http://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/index.htmArticles on the smaller animalsen-gbxC 7.1.37557http://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/dangerous-foods-for-birds.htmFri, 23 Nov 2012 16:07:09 GMThttp://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/dangerous-foods-for-birds.htmMySmellyhttp://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/dangerous-foods-for-birds.htmGiving food to your bird can build up an important emotional experience for you both. However, there are certain foods that should never be given to birds because they can cause health problems and even be fatal to your feathered companion. Please make sure you never give your bird any of the foods listed below. Note: The following list is not exhaustive. It represents only the most common foods dangerous for birds. If you're not sure whether a certain food not mentioned here is safe, we recommend that you refrain from giving it to your bird. It's better to be safe than sorry. • Alcohol. One teaspoon of an alcoholic beverage can be fatal for a bird, because their livers are not designed to process alcohol. • Apple Seeds. ...http://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/dangerous-foods-for-hamsters.htmWed, 21 Nov 2012 13:50:57 GMThttp://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/dangerous-foods-for-hamsters.htmMySmellyhttp://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/dangerous-foods-for-hamsters.htmThere are a lot of foods that are fine for people but that can be toxic to hamsters causing diarrhea and other health problems up to severe poisoning and death. Please make sure you never give your hamster any of the foods mentioned below. Apart from that, the general rule is to never feed your pet anything too sugary, salty or spicy, including fried foods and alcohol. Note: The following list is not exhaustive. It represents only the most common foods dangerous for hamsters. If you're not sure whether this or that food is safe, we recommend that you refrain from giving it to your hamster. It's better to be safe than sorry. Almonds Apple Seeds Avocado Cabbage* Celery** Chocolate, candy, and other sweets Citrus fruits (lemon,...http://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/how-to-find-a-lost-mouse.htmMon, 22 Oct 2012 12:12:33 GMThttp://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/how-to-find-a-lost-mouse.htmMySmellyhttp://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/how-to-find-a-lost-mouse.htmAs soon as you've found your pet mouse is missing, close and seal all doors and windows in the house to prevent your rodent from travelling from room to room while you're looking for it. Mice love to hide in small hollow places, so make sure you've checked everything that looks like a comfortable hide for a mouse. Block the hollow places after you've checked them so that your pet doesn't manage to get into them once you've made sure they're clear. Put the cage of your mouse on the floor with a tube or ramp leading to the entrance. Place some fresh fruit or cheese inside the cage to attract your pet. Arm yourself with patience, and check the cage every hour or so. Alternatively, you can put out some catching (not killing!) traps,...http://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/common-household-dangers-to-pet-birds.htmWed, 03 Oct 2012 14:15:12 GMThttp://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/common-household-dangers-to-pet-birds.htmMySmellyhttp://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/common-household-dangers-to-pet-birds.htmEven though it may not seem so, there are many hidden dangers a pet bird may face in our household. A lot of things that are safe for humans can be hazardous to a pet bird's health. That happens because pet birds are small, curious, they have rapid metabolism and sensitive respiratory systems. You should always stay vigilant if you'd like to protect your bird. Household dangers a pet bird can face are listed below. If you'd like to contribute to the list, leave a comment under this article. Windows and doors Windows and doors are an easy way for a bird to escape. Interior doors can be dangerous too if the bird likes to sit on their top - injuries are very likely if the door is suddenly closed. Keep the windows and doors closed when...http://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/ferret-facts.htmThu, 22 Nov 2012 14:19:56 GMThttp://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/ferret-facts.htmMySmellyhttp://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/ferret-facts.htmHere you can find some interesting facts about ferrets . Ferrets sleep for about 17-20 hours a day. Moreover, they can sleep so deeply that they cannot be woken up even when picked up and jostled. Because of this, owners may mistakenly think they are dead. An unspayed female ferret is called a jill while a spayed female is a sprite . An intact male is a hob and a neutered male is called a gib . Baby ferrets are called kits . A group of ferrets is called a "business of ferrets." All ferret kits have white fur when they are born. They start to get their adult colour at about 3 weeks of age. Ferrets are born deaf and blind. They start hearing and open their eyes at around 34 days. After 5-8 weeks of age (weaning period), ferrets...http://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/pyrrhura-conures.htmThu, 22 Nov 2012 14:19:56 GMThttp://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/pyrrhura-conures.htmMySmellyhttp://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/pyrrhura-conures.htmThe Pyrrhura Conures is a collective name for several parrot species that include the Green-cheeked Conure, Maroon-Bellied Conure, Pearly Conure, Black-Capped Conure, Painted Conure, Crimson-Bellied Conure, and others. General description Pyrrhura Conures are small to medium size birds with predominantly green plumage complemented with other colours (red blues and/or grey depending on the species). They have a white eye-ring and a long tail. The feathers on the chest are tipped with lighter colours, which gives Conures a ruffled look. Young birds have a shorter tail, and their plumage appears duller than that in adults. The lifespan is 20 to 25 years. Temperament Pyrrhura Conures have quiet, playful, friendly, affectionate, and highly...http://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/pionus-parrots.htmThu, 22 Nov 2012 14:19:56 GMThttp://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/pionus-parrots.htmMySmellyhttp://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/pionus-parrots.htmThe Pionus parrot is a collective name for several parrot species that include the Blue Headed Parrot (Pionus menstruus), Red-billed Parrot (Pionus sordidus), Scaly-headed Parrot (Pionus maximiliani), White-crowned Parrot (Pionus senilis), Speckle-faced Parrot (Pionus tumultuosus), Bronze-winged Parrot (Pionus chalcopterus), and Dusky Parrot (Pionus fuscus). Blue Headed, Scaly-headed, and White-crowned parrots are most popular as pets. General description Pionus parrots are medium size birds with a chunky body, bare eye ring (which can vary in colour), and short square tail. Overall, their appearance resembles the Amazon parrots, but they are noticeably smaller than most Amazons. Besides the size, Pionus parrots can be distinguished from...http://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/quaker-parakeets.htmSat, 22 Sep 2012 14:19:56 GMThttp://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/quaker-parakeets.htmMySmellyhttp://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/quaker-parakeets.htmGeneral description Quaker Parakeets, also known as Quaker Parrots and Monk Parakeets, are medium size birds. Their length is about 12 inches from beak to tail. The wingspan is about 19 inches. The weight averages 100g. The typical colouration of an adult Quaker includes vivid green on the head, wings, and back; white-grey splashes are present on the face and chest; the flight feathers are blue. There's also a light green tint on the underside of the tail. Selective breeding programs have produced lots of colour varieties, for example, Quakers with white, blue, and yellow instead of green. The lifespan in captivity is 20 to 30 years. Temperament Quakes are very social, confident, loyal, and gentle birds. They are known for their...http://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/10-lovable-baby-hedgehogs.htmSat, 22 Sep 2012 14:19:56 GMThttp://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/10-lovable-baby-hedgehogs.htmMySmellyhttp://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/10-lovable-baby-hedgehogs.htmNot all cute things are soft and fluffy, but we love these prickly babies just the same. ATT WEBMASTERS: We are flattered that quite a few websites have liked our article ideas and have decided to copy them onto their websites. However, we frown upon removing the credits to the owners of the photos! Be respectful and add the links. A link to us would be nice too.http://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/12-pet-bird-chicks.htmSat, 22 Sep 2012 14:19:56 GMThttp://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/12-pet-bird-chicks.htmMySmellyhttp://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/12-pet-bird-chicks.htmCute or bizarre? ATT WEBMASTERS: We are flattered that quite a few websites have liked our article ideas and have decided to copy them onto their websites. However, we frown upon removing the credits to the owners of the photos! Be respectful and add the links. A link to us would be nice too.http://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/parrotlets.htmSat, 22 Sep 2012 14:19:56 GMThttp://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/parrotlets.htmMySmellyhttp://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/parrotlets.htmGeneral description There are seven species of Parrotlets, most common being Pacifics (Celestials) and Green Rumps. The other species are Wings, Mexicans, Sclater's, Spectacles and Yellow Face. All of them are small parrots sized 4 to 5,5 inches, with a stocky build and a broad tail. They've been nicknamed "Pocket Parrots" as they are the smallest members of the parrot family. However, they are not "low maintenance" companions. It's true that they are naturally easier to clean up after, but they have to be socialized and handled daily to remain tame. Male Pacifics have a cobalt rump with bright blue patches on the wings and behind the eyes. The females have a less pronounced colouration; they are predominantly green, with no cobalt rump...http://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/macaws.htmMon, 22 Oct 2012 14:19:56 GMThttp://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/macaws.htmMySmellyhttp://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/macaws.htmGeneral description Macaws have a very striking appearance: not only are they very large but also extremely colourful and bright (often called “winged rainbows”). The most recognizable features of the Macaw are a large beak (usually black), a long tail, and relatively hairless, light coloured facial patch. The Macaw's facial feathers are unique as a human fingerprint. There are many Macaw species. The smallest Macaws are about the size of a pigeon while the largest can be 3 feet long and more. The most common Macaws are Blue and Gold Macaws, Scarlet Macaws, Hahns Macaws, Hyacinth Macaws (the largest in length and wingspan), and Green Wing Macaws (also known as the "Gentle Giants"). All Macaws species can live up to 50 years and even...http://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/15-irresistible-guinea-pigs.htmThu, 22 Nov 2012 14:19:56 GMThttp://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/15-irresistible-guinea-pigs.htmMySmellyhttp://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/15-irresistible-guinea-pigs.htmThere's something about these guinea pigs that makes them irresistible, isn't there? ATT WEBMASTERS: We are flattered that quite a few websites have liked our article ideas and have decided to copy them onto their websites. However, we frown upon removing the credits to the owners of the photos! Be respectful and add the links. A link to us would be nice too.http://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/lovebirds.htmThu, 22 Nov 2012 14:19:56 GMThttp://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/lovebirds.htmMySmellyhttp://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/lovebirds.htmGeneral description Lovebirds are small stocky parrots that have been kept as pets for over 100 years. They have a short blunt tail and a relatively large, sharp beak. There are nine species of Lovebirds. Eight of them are native to the African continent (the Peach-Faced, Red-Faced, Abyssinian, Nyasa, Swindern's, Masked, Black-Cheeked, Fischer's), and the Grey-headed Lovebird is native to Madagascar. Each species has its own colours and markings. The most common one - the Peach-Faced Lovebird - has a gorgeous yellow, green, and blue body with a brilliant splash of peach or apricot on the head. The Fischer's Lovebird, Black-Cheeked Lovebird, and the Masked Lovebird have a prominent white ring around their eyes. The size of these...http://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/zebra-finches.htmWed, 22 Aug 2012 14:19:56 GMThttp://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/zebra-finches.htmMySmellyhttp://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/zebra-finches.htmGeneral description While there are numerous species of the finch, Zebra finches are most popular as pets because they are relatively easy to take care of. This also makes them suitable for novice bird owners. Zebra finches are known to be rather quiet: their vocalization consists of chattering trills and calls for the most part, which is not very annoying and which can be easily tolerated. The size of Zebra finches can be up to 8 inches including the tail. The colouration of Zebra finches includes: a grey back and a white underbelly; orange or red beak and legs (much brighter in males); black "teardrops" on the edge of the cheek in males; a black band that crosses the chest; brown and white spots beneath folded wings; white horizontal...http://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/cockatiels.htmMon, 22 Oct 2012 14:19:56 GMThttp://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/cockatiels.htmMySmellyhttp://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/cockatiels.htmGeneral description Cockatiels are the second most popular pet birds in the world (the first place is taken by Budgerigars). Also known as the Quarrion and the Weiro, they are the smallest cockatoo native to Australia. Cockatiels are about 12 inches long measured from the beak to the tips of the tail feathers. They come in a variety of colours such as Grey, Lutino (yellow), Cinnamon, Pearl, Albino (white), Whiteface, and Fallow. Selective breeding produces new colour mutations every day. Sexual dimorphism of adult Cockatiels is less evident than that of other avian species. At about 6 to 9 months of age (this is usually their first molting), male birds lose the white or yellow barring and spots on the underside of the tail feathers and...http://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/canaries.htmSat, 22 Sep 2012 14:19:56 GMThttp://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/canaries.htmMySmellyhttp://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/canaries.htmGeneral description Canaries are known for their beauty and wonderful vocal talents. They have been kept as pets since the 1400s. While the most common colour of these birds is yellow, there are many different varieties such as bronze, white, red, green, orange, and even brown. Selective breeding produces new colour variations every day. Canaries are 10 to 12 cm long, and their average life span is 10 to 15 years. Temperament Most Canaries are somewhat timid and shy; they don't enjoy handling as much as other pet birds like budgies or cockatiels (although there may be exceptions). Canaries feel much more comfortable interacting with their owners from a large flight cage, so they had better be admired from afar. Quite independent, they...http://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/amazon-parrots.htmSat, 22 Sep 2012 14:19:56 GMThttp://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/amazon-parrots.htmMySmellyhttp://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/amazon-parrots.htmGeneral description An "Amazon parrot" is a common name for parrots that originate from South America, Mexico and the Caribbean region. They are predominantly green birds with accenting colours that depend on the species. The size of Amazon parrots can be up to 40cm from the beak to the tip of the tail. The lifespan is up to 60 years, although some individuals can live longer. Temperament Because of their talkative and energetic temperament, Amazon parrots are known as "feathered chatter boxes". Because of their voice capabilities, these birds can be extremely adorable and amuzing. Amazons are affectionate, social, loyal, and very intelligent, which makes them wonderful but somewhat demanding companions. You'll have to provide your...http://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/healthy-vs-ill-hamster-signs-to-look-out-for.htmSat, 22 Sep 2012 14:19:56 GMThttp://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/healthy-vs-ill-hamster-signs-to-look-out-for.htmMySmellyhttp://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/healthy-vs-ill-hamster-signs-to-look-out-for.htmUnfortunately hamsters can't speak, and we're often too late to notice their illness. To prevent this, you should monitor the appearance and behavior of your furry companion every day. There is a certain amount of things you should look out for. Signs of a healthy hamster: the hamster is alert and responsive, it is usually active during the night and sleeps during the day, it eats and drinks regularly, it is easy to handle but may nip if suddenly awakened from a nap or startled, the fur looks clean and healthy, the eyes are clear, the hamster breaths clearly and walks normally, there is neither sneezing nor coughing, the hamster chews on chew sticks to maintain incisor teeth. Keep an eye out for the following conditions: weight loss,...http://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/budgerigars.htmMon, 22 Oct 2012 14:19:56 GMThttp://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/budgerigars.htmMySmellyhttp://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/budgerigars.htmGeneral description Budgerigars, also known as budgies, are small pet birds whose length from the beak to the tip of the tail is about 8 inches. Budgies come from grasslands and woods of central and southern Australia. In the wild, these birds are usually striped green and yellow with dark green (almost black) flight feathers. Selective breeding has produced budgies of almost every colour of the rainbow; more and more colourations appear every day. The sex of Budgerigars can be determined by the bird's colouration. This quality is known as dimorphism. Mature males develop bluish-purple ceres, whereas mature females have tan or brown ceres (the cere is the top part of the beak where the bird's nostrils, also known as nares, are located)....http://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/pet-bird-species.htmWed, 22 Aug 2012 14:19:56 GMThttp://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/pet-bird-species.htmMySmellyhttp://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/pet-bird-species.htmAmazon Parrots Budgerigars Canaries Cockatiels Lovebirds Macaws Parrotlets Pyrrhura Conures Pionus Parrots Quaker Parakeets Zebra Fincheshttp://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/basic-pet-gerbil-information.htmSat, 22 Sep 2012 14:19:56 GMThttp://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/basic-pet-gerbil-information.htmMySmellyhttp://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/basic-pet-gerbil-information.htmWhat makes gerbils very popular small pets? Is a gerbil the right pet for you? This article should help you answer these questions. Are gerbils easy to take care of? Compared to many other pets, gerbils are very easy to take care of. They are native to deserts, and therefore require very little water and produce much less urine than other rodents would normally do. This means it is usually easy to keep their environment clean and free of odours. Thorough tank cleaning is necessary about every two weeks. Tiding up should be done daily. What temperament do gerbils have? Gerbils have a bright, active and inquisitive nature. They way they burrow, scratch and dig is both fascinating and fun to watch. Even though they are nocturnal...http://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/gerbils.htmThu, 22 Nov 2012 14:19:56 GMThttp://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/gerbils.htmMySmellyhttp://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/gerbils.htmHere you can find basic and important information about pet gerbils . Basic pet gerbil informationhttp://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/basic-guinea-pig-information.htmSat, 22 Sep 2012 14:19:56 GMThttp://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/basic-guinea-pig-information.htmMySmellyhttp://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/basic-guinea-pig-information.htmGuinea pigs have lots of appealing qualities so it can be so easy to by one on impulse. However, you should realize that they are not small toys but living creatures that need a certain amount of your time, love and attention. Before buying an adorable guinea pig, consider the following factors that should help you decide whether it’s the right pet for you. What are the main needs of a guinea pig? First of all, you should remember that guinea pigs are social animals that do best in a group of other guinea pigs. Of course, your guinea pig will not die if it is kept as a sole pet, but it has much more chances to become lonely and unhappy. To avoid it, you’ll have to spend a significant amount of time with your little companion every day....http://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/guinea-pigs.htmWed, 22 Aug 2012 14:19:56 GMThttp://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/guinea-pigs.htmMySmellyhttp://mysmelly.com/content/small_animals/guinea-pigs.htmHere you can find basic and important information about guinea pigs . Basic guinea pig information 15 Irresistible Guinea Pigs