Posted by kay
on 22/4/2006, 3:34 pm
66.81.35.187
everyone has that little personal difference and needs on deciding on a pet so here it goes agaun 
I am disabled but semi ambulatory. I have a caregiver/housekeeper that comes in 5 days a week (but could be daily if needed)
I live in a small apt. alone and nearest family is 2 states away.
I just a little over a month ago had to rehome my sweet beloved tiel because my health (ambulatory) concerns were getting to the point where i could barely change the paper/food/water in her Large cage (23x31x58 0n the rolling stand)much less do the complete monthly cleaning of cage/perches and toys. I got her from her breeder at 7 wks and syringe fed her for 3 months after she regressed. Suffice to say she is/was a total "velcro" bird... and i was the only member of her flock.
We were best buds for 4 years but i felt she wasn't getting the attention and exercise needed (plus the dirty cage..i did do what i could so it wasn't That bad) Some of the meds i take make me sleep a lot and she was not a "toy" bird although she had plenty around to play with and chew on. Her fav thing was sitting on my pillow and taking naps as i did.
I felt SO guilty! She went to the best home i could find with 3 adults (no kids at all)and a small dog...remains a single bird and is Loved...
BUT....I Miss her So much and am searching for a totally different type of pet.
I (like most) had a pet bunny when i was a kid but it wan't a "House Rabbit" But i loved that little rabbit So much and it was my best friend for over 2 years until it finally subcumbed to some bunny disease that in the '50's was considered sad but common.
I still remember the Love tho and her hoping around eating dandilion flowers and trying her bunny best to let me let her demolish the green tops off the new little carrots popping up in my Mothers garden (i'll admit that somtimes i was a little deliberately slow in deterring her carrot top obssession )
SO..i am thinking of a Netherland Dwarf. Big enough to scritch behind the ears and neck but small enough for me to litter train and handle'
I have done some research.... Being "prey animals" (like birds) they like to stay in sight of and be around the (herd?) They will bond easily with an owner if handled gently with Love and Patience.
I also am aware that all pets Need attention/a clean environment and a good quality balanced diet.
I have learned a lot more from my brief searches but this is turning into a small novel so here's my questions.
Is the Netherland Dwarf the smallest breed? What would be the min size cage? I have read several times they can be litter trained..is this fairly easy to do? Also the urine like cats is highly acidic and has a distinct odor (i read that females are a little less odorous and neuter/spay makes a difference? Would it be Very difficult and/or dangerous to spay a female dwarf? (because of size)
The vet i had for my tiel will also treat pet rabbits/guinea pigs/hamsters/gerbils and etc and i like and trust her.
I Talked with my caregiver first of course and she's Very supportive
I am still grieving over my sweet birdie not being here so i'm still sorting out my feelings and whether or not i should even get another pet...but i just miss being needed and having something furry/feathery around me that i can reach out and scritch.
So What are opinions and advise? I will not be offended if someone feels i do't deserve another pet'
Any links on info/pictures...the best place to find the rabbit species for me. ....tunnel**** i Know they Love tunnels! Thanks, kay (apologies for length) (BTW...i am in Sacramento Ca.)
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