Your Information Source for Small Exotic Pets
The Exotic Pet Factor
For many people who own or are interested in exotic pets, the animal's uniqueness is a major factor in the attraction. Remember, however, exotic pets have exotic needs. Keep this in mind, whether you're considering an exotic pet or already share your home with an unusual critter.
- Exotic pets eat exotic diets
Providing any animal an appropriate diet is the single most important thing you can do to assure a happy, healthy pet. With an unusual critter, this can sometimes be a challenge. In fact, there are some animals with diets so specialized it is almost impossible to provide an appropriate diet. Even zoos avoid them. Yet these animals are sometimes available as pets. - Exotic pets need exotic supplies
Exotic pets are likely to require cages, toys and other supplies which may be difficult to find. This is especially true with food. With more popular exotics, a "simple" diet - such as cat food - is frequently recommended. However, when it comes to caring for exotic pets, simple rarely means quality! Also, because of the specialized nature of the supplies, they will almost always cost more than items for common pets. - Exotic pets require exotic environments
Just about any exotic animal you might consider - from a pygmy mouse to a kangaroo - has a special environmental need. It may be strictly controlled temperature, humidity or light. It may be a low stress tolerance. It may be a need to hibernate. The list of possibilities is almost endless. Also, keep in mind that exotic pets almost always need more space than a similarly-sized domesticated critter. - Exotic pets have exotic heath problems
Finding a veterinarian to provide knowledgeable health care for an exotic animal may be difficult. Many vets won't treat animals they're unfamiliar with. They simply don't have the experience, facilities or resources that would be needed. An emergency is not the time to find a vet with the experience your pet will require! - Exotic pets are not fashion accessories
Getting an animal because it is "cool" is possibly the worse reason ever to choose a pet. Unlike bell-bottoms and platform shoes, you can't hide an animal in the back of your closet once the fad has passed. Choose a pet because you are committed to providing the necessary care, not because it is the new critter trend. - Exotic pets are not hamsters
Providing the special care an exotic pet requires can sometimes be difficult and will always take more time, money and knowledge than a more common critter. This includes everything from food preparation to finding the answer to a seemingly simple question. If you don't have the time or desire to provide the care an exotic animal will need, don't get one as a pet. It would be unfair to both the animal and you.
| Walking On The Wild Side |
Always remember that your exotic pet is a wild animal. This is true no matter how much socializing the animal has received. This is true no matter where the animal was born. This is true no matter how "un-wild" the animal may seem. This is as true with a sugar glider as it is with a lion.
There are differences, of course. But, two basic facts apply to all exotic pets:
- Any wild animal can sometimes be unpredictable
For your own safety - even with a sugar glider or hedgehog - keep this in mind and be prepared for occasional stubbornness or aggressive behavior. - All exotic pets have strong, unchangable wild instincts
Even the most well-socialized pet can experience a dramatic personality change if given a reason to react defensively - such as protecting newborns or defending his territory.
| Critter Safari |
Once you have decided you're committed to sharing your home with an exotic animal, finding your chosen critter may prove to be a challenge. Tracking down a hedgehog or dormouse is fairly easy, but locating a source for the extremely exotic - such as a binturong, hydrax or capybara - can take time and effort.
If you discover an animal is especially difficult to find, consider this a warning. There may well be a reason. Possibilities include the animal is illegal where you live, is unlikely to survive in captivity for various reasons, or isn't tractable. No matter how strongly you may desire an animal, it would be better not to have a pet under these circumstances.
Occasionally, we hear from people who are planning to buy an animal which has received poor care or is obviously unhealthy, because they're unable to find another source. No matter how much you desire an animal, do not do this! In addition to reinforcing the bad care practices of the seller, you're likely to end up with expensive vet bills and heartache. It is better not to have an animal than to settle for a sick one.
With some animals, there may not be a local source. Before deciding to have a critter shipped to you, consider the stress this could cause. Also, spend a lot of time talking to the seller. Get a written health guarantee. And, ask for references. Even better, go to the animal. The cost of your flight is insignificant compared to what you may spend for an extremely rare animal.
| Critter Outlaws |
Some animals aren't legal in all places. Some animals aren't legal any place. Some animals can't be brought into the United States. Some animals can't be transported across state lines. Some animals require special permits or licenses in some places. Some animals require special permits or licenses any place. Some animals are legal according to one law and illegal according to another.
In case you haven't figured it out, the legality of owning unusual pets can be confusing. Some of the regulations are valid, but others seem random or illogical. Whatever the case may be, we strongly recommend against getting an animal which is not legal where you live. An illegal animal is subject to confiscation and, if this happens, will likely be put to sleep. You, the owner, could face hefty fines and, possibly, jail time.
For specific information regarding laws where you live, contact your state Department of Wildlife. You should also contact a local animal control office or humane society, since there may be local regulations which differ from state laws. Agricultural extensions can also be a good place to check, especially for animals which could be considered livestock - and its surprising what can be included in that classification.
| The Name Game |
When you start looking for an exotic pet, you're likely to encounter various terms which can be used differently. The generally accepted definitions are:
- Exotic
An animal which is not domesticated and is not native to North America. Prairie dogs, southern pygmy flying squirrels, Virginia opossums and some other animals native to North America are frequently considered exotic, but don't meet this definition. Ferrets are also frequently considered exotic. In fact, they've been domesticated for hundreds of years. - Domesticated
An animal which has been bred in captivity for an extended period of time. In most cases, selective breeding of the animal has occurred. In many cases, this selective breeding has resulted in appearance, temperament and other traits which are significantly different from the wild counterpart of the animal. - Domestically-born or Domestic
An animal which was captive-born in the United States. This term does not, however, mean the animal is domesticated. You may sometimes see animals referred to as domestically-born in your state. This can be important in some areas of the country, where animals from outside your state may be illegal or require special permits. - Hand-tame
An animal which has received regular handling from a young age and is well-socialized.
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