Exotic pets are very different from traditional pets. You need to ensure the right food, habitat and take it to the vet whenever necessary
Exotic pets are very different from your traditional pets like cats and dogs. Because cats and dogs are so mainstream, many people are now getting interested in keeping these exotic animals as pets. But since they differ from normal pets, the treatment and the process of taking care of them are different as well.
Before we dive into the process of taking care of such exotic animals, let us first find out what exotic pets are.
What Are Exotic Pets?
When thinking about exotic pets, you need to understand what makes them exotic. The term “exotic animal” can be defined in different ways. This is a species of animal that is not native to a certain country. It can also be a species very hard to come by. But most commonly, an exotic pet is considered to be pets that are not cats, dogs, or any farm animals.
Types Of Exotic Animals
Since those pets are not cats, dogs, or farm animals, the animals considered exotic are some rare species of birds, amphibians, reptiles, and rodents. The following types are mostly exotic-
Some exotic birds that are kept as pets: Cockatiels, Macaws, Lories and Lorikeets, Falcons, Parakeets, etc.
Exotic amphibians that are kept as pets like Amazon Milk Frog, Pixie Frog, Axolotl, Red-eyed Tree Frog, etc.
Some reptiles are exotic such as turtles, Leopard Gecko, chameleons, Snakes, Iguanas, Tortoise, Bearded dragons, etc.
Rodents are also considered as exotic pets: Syrian Hamster, Mongolian Gerbil, Guinea Pig, African Dormouse, Chinchilla, etc.
How To Take Care Of Exotic Pets
1. Food For Exotic Animals
Reptiles
The food of reptiles can vary from species to species. For example, snakes are complete carnivores. On the other hand, bearded dragons, chameleons, turtles, and most other reptiles are omnivores, eating both plants and animals.
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For snakes, you can feed them small animals such as rats and mice. For omnivorous reptiles, they need to be fed insects when they are young. The favorite insect for most reptiles is crickets. But as they grow up, shift their diet from insects to green leafy plants such as basil leaf, broccoli, etc.
Birds
Birds are herbivorous. They love to eat plants and fruits. They can eat almost all types of fruits, but there are personal preferences as well.
You might notice that some parrots like eating bananas, while others prefer carrots over bananas. So mix various fruits and vegetables on the diet of your pet bird.
Amphibians
Most amphibians are carnivorous. They love eating small insects. Amphibians eat insects when they are out in the wild, so feed them accordingly.
Smaller amphibians prefer eating smaller bugs, and they should eat only once per day. Larger amphibians who are not very active need to be fed once a week. They love eating crickets and wax worms.
Rodents
The food for rodents is very plain and simple. They love to eat fruits such as apples, bananas, strawberries, etc. They can also eat cooked meat and vegetables. You can easily prepare their meal as you prepare meals for yourself.
2. Habitat For Exotic Animals
Birds
Most birds are kept in cages. Since they are warm-blooded, you do not need any special items installed in their cage. The cage should be large enough for the bird to flap its wings. A small bar could be kept inside the cage where the bird can rest. Also, make sure the cage is well lit and ventilated.
Amphibians
Amphibians need to be kept in a container. Since most amphibians live in tropical environments, you need to create a similar environment inside the container. There should be soil and water inside the container. Since they are cold-blooded, install a warm light to keep them warm. Keep the inside of the container humid.
Reptiles
You also need a container for your reptilian pets. But since reptiles are much larger than amphibians, you will need a larger container. It is proven that reptilian animals love UVC rays.
So it is better to install a UV light that emits UV rays. This light helps to regulate their body temperature as they are cold-blooded animals. It also helps with their digestive system.
Rodents
Rodents also require a small container. But since they are mammals, and they can grow fond of human company, you might not even need any container. You can keep them free around your house. But a small space where they can exercise and sleep should be made for them.
3. Treat Various Sickness In Exotic Animals
Birds
Some common illnesses in birds include Proventricular Dilatation Disease (symptoms include vomit, weight loss, and change in bird feces), Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (symptoms include feather loss, abnormal feather development, abnormal beak growth), etc.
Amphibians
Common diseases in amphibians include Chlamydiosis (the symptom has manifestations such as pale skin, red marks or tiny spots on the face, loss of balance, and even signs of lethargy), Red-leg Syndrome (symptoms include reddening of limbs and lower body), etc.
Reptile
Some common reptilian diseases are Amebiasis (occurs mostly on carnivorous reptiles, symptoms include weight loss, not eating, inactivity), Cloacitis (symptoms include itching throughout the body), etc.
Rodents
The most common rodent disease is respiratory infections (symptoms include wheezing, coughing, abnormal breathing).
When your exotic pet behaves strangely and abnormally, take them to the vet immediately. But you need to be careful because a vet specialized in treating amphibians may not be good at treating birds. Likely, a vet specialized in treating birds may not be able to treat reptiles. So take your sick exotic pet to the vet that can cure its sickness.
Final Thoughts
Exotic pets differ greatly from your traditional pets. This is why they need special treatments. But if you can take care of them properly, they can be a great addition and create a unique environment in your house.
