Why Choose Reptiles As Exotic Pet?

Pets are a source of enjoyment and fulfillment for most people. Pets like dogs and cats serve as loyal companions to people and are rewarded with tender loving care by their owners. However, there are people who pour out their affection to exotic pets.

Exotic pets are named as such because they aren't domesticated and tamed and are most often found in the wild. However, the popularity of exotic animals as pets has encouraged pet stores to stock up on exotic pets to meet the rising demand in the market.

When a person hears exotic pet, the first thing that comes into his mind is an animal that is uncommon and maybe wild. There are quite harmless exotic pets like hamsters, mice, guinea pigs and rabbits. On the other hand, there are also exotic pets that may seem ferocious and wild at first glance.

Reptiles are one of the most favored exotic pets especially people who have a love for the outdoors. There are different kinds of reptiles but the mere sound of their names can evoke fear from people who don't know an iota about their nature.

Among the common reptiles that have been purchased or adopted as exotic pets are snakes, crocodiles, turtles and iguanas. The frightening lead character in the legend of the Loch Ness is said to be a reptile. No one can of course validate this belief and scientists are still at a loss as to the truth behind claims of people who have seen the monster.

But not all reptiles are scary. The misconceptions people have about the nature of reptiles that are often regarded as exotic pets came from ignorance and lack of willingness to accept reptiles as exotic pets.

A person who is planning to buy a reptile as an exotic pet should bear in mind that most reptiles eat meat but there are reptiles that eat plants. Make sure that you know everything about the chosen reptile because there are reptiles that can be considered venomous.

There are people who believe that keeping snakes as exotic pets will bring them luck. Some prefer to keep snakes because they are a natural deterrent to the thousands of rodents living in the neighborhood.

There are plenty of reptiles to choose from and anyone with a penchant for these strange and eerie creatures can choose from a variety of reptiles that can be found roaming in the environment or being sold in pet stores all over the world.

Use Tips When Considering Box Turtles as Exotic Pets

While many people find exotic pets to be cool, many pet owners are still quite reluctant to veer away from having dogs and cats as their animal companions. The thought of having exotic pets seems so out-of-this-world when one thinks of the special care needed for such unusual critters.

However, such isn't really true since not all exotic pets are hard to keep. Some may even be easier to maintain than typical pets. One example of easy-to-keep exotic pets are box turtles.

When buying box turtles it is best to avoid doing it during the cold seasons as box turtles hibernate during such times. Box turtles tend to be stressed during the winter due to the dehydration and starvation that comes with hibernation.

A good box turtle would feel solid and weighty when you pick it up. Check for its strong reflexes by gently tugging its hind leg and seeing if it quickly and strongly pulls its legs away. The face and limbs should have no swellings, the eyes should be alert and clear. There should be no discolorations or slime on the shell.

There should be no secretions coming from the mouth and nose. There should be no breaks, cracks, or overgrowths in the beak. Common sense would usually help one find the tell-tale signs of bad condition.

Boxed turtles live well both indoors and outdoors. They just need an enclosure that allows them enough space to live in. The enclosure should be at lest 36 by 12 inches and have a wall high enough to keep the turtle from climbing out.

Box turtles prefer living on slightly moistened potting soil that have no coarse substrates that may damage their shells. There should be enough water for the turtle to dip in and climb out as it wants. For cold areas, there should be a heat source such as a heating pad to regulate the temperature.

Box turtles need only to be fed once every morning for youngsters, and every other day for adults. Box turtles need a balanced diet that contains both animal and plant materials. Varied vegetables are good when combined with canned dog food are usually recommended for the turtles. Other owners feed box turtles with mashed chicken liver, earthworms, slugs and small insects.

Keeping box turtles as exotic pets may be a good decision for many. They are easy to live with and easy to maintain. It is also very enjoyable to witness these creatures grow and live.