Saturday, May 31, 2008

Why Choose A Rabbit As Exotic Pet?

Every person has his own choice as to the kind of pet he will bring home and take care of. Generally, people choose dogs or cats as pets since these animals are sociable and easier to take care of care. However, there are people who prefer to take care of exotic pets.

Ordinary pets are animals that people consider as pets because they are highly domesticated and subdued. On the other hand, exotic pets are animals that aren't commonly found near society, aren't domesticated and most of them belong to the wild.

A person who is planning to get an exotic pet should take into consideration his commitment in caring for such pet. If the motivation is merely to have the exotic pet shown off then it is better to think again. Owning an exotic pet is a heavy responsibility because they require special care.

Parents who are planning to give an exotic pet to their children should choose an exotic pet that is more subdued and can be easily handled by children. Safety should also be a main consideration when giving exotic pets to children.

Why not give your child a rabbit as an exotic pet? Rabbits are cuddlier and safer compared to other exotic pets like reptiles and the likes. Can you imagine your child holding a boa constrictor for a pet? Of course that would be the day! But rabbits, well they look like stuffed toys they don't even seem like exotic pets at all!

Rabbits have become a common site nowadays because there are people who breed rabbits for business purposes. Some breed rabbits for their meat while some breed rabbits for reselling. Giving a rabbit to a child as an exotic pet would surely be appreciated without the giver worrying about safety and other issues.

Rabbits are fairly easy to take care of except of course when you have to give them warmth when temperatures go down. While rabbits are simple exotic pets, they also need tender loving care so make sure to educate the child on how to take care of the rabbit. Also ask the pet store about vaccines that may be given to the rabbit to make sure it is safe and healthy.

When buying rabbits, make sure you get one with a good pedigree because they have a higher resale value. In any case, rabbits with known and good pedigrees are better to breed and to take care of as exotic pets.

Friday, May 30, 2008

Caring for Pet Ferrets

FerretFerrets may not be a common animal choice for pets, but these critters have been domesticated by humans since way back in 4 BC. Many people find ferrets nice to have and as easy to keep, if not easier, as other typical pets like dogs and cats. Here are some basic tips about caring for ferrets.

Making a Home for the Ferret

Ferrets prefer living in spaces that resemble dens in the wild. A wired cage that is about 30 inches wide, 18 inches deep, and 18 inches long may suffice. Many ferrets like living in cages that have things to climb such as ramps and stairs. The cage should allow good ventilation, thus it is not wise to use aquariums.

The floor may be covered by linoleum tiles and carpets or other soft washable materials to make the flooring more comfortable for ferrets to walk on than wire floors. The cage should be kept within 55 to 70 degrees. It should also be cleaned regularly with hot soapy water.

Feeding Ferrets

Ferrets are carnivores that require at least 22% fat and 34% protein from animal sources. It isn't recommended to feed them dog or cat food. Chicken and turkey are ideal. Ferrets should never be fed vegetables because they are difficult to digest. Fruits are also not an option because sugars may increase tendencies for insulinoma. Egg whites should also be avoided because they can cause hemolytic anemia.

Potty Training

A small 3 to 5 inches-high cardboard box may be used as a litter box for ferrets. Litter pans should be secured to a side of the cage, far from the ferret’s eating and sleeping areas. Litter products made of plant or paper fibers are recommended to prevent clumping of fecal matter.

Keeping Ferrets Clean

Ferrets tend to produce undesirable odors. To prevent them from smelling to strongly, they can be bathed using a special ferret shampoo, kitten shampoo, or diluted baby shampoo.

It isn't advisable to bathe ferrets daily, because it will dry their skin, causing overcompensation of oil secretion, making the ferret smell more. It is also important to check the ferret’s ears for mites regularly. Ears should be cleaned using cotton soaked in a special cleanser that can be bought from a pet store.

Keeping Ferrets Active

Ferrets are very energetic animals. It is recommended to keep them entertained with toys that aren't easy to break to maintain the animal’s safety.

Ferrets can be nice pets when one knows the right ways of caring for them. Having them can be a fun and exciting experience.

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Best Places to Look for Exotic Pets

Exotic pets are special pets. You can't buy it in common pet shop or similar place. You can only find these in equally special places. These animals grow in the wild and the jungles, mostly.

If you are really bent on getting an exotic pet, maybe as a gift or as your personal preference, then you have to go to these places to find one.

1. Check out the internet. The internet is an online store for many things, exotic pets included. Specialty pet shops put their store online to get more customers. If you want to know where to get exotic pets fast and easy, check out your computer. The pet you wanted could be delivered with just a click of a button.

2. Local specialty pet shops. If you can’t find just the right one you are looking for online, you can scout the specialty pet shops within your area. They are sure to have an exotic pet or two. If, unfortunately, there are none like that in there, you can ask for references from them because for sure, they know of somebody, a competitor or otherwise, that are selling exotic species.

3. Veterinarians. Although not all veterinarians sell pets, but if you try to look hard enough, you can find one that has an exotic animal for a pet and is willing to sell it to you. Maybe he acquired it from his last trip to the Caribbean or to South America. Either the case, if he is willing to sell it, you are sure to have a good deal.

4. Rescues and Shelters. Rescues and pet shelter houses would likely have animals placed in their institution. Just in the U.S., there are many places where exotic and not so exotic animals need homes. They would be willing to screen you out and give you the pet that you wanted. These are mostly coming from other people who could have abandoned these pets or didn't know how to take care of them properly.

These are the common places where you can see some exotic animals. Of course you can also go to an entirely different country to get one. But that shouldn't be necessary. Common exotic pets such as guinea pigs, iguanas, and turtles should be easy to find. But if you go for snakes, spiders, and skunks, you might just find it a little harder to look for these.

Monday, May 26, 2008

Choosing Among the Best Exotic Pet Birds

Exotic birds are among the most popular pets to keep. Not only are they absolutely beautiful, with their brilliantly colored feathers, many pet owners find them easier to take care of than, say, a fuzzy cat or a rowdy dog. However, choosing among the best exotic pet birds is rather confusing because there are several species to choose from. Here are some of the most popular exotic pet:

Sun Conures – these birds are popular among the medium-sized variety. They grow to about 12 inches in length, requiring less living space than large parrots. The feathers of Sun Conures are tinted with brilliant hues of orange, yellow, red, green, and blue.

Like parrots, Sun Conures can learn how to speak, however they can become quite vocal and noisy. They scream and screech and may not be ideal for those living in apartments buildings. Sun Conures usually live to around 20 to 35 years.

African Grays – these birds are considered to be among the most loquacious among exotic birds, they can acquire a vocabulary of up to 2,000 words. These birds are also rather intelligent, but they can get demanding and easily bored. However, African Greys can also be quite affectionate - perfect for owners who want sensible companions. They may live from 50 to 70 years.

Budgerigars – these are the most common among the pet birds and serve as good introduction to owning feathered pets. Budgies can be good pets for children and are quite attractive with a great variety of colors.

They also require a relatively small space, while being quite easy to maintain. Though they can typically learn only few words, they are intelligent enough to be able to sing and whistle tunes. Budgerigars may live from 12 to 14 years.

Parrotlets – these are among the smallest varieties of parrots. While parrotlets may be feisty they are quite intelligent just like their giant cousins. Parrotlets are also rather quiet compared to other exotic birds and thus they are ideal for owners who live in apartments or duplexes. The average parrotlet grows only to about 5 inches and lives to about 20 years.

Cockatiels – many find the medium-sized cockatiel as delightful pets. They also belong to the parrot family, and are known to be intelligent. Cockatiels usually just whistle or mimic random sounds, but they can also learn how to talk. They come in different combinations of color and can be quite attractive members of a home. Cockatiels usually live from 15 to 20 years.

There are many more exotic pet birds and it is best to consult with a breeder to find the best one for you.

Getting an Alligator for an Exotic Pet

AlligatorBaby alligators have been popular as exotic pets. They can be bought in special pet stores and souvenir shops. Some states have made rules against taking care of alligators.

But if you are still keen on getting one as pet, read on the things below so you'll know what to do or what to expect.

1. You need a special license to buy an alligator. In Florida for example, this is being practiced. There are laws regulating alligators that are taken as pets. People who wish to buy an alligator shouldn't only be licensed. They should also know exactly what they are doing.

2. Taking an alligator from its natural habitat isn't allowed in some States. Before you go to the wild and get an alligator, check the local laws of the state first. There are states that don't allow it entirely. And some even control the feeding and harassing of alligators.

3. Alligators require a large habitat. An alligator can grow to as long as 12 feet, which is about average. Some species can even grow longer than that. That being the case, you have to make an alligator pen for them, maybe in your backyard, as big as thrice its size.

4. Alligators can be dangerous. Everybody knows this. So just because you wanted to have something exotic as a pet shouldn't be the only reason why you get an alligator. You should be ready for all the things it can do to you and the rest of the people that it can come in contact with it accidentally or intentionally. If you don't have any experience in controlling a full-grown brusque alligator think, twice in getting one for yourself.

5. Most alligators are used to a subtropical wetland climate. If you live in a rather cold state, please, don't get an alligator. It isn't used to that environment and it is going to be harmful to it and in certain instances, to its owner as well.

6. It isn't advisable to keep a baby alligator with an intention of releasing it when it is grown up. Many alligator pet owners do this. But this is really not a good practice. It makes the alligator do one of two things - to be fiercer or to lose fear entirely.

The lesson? Don't get an alligator and make it a pet unless you are ready for the responsibility that comes with it. Know what you have to know about alligators. And decide for yourself if you really want one.

Monday, May 5, 2008

Exotic Pet Tiger Caring Tips

Felines are wonderful creatures. They bring so much allure and delight. They have natural class and elegance.

It even gets better when they are exotic, like the tiger. Owning a tiger is such a big feat. It is like wearing a red outfit while the rest are in gray.

How to Get Tiger as a Pet?

Tigers are exotic cats. They are difficult to get. They are not the typical house cat seen in every block in the neighborhood.

Tigers aren't available in pet shops. It is very rare to find someone who can give an offer. Yet, the moment the opportunity is out there, more things are needed in owning the exotic pet tiger.

• Is It Endangered ?

Most tigers are endangered. Thus, this could be an obstacle. Make sure that the kind of tiger you get is not endangered, or else the feline might just be good for an overnight stay.

• Know the Law

Federal and local laws could restrict or regulate the ownership of exotic pets like the tigers. Get to know these first. Violating the law may be more than just losing the pet to the authorities. It could mean paying fines and more!

• Commitment and Responsibilities

Tiger ownership is a big commitment. Be ready for the responsibilities and headaches along the way.

• Financial Capability

Expenses can't be avoided in maintaining the tiger. The tiger is a big animal, it has big needs and demands.

• Consult the Family

Owning a tiger is a big decision. Get the consent first of the family before someone gets the cold shoulder.

How to Care for the Tiger?

Once a tiger is fully settled in the household, a lifetime of companionship also entails proper care. Here are some tips to remember:

1. Housing
Get a structure to house the tiger. This should be roomy enough for the feline to move around and play around.

2. Diet
Tigers are heavy and expensive eaters. Keep a good stock of food. The food should meet the nutritional requirements of the feline

3. Veterinarian
Seek regular veterinary care. This is to ensure that the tiger gets the needed vaccination and treatment. Make sure there is one available within the vicinity who will be willing and able to attend to the exotic needs of the pet tiger.

4. Safety
Make sure the tiger is properly secured in their spot. Put structures that will confine them to avoid unnecessary escapes, for the safety of everyone in the household and neighborhood.

Getting a Tarantula as an Exotic Pet

For some people, owning an exotic pet can be quite an adventure and a challenge. There are many exotic pets that you can choose from. And for some, a tarantula is the best one on the list.

Tarantulas are spider-like species but are relatively bigger in size. They are usually found in the jungles and some species are supposed to have deadly venoms. They could also come in different colors and varieties.

If you want to get a tarantula for an exotic pet, here is a guide on which one to choose and how to take care of it.

1. Get the species that is just right in size. The size of the tarantula also corresponds to its care and maintenance. A bigger tarantula requires a larger space. It also needs more food and more care.

2. Get the spider good enough for beginners. The list includes the Chilean Rose, the Costa Rican Zebra, or the Mexican Redknee, among others. These are the types of tarantulas that are mostly ground dwellers or burrowers. They also tend to move slowly.

3. Get the tarantulas that isn't much or not entirely poisonous. Again, there are some species that can cause injuries, even to its owners. If you aren't an expert about the tarantulas just yet, maybe you can ask the pet store you are going to buy it from which types are not venomous and go for it.

4. For pets, prefer the female ones. Female tarantulas are supposed to live longer than their male counterparts. As an example, the female Chilean rose tarantula could live as long as 20 years or more. The male tarantula of the same kind is expected to live for only two years.

5. Get the younger tarantula. Some exotic pet shops know how old the pets are that they sell. Try to ask how old the tarantula is you like. If they are old enough, their lifespan may be nearing its end. And that isn't a good choice, definitely.

Here are the basic things that you should know when you intend to get tarantulas for a pet. Be careful not to buy too many, especially if you are just starting out. Try to buy one species at a time and then know everything about it. Get a feel on how it is being taken cared of. Practice with it for some time, until you are sure you are ready to handle more of them.

Saturday, May 3, 2008

Choosing the Best Exotic Pet For You

Pets are normal parts of people’s lives, it isn't at all unusual for a person to have a dog, a cat, a bird, a fish, or even a frog at home. However, some people aren't content with just having these common domesticated animals as pets.

Some want to have more exciting companions at home, and thus, there are people who choose to have an exotic pet instead. While having an exotic pet can be quite rewarding, choosing the best exotic pet for you can be very confusing.

Here are some tips that may help you find the best exotic pet for you and your family.

When choosing an exotic pet, it is important to know the reasons for owning one and the responsibilities needed for keeping one. It is wise not to be swayed by impulse. One should have a good knowledge of a particular kind of pet before buying, else, the purchase or adoption could end in disastrous results. You should know what your motivation is to choose and exotic pet, because it involves a continuous commitment.

The best exotic pet for you is one that is legal. You would not be able to keep it, in a long term, if it is illegal in your area. You might get away for the time being, but eventually, you could get caught and face the dreaded consequences.

You should also consider an exotic pet’s adult size. A critter may be cute by the time you bring it home, but you might not be aware that it would grow into a giant in a few years’ time. Be sure that you have enough space for you exotic pet to live in by the time it reaches its full growth.

It is important to know the sociability of a particular exotic pet and to match it to your preference to find the best one to keep. You should know whether you want a pet that needs much of your attention or one that would best live if left alone in its dwelling.

You must also have in mind the expenses needed in maintaining the exotic pet. A good pet would not be your pet for long if you don't have enough money to feed it and take care of it. This could even be truer with exotic pets who might need special care and attention.

The best exotic pet for you is one that you can keep, and for this to happen, you should know as much as you can, what you need in order to make this happen.