Know where to find supplies for exotic pets before considering owning them
Before you decide to bring home an exotic pet find out if you need a permit or license in the state that you reside, which gives you permission to house exotic pets in your home. Some animals are banned from private ownership.
Some states require the owner to obtain a permit and register the animal with authorities. Some states do not require the pet owner to get a permit and in some states there is virtually no regulation over exotic pet ownership. Find out what the law is in your state so you can afford a big headache down the line.
Next you need to know where to find supplies for exotic pets. You must find a resource that can provide you with the necessary information, food, equipment, safety tools, medication and housing materials that are required when you own an exotic pet. Small animal supplies – for ferrets, hedgehogs and sugar gliders – will be easier to find than those for large mammals.
You must also line up a veterinarian that specifically treats exotic animals. A support or “fanciers” group is an excellent source of information and sources for care and supplies pertaining to the exotic pet you are interested in owning.
The exotic pet trade is big business. Many people love having exotic animals as pets, although the ASPCA is against this practice because it can lead to extinction and endangerment of a species, as well as produce threats to the health and safety of the public and the disruption of ecosystems. This is a particular concern if the pet owner doesn’t provide proper nutrition for the exotic animal or housing. However, there are those pet owners who are excellent caretakers and accommodate the needs of their exotic pets.
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Exotic pets include bears, tigers, non-human primates, giraffes, baboons, hedgehogs, sugar gliders and prairie dogs, just to name a few of the animals that are popular in the exotic pet market.
Exotic pets, like any pet, are a huge responsibility and the owner must be committed to providing the best environment for the animal. There is a high incidence of behavioral problems, malnutrition, trauma and stress in exotic animals that are maintained as pets so try your best to head these potential problems off at the pass by providing excellent care.
Keep in mind that your exotic pet can be dangerous as well as unpredictable and destructive, particularly as it ages and gets bigger and stronger. Exotic pets can get stressed out because they are not living in their normal environs. This causes them to become agitated, and it is possible for the animal to lash out and hurt its human owners. Do not leave you children alone with an exotic animal.
Furthermore, consider that exotic pets carry certain diseases, which can be transmitted to humans and other animals. Diseases that are often found in exotic pets include rabies, salmonella, herpes B and monkey pox. These diseases can be fatal to humans.
Before you buy an exotic pet do your research and find out everything that you need to know about this particular animal so you can accommodate its needs. For example, if you are going to get an iguana know that it is very capable of defending itself when it perceives itself in danger. It can lash you with its tall. An iguana can get as big as 6.5 feet long. That is something else to consider.
Iguanas require warm temperature and light exposure, which enables them to absorb calcium. You also need to provide a shaded area for the iguana. The animal’s house should be an all glass enclosure with a screen top. Iguanas love to climb and they also like to hide so put something in the cage that it can hide behind or under and something that it can climb on. You can feed your iguana rabbit pellets or guinea pig pellets mixed with water or green vegetables and fresh fruits. The iguana needs access to water at all times
There is a wealth of information online regarding exotic pets and their needs and requirements. Start doing your research now.