Selection and Care of COMMON HOUSEHOLD

AGRICULTURE INFORMATION BULLETIN NO. 332'U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Contents

Page Mammals. __ 4 Cats 4 ... 8 Gerbils.. 17 Guinea pigs 18 Hamsters. 19 Rabbits 20 White mice 20 Wild animals 21 Birds 21 Can aries ..^»..^ 22 Finches __^ 23 Parakeets ^...„ 23 Parrots 24 Selection and Care of Common Household Pets

Prepared by Animal Husbandry Eesearch Division, Agricultural Research Service

Before you start looking for a If you get a of any kind and pet, consider what kind is best for decide you do not want it, take it you or your family. Select a pet to an animal shelter for adoption that can adapt to the size of your or have a veterinarian humanely home and the people in it. Find out destroy it. Never turn loose un- what kinds of pets are popular wanted pets to suffer or to annoy among your friends and neighbors. others. It is easier to train a young pet You can buy pets from breeders, than an old one. However, you can dealers, pet shops, or private own- train a grown pet if you have pa- ers ; and you can adopt them from tience and time. humane society shelters and If you live in an apartment, small pounds. To be sure that your pet is pets are most suitable. You will be healthy, have it examined by a vet- happier with a small dog, a cat, or a bird, for example. Also, you should consider the cost and time required For information on controlling to keep a pet. How much will it fleas, see Home and Garden BuUe- cost to feed a big dog compared with tin' 121, "Controlling Flea^." For a a small one? free copy, write the U.S. Depart- Long-haired dogs and cats need ment of Agriculture, Washington, more brushing and grooming than D.C. 20250. Send your request on a short-haired ones. And they shed post card. Include your ZIP Code more on rugs and furniture, which in your r^urn address. will have to be cleaned more often. erinarian—before you take it home Have a veterinarian tell you what if possible. You should have an vaccinations your pet will need and agreement with the seller that you when these vaccinations should be can return the pet if it is unhealthy. given. Your veterinarian can also Ask a veterinarian or animal nu- advise you about symptoms to tritionist to advise you on what waitch for and when your pet will foods will best give your pet a bal- need treatment. If these symptoms anced diet. Carefully follow their show up, or if your pet is injured, recommendations. take him to your veterinarian.

Mammals Cats and dogs are traditional haired cats are Persian and Hima- hou^hold pets. They have been layan, companions of man for thousands of The following alphabetical list years. Cats were sacred in ancient gives a short description of some of Egypt; dogs were friends of the the breeds of cats that make good cavemen. household pets. More recently, small cage animals have become popular as household ABYSSINIAN pets for children. Among these are Abyssinian cats probably came gerbils, guinea pigs, hamsters, rab- from Egypt. They make playful, bits, and white mice. These small entertaining family pets. animals make interesting pets and Their short coat usually is light most of them can adapt to any brown with black or gray markings. household. They sometimes have long hairs on Cats the ends of their large ears ; the end of the tail is black. Domestic cats are classified as either long haired or short haired. DOMESTIC SHORT HAIR Long-haired types were developed in Persia (Iran) and Afghanistan; Domestic Short Hairs are the short-haired types in Egypt, Eu- ordinary house cats that are com- rope, and Asia. Usually, short-haired cats are ac- tive and playful, and easier to care for than long-haired ones. Long- haired cats are quiet^ stay-at-home pets, but they sometimes need extra care because of their long hair. Among the short-haired breeds of cats are the Abyssinian, Domestic Short Hair, Manx, Burmese, and Siamese. Among the breeds of long- Persian

Domestic Short Hair PERSIAN Persian cats probably originated mon throughout the United States. in Afghanistan. They are larger Short hairs also are often described than most other breeds and are less as tabby, tiger, and tortoise shell active ; they make quiet companions. because of their various markings. Their long, thick coat may be white, black, tan, or some other They make excellent pets. Their coat may be white, black, color. Sometimes Persians are gray, or yellow, or combinations of striped. these. Many of these cats are SIAMESE striped. Siamese cats came from what is MANX now Thailand. They make friendly, lively pets and companions. Manx cats were imported from Their short coat usually is light the Isle of Man. They make friend- gray or yellowish tan with markings ly, affectionate pets. of a darker color on the face, ears, Their short, thick coat can be al- feet, and tail. The kittens are born most any color. They have short white and become darker as they front legs, long rear legs, and a stub grow older. of a tail.

Manx Siamese Bedding a cloth or your fingers, but try to You can buy a bed for your cat keep the water out of his eyes and or you can make one from a box or ears. Rinse him in warm water and basket Put it in a quiet part of your dry him thoroughly. Keep him in- home away from drafts. Line it with doors until completely dry» a blanket, cushion, or discarded Commercial cleaning prepara- clothing. Wash the bedding often tions for cats also may be used. Be enough to keep it clean. Do not be sure the label indicates the prepara- surprised if your cat decides to tion is safe for cats and does not sleep somewhere besides in the bed contain creosote producta you have prepared. Brushing Feeding Brush your cat often, especially if he has long hair. Brushing gets Your cat should have a balanced loose hairs out of his coat that other- diet. Commercially prepared cat wise would get on the furniture and foods usually give adequate nour- rugs. ishment imder normal conditions. Knots fonn in the coats of long- ISTever give your cat small bones haired cats. Try to pull the knots that are likely to splinter, especially apart with a comb. If that fails, clip bones from pork or poultry. them out carefully with a pair of Although your cat may lick his blunt scissors. bowl clean, you should wash it after each feeding. Keep fresh water Training available at all times. Do not use the Cats are clean animals and easy to same bowl for water that you use housebreak. You can use a shallow for food. pan or box big enough for a full- Kittens usually are weaned when grown cat to get into. Cover the bot- they are about 6 to 8 weeks old. tom of the pan with an inch or so of They keep some of their baby teeth sand, sawdust, or commercial litter. until they reach 6 months; feed You can buy litter at pet stores, su- them four times a day until they lose permarkets, and hardware stores. their baby teeth. Always keep the pan in the same As the kittens grow, gradually in- place. crease the amount of food you give To train a cat, watch him care- them each day. Dec^rease the number fully; when you see him searching of feedings to twice daily by the one place after another, put liim in time they are 8 or 9 months old. his pan. After a few times, he will use the pan without help from you. Bathing Change the litter often; wash the Normally cats should not be pan with soap and water every few bathed. They clean their fur by lick- days. ing it. But if your cat gets dirty, you Your cat will scratch to wear off may bathe him in w^arm, soapy his old claws. Provide him with a water. scratching post to reduce damage to Massage his skin thoroughly with your furniture. You can buy a scratching post or you can make one hairs that form little felt-like balls from a log. Cover the log with in his stomach and intestines. canvas or a piece of old rug. The Although you can help prevent post can be vertical or horizontal. hair balls by brushing your cat Every time your cat claws at the daily, some will form anyway. A furniture, show him the scratching veterinarian can prescribe a remedy post until he learns, to use it with- to help your cat eliminate the hair out your help. balls. You should give your cat a soft A collar can be dangerous to your ball, a toy mouse, or some other kind cat; he will climb and sometimes of toy. Such objects should be too fall. If your cat wears a collar, make large for the cat to swallow. sure it is snug, but check it as he Most cats enjoy playing. But they grows so he will not choke. A loose are highly independent animials and collar is likely to hang on a fence- play only when they feel like it. post or tree limb if he falls. Also, If you play with your cat when you can buy a "break-away" collar he is in the mood, you may teach him that will break apart, and release to roll over, shake hands, sit up, your cat if he hangs on a post or jump, or bring a light paper ball to branch. you. Most cats refuse to be disci- Never drop a cat ; he can be seri- plined although they may under- ously injured. Cats do not always stand "no." They learn their name land on their feet as many people quickly, and many will come when think. called. Show your cat what you Breeding want him to do and repeat the com- mand over and over. If he likes the Male cats should be neutered un- trick, he will learn to do it for you* less you intend to use them for You should keep your cat con- breeding. Unneutered male cats may fined to the house, especially at leave a very offensive odor on floors night. Cats that are allow^ed to roam and furniture. distuA the neighbors with their If you have a female cat and you do not want her to have kittens, have crying and fighting. A female cat her spayed. The rescue and control should never be allowed to roam of unwanted animals cost the tax- during her mating season. payers and humane societies mil- Diseases and Injuries lions of dollars each year. A veteri- Proper care usually will elimi- narian can tell you when to have nate the threat of disease or injury. your cat spayed, usually before she This is particularly true if you start is 9 months old if you raise her from with a healthy cat, watch for un- a kitten. You can, however, have an usual symptoms, and visit your adult cat spayed at any age. veterinarian early. Be sure to have You can have your cat bred dur- your cat vaccinated against , ing one of her estrus (heat) periods. feline enteritis, and pneumonitis. She will have about three of these Your cat will lick his fur to clean a year. Take her to the male cat and it. As he licks it, he will swallow leave her with him until they mate. The gestation period can vary, but Many dogs serve the purpose for usually it is about 63 days. Give which they are bred, but many your cat more food wliile she is others have become favorite house- pregnant, particularly milk and vi- hold pets. Some dogs have cropped tamins. Allow her to have exercise ears and tails for purposes of style every day. or to meet requirements. About a week before the kittens Any of the breeds of dogs can be are due, put a box in a warm, semi- kept as pets. Breeding, size, and dark part of the hou^ for your cat. other characteristics, however, make If possible, put it where your cat some more suitable than others. shows that she wants it. Line the box If you buy a purebred dog, you with shredded paper or other bed- can select one that has traits best ding material. suited to your needs. Be sure to get Cats usually have no trouble when the certificate that gives his date of their kittens are born. But if your birth, the names of his parents, and cat is in labor for 2 or 3 hours with- his registration number. out results, you should call a veteri- It is not necessary to buy a pure- narian. bred dog to have a fine pet. Many Watch the kittens and make sure mixed breeds make excellent pets. each one gets his fair share of food. Often you can get a mixed breed Feed the mother three times a day. dog free or for a small fee from a When the kittens' eyes open in about dog pound, animal shelter, or pet 2 weeks, gradually increase the light shop. Have your dog examined by until their eyes can stand natural a veterinarian as soon as possible daylight. after you get him, preferably be- After their eyes open, offer the fore you take him home. kittens a little milk two or three The characteristics of the six times a day until they are 3 or 4 types of dogs are briefly described weeks old. as follows. Your cat will wean her kittens in Sporting dogs are bred to hunt about 6 to 8 weeks. When they are and retrieve game birds and small weaned, gradually change their diet animals. They trail the scent that to prepared cat food. For informa- game leaves in the air. TTie dogs in tion on how to feed kittens after this group are Pointers, Eetrievers, they are weaned, see "Feeding" , , and Weimaraners. page 6. They range in size from the small Cocker , weighing 30 Dogs pounds, to the large Golden Re- The breeds of dogs are divided triever, weighing 70 pounds. The into six groups. These groups are Cocker Spaniel and Labrador Re- sporting dogs, , , triever are among the 15 most popu- working dogs, tx)y dogs, and non- lar bre^s of dogs in the United sporting dogs. States today. In each of these groups, the dogs Hounds usually are bred to hunt are bred for a particular purpose. by trailing the scent that game 8 leaves on the ground. A few hounds As the name implies, toy dogs are trail by sight. They are relatively very small. The Chihuahua, Peking- quiet, friendly animals, and make ese, and Pomeranian are among the fine pets and watchdogs. They range 15 most popular breeds of dogs in in size from the Basenji, which the United States today. weighs 25 pounds, to the Irish Nonsforting dogs are a miscel- Wolfhound, which weighs 120 laneous group bred for purposes pounds. The Basset, Beagle, and not included in other groups, such Dachshund are among the 15 most as Boston , Bulldog, Chow popular breeds of dogs in the Chow, , French Bulldog, United States today. Keeshond, Poodle, Schipperke, and Working dogs are bred for sheep Lhasa Apso. or cattle herding and for guard, The 15 most popular breeds of guide, or police duty. The dogs in dogs in the United States today are this group have Sheep Dog, Mastiif, described in the following alpha- Shepherd, Dane, , St. betical list. Heights given in the de- Bernard, or Husky bloodlines. As scriptions are measured from the a rule, they are quiet, good-tem- top of the dog's shoulder. pered dogs. Some of the breeds are noted for their watchdog abilities; others may become ill-tempered BASSET with age and require very careful Basset Hounds are short-legged, management. long-bodied dogs first raised in Most of the dogs in this group France. They are 10 to 15 inches are large. The Collie, German Shep- high. Because they are intelligent, herd, and Shetland Sheep Dog are mild tempered, and easy to train, among the 15 most popular breeds Bassets make excellent pets. of dogs in the United States today. Their short, thick coat usually is Terriers are bred to dig or chase black or tan with white markings small animals from their dens in on the body, legs, and tail. They the ground. They generally are ac- have unusually long, hanging ears ; tive and noisy (yappy) little dogs, the tail stands erect. but the noisiness makes them good watchdogs. Most Terriers are small dogs. The BEAGLE Fox Terrier and Miniature Schnau- Beagles are popular as rabbit zer are among the 15 most popular hounds and as companions of man. breeds in the United States today. Two sizes are raised—up to 13 Toy dogs are the only ones bred inches and between 13 and 15 inches solely as pets and companions for high. They are friendly, active, and man. The dogs in this group have playful. bloodlines drawn from many Their short, glossy coat is black sources such as Chihuahua, Spaniel, or tan with white markings on the Hound, Pekingese, Pomeranian, face, neck, legs, tip of the tail, and and others. underside of the body. They have COCKER SPANIEL Cocker Spaniels were first bred in England to hunt birds. They are about 15 inches high. These small, friendly dogs can adapt to any household. Their long, thick coat usually is black or tan, or a combination of black and white or black and tan. They have long, hanging ears; the tail is cropped short.

Beagle COLLIE

long, hanging ears; the medium- Collies were first bred in Scotland length tail stands erect. a,s sheep dogs, but in the United States they have become popular pets. They are strong, friendly, ac- tive dogs. Males are about 24 to 26 BOSTON TERRIER inches liigh and females are about 22 Boston Terriei-s are alei-t, solidly to 24 inches high. built little dogs that were developed Tlieir long, thick coat usually is in the United States. They are gen- tan, black, or dark brown with white tle, but noisy, and make excellent markings on the neck, chest, legs, companions. and tail. The ears droop forward; Their short coat is black or brin- the long, busy tail hangs low. dlo with white markings on the face, chest, legs, and feet. The ears and tail are cropped; the ears stand erect, but the tail usually is hori- zontal.

CHIHUAHUA Chihuahuas are the smallest of all dogs. They were first bred in Mex- ico and v,eigh from 1 to 6 pounds. These little dogs are intelligent and alert and make good watchdogs and companions. Their short coat usually is black or tan. They have erect, pointed ears. The tail may be horizontal, erect, or curved over the back.

10 German Shepherd

FOX TERRIER Fox Terriers were first bred in Collie England. They are about 15 inches high. These little dogs make active, playful companions. DACHSHUND Their short coat is white with Dachshunds are small dogs with black or other dark-colored mark- long bodies and short legs. They ings. They may be smooth haired or were bred originally to dig small wire haired. The ears droop for- animals from their dens. ward; the short tail, which usually Because of their size and intelli- is cropped, stands erect. gence, Dachshunds are popular pets. They are affectionate, easy to train, GERMAN SHEPHERD and playftil. They make alert watch- German Shepherds are large, ac- dogs. tive dogs that are noted for their Both short-haired and long- intelligence and courage. They are haired Dachshunds are raised; the loyal companions to their masters hair color usually is red or black but are aloof to strangers. German and tan. They have long, hanging Shepherds are often used as watch- ears ; the tail is pointed, fairly short, dogs and as guides for the blind. and usually hangs low in a curve. They are about 25 inches high. These dogs have a fairly long coat that usually is black or gray. Their pointed ears stand erect; the long tail hangs low in a curve.

LABRADOR Labrador are hved to hunt and retrieve game birds. They are large, active, intelligent dogs Dachshund about 24 inches high. 11 PEKINGESE Pekingese are toy dogs originally imiK)i-ted from China. These digni- fied little dogs are friendly, loyal companions to their masters but aloof to strangers. TJieir long, thick coat may be red, black, tan, brindle, or white. They have drooping ears and an erect bushy tail.

Miniature Schnauzer POMERANIAN Pomeranians are toy dogs that came from Germany. They weigh 4 Their short, thick coat usually is to 5 pounds, have a mild disposition, black, brown, or red. Tliey have and make lively companions. hanging ears and a medium-length Their long, thick coat may be tail that stands erect. black, white, brown, red, or cream, or combinations of tliese. The ears and bushy tail stand erect. MINIATURE SCHNAUZER

Miniature were first POODLE bred in Germany to kill rats. These alert little dogs are about 12 inches Poodles firet became 2>opular in higli and make lively companions. France and are sometimes wrongly Their coai-se coat usually is called î^rench Poodles. Standard speckled black and white witli gray poodles are more than 15 inches or white nuirkings on the head, chest, and legs. The ears and tail are >->v cropped and stand erect. HiA^

Pekingese Poodle

12 high; miniature poodles are more The roof should be removable so the than 10 and up to 15 inches; and toy house can be easily cleaned. poodles are 10 inches or less. The floor of the house should be These dogs are friendly, intelli- off the ground so water will not gent, and easy to train. Their long, drain into the bedding. Provide a thick, curly coat may be apricot, window or shutter that can be black, white, brown, or gray. The opened and closed for ventilation. hair usually is trimmed in a style Give your dog a bed of old cloth- that suits the owner. Poodles have ing, blankets, or some other warm long, hanging ears; the tail is material, or you can buy commercial cropped short. bedding. Be sure to keep the bed dry and clean. Build your dog a pen 10 to 15 feet SHETLAND SHEEP DOG long and about 10 feet wide around Shetland Sheep Dogs came from his house. Use wire fencing high the Shetland Islands. They are enough so he cannot jump over it about 15 inches high and look like and bury the bottom edge about 6 small Collies. These dogs are gentle, inches deep so he cannot dig under friendly companions to their mas- it. Dogs should never be allowed to ters, but are aloof to strangers. run free because they may damage Their long, thick coat usually is property, irritate neighbors, or black, tan, or dark brown with form into packs and kill or injure white markings on the neck, ch^t, livestock and game animals. and legs. The ears droop forward ; Many dogs are happier if they the bushy tail hangs low. sleep indoors. They like to be part of the family. If you keep your dog indoors, put his bed in a quiet cor- Housing ner of your home away from drafts, Most dogs can sleep comfortably air vents, or radiators; excessive inside your home or out; however, heat will dry out his skin. toy breeds should be kept inside the home. They cannot keep themselves warm in a doghouse outdoors. Also, Feeding sick dogs, old dogs, and short-haired Give your dog a balanced diet. dogs need special housing. Commercial dog foods usually pro- If you decide to keep your dog vide adequate nourishment for a outside, you will need a doghouse healthy dog. and a pen. The house should be Dry or canned are large enough so your dog can turn equally good. If you feed dry food, around inside, but small enough so you may add enough water to he can keep it warm with his body moisten it. If you feed canned food, heat. The entry way should have a be sure to refrigerate any food left windbreak. over. Although your dog may lick Extend the roof over the door of his feed pan clean, you should wash the house to keep out rain and snow. it after each feeding.

13 Never give your dog small bones with warm water and dry him off that are likely to splinter, especially with a cloth or towel. Keep him bones from pork or poultry. You indoors until he is completely dry. may give him a large joint bone You also may use commercial occasionally. preparations. Keep clean, fresh water available at all times. Do not use the same pan for water that you use for food. Brushing usually are weaned when Brush your dog often, especially they are about 6 weeks old. From if he has long hair. Brushing gets weaning time until your is 8 dirt and loose hairs out of his coat to 10 weeks old, feed him four or that otherwise would get on the five times a day. Then feed him furniture and rugs. Frequent brush- three times a day until he is about ing reduces dog odor and the need 6 months old and twice a day from for bathing. 6 months until he is a year old. After he is a year old, follow the instructions for feeding adult dogs. Training Feed your puppy as much as he You should start training your will clean up at each feeding time. dog as soon as possible after you If he gets too fat, reduce the get him. He will be eager to please amount. For a few days after you you. Puppies should be about 3 get your new puppy, feed him the months old before you try to give same kind of food he was getting them any training except house- at his previous home. Gradually breaking. Many.humane organiza- change to the kind of food you in- tions and dog clubs give obedience tend to feed him. Remove the feed training. dish after each feeding until your When you train your dog, never puppy learns to clean up all his beat him; a slap on the rump or food. scolding is sufficient. In obedience training, use simple, one-word com- Bathing mands such as come, sit, or down. Give your commands in a firm Give your dog a bath only as voice. When your dog obeys your often as necessary for his health command, praise him in a gentle and comfort. Bathing too often will voice and reward him with a few dry out his skin. You should not pats on the head. Each obedience bathe a puppy until he is at least lesson should last no longer than 3 months old unless absolutely 15 minutes; give several lessons a necessary. day. Bathe your dog in warm soapy Give your dog his first obedience water. Use -mild, unscented soap. training at home. Then give him les- Massage his skin thoroughly, but sons away from home. After awhile, try to keep water out of his eyes he will learn to obey you anywhere and ears. Rinse away all the soap in all kinds of circumstances.

14 Househreaking.—If you have a Come,—You will need a long yardj train your dog to relieve him- rope to teach your dog to come to self outdoors on your own property you when you call. Tie one end of so he will not annoy neighbors. In the rope to his collar and allow him an apartment, you may need to teach to go away from you. Then call him him to use newspapers first and then by his name and say "come." Jerk to go outdoors after he has learned the rope and repeat the command, to control himself. "come." Keep jerking the rope and Watch your dog and when you see repeating the command until you him showing signs of restlessness have pulled him to you. Eepeat the such as turning and sniffing, take lesson until he obeys your command. him outside. Leave him outside long When he has learned to come enough for him to relieve himself when you call, try the lesson with- and then bring him in immediately. out the rope. Stay in an enclosed Wh.en the weather is bad, he may not area if possible ; he may run away want to go outside. But take him from you. If he will not come when out anyway ; he will finish quickly you call, use the rope again. Eepeat and come back inside. the lesson with and without the rope When he has an accident, scold until he learns to come without it. Heel.—In this lesson you teach him and show him the accident; your dog to walk at your left side. then take him to his spot outdoors. You will need a leash. Hold the end Scrub the floor enough to remove of the leash in your right hand, and even the slightest odor ; dogs return with your left hand, hold the leash to the same place if they smell the about halfway down to the dog's odor. collar. If you are left handed, you Always put your dog outside be- may reverse the procedure and teach fore you go to bed at night, when your dog to heel on the right side. you get up in the morning, and Walk forward and say "heel." If after he has played or eaten. He your dog runs forward or lags be- will have accidents, but in a week hind, jerk the leash with your left or two, he should know what you hand and repeat the command. Give want him to do. short, stiff jerks instead of a con- If you must housebreak your dog tinuous pull. Let your dog know exactly how on newspapers, spread several layers close you want him to walk beside in a little used part of your apart- you and make him walk there. After ment. Train him the same way you a few lessons, walk faster and would train him to go outdoors. slower while you keep him at the After your dog has learned to use right distance. newspapers, take them away except When he has learned to walk be- at night. Take him outdoors in the side you, try the lesson in an en- daytime when you see he must go. closed area without the leash. If he As he gets older, he will learn to leaves you, put the leash back on control himself and you can remove him. Eepeat the lesson with and the newspapers altogether. without the leash.

15 Sit—^With your dog at heel, tell this a few times and he will get the him to sit. At the same time, pull idea he is not to . back on his leash and push down on Chasing ears.—This habit can his hips. Repeat the lesson with the cause automobile accidents as well leash, and later without it, until he as get your dog killed. Have a will sit on command. friend load a water pistol with Down.—The command "down" water containing mild soap and means lie down. With your dog sit- slow^ly drive past. When your dog ting, give the command, pull down dashes out to the car, the friend can on the leash, and push down on his squirt the water in your dog's ^^QB. shoulders. If you cannot get him Another approach is to have a down this way, pull his front legs friend throw tin cans near your dog forward until he lies down. Eepeat when he dashes out. the lesson until he knows what you Oheiomg,—T\\Çi best way to stop want him to do. your dog from chewdng shoes, furni- Stay,—You can teach your dog to ture, and other things is to give him stay in one place while he is sitting a hard rubber ball or bone. Also, or lying down. Give the command, several commercial products are "stay," while you hold him in place. available that are digestible. The Then back away from him. If he ball or bone should be large enough moves, tell him "no" and put him so he cannot swallow it. If he has back in the same spot. Eepeat the something of his own to chew, he is lesson until he will stay while you less likely to chew your shoes, Eapri- walk around him, then farther mand him each time you catch him away from him, and finally out of chewing on something not his own. his sight. Jumping on people,—Your dog jumps on you and others to show affection, but the habit can be an- Bad Habits noying. When he jumps on you, You should start breaking your bump his chest with your knee, say dog of bad habits the day you get "no," and if necessary, hit his nose him. Be firm and let him know posi- with the palm of your hand, or step tively what he is not supposed to do. on his rear toes. Repeat in a firm Barhing.—Sometimes dogs bark voice, "no, down," so he wall know at every noise and every stranger. you are serious and not just play- When they keep this up, they be- ing. come nuisances. When your dog starts barking, tell him "no" and send him to bed Diseases and Injuries or to another part of the house When your dog is sick or injured away from the cause. If this does take him to a veterinarian. not stop him, arrange with a friend You can prevent most diseases to come to the door. When your dog and injuries by keeping your dog at barks, call out "no" and throw home. When dogs are allowed to empty tin cans near him. Repeat roam, they get sick and hurt, get

16 into fights with other dogs, and the dogs of some breeds may need help. females get pregnant during their If your dog is in labor for 3 or more mating season. hours without results, you should Be sure to have your dog vacci- call a veterinarian. The help of a . nated against rabies and distemper veterinarian is needed more often and checked for worms. when the father is a larger breed than the mother. When the pups are born, move the mother and pups to a clean bed. Breeding Watch the pups and make sure each If you have a female dog and you one gets his fair share of the moth- do not want her to have pups, you er's milk. As the pups grow, offer should have her spayed. A veteri- them some of the mother's food. By narian can tell you when to have the time they are weaned at 6 weeks, your dog spayed, usually before her they will be used to eating solid first estrus period if you raise her food. from a pup. You can, however, have For information on how to feed an adult dog spayed at any age. puppies after they are weaned, see A female dog will normally have "Feeding," page 13. two estrus periods of 3 w^ks each a year. You can breed her during one Gerbils of these. Take her to the male dog and leave her with him until they Gerbils are small brown rodents mate. Most breeders skip the first that originated in the desert regions estrus period, which usually occurs of Asia. The underside of their body at 6 to 8 months. is white and their tail is very long. The gestation period lasts about They require little care and make 64 days. While your dog is preg- good pets. nant, give her the same kind of food Caution,—Because gerbils might she has been eating, but give her escape, multiply rapidly, and de- more of it. Be sure she gets plenty stroy many valuable crops in the of food after the pups are born so desert regions of the West, they she can produce enough milk for should not be taken as pets to west- them. em Texas, Arizona, or New Mexico. Shortly before the pups are born, your dog will look around for a place to have them. When she picks a place, leave her there. Do not move her to a place of your choosing. You may provide her with a box partly filled with shredded news- paper and an old blanket or some other absorbent material. Most dogs usually have no trou- ble when their pups are born, but Gerbil 17 California has a law making it il- Keep food and water available at legal to take gerbils into that State all times. Your gerbil will eat the as pets. same kind of food that is eaten by Your pet gerbil should be easy mice, hamsters, or guinea pigs. They to tame. These little animals have like commercial pellets, grain, ce- a natural curiosity, a gentle disposi- reals, and fresh fruit or vegetables. tion, and no fear of people. When If you wish to raise young gerbils, you lift your gerbil, slide your fin- you can keep a male and female in gers under his body and hold him the same cage. They mate for life firmly in both hands so he cannot and should be left together all the Jump out. If necessary, you may lift time. Gerbils mature at about 3 him hj the base of the tail. Never months of age and the first litter lift him by the end of the tail. usually arrives when the female is Keep your gerbil in a wooden, about 6 months old. metal, or wire cage or a glass aquar- The gestation period for gerbils ium. The cage should be 14 or more is about 24 days. No special care is required for the mother and young inches square and about a foot deep. if plenty of bedding is provided. Cages and other equipment are Young gerbils are very delicate and available in pet supply stores. Be usually some of the litter will die sure to put the cage in a part of the before they are old enough to wean. house that is free of drafts. If your A pair of gerbils will mate again gerbil is in direct sunlight, provide soon after a litter is born. him with shade. Put a small shelf in one corner Guinea Pigs of the cage about 3 inches from the floor. Your gerbil will burrow Guinea pigs are rodents that through his bedding and sleep under weigh about 2 to 21^ pounds. They the shelf. If you wish, you may put have a short, stocky body, short legs, and no tail. They are easy to keep a small box in the cage instead of a and make excellent pets for chil- shelf. Keep a block of wood in the dren. cage on which your gerbil can gnaw. The differences among the princi- If you keep a single gerbil, provide pal types are mainly in hair char- him with toys. acteristics and color. The coat may Use wood shavings, shredded be smooth and short, rough and paper, or some other absorbent ma- terial on the floor of the cage as bedding. Change the bedding and clean the cage once a week. A feed box and water bottle x^ should be attached to the side of the cage. Be sure the water spout does not touch the bedding ; if it does, the water will run out into the cage. Guinea Pig 18 short, or silky and long. The color pregnant, put her in a separate cage. of the coat usually is black, white, Females are ready to breed within brown, red, tan, or golden agouti 10 to 12 hours after the young are (alternate light and dark bands). born. Sometimes guinea pigs have hair of The gestation period for guinea more than one color. pigs is 65 to 70 days. The young eat You should keep your guinea pig solid food in 2 or 3 days after birth. indoors unless the weather is warm. You should leave them with their Be sure to keep him dry and away mother for 3 to 4 weeks. from drafts. When you put your guinea pig outside in the sunshine, Hamsters be sure to provide shade. Guinea pigs are quiet, gentle little Hamsters are rodents about 6 animals that usually do not climb or inches long. These little animals jump. They are easy to handle and make active, playful pets and are become very tame but they must be easy to keep. Their coat is reddish handled frequently for them to re- gold with white on the underside of main tame. When you pick up your the body. They are often called guinea pig, lift him with two hands golden hamsters. firmly around his body. You should have little trouble You will need a small pen or cage taming your hamster, but he must be for your ^inea pig. Pens and cages handled frequently for him to re- main tame. The best way is to are available at pet supply stores quietly stroke his back without try- or they can be built at home. Cover ing to pick him up. When he gets the floor of the cage with wood shav- used to your touch, gently slide your ings, shredded paper, or some other hand under his body and lift him. absorbent material. Provide a shelf Hold him firmly in your hand and about 4 inches off the floor of the offer him something to eat. cage for your guinea pig to use as a When your hamster learns to bed. Clean the cage at least once a trust you, he will climb over your week. arms, legs, and shoulders and into The feed box and water bottle your pockets. You will be able to should be attached to the side of the lift and handle him whenever you cage. Keep food and water available wish. at all times. You can buy food at pet Keep your hamster in a cage supply stores. Besides commercial indoors and out of drafts. Besides food, you may give your guinea pig green cabbage, lettuce, kale, lawn clippings, or similar plants. If you wish to raise young guinea pigs, you can put a male and female in the same cage. Females have a 24- hour estrus period every 14 to 17 days. When the female becomes ELamster 19 feeding and watering equipment, he When your rabbit gets used to should have an exercise wheel in his you, he w411 eat from your hand, cage. Cages and equipment for follow you, and allow you to pick hamsters are available in pet supply him up. Do not pick up a rabbit by stores. his ears. Support his rump in your For further information on the hand and hold him close to your care of hamsters see Leaflet 250, body. Never hit or chase your rab- ''Hamster Raising." Single copies bit ; it will frighten him. are available free from the U.S. You will need a pen (hutch) for Department of Agriculture, Wash- your rabbit. Pens are available on ington, D.C. 20250. Send your the market or they can be built at request on a post card. Include your home. ZIP Code in your return address. For further information on the housing and care of rabbits sœ Farmers' Bulletin 2131, "Raising Rabbits Rabbits." Single copies are available Domestic rabbits make excellent free from the U.S. Department of pets for children. Any of the breeds Agriculture, Washington, D.C. are satisfactory for this purpose. 20250. Send your request on a post Your choice will depend on your card. Include your ZIP Code in preference for a color and size. your return address. Rabbits vary in size from the small Himalayan weighing 21^ to 5 pounds to the large Flemish Giant White Mice weighing 13 pounds or more. Colors White mice are small rodents with includeTvvliite, black, gray, blue, tan, long, slender tails. They require lit- red, or brown. tle care and make good pets. Rabbits are gentle animals and Your pet mouse should be easy to easily handled after they learn to tame. Stroke him lightly on the back trust you. To tame your rabbit, and offer him food until he gets used stroke him on the back and offer to you. When you lift him, slide your him food from your hand. Continue fingers under his body and hold him this for a few days until he trusts firmly in your hand. you. Keep your mouse in a metal cage that is about 1 foot square and 1 foot deep. Cages and other equipment are available in pet supply stores. Be sure to put the cage in a part of the house that is free of drafts. If your mouse is in direct sunlight, provide him with shade- Put a small metal container in one comer of the cage for your mouse to use as a nest. If you wish, you can make a nest from a small metal

20 breed. When the female becomes pregnant, put her in a separate cage with plenty of bedding. The gestation period for mice is 19 to 21 days. The young should be White Mouse weaned in about 3 weeks. Clean the cage once a week or more often if the bedding becomes soiled. pan. Cut a hole in one side of the pan as an entrance ; then put the pan Wild Animals upside down in the cage so your mouse can sleep under it. Wild animals should not be cap- Use wood shavings, shredded tured and kept as pets. A few of the paper, or some other absorbent ma- familiar ones are squirrels, rac- terial on the floor of the cage as coons, chipmunks, moles, rats and bedding. Change the bedding and mice, ground hogs, deer, coyotes, wash the cage once a week. bobcats, and opossums. They are dif- The feed box and the water bottle ficult to tame and often never be- should be attached to the side of the come tame enough to domesticate. cage. Be sure the water spout does Many States have laws against cap- not touch the bedding; if it does, the turing wild animals and keeping water will run out into the cage. them captive. Keep food and water available at Some small wild animals such as all times. You can buy food at pet squirrels and chipmunks often make supply stores. In addition, you may their homes near the homes of peo- give your mouse cabbage, lettuce, ple. You can encourage these ani- oats or wheat, sunflower seed, or mals to live near your home if you bran to supplement his diet. feed them nuts, peanuts, or grain. If you wish to raise young mice, Do not leave feed outdoors over- you can keep a male and female night; it might attract rats and mouse in the same cage until they mice.

Birds

Birds can adapt to almost any them to build their nests near your household. They are clean, easy to home if you put bird hous^, baths, care for, and cost little to keep. and feeders in your yard or garden. Wild birds should not be captured Be sure to put houses, baths, and and kept as pets. They are difficult feeders out of reach of cats. to tame and often never become tame Certain kinds of birds have be- enough to domesticate. come domesticated and are adapted Many wild birds live near the to cage life. The more common kinds homes of people. You can encourage are discussed below.

21 Canaries A cage about 14 inches square and 18 inches high will house one or two Canaries' are a type of small, yel- birds. A larger cage will give your low finch. They are noted for their canary more room for play and singing and make entertaining pets. exercise. When you buy your canary, select Hang the cage at about eye-level one that is healthy and free of in- height away from drafts. Cover the juries. If you want a singing bird, cage with a cloth at night; birds make sure it is a male and can sing like privacy when they sleep. before you buy it. Properly trained Clean the perches and the floor of singing canaries cost more than un- the cage at least once a week or more trained ones. often if necessary. If you cover the Most young canaries learn to sing floor with paper, you can replaee by listening to older birds. If your the paper when it becomes soiled. bird cannot sing, you will need a Scrape the perches with a metal singing bird or a canary phono- scraper to clean them. Before you graph record to teach it. wash the floor and perches, remove Your canary will n^d a cage them from the cage, and dry them equipped with perches, a bird bath, thoroughly—then return them to and containers for food and water. the cage. You can buy cages, equipment, and Keep food and fresh drinking food in pet or variety stores. water available at all times. Check the food daily to make sure that the container has seed in it—not just empty husks. Change the drinking water every day. Clean the food and water containers twice a week, or more often if they become soiled. Birds have no teeth so they eat gravel to grind their food into di- gestible particles. Keep gravel in the cage at all times in a separate container from the food or on the cage floor. You can buy specially prepared bird gravel at pet stores. Your canaiy should have water for bathing once a day in summer and two or three times a week in winter. Empty and clean the bird bath after each use. Your canary should be easy to tame. Talk softly to him when you are near his cage. Soon he will get used to you and feel secure in his Canary new home.

22 Birds moult once a year, usually in late July and August. When your canary is moulting, he may be less active than usual. Do not disturb him any more than necessary until he regains his normal vigor. Canaries will mate in captivity. If you wish to raise young birds, you should see a pet shop for in- formation on special equipment you will need. A veterinarian can tell you how to care for mating birds. Sometimes breeding females be- come eggbound. If this happens to your bird, see a veterinarian. Canaries are attacked by colds, pneumonia, constipation, diarrhea, lice, and mites. You can prevent most diseases and parasites from at- Parakeet tacking your canary if you keep the Be sure the cage you get for your cage clean. Also keep it away from finches will keep them from escap- drafts. But if your bird is listless, ing; many kinds are very small. loses his appetite, or sits with his Finches like company and you can head under his wing, he may be ill ; keep several in the same cage. The you should see a veterinarian. instructions for the care of canaries also apply to finches. Finches Finches are active, flighty little Parakeets birds with feathers of many bright Parakeets are among the most colors. Their calling and chirping to popular birds that are kept as pets. each other make them enjoyable Their feathers usually are green, pets. blue, yellow, or white. Your parakeet will not talk until you have tamed him. Speak softly to him while slowly moving your hand into the cage. At first he will be afraid of you, but eventually he will sit on your finger. When your parakeet will sit on your finger outside the cage, you can begin teaching him to talk. Re- peat over and over again one or two words you want him to speak. Con- Finch tinue this for 10 to 15 minutes and 23 then put him back in his cage. Ee- peat the lesson several times a day. Do not become discouraged if your parakeet fails to talk imme- diately. Some birds learn to talk in a few weeks; others take several months. Some never learn. Tire instructions for the care of canaries also apply to parakeets.

Parrots Parrot Parrots are brightly colored birds that make entertaining pets. You He can still hear your voice, but can teach them to talk, cry, laugh, other objects in the room will not and whistle. distract his attention from the When you teach your parrot to lesson. talk or make other sounds, stand A parrot needs a larger cage than close to the cage and repeat the most otlier cage birds. Cages and words or sounds over and over other equipment for parrots are again. Continue each lesson 10 to available at pet stores. 15 minutes and repeat the lessons Parrots will not mate in captivity. several times a day. Otherwise, the instructions for the If your parrot refuses to pay at- care of canaries also apply to tention, cover his cage with a cloth. parrots.

Washington, D.C. Issued November 1968

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