I've decided I want to get a pet meerkat, but have no ideas where I can pick one up.
If anyone knows somewhere that sells weird & wonderful pets I would be grateful if they could let me know.
Also, I don't have the first idea about the creatures, just that they look pretty cool. If anyone knows anything about meerkats, i.e the conditions they need to be kept in, that would be great.
Cheers
Meerkats - Where can i get one?
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by dawson99 » Fri Jan 26, 2007 1:49 pm
Meerkat is an English loan word from Afrikaans. The name itself came from Dutch but by misidentification. In Dutch meerkat (as Meerkatze in German) means guenon, a monkey of the Cercopithecus genus which possibly derives from Sanskrit markata (monkey). The traders of the Dutch East India Company were likely familiar with such animals, but the Dutch settlers attached the name to the wrong animal at the Cape. In Dutch the name for the suricate is stokstaartje ("little stick-tail").
According to African popular belief (mainly in the Zambian/Zimbabwean region), the meerkat is also known as the sun angel, as it protects villages from the moon devil or the werewolf which is believed to attack stray cattle or lone tribesmen.
The meerkat is a small diurnal herpestid (mongoose) whose weight averages approximately 731 grams (1.61 pounds) for males and 720 grams (1.58 pounds) for females. Its long and slender body and limbs give it a body length of 25 to 35 cm (10 to 14 inches) and an added tail length of 17 to 25 cm (7 to 10 inches). Its tail is not bushy like all other mongoose species, but is rather long and thin and tapers to a black or reddish coloured pointed tip. The meerkat uses its tail to balance when standing vertical. Its face also tapers, coming to a point at the nose, which is brown. The eyes always have black patches surrounding them which help deflect the sun's glare. The meerkat has small, black, crescent-shaped ears that have the ability to close when digging to prevent sand from entering.
At the end of each of a meerkat's "fingers" are one, non-retractable, strong, 2 cm (.8 inches) long, curved claws used for digging their underground burrows and for prey. Claws are also used with muscular hind legs to help them climb the occasional tree. They have four toes on each foot and long, slender limbs. The coat is usually fawn-coloured peppered with gray, tan, or brown with a silver tint. They have short, parallel stripes across their backs, extending from the base of the tail to the shoulders. The patterns of stripes are unique to each animal. The underside of the meerkat has no markings but the belly has a patch which is only sparsely covered with hair and shows the black skin underneath. The meerkat uses this area to absorb heat standing on its rear legs, usually early in the morning after cold desert nights.
Meerkats are primarily insectivores, but also eat lizards, snakes, spiders, plants, eggs and small mammals. Like all mongoose species, they are immune to many venoms, and eat scorpions (including the stinger) and some snakes, without fear of illness, poison or death. They have no excess body fat stores, so foraging for food is a daily need. Meerkats are fairly small mammals weighing about 2 lbs. each. Length from the head to the tip of the tail is about 20 inches with the tail itself is about 8 inches long. Meerkats' noses protrude from their faces and at are 2-3 inches long. Like felines, meerkats have binocular vision, a large peripheral range, depth perception, and eyes that sit on the front of their faces. They have ears that stick out from the side of their heads for better hearing.
Meerkats are burrowing animals, living in large underground networks with multiple entrances which they leave only during the day. They are very social, living in colonies of up to about 30. Animals in the same group often groom each other to strengthen social bonds. The alpha pair often scent-mark subordinates of the group to express their authority, and this is usually followed by the subordinates grooming the alphas and licking their faces. This behavior is also usually practiced when group members are reunited after a short period apart. Most meerkats in a group are all siblings and offspring of the alpha pair.
Meerkat Suricata suricatta in Bristol ZooMeerkats demonstrate altruistic behaviour within their colonies; one or more meerkats stand sentry (lookout) while others are foraging or playing, to warn them of approaching dangers. When a predator is spotted, the meerkat performing as sentry gives a warning bark, and other members of the gang will run and hide in one of the many bolt holes they have spread across their territory. The sentry meerkat is the first to reappear from the burrow and search for predators, constantly barking to keep the others underground. If there is no threat, the sentry meerkat stops barking and the others feel safe to emerge.
Meerkats also babysit the young in the group. Females that have never produced offspring of their own often lactate to feed the alpha pair's young, while the alpha female is away with the rest of the group. They also protect the young from threats, often endangering their own lives. On warning of danger, the babysitter takes the young underground to safety and is prepared to defend them if the danger follows. If retreating underground is not possible, she collects all young together and lies on top of them.
Meerkats are also known to share their burrow with the red meerkat, yellow mongoose and ground squirrel, species with which they do not compete for resources.
Meerkats are the first non-human mammal species seen actively teaching their young. Children of most species learn solely by observing adults. Meerkat adults educate children how to eat a venomous scorpion. They will remove the stinger and help the pup learn how to handle the creature. [1]
Despite this altruistic behaviour, meerkats sometimes kill young members of their group. Subordinate meerkats have been seen killing the offspring of more senior members in order to advance their own offsprings' positions.[2]
Meerkats have been known to engage in social activities, including what appear to be wrestling matches and foot races.
[edit] Vocalisation
A meerkat in the Kalahari DesertIt has recently been noted that meerkat calls may carry specific meanings, with specific calls alerting to the approach of snakes, birds of prey, or other predators. How these calls work is not clear.
More than one field researcher has reported witnessing meerkats in some sort of singing ceremony [citation needed] they compared with yodelling [1].
According to African popular belief (mainly in the Zambian/Zimbabwean region), the meerkat is also known as the sun angel, as it protects villages from the moon devil or the werewolf which is believed to attack stray cattle or lone tribesmen.
The meerkat is a small diurnal herpestid (mongoose) whose weight averages approximately 731 grams (1.61 pounds) for males and 720 grams (1.58 pounds) for females. Its long and slender body and limbs give it a body length of 25 to 35 cm (10 to 14 inches) and an added tail length of 17 to 25 cm (7 to 10 inches). Its tail is not bushy like all other mongoose species, but is rather long and thin and tapers to a black or reddish coloured pointed tip. The meerkat uses its tail to balance when standing vertical. Its face also tapers, coming to a point at the nose, which is brown. The eyes always have black patches surrounding them which help deflect the sun's glare. The meerkat has small, black, crescent-shaped ears that have the ability to close when digging to prevent sand from entering.
At the end of each of a meerkat's "fingers" are one, non-retractable, strong, 2 cm (.8 inches) long, curved claws used for digging their underground burrows and for prey. Claws are also used with muscular hind legs to help them climb the occasional tree. They have four toes on each foot and long, slender limbs. The coat is usually fawn-coloured peppered with gray, tan, or brown with a silver tint. They have short, parallel stripes across their backs, extending from the base of the tail to the shoulders. The patterns of stripes are unique to each animal. The underside of the meerkat has no markings but the belly has a patch which is only sparsely covered with hair and shows the black skin underneath. The meerkat uses this area to absorb heat standing on its rear legs, usually early in the morning after cold desert nights.
Meerkats are primarily insectivores, but also eat lizards, snakes, spiders, plants, eggs and small mammals. Like all mongoose species, they are immune to many venoms, and eat scorpions (including the stinger) and some snakes, without fear of illness, poison or death. They have no excess body fat stores, so foraging for food is a daily need. Meerkats are fairly small mammals weighing about 2 lbs. each. Length from the head to the tip of the tail is about 20 inches with the tail itself is about 8 inches long. Meerkats' noses protrude from their faces and at are 2-3 inches long. Like felines, meerkats have binocular vision, a large peripheral range, depth perception, and eyes that sit on the front of their faces. They have ears that stick out from the side of their heads for better hearing.
Meerkats are burrowing animals, living in large underground networks with multiple entrances which they leave only during the day. They are very social, living in colonies of up to about 30. Animals in the same group often groom each other to strengthen social bonds. The alpha pair often scent-mark subordinates of the group to express their authority, and this is usually followed by the subordinates grooming the alphas and licking their faces. This behavior is also usually practiced when group members are reunited after a short period apart. Most meerkats in a group are all siblings and offspring of the alpha pair.
Meerkat Suricata suricatta in Bristol ZooMeerkats demonstrate altruistic behaviour within their colonies; one or more meerkats stand sentry (lookout) while others are foraging or playing, to warn them of approaching dangers. When a predator is spotted, the meerkat performing as sentry gives a warning bark, and other members of the gang will run and hide in one of the many bolt holes they have spread across their territory. The sentry meerkat is the first to reappear from the burrow and search for predators, constantly barking to keep the others underground. If there is no threat, the sentry meerkat stops barking and the others feel safe to emerge.
Meerkats also babysit the young in the group. Females that have never produced offspring of their own often lactate to feed the alpha pair's young, while the alpha female is away with the rest of the group. They also protect the young from threats, often endangering their own lives. On warning of danger, the babysitter takes the young underground to safety and is prepared to defend them if the danger follows. If retreating underground is not possible, she collects all young together and lies on top of them.
Meerkats are also known to share their burrow with the red meerkat, yellow mongoose and ground squirrel, species with which they do not compete for resources.
Meerkats are the first non-human mammal species seen actively teaching their young. Children of most species learn solely by observing adults. Meerkat adults educate children how to eat a venomous scorpion. They will remove the stinger and help the pup learn how to handle the creature. [1]
Despite this altruistic behaviour, meerkats sometimes kill young members of their group. Subordinate meerkats have been seen killing the offspring of more senior members in order to advance their own offsprings' positions.[2]
Meerkats have been known to engage in social activities, including what appear to be wrestling matches and foot races.
[edit] Vocalisation
A meerkat in the Kalahari DesertIt has recently been noted that meerkat calls may carry specific meanings, with specific calls alerting to the approach of snakes, birds of prey, or other predators. How these calls work is not clear.
More than one field researcher has reported witnessing meerkats in some sort of singing ceremony [citation needed] they compared with yodelling [1].
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dawson99 - >> LFC Elite Member <<
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by CardinalRed » Fri Jan 26, 2007 1:56 pm
I think you'll find they come under the banner of exotic species and you'd struggle to get one over here without the correct licencing etc...
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by woof woof ! » Fri Jan 26, 2007 1:58 pm
There's loads in South Africa , Addo elephant park near Port Elizabeth is full of them .
On a serious note . Meercats are communal animals, keeping one alone would actually be quite cruel .
On a serious note . Meercats are communal animals, keeping one alone would actually be quite cruel .
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by andy_g » Fri Jan 26, 2007 2:10 pm
i've decided i'd like to have a complete and utter fool as a pet. anyone know where i can get one and the best conditions in which to keep it?
Get up! everybody's gonna move their feet
Get Down! everybody's gonna leave their seat
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by daxy1 » Fri Jan 26, 2007 2:15 pm
hi mate a friend of my sisters is a vet and she breed's them she lives in rhyl in north wales i dont know if she sells them or if she is allowed to sell them i dont think they are on a cities endangered list so cant see why not but like woof said they are to be kept best as 1 male and 3 females (or if you call it RaffaDodd just have 4 males) i'll ask my sister to ask her
why dont you try a little hamster if it's your first pet. ive allways wanted a tiger but make do with my ever so aggressive common domestic house cat (thats still recovereing from when i shaved it!)
why dont you try a little hamster if it's your first pet. ive allways wanted a tiger but make do with my ever so aggressive common domestic house cat (thats still recovereing from when i shaved it!)
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by shanks72 » Sat Jan 27, 2007 1:27 am
These are pretty lil creatures.... I love the tv progs on them.
But like others have said, they are social animals and need the company of their own kind.
But like others have said, they are social animals and need the company of their own kind.
REST IN PEACE DRUMMERPHIL, YNWA
underneath are the everlasting arms
deuteronomy 33:27
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by 66-1120597113 » Sat Jan 27, 2007 1:40 am
This is i think maybe one of the maddest posts i have ever read!
The opening line'I have decided i want to get a pet meerkat,but have no idea where i can pick one up'
Well guess what Eddie no one really knows where you can get one.Why? Because no one has ever really thought about getting one.......Yes they are cool little guys but they belong in their own habitat not Eddie C's back garden...simple!Or your lounge for that matter!Im sure we all agree they are cute but FFS wise up and get that notion out of your head!
Dont get one even if you can cause its cruel OK..In fact if you get one i will never talk to you again!
Should'nt be a problem cause you are full of mad meerkats SH>ITE!
The opening line'I have decided i want to get a pet meerkat,but have no idea where i can pick one up'
Well guess what Eddie no one really knows where you can get one.Why? Because no one has ever really thought about getting one.......Yes they are cool little guys but they belong in their own habitat not Eddie C's back garden...simple!Or your lounge for that matter!Im sure we all agree they are cute but FFS wise up and get that notion out of your head!
Dont get one even if you can cause its cruel OK..In fact if you get one i will never talk to you again!
Should'nt be a problem cause you are full of mad meerkats SH>ITE!
- 66-1120597113
by Woollyback » Sat Jan 27, 2007 1:56 am
c'mom lads, there's a bloomin' great queue for't taxi! 
b*ll*c*ks and s*i*e
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Woollyback - >> LFC Elite Member <<
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by 66-1120597113 » Sat Jan 27, 2007 1:57 am
Imagine Eddie C with one of them.....WHY? 
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by EddieC » Sat Jan 27, 2007 2:05 am
BarryBelfast wrote:This is i think maybe one of the maddest posts i have ever read!
The opening line'I have decided i want to get a pet meerkat,but have no idea where i can pick one up'
Well guess what Eddie no one really knows where you can get one.Why? Because no one has ever really thought about getting one.......Yes they are cool little guys but they belong in their own habitat not Eddie C's back garden...simple!Or your lounge for that matter!Im sure we all agree they are cute but FFS wise up and get that notion out of your head!
Dont get one even if you can cause its cruel OK..In fact if you get one i will never talk to you again!
Should'nt be a problem cause you are full of mad meerkats SH>ITE!
What's the matter Barry, get blown out tonight?
As it happens, it was my girlfriend that wanted one & suggested the idea to me, I looked it up & saw they were kept as domestic pets in this country and thought why not?
I know I said I 'had no idea where to pick one up' and with hindsight that might not have been the best choice of words, I meant I was toying with the idea, and would like to find someone that sold them so I could get more info. I understand from what people have posted that I'd need to have more than one, which is one thing learned, exactly the reason I posted this topic.
This is i think maybe one of the maddest posts i have ever read!
I think you can't of read some of Salty Sock's post then Barry
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