Added: 10/27/2005 |
I See Why The Cage Pet Sings (Or Slithers)There are those who believe a cage pet is not to be considered a pet at all, for the simple fact that it cannot be allowed free roam throughout the home. On the other side of the coin are those who feel that a cage pet is the only type of pet that should be owned all, preferring that their pets not be allowed the freedom to cause possible destruction. Regardless of which side of the cage pet argument your find yourself on, there are some benefits to owning a cage pet, and there are just as many different types of these pets as there are different personalities to go along with them.
Birds are perhaps the most popular type of cage pet with caged bird ownership on the rise. Pet birds range from the smallest finch to the largest macaw, and each can be a very companionable cage pet. Some can be taught to mimic sounds and thus appear to be talking back to their owners. Many seek affection when handled and will take treats eagerly from an outstretched hand. Still others can crow or call, insistent on receiving attention according to their schedule. A caged bird is perhaps the most long-lived of all cage pet choices, often surviving decades if cared for properly.
Second on the cage pet popularity scale is the rodent family. Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils (yes, there is a difference), rats, and even mice have found a place as established family pets. While the larger of these caged animals, rabbits for instance, are often taken out of their cage and interacted with on a regular basis; those on the smaller end of the rodentary cage pet scale are best kept in a cage full-time. This generally serves to be the best choice as no one really enjoys finding the family mouse living it up in the cereal box the next morning after slipping out of someone's grasp the night before. This doesn't mean however, that the lid to their cage cannot be opened to allow touching and playtime. Just be sure to be wary of anything they could potentially climb up to get outside the cage.
And a final cage pet group, which seems to have found a permanent niche in society today, is that of reptile owners. Cage pet reptiles can be classified as any cold-blooded caged animal. Some are trapped first in the wild and then brought home (though there are strict laws against ownership of any large reptiles in most communities), while others are easily purchased at any local pet store. This cage pet group may include turtles, snakes, lizards, geckos and even chameleons. While each type has a particular draw to their owner, they also require research into proper care as all reptiles have specific temperature and feeding needs. Many reptile owners will swear their pet has a personality and a warmth all it's own, regardless of it's genetic makeup.
There is something to be said for any type of cage pet, and for some families a cage pet may be their only pet ownership option available. Regardless of their size, or their cage schedule, the cage pet can bring companionship and enjoyment to owners just the same as any that never knows the inside of a cage.
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