Considering an Exotic Choice for a Pet: Why You Should Do Your Research First
Exotic pets used to be reptiles like snakes, certain mammals of the rodent family, and birds like the macaw. Today however, what constitutes an exotic animal is changing; some people are getting monkeys as pet for example. All animals kept as pets involve a lot of commitment and money, so before you get an exotic pet – know what you are getting into. Read about a few considerations that you’ll need to make before you purchase an exotic pet.
Exotic pets can cost quite a bit, so before you buy one, make sure that you’re financially stable, and that you won’t be moving around a lot. Lack of care, and the stress of moving is hard on animals, just like humans. Besides, even if the geographic and residential area allows you to have pets, if you move you might have to give your pet up. Pet veterinary care for exotics can be very expensive, and finding a vet that can care for them is harder too. It’s true that more vets are found that can treat these types, but you’ll need to look at this before you buy one.
Next, ask why you really want an exotic pet. Is it to stand out in the crowd or just an impulse thought? These are not at all good reasons to get an exotic pet, you would be better off with a traditional one like a dog or better yet, no pet at all. If you do decide to get an exotic make sure to have all of the supplies needed to bring it home. A lot of pets will die if the living habitat that they are used to is not set up immediately when they leave the pet shop. For example, certain lizards need ultraviolet lighting as soon as they get home, so make sure their home is adequately built. Reptilians need certain dietary requirements, and you’ll have to purchase the foods they need to live, like certain snakes need to have live bait, and some live on prey that is already dead.
Certain types of monkeys like the Capuchin are becoming very popular with people that want an exotic animal, but many don’t think about that they will grow, and they have exercise requirements, and need a cage that will let them move about freely. Think of the size that your pet will grow to, just like when purchasing a puppy, and take into account the full-grown version. Another factor is how much do you want to interact with your exotic pet? Do you want one that you can just observe, or one that will like the human touch on a daily basis? If you have children in the household, or are thinking about having them someday, then know that some animals are either dangerous for the very young, or will not provide any social interaction.
Depending on the type of exotic pet you are thinking about purchasing, there are some that don’t like to have other of their breed around - like snakes. With a lot of species if a male is kept with another male, aggression between males when trying to mate with a female can be deadly. You’ll have to worry about more animals if mating does occur, and the sad fact is that most babies of any species are discarded to a local humane shelter, and are rarely found homes. Extra costs will be incurred because certain types of animals need to socialize with their own kind, so you’ll have to end up buying two of them. Other pets in your household might not like the extra around either, and some exotics that escape could injure themselves or the other pet.
Finally, look at the fact that you might not be able to find someone that would pet sit for an exotic animal like a rat or a boa. Some people have a natural fear of squeaky or slithery animals, so factor this into the equation too. You’ll need to consider carefully if you choose a pet that can be extremely aggressive or toxic to others in or outside your household. While it’s true that getting an exotic pet is fun and interesting, make sure that you know all of the facts before purchasing one to bring home.
(No Ratings Yet)