|
|
Mara
Dolichotis patagonum
Maras, which come from South America, look rather like local
versions of hares. They are in fact rodents - members of the mouse
and squirrel order - but quite hare-like in their habits.
Micky
the Mara, is a refugee from Woodend Park, Kirkintilloch whose
avaries and small animal enclosures have been closed.
|
Fancy Rats
Rats
have always had an image problem - most people shudder at the thought
of one.
They
are almost invariably portrayed in films as verminous plagues and
even George Orwell in his book 1984 made the rate the subject of
the nightmare in Room 101.
However,
that is just one side of the coin. The other is the growing hobby
of Fancy Rat Keeping. Fancy Rats are the same species as the wild
rat, but are as dissimilar as chalk and cheese.
Fancy
Rats are absolutely beautiful with creams, lilac and chocolate fur.
There is even a Rex , or curly-coated variety, with curly
whiskers.
National Fancy Rat Society
The National
Fancy Rat Society holds shows and exhibitions. For a leaflet on rat-
keeping send a large SAE to
Angela Horn, 20 kings Orchard, Eltham, London, SE9 5TJ,
or visit
its website on Click
here . It also publishes a very informative newsletter called
ProRata .
For
a leaflet on rat-keeping, send a large SAE to:
Angela Horn, 26 Kings Orchard, Eltham, London, SE9 5TJ.
Rodent
Cages
Gerbils
Guinea
Pig
|
