GENERAL
Genetically altered tribbles make great pets. They are soft, gentle and relatively easy to care for. They are great for kids, but adults will also benefit from the calming influence a tribble appears to have on most humanoid life forms (except, of course, on Klingons).
In their natural environment tribbles hardly live to the age of 3-5 years due to the many hazards, however, the life span of a domesticated tribble can extend to 20-30 years.
HOUSING
A tribble is curious and always looking for food. They are excellent escape artists, and should be kept in a securely locked cage. Tribbles won't run off when well cared for, but they will wreak havoc in the kitchen, and the kitchen of the neighbors, when allowed to roam free. They like warm places like beds and chairs, so risk being sat on when loose.
The cage should be kept clean and dry. A tribble uses grain and grain products with almost a 100% efficiency, so the cage rarely needs cleaning. However, if the tribble is fed other things, like table scraps and food with a high fat content, it will excrete waste products and the cage will need to be cleaned more often.
FEEDING
A tribble can digest anything a carbon-based life form can, and then some. They have an enormous appetite, being mostly a fur-covered digestive and reproductive system. To keep a tribble healthy, however, it should be fed on a low-energy grain, with raw vegetables as source for vitamins and for variety.
There are several good grain mixtures on the market, especially formulated for either breeding, non-breeding, and show tribbles.
Supplements can be given to show tribbles to get the most out of their hair coat, or to give underfed tribbles a quick boost, but they are not necessary for a healthy, non-showing tribble.
A tribble fed on a high-energy, high-protein diet will become fat, sullen, and its coat will look dull. Therefore, non-breeding tribbles should not be fed the high yield feeds designed for breeding tribbles, nor should tribbles be fed too many table scraps and sweets.
A tribble does not need to drink when fed on mostly proteins and sugars, but especially when fed on fatty food, or anything high in salts, will need some water for the waste excretion process. Be sure a small container of fresh water is available in case the tribble wants it, but do not worry if the tribble does not appear to use any of it -a tribble will know when it needs the water and when it does not.
GROOMING AND HANDLING
A tribble likes attention. It loves to be petted, or to just sit on your desk. It likes most humanoids, but despises Klingons, since it is highly allergic to the pheromones a Klingon gives off when active or angry.
Tribbles are easy to handle and will purr when content. Even though their mouth opening is strong, a tribble has never been known to bite. It is possible a tribble might bite a Klingon, but there is no record of one holding a tribble long enough to find out.
Kids love tribbles because they are small, soft, and gentle. Younger kids must be taught to put the tribble back in its cage, so the parents won't find it in the food replicator.
If a tribble accidentally gets pinched or otherwise is handled roughly, it will emit a high shriek, usually loud enough to make anyone let go.
A tribble likes to be brushed and its coat should be kept untangled, but because tribble hair grows slowly, they should be brushed gently and not too often.
Tribbles do not like water and should not normally be bathed. When thrown in water they will float, and can even propel themselves somewhat, but they will avoid water whenever possible. If it becomes necessary to wash a tribble, a sonic shower is preferable. If one is not available, the tribble should be dried with a soft, dry towel, or with a blow-drier.
TRICKS TO TEACH A TRIBBLE
Tribbles can be taught simple tricks by gently coaxing it in the desired direction and rewarding it with a small treat of high yield grain or a sweet.
They quickly learn to come when called, or to squeak at some things and purr at others. A tribble will also rapidly learn its way through a maze, or recognise certain sounds and smells.