If you want to challenge yourself to learn more about a new species and provide a home for an unusual creature, you will most likely enjoy owning an exotic pet. While common pets such as cats, dogs, and small rodents are fun and friendly, exotic pets offer an entirely different experience. Here are some tips on how to properly take care of your exotic pet.
Types of Exotic Pet
There are many different types of exotic pets. This can vary depending on where in the world you live and what your laws say about animal ownership. Check with your local authority before buying a pet that you may not be allowed to keep. Some examples of an exotic pet include:
- Rare or unusual fish
- Snakes
- Lizards
- Tortoises
- Snails
- Spiders
- Unusual birds
- Large insects such as mantises or stick insects
Choosing which exotic pet to bring home will greatly depend upon the space you have available for its habitat, the amount of attention it needs from you, and how much it costs to look after it properly. All these factors vary among each type of pet, so research the specific animal before committing to its adoption.
Feeding
Find out in advance what your pet eats. Some animals prefer live prey such as mice or insects that can be found at exotic pet stores. If you have any concerns about your pet’s diet or eating habits, get in touch with easyvet.com to arrange an appointment where you can discuss your pet’s needs with a professional.
Environment
Many exotic pets are highly sensitive to changes in their surrounding temperature and humidity levels. This is why having a dedicated enclosure for their habitat is essential, as it allows you to adjust these qualities as needed. For fish, you will need to pay attention to the following water qualities:
- Salinity
- pH, gH, and kH levels
- Temperature
- Plant life
Light levels also impact the comfort of your pet. For example, many reptiles enjoy basking in the glow of heat lamps to maintain a healthy blood temperature.
Behavior
Knowing what to expect of your exotic pet’s behavior is important for determining any potential illnesses. For example, some snakes don’t eat for several weeks at a time, and this might worry an owner who isn’t aware of that species’ eating habits. Common pets such as cats and dogs are more easily understood by their body language and facial expressions, whereas many exotic pets are more difficult to communicate with. Find out what to expect from your particular pet so you can accurately determine any signs of discomfort.
Handling
While most cats, dogs, and small rodents are friendly to humans and enjoy being handled to some extent, exotic pets can be more reticent. Although this will depend greatly on the type of pet you choose, many exotic pet owners don’t adopt their animals with a view to cuddling up with them. Respect your pet’s boundaries in order to build their trust and develop a closer bond, even if that means no touching.
