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Parrots of the World is Long Island's Leading Authority on Fish, Ferrets...and other Unusual Pets!
Parrots of the World has been selling ferrets since 1980, having started with the late Dr Wendy Winstead, who was the first person to perfect the descenting and neutering of Ferrets at a young age and thereby allowing all of us to enjoy our pet Ferrets. We offer all ferret colors which are always available. In addition, you can find other unusual and exotic pets for sale including everything from hedgehogs to scorpions!
Aquarium Fish
Aquarium fish are a vastly diverse group of aquatic animals which live in water. There are many different types of water parameters in which fish live in the wild, two examples of this are fresh water and salt water. Fish are very sensitive to their surroundings and their water requirements need to be met in order to survive and thrive. For example a goldfish doesn't need their water to be heated above room temperature to thrive. However a tropical fish which live in the tropics near the equator will need their water heated and very consistent 76 - 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Some fish also grow larger than others and have different temperaments. So you must decide what kind of fishes you want to keep and shop for their aquarium and filtration needs accordingly. Some aquarium fish also have a long life span like our parrots! Did you know the common goldfish regularly live about 10 years? Did you know their cousins the Koi can live for 30 or more years? So When considering adopting a pet fish, understand that it is just a large commitment to consider as it is for any other pet. Lucky for you that we have everything you need to house your new pet fish in their home aquarium and the knowledge to help you through the entire process.
Some fish also grow larger than others and have different temperaments. So you must decide what kind of fishes you want to keep and shop for their aquarium and filtration needs accordingly. Some aquarium fish also have a long life span like our parrots! Did you know the common goldfish regularly live about 10 years? Did you know their cousins the Koi can live for 30 or more years? So When considering adopting a pet fish, understand that it is just a large commitment to consider as it is for any other pet. Lucky for you that we have everything you need to house your new pet fish in their home aquarium and the knowledge to help you through the entire process.
Ferrets
Despite a few misconceptions, ferrets are one of the most popular pets in the United States-and especially valued in Japan. They¹re well suited to smaller spaces, as they¹re quiet and take up very little room. However they can be very destructive since they love to dig.
Like dogs, ferrets have glands that secrete a scent when they¹re worried, but all ferrets sold in this country have had those glands removed and have been spayed or neutered. And they are not vicious animals prone to biting; more people suffer bites from dogs, cats, and even humans than from ferrets.
If you are able to keep a ferret, you¹ll need a large cage made especially for them. You do not keep a ferrets cage lined with anything shredded. You should cover the wires with linoleum, newspaper or bedding (i.e., sheets, towels, tee shirts, etc.).
Remember to trim the ferret¹s nails, clean its ears periodically, and give it a bath twice a year with ferret shampoo. If you follow these guidelines and establish a relationship with a vet familiar with these animals, your ferret can be a longtime household companion with a life span ranging up to ten years.
Like dogs, ferrets have glands that secrete a scent when they¹re worried, but all ferrets sold in this country have had those glands removed and have been spayed or neutered. And they are not vicious animals prone to biting; more people suffer bites from dogs, cats, and even humans than from ferrets.
If you are able to keep a ferret, you¹ll need a large cage made especially for them. You do not keep a ferrets cage lined with anything shredded. You should cover the wires with linoleum, newspaper or bedding (i.e., sheets, towels, tee shirts, etc.).
Remember to trim the ferret¹s nails, clean its ears periodically, and give it a bath twice a year with ferret shampoo. If you follow these guidelines and establish a relationship with a vet familiar with these animals, your ferret can be a longtime household companion with a life span ranging up to ten years.
Sugar Gliders
The next two alternative pets are not wild nor are they domesticated, but are wild animals born in captivity. They look the same as their wild ancestors even after many generations spent in captivity. One of these guys is the Sugar Glider that looks very similar to flying squirrel, but is actually a Marsupial Possum, which is native to Indonesia. They are able to glide because of a membrane called the Patagium. The Patagium connects the wrists to the ankles. Sugar Gliders may look so adorable but they are a lot more work than Hedgehogs. Sugar Gliders are very social animals and need to be kept in pairs in order to be happy. To be an exceptional pet a Sugar Glider must be purchased at a very young age or it will always be shy and fearful. Sugar Gliders are very active animals and need a large tall wire cage that has lots of perches, branches, and a sleeping house. In nature Sugar Gliders eat a wide variety of Fruits, Vegetables and Insects.
Captive Sugar Gliders do best on the BML (Bourbon's Modified Leadbeaters) diet supplemented with fruits, veggies, and meal worms. With this kind of care a Sugar Glider can live for ten to fifteen years.
Captive Sugar Gliders do best on the BML (Bourbon's Modified Leadbeaters) diet supplemented with fruits, veggies, and meal worms. With this kind of care a Sugar Glider can live for ten to fifteen years.
African Pygmy Hedgehog
The first Pygmy Hedgehogs were imported to the United States about fifteen years ago. They have all been born here in the United States since the initial importation. Hedgehog breeders have bred the Hedgehogs into smaller sizes, friendlier temperaments, and a rainbow of colors. They are truly different from their ancestors that live still in modern day Africa.
Although Hedgehogs do look like rodents, they are in the insectivore family and eat insects in the wild. Their spines are modified hairs but are not barbed like a Porcupine and cannot be released. Hedgehogs lead solitary lives in the wild and have simple needs. A large glass (30+ gal) aquarium. Some good bedding choices include carefresh and vellux liners. Liners are even good for people with allergies, plus they are inexpensive and re-usable. Rabbit/Guinea Pig cages also work well if they have a solid floor, not wire. A water bottle, ceramic food bowl and a secure cover are just about all that you need. A good hedgehog food (cat food) needs to have at least 30% protein and approximately 15% fat.
Since Hedgehogs are solitary animals they are quite content with being left alone, Hedgehogs usually live 3-5 years.
Although Hedgehogs do look like rodents, they are in the insectivore family and eat insects in the wild. Their spines are modified hairs but are not barbed like a Porcupine and cannot be released. Hedgehogs lead solitary lives in the wild and have simple needs. A large glass (30+ gal) aquarium. Some good bedding choices include carefresh and vellux liners. Liners are even good for people with allergies, plus they are inexpensive and re-usable. Rabbit/Guinea Pig cages also work well if they have a solid floor, not wire. A water bottle, ceramic food bowl and a secure cover are just about all that you need. A good hedgehog food (cat food) needs to have at least 30% protein and approximately 15% fat.
Since Hedgehogs are solitary animals they are quite content with being left alone, Hedgehogs usually live 3-5 years.
Hamsters & Gerbils
Hamsters and gerbils have gentle temperaments and are available in a variety of colors with different coat lengths. They can be housed in a ten-gallon glass aquarium with a mesh top, which should be secured with spring clips. Use a layer of Aspen-wood bedding or pine shavings on the bottom of the cage (gerbils and hamsters can develop skin irritations from cedar shavings), and clean and wash it once a week. You will also need a water bottle with a holder, a food dish, an exercise wheel, and a wooden chew block to keep their incisors worn down. Diets for gerbils and hamsters are simple: Use a high-quality seed-and-pellet mix formulated especially for rodents, add a vitamin supplement to their water, and offer them cut-up vegetables and nuts.
Hamsters should be kept singly, although same-sex siblings from a common litter will be able to get along. Gerbils prefer to live in pairs; they are monogamous, and a male will aid the female in raising their young. Try to find young animals that have just recently been weaned from their mothers, as they will be easier to bond with. When you first acquire your hamster or gerbil, use a coffee cup to scoop them up and gently stroke them; this prevents the animal from scurrying away and allows you to build up trust. After you and your pet gain a little confidence, you can tip it out of the cup and into your hand. Gerbils
Hamsters should be kept singly, although same-sex siblings from a common litter will be able to get along. Gerbils prefer to live in pairs; they are monogamous, and a male will aid the female in raising their young. Try to find young animals that have just recently been weaned from their mothers, as they will be easier to bond with. When you first acquire your hamster or gerbil, use a coffee cup to scoop them up and gently stroke them; this prevents the animal from scurrying away and allows you to build up trust. After you and your pet gain a little confidence, you can tip it out of the cup and into your hand. Gerbils
Rose Tarantula & Black Emperor Scorpion
Tarantulas and Scorpions have a bad reputation and certainly have not earned it. The two that are most commonly kept as pets are the Rose Tarantula and the Black Emperor Scorpion. Although there are Tarantulas and Scorpions that do have lethal bites, they are by far in the minority. The Rose Tarantulas and Emperor Scorpions are quite gentle and can be safely handled. The Tarantulas are in the Arthropod family and differ from insects like the Crickets, in the fact that they have 8 legs instead of 6. They do spin silk but do not use it to create a web to trap their prey. They are hunters and stalkers that creep up on their prey of small insects and ambush them.
They are fascinating to watch and observe and are quite easy to care for. A ten-gallon tank with a locking screen cover and a layer of Aspen bedding at the bottom is sufficient.
Black Emperor Scorpion They come from tropical areas and need a heat source. They dehydrate rapidly and must always have fresh water available to them in low-lying bowls that have a sponge in it. The sponge makes it easier for them to drink because it allows them to drink by sucking the water. A few Crickets to eat each week is all the food that they need. With this minimal care they can live as long as ten years.
They are fascinating to watch and observe and are quite easy to care for. A ten-gallon tank with a locking screen cover and a layer of Aspen bedding at the bottom is sufficient.
Black Emperor Scorpion They come from tropical areas and need a heat source. They dehydrate rapidly and must always have fresh water available to them in low-lying bowls that have a sponge in it. The sponge makes it easier for them to drink because it allows them to drink by sucking the water. A few Crickets to eat each week is all the food that they need. With this minimal care they can live as long as ten years.
Tortoise
Just about everyone has heard of Tortoises but no one really knows anything about them or even what they are. Tortoises are fast becoming the most endangered of Reptiles and many people will buy them as children's Pets not knowing what they are in for in terms of Tortoise care and commitment.
When buying a Tortoise as a pet always, buy a captive bred one born here in the United States. There are still some wild caught Tortoises offered for sale and the general rule is, if it cost less than $200.00 dollars it was caught in the wild. Wild caught Tortoises are almost always carrying internal parasites and bacteria, and are even sometimes dying when you buy them. Plus, for every wild caught Tortoise that is sold in the United States, another one is caught in its native habitat to replace it, thus further putting pressure on the survival of the species. Star Tortoise
Tortoises are fascinating creatures that are very appreciative of our care. In the far East Tortoises are kept as household pets because it is believed that Tortoises will bring good luck and Longevity to a household. This belief is based on the fact that Tortoises can live for as long as 100 years. Also before you buy a Tortoise, take a minute to see if you are prepared to house a very large Reptile for your whole Life? Plan things ahead and do not be an irresponsible pet owner.
When buying a Tortoise as a pet always, buy a captive bred one born here in the United States. There are still some wild caught Tortoises offered for sale and the general rule is, if it cost less than $200.00 dollars it was caught in the wild. Wild caught Tortoises are almost always carrying internal parasites and bacteria, and are even sometimes dying when you buy them. Plus, for every wild caught Tortoise that is sold in the United States, another one is caught in its native habitat to replace it, thus further putting pressure on the survival of the species. Star Tortoise
Tortoises are fascinating creatures that are very appreciative of our care. In the far East Tortoises are kept as household pets because it is believed that Tortoises will bring good luck and Longevity to a household. This belief is based on the fact that Tortoises can live for as long as 100 years. Also before you buy a Tortoise, take a minute to see if you are prepared to house a very large Reptile for your whole Life? Plan things ahead and do not be an irresponsible pet owner.
Hermit Crabs
Hermit Crab Most of the Hermit Crabs live under water in the ocean but there are some land dwelling species, the make their home on the Southern beaches of the United States and the Caribbean. They cannot be considered 100% land dwelling as they have to lay their eggs in the Ocean, but as adults they live totally on land and extract oxygen from the air as long as they can moisten their gills daily.
The nice thing about Hermit Crabs is that they are easy to keep. You have to keep in mind though that these little guys did not ask to be plucked off the tropical beaches that they call home. So it is MUST that we give them the best lifestyle that we can.
Hermit Crab Their needs are simple but important. A glass tank with a glass lid is the basic setup. A layer of sand on the bottom of the cage is the second step. The depth of the sand should be at least twice the height of your largest crab. Some driftwood or coral pieces for them to climb on is next. You also will need food and salt water dishes that are shallow enough for the Hermit Crabs to crawl into. They must be able to wet their gills everyday. Water must be treated with an anti-chloride treatment or aged, chlorine will eventually burn and kill a hermit crab. The salt water is preferred.
The nice thing about Hermit Crabs is that they are easy to keep. You have to keep in mind though that these little guys did not ask to be plucked off the tropical beaches that they call home. So it is MUST that we give them the best lifestyle that we can.
Hermit Crab Their needs are simple but important. A glass tank with a glass lid is the basic setup. A layer of sand on the bottom of the cage is the second step. The depth of the sand should be at least twice the height of your largest crab. Some driftwood or coral pieces for them to climb on is next. You also will need food and salt water dishes that are shallow enough for the Hermit Crabs to crawl into. They must be able to wet their gills everyday. Water must be treated with an anti-chloride treatment or aged, chlorine will eventually burn and kill a hermit crab. The salt water is preferred.