How To Make A Snuggly Parrot Toy

If you own a parrot, you probbably know how expensive parrot toys can be! Here is a great parrot toy that is easy to make and inexpensive too! This snuggly parrot toy is made of polar fleece which can be purchased inexpensively at most discount department stores. All you need to make this parrot toy is some polar fleece and a pair of scissors! I also added some natural rope to my parrot toy to make it more interesting for my parrot. (small rope is also available at most discount department stores in the hobby section) Adding the natural rope to this toy adds even more interesting textures for my parrot to explore. To make this fun parrot toy, I first cut off about a one yard length of the selvage edge of my polar fleece to use as the center "rope" of the parrot toy. Next I cut two yards of polar fleece into strips approximately 7 or 8 inches wide. You can use two or more different colors of fleece to make a more colorful toy if you like. I then cut the polar fleece strips into smaller pieces approximately 2 by 8 inches wide. Once I cut the polar fleece strips into smaller pieces, I tied a double knot in one end of the selvage "rope." After knotting the end of the selvage, I simply tied each of the smaller strips of polar fleece onto the longer "rope."I tied each 2 by 8 inch piece of polar fleece onto my fleece "rope" with a single knot and secured it tightly. After attatching each of the smaller pieces of polar fleece to the "rope," be sure to push them down snuggly towards the knotted end.Between every two peices of fleece that I attatched to the center fleece "rope" I tied on a 12 inch piece of natural rope which I double knotted and then pushed snuggly toward the knotted end of the fleece "rope."I continued tying the fleece strip and the natural rope pieces onto my fleece "rope" until I had made my parrot toy the length that I wanted.I used the unfinished end of my fleece "rope" to tie my new snuggly parrot toy tight against the top wire of my parrots cage. I then cut off the overhanging remaining "rope." My Blue and Gold Macaw loves his suggly toy! He plays with it all day and at night he even pulls it under his feet and snuggles up with it to sleep!

Beta Fish Care Basics

The Beta Fish, also known as the Siamese Fighting Fish, is a popular, beautiful and inexpensive pet. It's hard to resist these stunning little jewels!

Beta fish are considered to be a relatively easy pet to own, but keep in mind that beta fish do have specific requirements to keep them comfortable, safe and healthy. Here are some beta fish basics to get you started.

The Beta fish's official name is Betta splendens. These beautiful little fish generally have a lifespan of two to three years. The Beta fish's natural coloring was orginally much more drab than the intense colors that we see in pet shops today. Also in the wild the original beta fish sported much shorter fins. The Beta fish originated in the hot, humid rice paddies of Asia.

The Beta Fish developed a way to breathe oxygen directly from the air, using a lung-like "labyrinth" organ to survive as the rice paddies experienced drought. This way the bettas could still get air, while living in muddy, shrinking water holes and could survive until the rains returned.

Beta fish do not actually enjoy existing in tiny containers. Even though it's possible for Beta fish to survive in these harsh conditions, this ability was developed by the Beta fish as a means of survival rather than choice. It's much kinder to house your Beta fish in a 2.5 gallon tank or larger.

While it's not necessary to house your Beta fish in a 10 gallon fish tank, it is much more comfortable and your Beta fish will appreciate it. A larger fish tank, such as a ten gallon tank, will also provide you with a fun way to display your prized Beta by adding plantings and other appropriate touches to your fish tank.

Because the Beta originated in a warm climate, Betas do not enjoy being cold. Your Beta will most likely consider your home's room temperature too cold. We suggest investing in an inexpensive aquarium thermometer. A stick-on thermometer will do. You may want to consider placing a small heater in your Beta tank or placing your Beta's bowl in a warm area of your home. Your beta will sit clamped and lifeless in a huddle near the bottom of his tank when he is too cold. Beta's enjoy a water temperature in the mid 70 degrees.

The beta fish is commonly called the Samurai Fighting Fish because male Beta fish will attack each other and fight to the death. Never house male beta fish together. We also do not recommend placing a female Beta fish with your male Beta fish. It is very likely that your male beta will attack the female Beta as well, or possibly harrass her to death.

Be aware that Beta fish are not recommended for community tanks. In a community tank the other fish will most likely nip at your Beta fish's long beautiful fins and injure them. If you do decide that you want some companion fish with your Beta, be sure to research which species will coexist peacefully before placing the other fish with your Beta.

Your Beta fish needs only 3 or 4 grains of food eash day. It's best to feed your betta one grain of food at a time, several times a day. A Betas stomach is about the size of their eyeball. Too much food will give your Beta bloating pains, constipation, and possibly swim bladder issues (which is often deadly). Feed your Beta fish only special fish food made for bettas.

Betta fish are beautiful and interesting fish to own. Beta fish are intelligent and will quickly learn who their caregiver is. You will notice that your Beta fish will soon learn when you approach and become very excited! If you give your Beta fish the attention and care that he deserves, you will be rewarded with a stunning and intersting pet that is a pleasure to own.

Pet Safety During The Holidays

This article was contributed by Little Paws Pet Club Member Nicole V....... Nicole is an 'Expert Canine Stylist' and owner of Pampered Pups Grooming Parlour in Selah, Wa.

The holidays can be a very stressful and dangerous time for your family's pets. Be sure to keep all seasonal goodies up and out of your pets reach and be very careful in regard to the type and placement of decorations you put up in your home.

Poinsettias, holly, mistletoe and lilies are all poinsonous if eaten by your pets and Christmastree water may contain fertilizers and bacteria so your pets should never be allowed access to it.

Care should be taken to use screens on fireplaces and candles should only be burned where they won't be knocked over by a curious cat or exuberant dog.

Also, although tastey, tablescraps do NOT make healthy treats for pets and should be avoided, especially chocolate, alcohol, bones and turkey. Providing your pet with a quiet place to go to escape all the extra activity is thoughtful and kind.

Know that if you are planning to bring a new critter into your home this holiday season it's best to wait until after your household has settled down and can really focus on making your new family member feel welcome and secure.

Don't forget that there are COUNTLESS critters of all kinds out there just waiting to be adopted and www.PetFinder.com is a great place to start your search for a new best friend!

Please Don't Litter. Spay or Neuter Your Pets!

Remove Pet Urine Odor With Natural Ingredients

"Ooo ooo that smell... can't you smell that smell... ooo ooo that
smell... that smell that surrounds yooooou..." Oh, Uh, Uhemm, uh, Hi there. "Little" here. Your Little Paws Pet Club President.

Today I thought that I would talk about natural ways to eliminate pet odors and stains.

There are several methods touted as effective means for removing pet stains and urine odors using natural household ingredients. Some natural pet odor remover recipes sell online for up to $10. Now you can save your money because I've listed several natural pet odor remover recipes here that are proven to be effective.

Be sure to do a patch test in an inconspicuous area before using these suggestions.

Also be sure to blot the area as dry as possible before using these methods.

Corn Starch
Working corn starch on the area and then vacuuming draws out the urine and there is no lingering smell.

Mouth Wash
Lister*** mouth wash will remove urine odors. Dilute with two parts water and spray or pour it on the problem area and let it sit for several hours. Then place a stack of newspaper on top to soak up the excess liquid. Vacuum when you remove the newspapers. The mouthwash smell will be gone within a couple of days.

Hydrogen Peroxide
You might want to try hydrogen peroxide. Be sure to test a small spot first to make sure it doesn't remove color. Pour it on, work it in a bit and let it dry.

Baking Soda
Sprinkle baking soda on the affected area and leave it to absorb overnight. The next day, vacuume up the first batch of baking soda. Pour another dry batch of baking soda on the carpet, and using a wet cloth, rub the creamy wet mixture into the area. Next rinse the mixture with clean water. Vacuume well when the area is dry.

Baking Soda, Water, Vinegar
Create a baking soda and water paste. Rub it into the area and apply distilled white vinegar over it. Blot this up with clean white towels, and repeat it no more than two times. Follow that with a good rinsing of water, blotting up the moisture. It will smell like vinegar for a short time, but the urine smell should not come back.

Wintergreen Scented Rubbing Alcohol
Use wintergreen scented rubbing alcohol from a dollar store. Splash it on the area. It dries fast and doesn't have to be rinsed. The smell of the wintergreen disappears in a few days. This also works for cat urine as well. It's a cheap and effective fix!

General Carpet Deodorizing
For general deodorizing, you can also try sprinkling this baking soda recipe on carpeting monthly, or as needed, before going to bed and let it set overnight. Vacuum the next day.
1/2 cup baking soda
1/2 cup cornstarch
15 drops of your favorite essential oil fragrance


We would love to have you share your natural methods for removing pet odors and stains as well. You can share your methods at the end of this post in the comments section. Thanks for sharing!

Sugar Glider Facts

It's a bird!...It's a plane!...It's comin right at me! Yikes!

Hello Everyone! Here is some great information about those cute little critters-sugar gliders!

If you have been thinking about getting a great small pet that is friendly, fun and entertaining then you should consider a sugar glider! Here is some great information about these cute little critters.

Sugar Gliders are marsupials which means that the babies are born extremely immature and then grow in a pouch on the mothers abdomen until they are mature enough to survive outside her body on their own.

The adult sugar gliders size is usually around 5-6 inches long with a weight of 4-6 ounces.

Between the wrist and the ankle, sugar gliders have a fur covered membrane called a patapium. By spreading out thier hands and feet the sugar gliders patapium acts like a parachute allowing the sugar glider to float through the air.

Sugar gliders have large apposable toes on their hind feet which allows them to grip branches. This assists the sugar glider while gliding from limb to limb and while climbing. Sugar gliders second and third toes form a grooming comb which they can use to groom their fur.

Sugar gliders are extremely social and enjoy companionship. Because of this fact sugar gliders usually bond well with their owners. If you do not have a lot of time to spend with your sugar glider it is a good idea to keep more than one.

If you plan on keeping more than one sugar glider it is advisable to raise them together from a young age as it can be difficult introducing unaquainted adults.

Be sure to purchase an appropriate cage for your sugar glider. It is best to get the largest cage that you can afford to give your sugar gliders plenty of room.

Before purchasing a sugar glider as a pet, be sure to research their nutritional needs. Sugar gliders have some special dietary calcium requirements that are important to follow to keep your sugar glider in optimum health.

Sugar gliders are nocturnal animals, so if you plan on owning a sugar glider be prepared to have a pet that is most active during the night. Sugar gliders make a chainsaw like sound, so you may want to place their cage in an area where their talking does not disturb you while you sleep.

In spite of the fact that sugar gliders are nocturnal, they are usually happy to spend time with their owners during the day by sleeping in a pocket or pouch. Many sugar glider owners find this trait particularly charming and take their little sugar glider pocket pets with them everywhere they go.

We'd love to hear your comments on these little flying fur balls! Let us know what you think by clicking on comments below! Till next time. Your Little Paws Pet Club President, Little

Fun Ferret Facts

Hello Again Everyone!

Here are some Fun Ferret Facts! I hope that you enjoy learning about these funny little fur balls!

~The average lifespan of a ferret is 6-8 years.
~Female ferrets are called "jills", male ferrets are called "hobs", baby ferrets are called "kits" and a group of ferrets is called a "business of ferrets".
~Female ferrets are usually around 13 or 14 inches long and weigh approximately 2lb.
~Male ferrets are usually 15 or 16 inches long and weigh approximately 3lb.
~Male ferrets can reach 4lb. or more if not neutered.
~Ferrets sold in North America are usually spayed or neutered as well as decented before being sold.
~Ferrets generally sleep around 18 hours per day. THey tend to be most active at dawn or dusk, but can adapt the sleeping habits of their owners.
~Ferrets have poor eyesight, but posess a sharp sense of hearing and smell.
~Ferrets are friendly, playful,inquisative and fun to watch.
~Ferrets produce a distincly musky odor, which is generally not considered offensive. This odor is produced by their skin glands and is present even when a ferret has been descented.

If you would like to share your fun ferret facts, click on comments below. We'd love to hear them! Until next time. Your Little Paws Pet Club President, Little

Potty Training Puppies

Hi there! Little here with some puppy potty training tips.

Feeding your puppy at regular times each day will make his or her bathroom schdule regular as well. Most puppies need to be fed several times each day.

immidaiately after your puppy finishes eating, take him to his designated potty area. Use a command such as "Go potty" once your puppy is in the proper location. You should repeat this command as your puppy is going potty. Always offer praise to your puppy when he has finished going potty in the potty area.

By repeating the command during the action, you are helping your puppy to associate the command "go potty" whith his action. Once your puppy understands this command it will be helpful when you take your puppy to different locations. This will let your puppy understand the proper locations where he is allowed to go potty.

I hope that you found these puppy potty training tips helpful. (If not, you may want to check out the article above on how to remove pet stains and odor with natural ingredients.) Remember to click on comments to share your puppy potty training tips! Until next time. Your Little Paws Pet Club President, Little

Guinea Pig Exersice Ball Warning!

Even though many of the exercise balls sold in pet sotres come with a photo of a guinea pig on the box, they should not be used for guinea pigs! A Guinea Pigs spine curves in the opposite direction of the inside of an exercise ball. Also a Guinea pigs spine is not very flexable. Placing a Guinea Pig in an exercise ball that is too small can cause injury to a Guinea Pigs back and feet.

Outdoor Cat Play Enclosure

Hello again! I wanted to let everyone know about my neat outdoor cat play enclosure!

I took this picture of my friend Jasmine enjoying some refreshing outdoor fun.

We used to have a screened in porch where we could play at our old house. Our current home is in the woods so my mom and dad built a chain link dog run onto the side of our house for us to play in.

My mom and dad reinforced the ground around the run with flagstone and covered the larger openings in the run with wire netting so that no dogs, racoons, mountain lions, etc could get in. My mom and dad even included the chain link roof for more protection, and then added a solid roof on top of that so we can go outside if it rains or snows.

My dad built platforms in the dogrun at all different levels with bridges from one platform to the other platform for our us to climb on. Then my mom hung some cat toys from the roof of the dog run for more fun.

Mom and dad even built a kitty door to the run so that we can go in and out as we please. It's a little cat paradise! We just love it!

You could even build something like this on a much smaller scale with cheaper materials if wild animals were not an issue where you live.

I hope that this idea inspires everyone to pamper thier cute kitties with a safe and fun outdoor play area. You can share your great pet play area ideas by clicking on comments below!

Until next time. Your Little Paws Pet Club President, Little

Overweight Pets And Pet Obesity

Hello Everyone. Today I thought that I would discuss overweight and obese pets. In case you are not familiar with what an obese pet looks like, my good friend Chubbs has agreed to demonstrate.

As you can see, Chubs looks cute and cuddly in a rolly poly kinda way. Chicks dig Chubbs and he also makes a great conversation starter at parties . You can even use Chubbs as a furry bean bag chair if you run short on seating.

Many pet owners think that there is no harm in owning an obese pet and like the attention that their porky pets attract. In fact it is estimated that almost half of all pets are overweight or obese.

The problem with allowing your cute critters to turn into portly pets is that they can suffer the same problems as humans that are overweight. Can you imagine the strain on an obese pets joints trying to lug all that extra weight around? How about the extra work that their heart and organs go through to function?

Okay, I think you get it. So, what's the solution? First have your pet examined by a veterinarian. Your veterinarian will be able to tell you the proper weight range for your pet as well as give you some advice to help your porky pet get back into shape.

As for my friend, Tubby Chubby, his veterinarian suggested feeding chubbs a very healthy, all natural, high protein cat food and measuring out his servings. Chubb's vet also recommended placing chubbs food in a location that would force Chubbs to climb or get some exercise, but not in a spot that was too difficult for my balooning buddy to get to due to his enormous condition.

I hope that this information has helped to make you aware of what a "huge" problem obesity has become with our pets. I have to go put Chubbs lunch on the roof now. Until next time, Your Little Paws Pet Club President, Little...Oh, and don't forget to share your comments below!

Sweet Potatoe Nut Balls

I got this recipe from my friend Soc who is a Blue and Gold Macaw. I'm not sure if they are called nut balls because there are nuts in them, or if they are named after Soc. Tee Hee! Soc says that most parrots really love this recipe! Soc also told me that you can add any other ingredients to this recipe that your feathered friend likes such as oatmeal, raisins, coconut, fruits, vegetables, peanut butter, Spaghetti and meatballs...Ooops, not spaghetti and meatballs (my mistake). This natural bird recipe looks Tasty! Give it a try for your feathered nut ball.

Sweet Potatoe Nut Balls
1 large sweet potato cooked until soft
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup raisins
1 mashed banana
1 cup fresh or frozen mixed vegetables
1 cup diced apples
1 1/2 cup uncooked oatmeal, corn flakes or granola cereal
unsweetened fruit juice

In a large bowl mix together all of the ingredients with enough unsweetened fruit juice to be able to form the mixture into small balls. Place the sweet potatoe nut balls in a closed container and store in freezer. Defrost before serving.

I hope that your feathered friends enjoy this recipe! Got a great parrot recipe? Share it in the comments below! Until next time! Your Little Paws Pet Club President, Little

I Was Thinking About Getting A Guinea Pig...

I was thinking about getting a pet guinea pig so I dicided to share some of my research here for everyone to enjoy. (What... you never heard of a cat owning a guinea pig before?)

While doing my research I found out that Guinea Pigs are about half as big as I am so I probably wont be getting one, even though they are cute critters.

The Guinea pigs average size is around two pounds. Most guinea pigs live from five to seven years. Guinea pigs come in lots of color variations from brown, spotted, black, banded to pure golden or white.

Guinea Pigs are rodents with short legs and a plump body. (Sounds like someone I know)

The three most common type of guinea pigs are the smooth-coated with short, glossy fur, the Abyssinian, with fluffy hair tufts and the Peruvian, with long silky hair that flows to the ground. (Wow, they are really into their hair!)

Guinea pigs are social animals so if you keep two or more females together, they will be great friends. (Yeah, great, as long as they don't intend to barrow my hair products!) Adult males tend to fight so it is best to choose females if you intend to keep more than one guinea pig in a single inclosure.

Well, there you have it. Sounds like guinea pigs are all around great pets. Even though they may not be smart enough to own their own website, I personally wouldn't mind being friends with one. Till Next Time. Your Little Paws Pet Club President, Little

Easy Pet Gift Idea

Here' an easy pet gift idea that you can make in a snap! Simply fill a pet dish that is appropriate for the type of pet who will be the recipient with healthy pet snacks. Set the dish on top of a sheet of clear gift wrapping. Gather the gift wrap and tie it at the top with curling ribbon. This is a cute gift that even the most pampered pet is sure to find "tasteful".

I Woke Up Early To Bring You This Cookie Recipe!

Hello Everyone! I woke up early today at 11:45AM because I was excited to share this great recipe with you!

Happy Cat Cookies
1 1/4 C. whole-wheat flour
1/4 C. soy flour
1/4 C. water
1 egg
2 T. wheat germ
2 T. molasses
2 T. margarine
1 t. organic catnip
Preheat oven to 350°F.
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the flours, liquid, egg, wheat germ, molasses, margarine and catnip.
Lightly flour a rolling pin. Roll out the batter on a greased cookie sheet. Cut into 1/2-inch pieces. Bake 20 to 22 minutes.
Allow to cool before serving. Store the leftovers in an airtight container in a cool place.

Please Note: It is not advisable to give catnip to young kittens. If you prefer, you may omit the catnip from this recipe.

I hope that these tasty cookies put a smile on your finicky felines face!

See you next time! Your Little Paws Pet Club President, Little.