These little creatures, which we have adopted as full-fledged pets, the same as cats and dogs, are much more interesting than seems at first glance. What are the five peculiarities associated with the most numerous order of mammals, which every animal enthusiast should know about? Let's brush up on our knowledge a bit.
Mice and their poor eyesight Mice are known for their extremely well-developed hearing. This allows them to detect movement from up to twenty meters away. As for their eyesight, it is a slightly different story. Mice are short-sighted and their sharp vision ends past half a metre. Also their colour vision is limited as they are naturally dichromatic - there are only two spectral cone types that are sensitive to blue or green light, and they completely lack the receptors for perceiving red colour. Due to their small black eyes, which are very sensitive to bright daylight, these tiny fluff balls are active mainly at night or they prefer dark nooks and crannies. As you probably know, it is difficult to catch sight of them during the day.
Mice, rats and their memory of an elephant Do you know why are rats and mice regularly used for various tests and experiments? It is because of their incredible memory. And compared to other animals, they are highly trainable. One of the reasons scientists often use them for their experiments is that they always remember the way to their food.
No need to drink How is it possible that mice do not need to drink much? They hydrate through food. Yes, for example, they get water from grains. However, this does not change the fact that, unlike other creatures, they are able to find water almost anywhere.
Rodents' front teeth - their biggest asset The absolutely unique feature of rodents are their front teeth. They grow continuously throughout their whole life and because they can grow by up to 15 centimetres a year, rodents regularly grind them. These small mammals keep their two pairs of sharp and strong incisors in a good condition, mainly because they use them not only for eating but also to gnaw through various openings, wood as well as plastic or concrete. Teeth are therefore rodents' most frequently used body part.
Rodent - a sociable creature Wherever you see one, you can expect many others. There is a simple rule that applies to rodents - they form colonies. They are sociable creatures. Same as bees they also prefer to work in groups and divide work within their colonies. It is rare for an individual to move away from its base.
Although I sometimes temporarily care of some brown rats, I still consider myself to be a beginner in brown rat keeping. In the beginning of this year, a white lab brown rat ended up in my temporary care. I noticed that Běluše (that’s how I called her...
It sits with great difficulties. It also looks like it is very painful. It seems that any contact of the tail and ground causes great pain. As well as any touch when I try to find out what’s wrong with its tail. We came back from swimming where our dog...
Summer fun begins now. And I can’t imagine a summer without our activities together with my dog. What about you? Plan where you and your doggie could spend time before the temperatures are scorching and not a single branch moves on trees and we all...
Some dogs are already born with sensitive digestion, at some it may occur later in life. Or an allergy for a component of the food they used to like and we considered as suitable may occur. For such cases, meat cans can be a great supplement of normal...
If you decide to head to the streets of your city during a hot summer day, remember that pavements you will be walking on are much warmer that the air. In general, I try to go out with my dog during hot summer days as least as possible but if we go...
That brown rats are social rodents and love and look for the closeness of not only other brown rats but also their owners is a well-known fact. They feel lonely and sad without any interaction
Weekend or holiday is here and you are thinking about what to pack? You definitely shouldn’t forget your first-aid kit. And also the one for your dog! Properly equipped first-aid kit is a must. If you are struggling with deciding what should be...
Our personal experience is what influences us most in our opinions. But if we don’t have it or can’t get it at least from a friend or family member, it is more difficult for us to imagine how living with a giant furry friend looks like. And if it comes...
The best option for living of a small rodent are big aquariums, plastic boxes or cages. And I don’t mean big as high but rather with as big area as possible. Hamsters are naturally running creatures and need enough space. Max has a space of the...
If you are going for your holiday by car, you may be considering bringing another passenger with you. Your dog can be a great companion, so you don´t want to leave it at home. However, your time off by the sea might hide various obstacles, starting...
Turkey, the homeland of angoras and Turkish Vans is almost cats’ paradise. Even though veterinary care is quite expensive here, also cats living outside are taken care of well. Even in large cities like Istanbul and Ankara you can encounter a lot of...
When I was a child, our dog changed my life. He taught me lifetime love for living beings but also responsibility, patience and caring for others. Scientist has found out those are not the only benefits the life with an animal has for children....