Are you planning to have an exotic pet in your house? Do due diligence before getting an exotic pet.
While most people have cats or dogs as pets, others prefer exotic animals. There are many considerations involved in owning these not-so-ordinary pets. When many of these exotic animals are listed on the endangered species list, a variety of animals are captured, traded illegally, and sold to consumers. Therefore, DO DUE DILIGENCE BEFORE GETTING AN EXOTIC PET is very important.
Do Due Diligence Before Getting An Exotic Pet
Snakes and other Reptiles
Although snakes, iguanas, and lizards are popular exotic pets, they are not suitable for families with young children. They require high maintenance and special dietary needs. Besides, they also require large enclosures and specific temperatures simulating their environment in the wild.
While at first look, they may seem fascinating, the fact is they can pose health risks. For example, a snake’s diet may comprise mice, insects, frogs, lizards, and insects. The Lizards consume certain types of plants, bugs, spiders, and other smaller animals, depending on their size. Iguanas rely on fruits, insects, worms, and crickets.
Considering the diet of these exotic animals, the cost of feeding them could be exorbitant. Moreover, some of these exotic reptiles may have been trapped in the wild and sold to unsuspecting consumers. It would have to be determined if, for example, the snake purchased may pose a real danger to family members or other pets in the home.
Before choosing snakes or other reptiles, it is crucial to find out as much as possible about their needs, if it is lawful to keep them as pets, and whether or not you can provide them with the care and attention they deserve. More importantly, they should be checked by a qualified vet to ensure they do not carry any known diseases you or your family may face.
Gerbils
Gerbils make great pets and are relatively easy to feed. They mostly live on organic pellets, carrots, and other vegetables, but you can also purchase exceptional gerbil food designed explicitly for their diet. However, since they are energetic, it is advised that you buy a large cage filled with a spinner wheel, a bottle of water affixed to the cage, a food dish, wood shavings, or hay to line the bottom of the cage.
The gerbil’s maintenance can be minimal, but they love attention and prefer to be taken out of the cage and hand-held for several hours. Many experts suggestion is better to acquire two gerbils as they are social rodents.
Therefore, before getting an exotic pet, ask yourself these questions:
- Can I afford the costs associated with maintaining this pet?
- Is it legal to own this pet?
- Do I have enough room to accommodate in my home or apartment conducive to mimicking this pet’s environment in the wild?
- Does this pet pose any health danger?
- Will I be able to provide the attention the pet needs?
- How will this pet fit in with other pets I own?
- Was this pet obtained by a breeder or traded illegally?
- Am I doing justice and giving more harm than good by keeping this exotic animal out of its typical environment?
While several exotic pets are available, albeit legal and illegally obtained, deciding whether to own one takes considerable thought. Children tend to gravitate towards gerbils, guinea pigs, and hamsters, while seasoned pet owners prefer exotic animals such as snakes and parrots.
Ideally, however, acquiring an exotic pet through a breeder is preferable. Consider that most exotic animals need to be kept in an enclosed environment since they can be dangerous to other pets in the home. On the other hand, pet stores may not be entirely candid about where the animal came from or concede that there may be existing health problems.
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Conclusion – Tips for Getting an Exotic Pet
Use caution when getting an exotic pet by ascertaining its origin, health condition, suitability in the home, and maintenance. Because many exotic animals are being transported through illegal trade, they may not be in the best shape when they reach a specific destination.
Just as humans can develop diseases from exotic animals, they are just as vulnerable to human viruses. It’s just like taking a fish out of water; they can’t possibly survive.
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