initial combination can be darting petras, slower moving mollies and gup- pies, interactive oscars, and plecosto- mus bottom feeders.”
Smaller Pets Have Big Potential PETS PINT-SIZED by Randy Kambic
Whether they crawl, swim, hop or fly, speak, make other sounds or stay silent, many small wonders can make ideal pets.
W
hile 85 percent of U.S. households with pets feature a dog or a cat, giving a home to smaller friendly creatures can mean less maintenance and less cost—in- cluding only tiny stomachs to fill and no vaccinations. Downsizing to well- considered domesticated companions also provides uncommon windows to animal behavior for adults and young- sters alike.
Apparently, many appre- ciate these benefits. The same 2011 American Pet Products Association National Pet Owners Survey that re- ported on dogs and cats also showed that 12.6 million residences have fish; 5.7 million, birds; 5 million, small animals (rabbits, guinea pigs, fer- rets, gerbils, hamsters, mice and rats); and 4.6 million, reptiles. “These animals pose a world of
possibilities,” says Veterinarian Dr. Kimberly Weiss, owner of Heartland Healing Hands, in Oklahoma City.
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“They all have indi- vidual needs. Having them around starts as something cool, a spe- cial cachet for a youngster, and then, if fostered by parents, into a special sense of responsibility.”
Fish Watching colorful fish swim around an aquarium encourages a serene, sooth- ing feeling. In addition to their traditional purview in kids’ bedrooms and seafood res- taurants, more workplaces and physicians’ offices sport tanks these days. Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Melinda Ferny- hough, Ph.D., a manager with the Hartz Mountain Corporation, recommends that a first collection encom-
pass a variety of species that happily coexist, behave differently, and don’t lead to overcrowding. “It is best to er- ror on the side of fewer fish; you can always add more,” she says. “A good
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Birds For first-time bird guardians, “Consider starting off with a small bird, such as a parakeet, cockatiel or canary,” says Dr. John Simon, a veterinarian and owner of Woodside Animal Clinic, in Royal Oak, Michigan. “If you are more adventurous, consider what you desire most in a bird— how much talking you expect, its ap- pearance, level of friendliness—and how much it will grow. Some larger breeds, such as Amazon parrots, macaws and cockatoos, can live 60 or 70 years, so your selection could remain in your fam- ily for generations. If you’re away a lot, consider housing two of the same breed; they can keep each other company.” There’s no magic to producing a
talker. “The more interaction, attention and mental stimulation, the happier the bird and greater inclination to talk,” advises Weiss. She suggests taking a bird out of its cage regularly and providing lead- and zinc-free mirrors, noisemakers and other toys to ward off boredom. Favor- ite gabbers include African greys, macaws and double-yellow-headed Amazons; cockatoos are more prone to imitate sounds.
Small Animals While many rabbits do not like to be held and cuddled and hamsters can sometimes nip if awakened or startled, guinea pigs are typically friendly and often enjoy interaction with people. They can emit a charming chirp or “oink” sound when petted or touched. Smaller rodents like gerbils, mice
and rats love scurrying around their cages and “jogging” in wheels. Ham- sters and rats are sometimes active at night, so their cages might not be suitable in bedrooms. Guinea pigs are more docile and sleep much more. “These ‘pocket pets’ like fresh
veggies to supplement their nutri- tion—green beans, zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, peas, spinach, arugula and green peppers,” advises Seattle-based Veterinarian Dr. Darla Rewers, owner of Ancient Arts Holistic
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