Pet in the Pocket | Pet care info and news about hamsters, sugar gliders, bunnies, and your favorite pocket pets

Hay Balls

Great for small birds

I’ve had my two Zebra finches, Atticus and Scout, for about three weeks now. They are happy, healthy little birds. They greet me every morning with song, and are a great source of fascination for my dog Whitley. He loves to say “hello” to the birds, and they sing to him. One of my cats quite enjoys sitting next to the cage and staring at them as well, probably thinking “if only I could get my paws on them, they’d make a good snack”.

The cage we had for them when we brought them home was rather small and confined, but it was the only cage we had at the time. I bought them a bigger cage last week and they are much happier. They have room to fly, and there are toys to keep them busy.

I was a little concerned about getting two male finches, since I knew males of any species can be territorial. I didn’t want them to fight, but I also wasn’t really want a male and a female as I am not interested in breeding my finches.

I expressed my concerns to the clerk at the pet store, and she suggested getting a hay ball. Normally an accessory for small animals, she said that having a hay ball available would keep the birds from fighting as they would be focused on building nests. The pet store had hay balls in all their bird cages, so I figured I would give it a try.

If you don’t know what a hay ball is, it’s a wire cage with a bell attached to a chain. You fill the cage with hay, and the birds use it to build nests. My birds love their hay ball. When they were in their smaller cage, I was having to fill the ball with hay every day because they were continually pulling out the hay to build nests. I would hear about it when the ball was empty. Atticus and Scout would scold me and chatter non-stop until I gave them more hay. Now that they are in the larger cage, I’ve only had to fill the ball once. I think it’s because they have toys in this cage, as well as more room.

The hay ball has been a great investment, and I recommend one if you have finches or other small birds.

So You Want A Lizard

Some types of geckos are good starter lizards

Living in the desert Southwest, we often see lizards when we are outdoors. We have seen lizards sunning on the rocks in our front yard, zipping across our driveway, and crawling up the brick wall that surrounds our backyard. Our dog has even caught a couple in our garage. I know because he brought me the tail of one not that long ago.

My husband keeps mentioning that he thinks it would be fun to have a lizard as a pet. Why he wants one, I don’t know. But, since I got my finches, if he wants a lizard, I guess he can have one. Every time he sees one outside, he mentions that he’d like one. I told him if he can catch one, he can have it. So far, they have been faster than he is.

There are many types and sizes of lizards. If we get one, it will be one of the smaller types, such as anole lizards, geckos, or chameleons. The larger types include bearded dragons and iguanas.

If you’ve never had a lizard as a pet, it’s best to start out with one that is easy to maintain. Some types of geckos are good starter lizards. A common lizard sold in pet stores is the green anole, which is very small and won’t take up much space.

There are some things to know before you consider a lizard for a pet. It’s best to get a lizard from a pet store or a breeder than it is to catch one in the wild. Wild lizards are more apt to carry parasites and other diseases than captive lizards. According to the Center for Disease Control, up to 90 percent of all reptiles carry the Salmonella bacteria. This includes wild and tame lizards. Because of this, lizards and other reptiles are not recommended as pets for young children unless you keep the children and the reptiles separated. You can prevent salmonella poisoning from reptiles by thoroughly washing your hands after contact with your reptiles. You also should not wash their cage or dishes anywhere there is food preparation.

If you decide to get a lizard, do your research. If you are interested in a certain type of lizard, read to see how big it will get, its life span, and if it has any special needs. These facts may help determine which type of lizard is right for you. Make sure the tank you use is large enough for your lizard’s maximum size. If you don’t purchase the biggest tank needed initially, you’ll wind up getting several different size tanks as your lizard grows.

Provide your lizard with plenty of rocks and branches for climbing and hiding. Plants also provide needed camouflage. Some lizards require special lighting to keep it warm. They love to bask in the sun, and proper lighting will make your lizard feel right at home.

Meet The Finches

The newest members of our family

After months of talking about it, we finally did it. Last weekend my husband and I stopped at the pet store and bought a couple of zebra finches. We had looked at them every time we went to the pet store, and I kept saying I wanted some. My mom had zebra finches when I was growing up, and it’s a fond memory I have of her.

Anyway, like I said, we’ve been talking about getting finches for a while. We found an inexpensive cage last Saturday, and we went ahead and bought it. We figured that we’d hold on to it for a while and buy the birds at a later date. Then, on Sunday, I saw a flier for the local pet store, with a 15% off sale on finches. If that wasn’t a sign that we were to buy finches, then what was it?

So, after we had our weekly breakfast with my father-in-law, we loaded up the van with the dog and the cage we had bought, and headed for the pet store. We can’t make a trip to the pet store without taking the dog with us.

The only finches I had seen on our previous trips to the pet store were zebras, but this time they had spice finches and one other type of finch that I can’t recall besides the zebras. After an internal debate with myself over which finches I wanted, I settled on the zebras as I had intended.

I got two males, since males were all they had. I’m not planning on breeding them, so same-sex finches were fine with me. I was concerned that they might fight, but the employee at the pet store told me that all the zebra finches they had, had been together since the store got them, and they didn’t fight.

She did recommend that I get a hay ball for their cage, so that they were able to build nests. Even though there is no female present, building nests gives the males something to do and keeps them from fighting.

I brought the birds home and made them comfy. I named them Atticus and Scout, after the father and daughter (with the last name of Finch) in Harper Lee’s “To Kill A Mockingbird”. You’d be surprised at how many blank stares I get when I say that my finches are named Atticus and Scout. Anyway, my dog had adopted the finches as his own. He keeps the cats away from their cage. The birds sing to him, and he sings back. It’s really rather cute.

Teaching Tricks to Your Pet Mouse

You can train your mouse to stand up and beg

If you have a pet mouse, or other small rodent, have you ever considered teaching it tricks? Dogs are not the only animals that can learn how to do tricks. With a little bit of patience and a lot of treats, you can teach your mouse, rat or hamster to do tricks as well.

If you are interested in teaching your mouse tricks, you need to be patient and consistent. You will need to work with your mouse daily, for about 30 minutes. Mice are small animals, and they have a small attention span. Longer than 30 minutes, your mouse is going to quit paying attention.

If your mouse isn’t used to attention and being handled, start out by just holding your mouse daily, and hand feeding it a small piece of food so that it gets used to taking food from your fingers. After your mouse gets used to that, you’re ready to start with a simple trick.

Probably the easiest trick to teach your mouse is to stand up and beg on command. Hold a piece of food or a treat in front of your mouse and then raise it (the food, not the mouse) above its head. Your mouse will follow the treat and stand up. As your mouse stands up, say a simple word like “up”. When he is fully standing, repeat the word and give the mouse the treat. Repeat the process over and over, waiting a little longer each time before giving the treat. Pretty soon your mouse will stand up and hold the pose, waiting for a treat, whenever he hears the command word.

Just like with teaching a dog or a cat, you need to be consistent with the command word. If you use “up” the first time you have your mouse stand, use “up” each time in training so that the mouse associates “up” with standing for a treat.

Once you've taught your mouse one trick, you can use the same method to teach it other tricks. Use different command words for each trick.

Button Quail: Pets and Miniature Egg Production

If you are looking for a new pet that is a little different from your run of the mill hamsters, parakeets and other small pets, consider the button quail. Button quail are the smallest variety of quail, measuring about four inches tall when fully grown. They require very little space and make really delightful sounds.

One thing that makes button quail so fun is the sheer variety of colors. From the basic natural gray color to brilliant blues, browns and even lavenders, button quail are one of the most colorful types of pet birds. When you breed button quail, the colors are always a surprise, which can make watching those eggs hatch even more fun.

Button quail also lay eggs, and although they are incredibly tiny, at about one inch tall, they are tasty and can be suitable substitutes for chicken eggs.

Button quail do have more special diet requirements than typical pet birds, but you can easily give them what they need by providing them a high quality game bird crumble, available at most feed stores. Females have higher protein requirements, so supplementing with some crushed cat food can be a big help as well.

Button quail cannot survive in cold winter temperatures outside, but they can enjoy time outside during the warmer summer months. Many people house them in aquariums while they are indoors, but button quail really enjoy an open space to run and forage in if they are allowed outside.

If you are looking for a different sort of pet, take some time to get to know the button quail. They are pretty, easy to care for and beautiful to look at. They also make great conversation starters.

Facts About Guinea Pigs

A good, healthy guinea pig should give you years of enjoyment

I always wanted a guinea pig when I was younger. They seemed much more cuddly than the mouse-like gerbils and hamsters that my brothers had. I never got one though. I’m not really sure why. I still look at them every time we’re at the pet store. Maybe one day I’ll come home with one. My cats and dog would love that, I’m sure.

There are three common types of guinea pigs: American, Abyssinian and Peruvian. The American guinea pig has short hair and a smooth coat. The Abyssinian guinea pig also has short hair, but the hair swirls in what is known as rosettes. The Peruvian guinea pig, or long-haired guinea pig, is my favorite. All three types come in a variety of colors and color combinations.

Adult guinea pigs are approximately 10 inches long and weigh 2 to 3 pounds. They have no visible tail. Guinea pigs generally live 5 to 7 years, so having a guinea pig, like any pet, is a commitment.

Guinea pigs are social animals, so it’s best to get two of them if you can. Two females are best, unless you plan to breed them. If so, you can get a male and a female. Two males together is ok, but they will have a tendency to fight. Guinea pigs need a large cage; a minimum of 5 square feet per guinea pig is recommended. The cage should not have a wire floor, but the side bars can be a maximum of 1 inch apart. Ramps and ledges are good, but a guinea pig does not need a lot of things to climb on. They do need a place to hide however, so providing them with a tube or box is good. Your guinea pig will also enjoy toys such as plastic cat or rabbit toys. Guinea pigs are active night and day, so if you give your guinea pig toys, you may not want to give them noisy toys.

For bedding, use aspen shavings, hay or recycled paper bedding. Food dishes should be heavy, and it’s best to use a water bottle instead of a water dish. Guinea pigs drink a lot, so change their water daily. Guinea pigs need a lot of vitamin C, so vegetables high in vitamin C, such as leafy greens, are good. Most commercial guinea pig pellets are also produced with vitamin C added. You can also feed guinea pigs fruits such as apples, grapes and oranges. Hay is also a necessary part of a guinea pigs diet. Introduce new foods gradually to avoid upsetting your guinea pig’s tummy.

When picking a guinea pig for a pet, choose one that is not nervous or panicky when handled. But, you don’t want to get one that is too calm and quiet either. That could be a sign of illness. A good guinea pig should be alert and active. Their body should be round and firm, but not fat. Their coat should be soft and their eyes should be clear.

A good, healthy guinea pig should give you years of enjoyment.

Do You Cook for Your Pet?

Admittedly, people do some crazy things for (or to) their pets, such as dressing them in a different designer outfit every day, making them wear ridiculous hairstyles, and even put makeup on them. For the more pragmatic of us, those actions seem pretty far out there, but at their core, they are simply different ways of displaying the love people have for their pets. Cooking, though much more reasonable to most people’s sensibilities, is another way of displaying love for a pet.

I have heard from bird owners who love to bake treats for their birds every day, or dog owners who make special little treats for Fido to enjoy. Some people do it to show their affection – it is a way to do something nice for their pets and can be a relaxing pastime as well.

Other people cook for their pets to avoid the potential dangers of processed foods purchased at the store. When you make treats and food for your pet at home, you can be sure of the ingredients and confident that you are feeding your beloved friend only the best.

Still others have to cook for their pets out of necessity. Some pets have allergies or special diet concerns that can only be addressed through foods prepared at home.

No matter what the reason, cooking for your pet can be a treat for both you and the pet, and like silly clothes, funny haircuts and fancy pedicures, is yet another way to show your furry (or feathered, scaled, etc.) friend how much you care.

Do you cook for your pet? If so, is it for any of the reasons listed above or do you have another reason?

Herbie, the Well-Traveled Gerbil

When I was a teenager, I had a pet gerbil named Herbie. Herbie was an adorable little black gerbil who loved to run around on the floor. We had one of those little balls they can run around in, but he preferred – not unreasonably – to be free to roam.

Herbie and I were good buddies, and when I got home from school I would go right to his cage to let him out for a while. It made sense then, when I went to go stay with family across the state, I should bring Herbie with me. I couldn’t stand the idea of parting with him indefinitely. The only problem was, I was flying to my new home and wasn’t sure how to bring Herbie with me.

Being a typical rebellious teenager, I figured out a solution – a Pop Tart box in my carry-on bag. Herbie didn’t seem to mind, and after we were in the air, I pulled him out and let him hang out in my pocket. That pocket ride is what reminded me of the story to write here. We almost got in trouble when a stewardess walked by and saw him in my hands. She stopped, blinked at me, and then shook her head and walked away – whew!

Herbie’s adventure wasn’t over just then, however. On the way to my new home, we stopped to buy Herbie a cage. We left him in his Pop Tart box in the rental car, and when we got back out to the car, he was gone! Pop Tart boxes are no match for munching gerbils and he ended up getting himself down under the gearshift lever in the center console.

After completely removing the center console, we were able to rescue Herbie and settle us both in our new home. I haven’t thought about that cute little guy for many years, and now I think it might be time for my kids to enjoy the fun of their own pocket pet.

Christmas Gifts for Pocket Pets

This year, my daughter is getting a pocket pet for Christmas—a new hamster. We already have the supplies purchased, and after she opens the present, we’ll take her to select her new friend the following week—giving her yet something else to look forward to.

But if you already have a pocket pet, you might want to think about getting him or her some holiday goodies this year. This is especially fun if you have a child who wants to make or buy something for his or her friend. But what do you get a hamster, rabbit, or other pocket pet?

It’s actually very easy to find something your friend will like. Here are a few ideas for the perfect pocket pet holiday gift.

Toilet paper rolls. These are so much fun for hamsters to run through, and they cost you nothing—unless you don’t buy toilet paper for some reason!
Treats. There are so many different kinds of treats on the market today that you’ll have no trouble finding something for your friend. Our hamsters growing up absolutely loved yogurt drops, while some simple carrots and other veggies are the perfect treat for rabbits. Ask your veterinarian how much is an appropriate amount for your friend before you buy or give the treat to make sure it’s healthy and won’t affect his or her diet aversely. Besides yogurt drops, there are different kinds of timothy hay, pet pretzels, fruit blends to drizzle on top of regular food, and dozens of other treats!
Chew toys. Every rodent needs them anyway to keep his or her teeth a reasonable lengthy, but they’re also good fun for them to have. There are wooden houses for them to chew, wooden sticks, balls, huts, and plenty of fun-shaped toys to give your friend to nibble on. The toilet paper rolls are good for this as well, though something harder is ideal for their long teeth.
Some soft housing material. I once had a diva hamster who refused to line her home with any kind of bedding I’d buy. All she wanted was the soft, fluffy stuff—and boy did she make herself one comfortable home!
A play ball, climbing center, play tubes, and other things to run and play on. Your pet should already have a wheel to run on (for mice, hamsters, rats, and the like), but having all sorts of other items on hand can help keep him or her active and healthy—not to mention entertained! You can even get a play pen to let your pet run around in while you supervise.

Zebra Finches

Zebra finches are popular pet birds

I enjoy bird watching, but I’m not a person who generally wants a bird as a pet. We had parakeets, or at least my older brother did, when I was growing up. They are nasty, dirty creatures. So, getting a bird of my own was never one of my desires. Lately though, I’ve been heading toward the bird cages at the pet store every time we go; just like Whitley with the ferrets (see my previous post). I keep mooning over the zebra finches. Maybe it’s because they remind me of my mother, as my dad got her a couple of zebra finches when she was around the age I am now.

Zebra finches are popular pet birds. They’re small. Zebra finches are about 4 inches in length fully grown. They are hardy, living about 10 years. Zebra finches are social birds and seem to be happiest when they are in pairs. They are easy to take care of. They eat seeds and fruit, as well as plants such as dandelions.

Zebra finches are native to Australia. They are generally brown or grey with a bright orange beak, but they can be found in other colors such as white as well. As with other bird species, the male zebra finch is more colorful than the female zebra finch.

Zebra finches are most active during daylight hours. They have a soft, pleasant chirp. They thrive on sunshine. The cage for a pair of zebra finches should be at least 28 inches wide and should be equipped with plenty of toys and climbing structures. There should be a dish for water and food, and a nesting box for sleeping.

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