Critters USA 2011 Annual

8 | Sweet, Sassy Sugar Gliders
Life with a sugar glider is full of surprises, fun, barkfests, possible nips and more!
BY KARIN LEONHARDT

12 | Give Rabbits Shelter
Know the ins and outs of rabbit habitats: where to place them, what kind to get and how to keep them clean, safe and fun.
BY ANASTASIA THRIFT

22 | Life With A Degu Or Two
Is this social, "talkative" rodent the right pet for you?
BY ROBBIN L. MELTON

26 | What's For Dinner?
Ferrets are obligate carnivores that require a diet quite different from many other pets.
BY JULIE FOSSA

36 | The Go-Get-'Em Gerbil
Discover the joy of sharing your home with a "clawed warrior."
BY REBECCA WARD

40 | Guinea Pigs Aren't Just For Kids
More and more adults are falling under the spell of the adorable, lap-sitting guinea pig.
BY JOANNE COLANGELO

50 | Scent-Sational Companion
Skunks are affectionate, intelligent pets for owners who offer the proper care.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY DEBORAH CIPRIANI

54 | Chinchilla Care Done Right!
Exercise your power to control much of your chinchilla's health.
BY GREGORY RICH, DVM

62 | The Naked Truth About Hairless Rats
Although a wee bit more delicate, hairless rats make wonderful pets, too!
BY ERIKA SOROCCO

68 | All Hamsters Aren't Created Equal
Know the answer to these six key questions before choosing the hamster species that's right for you.
BY LINDA PRICE

74 | Hedgehog Health Concerns
Although their spines make them look hardy and well-protected, hedgehogs are susceptible to a variety of illnesses and ailments.
BY SHARON VANDERLIP, DVM

80 | Pet Flying Squirrels: Who Owns Whom?
Welcoming a flying squirrel into your home opens the door to a lifelong bond — and treats falling from the ceiling.
BY MIRIAM STEIN

86 | Pet Weather Report
Keep your pet comfy by monitoring the microclimate in its enclosure and watching the weather report.
BY ANNE FAWCETT, BA(HONS), BSC(VET) (HONS), BVSC(HONS), CMAVA

92 | Thanks For The Memories
Choose tangible ways to capture your beloved pet's precious moments while it is still alive — and after it passes.
BY STACY N. HACKETT

1 | From The Editor

4 | Moments To Cherish
Share the joy as critter owners reveal their favorite memories of their pets.

25 | SmallAnimalChannel.com
See what's happening at this website devoted to small animal pets.

98 | The Critter Fun Zone
Test your skills with our critter games and challenges.
BY THOMAS KIMBALL

100 | What It's All About
Critter owners share their stories about their pet.

102 | Find It Here!
Check out the lates new products for all types of critters.

110 | 2011 Photo Contest
See the winners of this year's photo contest and enter the contest for 2012!

114 | Directory of Critter Resources
Associations, Clubs, Rescues, Shelters and Contacts

122 | Directory of Critter Veterinarians

136 | Gallery of Species

140 | Ad Index

142 | Classifieds

144 | The Last Page
A quote to ponder.