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Entertainment >> ...............................................Last updated: 3/22/2010 |
Animal Oddities: Saints own unusual pets
Kaitlyn Carl ~ Entertainment Editor
Ferrets, ducks, and sugar gliders, oh my! These may seem like random vermin, but for East students and staff, they are beloved pets. Art teacher Greg Chapman is the proud owner of two ferrets, Cocoa and Pixie. Freshman Taylor Sitarz considers Rocky and Daisy, her sugar gliders, family. And Junior Katie Basic may not live on a farm, but she still takes care of her two ducks, Carlos and Snowball. Here’s a closer look at what it’s like to be the owners of these unique pets.
Why did you choose to get these pets?
Mr. Chapman: I saw somebody up in college with a ferret on a leash and I thought it was cool.
Taylor: One day [my sister and I] went to this animal breeding show and came across some lovely sugar gliders. We loved them so we begged our parents to get some. At first they were opposed, but then they decided to let us get them. We got them because we wanted a different pet that most people don’t have.
Katie: I was driving in Sycamore and passed a sign that said “ducks,” so I stopped and bought two ducks for $16 total.
Are there any special things that you have to do to take care of these pets?
Mr. Chapman: They have a high metabolism, so they eat constantly. They also need exercise, but they slip out of their leashes so I put them in a closed room to play.
Taylor: Not really, they eat regular food like fruit, veggies, and pasta so it’s pretty easy. They just need some attention.
Katie: They have to be fed all the time - they eat duck feed and bugs in the backyard.
Can your pets do any unique tricks?
Mr. Chapman: When they sleep they curl up next to each other. They like to play; they do a happy dance and bounce sideways. They’re very ADD; they will be doing something, flip over, and forget what they were doing before.
Taylor: They can glide long distances and are really fast.
Katie: They just like to play in puddles.
What are others’ reactions when they hear that you own these unique pets?
Mr. Chapman: Students want me to bring them to class, which I did once because a girl kept asking me to, so I brought them in during finals.
Taylor: My friends always freak out and then want to come over and play with the sugar gliders.
Katie: They didn’t believe me, but those who did said it was cool.
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