Reptiles, Rodents & Small Pets

Panther chameleons are a joy to work with and with proper care are relatively simple breed.

How to build a shelter for mice? It is very easy, and the material is also very easy to get. Making a shelter for mouse by our hands is not only a pleasant challenge to meet, but also the means to...

Though snakes in the wild have no trouble catching live mice, snakes in captivity should only be fed dead mice. Placing a live mouse in an enclosed space with a snake could cause the mouse to...

The northern water snake is a nonvenomous, beneficial snake commonly found around lakes, streams and freshwater marshes ranging from southern Ontario to North Carolina. Although they don't display...

Spondylosis is a disorder in which noncancerous, tumor-like growths begin to grow on a rabbit's spine. While this disorder can be painful, there are often little or no apparent symptoms. Treatment...

There are four different kinds of rabbit fur: normal fur, with a dense undercoat; satin fur that reflects light, giving it a nice sheen; rex fur, which can stand on end, giving it a distinct feel;...

So every kid in America wants a Zhu Zhu pet this year and you can’t find one. It’s a common dilemma this time of year. Frustrated parents everywhere are desperately seeking the “toy of the...

Rats usually aren't known for their discerning palette, unless you count Remy from the Walt Disney flick "Ratatouille." However, your pet rat may have more in common with that animated rat than...

You may be fortunate enough to have flying squirrels living nearby and not even know it. They are nocturnal animals that feed in the trees more than on the ground. Unless it is an orphan needing...

Corn snakes make excellent pets and are relatively easy to care for. Like all reptiles, corn snakes are cold-blooded, which means they cannot control their body temperature. Instead, their...

Reptile owners need to have a supply of live crickets for feeding. Crickets have to be properly sustained by giving them food and water. Crickets should be fed nutrient-rich food because these...

Ants are very industrious and hardworking. Many children have been fascinated with what little black ants can accomplish. They have amazing strength and adapt to their circumstances. If you...

There are a number of ways to kill mice, but some are more humane than others. According to Stanford University, when killing mice for the purpose of feeding reptiles or other carnivorous pets,...

It can often be difficult to identify illnesses and disease in turtles. Unlike mammals, reptiles do not show outward expressions of pain or discomfort, and cannot alert their owners to the fact...

King snakes are very popular reptiles in the pet trade thanks to their convenient size and relative calmness. Adding to their popularity is the fact that several king snakes, like the California...

Reptiles are popular pets for those looking for something other than the run-of-the-mill cats, dogs or fish. Because of their delicate nature, being exothermic and often finicky eaters, they also...

Never had a rabbit before? This article will help you choose the breed and how to care for your rabbit.

Like any other pet, rabbits can develop skin disease. There are several possible causes of skin disease in rabbits that will cause discomfort to the animal and require medical treatment.

Pet rats can make very interesting and loyal companions. They do have some drawbacks, however. The smell rats and other rodents produce can be very disagreeable to some people. Interestingly, this...

Elderly gerbils are more likely to develop ear infections than younger gerbils. Gerbils have a relatively short life span, usually between three and five years. Gerbils older than two years may...

A cavy is another name for a guinea pig. Guinea pigs are friendly, inquisitive pets. However, they do need a great deal of companionship. Holding your guinea pig often can help build a bond...

Hamsters are favored pets for many children because of their demeanors and energetic affection. Nonetheless, hamsters will age and become less mobile. There are various signs of aging and means...

Rose-haired tarantulas, otherwise known as red-haired tarantulas, are fascinating and easy to care for. From Chile, these spiders prefer dim light, mild climates and little food. Even the habitats...

Raise rabbits for cuddly, friendly companions the whole family will love. Rabbits are great pets individually or in groups and are generally friendly with children. Feed your rabbit a healthy diet...

Incredibly varied in both size, type and variety, there are more than 100 different species of snakes in North America alone, according to information from the University of Pittsburgh. Despite...

The Desert Cottontail rabbit is an iconic rabbit because of its long ears. Often referred to as the "jack rabbit," this species is an herbivore and has various dietary characteristics that make it...

If a small outdoor space limits your ability to start a compost heap, you can easily create an indoor composting bin with the help of redworms. These natural composters are easy to care for with...

Gerbils have found a niche as one of the most popular starter pets for novice pet owners. A small, ratlike creature of the Rodentia family, there are more than 100 species of gerbils worldwide....

Finding your iguana with a broken leg is distressing for any owner. Having it occur after the reptile vet office is closed can be even more worrisome. Diagnosing the type of fracture and...

Crickets are nature's choir singers. The male variety produces chirping from rubbing his forewing against his hind leg. If you enjoy these nighttime serenades, consider keeping a cricket as a pet....

Bearded dragons are lizards native to Australia that can live for up to 15 years as pets. They can contract eye infections from a number of sources, so always take your bearded dragon to the...

Snakes are immensely popular pets, whether tiny garter snakes good for beginners or large boa constrictors often raised by expert keepers. However, snakes are relatively delicate creatures that...

Salmonella is well known throughout the United States and the world, but most of us feel like it's a relatively small problem. In fact, most people don't even connect salmonella poisoning with...

Squirrels are a wonderful addition to a backyard habitat. They offer hours of fun with their antics and silly acrobatic lifestyles. As many gardeners and bird feeders know, they can also wreak...

Despite what may first come to mind, a bunny burrito is not what's for dinner. The bunny burrito is a technique used to wrap your pet rabbit in a safe cocoon for the administration of medications...

Horned frogs, which are also called Pac Man frogs because of their hunting patterns, are one of the easiest amphibian pets to take care of. Setting up a proper terrarium for a horned frog is...

Although you might think your pet rabbit has big, warm ears just for beauty's sake, the fact is those wonderful ears serve an important function for the animal's body.

Map turtles are also known as sawback turtles. They get their name from the map design on the back of the shell. They live near water and can be seen sitting on logs, rocks and riverbanks to soak...

A common infection found in pet rabbits is ringworm. Contrary to its name, the infection is not due to a worm but to a fungus known as trichophyton mentagrophytes or microsporum canis. Medically,...

Rabbits are cute and soft creatures that we want to cuddle. Keeping rabbits cute and cuddly can sometimes be a challenge if the rabbit is suffering from loose stools.

Guinea pigs are susceptible to the bladder condition known as interstitial cystitis. Reoccurring pain, pressure and discomfort in the pelvic region is common for guinea pigs suffering from this...

A rabbit hutch is a style of cage used to house outdoor rabbits. Indoor rabbits will benefit from a plain wire cage with a bottom tray for cleaning, but an outdoor rabbit will need a different...

Meal worms are beetle larvae and are used to feed a variety of animals including reptiles, birds, aquarium fish and amphibians. These golden-brown worms can also be used as fish bait, especially...

Chicken wire is one of the most popular types of fencing, often used to construct pens with which to cage small animals, such as chickens, hence "chicken wire." It is also an economical type of...

Rabbits make excellent house pets, but it is important to make them feel comfortable. Provide a pet rabbit with a fenced-in hutch that will provide them with room to move around. This will give...

A lice infestation in your pet rat is nothing to be alarmed about, but you should deal with the problem immediately. Left untreated, lice can lead to more serious problems such as the blood...

The Cook Islands, low coral atolls located in the South Pacific about halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand, are home to about 20 reptile species, native and imported.

Red Ear Sliders are a moderately sized, docile species of turtle, popular with reptile enthusiasts as good starter pets for novice owners. Originally hailing from the southern regions of the...

Young praying mantises (called "nymphs") require different care than adults mantises. Once mantis nymphs hatch from their eggs, they resemble smaller versions of the adults. Scientists call this...

Pet bunnies rarely have to be bathed. Rabbits are fastidious about grooming, and with frequent brushing on your part, a bath should not be necessary unless your bunny gets into something messy....