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Keeping A Smile On Your JubJub's Face


by yellow_gellow

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JubJubs are curious little creatures, and it's no secret that they're built differently from other Neopet species. Known for being shy and timid, it's important to make sure your JubJub feels comfortable and secure in its new home. So, what's the best way to go about it? This care guide will ensure that your JubJub is always smiling, happy, and healthy.

     (Please note that this guide does not apply to mutant JubJubs due to their altered physiology and behaviour - please research elsewhere for the needs of a mutant JubJub.)

     Home and Environment

     Consider your Neohome and how accessible it is for your JubJub - can it reach its favourite book if it's placed in the tallest bookshelf? Can it open the door to get in and out of rooms? Can it peer over the bathroom counter to take a peek at the mirror? Facilities and amenities should be accessible for your JubJub without it having to look for help; consider giving your new pet its own room with appropriately scaled furniture (which can also double as a place for it to retreat to if it becomes frightened or overwhelmed). Remember - JubJubs have dexterous feet, but they can't perform miracles!

     Safety is also an important concern - what if your JubJub attempts to climb up that bookshelf and ends up getting hurt, or sprains its foot trying to stretch all the way up to the door handle? A healthy JubJub is a happy JubJub, so avoid any risk of injury!

     Grooming

     To the surprise of many, JubJubs are incredibly easy to keep clean; however, you should still give some attention to their fur. It's important to brush their fluff every once in a while to prevent it from becoming matted or tangled. Baths should not be given too often, as they can wash away the natural oils that help keep dirt and grime out of their fur and skin.

     Most important of all, never shave a JubJub. It's fine to give them a little trim now and then, but shaving a JubJub completely should never be done. JubJubs use their coats to control their body temperature, keeping them warm in winter, and keeping them cool in summer by shielding them from the heat. Without a coat, they cannot combat harsh temperatures and may develop extreme itchiness.

     JubJubs may shed a little bit of fluff once springtime begins - this is completely normal and nothing to be concerned about. This is a biological process that drops a little bit of extra insulation when it's no longer needed, and will start growing back after the summer months.

     And of course, as with any Neopet, their fur and body are paintable with Paint Brushes found around Neopia.

     So keep brushing that fluff every once in a while, wash only when necessary, and avoid the clippers, and your JubJub will be as soft and fragrant as a cloud!

     Feeding & Diet

     JubJubs are able to eat a variety of foods! Unlike other Neopet species, they aren't known to have any food allergies. The main issue isn't so much what they can digest, but rather how they can eat it. While forks and chopsticks can be used by JubJubs with enough practice, spoons and knives are a no-go. (You try delivering a spoonful of soup to your mouth using just your foot! You'll just get soup all over yourself. Trust me.)

     With that aside, JubJubs will eat just about any kind of food, though we recommend you avoid gross foods, as with any pet. Fruit, in particular, is considered a delicacy among JubJubs - a great healthy snack all around! Super sticky candies and bubblegum should be avoided, unless you wish to clean it out of their tufts later.

     Settling in & socializing

     As mentioned at the beginning of this article, JubJubs are known for being shy and easy to scare. With this in mind, it's vital that you give your JubJub time to settle into its new home and let it become comfortable and familiar with its surroundings. Don't play loud music or slam any cupboard doors in your Neohome, let your JubJub approach you when it’s ready, and set up a soft and cosy place for it to sleep in. (Nothing cures a fright quite like hiding under a blanket!)

     If you have other Neopets, introduce them when your JubJub is ready for it. Take things slow and make sure your other pets try not to startle it. With larger or intimidating Neopets, such as Grarrls or Eyries, instruct them to be gentle, and to hide those teeth and claws! It is interesting to note, however, that a JubJub will adjust drastically faster to its new home if other JubJubs are present - JubJubs socialize extremely well with each other, and you may even catch them stacking up a JubJub tower or snuggling together - an adorable sight for sure.

     Give it time, and your JubJub will soon become inseparable from you, and a new best friend for your pets!

     Behaviour & exercise

     You may not believe it, but JubJubs can be very energetic! Once the adjusting phase has ended, you may find your JubJub tumbling and bouncing around. This is normal behaviour and is simply their favourite way to burn excess energy and have fun! JubJubs can be content indoors or outdoors, though they shouldn't be kept indoors all day every day - let them have time to frolic around amongst the flowers and nature. Many of them tend to be on the playful and adventurous side despite their small size and will absolutely love to explore.

     JubJubs are often very good-natured and kind and will rarely kick up a fuss or fight. They're very sociable but will need some time to spend alone and recharge their social batteries after a day of playing. Listen to your JubJub's needs and give it space when needed.

     Every JubJub is different though, so get to know its personality and unique character!

     Conclusion

     A JubJub is a fantastic pet and absolutely adorable to boot. Being a relatively low maintenance pet after settling in, they're a great choice for both beginners and expert owners alike.

     Adopt a JubJub today!

 
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