A common hunter of rabbits, the ferret has increasingly become a common household pet. These long and slender rodents have an average length of fifteen inches but twenty inches if you include the tail. Male ferrets are usually substantially larger than the female rodents and they spend fourteen to eighteen hours asleep. However, when purchasing a ferret for a child, there are a few things to be aware of.

Ferrets are quite independent creatures who don’t like to be restrained so they will not enjoy being picked up, however many children enjoy playing with their pet. Ferrets can also occasionally bite or scratch, so if your child has their heart set on a ferret it is important they are of an age where they can learn to play with the ferret gently.

A small animal can be fatally injured if not handled correctly, so when taking a ferret out of the ferret cage, your child should be aware of the possible problems that can happen if they do not handle the rodent correctly.

Ferrets have a natural inclination to attack milky smelling creatures. It is vital you do not leave a baby alone in the presence of a ferret as they have been known to attack young infants. Therefore, it is your responsibility to ensure that both your ferret and the young infant are separated at all times.

However, ferrets can be very playful and sociable and it is often recommended you have more than one for them to interact with each other. They are also relatively quiet creatures and are very easy to feed.

A good sized ferret cage is important to your pet’s happiness, and if it has more than one level on the cage they are guaranteed double the fun.

Here, at Ideas4Pets we have a wide range of ferret products and ferret cages available from our wide range of stock. Visit our website today to find out more.

There is nothing better on a sunny day than heading the park to feed the ducks. So, wouldn’t it be great if you had one as a pet?

Ducks are becoming a surprisingly popular choice of pet and are enjoyable creatures to watch. However, if you are considering purchasing a duck then it is probably best you are not attached to your garden, as these are creatures that will mostly be spending their time outside. In all probability, Ducks will eat your shrubbery and flowers and it is perhaps a good idea to have your floor paved as they will ruin all of your grass.

Decide on your breed of duck before purchasing, because the last thing you want is for them to take flight.

The great thing about ducks is that they are relatively easy to please as they will eat most foods such as bread, mashed potato, carrots or soft cheese and duck food is also available in most pet stores such as Ideas4Pets.

Surprisingly, ducks do not need a large amount of water to swim in, as a paddling pool or small pond will suffice, and two ducks will probably only spend an hour a day in the water.

As ducks have a long life span of nine years, you can be sure you will never be short of eggs.

It is essential that you keep your ducks safe from harm as they can become susceptible to predators such as foxes, especially during the night. Duck housing is perfect for keeping wild animals at bay, and you will be safe in the knowledge your ducks are protected. To ensure extra safety, you should put a lock on the door of the housing so they cannot escape and that the door cannot be opened.

Ideas4Pets have a wide range of duck housing and chicken coops for you to choose from at an affordable price. Visit our website today to find out more.

Rats are not the most common choice of pet compared to the cat or the dog, but they are loveable creatures who can provide their owner with the same loyalty and playful nature as the common pet.

Since the 19th century, the domesticated rat has been a loved pet. However, most people would refuse to have them in their home as they believe them to be a creature that carries bacteria and diseases. Many are not aware that a pet rat is no more of a health risk than the cat or dog.

The pet rat is perfect for those that would like a pet but do not have time to care for them full-time. A pet dog or cat demands a lot of attention, and it is important you are there to give it to them, however a rat is less demanding.

Unlike a rabbit or guinea pig, rats do not have a strong odour, therefore you can be sure that your home will remain fresh and clean smelling. As they are very social creatures, you can guarantee they will love to interact with you.

As the rats may be alone in the rat cage for the majority of the day, you can help to keep them happy by giving them some playmates. When purchasing, most people buy three so the other two rats will not be left alone if a rat unfortunately passes on.

If you are considering purchasing a rat then the IMAC rat cage is a good first cage for your new rodent, as it has a play tube for your active pet, a platform for them to sit on and a feeding bowl.

Ideas4Pets have a wide range of rat cages and small animal cages to choose from. So whether you live alone or with a family, a pet rat is sure to provide you with love, companionship and entertainment. Visit our website today to find out more.

There are hundreds of breeds of dog in the World and they all vary in their behaviour and personalities. Dogs are loyal and intelligent creatures that are widely regarded as one of the best pets to own. Not only do they provide companionship, they provide a service to the police force and military, assisting in helping to prevent crime.

Dogs are lifelong friends who will never let you down, and it is easy to see why these canines are a valuable member of a family. So, it makes sense that an owner would want to ensure that their pet is comfortable and happy at all times. Buying a dog bed will ensure your pet receives a great night sleep and provides them with a restful area to relax and enjoy the day to day antics of family life. However, you may be worried that a dog bed may not fit with the decor in your home; well then a designer bed may be the perfect option. A sophisticated and chic designer bed is guaranteed to add to the elegance of your home, it’s faux leather material ensures comfort and a luxurious look that is sure to be a hit with both you and your dog. Available in a variety of colours, we are confident there will be one to match the decor of your home.

Ideas4Pets have a stunning range of dog beds and designer beds that your pet will love to relax on. To find out more about our dog products at a price you can afford, visit our website today.

Cats are the most popular pet in the world, that’s right, even more popular than the dog. So, why do people love the housecat? There are many answers to this question but it may be because they provide their owners with companionship and affection. They are also easy to care for due to their independent personality and thanks to their intelligent nature they can be taught the simplest of demands.

With over 600 million pet cats worldwide, they have been a popular pet for thousands of years. Cats are very sociable in nature, and most enjoy attention from humans; they use a variety of noises such as meowing or hissing and use their body language when trying to grab your attention.

If you shower your kitten with love and attention, you can guarantee they will grow up to be a friendly and sociable animal; if you buy an older cat they may not be as friendly or playful as they are not used to so much affection. The more attention your cat receives, the friendlier she will be to you and your family. To show your pet you love them, a luxury cat bed is perfect. As it provides them with their own spec in the house that is both comfortable and warm. Ideas4Pets have a wide range of comfortable cat beds such as Fleece Cat Softy Bed which is sure to allow your pet a restful night’s sleep allowing them to wake up alert and ready to play.

All cats love to play, and if your cat is a particularly playful then you can guarantee she will enjoy an activity play centre, as they will provide hours of entertainment for your cat.

Here at Ideas4Pets we have an extensive range of cat products for both you and your cat to enjoy, visit our website today.

Chickens are not the most orthodox of pets but they are becoming more common. Not only are they very friendly creatures but they can provide the owner with eggs, which ultimately saves them money.

Chickens are also easily trained and respond well to their master who rewards them with treats of food. They are extremely loyal once you have created a rapport and will show that they are enjoying your company by following you around the garden or yard.

It is important to know how many chickens you will be keeping before purchasing a chicken coop, as you will need at least three to four feet per chicken. The purpose of the chicken coop is to provide them with a place to live, so it is important they have adequate space in order to have healthy and happy chickens.

The chicken coop should be layered with straw, hay or shredded wood, this will keep the coop warm and will make it easier for you to clean.

Ventilation is also a vital part of ensuring hygiene in the chicken coop as it releases bad smells from the coop but it also allows your pets to breathe easily. However, too much ventilation can subject your chickens to illness, so ensure they do not have too much ventilation as the last thing you want is for your pet to become sick.

Ideas4Pets have a wide range of chicken coops in order to satisfy the growing trend of keeping chickens. One of the most popular items from their range is the Grande Chicken Den 002H, this den is suitable for up to 15 small to medium sized chickens or six hens, and gives that extra space for pet owners who want to ensure their pets have plenty of freedom. It comes with ventilation holes at the bottom of the coop which ensures the correct amount of air distribution and has ten removable perches for easy cleaning which maintains hygiene standards.

Hamsters are nearsighted and colour-blind rodents who have a heightened sense of smell and hearing ability; they are also a subfamily of twenty-five species. The Golden and Syrian hamster are the two commonly recognised household hamster pets and vary in their colouration. A favourite of many young children, they make the ideal first pet due to their low maintenance, friendly nature and playful spirit.

Hamsters only live for two to three years; therefore it is important to make sure your pet is as happy as possible. One of the ways you can guarantee this is to purchase a spacious hamster cage that is both comfortable and entertaining. Ideas4Pets Xtenda Home 2 hamster cage is the ideal choice for a hamster’s new home as this attractive cage is spacious and has a selection of toys, activities and an exercise wheel, and is also easy to clean. Hamsters are often prone to escaping, this is due to their rodent nature, but this hamster cage ensures your pet is safe and secure, so you never have to worry about your hamster disappearing.

Hamsters are nocturnal rodents; therefore they prefer to be handled at night and may be reluctant to play during the daytime. Unlike a rabbit, they do not like spending time with their own and it is important that you do not place two hamsters or more in the same cage, as they may cause each other harm. Hamsters should only ever be placed together for mating purposes but intervention must be on hand if necessary.

For more information about hamsters or to view our wide variety of hamster cages or other pet products, visit our website and see how we can help to improve your pet’s life.

Rabbits are loveable creatures and are the desired pet for most young children. If you bring a pet rabbit into the family, you should ensure they have sufficient housing that fits their needs.

Rabbits are sociable creatures that enjoy living with other rabbits, so if you decide to purchase more than one then it is it essential for each of your rabbit’s happiness to purchase a rabbit hutch with two compartments, as rabbits prefer to sleep alone at night. The hutch should be spacious and comfortable, allowing them room to exercise and move around.

If you decide an outdoor rabbit hutch is the ideal solution for both you and your home then you should make sure your rabbit has plenty of bedding to keep you warm, especially during the cold winter nights, also ensure no draughts can enter the hutch. The hutch should be placed on bricks or legs to avoid the bottom becoming damp and the roof should be sloped and waterproofed.

Many gardens are subject to predators, such as a wild fox or a cat, to prevent your pet being harmed, make sure the hutch is secure and safe with a lock and is made from strong wood.

The rabbit hutch should be cleaned regularly to reduce the risk of flies or maggots but also to keep your rabbit happy and healthy. Remove soiled bedding everyday and clean the hutch once a week with warm water and a mild detergent.

In the warm weather you pet needs to be shaded from direct sunlight as exposure can result in discomfort, distress and sickness.

Also, remember, your pet may be outside but it still needs company and attention.

Grooming a dog can be a difficult task and is not usually an enjoyable experience for you or your pet. However, it is important to make sure they are clean and hygienic, and there are a wide range of dog grooming products that can help.

Bathe your dogs outside in the warm weather so you can avoid mess and allow them to dry off in the warm sunshine. Begin by covering their body and legs in dog shampoo, once this is done ensure you cover their eyes with your hands to avoid shampoo entering, be careful it does not reach their ears or nose, too. The shampoo should be left on for three to four minutes and rinsed thoroughly. Towel dry their wet fur by blotting the towel and then comb out before drying naturally to avoid mats and tangles. Dogs should be bathed monthly, preferably in soap free shampoo.

When brushing your dog’s fur, do not press too hard as you may scrape their skin or give them brush burn. Long haired dogs fur should be brushed daily, while medium haired dogs should be brushed weekly; however, short haired dogs will only need to have their hair brushed once a month. Brush the comb against the lay of your canine’s coat to ensure it looks healthy and fluffy.

It is also necessary to clip a dog’s nails every two to three weeks with a good pair of dog clippers; however, depending on the growth of the nails you may be required to clip them weekly. Most dogs will dislike having their nails trimmed, probably because they have experienced pain previously, and it is important you learn to trim with caution and should consult a veterinary technician, vet or groomer to teach you.
 
Here at Ideas4Pets we have a wide range of dog grooming products, with helpful products such as dog grooming tables, dog clippers and much more. For more information, visit our website.

If you are considering buying a parrot, then there are a few things you should be aware of before purchasing one of these colourful birds.

Often referred to as winged rainbows, parrots are intellectual creatures that thrive on attention; therefore when purchasing a parrot it is important to ensure you have enough time to shower it with the love it requires. However, different parrot species will have different temperaments so it may be beneficial to embrace the more reserved Pionus bird into your home. If you are considering a Large Cockatoo then you should know this is one of the most demanding birds of the parrot species.

Parrots are also messy creatures but luckily can be potty trained; nevertheless, you should still cover the bottom of the parrot cage with shredded paper or wood shavings which should be changed regularly.

While parrots may be demanding creatures they are also very affectionate, playful and loyal to their owners, as they often only bond with one or two people and dislike strangers. For a parrot to live a happy life they should have their own parrot cage that is spacious enough for them to move around and flap their wings. Parrots also require a varied diet to keep their meals interesting; vitamins and minerals should also be incorporated to ensure their health. Parrot toys are particularly important in a parrot’s cage as this gives them stimulation and helps to keep them happy when they aren’t talking to you.

For more information about Parrots and our wide range of parrot cages, visit our website.