----- Original Message -----
From: Emily Forrester <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Wednesday, March 21, 2001 12:32 AM
Subject: Other suitable pets? (somewhat off-topic)
> Hi,
>
> I'm looking to get "something different" for a small pet, a "rodent" type.
I
.> "needy" for attention than rats and preferably overall less care (cage
> cleaning, etc) than mice and rats.
>
> This may sound like I'm being picky, but I'll be likely to bend a little
for
> another "perfect" pet. I'd really like something more "exotic" if I can
find
> a breeder near by or a good pet store.
>
> That being said, some of the animals I'm considering are ...
>
.> Thanks in advance for any info!
>
> Emily
>
> --
If you can get them, I would go for Shaw's Jirds. They are close relatives
of gerbils, but bigger and more responsive. Care is exactly the same as for
gerbils apart from the fact that females are best kept alone. If you want a
pair go for males. If you can't get Shaw's, then bushy-tails would be your
next best.
Degus really need a cage, as they like climbing. They also need a strict
(but very easy to obtain) diet. Otherwise they are easy to keep too.
Duprasi are about the easiest animals to keep. Even less smell than
gerbils. I cleaned mine out about every 3 months. Unlike jirds or degus,
duprasi aren't particularly bothered whether you give them a lot of human
attention or not.
Jirds love to be played with. Degus like to run around ther room and be
talked to, but don't like too much cuddling
Good luck
Sue
