PD's don't like to be alone. It's usually better if they have another for a buddy in the same cage but sometimes, that doesn't work either. If you work and no one is around all day, that isn't the best environment for one PD and usually isn't the best thing even for more than one. And what are you using for bedding? Never use cedar chips!
Considering getting a PD...
I did write a LONG post about why I'm considering a PD over many 'common' pets (to establish that I'm NOT one of those people who go "I WANT TO BE DIFFERENT AND GET A PRAIRIE DOG BECAUSE GETTING ONE MAKES ME CUTE AND INDIVIDUAL") but it was about 3 and a half pages long..
The thing is that I really love the idea of getting a PD, but I know they've got a long lifespan. I love that, but I really want to get this right.
So there are a few questions I have...
First off, noise. I would like to keep any PDs I get in my bedroom. I sleep with earplugs in so, at the moment, the only thing that wakes me up will be something worth waking up for. (eg, a serious fight) My dog is wonderful around the animals but will get distressed if other animals are distressed. (or if they seem it) For example, when my rats started fighting, my dog ran up to the cage, looked me in the eye, and started barking softly. She's a great dog but a PD might not know that. If she thinks the 'barking' noises they make are a sign of stress, she'll almost certainly sit by the cage and do the same thing she did with the rats. So if they make a lot of noise then I'd need a dog-free zone that isn't my bedroom. Otherwise, my room is fine.
Smell and bedding is also going to contribute to their location. Some people have said they clean their prairie dogs out every two days. Call me lazy and cheap, but that's too much for me. The bedding I get is good stuff but not soft enough for nest material, so I provide other (softer) stuff too. That's what's expensive. If they can be litter trained then hopefully that won't be an issue, though.
And possibly the most important question of all... what requirements do I need to get one and are they likely to be outlawed? Somebody in Ireland apparently said you need a license, but I'm in the south of England. And the ban on keeping them was only lifted in what, 2008? 4 years of being legal. It's not a very long time, and what probably scares me most about keeping a prairie dog (or two) is becoming so attached to an animal which then needs to be ripped away from me. Does anyone know if there has been any discussion on whether to get the ban back or not?
I really appeciate any advice offered. ^_^
The thing is that I really love the idea of getting a PD, but I know they've got a long lifespan. I love that, but I really want to get this right.
So there are a few questions I have...
First off, noise. I would like to keep any PDs I get in my bedroom. I sleep with earplugs in so, at the moment, the only thing that wakes me up will be something worth waking up for. (eg, a serious fight) My dog is wonderful around the animals but will get distressed if other animals are distressed. (or if they seem it) For example, when my rats started fighting, my dog ran up to the cage, looked me in the eye, and started barking softly. She's a great dog but a PD might not know that. If she thinks the 'barking' noises they make are a sign of stress, she'll almost certainly sit by the cage and do the same thing she did with the rats. So if they make a lot of noise then I'd need a dog-free zone that isn't my bedroom. Otherwise, my room is fine.
Smell and bedding is also going to contribute to their location. Some people have said they clean their prairie dogs out every two days. Call me lazy and cheap, but that's too much for me. The bedding I get is good stuff but not soft enough for nest material, so I provide other (softer) stuff too. That's what's expensive. If they can be litter trained then hopefully that won't be an issue, though.
And possibly the most important question of all... what requirements do I need to get one and are they likely to be outlawed? Somebody in Ireland apparently said you need a license, but I'm in the south of England. And the ban on keeping them was only lifted in what, 2008? 4 years of being legal. It's not a very long time, and what probably scares me most about keeping a prairie dog (or two) is becoming so attached to an animal which then needs to be ripped away from me. Does anyone know if there has been any discussion on whether to get the ban back or not?
I really appeciate any advice offered. ^_^
1 - 5 of 5 Posts
Oup... sorry if I didn't make it clear! I know pd's are very social animals and even though it would almost always have human company, I'd hate to keep it alone.PD's don't like to be alone. It's usually better if they have another for a buddy in the same cage but sometimes, that doesn't work either. If you work and no one is around all day, that isn't the best environment for one PD and usually isn't the best thing even for more than one. And what are you using for bedding? Never use cedar chips!
The bedding I use for all my animals is shredded bank notes mixed with a bit of carefresh and paper based cat litter.
Thanks for the reply.
Hello! As mentiones PD can not be alone. At least 2 should be together. Also, they need to stay with people in order to be sociable and be out of their cage minimmun 2-3 hours per day.
Cage has to be at least 60 cm3 per PD. no less than this.
They sleep at night so no noise is made at that point. My PD are Ok with my dog barking, they are not scared at all.
I dont know how the law is in England I cant not tell you about that. In Spain is legal to have them. What is ilegal is to import them.
I clean the cage once a week and I take out all the vegetables and food that can get bad daily. I dont think is necessary to clean it daily or every 2 days if you chose the correct sustract for the cage.
If you have any other question, please let me know! Regards
Cage has to be at least 60 cm3 per PD. no less than this.
They sleep at night so no noise is made at that point. My PD are Ok with my dog barking, they are not scared at all.
I dont know how the law is in England I cant not tell you about that. In Spain is legal to have them. What is ilegal is to import them.
I clean the cage once a week and I take out all the vegetables and food that can get bad daily. I dont think is necessary to clean it daily or every 2 days if you chose the correct sustract for the cage.
If you have any other question, please let me know! Regards
If you are still considering maintaining a prairie dog as a pet, please contact me privately for more information on someone in your area that can assist you. I specialize in their care, but work both in the United States and internationally in many countries and have resources to help you. My email is [email protected].
1 - 5 of 5 Posts
- This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Paw Talk - Pet Forums
A forum community dedicated to all pet owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about breeding, health, behavior, housing, adopting, care, classifieds, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Top Contributors this Month
View All
kanerichard
5 Replies
harrybrooks
2 Replies
discovercreatures
1 Reply
Recommended Communities
