Pets’ peeves

We love snakes and creepy crawlies. Though most queries we get are about exotics, we get asked about dogs and cats and normal animals too. Snakey has decided to answer these in today’s article.

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Why are cats uncomfortable on a leash unlike dogs? My cat has a mind of her own and will only come to me when she likes. They say dogs are more loyal. – JOYCELIN

Snakey’s first cousin, the Philippine Python, enjoys dogs and cats. (He finds them really, really tasty!)

Wild canines are pack animals that actually enjoy being led by an Alpha dog, usually the strongest and most assertive among the group. This Alpha dog makes sure the members survive through thick and thin. Domestic dogs by genetic pre-disposition are still pack animals and perceive their new human family to be the pack and you its owner, the new Alpha dog. It likes being commanded, reprimanded and being led even with a leash. (Snakey says it sucks being a dog!) They are conditioned to behave this way to survive. On the other paw (trying to be witty), felines in the wild are solitary animals that enjoy being alone. The concept of an Alpha cat is totally foreign to them. You are not and will never be Alpha. To a cat, you are the provider of food. When you cease feeding her, cat woman will leave you. A dog will stay till death because you still are pack leader and harbinger of security even without food. Sad but true. Also, cats and dogs are not people and hate being treated as such. They like being treated with firm yet gentle respect; them as dogs and cats and you as their responsible and learned keeper.

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I have a mynah bird that cannot talk! All it does is squawk like a crow. Do I have to cut off its tongue? – JEROMY

Snakey’s aunt the Green Tree Python enjoys Mynah birds! (He had one last week.)

Your Mynah I’m sure is an adult WC or wild caught animal trapped from Palawan where they are fast diminishing in numbers. Check the wattle or skin fold at the back of its head. Adult Mynahs have long wattles and juveniles have short ones. If a Mynah bird is to talk, it has to be purchased and cared for when still young and surrounded by people (four to six weeks old). It takes a lot of commitment since it has to be handfed every four hours! They are great mimics and can imitate anything from a dog’s bark to a car alarm! Our family Mynah can shout balut and taho complete with the signature curly accent on the last syllable. Do not cut off birdie’s tongue! It is shameful that some folk still believe this. Your Mynah does not squawk like a crow but is just making sounds a normal wild Mynah does.  These birds, especially the Lesser Mynah found in Palawan, are highly threatened from habitat destruction and collection for the pet trade. Make sure the Mynah you purchase is CB – or captive bred – by a known, reliable breeder.

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I saw you in Magandang Umaga Bayan with a pig. Do they make suitable house pets? – COUCH POTATO

Snakey’s grand dad the Anaconda from the Amazon adores piggies (for breakfast)!

Normal lechon piggies do not make suitable house pets because of their extra large size. What I had in the show was a Vietnamese potbellied pig endemic to Vietnam. They became popular in North America as house pets in the ’80s when they were first brought in from the Far East.  Did you know that the pig is the fourth most intelligent creature in the world and indeed can be trained like domesticated doggies? I have one that follows me all over the house and responds to Jackie, his name. He can sit, stay and heel off leash like any good canine citizen. The Vietnamese potbellied pig does not grow as big as a regular piggy and will only get as heavy as 100 pounds unlike its regular cousins that can get a hefty 600 pounds! The big belly is caused by the natural downward curvature of the spine that makes the stomach distend. Potbellied pigs make wonderful, clean and intelligent pets. You can inquire at Kinder Zoo if they have stock for sale. Look for Espie Bohol at 522-6179.

Back to creepy crawlies next week! Snakey saysss adiosss!

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Watch Animalandia daily on Magandang Umaga Bayan at 6 a.m., or text Kuya Kim and Snakey at 0918-2010405 or e-mail kuyakim@hotmail.com.