Exotic pet care

Beyond Dogs and Cats: Exotic Pets


Statistically, the majority of people have at least one pet in their family, and many of them have more than that. Multiple pets, even multiple varieties of pets are not unheard of, and the pet care industry knows that. Specialty foods, toys and other accessories line the shelves of big box retailers, pet shops and in virtual markets online. Some people could not dream of a life without their pets, but in some cases there are mitigating factors that keep them from having the traditional dog or cat. Or, some people just find that the typical pet just will not fit in with their lifestyle or personality. Whatever the reason may be exotic pets are popular for a growing number of people. But, which exotic is a good fit, which are safe, or better yet, which are even legal? And, what will your strange new pet needs be?

Strange but Small: The Little Exotics

The first category of exotics is the small group that includes the rodents, the insects, the smaller lizards, the fish and some of the birds. These are great for people who live in apartments or small houses, and many of the small exotics are fairly child friendly and easy to care for. Of course, each type does have their own drawbacks to consider, so always know exactly what you are looking at, and consider which is the best for you and your family. If you do not know how to care for a pet of any variety, especially exotic pets, do not even bring them into your home. Think carefully about what their diet consists of, what kind of home they will need to live on and if there are any additional care routines that you will need to adopt.
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The rodent family includes the small mouse all the way up to the larger guinea pigs. The mice are fairly easy to care for, with a common diet, and basic shelter needs. A small cage that is virtually escape proof is your best bet for your mousey little friend as they can take advantage of the smallest opening to race off and never be seen again. He will be tame enough for older children to hold, but might always be a bit skittish and ready to bolt without warning. Remember also, mice are lightning fast and you may never catch one once he has escaped. Escaped mice will chew through everything that they can get their little teeth on, including electrical cords, so by all means use extra care. Mice can be fed the prepackaged food and will relish additions such as pieces of fruit and vegetables as well. Mice and most other rodents do need to gnaw to keep their teeth from growing too long and sharp, but there are special blocks and sticks available for that.



Gerbils are slightly more attractive to most people than the mouse, and are very smart and easy to tame down. If a gerbil is handle gently and regularly, he will adapt and be more eager to play. Gerbils should also be kept in pairs or small groups because they are so social. Just like the mice, their diet is fairly common and easy to find, and they do not need elaborate cage set –ups.

Hamsters are similar to the gerbil, but should be kept by themselves. They are friendly, and will allow frequent handling. The problem with these small furry friends is that they are more active at night and just will not adjust to the family’s schedule. Dwarf hamsters are popular, but may not be as easy to handle for younger children.



Rats are usually not thought of as pets, but they can be very friendly, intelligent creatures. They do not mind being woke up from their daytime sleep cycles for a bit of interaction and generally do not bite as easily as their smaller cousins. Rats do need a slightly larger cage set up than mice, gerbils and hamsters, but beyond that, their needs are fairly simple. Rats can eat the same food that is packaged for small rodents, and also appreciate a nice piece of fresh produce to round out the menu. Some rats can be trained to do tricks, and most will settle into a routine fairly readily. Because they are social creatures, they should be kept in pairs. Rats do have a tendency to urine mark most of the time, so that might be an issue. http://clickserve.cc-dt.com/link/click?lid=41000000030542706



Guinea pigs are the largest of this group and are usually the first to be considered. Guinea pigs come in many different varieties, including dwarf and giant, with many color and hair types as well. These animals can become quite tame and affectionate and generally will not bite unless they are being treated roughly. Most will adapt to the family schedule so that they can interact with the children and will actually look forward to play time. Because they are bigger than others in the group, guinea pigs need fairly large cages. They also require vitamin C daily, so they absolutely must be fed fresh foods every day or they may develop scurvy.



Small birds might make an excellent pet for apartment dwellers or the very busy family as well. These include: the finch, the parakeet, the cockatiel and the canary. Basic care is practically the same for each species, and involves a cage, toys, birdseed and fresh water. Most birds do enjoy a nice bath and rarely care if they do it in separate water or in their drinking bowl. If you do get a bird there are a few things that you might want to consider: birds are messy and will scatter seed everywhere. Some birds will nip or bite no matter how gently you treat them and many will not allow themselves to be handled at all. Some birds will fly straight toward a mirror or glass the minute they are left out of the cage, so keep that in mind. Birds do not like to be left in a room all alone, so they should be kept in a common area.



Lizards, snakes and turtles are popular among kids, but occasionally give the parents the creeps. Some of them are potentially dangerous, and there are some fairly involved care needs that must be met to keep your reptile or amphibian friend healthy. Very small turtles may harbor salmonella and for that reason are not available for sale in legal pet shops. If you do find the very tiny ones, pass them by, they are far too dangerous to consider. For more information on caring for your pet turtleClick Here!

Tiny geckos and chameleons are adorable and are fairly easy to keep. They need a cage and a heat light, the right food and fresh water daily. Many of these little lizards also enjoy fresh fruits and live prey, so do your research before buying them. Remember, that some of the lizard families can grow quite large with good care, so a new cage may need to be purchased from time to time.

Snakes can be a little more difficult to raise, are not very child friendly and can be expensive to feed. In many areas of the country, snakes are not legal; so make sure that you are even allowed to have this pet before investing the expense. A snake will need a fairly large cage set up, a heat source, and for most, a live prey source. The bigger the snake is, the bigger the concern might be, and most of the very large are not appropriate for the general population. Some snakes need to be handled by experienced people and are probably better left for the zoo. If your children do talk you into a snake, consider a lovely little garter snake which are more gentle than other varieties, do not seem to mind being handled as much and can be the least expensive to purchase. (Garter snakes are commonly found in the wild in many parts of the country, but children should not be encouraged to pick up snakes while outdoors.)



Of course, fish are always a good option, especially if you are testing to see how dedicated your child is to the whole pet idea. A bowlful of beautiful gold fish will allow them to learn the responsibilities and routine of feeding a pet, but without the relentless need to walk or interact with them. If a kid cannot keep a goldfish alive, he is not ready for a golden retriever.



Some families will adopt pets that others are trying desperately to kill out of their homes. Madagascar hissing cockroaches are completely low maintenance- just put them in their cage, feed them every now and then and that does it. They will not pout if you do not play with them, and will not fight if you do, so either way is fine with them. Spiders, such as tarantulas need a secure cage and food- some will allow themselves to be handled fairly readily, while others will draw back and threaten to bite. Respect the spider’s wishes, if he does not want to be held, hands off! Some spiders can deliver a fairly painful bite, so should not be handled or kept by younger children. Also in this group are the scorpions, which are largely the non-venomous type. Not the cute and cuddly type, scorpions are generally a watch and see type of pet.

The Bigger Exotics: Furry, Feathered or Scaled



Many of the larger exotic pets can nearly take up an entire room on their own, and this category features some of the more dangerous and potentially illegal pets. Again, make sure that your community allows the pet that you have in mind and make sure that you know exactly what it will take to keep him healthy and happy.



Rabbits can be trained to use a litter box, but should not be left out of their cage when they are not monitored. Because rabbits tend to gnaw and chew on everything in their path, they can be dangerous and destructive, so only let them roam when you are right there to interact with them. Some rabbits tame down and become very affectionate fairly easily, and some are a little more aloof, so you need to study their personalities carefully. Rabbits need a fairly large cage and can be fed commercial rabbit feed, along with fresh fruits and vegetables. Rabbits that are not tamed down properly can deliver fairly nasty kicks or may bite; so extreme care should be taken when they are being handled by small children. They also need to gnaw frequently to keep their teeth from growing too long, so make sure that you provide that for them.

Ferrets are fun to watch, but can be fairly mischievous. They also have a distinct odor about them that some people will find intolerable, so spend some time with one before you purchase him. Ferrets need a fairly large habitat and also benefit from a nice place to cuddle up and sleep in. Many ferret cages feature little hammock like ferret slings that are quite nice. They eat commercially available food and can sometimes be trained to do some easy tricks. Ferrets may nip when startled, so be careful.



Chinchillas are beautiful, soft, and can be very interesting to watch. They need a decent sized cage and might benefit from being kept in pairs. Chinchillas are a little more reluctant to being held, but some might tame down enough for brief cuddle sessions. They eat a commercial diet, but require a dust bath to maintain their luxurious fur. Products for their dust baths are widely available in pet supply stores and the pet care area of most retailers.

Little hedgehogs enjoyed increased popularity a few years back and are still available. Some will allow themselves to be handled, but generally they will keep their rigid spines up, making themselves rough and sharp. They eat fruit and small insects and need a medium size cage to live in.



Some people will try to keep exotic pets that are potentially dangerous or illegal simply for the “cool” factor. It is not cool to have a baby alligator or crocodile for instance- these are relentless predators right from birth and they do not discern your fingers from their regular prey. Once these reptiles become too large to be handled, some people will release them, often in areas that are just not appropriate or ready for them, so that should be considered. Do not buy these animals, they are NOT good pets!



The Really Big Exotics



Sometimes an animal can be considered to be nothing more than livestock or a project animal, and sometimes that very same breed can be a pet, a beloved if not gargantuan friend. This category includes: ponies, sheep, llamas, goats, and potbelly pigs. Many of these have moved from the farms and into the homes and hearts of suburban families. Miniature horses have been trained to work with the blind and the disabled, and potbelly pigs nearly took the number one spot away from dogs at one point.





Of course, just as with the smaller exotics, you absolutely must make sure that you know what you are getting into with these animals, and how much space you truly will need for them. You also have to make sure that you are compliant with all zoning laws. Having a nasty fine and losing your pet is not something any pet owner wants to contend with. Remember, because of their size, these animals not only need more room to roam, they will need a larger supply of food which in turn will equal a larger supply of, well, end-product. If you are not much of a pooper-scooper, skip these pets!



Mini-horses and ponies are very intelligent animals and may misbehave if they are allowed to become bored. A professional must carefully train these animals or the animal, no matter what its size may be may present a potential danger to itself and to others. Handling a woefully headstrong pony can be worse than taking your children for their yearly shots, so make sure that all training is kept up to date. Ponies need to be seen by a vet or farrier so that their feet can be filed and re-fitted for shoes. Ponies that do not get regular foot care are at high risk for infections, injuries or foot pain. Feeding a pony will require huge bags of feed, and there is the additional expense of transporting your pet. This is not the family golden retriever, after all, you can’t just pop him into the back of the SUV and roll on down the road. They also need a stable and a fairly large area to run in.



Llamas, alpacas and sheep are often raised in large groups commercially, but are fairly popular both as 4-H project animals and as pets. A docile lamb can be just as cuddly and sweet as a dog, and many a young future farmer has given their heart away at the first bleat. They do need a penned area to run, some sort of shelter, and of course daily feed. These pets will spend much of their time grazing, so it is best that they have areas to alternate between, but if that is not possible, then they can receive supplemental fresh grass or hay instead. Sheep will need to be sheared once a year, which can be done professionally if no one in the family is brave enough to learn a new skill. Alpacas and llamas need brushing, preferably daily to maintain their silky coats. Their hair can then be packed and sold for processing, possibly offsetting some of the cost of his own care. Although many can be tamed down, both of these fairly large animals can be nippy and some are fairly stubborn. Llamas are often fond of spitting which can be very frustrating to the pet owner.

Potbelly pigs are small pig, bred to remain compact. Do not be fooled into thinking that they will remain tiny, if they are allowed to eat, they will grow to quite a large size. Kept on a strict diet, though, the potbelly pig should be manageable and with their high intelligence can be trained as easily as any dog. In fact, many owners of both have said that their pig potty trained far faster than their puppy. Potbelly pigs can be very affectionate and may even allow themselves to be taught simple tricks. They need the same amount of space as a larger breed dog, and will eat commercial pig food. Make sure that they are not fed huge amounts of anything at all, but especially table scraps. Potbelly pigs can be kept as clean as a dog, and will even walk on a leash.

Some Additional Expenses with Exotics

All pets, regardless of what type they are, will require food, medications when they are ill and attention, but many exotics also have additional expenses to consider before bringing them into your home. Some exotics will need additional medications and more frequent medical intervention to remain healthy. Some exotics are expensive to begin with and require a fairly a large, expensive cage to live in. Also, some exotic pets must be covered by additional insurance to protect their owners. Keep in mind that if you do choose to maintain an exotic that is not allowable in your area and are caught, you may face fines and confiscation of the illegal pet.

Some snakes will need frequent trips to the pet store for their supply of live prey, although this can sometimes be ordered for them over the internet. For many people, it is not the snake but its diet that creeps them out, but that is a personal choice.

More and more pet owners are choosing to buy pet care insurance, which is a good idea, especially for those pets that will require constant medical intervention. Keep in mind that some policies will not cover all exotics- there are many exceptions so you must consult a licensed agent for information and advice. In some cases, even if the pet could be insured, the price would be over the actual value of the pet, so shop carefully when you are looking into this. For the more expensive exotics though, pet care insurance might be a good idea, and should be readily available.



Another related issue with exotic pets is homeowner’s insurance. Some pets will not be covered by your policy unless they are added to it. If something should happen that involves this pet, would you be able to cover the expenses? Keep in mind how dangerous your pet could be considered, especially if he escapes from your control. If you are housing a sizable alligator that gets away from you, will you face the cost of retrieving him, on top of the fees and fines that you will likely be charged with?



Exotics to Not Have if you Have Children



Many of the pets on the above list are fairly child friendly, provided that there is adult supervision during interaction. Make sure that no matter what kind of pet you do have, that your child knows the simple rules to follow to keep everyone (including the pet) safe and healthy. These rules include:



1. Only handle the pet if he wants to be handled. If the animal has curled in a ball in the corner of his cage, or worse is snapping or biting at your child, he should back off.



2. Children should be sitting down and calm when handling the pet to keep from over stimulating him. Make sure that the child is comfortable and confident when holding the pet or he might become frightened and drop his small friend. If you have ever tried to chase down an errant gerbil, you will know how important it is that you do not allow this to happen.



3.No child under the age of ten should have or be allowed to handle snakes, spiders or scorpions. Young children will not differentiate between snake or spider types, which puts them at a huge risk for picking up a potentially dangerous species. It is not worth the risk to own one of these as pets until the child is old enough to know the difference between good and bad snakes and spiders.



4. Any exotic pet that can potentially knock down or harm a child should be treated as a dangerous pet. Children who have large dogs should not be left alone with them, no matter how sweet that dog has been in the past. This is even more important with exotic pets such as ponies, goats or other large animals. A child may forget that ponies do not like when people are behind them and get kicked, or that goats may butt because they are feeling frisky. Careful monitoring of interaction between large pets and small children is hugely important.



5. All friends and non-family members that may interact with the pet must be aware of and adhere to all of the rules above. If there is any possibility of allergic reactions, phobias or outright panic, do not allow the pet into the room. Do not bring out the spider to show Grandma if you know that she is scared silly of them.



Exotic pets can be part of your family, but only if you are careful and sensible about your choices. Do not allow your family’s health and safety take a back seat to a pet choice. Put the children first; there will be time to indulge your snake-collecting fetish once they leave the home. That being said, poor choices for exotic pets for families with children are:

1. Spiders and scorpions. Huge, creepy and not very affectionate, even the non-venomous variety can deliver a painful, nasty bite to an unsuspecting child. What’s worse is the child gets used to handling Terry Tarantula and then spots another spider crawling along on the floor and decides to play with it as well. Unfortunately the other spider was a black widow and now your child is sick- young kids do not see “bad” spiders and “good” spiders, they just see bugs and for some kids, all bugs are potential playmates. Putting one in a cage and feeding it only reinforces that idea.

2. Snakes. Snakes are on the list for the same reason as spiders and scorpions, along with some additional concerns. Some poisonous and non-poisonous snake species resemble each other and it takes an expert to tell the difference. We cannot expect a five year old to be such an expert. Even kids who are squeamish about bugs may find themselves fascinated with snakes, so they will have no fear of them. Large snakes may view small children as a potential prey source, and no cage is completely escape proof. The big snakes may also harm your child unintentionally, so it is really not worth the risk to have one in the house.

3. Alligators, crocodiles, piranhas or other biters. Besides the fact that these creatures are not even legal, they are potentially dangerous. Gators and crocs have teeth from birth and really do not care what they clamp down on. Bigger lizards have powerful jaws that may need manual manipulation to open and may carry harmful bacteria in their mouths. Some lizards are potentially as venomous as snakes as well, so you must make sure that you know the exact species that you own in case of a mishap. Piranhas are not legal pets either, but that does not stop people from owning them. Children may feed from time to time and may accidentally come in contact with one of them. If you have ever seen their nasty little teeth, you would be convinced not to have one of them, period.

4. Monkeys. Although not mentioned previously in this guide, monkeys (other than helper monkeys) are not good pets, especially with children. They are highly intelligent, but they are also incessantly curious, incredibly strong and very time demanding. Fail to give him the attention that he thinks he might need, and the monkey may start misbehaving in very annoying, or potentially damaging ways. The higher the primate, the more potential the problem may be. The legality of owning a monkey that is not trained as a helper is an issue, but you must understand that although they share much of our DNA, these are not little humans you are dealing with. Chimps for instance may share some of the same behavioral traits as a bratty two year old, but they also possess the strength of a full-grown adult- monkey and chimps belong in the wild, not in two bedroom, ranch style homes.



Owning any pet is a lot of work. They need love, food and shelter every single day. Your pet does not care if you are sick, or if you are tired or if you just had a really bad day. Before you make that decision to own a pet, make sure that you know how to treat it right. Make sure you know what kind of food he will eat and how much that food will cost you each month. Make sure that you know how to tell if your pet is not feeling well and where to take him to make him better. Make sure that everyone in the family is in agreement with this pet, and that everyone will take their fair share of the chores involved with raising this animal.



Understand what the basic likes, dislikes and routines of your pet are. If you have bought a pet that is totally nocturnal, you cannot make him frolic in the daytime. Will you be able to stand Gerry Gerbil’s exercise wheel squeaking night after night after night? Know how much space the animal will need, not just when you bring him home, but in the long run as well. And, make sure that you know and discuss the life expectancy of each pet with your entire family. If a pet is only going to live for a few months, for instance, prepare your children for that as gently as possible.



Make sure that the pet you choose is completely legal and allowable in your community. Some cities will allow for a pet, but the housing association for your subdivision will not. Make sure that you take every precaution to keep your family, your community and of course, your pet, safe. Do everything that you can to keep your pet from escaping, and if he does, make sure that you do everything in your power to recapture him. If he does make it out of your house, then alert your neighbors so that they do not get a nasty surprise.



If you do find yourself overwhelmed by the care of your exotic pet, do not consider releasing him into the “wild”, especially if that means the wooded area outside of your home or the local park. He is not assimilated to the wild; he will wreak havoc with the established ecosystem and can make himself quite a nuisance. If you do release your pet in this way, you could be in violation of some major laws, and in the case of some pets, face criminal action. If you must give up your pet, your first call should be to the pet shop that you bought him from. They may have a program in place that would allow you to bring him back. If not, then call the local animal shelter for advice. Even if they do not have the space, the staffing or the means to take your exotic pet, they may have an idea of who might. Some shelters will have contacts with wildlife preserves, zoos and other facilities that may be able to take unwanted exotic pets.



A pet is supposed to be a forever friend, not a status symbol or part of the latest trend. Do not buy a boa because you read somewhere that Britney Spears has one. Make sure you are getting a pet for all of the right reasons, and make sure that you know how to handle him. If you do not want to take the time to learn how to care for your new pet, then you do not have the time to have one.

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