Blog Archives
Cartoon Hedgehogs Almost as Cute as the Real Thing
So I was surfing YouTube and ran across this video of Simon Tofield drawing some hedgehog characters for his cartoon, Simon’s Cat. I was amazed to see how he could give each of his little drawings such personality with just a few strokes of his pen.
Now, cute as they are, these cartoon hedgehogs don’t come close to the real thing. I know, because we have pygmy hedgehogs here at The Animal Store and they’re almost as adorable as I am. I said almost.
Check out the video then come in and compare for yourself. And if you happen to know Simon (the artis), ask him when he’s going to add a giant gourami to his cast of characters. I’d be happy to model for him.
Vodpod videos no longer available.
One Cute Sugar Glider
I know I’m cute. That’s not vanity, it’s just the truth. But this little sugar glider is trying to give me a run for my money. I hardly get to spend any time with sugar gliders. It seems as soon as we get one into The Animal Store, it goes right out the door to a new home. So hurry in. You wouldn’t want to miss him. He’s almost as cute as I am.
Vodpod videos no longer available.
The Animal Store on 190 North
Here’s yesterday’s edition of 190 North featuring The Animal Store with a cameo by yours truly (Ernie, the Giant Gourami). The whole gang did a great job, but I think you’ll agree that I steal the show.
We’re the second to the last segment. If you want to fast forward, go to the 17 minute mark. Thanks again to the cast and crew of 190 North. Come back and visit us soon.
Vodpod videos no longer available.
Chews and Hides can Keep Your Pet Healthier
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| Lumber-Jacks New Trainer Maze |
One of the biggest trends we’ve seen is an increased interest in the health and well-being of our pets. It’s no wonder, since our furry, feathered and fishy friends capture our hearts and quickly become members of the family.
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| Lumber-Jacks Workout Play Set |
In the world of animal husbandry, enhancing your pet’s environment with appropriate toys, hides, chews and exercise equipment is called enrichment. We call it common sense. The good news is, several new products on the market can serve double duty for your small mammals.
The brand new Lumber-Jacks line includes hideaways and climbers made of wood, so they also serve as safe chews for gnawing animals. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes to fit your cage or pet’s personality.
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| One of many shapes and sizes of the new Lumber-Jacks Lodge |
This weekend only, we are offering 25% off* on any small animal wood chew, hide or toy in the store for our social media friends. All you have to do is mention that you so us on the blog, Facebook or Twitter. No coupon required.
*Offer expires at closing (5:00 p.m.) Sunday, March 20. Good on white tag prices only.
Siberian Chipmunks
Meet the newest offering from The Animal Store: the Siberian Chipmunk. Isn’t it cute? Though the Siberian Chipmunk (Tamias sibiricus) looks a lot like the common chipmunk (Tamias) found throughout North America, the Siberian Chipmunk is slightly smaller and more delicate.
The Siberian Chipmunk has also been bred in captivity for many years to be kept as pets. Unlike many other rodents, which tend to be nocturnal, Siberian Chipmunks are diurnal, or active during the day. This makes them lively and fun pets that won’t keep you awake at night. In the wild, these animals forage and climb, so their cage will need burrowing material, and enough room and branches for climbing, as well as chew toys and an exercise wheel.
To learn more, come in and meet our newest pets. We’ll be happy to answer any questions. The Animal Store staff spends a lot of time handling our young animals, which helps socialize them and make them friendlier pets.
It’s important to note that in the City of Chicago and most of its suburbs, it is illegal to catch wild, undomesticated animals to keep as pets. Wild chipmunks do not make good pets and can carry a variety of dangerous diseases, including rabies. Don’t be tempted to catch a chipmunk of your own. Our Siberian Chipmunks come from reputable breeders and have been bred as pets.
Photo credit: Siberian Chipmunk by William Warby via a Creative Commons License.
Pygmy Hedgehogs
Pygmy hedgehogs may seem a little prickly on the outside, but some people who are allergic to cats or dogs find that they are not allergic to hedgehogs.
Most people are surprised to learn that hedgehogs are not related to porcupines at all; they are more closely related to shrews and moles. Despite their spiny top coats, hedgehogs have a soft underside and make pleasant pets, particularly for small environments, like apartments.
Most hedgehogs can be litter trained and they have little, if any, odor. As a well-cared-for pet, you can expect a hedgehog to live between four and seven years. For more information on owning a hedgehog as a pet, email us.
If you have a pet hedgehog and would like to share your photos, please feel free to upload them to our Facebook page. Be sure to let us know your pet’s name and whether you got him or her at The Animal Store.
Mention this post on hedgehogs and receive 25% off your entire purchase* of a hedgehog and/or hedgehog supplies, food, treats or equipment.
World Rat Day
Rats often get a bad rap, but what’s not to love about a face like Whisper’s in this photo. Today, April 4, is World Rat Day, a holiday that was “designed to recognize the fancy rat as a wonderful companion animal for people of all ages.
Rat fanciers know that fancy rats are intelligent, clean and curious animals that bond with their humans and become devoted pets. Male rats are known as bucks and females are called does; baby rats are known alternately as either pups or kittens.
Small enough to be considered a pocket pet, a pet rat can provide the same kind of intimate companionship as a cat or a dog. Rats are social creatures that need regular human interaction and often fare better with a companion rat. Same sex pairs do well together, unless you are prepared for the responsibilities of breeding. On average, rats live 2-3 years.
If you are interested in learning more about rats as pets, please visit the rat page on The Animal Store Website, or email us. Leave a comment to tell us how you plan to celebrate World Rat Day. Our gift to you is 25% off rat supplies and treats. Just mention the World Rat Day blog post.
The "Who Knew?" Zoo
Where in Chicago-land can you see a thousand-gallon aquarium, red-eyed tree frogs, blue tegus, jungle carpet pythons, emperor scorpions, pink toed tarantulas, fire belly newts, frisky ferrets, scarlet macaws, pygmy hedgehogs, tiny sugar gliders, exotic iguanas and huge sulcata tortoises?
The Lincoln Park Zoo? Sure. The Brookfield Zoo? You bet. The local strip mall? That’s right, if you come to The Animal Store.
Our shop, tucked into the corner of a shopping center in Lincolnwood, has been home to these and hundreds of other exotic animals for more than 15 years. Walking around the store, you will encounter new creatures on every shelf and around every corner. On any given morning, you may run into a mom and toddler petting the bunnies; a couple of kids feeding grapes to Ernie the Giant Gourami; or a second grade teacher introducing her class to the secrets of the rain forest.
I believe education is one of our most important roles. We frequently host small groups such as scout troops, preschool classes and summer camps. Our staff is knowledgeable about the native habitats and life cycles of all our animals, as well as how to care for them. For many of our visitors, this is the closest they have ever come to animals more exotic than domestic cats and dogs. When you visit us at The Animal Store, it’s a chance to see the bigger world that we all share.
I hope you visit soon. I’m Kenn, the owner, and I look forward to meeting you. Mention this blog post and get 20% off* any one item. If you can’t visit us in person, visit us on the Web at theanimalstore.com.
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