Do you want the thrill and excitement of owning an exotic pet?
Perhaps the prospect of having a pet that is quite unorthodox is appealing to you.
Or perhaps you want to learn about a new species in a very hands-on way.
Or maybe the reason is something else; you might be allergic to furry animals but still, want the joy of a pet as a company.
Besides, most exotic pets do not need to be walked, and contrary to popular belief, they require little space.
On top of that, the life expectancy of most exotic pets is quite longer than dogs or cats.
Whatever the motivation is for you to decide on getting an exotic pet, before you venture into this project, you should know, owning an exotic pet is no cakewalk.
As the vanity of owning an exotic pet wears off, you will find it quite challenging, even if it is a low-maintenance pet like a ferret or a chipmunk.
And the first challenge that new pet owners face is caring for their exotic pets.
While they don’t need to be walked or need constant attention from you, they have some “exotic” caring requirements. Let’s read on to find out more.
Feeding
Most exotic pets love to eat live prey, even better if they catch their prey by themselves, however, considering they live in a tank or cage it will not be feasible.
Apart from the dietary variation you also need to know about the frequency of food intake as well as their hydrating requirement.
Because overfeeding or underfeeding can be equally harmful to their health.
Make sure you get food sources that are organic and natural, store-bought inorganic foods are not suitable for exotic pet diets.
Besides the regular diet, your pet might also need supplementary nutrients that are hard to achieve through the diet. Here are some dietary needs for different exotic pet groups.
Reptiles and Amphibians
Reptiles and amphibians like live prey, but you can also give them frozen foods. For instance, snakes will prefer frozen dead mice. Dubia roaches can be the ideal diet for chameleons, lizards, and bearded dragons. Reptiles can live on plants or insects.
Rodents and Mammals
Rodents and mammals like small insects for food. Some mammals even feed on plants or grass. They love to forage, and you can provide them that opportunity with nutritionally appropriate diets.
Exotic Birds
Like rodents exotic birds also like insects. Depending on the species, they might love grains and fruits. Birds like to forage, keep that in mind while feeding them.
Pet Housing
When it comes to housing an exotic pet, you always need special and secure housing built for them.
Depending on the species, it can be a cage or a tank.
Besides, the housing might have to be temperature controlled as most exotic pets come from a different climatic condition than you, and their adaptation depends on the temperature.
For Reptiles and Amphibians
Snakes and bearded dragons are the most common reptiles for keeping as pets. Most reptiles require a glass or plastic tank known as a terrarium for housing.
If you are opting for a reptile, make sure you have a secure place to keep it; they are expert escape artists!
Amphibians need heat lamps for controlling temperature. The tank used for amphibians should be well ventilated but a sealed one, as they will also escape if they find an opportunity.
You need to keep their water tank clean to eliminate the possibility of any fungal infection from it.
For Rodents and Small Mammals
You can use a cage for small mammals and rodents like ferrets, chinchillas, hedgehogs, gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, etc. Most rodents and mammals require hiding space and nesting materials in their habitat.
However, avoid using cotton, wool, or other materials that can easily get disintegrated as nesting materials. You can find species-appropriate nesting materials in pet stores, use only for that purpose.
For Exotic Birds
Most exotic birds are large, and big cages are needed to house them.
Birds are high on the intelligence scale and, and it is necessary to make sure the cage is large enough for them to roam around and express their playfulness.
Besides, birds are messy creatures, and regular cleaning of the area is required.
Temperature
Reptiles usually need a warm temperature, and you need to install a heating mat and bulb inside the terrarium for that.
However, there should be temperature variation within the different zones of the terrarium, so that the pet can have both cool and warm spots to settle in. you also need to set up a UV lamp to provide them with enough vitamin D.
Mental Stimulation
While exotic pets are not as active as a dog or cat, they too need mental stimulation.
For instance, rodents and birds can get very hyperactive, and need proper ambiance to spend their energy.
Provide them enough room to run around and a hiding place for playing.
Create enough dark crevices where they can feel safe for a hideout.
If it is feasible, you can also take them out from the tank or cage once in a while and let them run around in your house. However, make sure it is safe for them and there is no risk of them escaping.
Health Monitoring
Exotic pets need regular health monitoring. Most of them are not socially interactive or playful and love to hide out while being dormant.
If there is anything wrong with their health condition you will not be able to find out. So make sure, take them to the nearest veterinary care for regular health check-ups.
Besides, exotic pets might also need regular grooming- such as trimming nails, beaks, and claws. Mammals and rodents might even need to get their teeth trimmed.
For this grooming care, you need to take them to a veterinarian from time to time.
Love and Care
You might know, most exotic pets are not going to be cuddly like a cat or a dog. But that doesn’t mean they don’t need love and affection from their owner.
While they might love to slumber in the dark most of the day, you also need to interact with them.
This way they will get a chance to get used to humans and become domesticated. Sometimes human interaction can be mentally stimulating for them.
The Bottom Line
Owning an exotic pet can be an exceptional learning experience. However, before you get one, make sure you legally buy an exotic pet.
Because illegal capturing of wild animals for pet business is widespread, and you don’t want to fall into that trap. The best option will be to own a rescue pet.
That way you will not feel guilty about imprisoning a species from its natural habitat just for your enjoyment.
And when you get one, make sure you are fully committed to the responsibility.
Research and knowledge are vital when you are caring for an exotic pet, the more you learn, the easier it will be for you to care for it