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January 21, 2023

Where Do Leopard Geckos Come From? When Did They Become Pets?

Have you ever been intrigued by the captivating beauty of a leopard gecko and wondered what its history is? The leopard gecko has become one of the most beloved pets in recent times, so let us explore this remarkable species to learn more about how it came to be!

Where Do Leopard Geckos Come From?

Leopard geckos originate from several countries, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, northwest India, and Iraq. In the wild, these nocturnal reptiles usually inhabit dry deserts with a bare amount of vegetation, where they feed on crickets and mealworms.

When Did Leopard Geckos Become Pets?

Striped Leopard Gecko — Image Credit: Pepi M Firmansyah, Shutterstock

Since the mid-1960s, leopard geckos have been growing in popularity as family pets in the United States. Today, they are the third most beloved lizard species worldwide! Their eye-catching colors and patterns—as well as their low maintenance needs—make them a great pet choice for many households.

It’s clear to see why the leopard gecko is such a coveted pet today, traversing from its roots in the dry deserts of the Middle East to becoming one of the most beloved animals. What will they accomplish next?

If you’re thinking about adopting a leopard gecko, now is a great time to explore this fascinating species! You could be the proud owner of a beautiful, unique pet who has an incredible heritage.

How Do Leopard Geckos Survive in the Wild?

Leopard geckos can undoubtedly thrive in the wild, as their natural habitats consist of deserts and semi-arid landscapes. They survive by consuming crickets, mealworms, and other small invertebrates for nourishment.

Yet it is imperative to remember that domesticated leopard geckos may not be adept with the capabilities or instincts they need to endure outside since they are unaccustomed to those specific surroundings.

Freeing your pet lizard into the wild will not grant them a better life. It’s better to create an environment within their tank that is secure and safe. By researching its natural habitat, you can learn to best accommodate it in captivity, something sure to surprise you! In this way, you are giving your leopard gecko the highest chance at living a fulfilling life.

Do Leopard Geckos Grow Attached to Their Owners?

leopard gecko on person's hand — Image Credit: akorolkova, Shutterstock

How to tell if a leopard gecko loves its owner is a bit tricky; lizards don’t display emotions like people do. But according to some owners, their animals appear to identify and react when they are around. When these reptiles are handled properly over time, they can even become very comfortable with their keepers!

While leopard geckos may never be as cuddly and loyal as cats or dogs, the bond that can develop between them and their owners is truly special. It’s important to keep this in mind when deciding on a pet for your home!

4 Tips to Keep Your Pet Leopard Gecko Safe

Leopard geckos might be native to the deserts of Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan. But these days, it’s easy for anyone to get their hands on one and keep them as a pet! Leopard geckos make great pets due to their personality, hardiness, and ability to thrive in captivity.

If you’re a proud leopard gecko owner, you want to make sure your scaly pal is kept safe and healthy. Here are a few tips for keeping your pet leopard gecko safe:

1. Provide a Secure Enclosure

Make sure the enclosure has secure lids or covers that will keep your leopard gecko in and other animals out. To prevent escapes and falls, the enclosure should have mesh windows or vents that keep your pet in while allowing air to circulate. Leopard geckos can also benefit from tank accessories such as branches, hides, rocks, plants, and other decorations.

2. Keep Temperatures Stable

Leopard geckos thrive best at temperatures of around 89°F during the day and 78°F at night. To maintain these temperatures, you can use a heating pad or heat lamp that’s set to turn off at night. Make sure they are placed safely in the tank so your leopard gecko doesn’t burn itself.

3. Provide Healthy Food

Leopard geckos enjoy a diet of live insects such as crickets, mealworms, and waxworms. You can also offer them frozen mice or other pre-killed foods from time to time. When feeding your leopard gecko, make sure the food is the appropriate size for their mouth and easy to digest.

4. Handle With Care

Leopard geckos are gentle creatures that don’t enjoy being handled too much. If you do pick them up, make sure to use two hands and support their body underneath. You should also wash your hands before and after handling your leopard gecko as a precaution against transferring any germs or diseases between animals.

Keeping your pet leopard gecko safe is easy when you take the necessary steps. Make sure to research and understand their needs, so you can create a comfortable and secure home for your scaly friend!

Conclusion

The leopard gecko is an incredible reptile! Its captivating colors, unique patterns, and undemanding needs have made it a popular choice among pet owners. Before you welcome one into your home, make sure to do your research so that you can provide the perfect habitat for this delightful creature.

With just the right amount of knowledge and care, you can give them the safe and secure environment they deserve.

The post Where Do Leopard Geckos Come From? When Did They Become Pets? appeared first on Pet Keen.

January 21, 2023

How Long Do Canaries Live in the Wild and as Pets?

Canaries are beautiful little birds that love to sing. As their name suggests, canaries originated from the Canary Islands. These birds are highly intelligent, which is one reason that they are so popular as pets. However, these birds are not merely domesticated pets. Thousands of canaries can be found living in the wild in places like La Gomera, Madeira, Puerto Rico, and Hawaii. The lifespan of a canary depends on whether they live freely in the wild or as a pet in captivity. Here’s what you should know!

What’s the Average Lifespan of a Canary in the Wild and in Captivity?

A pet canary has a life expectancy of between 6 and 12 years, but some have been known to live until their 15^th year. Canaries in the wild can live just as long, but several factors, such as predators and access to food, can affect their lifespan.

Why Do Some Canaries Live Longer Than Others?

1. Nutrition

atlantic canary perching — Image Credit: RHUCK, Pixabay

Canaries are considered granivores, which means seeds make up most of their overall diet. An all-seed diet does not provide all the vitamins and minerals that a canary needs for a long and healthy life, however, so they also eat fruits and veggies for nutrient supplementation and meal variety. Canaries that don’t get the nutrients that they need daily may have shorter lifespans than those that do.

2. Environment and Conditions

When properly cared for, domestic canaries live in safe habitats where they don’t have to worry about predators or fighting with other canaries. Their habitats do not expose them to the illnesses, viruses, or pests found in the wild. Therefore, they may live longer than birds in the wild that have a hard time finding proper living conditions.

3. Enclosure Size/Living Quarters/Housing

Canaries need sufficient space to move around and explore. Their housing also requires regular cleaning. Canaries in small or dirty cages tend to have a reduced quality of life compared to those in clean cages at least 18 x 24 x18 inches in size. Debris can contaminate the cage and expose the bird living in it to parasites and viruses that can cause illness and affect overall lifespan.

4. Sex

red factor canary perching — Image Credit: Chris Allen, Pixabay

Males tend to live longer than females, as the latter sadly lose years of their life whenever they procreate. Therefore, females that are kept for breeding may only live 4 or 5 years in total.

5. Genes

Genes can play a significant role in the lifespan of a canary. A bird born from parents or a lineage with a history of health problems or genetic disorders is more likely to inherit those issues themselves. A bird born with healthy genes is likely to live longer and have fewer health problems.

6. Breeding History

Breeding can affect a canary’s lifespan. If breeding birds are kept in cramped conditions and not properly cared for, they could develop health problems that are passed on to their offspring. If those problems persist or are not caught soon enough, they could result in shortening the bird’s lifespan.

7. Healthcare

Healthcare is essential for all canaries, just like for any other domesticated pet. Without regular checkups, you won’t know if a health problem is brewing and be able to address it quickly. If veterinarian services are not sought when an illness arises, it could result in premature death.

The 5 Life Stages of a Canary

Embryonic Stage

Baby canaries start in eggs, where they are incubated by their mother for about 14 days. During this time, their mother rarely leaves the eggs to ensure that they are kept warm and safe so they can thrive. Eggs start to hatch around the 14-day mark.

Hatchlings

Hatchlings don’t do much when they first come out of their eggs. However, after the first week, their feathers start to grow in. Their bodies are full of feathers by the time that they are about 2 weeks old. If the weather permits, baby chicks start to leave the nest by about 15 days old. They begin a life of self-reliance at about 21 days old.

Juvenile

Chicks are considered juveniles once they are self-reliant. They typically have an initial molt at about 8 weeks of age, which is referred to as the juvenile molt. This is when they lose their body feathers (albeit not on their tails and wings) so new feathers can grow in.

Adult

Canaries usually reach maturity at about 8 months old, when they start to molt all over their bodies, including their wings and tails. At this time, they also learn how to sing and “babble” if they are males. Mature canaries wait until spring to reproduce so the lifecycle can start all over again.

Senior

It’s hard to tell when a canary is a senior unless you know their exact age. Canaries do not change much once they reach maturity. Older birds may develop illnesses or start to show signs of slowing down at the end of their life.

Yellow canary in a cage — Image Credit: rafarabassa92, Pixabay

How to Tell Your Canary’s Age

Telling the age of a canary can be virtually impossible. If the bird is a baby, age can be estimated easier than if they are a juvenile or adult. They stay young for such a short period of time, so an age estimate can’t be wrong by more than a week or two. Canaries live longer than similar-sized mammals, so they tend to act differently as they age.

Older canaries still act youthful and sprite, which can lead you to believe that they are much younger than they really are. The truth is that unless a breeder or previous owner can tell you, it may not be possible to ever know how old your canary is.

Conclusion

Canaries are fun to have as pets, and their intelligence makes it easy to interact with them. They can live up to 15 years, so it’s important to understand the commitment that it takes to care for one of these animals before deciding to adopt one as a pet.

Sources

The post How Long Do Canaries Live in the Wild and as Pets? appeared first on Pet Keen.

January 21, 2023

15 Fun Things to Do With Your Dog This Fall (2023 Guide)

Fall is a great season to spend time with your dog. The weather cools down enough to take more walks, and the crisp leafy blanket underfoot is fun for everyone to play in. It’s also the perfect time to find new dog-friendly locations to explore, like your local corn maze or apple orchard.

To help you prepare for the upcoming fall, here are a few of our favorite dog-friendly activities.

The 15 Fall Activities to do With Your Dog

1. DIY Fall-Themed Bandannas

With the days growing shorter and steadily colder, there are plenty of times when you and your dog will need to stay warm. If your dog needs a new bandanna or a collar, this is a great time to update their style.

While you can find bandannas and collars at your local pet store or an online shop, spending the day at home gives you the perfect opportunity to try your hand at a DIY project. Choose fabrics with a fall color scheme, or use Halloween materials for those chilly October days.

2. Explore a Corn Maze

A great fall activity is navigating your way through a corn maze. There are plenty of places with miles of paths that are welcoming to dogs. Pack water and a few snacks, remember the poop bags, and enjoy a day exploring the winding paths through corn trails. If you have a larger maze near you, it’s also a good spot for an interesting hike.

Your dog might even surprise you by finding the way out first. Just ensure that you keep them leashed, and respect your fellow maze guests by picking up after them as you find a solution to the maze.

3. Do a Fall Photo Shoot

The vibrant colors of fall make for beautiful pictures. As a dog lover, your photos likely feature your dog in one way or another. Head out to the park or your backyard to take advantage of the changing colors and the leafy blanket on the ground.

Dress up your dog in a Halloween costume, show off your matching DIY bandannas, or just photograph them as is. With a bit of planning, you could also let your dog’s canine friends join in. However, you decide to photograph your dog, have fun and pack a picnic to enjoy your day out.

poodle dog sits on porch with pumpkins and dry grass in autumn — Image Credit: KlavdiyaV, Shutterstock

4. Go Hiking

If you’re not fond of photography, you can still enjoy the seasonal colors. Find local nature walks or hiking trails, and take your dog on a day trip. If you live by the mountains, the best fall views can be found on the trails when you reach the peak.

Your dog will enjoy the change of scenery too. Exploring a hiking trail that you rarely visit gives them a chance to get away from their usual walking route around the home and enables them to put their noses to the test.

man and dogs go hiking — Image Credit: Pixabay

5. Go Trick-or-Treating

Fall brings Halloween, sweets, and trick-or-treating for the kids. If you and your family already dress up for Halloween to visit the neighbors for sugary goodies, include your dog in the celebrations. Give them their own Halloween costume — you can DIY one if you have time — and let them carry their own bucket.

They won’t be able to eat any candy, but there are plenty of dog-friendly treats that they can have instead. You can make a few at home or share with other canines that you meet while outside.

Dog ready for halloween — Image Credit: otsphoto, Shutterstock

6. Host a Canine Halloween Party

Even if you only have furry, four-legged children rather than tiny two-legged humans, you can still enjoy a Halloween celebration. Decorate your house, host your own Halloween party with dog-friendly snacks, and dress up in matching costumes.

You can invite your dog’s canine friends and run a costume party or keep the party as a family-only event. You might prefer a smaller party that includes just you, your dog, a blanket, and your favorite Halloween movie.

dog in a halloween costume — Image Credit: YamaBSM, Pixabay

7. Do a Horror Movie Marathon

Halloween might be an expected part of fall, but it’s not the only reason that you might want to break out the horror movies. Fall can get chilly, and your evening walk is likely to be much earlier to take advantage of the remaining sunlight. With the dark evenings, though, you and your dog likely have a great deal of free time on your hands.

A movie marathon with your favorite horror films is a great excuse to grab a blanket and your favorite drink to fend off the chill in the air. Your puppy can join you on the couch for a cozy cuddle session.

Woman with cute Labrador dog eating popcorn while watching TV — Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock

8. Make Pumpkin Puppy Treats

Your dog might not be able to partake in all the regular candy that we usually enjoy during the fall season, but there are a few fall treats that they can share with you. Pumpkin, whether you carve your own or buy it canned, is a tasty and healthy treat for your dog. It’s also one of the best foods to help you get into the fall season.

Pumpkin is also a natural remedy for many stomach upsets because it’s easy to digest and full of vitamins and minerals.

Remember to only buy unsweetened canned pumpkin without any additional flavors to make sure the treat is as dog friendly as possible. Don’t feed your dog the raw pumpkin that you scoop out during pumpkin carving.

homemade pumpkin puree in a bowl — Image Credit: Gamzova Olga, Shutterstock

9. Pick Apples

One favorite thing for many fall lovers is apple picking. Many apple orchards, like corn mazes, are dog friendly, so your four-legged friend can accompany you on your apple-picking adventure. Harvesting apples also gives you plenty of fresh fruit to make applesauce, apple pies, or other apple treats for Thanksgiving.

Apple is safe for dogs too. It’s full of vitamins and minerals, and many dogs love the fresh crunch of the fruit. Cut the apple into cubes or more slices, but be sure to remove the core and seeds before giving it to your dog.

apple-pixabay — Image Credit: pixel2013, Pixabay

10. Plan a Puppy Play Date

A significant benefit of fall is the cool temperatures. While finding a cool enough day for a puppy play date in summer can be a challenge, fall gives you plenty of opportunities to spend the day at the park. Invite your dog’s best canine friend and their family, pack a fall-themed picnic, and get away from work for a bit with doggy tag and fetch.

If you have enough space at home, you don’t even need to leave the house. Invite over a few puppy friends, and let them play in the yard or chow down on homemade doggy treats.

11. Play in a Leaf Pile

By the middle of fall, the ground is riddled with a crisp blanket of freshly fallen leaves. They rustle and crackle and make for interesting adventures whenever they get piled up. Eventually, these fallen leaves will need to be gathered up, but yard work doesn’t need to be a chore.

When you head outside to rake up the leaves, let your dog join in the fun too. They’ll adore chasing after stray leaves and bouncing around in the pile to listen to the rustling or find their wayward ball.

12. Do a Spa Day

During all these fall adventures, your dog is bound to get mucky, especially on rainy days, when the leafy blanket becomes more mud than leaves. During inclement weather, when your dog just refuses to stay clean, take a break for a spa day.

It’s the perfect time to catch up on any grooming tasks that you’ve been neglecting, like thoroughly brushing their fur or trimming their claws. A spa day doesn’t need to be handled by a professional groomer either; you can treat your dog to a day of pampering in the comfort of your home.

pug having a spa day — Image Credit: 220 Selfmade studio, Shutterstock

13. Take a Walk to the Pet Store

If you want to go shopping with your dog, pet stores are among the best, dog-friendly places to check out. Fall also gives you the prime opportunity to walk to your local store if you live close enough. Wait for a nice day, pack water and a bowl for your dog, and take a stroll through the city.

Encourage your dog to pick out a new toy or spoil them with a new, fall-themed collar. You might even meet a cute puppy or two being socialized by their owner.

A greyhound and a dog are walking with a man in the park — Image Credit: Rebecca Scholz, Pixabay

14. Visit a Pumpkin Patch

Pumpkin patches are staples of fall and plenty of them welcome dogs too. If you still need to pick out the perfect pumpkin for Halloween or you simply want to make fresh pumpkin treats, a pumpkin patch should be on your to-do list. It’s a great way to support your local farmers too.

Your dog might not be able to help you with the carving or baking treats, but they can still join in the fun by sniffing out the perfect pumpkin.

15. Work on a Puzzle

Rainy days can be gloomy for everyone, your dog included. There are plenty of activities that you can do while stuck indoors, though, including breaking out that puzzle that’s been in the closet for years.

While you work on your doggy-themed fall puzzle, remember to give your dog a challenge of their own. Fill a puzzle toy with their favorite treats, or hide a few snacks around the house. The game of hide-and-seek with all these treats will encourage your dog to use their nose to sniff each tasty morsel out and keep their brains active.

Conclusion

Fall means bright colors, crisp leaves, short days, and cool weather. It’s the perfect time to try dog-friendly activities like baking dog-safe treats for Halloween or picking apples for Thanksgiving desserts. Or, get out of the house by visiting a corn maze or pumpkin patch, and show off your matching DIY fall bandannas or cozy sweaters.

Whatever you and your puppy get up to this fall, remember to pack pumpkin treats and have fun!

Sources

Featured Image Credit: Jumpstory

The post 15 Fun Things to Do With Your Dog This Fall (2023 Guide) appeared first on Pet Keen.