Addressing the Requirements of Our Tiny Friends: Exotic Pet Care

Dogs and cats are the most common pets in the world, but for some of us, our hearts go out for a smaller, more uncommon subset of animal companions. Exotic pets, like birds, lizards, snakes, and rodents, are now becoming common in recent years because of their smaller size and many interesting characteristics.

While pocket pets and exotics are tiny, they hold a special place in our hearts, and we understand how precious the miniature companion is to you and your family. This article is for the pet owner of an exotic animal in need of expert help, someone thinking of getting an exotic pet, or just curious about these amazing creatures. We'll go over everything you need to know about caring for an exotic animal, as well as some interesting facts.

What is the definition of an exotic pet?

Exotic pets are animals living as a companion with a human and are not indigenous to the pet owner's place. They are a wide range of animals, including certain pocket pets, reptiles, birds, fish, and amphibians, as well as animals that aren't often found as pets, such as monkeys, pot-bellied pigs, kangaroos, and big cats.

Are You Considering Getting A New Pocket Or Exotic Pet?

It's no surprise that the male population in America has increased in recent decades, as has the pet population, especially among the smaller animals.

Millennials are by far the most common pet owners, accounting for half of all owners of pocket pets, or small mammals, such as rabbits, hamsters, ferrets, guinea pigs, and gerbils.

If you're ready to welcome a small new pet into your home, do your research to determine which animal is ideally fit for your family and lifestyle. Small pets need special housing to protect them from the dangers they could face if they were let loose in your house.

Many pocket pets have chronic health problems, which are caused by poor diet and care. Because of their exotic origins, these pets need more intensive treatment. Many of these health problems can be avoided with the right education and advice from veterinarians at the animal clinic.

Where do they live?

When it comes to the health and wellbeing of exotic pets, providing the proper accommodation and bedding is critical. Enclosure space should be sufficient for exercising while keeping out of reach. For many reptile species, temperature, proper lighting, and humidity are important. The bedding of rodents, like hamsters and rabbits, must be updated weekly.

The majority of exotic pets have their habitat or enclosure. The size of the habitats or enclosures will be determined by several factors.

• The number of animals that will be living in close quarters.

• Their stature.

• If there is going to be a workout area in their habitat.

• The number of toys or sunbathing areas, etc.

Birds, for example, need space to spread their wings and engage in activities such as playing with toys, mirrors, ladders, and swings. Hamsters and gerbils, on the other hand, prefer to burrow in new, fluffy bedding and hide in huts.

Exotic Animal Care

As expected, caring for a bearded dragon lizard differs greatly from a guinea pig. When it comes to exotic pet care, we suggest doing your research before committing to one, particularly in terms of proper handling and husbandry. Take into account the following requirements:

Behaviors and habits - It's important to consider the particular behaviors and social needs of every species before adopting one. Certain species like guinea pigs appreciate each other, for instance, are more likely to thrive while they are around others. Fewer animals, like mice and hamsters, become more active at night, although some animals, like birds, get up early.

Nutrition - Each species has distinct nutritional needs. Although a mild diversion from the recommended diet may be dangerous for your pet under some circumstances. Supplements are also required for certain exotic pets to meet their dietary requirements. Dubia roaches can be a complete food for the rodents containing all the nutrition. 

Enrichment - Exotic pets, like traditional pets, need emotional and physical enrichment daily. This could require the availability of  exercise wheels, tubes, and climbing structures in shelters for pets. Many exotic pets love human contact and look forward to spending time with their owner every day outside their enclosures.

Do I need to give my exotic animal any vaccinations or preventatives?

Each species has its collections of preventative measures, similar to cats and dogs. A physical examination is the best prevention for all exotic pets! We suggest annual or bi-annual wellness tests. This aids in the detection of any secret changes or health problems. Exotic species have a unique body that also represents how their diet and husbandry are affecting them.

Health and Veterinary Care of Exotic Pets

Your pocket pet or exotic pet, like cats and dogs, needs routine veterinary treatment to stay healthy. If you've recently acquired a guinea pig, rabbit, lizard, hedgehog, hamster, turtle, or other pocket pet, it's a good idea to take it to the veterinarian within the first two weeks of adoption. During this appointment, the veterinarian can assess your pet's overall health and address any concerns you might have about potential treatment.

It's difficult to judge an exotic pet's health daily, which is why routine veterinary treatment is critical for long-term health. Every animal should be seen by a specialist veterinarian in exotic pet care at least once per year. bearded dragons and rabbits, in particular, need more frequent tooth cleaning.

We understand the special requirements of exotic pets and are pleased to assist you to share your life with these amazing creatures. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact a local veterinarian. We hope to see you and your pet happy life!