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Exotic Pets

Not all of our family pets are furry. Feathered and scaly creatures have developed an increasingly popular role as companion animals. In veterinary medicine, “exotic” animals conventionally include birds, reptiles and small mammals such as rats, hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits and ferrets. These animals can be wonderful pets, in some cases excellent for small children, and don’t require room to run. However, they have very specific husbandry and dietary needs, can carry zoonotic diseases, and when sick can be harder to diagnose and treat than dogs and cats.

It is very important to understand that these are domesticated pet animals. True exotic wildlife and native wildlife such as tigers, other wild cats, monkeys and wolves are not suitable as pets, and many are endangered species. Venomous reptiles are also unsuitable as family pets.

Choosing an Exotic Pet:
Before you give in to temptation to purchase that brightly colored macaw or cockatoo, consider this: psittacines (parrots/conures/macaws/cockatoos/etc) have approximately the intelligence of a two year old child. This means that they also require that much attention from you, and if not given enough attention they can become aggressive, very loud, pluck their feathers or refuse to eat. Many lizards and snakes, while they don’t require as much attention as a bird, can become very large and require very specific diets, large terrariums, lights and other equipment that translates into additional time and money spent on that pet. Ferrets can be wonderfully amusing pets, but are escape artists and will get into everything, hide in your clothes, and can get sat upon in sofa cushions if you are not careful.

So consider how much free time and energy and money you have to put towards this new family member before making any commitment. You like birds but lack free time? Consider a pair of lovebirds or other small birds. You’ll still have to put some effort into learning about an appropriate diet, but with each other for company, they’ll be happy. Your son or daughter is ready for his or her first pet? A rat is actually an excellent choice. They are clean, intelligent, friendly and require very little space and a simple diet. The only major disadvantage is that small animals can be injured by an overly exuberant child. Another factor to consider with small mammals is their short life span. While this can represent a shorter commitment to pet ownership, it can also be very difficult for young children to deal with losing their furry friend.

Health Concerns:
Zoonotic diseases are diseases that are transmissible from animals to humans or vice versa. Young children, elderly adults and individuals with immune disorders are at the greatest risk of being infected by zoonotic disease. Birds can transmit tuberculosis, psittacosis, intestinal parasites and other diseases, though generally these are a concern only for immunocompromised individuals. Small mammals can occasionally transmit skin mites, though this is also very uncommon.

One of the most important zoonotic diseases is salmonellosis, caused by the Salmonella bacterium. There are thousands of strains of Salmonella, and probably all of them can cause disease. Though seen in birds and small mammals, Salmonella is much more common in reptiles. Human disease can be avoided through appropriate hygiene. Wash your hands after handling ANY pets. Don’t soak reptiles in you bath tub and don’t allow small children to kiss your turtle.

Husbandry and Diet:
Most of the health problems we see in exotic pets are a direct result of inappropriate husbandry and diet. Seed-eating birds are extremely prone to obesity, liver disease, vitamin deficiencies and shortened life expectancy. Reptiles without appropriate UV lighting, food types and temperature control are prone to metabolic bone disease, vitamin deficiencies and infections. This article cannot discuss all of the needs of these extremely diverse species, but if considering the purchase of an exotic pet, you MUST become very familiar and comfortable with that species’ needs. By the time an animal comes into the veterinary hospital with symptoms or diet or husbandry related disease it is often too late to save them, or if we can it is at great expense.

Don’t Fear Birds and Reptiles:
Though you must be dedicated and well informed to bring an exotic pet into your home, don’t be intimidated! Birds can by very interactive and fun pets, reptiles can be very relaxing and have surprising personalities and small mammals can be excellent pets for children. These unique animals can be excellent companions!

Contact Bradshaw Veterinary Clinic today at (916) 685-2494
to make an appointment for your exotic pet!

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