Are these people even trying to come up with good names?
I'm assuming these people accually went up and handled them...?
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Verily, Trillee doth proclaim:
close contact with prairie dogs...I'm assuming these people accually went up and handled them...?
Pet Prairie dogs, Trill 
Some peeps keep them as pets
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A sleep deprived Katrinity stammered:
Pet Prairie dogs, TrillSome peeps keep them as pets
Ok, that made more sence... sorta...
Well, I've friends that want a pet 'possum...
Personality
Prairie dogs can be one of the most affectionate of pets if handled properly as youngsters. Essentially all prairie dogs are wild-caught as babies, and need a great deal of handling as babies to bond with their owners. Prairie dogs are very social though, and once they bond they crave their owner's attention and company. Prairie dogs are only good pets for people who have lots of time to devote to their pet. A prairie dog that is left caged alone most of the day will be very lonely indeed, and may develop behavior problems or even become depressed (sometimes so depressed that become ill). Prairie dogs appreciate the company of other prairie dogs, but if you decide to keep more than one prairie dog it is advised to keep them separate until they are bonded with you. Once they are tame and well bonded to their owners they can be gradually introduced to each other. Keeping prairie dogs together from a young age may result in them bonding mostly with each other and making them less affectionate with their owners.
Prairie dogs can be challenging though, as they are strong and can be difficult to handle if they feel frightened, and can inflict a deep painful bite. Owners need to become familiar with prairie dog body language and behavior to be able to read and respond to what they prairie dog is feeling. Some experts say that prairie dogs do not make good pets for children for these reasons - children may inadvertently frighten or excite a prairie dog are often not sensitive pets' body language, and bites or injuries can result.
Legal Issues
Prairie dogs are still illegal in many states, so potential owners need to check locally and with their state wildlife department about the legal status of prairie dogs before planning on acquiring one as a pets. The 'Prairie Dog information" site has a list of states where prairie dogs are legal and illegal, but it is best to check in person rather that relying on online information as laws sometimes change.
Finding a Prairie Dog
Prairie dogs are captured in the wild as babies and thererfore are only available in the spring months. Finding a dealer is not too difficult but you should choose a USDA licensed dealer that uses humane methods to catch their prairie dogs, and provides a low stress period of adjustment to captivity before selling the babies. The dealer should be able to provide you with a health certificate and the appropraite USDA paperwork.
Male or Female?
As far as personality or pet quality goes, it doesn't really matter if you get a male or female. Prairie dogs have anal (scent) glands and can emit a powerful musky odor if threatened although it is usually not troublesome. Males are larger and do have a slightly stronger musky odor. Females should be spayed and males neutered - this will make them better pets and prevent related health problems. If keeping more than one prairie dog, they can be kept in same sex pairs or groups, or one male with one or more females (if a female is present in a group, the males may fight, even if neutered).
Basic Needs
Since they are a good size, prairie dogs need a large cage with lots of room to play and exercise. Being quite active and playful, they need a variety of toys, especially those suitable for chewing. As well, a large exercise wheel with a solid surface is a good idea. Prairie dogs should be fed a variety of grass hays, along with some rabbit pellets (limited amounts) and occasional treats of other greens, vegetables, and grains (very limited quantities).
The fennec fox, also known as the desert fox, is a beautiful, small member of the canine family. Fennec foxes can be kept as pets, although they are not very common. They are petite, save for their enormous ears. They behave much like dogs, but since they are not domesticated they do require careful socialization as well as precautions against escape. As always, before deciding on adopting one of these beautiful little animals, be sure you will legally be allowed to keep them where you live.
Fennec foxes have a mature weight of just 2 - 3.5 pounds, with a soft, thick, short coat that is off white on the underside and reddish or tawny on the back, with some black markings on the back and tail. They are very active, quick and agile, and have a high pitched yelp. These foxes are nocturnal in the wild although pet fennecs adapt somewhat to their owner's schedule. They are clean animals and can be litter trained, although owners have varied opinions on how easily.
In the wild, fennec foxes are omnivores, eating a diet of insects, rodents, plants, fruit, and reptiles. The ideal diet for pet fennec foxes would probably be a commercial wild canid diet (such as zoos would feed), but most owners will feed a mix of dog food, cat food, vegetables and fruit with good success. Some breeders will alternatively recommend a diet of raw meat, vegetables, and a vitamin mix.
Fennecs are very active and need an outlet for their energy. They are curious, and will get into anything and everything. They are also known for their digging. Outdoor enclosures must be designed to prevent them from digging under or climbing over the fence, both of which they will do quite readily. Burying a significant portion of the fence and turning the fence in at the top (or completely covering the enclosure) should prevent escape. Some owners have taught them to fetch like dogs, and this makes a good outlet for their energy. If out of a secure yard, however, they must be leashed. They are extremely quick and if they run after something as they would in the wild they can be very difficult to recapture. As long as adequate shelter is provided they are fairly tolerant of both hot and cold weather. One of their favorite activities is basking in the sun.
Fennec foxes are quite similar to dogs, and hand raised pups are usually docile, only biting if feeling cornered or threatened. They can be trained to a leash and to come when called (still, they should always be leashed when out of the house/yard). They are also generally not afraid of strangers and are friendly to everyone. They may bother other pets in the household, if only because fennec foxes will want to play with them all the time.
Also be sure to have a veterinarian available who will treat fennec foxes. They are quite hardy animals, but will require vaccination against standard canine diseases and medical care similar to a dog.
Sorry, but we couldn't have a thread about prairie dogs without at least one redneck.
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Someone Else attempted to be funny by writing:
Prairie dogs also make for good eating, and, if you hit them just right, will fly out of their holes like the rocketman.Sorry, but we couldn't have a thread about prairie dogs without at least one redneck.
that's whack-a-mole
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Trillee had this to say about dark elf butts:
close contact with prairie dogs...I'm assuming these people accually went up and handled them...?
THere's a HUGE park a mile or so from my house...there're prarie dogs EVERYWHERE in it. I go up there and sit down, some of 'em come over and let me feed them, and then pet them. they're cute.
I don't care if he raises it from a cub. It's still a bloody TIGER. Big huge cat with teeth and claws and carnivourous attitudes.
She's been unable to talk him out of it.
I've always wanted a chimpanzee. That would be great! I could teach him how to play games without any opposable thumbs, and then I could get him to throw feces at the neighbours' windows, and all kinds of fun stuff other pets can't do. I could even teach him to type!
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Mightion Defensor wrote, obviously thinking too hard:
Friend of Amanda's wants a tiger. A TIGER.I don't care if he raises it from a cub. It's still a bloody TIGER. Big huge cat with teeth and claws and carnivourous attitudes.
She's been unable to talk him out of it.
Best just to let natural selection run its course. For the children.
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How.... Mightion Defensor.... uughhhhhh:
Friend of Amanda's wants a tiger. A TIGER.I don't care if he raises it from a cub. It's still a bloody TIGER. Big huge cat with teeth and claws and carnivourous attitudes.
She's been unable to talk him out of it.
I want a lion.
I'm just not stupid enough to get one.
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So quoth Mr. Parcelan:
What the fuck is wrong with you people?
*backs away, slowly*
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This insanity brought to you by Alleria Qui'farush:
Parce is now a pathogen?
Nope.. Parce is actually the monkeypox vector. Much like a mosquito carrying malaria, or a rat flea carrying plague.
