, this could result in a potentially fatal anaphylactic shock, although I am not aware of any circumstances in which this has actually happened. For these reasons, new owners should learn how to read a tarantula's body language, and should stay away from species that have a reputation for biting without provocation. Also, do remember that you never have to actually hold the tarantulas-just as you never have to actually hold your aquarium fish. I recommend reading up on handling techniques, so that you can move the animals around without having to touch them. This can be helpful for those who are squeamish, or who simply wish to be cautious. When in doubt, err on the side of safety. If you're not intimidated by the prospect of keeping one of these wondrous creatures, then I recommend them highly. They can be quite addictive, and they never fail to entertain. About The Author V. Berba Velasco Jr., Ph.D. is a senior electrical and software engineer at Cellular Technology Ltd (http://www.immunospot.com, http://www.elispot-analyzers.de, http://www.elispot.cn). The neighborhood children have referred to him as the "Crocodile Hunter" though, due to his impressive menagerie of magnificent arachnids.
MORE RESOURCES:
Pets - Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Health Concerns for Goldfish Most of the diseases that threaten goldfish can be cured. But better still these diseases can be prevented. Dog Grooming and Dog Care Dog grooming is relatively simple for most dogs. I have a greyhound and spend about 5 minutes per day on dog grooming. Whats the Best Diet for a Pregnant Cat? Pregnant cats have to eat for two, three, four, five, even six cats. So her regular meal is just not enough. Breed Success in Your Puppy Search The numbers will make any pet lover blanch with disgust, anger, and sadness. The Humane Society of the United States calculates that as many as 500,000 puppies every year are sold in pet shops, and that many of these pet shops buy their pets from the worst breeders-so-called puppy mills. Caring For Your Pomeranians Teeth Pomeranians have tiny mouths and itty bitty teeth, but not caring for them properly can cause serious health problems for your dog.Dental disease in dogs can cause serious health issues as the bacteria from infected gums and teeth can "spread" to other parts of the body and affect vital organs such as the heart, kidneys and intestines. Acclimating New Birds Now that my services have expanded into the "matchmaking" business, it dawned on me that we need to talk about the transition of a bird moving to a new home, whether a hand fed baby just adopted to a new home or an older bird going to a second home. This is a stressful time for any bird, but you can help lessen the strife and make the move easier for both your new bird and the rest of the family. Essential Fatty Acids for Parrots You may be hearing more talk these days about "Essential Fatty Acids" (E.F. The Neurotic Dogs When pondering whether my neurosis is learned or genetic, I often turn to the family dogs, Frazier (9) and Jake (4), and see the likelihood of a learned origin. My parents' characteristic anxiety has effectively seeped into both dogs' personas. Dog Trick To Cure A Nuisance Barker: Training Buddy to "Speak" on Command All breeds and sizes of dogs can be taught easily to speak, and the way to go about it is to call your dog, show him a treat and say "Speak." He will not understand what you mean and will probably at first jump for it, and then sit down and eye it attentively; finally, he will get impatient and utter a sharp bark, which is what you have been waiting for, and the instant he does so reward him with the treat. Bird Cage Stands Like us, birds need variety in life. To be happy and healthy, they need socialization and exercise. Clicker Training For Dogs: Positive Reinforcement Training There is nothing more adorable than a new puppy. Large adoring eyes, and unconditional love pave the way for a new attachment. West Highland Terrier Rescue Dog - What To Expect When You Bring It Home Congratulations on your choice to bring home a West Highland Terrier rescue dog. By electing to adopt one of the rescued Westies, you are giving an older dog a chance to find a loving new homeIn many ways, this is simpler than going through the arduous process of training a westie terrier puppy. Do You Know Whats Really In Your Pets Food? The pet food industry, a billion-dollar, unregulated operation, feeds on the garbage that otherwise would wind up in landfills or be transformed into fertilizer. The hidden ingredients in a can of commercial pet food may include road kill and the rendered remains of cats and dogs. How to Buy a Purebred Dog If you decide you want a purebred, make sure it's because you love the breed since purebreds are often not as resilient as mixed breeds. Consider carefully why you want a purebred. How To Find Your Lost Dog The first thing to do when searching for a lost dog is to confirm that your dog is actually lost. Dogs, especially curious breeds, can easily find an interesting place in your backyard to investigate for quite some time. The Different Breeds Of Dogs The American Kennel Club recognizes 150 different dog breeds. There are seven different groups in which the dog can belong. Love Your Animal Companion? Spay or Neuter Ozzie, my four-month old Rottweiler peered up at me with his big brown eyes, as I temporarily left him for a very important surgical procedure. As much as it broke my heart to drop off my "baby" at the local humane society, I know it was the responsible thing to do. Get Your Dog Safely Through a Storm Thunder storms affected pets differently. Some hardly notice them, others get extremely worked up. Is Your Dog In Pain Without You Realising? A dog that is feeling pain can often be highly unpredictable. When you handle a dog in that you suspect to be in pain, you should always proceed with great care. What Dog Owners Need To Know About Dog Crate Training Why should you use the dog crate training method?Is the dog crate training method humane?You may look at a dog crate and find it doesn't inspire much confidence. Don't be too quick to judge, the dog training method is highly effective.
|
| home | site map |
| © 2006 |
