UNUSUAL PETS ( FURRY OR UNFURRY FRIENDS) IN OUR COMPANY

[blackfootedgirl]

I have 7 large Land Hermit Crabs (Coenobita clypeatus) Carribean Purple Claw, they are in a 20 gallon aquarium that is filled with a composted coconut husk substrate deep enough to support digging habits, they like average humidy and in addition to the fish/shrimp/vegie based commercial food available they like grass, moss and rotting fruit and vedgies, and a bowl of clean declorinated fresh water with calcium added, they also get a weekly bath of brackish salt water.
They cannot be bred in captivity as the first month must be spent in the ocean during its free floating zoo plankton stage before coming to shore to find its first shell, which becomes a lifetime search as they continue to grow, in locations where shells are scarce they will excavate fossilized shells to utilize. As they get older and bigger they molt less frequently, they also make an unusual chirring or chirping sounds during altercations for shells and dominant displays.

In spite of not being warm and furry they do have cute eyes and they will reach out to sniff you with their antennae if you put your finger in front of them.

I have a regular 'ol cat and dog too.

So What kind of exotic pet do you have and what are their requirements for a happy life.

Blackfootedgirl

[(deleted)]

`Well I have the most adorable pet squirrel I call him Chewy Hood. He was found on the ground in April of 2007 and his mom never came to get him so I picked him up and bottle feed him for three weeks before he could even start eating vegies.
He lives in a 5 ' by 6 ' cage, but when I am home he is allowed to run free.
He rides on my shoulder and buries nuts in my hair.Sweetest pet I have ever had.
He does not like outside at all..He plays with my cat.

Happy life for Chewy is to have me peel, yes peel grapes for him,he eats, escarole, zucchini, yellow squash,sweet potatoes, sugar snap peas, mushrooms, and just about any vegies I bring home. His favorite nuts are walnuts in shell and shelled almonds..

[loveworks13]

`I have all the neighbors cats and dogs,evidently they don't feed as well as i do.

[blackfootedgirl]

loveworks13 wrote: `I have all the neighbors cats and dogs,evidently they don't feed as well as i do.



Animals know who the good guy is, you have them all spoiled don't you.
P.S. The requirement for a happy life for you is them, huh?? That is cool of you to look out for their welfare.

[blackfootedgirl]

huggeroftrees wrote: `Well I have the most adorable pet squirrel I call him Chewy Hood. He was found on the ground in April of 2007 and his mom never came to get him so I picked him up and bottle feed him for three weeks before he could even start eating vegies.
He lives in a 5 ' by 6 ' cage, but when I am home he is allowed to run free.
He rides on my shoulder and buries nuts in my hair.Sweetest pet I have ever had.
He does not like outside at all..He plays with my cat.

Happy life for Chewy is to have me peel, yes peel grapes for him,he eats, escarole, zucchini, yellow squash,sweet potatoes, sugar snap peas, mushrooms, and just about any vegies I bring home. His favorite nuts are walnuts in shell and shelled almonds..



I would say Chewy lucked out when you showed up what a sweetheart of a guy, at least you give him a well rounded diet to keep him healthy. Every once in a while we get a wild animal that is more human than their animal relatives,it seems.His antics must be a laugh a minute, Do you feel safe leaving him out with the cats when you are gone or are they all fast friends.

I did have an opossum for a while he ate catfood as a treat and earthworms and insects as his regular food until he was old enough to be set free.

I went to the beach to dig clams and cook them for my cat to the disbelief of friends, talk about spoiled, but they should be, all of them.

[(deleted)]

`I don't take that chance as they are of a different species, so when I am not home Chewy stays in his cage. He is very protective of his cage Monkey (cat) is not allowed in that room, I guess they have an understanding going on because Monkey will not come in that room at all.

Funny you should bring up opossums, they come up on my porch and eat cat food every night.I have all the homeless cats hanging at my back door..
Also I have seen a family of raccoons coming for dinner also..

I have about 5 squirrels outside that come everyday for their peanut butter crackers.I have my ways with the critters..

Chewy loves his talking sponge bob!!

[blackfootedgirl]

`Strange ,but every night they would just troop through the house, they would enter through the cat door in the laundry room then on to the living room and then in line walk through the house to the front door and out they would go, the cat liked to go in and out and could open the door himself so it was always cracked so the Opossums could just go out. It was so funny to lay on the futon and watch the parade through the living room. None of the "domesticated Animals would bother them either.
I think monkey cat knows that it is not the size of the "dog"in the fight,LOL!

[(deleted)]

`Now that has got to be a cute sight to see wild animals coming in for their dinner..For some reason cats accept the opossums they just move over and let them get their fill..

it's really funny to watch Monkey and Chewy place. Chewy chases Monkey, but Monk waits for Chewy to catch up after about 6 trips up the back stairs and down the front steps Chewy gets tired and gets a little attitude going. When Chewy gets like that Monkey hides behind the Tv. That's funny cuz Monkey has to be at least 8 times bigger.On my profile there is a picture of them sitting looking out the window..

[blackfootedgirl]

`Some people call opossums "land sharks" because they look like they are all teeth when they play "dead" and they eat everything like a shark. I always laugh because of Saturday Night Lives skit "Landshark", when I think of their nickname.

[loveworks13]

`Well,I think their really ugly,but they gotta eat too.

[straighteyes (deleted)]

`I got a crow. Found him as a naked baby on the street. His name is Billy and he ´s two years old now, he just found a partner but he is always coming back from time to time. Guess because of the good food. ..still coming in through every open window and still messing up every room he enters.

[(deleted)]

loveworks13 wrote: `Well,I think their really ugly,but they gotta eat too.

beauty is in the eye of the beholder, hey other opossums think they are cute. Watch what you say loveworks you could be an opossum in your next life!!!

[loveworks13]

`Guess the only thing to worry about then would be staying out of the road and staying off Jed and Grannies kitchen table,seems easy enough.

[blackfootedgirl]

`where do you think Jed and Grannie got it?

[loveworks13]

`possum stew! i expect grannie shot it or ellie may had it for a pet.lol