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Do you want to keep any of the following as pets?

•• Monkeys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . •• Rabbits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . •• Hamsters ( Russian Dwarf and Normal) . . . . . •• Guinea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . •• Pigs Mice

We have them all

Monkeys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Before buying a monkey you should keep in mind that, as in the case with dogs, they need proper and correct care and attention. This can be costly due to medical, food and housing needs and it takes up a lot of time.

However, if you made a good study of the monkey you want and know what it takes keeping one, then you will have a good companion. Just remember that with Monkeys like the Marmoset it is better to keep them in pairs and not as a single pet because in the . . . wild they occur in family groups.

If you want to keep Marmoset's or Tamarin Monkeys get yourself the book "Caring for Pet Marmoset and Tamarin Monkeys" by Roy A. Earlé.

Rabbits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Most rabbits are extremely hardy and will live without heat through the coldest of winters if they are provided with draft-free and waterproof quarters, dry bedding and a balanced diet.

The whole family can enjoy the rabbit hobby. Netherland Dwarfs are popular because they are small (little larger than a guinea pig) and are available in many varieties. Most rabbits are very docile and make excellent pets.

Hamsters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hamsters make perfect pets for children of most ages. You should buy a hamster as young as possible and should have a shiny coat, no bald patches nor any insects in its fur. The eyes must be bright and shiny and the nose clean.

The two most common hamsters we stock are the Golden Hamster and the Russian Hamster (Dwarf). . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hamsters should be handled with care, slide one hand under it and cup the other round the front of the body, holding it gently close to you. Please don't drop it because this is usually fatal. Hamsters are also very sensitive to heat and should not be left in a closed car. . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Please keep in mind that hamsters are very short-lived. Two years is a good age for them. Three years is usually the maximum lifespan.

Guinea Pigs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Make excellent pets and you get them in long or short hair and can be lots of different colours. They take a little time to get use to a new owner but soon will be a very good friend. They will not bite or scratch when you pick them up.

They don't like living on their own, but prefer to have another guinea pig or a rabbit as a friend. Guinea pigs are also kept in aviaries with birds as it is believed that they keep rats away.