Small animals have always been popular as pets. These include mammals, such as rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, mice, hamsters, gerbils, chinchillas and ferrets; amphibians -frogs ow newts; reptiles - harmless snakes and turtles.
Many types of animals are now available as pets. The happiest, healthiest pets are those kept in conditions that most closely resemble those their wild relatives enjoy. Provide living quarters large enough for active life and a specially prepared quality commercial food. Execise, fresh air and a supplement of natural fresh foods keep animals fit and help to alleviate boredom. Allow as much freedom as possible in the yard or inside your home - but always make sure that your pet is secure and cannot escape or injure itself. Isolate electric cables, poisonous plants and deep water; block chimneys and other escape routes; make sure cats and dogs cannot reach small prey animals.