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by Jacki
So, we’re always looking at chinchillas from our perspective; talking about the little things they do that make us fall in love with them and the value they add to our lives. But what if it were possible to let a chinnie to take the podium for a change, and tell us a little about what they perceive to be important in an owner.
The following is perhaps what a chinchilla would tell us that he’d wish for (if he could only learn how to use that pesky computer….)
Please let my owner realize that I just don’t do cuddles. A quick stroke, nuzzle and the odd kiss is about as far as it goes. It doesn’t mean I don’t love you, but there’s just so many other interesting things that I need to be getting on with.… 
by Jacki
In my quest to find out various guinea pig related news I came across the so called “kung fu guinea pig” that’s currently terrorizing dogs and other animals in the Slovakian countryside. As it turns out, this ninja chopping fur ball isn’t a guinea pig at all, but a hamster. However – there are still some amazing images in various news articles of it taking flying leaps and scaring off all sorts of foes.
And much as I wanted to dedicate a whole blog to this amazing little creature, I then came across a video that I just had to share with you.
Because, as those who have already have piggies as pets will need no convincing of, when it comes down to our guinea pigs – cavies certainly kick some butt:-). …
by Jacki
It never ceases to amaze me when I find out quirky little things about our furry friends. And it’s always fun to share. So, here’s a ‘top 10’ of peculiar rabbit related facts that you may or may not have been aware of.
(Wonder if they have a ’10 things you never knew about humans’ list hidden away somewhere…)
1. There are more than 50 species of rabbit. When it comes to domestic rabbits, there are currently 47 species recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association.
2. Rabbits are unable to vomit. This is one reason why hairballs are so dangerous to rabbits as, unlike other animals such as cats, they can’t remove chewed hair in this manner
3. Bugs Bunny was the first cartoon character to ever appear on a US postage stamp (in 1997 – go Bugs!)
Picture by Enokson and reproduced under attribution license courtesy of Creative Commons and Flickr
4. …
by Jacki
Okay, so the fact that rabbits are probably one of (if not the!) coolest pets on the planet is something that none of us need to be convinced of. But it got me wondering what it was exactly that inspired people to get their very first rabbit.
Was it just seeing those incredibly cute, twitching noses? The desire to bury your fingers their soft fur, or have one of those special, rabbit cuddle moments?
Perhaps your parents had rabbits, or a friend? Or maybe you visited a rescue center and got seduced by all those gorgeous, deserving bunny faces staring up at you (and picking just one or two is sooooo hard)?
Maybe you fell in love with rabbits because of stories you read as a child? …
by Jacki
It’s always a tough day when you and your rabbit have to visit the vet. Even if it’s just for something as innocuous as an annual checkup, both bunnies their owners can suffer from “white coat syndrome,” causing stress and behavior changes to a sometimes shocking degree.
But unfortunately visiting the vet is a necessary part of owning a pet. However there are steps that can be taken to make it as un-stressful for your bunnies as possible. These include
- Leave plenty of time to get to the vets, allowing yourself to arrive in good time.
- If possible, try to get your rabbit used to his carry case or cage before you actually use this to transport him to the vets. Of course, in an emergency situation this won’t be possible, but for regular check-ups you’ll know in advance when the appointment is, so you can gradually introduce him to his mode of transport.…
by Jacki
Although if you live in the north of the country you might not yet believe it, but summer really is on the way. Yesterday saw Chicago boasting 80 degrees and the deep south with the mercury pushing way up in the 90s. Oh yes, folks… summer is here.
And whilst this is great for us, it’s not so good for our guinea pigs. Not only does the heat affect them, but the humidity as well. And if your piggies are older, poorly, rehabilitating or fragile in any way whatsoever, they’ll be even less well adapted to cope with the rising heat.
The ideal temperature for our piggies is between 62-75 degrees Fahrenheit, although some pigs will begin to feel the temperature when it climbs over about 72 degrees. …
by Jacki
Now, it might seem a totally alien concept to a non-animal lover, but once you share your life with a chinchilla, things will honestly never be the same again.
Not only do chinchillas steal our hearts (what, you don’t agree? Pull the other one…) but what they also do very effectively is turn us into their slaves. Oh yeah, you thought you were the boss of this little relationship? Think again.
Tell me, does your chinchilla
- Con you into providing him with “just one more cuddle” even if it means you end up running late?
- Have you losing hours of your week simply watching them play?
- Keep you abiding by regular “house hours” more effectively than the strictest school ma’am, simply by the fact that you know your furry friend will be eagerly awaiting his cuddles/playtime/feeding?…
by Jacki
When it comes down to looking after our chinchilla buddies we all want to do what’s best for them. After all, they’re not only our pets, but they’re our friends as well – giving so much to us so it’s only fair that we return the favor.
When it comes to providing the very best care for our chinnies, this can be split down to 5 essential welfare needs.
1. Environment
The cage you provide for your chinchilla is vitally important. Chins are extremely active (although to see them happily snoozing during daylight hours you’d be forgiven for raising a cynical eyebrow at that remark…)
Because of this, they really appreciate not only having a good sized cage, but also one that provides them with fun and room to explore. …
by Jacki
Most of us have probably heard about animals being used as a therapy for various human conditions. Dolphins might spring to mind, along with dogs and cats – and even horses. But guinea pigs?
Well, our furry friends are starting to cause quite a buzz in the medical world, and various pilot schemes around the country are proving extremely successful.
One such example is that run by the Pet Partners Therapy Animal Program (formerly the Delta Society), in Wyoming. They have two guinea pigs registered as therapy animals, and the story of how this occurred is just lovely. A woman called Erin Maggard has supported the Central Wyoming Hospice for the past 25 years, and had noticed how a friend and resident had responded to therapy dogs that came to interact with the residents.…
by Jacki
Wow! That’s the first word that springs to mind when you clap eyes on Darius, officially the world’s biggest rabbit – again.
Weighing in at a hefty 3 ½ stone (49 lbs.) and measuring 4ft 4 ins long, this Continental giant lives in Worcester, England. He was already the Guinness Book of Records largest rabbit, but last month was measured again and broke his own record having grown another inch. His owner, Alice Edwards, has a history of breeding large bunnies, but against Darius, every other rabbit has to live in his towering shadow. His mom, Alice, was a previous holder of this title, as was his grandmother, Amy.
This beautiful boy is certainly not cheap to keep. As well as munching his way through a considerable amount of hay each day, he scoffs 12 carrots, two meals of rabbit pellets, three apples and a cabbage. …
