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.
Related News
Pets Found Emaciated In Folsom Foreclosed Home - CBS13.com
Pets & Pals a safe haven for dogs, cats - Manteca Bulletin
Pets& Pals a safe haven for dogs, catsManteca Bulletin, CA -25 minutes agoThe love of animals is ingrained in Pets& Pals director Sue Molen - it all started years ago for her when she was just a child. ... |
Ten Holiday Tips to Keep Pets Safe | Safety and Health Are the ... - PR Web (press release)
Social Release: PetSmart(R) Brings Comfort and Joy to the Holidays - CNNMoney.com
Meals on Wheels feeds pets, too - Cincinnati.com
Meals on Wheels feeds pets, tooCincinnati.com, OH -13 minutes agoUCAN provides the food, which it receives from Mars Foods, makers of Pedigree and other pet-care brands, and distributes it to local shelters and rescue ... |
Pets also foreclosure victims - Charlotte Post
How to protect your house and pets during a freeze freezing ... - Dallas Morning News
Take special care with pets during the holidays - Friday Flyer
BUSINESS: New specialty shop in Medina pampers pets - Journal-Register
Economic struggles leave pets homeless - Peoria Journal Star
Economic struggles leave pets homelessPeoria Journal Star, IL -4 hours agoThe recent difficult and emotional surrender of the adult pets to the shelter was a direct result of the dark economic clouds that are gathering above and ... |
|
|
 |
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Dog Obedience Training Basics
The most important things in dog training are consistency, keeping dog's attention and understanding your dog.
To get the respect of your dog you must be consistent. You should make a set of do's and don'ts for your dog. Follow these guidelines to the letter, if a dog does something desirable always reward it, if a dog does something bad punish him or her appropriately. In dogs world consistency is a sign of a leader. You will make your training my easier and effective by being a leader who the dog respects and follows.
Ninety percent of your dogs training will be getting his or hers attention and keeping him focused on yourself. If your dog cannot focus on you, it will not listen to you, and thus making the commands you give fall on empty ears. I will describe a technique on how to get and keep your dog's attention with few very simple exercises. First, most dogs will respond to their name, so call them and when they look at you tell them "watch". After doing it few times the dog will associate the command with looking at you. After you have perfected the "watch" command, start doing exercises aimed at expanding your dog's attention span. A good technique is to hold a treat with your teeth and while standing in front of your dog give it a watch command. Stand in position for a few seconds keeping dogs attention, then praise. Repeat the exercise until your dog focus on you for about a minute. The more attention your dog can give you the better student it will be.
A vital part of dog training is the understanding of how a dog thinks. Dogs, like small children, have a very short attention span. Most dogs can be focused on training for about ten to twenty minutes, after that time they will start loosing focus and will require a small break. A good idea is to make regular training sessions of 20-30 minutes per day. Another important thing is to make the training fun for the dog. Make the dog look forward to the training time instead of dreading it. To achieve this you should always make their effort worthwhile. After every successful command make sure to give them a treat or praise them with very excited voice. The more willing the dog is to train the more effective the training will be!
Incorporate these techniques into your training sessions and in no-time you will be ready to proceed to much more complex obedience training exercises. You and your dog will both enjoy the time spent together, your dog will respect you for being a responsible owner and other people will appreciate your dog's great behavior after you are done!
Bast, The Beloved Protector of Cats
She is the protector of cats, women and children. The ancient Egyptians celebrated her feastday on October 31 with convivial merry making, music, dancing in the streets and drinking with friends - the sort of holiday we would recognise instantly.
The Sporting Westie Terrier
Because it is intelligent and energetic, a Westie terrier is well suited for a number of dog events. Some competitions it might participate in are geared toward the Westie's natural instinct to hunt down prey and pursue it into its den. There are other events, though, in which it can compete with dogs of all breeds.
Protecting the Smallest Member of Your Family: A Step-by-step Guide to Pet Insurance
Let's face it ? Fido and Fluffy are an important part of your family. Do you want to have to assign a dollar value to them if they become sick or injured?
Keeping Discus Fish Disease Free
So you want to keep discus fish or are already keeping discus fish. One of things you must do is keep your discus fish healthy and disease free. In this article I'm going to give you a few tips on how to keep discus fish disease free as:
Pilling a Cat
Pilling a cat can be a "nightmarish" experience. Cats don't want something pushed down their throats, and they'll fight with all their might to prevent it. In fact, it's amazing how powerful their small bodies can be. Here are some ways to make the pilling process easier and less stressful ? for both you and your cat.
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. What should you give instead?
But My Pet Will Never Run Away (or Why We Need Licenses)
The city I live in just increased its fees for
dog and cat licenses. It's now $30 a year for
unneutered/unsprayed pets and $20 a year for
sprayed/neutered pets.
Quality Dog Food Is Essential For The Health Of Dogs
Dog food is very important for the health of dogs. It is easy to overlook it, but it is essential to pick the right dog food for your pet dog. People sometimes just pick the first dog food bag they see at the store, instead of considering what is needed for your own dog.
Dog Vaccinations - What You Need to Know to Protect Your Dog
Almost all communities in the U.S. require at least one shot
for your dog or puppy, and that's rabies. The rabies vaccine
should be given when the puppy is twelve to sixteen weeks
old, and then another one year later. Following, he'll need
just one every three years. At around eight to sixteen weeks
of age, the puppy's natural immunity from its mother's milk
has worn off and it becomes at risk to a number of
environmental hazards. For an older dog (above one year
old), follow the same regimen as for a puppy. Be sure that
you have proof that your dog or puppy has had his required
rabies shot.
Cat Arthritis
Cat arthritis is not a very common ailment among healthy cats. Most arthritis found in cats is from an accident that has made the bones or joints weak. Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints and there is more than one type of arthritis that can affect your cat.
A Horse Training Secret From The 1800s To Teach A Horse To Drive Without Lines!
Horse owners who are history buffs may recognize the name Jesse Beery. Beery was an enormously famous horse trainer from the 1800's and early 1900's.
Beds for the Pets: Sleeping in Comfort
As we love to have a comfortable place to sleep so do the animals. So there are various types of beds for the pets to give them a comfortable sleep. Most of us have the dog as a pet. For the pets we specially have these beds designed for their fullest comfort. This type of beds mainly includes the outdoors beds, luxury beds, and puppy beds. For the various types of
dogs there are various types of beds like the large dog beds and the small dog beds. Whereas when we look out for a bed for a cat then there are various types of beds depending upon the breed and the size of the cat.
Dogs & Kids: Happy Together
Dogs and kids, it's a combination that at it's best can be the stuff of childhood dreams. At it's worst, it can be a source of heartache and pain and even injury. How can you ensure that your child and Man's Best Friend have a loving and safe relationship? Mostly, it's the responsibility of the adults of the house to teach toddlers and even older children that a dog is not a toy. It's a living, breathing creature that feels pain, shame and humiliation as much as love, pride and happiness. A dog that bites a child may only be defending itself the only way it knows how. But to minimize ever having to worry about a parent's worst nightmare, family animal psychologist, Larry Lachman, M.S., offers the following advice:
Price of Unconditional Love
Why is it that cats get no respect? Are they really the Rodney Dangerfield of the animal world? Dogs get the esteemed title of "Man's Best Friend," while the domestic felines seem to be bastardized as temperamental annoyances. Sure, they can be finicky creatures, as I've heard numerous complaints over the years from guy friends that they have had to pass the "cat test" before getting any play from the female owners they are pursuing. If you are nice to them and bring a fuzzy toy or yummy treat (the cats, not the women), you will have them wrapped around your finger (and her wrapped around your body) in no time. As a male with cats, I have found that my pets are great chick magnets. Of course, I have to actually get the women in my home to see them since I cannot take the cats out for a stroll in the neighborhood, but once the hard part is done, it's smooth sailing from there. The only concern here is that she likes the cats more than me!
General Information, Caring For & Breeding Silkworms
Background
Dog Anxiety - Fear of Thunderstorms, and Other Dog Fears
How to Deal With Anxiety in Your Dog
RecoveryPets.Com vs. Other Pet Registration Services
For those pet owners who do not know what a pet registration service is, or the benefits they provide, this article will try to explain these services. Pet registration is how lost pets get returned to their owners, it as simple as that. The owner of a pet registers their pet with a service provider, and the owners contact information is available if the pet ever gets lost. Now, there are many companies that offer this type of service, and we will try to compare the services of RecoveryPets.Com with other companies that offer this type of service to find the one that provides the best benefits for its clients.
Providing The Best Care For Your Goldfish
Goldfish care is critical for the health of your goldfish. Unfortunately, goldfish are very vulnerable to disease, with young goldfish even more so. Many new goldfish owners have watched their goldfish die in their fish tanks or aquariums only days or even hours after purchasing a goldfish. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to preserve the health of your goldfish.
Understanding Dog Fleas: How Fleas Breed & Affect Your Dogs Health
Fleas belong to the insect order Siphonaptera. They are common pests and may attack many mammals, including man. They can be a year round problem because they infest not only pets but also the home of the owner. Because of this, treatment of the pet alone may only temporarily solve a flea infestation.
|