Owning a Piranha

Despite their well-known nature of being vicious and biting whatever comes their way, piranhas can actually be amusing pets. Unless an owner reaches their hand into the tank, the piranhas won’t bite. However, piranhas have been known as enjoyable pets to watch if they get into small, bickering fights with each other.

To purchase a piranha, a person would normally go to their local pet store. Pet stores usually carry the milder and smaller Red Bellied Piranha, though. For the fish that will pack a bigger punch and carry more attitude, a person would most likely have to search on the internet to find a specialty seller instead. After buying the piranha, they will need a tank to live in. For each piranha purchased, there should be 25 gallons of water.

For feeding, piranha can eat both live and manufactured foods. Mice, as well as worms and feeder fish, are common live food products. On the other hand, frozen meat cubes and fish bait are the more manufactured type foods. The cost for maintaining a piranha is around $5 to $200. However, depending on the quality of the piranha, its home, its food and other various luxuries, the costs could add up to hundreds more, or less. Basically, the circumstances depend mainly on the owner themselves.

Owning a Cockroach

The most common type of cockroach to keep as a pet is the Madagascar hissing cockroach. While most people may think that cockroaches are merely creatures that hide in the darkest part of the house and scurry away whenever someone appears, they can actually make pretty good pets.

The Madagascar hissing cockroach lives for about 2 to 3 years, or even up to 5. They are a dark reddish-brown or black and can reach the size of 1.5 to 3 inches. This creature is docile, which makes it easy to handle and is good for people who are beginning to learn how to take care of another living being. Cockroaches are normally kept in a 10-15 gallon tank with more than one of their kind. The owner can put wood shavings (not cedar or pine, though) so the cockroaches may bury themselves and feel comfortable.

The temperature for hissing cockroaches is usually kept between 75-90 degrees F (24-32 degrees Celsius). Madagascar hissing cockroaches like to be fed a variety of fruits and vegetables, but try to avoid feeding them head lettuce, sticking with romaine or leafy lettuces’ are better. The cockroaches enjoy it when the fruits and vegetables are combined with dry dog food. A favorite food would be carrots but they also like oranges, apples, bananas, tomatoes, celery, squash and peas. In addition to the food, a shallow dish with cotton, or some other absorbent material, with water should be provided.

Pros and Cons of Owning a Pet Spider

Nowadays, people are wanting more and more unusual creatures to keep as pets. For some, having the normal dog or cat as a pet is too “average” and they would like to spice things up a bit more. Therefore, insects, arachnids and other interesting species are becoming popular in the pet market. Spiders, especially, are becoming an icon for nice household pets.

Tarantulas and wolf spiders are the most common types of arachnids “infesting” homes. Some of the advantages of having spiders as pets are:

- They are quiet and clean.
- Spiders don’t need a lot of living space.
- They can be interesting to observe.
- Pet spiders don’t need much interaction or socialization.
- Less expensive to maintain.
- Can serve as valuable and unique learning tools for people of all ages.

However, there are a few obvious downfalls of owning such a pet. For one, spiders are venomous. By pure nature, they’ll bite and could, quite possibly, cause major harm to their handler. Spiders don’t only cause harm through biting. Tarantulas, when agitated or scared, have hairs that could cause skin irritation or vision damage if near the eye. Another disadvantage would be that spiders don’t usually like interaction. They’re also quite fragile. If a person were to handle a tarantula and accidentally drop it, the abdomen could rupture and cause instant death. No fun, right?

Either way, for a person who doesn’t necessarily want a high maintenance pet, a spider could be a nice companion. The owner simply needs to remember the pros and cons of what they are caring for.

What to do if You’re Traveling with Fish

Traveling from one place to another can be tiring and slightly difficult, especially with a fish. Fish require special treatment, obviously. They don’t breathe the same way people do; they eat different foods and live in an entirely different environment. All and all, fish need plenty of water. Therefore, traveling with a fish can be quite hazardous.

Luckily, there are some tips for a traveling fish owner that are decently easy to follow. When taking the fish with you, be sure to obtain a smash-proof container. A pail with air holes or a sturdy plastic bag could also work. Fill a third of the container with water from their aquarium and place the fish in. If using a plastic bag, be sure to double bag it and tie with a rubber band. However, keep in mind that, even though the bag is doubled, it can be very easy to puncture. Be sure to bring plenty of backups in case of emergency.

When loading up whichever vehicle you are using for transportation, make sure to keep the fish container in an easily accessible spot. For every four to six hours, it is recommended that the fish owner open the container to let in fresh air. Before the trip begins, it is suggested that the owner bring as much of the original aquarium water as possible. This allows the fish owner to change out the water in the container so that the fish can be cleaner. The fish should be placed into the aquarium as soon as the owner arrives at the end destination.

How to Travel with Birds

In my mind, birds are one of the most unusual kinds of animal for a person to bring with them on a trip. Small birds, such as canaries, finches and budgies are birds that a very easily startled. Thus, they don’t necessarily work well when it comes to traveling on a plane. On the other hand, bigger birds, such as cockatoos and macaws, like to travel. Traveling gives them the chance to become excited about the rest of the world and sparks their curiosity. Also, if they are left alone at home, they can suffer separation anxiety.

Contrary to popular belief, traveling with birds isn’t difficult. However, there are still some essential tips to keep in mind when bringing your bird buddies along. First, a person should access the routine of the bird and if they will be able to maintain that same pattern. Young birds haven’t established a difficult routine yet but more mature birds may have a certain way of living that they do not want to change. Both of you will most likely have to compensate on some things.

When traveling, be sure to make time for your bird. Ask questions like: How long can they comfortably stay in their cage? Will I have time for them when I arrive at my destination? Is it legal to take my bird into this country or state? All of these are essential questions to gain important knowledge so that the trip doesn’t get ruined in the end. Also, it is recommended to get your bird vaccinated for any potential sicknesses (this also prevents their ‘normal’ sicknesses from infecting other countries/states).