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Jess has been an employee at That Fish Place/That Pet Place since 2005, stationed in both the Reptile and Small Animal rooms. She specializes in small animal care, and focuses particularly on rats, giving her the nickname of “The Rat Girl” by her customers and fellow employees. She has an Associate degree in Liberal Arts from Penn State York and is currently attending English courses online at University of Maryland University College. Her passion has always been animals and she has owned just about every variety of them, including cats, birds, reptiles, rodents, and even millipedes! She also loves writing and is working on publishing a series of young adult fantasy novels.

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Small Pets for Your Children – Choosing His or Her First Pet- Part 3

Leopard GeckoI want to conclude this look at popular first pets for kids with two common reptiles chosen for children and a word on setting up a child’s first aquarium. Though they may not be fuzzy and cuddly like other animals, these pets can be very fun and interesting for children and they can be terrific options for kids with allergies or those that like to look more than to touch. Read More »

Small Pets for Your Children – Choosing His or Her First Pet- Part 1

Just about every child will want to have a pet of their own at some point as they grow up, whether it’s because a friend wins a new goldfish at the fair, or a movie featuring talking guinea pigs comes to theaters. It’s important to consider, before buying your child a pet, that caring for a living thing is a big job, no matter how small the animal may be. All pets can feel pain, loneliness, boredom, and fear and will suffer if not cared for properly. It is a good idea to research the pet your child is interested in to make sure it is right for them before bringing a the new pet home. There are several popular first time pets that parents visiting us inquire about most often.  I thought it might be helpful to provide an introduction and a brief overview of what to expect from these animals, beginning with hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs and rats. Read More »

Rats as Pets – Looking Past Stereotypes and Misconceptions – Part 2

Now let’s talk a little about what you’ll need if you want to keep rats as pets.

fuzzy the pet rat
All in all, rats need large wire enclosures with plenty of levels or lofts for climbing. You may want to look at cages designed for ferrets. Cages designed for hamsters and other small rodents will not be adequate for the much larger and stronger rat. The ideal cage for two adult rats will be at least 2ft L x 1ft W x 3ft H, but this is the minimum and bigger is always better. Make sure the cage bars are less than one inch apart so that small rats can’t get out. If their head fits through, their body will too! Also keep in mind that the size of the cage depends on the number of rats you plan to keep. They are very active animals and will utilize all the space you are willing to provide. Read More »

Rats as Pets – Looking Past Stereotypes and Misconceptions

Hooded RatOf all of the animals we carry in Critter Corner’s Small Animal Room, rats evoke the biggest reaction. Most people who see pet rats for sale cringe at the idea of having one in their home, let alone as a well loved companion. Who would want a pet rat? What could you possibly get out of having a pet rat? Well, despite the stereotype of rats being flea carrying bringers of disease, domesticated pet rats are clean, intelligent, personable animals that rarely bite, can be trained to do tricks, and make wonderful pets for gentle children and adults alike. Read More »

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