Although hermit crabs are advertised or thought of as cheap and easy to maintain, there are some things that are important to consider if you want to keep your hermit crabs happy and healthy.  When kept at the proper conditions and in the right environment, hermit crabs have been known to live for 6 to 15 years.  Most, unfortunately, will only live for about 6 to 12 months.

A glass terrarium makes the best choice for the hermit crabs.  The glass helps to keep the temperature and humidity at the proper level.  There should also be a proper airflow to help cut down on mold and bacteria.

Inside the terrarium there should be enough suitable material lining the bottom to allow the largest hermit crab to dig down, about twice the height of the crab should be sufficient.  Materials that you can use include sanitized beach sand, quality play sand (not used for construction), crushed coral, fine river pebble, and damp coconut fiber.

You will also need to create two different ponds for your hermit crab by using non-metallic, non-porous dishes.  One is for fresh water and one is for ocean water.  Adding sea sponges to the water dishes will help maintain the humidity and moisture in the hermit crabs’ environment.

Under the tank you will need to place a heat pad made especially for small animals and reptiles.  It gently warms the glass and sand, but you will still need to regulate the temperature of the sand by installing a thermostat at sand level.

Hermit crabs are nocturnal animals and therefore are most active at night and least active around noon.  They do not bite, but will pinch using their strong front claws.  These same claws are used for climbing, so hermit crabs are proven escape artists.  Be sure that your enclosure does not offer them any chance to break free.

Because the hermit crab has no natural outer protection, you need to provide shells for the molting process.  Young hermit crabs may molt several times a year, otherwise the molting typically will occur about once every 12 to 18 months.  Molting crabs often bury themselves in the substrate and will remain buried for the entire process.  Do not disturb molting crabs.

There are two varieties of hermit crabs most often sold in stores.  The Purple Claw Crab is usually the more aggressive and can be prone to pinching.  The Ecuadorian Crab is the sweeter choice.

Although the hermit crab may seem to be the easiest pet around, it does require some care and special housing.  If you are able to meet these needs then the hermit crab is a fun and entertaining addition to any home.

Freshwater aquariums are generally the least expensive and easiest to maintain.  The smallest size to start out with is probably a good 20 gallon tank.  Be sure to use water that is non-chlorinated.  Fish should be added no more than two at a time and then time given for the water (and good bacteria) to adjust to the new occupants – this is known as cycling.

Maintaining good water quality is the key to healthy and happy fish.  It requires the optimal filtration system for the size tank and the number of fish.  You will also need to purchase lights and accessories for the tank.  All together, the start-up costs for a freshwater tank can run from about $200 and go up from there.

There are an amazing variety of fish that live in fresh water, and they come in almost every shape and color that you can imagine.  The fish that you choose should be able to live together and be comfortable in the space that you are willing to provide.

Dwarf Gourami are small, peaceful fish and can be found in several different colors.  They are well suited to smaller aquariums and community aquariums.

The Red Eye Tetra is a great beginner fish and easily adapts to a community tank.

Angelfish are peaceful and easy to care for.  They are a popular aquarium fish because of their great color variety.  They make a good choice for the community aquarium.

Rainbowfish are small and colorful (as the name implies).  They tend to swim at the top of the water and can fill a void in most tanks.  They are hardy and active and can do well in a semi-aggressive aquarium.  It is a schooling fish and prefers to live with six or more of the same species.

Bettas (Siamese Fighting Fish) will fight aggressively with one another, but will typically be okay in community tanks with other species of fish.  They come in a beautiful array of colors and their long, flowing fins make them prized additions to the freshwater aquarium.

Swordtails can make a wonderful, and colorful, addition to the passive community aquarium.  They are school fish and will do best in groups of five or more.

Fish can be a relaxing and entertaining addition to your home and your family.  Although they are relatively easy to maintain, they do require some basic needs (like space and oxygen) that should be considered before you purchase your pets.

Hamsters

Hamsters are small (about 6 inches), typically solitary animals.  They are nocturnal by nature, and may be temperamental when handled.  Raising hamsters from babies is the best way to ensure they will be more agreeable, but they can still be biters – and the bites can be very painful.  Most hamsters only live for about 2 to 3 years. But they make great first pets for older kids (3rd – 6th grade).  I had about 3 hamsters when I was growing up.  However their short life span may be an issue for those who are more sensitive about things like that.

Things to be concerned about when buying a hamster include:

• Hamsters with runny or sticky eyes, matted fur or runny nose.

• Pet store employees that cannot guarantee the sex of the hamster (you could end up buying a pregnant female – this happened to my sister once when she got a “male” hamster for Christmas, we had about 6 hamsters by New Years!)

• Cages that are overcrowded and not separated by sex (males should be in one cage and females in another).

Gerbils

Gerbils are even smaller than hamsters (about 4 inches), with long tails.  They are very active and very social animals.  They prefer to be with other gerbils, but putting a male and female together is one way to insure that you will get prolific breeding.  Acquire your littermates when they are young to help them get used to one another.  Gerbils can be quite tame, and a pair would be content in a small home (about 1 ft by 2 ft by 1 ft). Gerbils also have short lifespans – about 2 to 4 years.

Gerbils are best housed in a terrarium at least 10 inches by 18 inches (and 10 inches high).  Gerbils are hoppers, so keep the top tightly covered with a mesh lid.  They are also burrowers and need about 6 to 8 inches of material on the bottom (preferably a combination of straw and peat, or sawdust or wood shavings).

There is really only one breed of gerbil sold in stores today – the Mongolian gerbil.  Hybrids of the breed have been developed over the past few years to introduce color variations.  There are some rare, imported species (like the small Egyptian gerbil, the Indian gerbil or the Libyan gerbil or jird) that can occasionally be found in shops today.

Rabbits

Rabbits have traditionally been kept outside, alone, in a hutch. This is not the best place for such social animals. Rabbits make ideal indoor pets. They are friendly, like social interaction, and are typically easy to litter box train.  You can also keep them indoors in a crate like those used for house-training dogs.

Both the female (doe) and the male (buck) can exhibit negative habits as they reach maturity.  The does can become territorial and start nipping.  The bucks can begin to spray their urine to try and attract a mate.  The best way to avoid this is to have your rabbit spayed or neutered when it is at the right age.  Rabbits also tend to chew, a lot.  We had a rabbit for my teenage step-daughter, and would let him roam about the house sometimes.  We lost countless barbie heads (he found them under the beds), one laptop computer cord, and several shoe laces!  So be sure you keep a close eye, and everything is picked up (especially under the beds!)

Rodents like the gerbil, hamster and even the rabbit can make the perfect choice for a first pet. They are easy to care for and do not require a long-term commitment. There are plenty of choices when it comes to family pets. Be sure to pick the one that is best suited to your needs and your home life.

Cats are very interesting creatures.  Most cats are solitary creatures by nature.  They want to be social when they want to be social and they want to be alone when they want to be alone.  But cats can still be some of the best pets you will ever have.

There are some things that you should think about before bringing a cat home to be part of your family.  Some cats can be aggressive territorial animals (especially the males) and can have a tendency to spray – or mark with urine – their home.  Be sure that you have your cat spayed or neutered as soon as it is old enough.

Most cats are hunters by nature.  If you have other small pets in the house (birds, hamsters or rabbits) then you might want to think twice before bringing a cat into the home.  On the flip side, cats can help to decrease a rodent problem, particularly for homes in the country or in the woods.

There are many breeds of cats – each with their own unique needs, tastes and look, but keep in mind that no two cats (even of the same breed or litter) will be alike.  Although pound cats (those that have been abandoned and are at risk of being put down) often make the best pets, there are still some breeds that you might want to consider for your home.

Breeds of Cats

The Siamese cats were made famous by Walt Disney as being picky, but more often these cats are very social, intelligent and curious.  One distinct factor is their need to talk – often and for a long time.  The Siamese cats are short haired and need very little grooming.

Himalayan cats are needy cats, but they are typically quiet and affectionate.  Because of their long hair, they will probably require more grooming (and shedding WILL be an issue).

The Maine Coon Cat is an American long-haired cat.  It is considered to be very friendly and have a loving spirit.  It is also believed to be highly intelligent.  The patient nature of the Maine Coon Cat makes it ideal for homes with children.

The Ragdoll Cat is another good choice for homes with children.  It is a sweet-natured cat, known (and named) for going limp when picked up.  It is extremely laid back, without an aggressive bone in its body.

The Sphynx Cat is the breed of choice for people who suffer from allergies.  This nearly-nude cat has little or no dander problems, but does require frequent bathing.

The Manx Cat is the tailless cat.  These are extremely playful animals and often exhibit dog-like tendencies (like playing fetch).  It is a one-person breed that will bond strongly with its owner.

Kittens are always a treat for the home, but they all grow up to be cats.  Cats are climbers and jumpers and tend to find a way into everything that you don’t want them in.  But cats are also great at knowing just when you need loving support, and their purr is the perfect stress reliever from the world outside.

Things to Think About In Deciding If a Dog Is the Right Pet for your Family:

Dogs are social and do best when not left alone.  If you are not going to keep the dog inside then consider getting two dogs so that they can keep each other company.  You will need to plan on spending plenty of time with the dogs so that the dog will feel like it is part of the family.

Socialization takes at least one half hour every morning and about one hour every evening.  The younger the dog, the more time needed.

Dogs love routing – same time, same place.

Dogs are a long-term commitment – with many breeds living twenty years or more.  Be sure you are ready for such a relationship before you commit to having a dog join your family.

Dog Breeds and your Family Pet

If you have decided that a dog is the right pet for you then you need to decide which dog breed you will bring into your family.  Every breed has different needs and typical personalities, but like people, every dog within each breed is unique.  Before you take a dog home, spend some time playing, petting, and getting to know that particular dog.  See how it responds to you and your family.  See if there is a trail period so that the dog can come home and meet the whole family and live a day in the new atmosphere.  Do whatever you can to ensure that the dog you choose is a good fit for you and that you are a good fit for the dog.

The Beagle is a small, friendly dog that needs companionship from human or from other dogs.  It is a pack animal.  It is gentle, tolerant, and typically good with children.  It can be loud – often prone to barking and howling.  The short, smooth coat is easy to maintain.

The Collie was made famous by the television show “Lassie”, and is a dog of grace, speed and strength.  Most often the collie is an intelligent dog that is willing to please.  It makes a gentle friend and is great with children.  Although it is a breed that is wary of strangers, the natural inclination to be friendly keeps it from being the best watchdog.  The smooth-coated collie does not need much grooming.  It needs room to run and plenty of shade and is not recommended for apartment living.

The Greyhound is a wonderful pet and makes a great indoor companion.  Although it is used in racing, it is gentle and quiet – preferring to nap.  It is not a high-energy dog, but does need social interaction (with family or other dogs) to avoid becoming timid.  The breed is loyal and friendly but can be extremely sensitive.  Grooming is easy, mostly because of the short coat.  The skin on the greyhound is thin and so it is sensitive to cold.  It can also have troubles with digestion, so the greyhound should be fed several small meals over the course of the day as opposed to one large meal.

There are many things to consider when you are thinking about bringing a dog into your family, and one of the most important is the long-term commitment to the animal.  Dogs are social animals and they will bond with their family.  Breaking that bond can be harmful to the pet.  Take some time to really think about the long-term place a dog will have in your family before bringing one home.

Adopt a Pet

Most people who have ever adopted from the shelter will tell you that the best pets come from there. The price is right (usually the cost of shots) and the choices are extremely varied. Even better, it is almost as if the animals KNOW you’ve saved their lives, so often the bond between animal and owner is strong.

Although the shelters are full of older animals, this should not be a deterrent from adoption. Older animals can be trained by using lots of patience. They may even turn out to be easier to train because of the desire to please their new family.

Purchase a Pet from a Breeder

Breeders are another good choice for finding the right animal for your home. Be sure that you check out the breeder’s credentials before entering into an agreement. The breeder should be licensed through local government agencies and the animal’s heritage should be traceable on paper to ensure that inbreeding is not occurring.

Working with a breeder can be the most expensive option when it comes to choosing your pet, but it should give you the best picture into the animal’s qualities. You should have a chance to view at least one of the parents at the breeding facilities and see the animal interact with its siblings.

Purchase a Pet from a Pet Store

Pet stores can be a good place to purchase some animals, but it is a good idea to make sure you look into the acquiring practices of the different stores to ensure that you get the best animal possible. It is also important that pet stores be willing to work with you and not pressure you into making a quick decision about a pet. The employees should be knowledgeable about the animals. If there is a doubt, then you will be better off just walking away.

Purchasing a Pet off the Internet

The internet may be a great way to find information, but it is not recommended as a way to buy your pets. Instead, use the internet to find reputable breeders or dealers in your area and then visit the locations before making a purchase. The same holds true for the classified section of the paper or magazines for your region. While you may find some good deals, do you really want to take a risk when you are dealing with your children’s pets?

Most Important Thing In Finding Your Pet

There are many different ways to find your new pet. Each has its benefits and its downfalls. The most important factor in them all is to meet the animal and see if it will be a good fit for your home.