Many people have misconceptions about exotic pet care. When you have a dog, you ensure they have nutritious food, plenty of fresh water, and playtime and that you take them for frequent walks so they can get plenty of exercise. The same is true for cats regarding food and water; you ensure they have a clean litter box and give them plenty of attention.
This article discusses what you can do to keep your exotic pet happy and healthy and what you should avoid doing so that your animal companion does not often end up seeing a Port Jefferson veterinarian.
What should you do when caring for exotic pets?
Naturally, you do not want them to have access to anything that could be dangerous, but remember that they need some freedom to be happy. Exotic pets require a healthy balance between freedom and structure, just like anything else. Does not that sound like owning a dog or cat? Here are the main distinctions, though.
The enclosure is significant.
Making sure exotics have the proper enclosure is one of the most crucial aspects of keeping them as pets. Exotic care begins with the animal’s home, where it will spend most of its life. If you have a turtle, its enclosure must be separate from a land tortoise. A budgerigar’s requirements will differ from a cockatoo or Indian ringneck.
Training yields excellent exotic pets.
Great exotic pets, in reality, are reflections of their owners’ relationship with them. Are you putting in the effort to be the best teacher you can be for your student? Exotics, like everything else, go through stages. They will be young, then adolescent; this period is critical for training.
Exotic pets’ diet is everything.
Exotic animals require special care when it comes to nutrition. One common misconception about birds is that they eat sunflower seeds every day. Nothing could be further from the fact; they are just fast food in the bird world. They are fine as a treat in small amounts, but if they are a regular part of their diet, expect frequent visits to the avian, exotic animal clinic here.
Think again if you are looking for exotic pets that are simple to care for. There should be no animal in your life just because you want one. Consider that statement carefully. If you want an animal because you genuinely want companionship. In that case, it should not matter what level of care they need to be happy. No one should own a snake simply for owning one; it is more than an ornament to show off to your friends.
The care of exotic animals is not for the faint of heart. However, it is gratifying if you are fully invested and willing to learn. It is difficult to describe how you feel when your bird is happily flying around your house, enjoying itself, and taking the time to come and say hello to you. When you open their enclosure, your snake may climb up your arm. It is an incredible experience.
Dental care is crucial.
Regular pet dental care is essential for the health and longevity of exotic pets. Dental problems can be challenging to spot in exotic small mammals and reptiles like rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, and ferrets. At best, their symptoms are subtle and might not become apparent until their condition worsens significantly.
Just as dental care is a regular part of our daily lives, so too should it be for our pets. Our pets should have their dental needs attended to at the very least once a year at the veterinarian’s office.
Conclusion
Avian and exotic animal care can be both challenging and rewarding. Just make sure you understand the animals’ requirements before taking them on. When it comes to exotic animals, however, their general care and training will be very different – even tricky for some.
