Why, oh why, do gerbils have to be illegal in California?
They are so cute. The key thing here, THEY HAVE HAIR ON THEIR TAILS. Now, what am I supposed to do since I promised my six-year-old who has gone through alot of trauma recently that she could raise some gerbils. Of course, I promised before I know they were ILLEGAL. Dang. This sucks.
If I were a good, law-breakin' mama I would go on a nightime border run into Oregon and come back with a pair of exotic smuggled gerbils. Now what do y'all think? And I a law-breakin' mama? And, then do you think her new charter school would kick us out for bringing illicit rodents to the science fair as her project? Would they turn me over to the coppers?
Mice are smelly. And the last round with rats was sad because our beloved Lemmewinks grew a huge tumor on his abdomen. I couldn't take that again. And we already have a guinea pig that won't shut up, he wiiiiikkkkss at us constantly.
What about birds? Can one breed birds at home successfully? We want baby-somethings around here.
Any ideas, anyone? Wait, if I get illegal gerbils and then an illegal ferret to hunt the illegal gerbils should they escape, do they cancel each other out?
But then you have to find a lynx to hunt the the ferrets, and then smuggle in rhinos to trample the lynx...such a pain! Just lure a few feral cats to your back porch; trust me, you'll be awash in babies before you know it.
Posted by: Joolie | Monday, March 05, 2007 at 01:21 AM
Why are gerbils illegal in California? That just seems really...odd.
Posted by: Jessica | Monday, March 05, 2007 at 07:00 AM
Heh. APPARENTLY, the desert-like conditions of Southern California closely resemble the Mongolian Desert from whence gerbils hail. If they were to get loose there, they would breed, well, like rodents and destroy the lovely, indigenous habitat of Southern Cali. I would hate to disturb such a pristine natural environment.
Posted by: Amy Y. | Monday, March 05, 2007 at 08:39 AM
How can something so cute be ilegal?
Posted by: TB | Monday, March 12, 2007 at 08:05 PM
About YOUR AMAZON.COM ICE CRUSHER REVIEW ... So, what *did* you end up with? I munch ice all day, and just shorted out a brand new blender. 'Am looking for something durable, and thought you might already have found it. 'Would love your direction, if you don't mind. Also -- For a treat, I put sugar-free drink mix (Crystal Lite or its store brand equivalent)in with the ice. YUM!
'Didn't read all of your blog, but "My Name is Mommy" is a great lead! Thanking you in anticipation of your response ... Granny Diane in Pennsylvania.
p.s. Rabbits since have a corner on the market for producing babies. Handle them early and often, and dwarf rabbits are good pets.
Posted by: Diane | Tuesday, March 20, 2007 at 11:39 PM
Become a foster parent for a rescue cat.
They often try to find people willing to foster their pregnant cats and will pay the bills to boot.
Posted by: MHoc | Friday, July 20, 2007 at 05:29 AM
I live in Los Angeles and I have gerbils. Yes, they are illegal, but I bought mine in Las Vegas and drove them back to L.A. They make great pets--easy to take care of and they don't smell. Very social animals and tame. I used to have them as a kid and two years ago I wanted to have them again. The fact that I now live in California did not stop me. Just drive to a neighboring state and bring them back.
Posted by: Maple Moriji | Thursday, September 20, 2007 at 12:19 AM
Thanks Maple! I may just do that since our goldfish just died and we need a distraction.
Posted by: Amy | Wednesday, September 26, 2007 at 08:38 PM
Can I just say, sometimes I HATE California? They just outlawed even MORE pets. I know this because I considered taking a job in Fresno, but here is the thing... I have 3 sugar gliders (my babies, my life). Banned in Cali. 1 Gerbil. Banned in Cali. Planning on having a Hedgehog. Banned in Cali. Also, my turtle (an RES) and Russian tortoise is actually up for banning TOO with those new bills. ARRRRGH!
Yeah, NOT moving there. Sorry for you!!!
Posted by: Elizabeth Mayberry | Friday, June 06, 2008 at 05:50 PM
just get some hamsters instead. I'm sure your daughter will understand.
Posted by: Kylle | Monday, April 27, 2009 at 01:31 PM
hey i live in virgia but are hamsters ilgeal
Posted by: tyler | Wednesday, July 08, 2009 at 06:43 PM
If you want to breed something legal, consider sea monkeys. they're very easy to care for, and produce LOTS of babies.
http://www.sea-monkeys.com/
Posted by: Ann | Tuesday, July 14, 2009 at 10:09 PM
You could try getting a chinchilla. Chinchillas are very very clean, do not smell. Only downside is that you must get them very young so that they will be tame. Its best to get them from reputable breeders. They are costly...but I think its worth it. Gerbils have a very short lifespan compared chinchillas.
Posted by: Mewstara | Thursday, July 23, 2009 at 10:13 PM
Um... the word is "a lot." NOT "alot" or "allot." I wish people would learn proper English. 90% of everyone I meet does the same stupid thing. "A LOT," NOT "alot."
If gerbils are illegal, look into degus. They are awesome, too, and just about as cool and friendly as rats. They have tails similar to gerbils but much cooler. I've owned every rodent except chipmunks and squirrels (but they will come soon :D).
Posted by: T K | Monday, August 03, 2009 at 10:17 PM
Hamsters are the WORST rodent you can get. Sure, they're cute, but they're stupid and rigid. BEST rodents are rats (have heard squirrels are cool, but haven't had any yet). Chinchillas are SOOOO soft and awesome, but they require GREAT care. They need the RIGHT food and care or else they will get disease and die easily. I know a breeder real well and read up diligently on them. That's where I bought mine for $50. Taught me much. But if the look of rats freaks you out, even though they are AWESOME pets, the next best thing are degus and then gerbils.
Posted by: T K | Monday, August 03, 2009 at 10:24 PM
Huh... now, two years later, we have three hammys and we love them ALOT. They are the BEST pets ever!
Posted by: Amy | Sunday, August 30, 2009 at 05:29 PM