interesting pdf

[stephen1970]

I found this interesting pdf while almost falling off my surf board

http://www.filemanage.co.uk/pubs/Exotic_pets.pdf

[Nate]

Thanks for posting that link, it has brought together a lot of information in one document. I got the feeling she does not think Chipmunks should be kept as pets though. I also don't think she has kept Chipmunks herself, but may have worked with them perhaps as a vet.

I believe the statement about televisions is wrong. I think it's true that older cathode ray televisions operating at 60 kHz can really upset chipmunks. Modern flat panel TVs don't have any effect on Chipmunks I've found. Some of my Chipmunks even sit on the top of the TV when it's switched on to either rest or break open a nut. But because some of my aviaries are in the same room I always only use headphones to listen to the telly.

I also think that if you use a 2.5cm mesh size, if your chipmunks has babies they would soon escape through that size mesh.

I agree with her on the housing, I think a chipmunk living in an aviary only 1.5 mtr high would soon be unhappy.

It's not always the case that chipmunks cannot be picked up, that's why I think she's a vet, and may have only come in to contact with chipmunks when they are a bit stressed in a surgery. I reckon most probably don't like being picked up, but I've kept quite a few that can be so friendly, they will go to sleep on you. Most of mine also like to use me as a friendly moving climbing frame, chuckling away indicating they are happy. You can get a lot of interaction from them if you put in the time to tame them.

She's right about there not being much published information specifically about their medical care. I've not yet been able to talk a UK vet in to letting me publish their experiences and knowledge. I don't think it's a commercial competition issue, just that most vets seem extremely busy. I think it's really important  if vets would use the Internet to publish drug formulary for example. The drug manufactures say it's not economic for them to provide them as there is not enough demand.

I think anyone who is thinking about getting some chipmunks should read through it, as well as any vets visiting this board.

[stephen1970]

I agree with you that she doesnt really think they make good pets probably as you say she is a vet and never looked after them as pets. Years ago I converted a very deep cupboard in my room into an Aviary, I took the cupboard door off and made a door out of wood and wire mesh. I used to let all 13 chipmunks out at once they were so tame and my oldest and biggest male used to sit on my shoulder watching me play on the sega megadrive and wathing all the other chipmunks run about. I used to play tug of war with him with cherries he would grab them and i would hold onto the stalk there is no way he was letting go of it, it was so funny, so I can defiantely say the make excellent pets for young and old.