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Things You Might Want to Know About Adopting Other Animals

Adopt a Rabbit
There's a lot to know before you decide to provide a home for a rabbit. You'll need to learn what to feed them, how much exercise and attention your rabbit needs, and many other important things about how to live with and care for a house rabbit. Rabbit Rescues can give you the information you need to have a happy (er, hoppy!), healthy, active rabbit friend. Our friend Pia talks to a bunny expert from the House Rabbit Society sharing insights that will help you adopt a rabbit. Find out how to care for your adopted bunny here.

Adopt a Parrot or Other Bird
Many first-time bird adopters think birds and parrots are beautiful, fascinating creatures, but know almost nothing about what would be involved with adopting and caring for a bird, especially a parrot. Fortunately, there are great bird and parrot experts who can help guide us bird novices through deciding if we are ready to adopt a parrot, cockatoo, canary, or any other bird. Read on for some basic steps to get you ready to adopt a bird!

Adopt a Hamster
Hamsters are adorable little friends that make great pets! Did you know you could find a hamster to adopt near you here on Adopt-a-Pet.com? Hamsters can also make easy pets because they don't require a lot of living space, they don't usually make huge messes that you will have to clean up after, and they can be very friendly. They are super cute - but they do have sharp teeth and can bite if frightened, or if they haven't been used to gentle handling. They need daily attention to stay tame. When you adopt a hamster you can ask the rescue or shelter to show you how to pick up and hold the hamster, to see how friendly they are. You should also make sure not to house male and female hamsters together - Syrian golden hamsters should be housed individually. Their enclosure needs to be cleaned at least once a week too. Many enjoy rolling around your floor in exercise balls - it keeps them safe from getting lost, and your cords safe from being chewed. For a comprehensive guide on all things hamster, click here to learn more.

Adopt a Guinea Pig
Guinea pigs are gentle, sweet pets who have a docile nature - not to mention are totally adorable! They respond to being handled, fed, and pet, and are also relatively easy to take care of making them a popular and fun pet for families. Guinea pigs thrive in groups and are social animals who love to bond with others! If you've never had a guinea pig before you might wonder what they eat. Grass is the guinea pig's natural diet and it's also good for them to feed on fresh grass hay (called timothy hay) as well as food pellets. Guinea pigs also require about 25 mg of vitamin C daily, which can be obtained through fresh, raw fruits and vegetables or supplements. Making sure your guinea pig is getting sufficient Vitamin C is key, and there are specific signs to look for in order to tell if your he or she is Vitamin C deficient, to learn those click here.

Adopt a Horse
Horses are beautiful, magical creatures! Humans and horses have shared strong bonds for thousands of years. You may have dreamed a long time about having your own horse, riding through nature, enjoying the thrill of a gallop or a gentle nuzzle of a carrot-seeking nose. Adopting a horse is a wonderful way to make your dream come true, while saving the life of a horse in need at the same time. But hold your horses… before you jump in, there are some important factors to consider. The biggest one may be finances. The reality is that no matter where you live, horse upkeep can be pretty expensive! Also, adopting a horse is not a wise thing to do unless you have professional help (to chose the right horse or pony) or are a very experienced horse person. The best rescues will give sound advice and help make good matches, but you still want the advantage of a second opinion, along with the evaluation of a trusted vet. There are many other items to consider too. We asked an experienced horse person for her common-sense advice for people who are looking to adopt a horse or pony. Find out How much does it cost to own a horse? and also read our Tips Before You Adopt a Horse.