Excuse me a moment while I totally spazz out.

[Danustouch]

So....My husband bought me a Prairie Dog as an "After Yule" gift. I'd been looking at them every time I went into the pet store for the past year. At first, I didn't intend to take one home, knowing that exotic pets don't always work out well. But..I kept feeling really bad for them, as they'd been there for a year, and none of them had been adopted. So...John and I started talking about bringing one home..and then, all of a sudden..*Poof* he comes home from work carrying a big box, with the contents of a prarie dog. So. I've done alot of research on them, and found out the best food, best cages, etc. Slowly, I was beginning to break down his nervousness...he was beginning to accept my petting him. That is, after having gotten bit twice for trying to pick him up.

Anyway, The only problem I've noticed, is that he seems desperate to get out of his cage. Constantly biting on the bars...and appearing to "Test" their strength. Well..this afternoon, i'm sitting in the office on the computer, while he's in his cage napping. I get off the computer to do a little cleaning..and find he'd knocked his built in feeder out of his cage, and escaped through the hole that it left!!!! UGHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

So..I have a prairie dog loose in a house with four cats. Three of which are outdoor cats, and used to hunting squirrels and the like. Not to mention, our house is not yet prairie dog proofed, since we didn't intend to let him out of his cage until he became comfortable with us picking him up. And since the prairie dog instinct is to gnaw on anything it can find, and to burrow, and with the cats, and with the fact that several windows were open wide enough for him to get out (and being that prarie dogs have no depth perception, and have often been known to leap to their deaths), I was in full fledged panic mode.

After calling John at work, to tell him, and my friend, to get her advice, I slapped on the oven mits, and went searching for the little tazmanian devil. I mean...prairie dog. I finally found him, under the bed. Calm as can be..and looking completely innocent. My youngest cat, who has been obsessed with him since the day we brought him home, came in, and sat there, staring at him. And yet, she didn't seem to be considering him as her next meal. So part of me is wondering whether she was his co-conspirator, and may have pulled the feeder off, or weakened it earlier in the day by pushing and/or pulling on it.

Anyway, then came the mad dash to catch him with the oven mits and put him back into the cage. No easy feat, I promise. Got a good scratch on my arm to prove it. But..I got him in...resealed the feeder, and waited until he started to fall asleep before leaving the kitchen. I'm not taking any chances. Little devil.

So..Now I'm breathing a sigh of relief, and clutching my heart in a vain attempt to calm its' beating.

[Lavender]

Wow! I didn't know you could keep those as pets. I've seen them in the praries & mountains. They are kinda cute.

[Danustouch]

Depends on the state, Wild. In Rhode Island, keeping them is legal, and there are even breeders. However, in certain parts of the midwest, prairie dogs are hunted by farmers, and such, because they are pests (eating the garden, etc..general nuisances). So...certain animal activist groups have begun handing out have-a-heart type traps to the farmers, and when they are caught, they are given over to the animal activist group, which then adopts them out. So..I'm kind of hoping thats where my prairie dog came from, rather than from a breeder.

[blue.1]

Can I ask a really silly question.....? What's a Prairie Dog:confused: I've got visions of a Yorkshire Terrier :lol: for some reason.....
BB Blue :D

[Danustouch]

Depends on the state, Wild. In Rhode Island, keeping them is legal, and there are even breeders. However, in certain parts of the midwest, prairie dogs are hunted by farmers, and such, because they are pests (eating the garden, etc..general nuisances). So...certain animal activist groups have begun handing out have-a-heart type traps to the farmers, and when they are caught, they are given over to the animal activist group, which then adopts them out. So..I'm kind of hoping thats where my prairie dog came from, rather than from a breeder.

[Lavender]

I'd thought they would be too wild & ferral to tame as pets. Have you named yours yet?

[Myst]

Reminds me of ferrets.

[Lavender]

Don't prairie dogs look like groundhogs? Aren't they similar or same?

[Myst]

They are related.

http://www.memphiszoo.org/groundhog_day_2000.htm

[Danustouch]

Thanks Myst for finding that link.

Wildchild, Prairie Dogs usually make wonderful pets, especially when you get them as a pup. Here's a link to an article all about prairie dogs as pets.

Oh..btw..don't misunderstand the link. LOL..it probably DOESNT say what you think it says.

(animasexotique)heheh.

http://www.animalsexotique.com/prairpet.html

[Old Witch]

Good Luck!:D

[stormyray]

Good luck with him. Sounds as if you are having many great learning experinces already. ( maybe he is lonely)

[Danustouch]

Oh...by the way wildchild...we've named him "Taz", after the WB charachter, for now. But...hopefully it will change. We just couldn't seem to find a name to suit him, and being that he's so neurotic at the moment, that seemed to fit :)

[Danustouch]

Ok..here's a picture this time. We've settled on "Taz" as his name. Here he is.

[DreamSpell333]

Whew! and I thought my iguana was tough. Hope it gets better!

[SimplyStrange]

WoW! Can I be the second one to say: I didn't know you could keep those as pets....

Anywho...yes, rodents and the like can be a pain the butt...this is coming from a former rat (4, actually), hamster, iguana, bird owner....

But now I just have a dog and a cat, so no worries :-D

[stormyray]

Awwwwwww he is so cute :heartthro :heartthro :heartthro

[willowfairy]

Yeah, he's really cute! Taz's face reminds me of a squirrel... :D

[Danustouch]

Thank you :) As for the resemblance to a squirrell, they are in the same family...and are often referred to as "Ground Squirrells".

We went to the grainery today, and bought him a bail of Timonthy hay, which is their main food. Should last him quite a while, and also a nylon rope toy, to chew on. So..he's looking pretty happy :)

[Lavender]

Taz is cute and he has his own bear! :D The only ones I've seen are the wild ones.

[Lily Mai]

I don't want to put a downer on all this, but if you've been bitten, then you really ought to get it checked out. With that said and done:

Awwwww! They are so cute! I hope you have more luck with him/her in the future. What is his/her name?

[Angelwulfe]

he's cute. looks like a cross between a large squrirell and a hamster. i know wierd combination but thats what came to mind. well there all in the rodent family so i guess im not that far off.

[Danustouch]

Lilymai, thanks for the concern. But...I had my husbands mother, who is a nurse, look at it. And she said it seemed to be healing well, and that I should just keep cleaning it out with peroxide, and use some triple antibiotic ointment on it. Which I've done. It's almost completely healed now..and no bad side effects.

He was raised in captivity, too. So no fear of rabies, or anything like that.

I also had the vet look at him today. He said he seems very healthy, parasite free, and all that :)

[LilydePlume]

who love the prairie dog and I think they are one of natures most wonderful creatures, but I personally cannot keep any animal that requires a cage,( that is just me) and I think very carefully about the domestication of any wild animal. Many wild animals have been kept as pets as fads or the latest thing and then discarded when they become too difficult to care for. I am not saying YOU would do this, but it happens , and I would not encourage anyone to take a wild animal that is a part of the ecosystem and domesticate it .


WHY PRAIRIE DOGS SHOULD BE WILD
RMAD's Position Paper on Keeping Prairie Dogs as Companion Animals

According to Rebecca Fischer of Prairie Dog Rescue of New England, prairie dogs and people don't mix. She says most prairie dogs don't stay with their original "owner"; they are dumped, killed, or, if lucky, turned over to a prairie dog rescue. Fischer says most prairie dogs bite, as well.

Most prairie dog "pets" are pulled from homes and separated from their families in the wild before being forced into artificial environments in human homes. Methods of "collection" include trapping, vacuuming, and flushing. All are traumatic.

Both the ensuing transportation (some are sent as far as Japan) and housing in pet stores or warehouses put them in great danger, variably causing injury, disease, and death.

In addition, we need every prairie dog we can get on the prairie now. The black-tailed prairie dog, the prairie dog with the most extensive range, was determined by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to warrant a threatened listing under the Endangered Species Act in February 2000. FWS refrained from actual designation due to a lack of political will. However, its decision sent a clear message: there is now no refuting that black-tailed prairie dogs are in danger of being pushed to extinction in the near future. That said, prairie dogs should not be removed from the prairie, but should be protected in their native habitat to ensure their long-term survival as a species.

Prairie dog associated species need every prairie dog they can get on the prairie now. Up to 170 wildlife species (not including plants and invertebrates) are associated with prairie dogs or the habitat they create. In particular, five wildlife species - the black-footed ferret, swift fox, ferruginous hawk, burrowing owl, and mountain plover - are dependent on prairie dogs and their towns and have all experienced extensive declines on account of the decrease in black-tailed prairie dog populations and acreage. For its part, the black-footed ferret is one of the rarest animals in the world and the reason it has reached this precarious state is because of the war against the prairie dog, on whom the ferret depends for over 90% of its diet, and its shelter needs (ferrets cannot persist outside of prairie dog towns).

Prairie dogs are social animals with a sophisticated social network. They live in coteries, where one adult male, several females, and their young comprise a family unit. A multitude of coteries makes up a colony, which is fiercely defended against trespassers from other colonies. Within these prairie dog communities exists one of the most sophisticated communication systems in the non-human world. Prairie dog "barking" distinguishes to other prairie dogs different types of predators - for example, a hawk versus a coyote versus a human. Researchers decoding prairie dog language now believe these little mammals can distinguish between a human wearing a red shirt versus a yellow shirt. In addition, prairie dogs distinguish between humans exhibiting threatening and non-threatening behaviors. Even more surprising, prairie dogs can remember a human that exhibited threatening behavior a month previously, even if they currently exhibit non-threatening behavior. When one recognizes how complicated and intricate prairie dogs' social and communicative interactions are, it becomes clear these are fundamentally social animals who should not be held in captivity.

Wild animals should not be domesticated. We believe in keeping wildlife wild - for its own sake, and for ours. We do not believe humans should domesticate animals for food, clothing, experimentation, or entertainment. Domesticating wild animals for the pleasure of their company is no different. Wild animals should be free to live their lives in a natural way, which benefits other individual wild animals and the ecosystems in which they all play a part. Humans will benefit by adopting this approach to wildlife: peaceful coexistence and respect for the wild.

Whenever possible, we advocate prairie dogs be rehabilitated and released to the wild, in a protected area. When prairie dogs cannot be released (due to physical ailments or other outstanding circumstances), their needs should be provided for. Humans holding prairie dogs in captivity should take all steps possible to make sure the nature of these animals is accommodated (e.g., provide space and materials for burrowing).

For more information on caring for prairie dogs in a domestic environment, contact Rebecca Fischer at ylrdog@aol.com.
Dear RMAD,
Several years ago we adopted a prairie dog after seeing some in a pet store (they, of course, were charming) -- we did some research on the Internet before adopting and the sites we found promoted prairie dogs as good pets. It is only after having actually "done the deed" that we regret adopting PD. We love her and try to do our best to care for her/meet her needs but feel that she should be with her own kind, and free, but it is too late for that... at least we can say that having her has raised our awareness about the plight of prairie dogs.
Rachel and Jaime

[Danustouch]

Ya know what, Lilydeplume..(ummm)...The reason I got him, was because he'd been kept in a pet store for more than a year. I wasn't the one who ran out onto the prairie, and caught him. He was kept in a small tank, with like 15 other prairie dogs. And was fed food that is unhealthy for him (pellets, which cause obesity in prairie dogs, and lead to heart problems), And..since he'd been there for more than a year...I knew the pet store wouldn't keep them forever. So..in my view, I was saving this little guy. And we might even rescue one or two more of its' brothers. At least, I will feed them the right kind of food, give them more room in which to move around, and never, ever, have them put down (unless they are very ill).

So..you can condemn a person for keeping an exotic pet. But..please remember...I didn't look prairie dogs up on the net, and find a breeder in my area. I saw one at a pet store, watched to see if anyone brought them home for more than a year. And then could not stand to see him suffer anymore. And...by the way...being that Rhode Island is not a prairie dogs natural habitat, I have no intention of "Setting him free" for obvios reasons.

[Myst]

Being a domesticated animal if you *did* set him free he'd most likely die.

That said, have you talked to the pet about vaccinations and getting him fixed? I must admit I don't know much about these guys, but a lot of pets are better behaved and easier to handle once they can be fixed (when he's old enough, he might be already).

[Danustouch]

Thank you Myst, I completely agree. The prairie dogs at the pet store were only a few months old, barely weaned when they got them. So...now he's more than a year old, and spent most of his life in captivity. He would surely die if set free.

And yes, I did talk to the Vet. The vet I spoke to had never neutered a prairie dog as of yet, but reccomended another vet in the area, for us to speak to. So..that was yesterday morning..I have to call this other vet on Monday morning.

Yes..they do reccomend neutering the male prairie dog, as their rut season can be very difficult. So...as soon as we can, we'll be getting him neutered. The procedure is very affordable.

As for vaccinations, the vet said we didn't really need to vaccinate him for rabies, or anything, if we didn't want to, because he'd never been in the wild. Except for when he was a newborn. But..that we should have him checked often for parasites, and skin problems, and take him in for physicals:)

So...so far, we're doing everything that the Vet suggests that we do, and we've done so much research on the web, spoken to other prairie dog owners, and intend to be the best owners of a prairie dog possible:)

We take our responsibilities as petowners very seriously. All of our animals are like our children. And even the worst behaved animal, or the most wild, would be treated with great care.

[LilydePlume]

"Danustouch" but I wasnt "condemning YOU and I said as much . But if you insist on having a good guy and bad guy for every topic discussion then feel free.
I simply was taking the opportunity to show ANOTHER point of view , which if you love these animals as much as you say you do ,a point of view in which I would think you would be interested.
They are considered to be a KEYSTONE species , a KEYSTONE species being one which is crucial to the survival of the whole envronment . Research has shown that with the disappearance of the Prairie Dog , entire areas of prairie have been eroded and wiped out , even without development , but in open country.
Why is showing that you love an animal is equated with caging it up and bringing it into the home??
I would think that someone who truly loved these animals, and mother earth ; would be interested in the survival of the entire species , and let people know that keeping them as pets, or encouraging other people to keep them as pets is not always the best option.
No one said you were guilty of animal abuse, but have you even attempted to contact a wildlife rehabber ?? or do further research on the survival of the species???
There are indeed times when an animal cannot be returned to its wild state , but even then perhaps there are places that can provide as close as possible environment , with others of its own kind.
I am sorry if an opinion other than your own is upsetting to you , but as was said in some other threads sometimes people want to hear only what they want to hear , especially if its cute and cuddly . My opinion and information wasnt offered to upset you or make you feel guilty , but to provide some deeper perspective, and some broader based information.
Its very nice to want to take care of a cute cuddly animal , but is it in the best interst of the entire species ,and the environment as a whole , and maybe if you dont want to hear it maybe someone else does.
Isnt that what a discussion board is for?
BB
LP

[Myst]

I'm glad you've done that Danustouch. I always encourage getting a pet fixed if possible. The truth is a pet not kept for breeding can have major physical and behavioural problems due to the fact that they cannot go with their instincts. Therefore neutering/spaying can help alleviate that problem - the lack of ovaries, for example, will prevent hormonal signals sent by them that can cause aggressive animals. I had a buck who began jumping and spraying because of his aggressiveness and mating instincts. That stopped immediately when he was fixed. He became a completely calm and happy rabbit. His "mate" also became much calmer and happy after being fixed.

I'm going to do some more research into the prairie dog and see what I can come into. Kudos to you for doing the best for your new addition.

[flar7]

I would recommend gettin the critter another to socialize with.
Where I live prairie dogs are seen as a nuissance(sp?) and
hunted or poisened. (sad) Even some of my dumbass friends
go out to the panhandle where farmers(cattlemen) encourage
them to hunt the critters... sorry for the sad news, my
friends are kinda insensitive to nature.

[Danustouch]

Thanks Myst, I'd appreciate any info on Prairie dog care that you can find.

Yes, Flar, we've been thinking of getting another one from the pet store for him, to keep him company. They are incredibly social animals, and thrive in colonies. So..we're thinking about it...but we want to get him neutered first :)

I've heard about prairie dog hunting...very sad. I do respect the species as a cornerstone species. It's too bad that others do not.

[Danustouch]

Some More Links abou the Horrors Committed upon Prairie Dogs.

http://www.smithsonianmag.si.edu/smithsonian/issues98/mar98/prairie.html

http://southwestok.com/dogs/

http://www.nwf.org/prairiedogs/

http://abcnews.go.com/sections/science/DailyNews/prairiedogs990224.html

http://www.reporternews.com/local/pdogs0525.html

http://www.rmad.org/aurorapdogs.html

[DreamSpell333]

He is cute. I have an iguana, cause i can't have any other animal with hair. And he's only a baby, 7 months, but for his age, he's pretty tame, he can't bite, because he doesn't have any teeth yet, but he can whip his tail good! OUCH! lol
Heres a picture of him-- Max T Millionaire hehe

we used to have a good size rock in the cage, but he was running around one morning, and caught his tail on it, poor thing, Lost his tale, luckily he's young enough that he'll be able to grow it back. (you would think that I panicked, but my other half actually did! I had to pick him up, and the tail, and call the vet)
Max is our baby until we can have one of our own!! :) :D

[Myst]

Just a note - many people do not recommend you keep an iguana when you have a baby because of salmonella bacteria they carry.

http://www.geocities.com/vbiguana/
http://www.kidsource.com/kidsource/content4/iguana.fda.html
http://www.xmission.com/~gastown/herpmed/salm.htm
http://www.nfds.net/~bmyers/melissk/aasalmonella.html
http://members.tripod.com/~lvhs/artic02.htm
http://www.kingsnake.com/rockymountain/RMHPages/RMHgreen.htm
http://www.petstation.com/repsalmo.html
http://www.rainforestsearch.com/rrrs/news4/nws_i4p6.htm

[Danustouch]

Dreamspell, your iguana is very cute.

Yep Myst...I heard the same thing about Iguana's, and turtles, too, in fact.

[SpikesPet5150]

I've always loved Prairie Dogs.. they're so adorable. Of course, around here, they're EVERYWHERE. You drive down the interstate and you see their cute little heads popping up from their homes, seein' who's driving by. :)

And I honestly don't think that Danustouch owning one or two (heck, even 3 or 4) prairie dogs, in a state which doesn't actually have any natural habitat for PD's, is going to help wipe out an entire species. I think there's enough in Grand Junction to repopulate the world with them, if need be. Farmers hunt them around here all the time. But they don't hunt them enough to wipe out the species. They don't even hunt them enough to wipe out a little colony. The coyotes around here do a lot more damage to the colonies than farmers do. And the farmers are smart enough to know that if they wipe out the whole colony, the coyotes are gonna have nothing else to eat but the farmers livestock. It's all about balance.

And I think Danus should get 2 enthusiastic thumbs up for taking care of that adorable little guy. :) He's so cute! And if Danus wouldn't have adopted him, the pet store probably would have killed him, soon. So the little guy gets a nice home, with good food and a good family. Sounds like a happy ending to me.
~Bree

[Lavender]

Ditto that! :cool:

I've heard the same pro's & con's said about every other exotic pets as well.

Taz is still cute!

[DreamSpell333]

I know, we keep his cage clean, and a always washing our hands, but when we do have children, we will have to decide what to do, we have a friend who has an iguana, maybe he would want to take him. Silentwolf and I won't want to have to, but we also want to have a child.

[Danustouch]

Awww...thanks guys, for all the supportive Replies :)

Taz and I thank you very much!