Basics of Exotic Pet Monkey Care

Exotic animals, like monkeys, may indeed be attractive as pets but such is certainly in violation of the animals’ natural living condition. As early as days or even hours after they are born, they are already separated from their mothers which is both unusual and unhealthy.

The monkeys are deprived of the opportunity to develop the way they are predisposed. This further adds up to the many factors that you have to take into consideration when taking care of them.

Separated from its mother, an exotic pet monkey may manifest signs of depression and other symptoms of psychological maladjustment. Thus, it may not immediately appreciate the traditional methods of caring for pets and may long for what it was supposed to have experienced in his natural living environment.

As an exotic pet owner, then, you must create an atmosphere that closely depicts such conditions. You must aim to respond to both physical and psychological needs. The only way to be aware of these needs is to gather information and observe at the very start, taking note of typical behaviors and responses.

An unsuitable cage may worsen its psychological distress and cause further behaviour problems. Its living area must be secure and spacious. It would even be better if you can provide a companion of the same specie.

In general, the area must be representative enough of nature. Modern habitats such as those commonly sold in pet shops are obviously inappropriate especially during younger years.

An exotic pet monkey, likewise, has specialized needs for food and nutrients. Diet may depend on the breed but should generally include protein-rich foods. Flowers, fruits, vegetables, insects, bugs, grasshoppers, and nuts are some other possible treats.

Unlike domestic cats and dogs, an exotic pet monkey has a greater tendency of being a carrier of diseases that may be passed on to humans. As such, ensure that it is regularly seen by a veterinarian specializing in exotic animals and is given the necessary vaccines.

However, such services may be difficult to find and may be expensive as very few actually focus on it. Just the same, though, it is still a major requirement as it protects both your pet and yourself.

Caring for an exotic animal indeed involves commitment. Keep in mind that the lifespan of these types of animals are usually longer than that of the usual pets.

Thus, before embarking on this responsibility, make sure that you are ready to face and respond to their needs and are capable of sustaining such devoted attitude. Otherwise, it would be best to leave them to nature’s care.

Guide To Caring for An Exotic Pet Snake

Having exotic snakes as pets is becoming common nowadays. This is primarily because many people who have been taking care of one assert that snakes are actually tame, contrary to popular belief.

In spite of this, snakes remain to be not for everyone as care is quite complex. Just like in the case of having other types of exotic animals, commitment is very essential. Thus, prior to acquiring one, it is best to have the right information about them such as behavioral characteristics, dietary and habitat requirements, and other pertinent details. Only after which should you decide if you really are capable of having one.

Several species of exotic snakes may be considered as pets but the most common are garter snakes and pythons. For first-time owners, corn snakes, king snakes, and ball pythons are, in fact, most suitable as these are gentle and not very sensitive to food and the type of habitat they are in.

On the other hand, if you are a beginner, don't think about acquiring Burmese pythons, red-tailed boas, tree boas or pythons, water snakes, anacondas, reticulated pythons and other wild snakes as they can really be dangerous especially when not handled properly. A rash approach affects their temperament negatively.

The appropriate diet and living area vary with different species. Generally, though, in creating an artificial environment for them, take note of security as they tend to get out of any enclosure. Check for gaps and the strength of the habitat itself.

Otherwise, you shall be putting others in danger as well as incurring liabilities. Also, check if there is enough space for them to move around. The size of the space must correspond well to the size of your pet.

As all snakes are carnivorous, mice and rats are the best food for them. It is better to give them pre-killed ones so as to protect them from possible injuries caused by their prey when alive.

This especially happens when the prey is given to them while they are not yet hungry and unwilling to attack. On your part, it would likewise be more convenient to have these killed rodents in a freezer than keep another habitat just for them.

Animal care, no matter what you choose as your pet, has indeed never been easy. For pet snakes, your responsibility doesn't end when you have chosen the species. It is actually just the beginning of a long-term complex relationship.

How to Keep the Exotic Pet Happy?

There are many exotic pets that can be raised at home. Given the many possibilities, Michael decided to get something that didn't require that much maintenance. After examining what was available in the pet store, the decision came down to a toad named Ernie.

Ernie is known as an Oriental Fire Bellied Toad. The name is derived from its physical features, which can only be found in certain parts of Southeast Asia.

What is the key to make exotic animals like this toad happy? In simple words, tender loving care. Since this is easier said and done, here are some pointers;

1. The first will be to find an appropriate home for the pet. Since toads love the water, getting an aquarium will be best. This is because this is the most ideal environment resembling the swamp.
   
   Water should only be filled between two to four inches from the bottom of the tank so that rocks can also be placed for the toad to get some warmth from artificial light or the sun.
   
   The water should be dechlorinated for at least a day before putting the toad in. This is because the acidity could affect the health of the pet less than a day after it is brought home from the store.
   


2. The aquarium will get dirty after a few days. Part of the responsibility of owning a pet is cleaning up the mess. The owner can install a filter to suck dirt but changing the water is still the best way to make sure it is safe for the toad.
   


3. Toads love to eat worms, insects or small fishes. The owner can get these from the pet store and offer them on a regular basis dyed with multivitamins to make it always feel healthy and strong.
   

Toads don’t have to be fed daily. This should be done only two to three times a week since giving too much can make the pet overweight.

Exotic animals need a lot of attention just like having a dog or a cat. It will be a good idea to read up and do some research first instead of doing it through trial and error.

The average life span of this kind a toad is between 10 to 15 years. This just goes to show that with proper care, Michael can make Ernie happy and in return they will spend a long time together.