Mariana fruit bat

The Mariana Fruit Bat is only found habituating the Mariana Islands, including Guam.

Their diet consists of local fruit and nuts found in the trees.

Endangered.

Harmony,

Janet Roper

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Indiana bat

The Indiana Bat is hard to distinguish from other related bats due to its similarities, especially a close relative of the Indiana Bat called the “little brown bat.”

They live up to nine years in the wild, however some can live nearly double that amount of time – the record is 14 years.

Endangered.

Harmony,

Janet Roper

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Cape Hare

The Cape Hare is a common hare found on the continent of Africa.

They are usually brown, with large acute eyes and good vision, topped off by almost propeller shaped ears.

The Cape Hare is protected by law in several places such as the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Oman, and Bahrain.

Least Concern.

Harmony,

Janet Roper

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Here we are in March, and it is officially Adopt-a-Rescued-Guinea-Pig Month.  While you are looking to adopt (not buy) your cuddly guinea pig, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• As with all pets, an adult should be the primary caretaker.
• Guinea pigs need ample room; their living quarters should be at least 18 inches wide, 25 inches deep and 14 inches high.  The larger their living space, the more active they will be.
• Aquariums do not provide adequate ventilation for guinea pigs.
• Guinea pigs chew to wear down their growing teeth so everything in the cage must be non-toxic.
• Use plenty of lining for the cage.
• Plenty of high quality hay provides nesting and snacking opportunities for your guinea pig.
• Your guinea pig will also need a gnawing log, platforms for climbing and tunnels for crawling, a food bowl and a water bottle with a sipper tube.
• Handle your guinea pig carefully as they are disposed towards stress.
• Introduce deep leafy green vegetables one day at a time, such as romaine lettuce, kale and collards.  Watch for any stomach upset.
• Guinea pigs like fruit such as melon slices and apples. Be sure to remove the toxic apple seeds.
• Because their cages double as bedding and litter box, the cages need daily cleaning.
• Guinea pigs are social animals, so you will want at least two.  However, make sure they are compatible as well as being of the same sex.

Check with your local Humane Society to adopt your guinea pigs.  The Guinea Pig Handbook by Sharon L. Vanderlip, D.V.M. is an excellent resource on care of your new guinea pig.

Harmony,

Janet Roper

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Honduran white bat

This bat is one of the only two currently known species of bat that is white.

Unlike the misconception that all bats live in caves, this bat will use the leave of the large heliconia plant to form a tent.

The bats are rather small in size, measuring at just 1-2 inches in length and the weight is less than an ounce at .2 oz.

Near-threatened.

Harmony,

Janet Roper

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Need some bunny to love?  OK, sorry, that pun is bad, I must admit it.  But, should you need some bunny to love, February is the idea month to find that bunny.  An earlier post talked about what to look for when adopting a rabbit, and gave you some sites to check out.  If you live in Minnesota, you may want to check out the MN Companion Rabbit Society, located in Edina, MN.  Below is a rabbit lovers video, showing a mother bunny and her two babies, a fun video to watch.  Hop right to it and watch the video!

Harmony,

Janet Roper

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Looking to adopt a family pet?  Have you thought of adopting a rabbit?  February is Adopt a Rabbit Month.  Here’s some information to help you decide if adopting a rabbit is right for your family.

• Life expectancy of a rabbit is 5-15 years.
• Rabbits need daily care and interaction with their humans.
• Rabbits are indoor creatures, and require a safe home environment.
• Rabbits are heat sensitive and require the temperature to be monitored.
• Rabbits are fragile and need to be handled carefully.

For more bunny information, check out these sites:

Best Friends

MN Compaion Rabbit

Humane Society of the United States

As with any other pet, adopt, don’t buy.

Harmony,

Janet Roper

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Short-tailed chinchilla

The Short-tailed Chinchilla can be found in the Andes Mountain range of Bolivia, Chile, and Peru.

The Short-tailed Chinchilla likes to burrow down below shelter rocks, as in they prefer to burrow under the rocks to maintain a good and strong shelter and also typically inhabit particularly colder areas because of their dense fur.

Critically Endangered in South American regions, though they are being bred in captivity.

Harmony,

Janet Roper

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Please watch this short video for a lesson in animal communication. Enjoy!

Harmony,

Janet Roper

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Easter will soon be here, traditionally a time to connect small kids with bunnies. It sounds like a winning combination, and they look cute together, but have you ever considered the rabbit’s point of view?

Rabbits and small children aren’t a good match. Most children are exuberant and like to be on the go, whereas rabbits are sensitive, intelligent animals who are easily frightened. After all, their ancestors survived by being alert and startled by strange sounds, movements or creatures.

Rabbits are soft and look as cuddly as stuffed bunnies yet they are fragile and must be handled gently. Because their bones are so delicate and their muscles so strong, struggling rabbits can break their own bones. Also, as prey animals, it is against their nature to be held and confined.

Rabbits are not toys but sensitive and intricate creatures – physiologically, mentally and socially. In general, a rabbit’s complexity makes them inappropriate pets for children. If your child is asking for an Easter bunny for Easter, buy her a toy rabbit that she can carry and snuggle with to her heart’s content.

Janet Roper

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