Haiwan Peliharaan Kanak-Kanak : Children's Pet (18th Jan 2011)

CHILDREN'S PET

Young people need a hobby or pastime. Not only will an interesting hobby keep children entertained, but many hobbies provide an educational experience as well. In this day and age of video games and computers, parents should encourage their children to spend time with other educational and challenging interests that can also build positive morale and outlook. Some hobbies that begin when a person is young, may even develop into a lifelong interest such as keeping a pet.

Pets are domestic or tamed animals kept for companionship or merely for the beauty of the animals. Having pets at home is one of the most common hobbies that people all over the world share. Children raised with pets show many benefits. It is also a recommended hobby for children as it teaches them responsibility and how to care for animals and also help children develop social skills.

While dogs and cats are the most popular households pets all over the world die to their loyal or playful characteristics and attractive appearance, other popular pets include rabbit, hamster of fish. Today, pets like spiders, pythons, and other exotic animals are also becoming widely known amongst animal enthusiasts.

While all kinds of pets can bring cheer and joy to children, it is important to choose a pet that is right for your family your home, and your lifestyle; and one that your children can help care for. A goldfish in an aquarium will be ideal for even the smallest of spaces. However, for having a big dog, you will need quite a lot of space. Also be prepared for a long term commitment of caring for pets such as dogs, cats or rabbits that can live up to ten years. Pet keeping not only involves caring for the animals but also includes the costs of feeding and medical bills that may be unavoidable to ensure the pet is in the best of health. Pets can serve different proposes for children and can be one of the most rewarding of all hobbies. On the other hand, the most common reasons for not owning a pet are lack of time, lack of suitable housing, and lack o ability to care for the pet when travelling. Therefore, proper planning is necessary to help make pet ownership a positive experience for everyone and create fond memories that last a lifetime.

Rabbit

Rabbits have always been popular as pets especially among children. They never fail to amise the little ones with their cute and cuddil looks and behavior. However, animals such as rabbits that you keep in cages need a little more attention. Since they are kept in enclosures, it would be more considerate if they are allowed room to move freely. Rabbits should never be kept in small pen or cage for a long period of time. Their enclosure should be big enough so that your rabbit can easily hop and run about and hide when it wants to. Animals kept at home should be provided with a sense of being in the natural habitats. This way, they feel free and they live happily.

Another important aspect is that rabbits are physically too delicate to be handled roughly. Rabbits take some time to get used to their surroundings and new companions. When these creatures feel frightened, they become defensive by exhibiting behaviors of biting, scratching, or running away. Therefore it is important to help children understand how to care for rabbits and understand its needs and requirements. Rabbits are also prone to few diseases that may be difficult to treat. Although rabbits requires less grooming than dogs and cats, proper diet and hygiene of their feeding and bedding area will ensure a healthy and happy rabbit.

Cats

Aloof as they may seem, cats area actually playful but well-mannered creatures. Cats like to be pampered by humans. Cats show their affection to their owners not only through purring, but also by pawing your arm, leg, or elsewhere on your body. They like to have “communication” with humans. Spent time playing and interacting with your cat. Cats are also avid spectators. They love to see what is going on around the,. They do this by jumping to high places like the sofa, cabinet, or table to keep a watchful eye on you and what you are doing.

Dogs

Dogs are known as man’s best friend due to their loyalty to the owner. Dogs are lovable, fun, and playful. They love all outdoor exercises especially playing “fetch”. There are a wide variety of breeds with different advantages and disadvantages. However, the correct breed of dog depends on the kind of space of your home. The smaller breeds are ideal if you live in a small apartment of house. Whenever you take out your dog out for a walk, make sure you put it on a leash as they are playful animals and love to jump and mingle with other animals and also chase things. So avoid any bad circumstances it is always better to play it safe. Pet dogs should be kept in a secured area and never be left out on their own.



Hidupan Laut Siri V : Marine Life Series V (17th Nov 2001)

Our sea, our heritage.

The wonderous marine life with its unique and beautiful corals are the ocean treasures that requires protection and care for us and our future generation to enjoy. It is a marine ecosystem chain links with one another and the destruction of one of the chains will then destroy the ecosystem.

Ayam Katik : Malaysian Bantams (1st Aug 2001)

Malaysian bantams, especially the Serama Bantam, and the Kapan Bantam are highly valued for their ornamental properties. Competitions are frequently held by local bantam enthusiasts; the champion is picked principally on overall beauty, poise, gait and other attractive physical attributed. The rearing of bantams for their spectacular beauty will remain a popular pastime for many years to come.

Serangga Siri III - Pepatung Donata : Dragonflies & Damselflies (25th Nov 2000)

Dragonflies and damselflies belong to the order Odonata. Dragonflies are grouped in the suborder Anisoptera while the damselflies are of the suborder Zygoptera. There are about 5,000 species of these creatures worldwide.

Studies on fossilized dragonflies clearly showed that these creatures have not changed much in body form since the time it began to exist on earth over 3000 million years ago. Pre-historic dragonflies grow up to 30 cm in length and have wingspan of up to 75 cm, making them giants of the insects’ world then, these days dragonflies with 18 cm wingspan are a rarity.

An exclusive feature these creatures have which is not seen among other species of insects is their ability to fly in reverse and also hover in a fixed position in mid-air. Dragonflies and damselflies are predators, both as nymphs during which they feed on aquatic creatures and as adults during which they feed on air borne insects including pests that threaten mankind. So far no known species of the Odonata themselves have been found to be pests.

Puyuh & Sang Seruk : Quails & Partridges (22nd Jan 2001)

True Quails and Partridges are largely colorful, plump-bodied birds, with short tails. They belong to the family Phasianidae which also includes the pheasants. The Buttonquail is not a true Quail and belongs to a separate family, Turnicidae. It has been included in this series because of its similarity in size, shape and habits with the true Quails. Quails and Buttonquails are small-sized and inhabit open country while Partridges are larger and inhabit principally the rainforest. They forage on the ground for insects, worms, seeds, and fallen fruit. Most species are very shy and secretive and are therefore seldom seen.

Quails, Partridges, and Buttonquails are amongst some of the more attractive and colorful birds of Malaysia’s open country and the rainforest. They are ours to protect and treasure as an important part of our natural heritage.

Mamalia Yang Dilindungi (Siri II) : Protected Mammals (Series II) (26th Aug 2000)

CIVETS (MUSANG)

The civets (Musang) are nocturnal creatures that look like long-nosed cats. They have long tails and often patterned coats. They belong to the family viverridae of which the mongoose is a member. 

There are 12 known species of viverridae throughout Malaysia and they are mostly found in forest habitats. Civets are found throughout Peninsular Malaysia as well as in Sabah and Sarawak. They feed on small animals and fruits. The strong odour they discharge and the colour of their coats form their natural defence mechanism. It is also possible that the scent they emit is a form of communication. 

Four soecies of the civets are protected in Malaysia: 

• Binturng (Arctictis binturong) 
• Otter Civet (Cynogale bennettii) 
• Banded Palm Civet (Hemigalus derbyanus) 
• Banded Linsang (Prionodon lnsang)