How to Care for Wintery Petpets

     Bika

     Small and sturdy, with thick manes and heavy coats of hair, Bikas are very good at carrying things through frozen terrain. They can graze by themselves and typically do not require shelter from snow. What they do need, however, is a lot of space and open air. Their thick coats also need to be brushed regularly.

     In the weeks leading up to the coldest months, Bika owners sometimes supplement the diet of their Bikas with imported hay, to help them build up enough fat reserves for the harsh winter. On some days, Bikas may also need assistance from their owners to break down river ice for fresh water to drink.

     If your Bika suffers an injury, you should take it to Taelia at the top of the mountain right away. She will be able to help.

     Snowickle

     These shy, reptilian creatures thrive best in cave-like enclosures. One side of the enclosure is ideally kept warm and exposed to sunlight, while the other side is dry, dark, and cold. Snowickles should also be provided with a water dish large enough to swim in. The water should be changed every day.

     Snowickles love to collect shiny things. They can derive hours of enjoyment from playing with keyrings, scratchcards, and cheap air rings. They also love to slither after live prey. When feeding baby Snowickles, you can dangle a Negg at the end of a string to simulate live prey.

     Snowickles hibernate for one month each year. During this time, it is important to keep their enclosures clean by clearing out ice and debris once a week.

     Polarchuck

     The natural habitat of the Polarchuck is snow-packed caves with varying layers of ice. Because Polarchucks are so good at finding food and even eating snow in the absence of food, they are prone to obesity and should be given plenty of exercise. One trick to ensure your Polarchucks get enough exercise is to hide their food behind a row of ice-blocks, to make them work their way towards the food.

     Polarchucks can be somewhat temperamental in nature. When in a sulky mood, they will hide for hours under thick layers of snow and evade all efforts to be found. When cheerful, however, they can bounce and roll around as lightly as snowflakes.

     It is best to raise Polarchucks in pairs or groups rather than singly, as they are highly social creatures. They pummel each other in play and cling together in sleep.

     Feepit

     Feepits are experts at finding vegetation in icy landscapes. They often forage in groups, calling out to one another in ethereal tones that shimmer at the edge of Neopet hearing.

     In captivity, Feepits should be provided with lots of space and exercise equipment to simulate the mountainous landscapes they navigate in the wild. They also need music and companionship, and should be taken out to forage outdoors instead of being hand-fed. They do enjoy being hand-washed, however, and can be taught to snuggle up to their owners in the same way they clump together for warmth when they bathe in naturally-occurring springs.

     Feepits are normally quiet and peace-loving, but they will go absolutely feral if they see a Meepit. If you plan to adopt a Feepit, be sure never to keep a Meepit in the same household, and stay far away from Meepit owners.

     Snuffly

     With their curly horns and sharp teeth and claws, Snufflies can be challenging to keep as Petpets. They also need a lot more space than the average Petpet. They can jump and slide long distances, moving faster than most Neopets. Some Snuffly owners train their Snufflies to return home after exercising outdoors, while others invest in very large enclosures.

     Snufflies are relatively easy to feed. They can hunt fish for themselves by punctuating the ice, as well as find vegetation under layers of snow. Their horns and claws do require routine maintenance, however. Without proper care, they can develop dangerous infections.

     When sending your Snuffly on an exercise route, be sure to train them to avoid entering into Gabar territory. Gabars are aggressive, territorial creatures and do not take kindly to invaders. It is also important to take note of the temperature before letting your Snuffly out. On warmer days when ice caps melt, Snufflies can be at risk of drowning when they go looking for fish.

     Snowbunny

     Snowbunnies are often seen burrowing and resting in their burrows, which gives the impression that they are slow, sleepy creatures, but this is an illusion. They can run up to 60 kilometres an hour. Their long periods of rest and short periods of intense foraging enable them to survive at temperatures as low as -40 °C.

     The Snowbunny's diet consists primarily of woody plants. However, they have also been known to eat lichens, mosses and legumes in warmer weather. Very occasionally, they will eat fish.

     While they have never been domesticated, Snowbunnies can become friends to Neopets if the Neopet proves thoughtful and helpful on their foraging trips. Snowbunnies are intelligent, loyal creatures. Legend has it that if you manage to keep your friendship with a Snowbunny for a year, something magical will happen to you.

     I hope this article has given you some insights into the lives of Wintery Petpets and their unique capabilities and needs. Caring for any Petpet is a big responsibility, but when done right, it can be a deeply rewarding experience. Next time you visit Terror Mountain, keep an eye out for these smaller denizens of Neopia. You never know what surprises they may bring.