Many people have exotic animal species as pets. Different types of amphibians and reptiles and small rodents are routinely kept as pets. Some of these species adapt readily to captivity and can make very enjoyable pets. These typically smaller pets can be ideal for an apartment situation. Also, these pets can make a wonderful substitute to our typical furry friends for those that have allergies to cat or dog dander.
Unfortunately, a lot of the health problems that occur in these animals are related to poor husbandry and frequently is related to improper feeding. When caring for these species it is important to consider the normal environment, typical diet in the wild, and normal feeding and drinking habits. For instance most tortoises live in relatively arid climates and most turtles live in a more aquatic environment. The conditions that one lives in would be very unhealthy for the other. Often the more exotic the animal the less we know about their natural diets and therefore tend to feed them diets that other similar species eat. With all animals it is important to provide fresh water at all times.
In general with diets for birds it is best not to feed all seed or high seed diets as these tend to be very high in fat and are not nutritionally complete. Many birds will eat all seed diets and may have no outward symptom that their diet is nutritionally poor. A lot of birds in the wild do eat seeds, but seeds are only available for part of the year. Most birds eat a variety of different foods and also have to spend a lot of their day foraging. In captivity it is best to offer a variety of foods and there are some very good pelleted diets for bird. It is also a good idea to hide some of the food in things like toys so your bird has to search for its food. Hiding food in toys can keep a bird busy which may help reduce destructive behaviors such as feather picking, especially with birds that spend most of the day in a cage.
Reptiles and amphibians can have a much more diverse natural diet and diets tend to be much more species specific and it is important to consult with someone familiar with the individual species for dietary needs. One of the most common diseases of reptiles is metabolic bone disease. This occurs from an inadequate amount of calcium in the diet or not enough exposure to Ultraviolet light or more likely to both. Light requirements are more important with these species. Almost all reptiles and some amphibians require an ultraviolet(UA) light source. This light simulates natural sunlight and is important for the conversion of vitamin D to a useable form. There are many lights on the market that can do this. I would contact a reputable reptile supply store for more information. These lights need to be placed so that they shine directly on the animals, not through the glass. Heat is also an important consideration and needs to be adjusted to the individual species. Again, a little research before purchasing a reptile or amphibian can reward you with an animal that is much healthier and may live considerably longer.
Small rodents may be the easiest to care for. They tend to adapt readily to a cage environment. There are pelleted diets made for these species and the ones formulated from grass hay are the best. All pelleted diets should be fed in small amounts and supplemented with fresh hay or grass and a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables depending on the individual species.
These more exotic animal species can make wonderful pets. I would recommend that if you are interested in any of them to research the internet for the individual species needs before making the commitment to purchase these animals for a pet.
As usual, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact Dr. Melanie Caviness, wildernessvet1@qwestoffice.net or go to the website, wildernessvet.com. If you have a question about an exotic pet or small mammal, I will get an answer from one of my associates that treats those pets.
