Pet Shop Haven

Have you ever heard the phrase "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy?" It is a saying that has been around for countless years but it still rings true. People need some kind of hobby that will take their mind off of the stresses of work. They need some form of interaction with Mother Nature if they want to stay in good health. If you have not found the right hobby for you, then you may want to consider birding.

Birding, or rather bird watching, is a fantastic way to get out of the house and enjoy the wonders that nature has to offer. You have this fabulous opportunity to see wild animals in their own habitat. The sun will be shining on your face as you walk through forests and meadows in search of those wild birds that you know are out there. It is a hobby that many people are participating in.

If you have never been bird watching before, then there are a few things you need to know. You first need to know about the birds in your area. More than likely there will be several birds that are native to your part of the world. A great way to start seeing these birds is to put up some bird feeders. The bird feeders will draw in the native birds and provide them with sustenance. You can create your own bird sanctuary right in your backyard. Before you place a lot of feeders around your yard and garden, you need to consult your local gardening center about what type of feeder is best for a certain type of bird. You will also need some advice on how to keep pesky squirrels from robbing the feeder. Another great way to lure birds to your home is by putting up bird houses. These houses are built specifically for each type of bird.

If you are interested in learning about birding, then there are resources available to give you all the help you need. The National Audubon Society is a treasure trove of information and you can even get help on picking out the right equipment to fit your needs. You can also hit your local library for books on bird watching and species of birds that are in your area.

There may be challenges involved in keeping a pet rabbit. But there are lots of positives, too. Here are some of the pros and cons...

Rabbits can live a long time, up to ten years or so. That in itself can be either a good or bad thing, depending on your point of view. People often view rabbits as something to amuse the kids when they're yound. but having the life expectancy of a dog makes them a long term commitment. Think ahead.

Rabbits are prone to a couple of diseases that may be hard to treat. Since they can't vomit, a hairball can cause them serious intestinal difficulty. The correct diet will help minimize the odds. They can sometimes contract a disease called RHD (Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease), a virus that can cause death. Even if they survive, they can spread it to other pet rabbits. They can be subject to flea and mite infestations, and all the potential complications that the parasites bring.

Rabbits require some grooming, more than a cat, but considerably less than a dog. Though bathing them is unnecessary, and indeed not generally a good idea (rabbits can become overheated easily), they still benefit from a regular nail trim and brushing.

Some of that grooming effort is for the benefit of the rabbit, some of it is for you. Keeping your rabbit well brushed will help keep the amount of hair floating around the house down. Trimming their nails keeps them from being quite so destructive around the house if they're left free to roam around.

A pet rabbit that is out of the cage can be quite destructive. They love to dig and they may chew almost incessantly. A rabbit's teeth never stop growing and one way they keep them under control is to gnaw on things. That may be ok outside, but in the house it can be a problem.

Rabbit proofing is the way to go here, but that involves though, effort, and sometimes a moderate expense. You'll need to lay down covers for the couch or plastic laminates (such as those used under office chairs) and devise other protective measures. But, there are many ways to do this and it doesn't have to be done too often. Most people see the expense and effort as well worth it.

Vet care is important and ,as it is for any pet, expensive and time consuming. But with rabbits there's often an additional problem: few vets have much experience with pet rabbits. Often, the litte creatures just don't get the attention a dog or cat might. When a rabbit becomes ill, they often die and are just replaced. That gives vets fewer opportunities to treat them. Finding a good vet in your area can be difficult.

But all that said, rabbits are still among the most fun pets. They're cute, soft and they exhibit a surprising array of amusing behaviors. They can run around and express joy. When not in a stressful situation, they can respond well to individual people, likem any other mammals. They can be very loving, in their own way.

It's sometimes hard to resist something as fuzzy, gentle and full of life as a pet rabbit. Weigh the factors yourself, then be prepared for surprises, just as you would with any pet.

Visit Just for Rabbit Lovers at LuvMyRabbit.com