Pets

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3 Check It Out! 4 The Secret Lives of Pets 6 Which Pet Is Best for You? 10 Kids with a Kid 12 Puzzles 14 Your Pet Bunny 15 Parrot Talk 16 10 Fun Facts About Pets 18 Miniature Horses 20 The Truth About Cats 21 Snakes Have Bones!

22 A Dog in the Family 23 On Pins and Needles 24 Max & Gracie 25 Sugar Gliders 26 Pet Cartoons 27 Go for Guppies!

28 Behold the Turtle 29 Kids Corner 30 Puzzle Solutions

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hildren all over the world love pets. Rabbits are popular in Japan. Australians like reptiles. Canadians like dogs and cats, just like children in the US.

Enjoy reading about different animals that make good pets. Is yours here? If you don’t have a pet, this issue can help your family decide which pet is best for you.

Be part of our pet-palooza! Send us a photo of you and your pet, or draw a picture, and we’ll include it in a future issue. Other readers would like to see your pets! Send your photos and drawings to: Kids Corner, PO Box 227, Bluffton, OH 45817-0227.

Or email them to us at: kidscorner@funforkidz.com.

For more fun, enter our Pet Story Contest. See how on page 29!

Susan Schmitz/Shutterstock.com

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Is your family thinking of getting a pet? You want to be happy with your pet, and you want your pet to be happy with you. Which of these popular pets is best for you?

DOGS have different needs. Big active dogs wouldn’t be happy kept inside a small house. They need room to roam and explore. They would rather live in the country or in a home with a big yard. A little dog, though, doesn’t need a large house. But remember that even small dogs need to exercise outdoors.

Would you like a curious, busy little ball of fur that doesn’t need much space?

Think about HAMSTERS, GERBILS, or GUINEA PIGS. Yes, they are rodents, but don’t let this scare you! These little animals are smart and loaded with personality. Handle them gently and often, and they will become your friends in no time. They do well living in cages, but they should be let out for running-around

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time every day.

Consider getting a CAT If you don’t mind being ignored by your pet now and then.

Cats still want your attention and like to play. And they love curling up in laps! Cats are super family friendly. If you have a dog, and want to add a cat to your pet family, an American shorthair is a good choice. These cats can get along with dogs.

If you have an allergy to pet fur, consider a small reptile. LIZARDS, SNAKES, and TURTLES make cool pets. Remember one thing: These reptiles can live to be over 20 years old!

TROPICAL FISH look like little swimming jewels. They make super pets, especially if you like to observe things.

Keeping an aquarium is like having a whole little, wet world in your house.

Look for books in your library about pets that interest you. Also look at YouTube on the Internet with your parent to see cute videos of pets. But if you can’t have a pet, don’t worry. You can be a pet helper to a friend or neighbor. They might welcome your help walking their dog, brushing their horse, or playing with their cat. No matter what, if you can think creatively, you can enjoy pets too!

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by Carol Mowdy Bond Valentine’s Day 2017 came one day late for the Burress family. That’s when Myranda and Joey’s favorite pet was born. Officially named Matilda, they lovingly call her YZ. And that’s not the half of it. YZ is not your average pet.

The family wanted a hobby farm, where they could raise and enjoy different animals. So, during the fall of 2016, they moved to a new home with 20 acres. Their chickens, which the family was raising in the backyard of their old home, moved too. Just two weeks after the move, they added more family members – Nigerian dwarf goats!

Myranda and Joey quickly helped their dad, Randy, build a goat barn and pens for the new goats.

The goat barn is home to three does, or nannies (females), named Mayflower, Charlotte, and Sara.

Three bucks, or billy goats (males), named Tusk, Tom, and Spike have their own wood hut for a shelter and a separate pen.

The Burress family was happy to learn Mayflower was going to have babies and waited eagerly. Does usually have one or two baby goats. Sometimes they have three. The results were worth the wait when three kids, or baby goats, were born. Each kid weighed under two pounds. The family didn’t name the two little bucks. But they named the one doe because they are keeping her.

Joey and Myranda dried off the three newborn kids. They fed Mayflower warm molasses as a treat, to let her know what a great job she did.

Myranda holds the new family pet, YZ.

Nigerian dwarf goats may have different colors of fur: snow white, black, or shades of cream, gold, chocolate, and other colors. The fur may be a solid color, or it may have patterns in it, including freckles.

YZ has special markings. On one side, her white fur forms a very clear “Y.” And according to Myranda, a fourth grader, “If you look with a very artistic eye, you’ll see a white fur “Z” on Matilda’s other side.” Myranda loves YZ because “She is cute and playful. She will be able to be a mommy.” And of the three kids, she says, “They are cute!”

Joey, a second grader, adds, “I like YZ because she is very playful. She’s the only girl.”

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Joey and Myranda help take care of the goats and other family animals, including their dog, Pup, and their pet turtle. They clean out the goat barn and pens, and they make sure the goats have food and water every day. The goats eat grain feed, hay, and alfalfa. Along with the family’s chickens, the goats like corn chips for treats. They like Tostitos® best! The chickens also love pizza and scarf up the slices really fast.

Goats need places to climb. This is Mayflower with her three kids.

The children’s mom, Lindsay, loves Nigerian dwarf goats. “They’re very gentle, so they’re the best pets ever. Plus, they are dairy goats. I can’t wait to use the goat milk. We plan to drink the milk and make cheese.

I also plan to make lotion and soap.” These goats have three times more butter fat in their milk than other dairy goats. That means their milk makes soaps and lotions that help skin stay healthy and help with skin problems.

Nigerian dwarf goats are unusual. They are just a bit smaller than most goats. Because they are dairy goats rather than meat goats, the does give great milk.

These goats come from the African nations of Niger and Nigeria. Now US farmers are finding that Nigerian dwarf goats are great farm animals and family members. They are super for 4-H and FFA projects.

Having a pet goat is different from having a pet dog or cat. If goats don’t have other goat friends, they may become depressed or worse. And they don’t like to get wet. Goats can’t control their body heat. If they get wet, and stay wet, they may become sick and possibly die.

Joey holds one of the two male Nigerian dwarf kid goats.

But Myranda and Joey take good care of all the goats. Joey says, “The three kids are super, super, super, adorably cuddly.”

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by Evelyn B. Christensen Adam, Brian, Chloe, Diane, and Eddie each have a different kind of pet: cat, dog, fish, gerbil, and turtle.

Use the clues to match the names with the pets.

1. Adam and Eddie’s pets are both mammals.

2. Chloe’s pet can lay eggs.

3. The girl with the cat told the boy with the fish, “My pet likes to watch your pet.”

4. Eddie’s pet is smaller than Adam’s pet.

If you like, use the grid to eliminate possibilities.

Put an “x” in a box if you know a name doesn’t go with a pet. Put an “o” if you know it does.

Rabbit Riddles

HIDDEN PETS written and illustrated by Rebecca Spohn

by Nancy Dearborn

1. Which rabbit spits out lava?

2. Which rabbit is part horse?

3. Which rabbit cousin likes to ring bells?

4. Which rabbit is often cranky?

5. Which rabbit cousin likes to eat pie?

6. Which rabbit is part marshmallow?

7. Which rabbit likes to groom itself?

8. Which rabbit cousin helps fix flat tires?

9. Which rabbit is from a city in Cuba?

10. Which rabbit cousin likes winter best?

Choose your answers from the following: PI-KA BRUSH RABBIT MARSH RABBIT VOLCANO RABBIT SNOWSHOE HARE

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HAVANA RABBIT BEL-GIAN HARE JACK RABBIT PALOMINO RABBIT BRISTLY RABBIT Find an egg, sailboat, comb, banana, pencil, boot, cup, toothbrush, flag, ruler, iron, feather, football, butterfly, heart, bone, sock, and carrot.

by Gertrude Knabbe

by Ken Switzer & Charlotte Redden

Look forward, backward, up, down, and diagonally to find the word in capital letters. Cross the word off the list.

After all the words are found, the remaining letters will spell something relating to pets.

F E R R E T W T N E T

T

I

K

T G E M O S E H E

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U U E A E E R G H

L K A E A

R

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S H A V

D C K N O O G L U M C B

T N E A

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R A

L H O N S A

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L E R W F M L D C C K T N R E A R M O

P E T S

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P U G N Z B

G F H S R E A D I

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O N A R R N

O A K A E A P S W A B

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Y E

N E R A M M N H N K B T S K Y D G R U H Y E T E E

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T D C

P N O H W N V A T U O

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E E K R A T R O A D C M G H G E R B

Use the words in the box to fill in the crossword grid.

Hint: The number of squares equals the number of letters in the words!

PIG SNAKE TURTLE HAMSTER PARROT

CAT MOUSE LIZARD PARAKEET GUINEA PIG

DOG PIGEON FERRET HORSE

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by Evelyn B. Christensen

Gerbils are small furry animals related to mice. They are popular pets.

Fill in the squares so that each row, column, and 7-square section has the letters G-E-R-B-I-L-S.

BEAGLE BIRD CANARY CAT CHICKEN CHIPMUNK CHOW chow COLLIE

CRICKET DOG DUCK FERRET FROG GERBIL GOLDFISH great DANE

I E R S G

E L S B E R E

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R B R

L I G

G I B G B I L

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T E K C

GUINEA pig HAMSTER HEN HORSE KITTEN LIZARD LOVEBIRD MACAW

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MARE MICE MONKEY MUTT MYNA NEWT PARAKEET PARROT

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PIG PONY PUG RABBIT RAT SKUNK SNAKE TOAD TURTLE

Do you get a treat?

See page 30 for answers.

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Your Pet Bunny

by Diane K. Gosnell

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soft, cuddly bunny is fun to hold and snuggle up to. It will dance, jump, and make you laugh. When you come home from school, your bunny will be waiting and hoping there will be time to play.

To be a good friend to your bunny, take good care of it and keep it safe.

Like you, bunnies get hungry and thirsty. They need you to bring them fresh food and water every day. Loud voices and noises are scary. Your bunny will be very frightened if you yell or say mean things to it. It would much rather listen to you talk softly while petting the top of its head.

When your bunny feels playful, it Bu will be glad if you sit on the floor to play nni . es m games. Roll a small ball toward it. With its ake ni ce, q uiet pets chin or nose, it may push it back to you. Stack small pieces of wood or twigs. Your bunny might pick them up and toss them or run to knock them over.

You can just lie on the floor and watch it jump over you. It will sniff your arms and legs and tickle your face with its whiskers.

Your bunny thinks of its cage as its very own little house. It spends time there while you are away or sleeping. Bunnies don’t like being in their cages if they are messy. The cage needs to be cleaned often. Give your bunny some free roaming time out of the cage every day.

Bunnies like to keep themselves clean. With their paw, they will bring down one ear, then the other, and then lick their sides and back. Your bunny can use some help taking care of its thick, shiny coat. Comb or brush the fur gently so you don’t hurt it.

Do these things for your bunny. It will know you care.

You will be a special friend, and it will be a friend to you!

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by Dottie Smith This morning, I woke up to a cat fight. But a glance showed my cat, P.K., asleep on the floor.

Then I heard my voice countin g: one, two, three, four, five. I cov ered my head and went back to sleep. By now, I knew this noise came from my African gra y parrot.

Noah makes a great pet. I’ve lea rned a lot about parrots and par rot talk during the 34 years I’ve had him. Parrots are social animals. For example, No ah wa its to eat his food until our family eats.

Many facts about parrot talk are still secrets. Some scientists bel ieve they talk because they are bored and want attentio n. In the wild in Africa, swarms of scr eeching parrots can fly over trees. In cages and hou ses, parrots use their ability to learn, remember, and mimic sounds to have something to do.

I feel they talk to join their hum an flock!

Noah remembers sounds for yea rs. He still does a perfect imitati on of a police officer’s whistle he heard 20 years ago.

Noah’s sound imitations are cle ar and correct. Even my family can’t always tell whether it’s Noah or I who is calling the m.

When I pick up the dog leash, Noah says, “You want to go out?” Wh en the phone rings, Noah says, “Hello. ” As soon as I rattle pots and pans, Noah calls, “Supper’s ready. Supper’s ready.”

Sometimes Noah even surprises his vet. When the doctor pulls out a syringe to take some blood, Noah backs away and says, “Whatcha doing?” An d then, when he sees his blood going into the syringe, Noah says, “Uh-oh. Uh -oh.”

Usually, Noah learns words by listening to us talk or after we rep eat them to him about 10 times. I’ve tried to teach Noah to say, “Birds can’t talk.” I’ve repeated this to him thousands of times. He has nev er said it. Do you think Noah knows for sure that he certainly can talk?

You can see African gray parrots in many zoos.

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e r u t a i n Mi

s e s r o H . Taylor

by Sharon K

An adult mini stands next to a regular-sized adult horse.

What if we could take a wonderful animal like a horse and make it small – about the size of a large dog? This has already been done! Over many, many years, the smallest horses were bred to other very small horses. A new breed was created. This new breed is called the American Miniature Horse.

Miniature horses can’t be taller than 34 inches when measured from the ground to the bottom hairs on their manes. Standard-sized horses are twice that size. Other than being much smaller, miniature horses look just like big horses. They come in all colors and usually have long thick manes and tails.

“Minis” are easy to keep. They don’t eat nearly as much as food as a big horse, and they can be kept in a large backyard. These horses are easy to train and lead around.

Because minis are handled so much, they rarely bite or kick.

Minis are very intelligent, curious, and affectionate. They love being around people and will often follow you around the yard. Sometimes you’ll feel them come up behind you and push on your back with their noses. They are saying, “Hey, I’d like a little attention, please.” Minis are too small to ride, but they can be trained to pull a cart or buggy. One horse can pull you and a friend for miles without getting tired.

When a mini baby horse, or foal, is born, it is only 16 to 20 inches tall and weighs about 20 pounds. They are so small, you can actually pick them up or hold them in your lap. Imagine being able to hold a horse in your arms!

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Miniature horses eat alfalfa and oat hay. They need plenty of fresh water and a mineral block to lick. It’s OK to give them an occasional treat, like a carrot or an apple. Be sure to cut it into small pieces and hold it out in the palm of your open hand. The horse will pick it up with its lips.

Minis come in any combination of horse colors you can think of. Some horses have dark bodies and white or cream manes. Like big horses, minis need to be brushed and groomed regularly. Because they are small, minis don’t need horseshoes, but their hooves need to be trimmed because they grow, just like your fingernails. In the winter, they grow very thick, woolly coats to keep themselves warm. So, in the spring, they need to be clipped.

Horses that are going to be in horse shows must be groomed especially well so they will look their very best. Each year, there are hundreds of miniature horse shows around the country. They are usually free to attend. Most horse owners will let you pet their horses and take photos. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Pet miniature horses soon become as much a part of the family as a dog or a cat. They are just as playful. They get along with other animals and constantly do things that will make you laugh. They’ll stick their heads in car trunks to see what groceries you bring home. Or they may flip their water bucket high into the air to let you know it’s empty.

Sometimes they’ll run off with the jacket you just hung on the fence or follow you up the back steps into your kitchen for a treat.

One thing is for sure. A miniature horse is a pet like no other. Even though it’s small, its heart is as big as they come.

A junior handler and her mini at a horse show

Thumbelina, the world’s smallest horse.

She’s 17-1/2 inches tall and sleeps in a doghouse!

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by Laurie Glieco Are you getting a kitten? Let’s talk about your new friend. Kittens attack dangling objects, such as yarn or string. Put these things away so your pet won’t choke or become entangled. If you buy a collar with a bell, make sure it is securely fastened. Bells which come off can cause choking.

Now, where should you get your pet? Free kittens rarely receive shots. Consider using an animal shelter. The adoption fee includes vaccinations, tags, and spaying or neutering. Ask yourself these things when choosing your kitten: 1. Is the coat shiny, and are the eyes and nose dry?

2. Is the animal scratching? Frequent scratching usually means fleas.

3. Does the kitten purr when held and petted? One who hisses or runs away rarely bonds well with humans.

Once home, it’s a good idea to get a cat care book. You’ll learn about common household dangers. Keep the family garbage bag tightly closed. Kittens are escape artists, so make sure your windows and doors are screened or completely shut.

Have a litter box ready for your new pet. Put the kitten in the box, and move its front paws back and forth. Kittens will quickly learn to use it. Kittens want clean boxes, so remove waste every day. Change the litter at least once a week. Put a box on each floor of your house, including the basement. Cats like private spots, away from their feeding areas.

Your pet’s food and water dishes should be made of stainless steel. Plastic dishes can cause lip swelling. Keep the dishes together in the same spot. Feed your pet kitten chow until all its teeth come in, usually around the age of six months.

After that, dry adult cat food helps keep teeth clean. Feed your kitten only cat food. Human food “treats” cause stomach problems and overweight.

Cats are famous for being independent, but they need to feel wanted. The more you pet, play with, and talk to your kitten, the more affectionate your new pet will become.

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Do you know the difference between your pet snake and an earthworm? Both are long, skinny, and have no legs. But there is one big difference. Worms do not have BONES inside their bodies. Snakes DO! Try to move your arm back and forth like a snake. You can’t. Your arm is too stiff. If snakes have bones, like you, why can’t you move like a snake? To understand, make a model of a snake’s backbone.

What You Need: • a long piece of string • a package of straight macaroni pieces

What You Do Thread the string through one piece of macaroni, and tie the string to the piece. Now thread about 20 or more pieces of macaroni, as if you were stringing beads. You now have a model of a snake’s backbone. Can you move it back and forth? Can you make it look like a wiggling snake? Yes, you can. This is how and why a snake moves the way it does!

The Science Secret A snake’s backbone is made of many small bones, which string together to make its VERTEBRAE. Because there are so many bones, they can all move separately (like the macaroni pieces on your string). A snake can wiggle and twist much better than YOU can! Your arm has only three LONG bones from your shoulder to your wrist. You can bend your arms only at the elbow or twist them back and forth at the wrist. You cannot make them wiggle back and forth, like a snake. But if your arms were made of hundreds of small bones, you could!

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Dogs come in all sizes – big, little, and everything in-between. Some breeds have long hairy coats, and others have short smooth coats. There are dogs that always want to be on the go. Others are more laid-back and mellow. Even within breeds, there are differences. There is no typical dog. Are you getting the picture? Dogs are as individual as you are!

There is one thing all dogs have in common, though.

They need to be part of a group. If there are no other dogs to hang around with, humans will do just fine. A dog’s instinct tells it to follow the leader of the pack. If you have a pet dog, that’s you! You are in charge. Your dog counts on you for food and water, shelter, safety, and companionship.

Give your dog what it needs, and you will have one very loyal and loving pet.

Did you know that dogs want to please their humans?

This helps when it comes to teaching your dog commands.

Start with basics, like sit, stay, and come. Be patient! Soon your dog will be a happy member of your family. Welltrained dogs can go just about anywhere with you. People will like them. And at home, they can be given more freedom because you know they will run back to you when you call them.

Living with a dog means having fun adventures together. Many kids think of their dogs as their best friends. Are you one of them?

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Puppies are lovable! They are also lovably rambunctious.

Puppies don’t mean to get into trouble. They just don’t know the rules yet.

When you raise a puppy, you must teach it how to behave, just like its mother would. Mother dogs let their pups know where and when they can wander. They interrupt play that gets too rough.

When a puppy is separated from its mother, it’s up to you to help your little fur ball grow up to be a well-behaved dog!

by Christy Mihaly Why are all those needles sticking out of my dog’s back? Did she run into a porcupine? No. Cheddar is visiting a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist.

Acupuncture — inserting special needles at certain points on the body — can improve various conditions, including pain and nausea, in both animals and people. We’re seeing Dr. Marv, the acupuncturist, because Cheddar is experiencing pain from a back injury. Our veterinarian suggested acupuncture could help Cheddar feel better.

When Dr. Marv first entered the examination room to meet us, he greeted Cheddar with a cheery, “Hi, girl!” He lifted her onto the table to examine her. Then he took out a thick cotton pad. Twenty thin, shiny needles stuck out from the cotton. Each was as long as Dr. Marv’s little nee dles are finger.

Acupuncture ver y “Yikes!” I exclaimed. Cheddar said nothing. “Will those hurt?” I asked.

en d but thick on one other. thin on the

“No,” Dr. Marv answered. He held a needle in front of Cheddar’s nose. She sniffed, but luckily didn’t try to eat it. “Look how skinny it is,” Dr. Marv said. Holding the needle up, he pulled down on the end with his finger. It bent easily into a “U” shape.

Dr. Marv inserted the needles one by one along Cheddar’s back and in her paws. She barely noticed. Her eyelids drooped. She drifted into doggy daydreams.

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine. Scientists don’t know exactly how it works. Possibly, it causes changes in the nervous system. It’s not a substitute for established Western medicine, but it offers relief for some patients — humans, dogs, horses, and other animals.

Cheddar relaxes on the table, ignoring the needles sticking out of her at different angles. Thirty minutes later, Dr. Marv removes the needles. Cheddar shakes herself.

“Based on how much improvement we see after today’s session, we’ll figure out a treatment plan,” says Dr. Marv, offering Cheddar a dog cookie.

Cheddar accepts the treat, wags, and licks Dr. Marv’s nose. It looks like she won’t mind coming back!

Dr. Mar v sends a mild electrical current thro ugh the ne edles for strong er treatment.

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Fairbanks, Alaska 8:04 PM

Feeling-the-cold-in-my-bones weather Max and Gracie and their owners, Linda, Craig, and their seven-year-old son, Ed, are driving the back roads of America. Perhaps you have seen Max and Gracie with their heads out the window. If not, here is a letter describing their most recent adventure.

her to it’s Gracie, I paw my nose to get ething tickles my nose. Thinking ms. som drea n my whe in p, on slee p drag g dee a flyin in I’m riding the ause I want five more minutes get a To me. at stop. I keep my eyes closed bec leg one es spider wav nose. I open my eyes slowly. A 16 legs! with e nos my on Something taps the bridge of my ers spid 2 eyes. Now it looks like there are better look, I have to cross my to wake her up and start on my back. I pounce on Gracie ries scur er spid I’d lost the red, Sca I spring awake. aren’t here, or they’d wonder if good thing Craig, Linda, and Ed a It’s . room the nd arou cing dan my mind. .

“What’s the matter?” Gracie asks ” “THERE’S A SPIDER ON ME! “That’s Webbie, my pet!”

“YOUR PET?” he adorable? He won’t be any pets, why can’t I have one? Isn’t “Why not? Ed gets to have two trouble.”

I can’t get to it. Please, er crawling on my back where spid ng eeli py-f cree a t wan ’t “Yeah, well, I don Gracie, take it off.” think he’s adorable. But the I get a good look at him, I don’t en Wh . paw s cie’ Gra onto bs Webbie clim so I’m happy. all I need to know. She’s happy, smile on Gracie’s face tells me my nose.”

“Tell Webbie he can’t sleep on n you cross spiders with corn?”

“Hey, Max, what do you get whe “I don’t know.” fur so he hard, Webbie holds tight to her “COBWEBS!” Gracie laughs so doesn’t fall off. pet the only one I know who has a Oh, Gracie, you’re a silly dog and spider.

Max

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Pet sugar gliders can live to be 15 years old.

by K.S. Duffield Sugar gliders are becoming popular pets. These furry little marsupials come from Australia and New Guinea. Marsupials are animals that carry their young in a pouch, such as kangaroos.

Most sugar gliders have gray bodies with a black stripe down the center of their backs. They weigh about 6 ounces and are about 10 inches long. Their tails can take up half of that length.

Large eyes help them see well at night.

How did they get a name like “sugar glider”? They have a membrane that extends from their front feet to their rear ankles. When these little critters spread their limbs straight out, the membrane is opened, and they can glide in the air up to 150 feet. They can catch insects while in flight.

That takes care of the “glider” part. Now, where do you think the “sugar” comes from? Easy. Sugar gliders simply love to eat sweets! In the wild, sugar gliders feed on sap, nectar, insects, and even small birds. As pets, they enjoy squash, corn, watermelon, peaches, and other fruits. Their pet diets can include dry marsupial food, scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, and unsalted nuts.

These soft-eyed pets are very social and intelligent. They can be taught to come when called and will often play with their owner. One owner’s pet stays happy for hours tucked in an old sock and placed into her pocket. A drawback to having one in your home is that sugar gliders are nocturnal. They sleep during the day. When active at night, they may make a barking sound. At first, your sugar glider can be nervous in its new surroundings. Be patient, and it will adapt.

If you ever see a wide-eyed marsupial peeking from someone’s pocket, you’ll know it’s a friendly sugar glider. Offer the little guy a grape, and you just might have a friend for life.

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“Is my cat relaxed? If she were any MORE relaxed, I’d be checking her pulse.”

by Joe Bore

by James Hanson

“OK, it’s a deal. I won’t tell when you drink out of the toilet, and you say nothing when I’m scratching the furniture.”

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by Martin Bucella

“Mom says I’m too young to have a dog.”

by Jim Browne

Gorgeous little guppies have one big claim to fame. They are the most popular home aquarium fish! If you’re looking for interesting pets, these little dynamos may be the way to go.

Guppies have lots of energy, and they spend hours playing with each other.

In their underwater world, they are real acrobats. A favorite trick is to ride water bubbles up to the surface and then race down to catch another bubble! Guppies come in so many colors, no two are alike. They are gentle and get along with most other types of fish.

Even though guppies grow to be only about 2-1/2” long, they still need plenty of space to swim around in. A 5-gallon tank is big enough for 3 or 4 guppies. If you get both male and female guppies, you’ll soon be needing a 10- or 20-gallon tank.

Learning how to set up an aquarium is a fun family project. To keep your guppies healthy and happy, take good care of their home.

Guppies need plants and little structures, like castles, in their tank. They give your fish their own private spots. They also give them places to explore. Baby guppies will use them to find hidey-holes until they are old enough to swim with the big guys.

You can feed guppies flake food for tropical fish. Make sure it’s made with protein and vegetable matter. Guppies need both. Be careful! Don’t feed them too much. A tiny pinch of flakes once or twice a day is plenty. Your little pets will keep eating and eating if you let them. Don’t worry if they always seem to be looking for more food.

That’s just what they do. For a treat, give them brine shrimp or blood worms. Yum! Friendly, sociable guppies will keep you entertained for hours. It’s no wonder they are so well liked!

Bright spots of color flash by in your aquarium.

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by Jan M. Van Pelt

What kind of pet doesn’t shed, take up a lot of room, or eat you out of house and home? A pet that is entertaining to watch and study?

Turtle aquariums are interesting for both boys and girls. The most commonly kept reptile in the world is probably the red-eared slider. These webbed-footed turtles have sharp claws.

There is a red streak on each side of their heads. Sometimes their heads have a red spot on top. Hatchlings are born with a green shell that turns to an olive color as they get older.

A turtle aquarium must have an island in the middle of the tank. Water should cover one side of the island. Then the turtle can easily leave the water and climb up and get exercise on “land” too.

An aquarium heater and thermometer will do a good job helping you keep the water temperature just right. A filter helps keep the tank clean, and a fluorescent light warms the turtle while it lies on the island to rest or sleep. Keep a lid on your turtle aquarium so the water in the tank doesn’t evaporate too much.

A healthy turtle has bright beady eyes, a pink tongue, a hard shell, and responds quickly when picked up. Most turtles become ill because of poor diets, lack of natural sunlight, poor hygiene, or being kept at a temperature that’s too low.

With proper care, your red-eared slider will thrive and make a rewarding pet.

What to Feed Your Turtle Poor nutritional value: lettuce and cabbage

Turtles need a balanced diet, such as: Swiss chard, romaine lettuce, spinach, bean sprouts, parsley, broccoli, rose petals, hibiscus flowers, dandelions, thawed frozen vegetables

Don’t forget the fruit! bananas, pears, apples (no seeds), peaches, fresh figs, small amount of tomato and melon

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Look closely. Can you see the claws on the toes of this red-eared slider?

Pet Story Contest Write a story about a pet and send it to us. It can be fiction (something you make up) or nonfiction (something that really happened). Follow the contest rules, and have fun!

Dear Readers, k, poetry, an d other Send us yo ur artwor r, tion! Write us a lette creations for publica z.

Kid r Fo n Fu t ink abou an d tell what yo u th m yo u!

We love hearing fro funforkidz.com, Email to: kidscorner@ r, PO Box 227, or mail to: Kids Corne 227.

Bluffton, OH 45817-0

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Dear Editor, I like the July issue (Weather – Fun & Frightening) because I want to be a meteorologist. It would be fun to be a kid weather reporter. This summer we have had thunderstorms.

Your magazines are the best. I like everything in them.

Your friend, Dillon Flint Chattanooga, TN

Dear Editor, My name is Nicole. We just started getting Fun For Kidz. It’s great! Our first issue is It’s a Mystery (September 2017), and it’s awesome!! It has so many things to read and see.

I am 10 and will be in the 5th grade.

I have a brother and a sister. We have a dog named Minnie. Our cats are Sam and Spike.

Your new fan, Nicole G. Upton, MA

8.

Contest Rules

Your entry must be your own original story of 300 words or fewer.

You may not be older than 14 to enter the contest.

Include your name, age, and full address on each entry.

Your entry must be signed by your parent, guardian, teacher, or librarian, saying it is your own original story and that you received no help.

If you want your story returned, enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope for each entry.

Your entry will not be considered if it is missing the information requested in rules #3 and #4.

Stories must be received by January 15, 2018. The first-place winner will have his or her name and story published in a future issue and receive a certificate and gift. All second-place, third-place, and honorable mention winners will have their names published in a future issue and receive a certificate.

Send entries to: Pet Story Contest, PO Box 227, Bluffton, OH 45817-0227 or kidscorner@funforkidz.com.

MaszaS/Shutterstock.com

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Hidden Pets on page 12

Word Search on page 13 F E R R E T W T N E T

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Answer: WE HAVE A GERMAN SHEPHERD.

Pet Puzzle on page 12 Adam owns the dog.

Brian owns the fish.

Chloe owns the turtle.

Diane owns the cat.

Eddie owns the gerbil.

Gerbils Sudoku on page 13 S R I E G B B G L R S E E I B L R S L S G I B R

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E I B E S L G R R L S G E I B G E R B I L S

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Rabbit Riddles on page 12

1. VOLCANO RABBIT 2. PALOMINO RABBIT 3. BELGIAN HARE 4. BRISTLY RABBIT 5. PIKA 6. MARSH RABBIT 7. BRUSH RABBIT 8. JACK RABBIT 9. HAVANA RABBIT 10. SNOWSHOE HARE

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Photo Credits: Christy Mihaly 23; ©[thornchai/123RF. com] 25 (top); Wikimedia Commons: Olaf Oliviero Riemer [CC BY-SA 3.0] 15; Pete Markham from Loretto, USA [CC BY-SA 2.0] 18; agriflanders (DSC_6046) [CC BY 2.0] 19 (bottomleft); Aditya Gurav (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0] 28 (top).

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V i s i t U s O n l i n e ! F a c e b o o k . c o m / F u n F o r K i d z • w w w. F u n F o r K i d z . c o m Vol. 16 No. 6 • NOV/DEC 2017 Publisher: Thomas M. Edwards Editor: Marilyn Edwards Associate Editor: Diane Winebar Graphic Design: Gaurakisora Tucker Marketing Director: Jonathan Edwards

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