Alpaca. Lama Pacos. Males are known as Macho, females are known as Hembra and the young are know as Cria. Alpacas life span is years.

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1 Alpaca Lama Pacos Males are known as Macho, females are known as Hembra and the young are know as Cria. Alpacas life span is years. The natural habitat is a harsh, unforgiving land in the Altiplano region of the Andes Mountain in South America. Altiplano means high plain. Alpacas live at the 12,000 to 14,000 ft level. Vegetation is scarce, the air is thin, and the temperature can change by as much as forty degrees in one day. The vegetation that exists is mostly tough clumps of grass, bushes, and occasionally clumps of trees. It is a volcanic region that leaves volcanic flows. It rains, snows, has freezing temperatures, intense sunlight, and powerful winds. Alpacas will spit at each other and at humans. When they spit at each other this is due to dominance. Spitting at humans is due to fear. Alpacas can be clicker trained in a similar way to dogs. There are 22 natural colours in more than 200 shades ranging from white to beige, fawn, brown, grey and black. The fleece of the alpaca is very popular for use in clothing and soft furnishings. Herds are led by the males, and the females follow along. They are herd animals and can happily live with other livestock. Alpacas make excellent companion animals, and are also good show animals. Suri Alpaca As I am no longer a wild animal it is hard to explain my natural diet. In captivity I will eat grass, hay and specially prepared alpaca feed. It is possible to give me a goat feed but it will need to be checked to ensure it is providing me with the correct nutrients. Huacaya Alpaca I look cute and cuddly but remember I have the ability to spit and kick. I would like a large enough area to graze and be petted. I would also like a basic shelter for protection against heat and foul weather.

2 Amphibians There are many different shapes, sizes, colours and species which can include frogs, toads, salamanders and newts. Some amphibians can live happily with others but some will not, care should be taken when choosing these as pets. Some can jump so be careful as they can easily escape! Amphibians change physically from a young water-breathing form, either to an adult air-breathing form, or some retain young characteristics throughout their lives. Amphibians life span can range from 5 20 years. Some amphibians can live happily with others but some will not hence care should be taken when choosing to have these as pets. They prefer to live in a fish tank which gives them access to land and water. This can be provided by making half a peat section and providing a sunken bowl of water, but make sure they can get out of the water by providing stones. Most amphibians are able to exchange gasses with the water or air via their skin. They gather oxygen through their skin which must be kept moist to help the oxygen diffuse at a sufficient rate, they also breath using lungs. The young, known as larvae spend their time in water and use gills to breath. Amphibians do not need ultraviolet light and it has been shown to be damaging to their eyes, skin and eggs. The study of amphibians is called batrachology. Amphibians can be found all over the world and they all have different needs and require different habitats. Amphibians are ecological indicators which represent the ecosystem. In recent decades there has been a dramatic decline in amphibian populations around the globe caused by many problems including pollution and habitat destruction. Many species are now threatened or extinct. Whenever handling amphibians you must make sure your hands are wet as dry hands can burn their delicate skin. Whites Tree Frog Spotted Salamander Amphibians eat a varied diet ranging from insects, and small mammals, which you will need to source to keep them healthly. Amphibians can make good pets however they cannot be cuddled and are much more fun to watch. Some can jump so be careful as they can easily escape. Fire Salamander

3 Arachnids Arachnids can be used to describe tarantulas, scorpions, ticks and mites. All arachnids have eight legs, although in some species they have two extra limbs (pedipalps) at the front of the body used for feeding. Lifespan of tarantulas ranges from 5 40 years, with the females living longer. Also it varies greatly depending on the species. They prefer to live in a small tank as they are not keen on large spaces. If they like to climb then a tall cage is much better with sticks. They would also like somewhere to hide. All tarantulas can produce silk although tree living species will contain themselves in a silken tube tent. Some tarantulas have stinging hairs in addition to their normal hairs. The stinging hairs are usually kicked off the abdomen using the back legs, which then fly into the air at the target. The hairs are barbed and designed to irritate. They can be lethal to small rodents and some people are sensitive to the hairs which can develop into serious itching and rashes. The hairs should not be exposed to your eyes or mouth. The hard skin of scorpions is covered with hairs in some places that act like balance organs. They have an outer layer that makes them fluorescent green under ultraviolet light. Arachnids usually lay yolky eggs, which hatch into young that are identical to the adults. Scorpions can either give birth to live young or lay eggs, depending on the species. Arachnids are found in tropical and desert regions around the world. Chilean Rose Tarantula Scorpion Arachnids are mostly carnivorous, feeding on insects and small mammals, which you will need to source to keep them healthy. Consider that I require specialist care and handling if you are thinking of me as a family pet. I am however fascinating to watch. Mexican Red Knee Tarantula

4 Arthropods/Molluscs Arthropods include cockroaches and millipedes. They are an invertebrate animal which have an exoskeleton (outer skeleton) and a segmented body. Molluscs include snails and slugs. Almost all arthropods lay eggs, their young are called hatchlings which vary from miniature adults to grubs. Some mothers will provide prolonged care whilst others are not maternal at all. All snails lay eggs as they have both male and female reproductive organs. Life span of arthropods and molluscs ranges from 8-10 years old and varies greatly depending on the species. All are happy living in groups but remember males and females living together can produce lots of young. The characteristic hissing sound made by hissing cockroaches is created by gas being pushed through the breathing pores which are found on each segment on their body. Millipedes do not actually have a thousand legs - they usually have between Each time they molt (shed their skin), they add more segments and therefore more legs. When walking their legs create a mexican wave. When a snail grows it grows a new spiral every year, just like a ring. This is called a WHORL (sounds like wall ). This is similar to the chopping down of a tree and looking at the rings inside to tell us how old it is. They would like their housing to be a fish tank with peat on the bottom. They would also like a hide as they do not like light. Some sticks are great to help them climb but they climb the glass really well too, also rotten leaves are greatly accepted and make them feel at home. Arthropod and molluscs are native to African coast. Madagascan hissing cockroaches make good pets as they do not bite and cannot fly, however when handling them you must make sure you keep an eye on them as they can run fast. Cockroach Millipedes also make good pets as they are easy to handle and fascinating to watch. We eat rotten fruit and vegetables so can be a great asset to an environmentally focused household. All are happy living in groups but remember males and females living together can produce lots of young! Snail Millipede

5 Chelonian Chelonian animals are those which have a shell. These include tortoises, terrapins (sliders) and turtles. These animals are different as they are characterised by a special bony shell developed from the ribs, this acts as a shield. The jaws are covered by a horny beak. All chelonian lay eggs normally in sand which are left to hatch, once hatched their young will have to fend for themselves. Female sea turtles will only come out of the water to lay their eggs otherwise they stay in the water. Males never leave the water. Chelonians life span ranges from years or more and varies greatly depending on the species. Chelonian are happy living alone or in groups. If living alone they would like human interaction. Not all turtles and tortoises hibernate, (hibernation is a sleep like state in the winter months where the animal s body will slow down to conserve energy in order to survive due to lack of food sources). Some female turtles produce eggs four years after mating. Incubation temperature determines the sex of the hatchling. Between the ranges of C ( F) will produce a mixed sex brood. If the temperature is lower the brood will be male, the higher end of this scale will produce females. Temperatures over 34 C could result in deformities or even mortalities. The smallest turtle, the Speckled Padloper is 4". The largest is the Leatherback sea turtle, which can reach up to 10 foot in length. All chelonian breathes air regardless of living in the water or on the land. The housing will depend on the species but if it is a terrapin (slider) or turtle which requires both land and water then the housing should be large enough for them to dive to the bottom and swim around. They also need access to get out of the water and bask either in the sun or under an Ultra Violet (UV) light. UV lighting in their housing will help to promote healthy bone growth, the vitamin D3 converts into calcium. If you have a tortoise the land will need to be a large enough area to walk around and graze. They can be quick movers so can cover larger areas. Chelonian are native to every continent except Antarctica. Red eared terrapin African helmeted turtle Yellow bellied terrapin Spur thighed tortoise Hermanns tortoise Dietary habits vary between species as well as breed. It is best to research the habits for the species you which to purchase. All chelonian will tear the food they are given so food does not need to be chopped particularly small, e.g. terrapins are omnivores (eat meat and vegetation) whereas tortoises are herbivores (eat only vegetation). Most chelonian can make good family pets, just remember their long lifespan and that each one has special requirements.

6 Chinchilla Chinchilla Lanigera Kits are born fully furred and with their eyes open and alert. Chinchillas lifespan is years Their natural habitat would be near volcanoes as they use the ash to groom their fur. In captivity we use special chinchilla sand to enable them to groom regularly. They would live in burrows or crevices to keep away from predators and the heat. They would like to be housed in a large enough cage which will suit their needs for running and jumping. They like tubes to hide in and a house to sleep in. The bigger the housing the better. They are sociable animals and like to live in established groups known as herds, it is not easy to introduce new members to a herd. In the wild I eat seeds, plants, fruits and small insects. In captivity I eat special chinchilla pellets, hay and vegetables. I cannot digest sugars so please do not give me any fruits. I am cute and cuddly to look at but remember I am most active at night so consider the size and location of my enclosure if you are thinking of me as family pet.

7 Degu Octodon degus Degus are small rodents which have similar characteristics to chinchillas and guinea pigs. The pups are born fully furred with their eyes open and alert. The lifespan of degus is 6 8 years old. They like to live in groups and are sociable animals. They like to be housed in a cage which enables them to climb but can also have a digging space for them to dig tunnels. Males also take part in protecting and raising the young. Degus cheek teeth are shaped like figures of eight hence the genus Octodon. They have up to 15 unique sounds which the young need to hear to bond with their mother. Degus are diurnal (active during the day) and only sleep 20 minutes solid in a 24 hour period, the rest of the time they are cat-napping. Degus have a natural defence to deglove their tails if caught in this way. This allows them to escape their predator. Due to this they should never be caught or handled by the tail. Degus also like to have sand baths once or twice a week which are the same as provided for chinchillas. Degus are native to central Chile In the wild I eat grass and seeds. In captivity I will need to be given mostly hay, special Degu food and vegetables. I am not able to eat dietary sugars so fruits should not be given. I am an active animal and make a good family pet but remember I need to be handled correctly.

8 Dogs Canis lupis familiaris Puppies are born with short hairs and may have colours. They will have their eyes closed and deaf. Lifespan of dogs can vary from 5 15 years depending on the breed. There are hundreds of different breeds of dog, each bred for a specific purpose or job such as police sniffer dogs, mountain rescue, drug detection dogs etc. However some breeds are purely bred as companions such as Cavalier King Charles spaniels. Dogs are thought to have been domesticated around 14,000 years ago. Dogs don t like rain because the sound is amplified and it hurts their sensitive ears, not because they don t want to get wet! A poodle s distinctive haircut was to improve their swimming abilities. The pom-poms were left to keep their joints warm. Dogs sweat through their pads and by panting. A dogs sense of smell is 100,000 times more sensitive than a humans. Greyhounds can run at 45 miles per hour. A dogs sense of hearing is 10 times more acute than a humans. Hunter gatherers would have worked alongside dogs, using them to hunt and as protection. Microcondrial DNA suggests that wolves and dogs split into different species around 100,000 years ago. Great Dane Old English Sheepdog Chihuahua As an adult I liked to be walked at least twice a day and if possible given a ball to chase. I like to be fed two small meals a day and given clean water all day. I should be groomed regularly depending on my coat. If I have short hair I would like to be groomed at least once a week but if I have long hair at least three times a week. Dogs can live in your house or outside in a safe suitable kennel with enclosed exercise area.

9 Ferrets Mustela putorius furo Young ferrets are called kits which are born pink with their eyes closed and deaf. An entire male is known as a hob, a castrated male is known as a hobble. An entire female is known as a jill, a spayed female can be known as a sprite. The life span of a ferret is 6-8 years They are sociable, friendly and affectionate animals. The ferret's relative, the black-footed ferret lives in the wild. This is the only ferret that lives in its natural habitat. This ferret prefers to live in prairie-dog burrows in the North American plains. The black-footed ferret eats prairie-dogs, which makes up 90% of its diet. A group of ferrets is called a business of ferrets. Ferrets come from the same family known as "Mustelidae" which includes badgers, wolverines, otters, mink, weasels, black footed ferrets and polecats. Female ferrets have to be mated when they come into season or they need to be spayed to prevent them becoming ill due to a large amount of hormone build up in the uterus (womb) which will cause a pyometra (infection of the reproductive system). In the wild I would eat foods such as voles, rabbits, small rodents, small prey, birds, frogs and mice. I like to eat meat, organs, bones, skin, feathers and also fur. In captivity I would eat a diet high in energy, high in protein and low in fibre, this could include fresh meat, ferret biscuits, raw fresh meat e.g rabbits and treats Polecat-coloured Ferret I like to play, so my enrichment is important. It makes my life more fun and active. Enrichment also stimulates me and provides me with exercise. Toys which I would like are plastic tunnels, hanging parrot toys, hanging tubes, playing hole tent, teething ring, branches and wooden hollow logs. I also like to dig so giving me an area for this would be great. In the summer I might also like to have a cool bath in a shallow container. Albino Ferret Wild Black-Footed Ferret

10 Mongolian Gerbil Meriones unguiculatus The Mongolian gerbil is the most common pet, but there are many subspecies. The pups are born pink and deaf with their eyes closed. The lifespan of gerbils is 3 4 years. They are social animals and live in groups known as a horde. They would like their housing to be a large fish tank with a mixture of peat and shavings so they can build tunnels. Gerbils have evolved to need small amounts of food and water. They live in deserts in underground tunnels. There is no evidence of hoarding food like hamsters so it is suggested that they eat a lot in one sitting forming fat reserves. They are diurnal which means they are awake during the day. Their long tail helps them balance when they are standing on their hind legs. Their hind legs are furry on the bottom to protect them from the heat of the sand in the wild. Also the tail has fur to prevent it getting sun burnt. Gerbils are native to Eastern Mongolia In the wild I eat grains from plants, fruit and insects. In captivity I eat special gerbil dry mix, fruit, vegetables and cat biscuits. I make a good family pet as I am fun inside and outside my cage. Inside you can watch me work. When I am outside my cage you must watch me as I am quick and could run away, I can also jump off things.

11 Goats Capra hircus Kids are born fully furred with their eyes open and alert. The lifespan of goats is years old but varies depending on the species. Goats are well-suited to arid, rocky, hilly countries and thrive in areas where crops and other livestock cannot. They are excellent climbers and will scramble up into trees to eat leaves. Goats are sociable animals and like to live in a group called a trip. There are many different breeds of goat which can provide either meat, milk or fibre for human use. Goats can also make good companions to other species such as horses. By using their mobile upper lips and prehensile tongues, they are able to graze on very short grass and to browse on foliage not normally eaten by other domestic livestock. Goats are ruminants, which means they have four stomachs and they can digest their food in a unique way. They can eat almost any type of diet, as their digestive system allows more or less every organic substance to be broken down and used as nutrients. Each breed of dairy goat has a different tasting milk. They are native to southwest Asia and Eastern Europe. In the wild I browse on the tips of woody shrubs and trees, as well as the occasional broad-leaved plant. In captivity I will eat the above if available, also you can give me hay and a special dry mix in the winter to give me extra nutrients. Watch out if you let me loose in your garden! I need a shelter and a grazing area with my friends. Angora Goat Pygmy Goat Saanen Dairy Goat

12 Lizards Most lizards lay eggs which are dug into the sand and left to hatch. There are a few lizards which have the ability to give birth to live young such as the blue tongued skink. Lizards life span ranges from 5 20 years old and varies greatly depending on the species. Most lizards will live in groups happily providing there is only one male. There are exceptions who prefer to live alone such as savannah monitor lizards. The housing will depend on the species but it should be large enough for the adult to stretch out, also some lizards like to climb so height may be required. Most lizards require UV lighting in their housing to promote healthy bone growth; the vitamin D3 converts into calcium. Nocturnal species do not require this in their housing. Many lizards have the ability to detach their tails to escape from predators, known as autotomy; leopard geckos have this ability. It is not shared by all lizards. Vision, including color vision, is particularly well developed in most lizards. Most communicate with body language or bright colours on their bodies as well as with pheromones Lizards are native to a number of continents apart from Antarctica. Blue Tongued Skink Leopard Gecko Bearded Dragon Chinese Water Dragon Dietary habits vary but most eat insects, plants and some eat meat based foods. When feeding lizards the distance between the eyes should be used to determine the size of the food to be given. You will need to source this to keep them happy. Most lizards can make good family pets they can be interesting to watch and can be fun to play with.

13 Mouse Mus musculus The young are born pink and deaf with their eyes closed. The lifespan of a mouse is between 1 ½ 2 years old. They are sociable animals and like to live in groups known as a nest. They would like their housing to have lots of toys for them to climb over. They are good at walking along ropes as they use their tail to keep their balance. They would also like tubes so they can run in them and also a house for when they feel sleepy. Their eyesight is poor but they compensate for this by using a keen sense of hearing and their exceptional sense of smell to locate food and avoid predators. Humans have eaten mice since prehistoric times and they are still a delicacy in eastern Zambia and northern Malawi. Mice are native to Asia. In the wild I eat grains from plants, fruit and insects. In captivity I eat special mouse dry mix, fruit, vegetables and cat biscuits. I make a good family pet but you must watch me when I come out of my housing as I am quite quick and could run away.

14 Rat Rattus rattus - (wild black rat), Rattus norvegicus - (domestic brown rat now called fancy rats) The young are born pink with their eyes closed and deaf. Lifespan of rats 2 3 years old. Rats are sociable mammals so prefer to be kept in groups. They prefer to live in large housing which enables them to climb. They like some where to hide and they are good at walking along items to get from one side to another. Rats have been known to burrow digging out extensive tunnels. Rats are native to Northern China, Asia and Mongolia A group of rats is known as a pack or a mischief. The Black Death traditionally was believed to have been caused by a micro-organism carried by the Tropical Rat Flea which preyed on Black rats. Domestic or fancy rats are physically and psychologically different from their wild relatives and pose no more of a health risk than any other common pet. The wild rats commonly seen in the UK are opportunistic survivors and often live close to humans. This means they do not have to hunt to find food. In the wild I eat almost anything; seeds, plants, fruits, vegetables and dead animals. In captivity I eat special rat dry mix, fruits, vegetables and cat meat or biscuits. I may not be liked by everybody as a pet but I am highly intelligent, fun and agile. If you can look beyond my tail I make a really good pet.

15 Sheep Ovis aries Lambs are born fully furred with their eyes and ears open. Sheep lifespan is 8 12 years old. Sheep are very sociable animals with a strong herding instinct, they do not like living alone. Sheep spend the majority of the time living outside in the fields, moorland or hills. They are normally housed for lambing and go back outside when the lambs are strong enough. There are many different breeds of sheep most are reared for meat production such as the Suffolk (a native English breed) Sheep are found all over the world but originally came from Europe and Asia. Dolly the sheep became a scientific sensation when her birth was announced. She was born on 5 July She was the first mammal cloned from an adult cell. Sheep can also be milked just like cows. The milk is used to make specialist cheeses, such as Roquefort. Sheeps fat is also known as tallow which can be used to make both candles and soap. Sheep are herbivores. When they are outside their main diet is grass. During the winter they normally eat hay which is dried grass. Although sheep can be kept as pets they can be reared to enter the food chain. Suffolk Sheep Soay Sheep Texel Sheep

16 Snakes In general snakes come in many different shapes, sizes and colours. Some are venomous and not normally kept in captivity. Snakes kept in captivity are better if bred in captivity rather than captured from the wild. Snakes can either give birth to eggs or to live young depending on the species. Snakes life span ranges from years and varies greatly depending on the species. Housing will depend on the species but the house should be large enough for the adult to stretch out. Some snakes like to live in trees so they may require height, branches will help them get to the top. Most snakes only have one functioning lung which is normally the right one. The left lung is either present but does not work or is not present at all. Their paired organs appear one in front of the other rather than side by side. It is thought that snakes have evolved from lizards but the legs have disappeared, however some species of snake now have small spurs which are located near the cloaca (orifice for mating and defecating), which can be used to grasp during mating. Snakes can range from 10cm 25ft in length or longer Snakes are found on every continent (except Antarctica) and on most islands. There are numerous islands from which snakes are absent, such as Ireland, Iceland and New Zealand. Corn Snake Californian King Snake Royal Python Jungle Carpet/Coastal Python When feeding snakes the prey should be the same size as the widest part of the body, their jaw bones are highly mobile and manipulate to swallow the prey whole. You will need to source this to keep them healthy. Snakes can make good pets but do require specialist care and handling.

17 Syrian Hamster Mesocricetus auratus Young are born pink with their eyes closed and deaf. They do have teeth to help them suckle. Lifespan of syrian hamsters 2-3 years. They are a solitary species and prefer to live alone. They prefer to be housed in a large fish tank with a mixture of peat and shavings so that they can dig tunnels. They are happy to live in a wire They have expandable cheek pouches which extend from the cheek to their shoulders so they can carry food and bedding. They can carry half their own body weight. Females can come into season almost immediately after giving birth and can become pregnant even though they already have a litter. They are crepuscular (active during twilight) animals. cage as long as it has many tubes for them to hide in. Syrian hamsters are native to Syria. In the wild I will eat any wheat, nuts and small bits of fruit and vegetables that I might find lying around on the ground, occasionally eating small insects such as small crickets or mealworms. In captivity I eat special hamster mix, fruits, vegetables and cat biscuits. I can make a really good family pet but remember I will be asleep in the day.