Exotic Pet Ownership ? Part 1

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Exotic Pet Ownership ? Part 1

Exotic pets can be extremely fun to own. You have the opportunity to bond with an animal that is unlike any other pet. It can also be tremendously challenging, educational and ultimately rewarding. However, the success of your exotic pet experience rests with a very important decision ? what kind of pet are you going to own? Here are a few things to consider when buying an exotic pet.

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Why do you want an exotic animal as a pet?

What is your motivation? Many people want an exotic animal as a pet because they want something different. They want an animal that is unique. That?s fine; however, just because an animal is different doesn?t make it a good pet. A good pet is a pet that you can accommodate into your life and vice versa. It can easily accommodate you into its life. An animal that is accustomed to being out of doors, for example, generally doesn?t make a good pet. They want to be outside and can be destructive indoors.

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What do you want from a pet?

Do you want love? Cuddling? Loyalty? Affection? If this is why you want a pet, then most exotic animals will not meet your needs. If you want to be able to train your pet, again an exotic animal may not be the best decision.

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Are you prepared for the responsibility?

Generally, an exotic animal can make a fine pet if the owner is 100% prepared to take care of it. This means being knowledgeable about the animal?s behavior, care giving needs, and habitat. In addition to being knowledgeable about behavior, health, habitat and food, you also need to be prepared to provide these things. In addition to being a good exotic animal owner, it?s important to be prepared for the financial responsibility.

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Owning an exotic pet is expensive. Perhaps that?s why it has become such a status symbol. Regardless, it?s important to be prepared for the care, feeding, housing and maintenance of an exotic animal. Do you have the time? Many exotic pet breeds need around-the-clock care. If you do not have this kind of time to devote to your new pet, an exotic may not be right for you.

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Do you have the space?

Even smaller exotic pets can require a large space. Sugar gliders, for example, need room to jump and glide. Lemurs need room to climb trees and play. And even large snakes need room to grow.

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Do you have children?

Many exotic pets are not compatible with children. They can bite, scratch and many carry salmonella. Not to mention that many exotic pets are quite delicate and children can unintentionally harm a pet. Do you own other pets? If you already have a domestic pet then you may want to tread carefully with an exotic pet. Many pet types don?t mix well. Are you prepared to educate yourself about the needs, behaviors and habits of an exotic pet? In addition to having access to a veterinarian, you?ll need to be educated yourself. You?ll need to know what to expect from your pet, how to feed and care for them properly and what health concerns to look for.

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Are you prepared for the risks?

Exotic animals are not going to live by your rules. They will bite, destroy, scratch and behave as if they are in the wild. In fact, if they?re not cared for properly they?ll behave much worse than they would in the wild. This can leave you with a disaster, injuries and heartache.

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Are you prepared to deal with health issues?

Exotic pets have unique health problems. The health of your exotic pet is important and it poses two challenges for pet owners. The first is that you may not have a veterinarian nearby that is experienced in treating your particular animal. You may find that the closest expert for your particular pet is hundreds of miles away. In a medical or health emergency this can present a real problem. Secondly, you may not be aware of the? potential health problems and common issues for your exotic pet. You can educate yourself; however, there may be a lot to know and it?s important to have an expert to rely on.

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What will happen to your pet while you are on vacation?

It may be quite difficult to find a pet sitter who is ready, willing and able to watch your pet while you?re out of town. And most hotels and vacation homes do not allow exotic pets. This may be okay if you don?t ever go out of town. But if you ever intend to take a vacation then you?ll need to consider your pet sitting option.

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Safety. Many exotic pets are perfectly safe.

However, many others can be quite dangerous. Teeth, claws and other defense mechanisms are natural for animals in the wild. And because exotic pets are not domesticated, meaning they?re unaccustomed to being around humans, they don?t understand our behaviors and may react by defending themselves. Many birds and reptiles carry salmonella and a number of exotic pets do too. These pose a real risk to you, your friends, and family.

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Where will you buy their food?

Finally, how are you going to feed your new pet? Many exotic pets have very specialized diets and it may be extremely expensive to feed them. It?s also possible that finding their specialized food will be extremely difficult. So do exotic animals make good pets? Yes, they can make fine pets if you?re prepared for the risks and responsibilities. Before you make a decision to buy an exotic animal and keep it as a pet, educate yourself. Talk to your veterinarian. Talk to other people who own this type of animal. Read books and communicate with experts. Analyze your motivations and expectations ? what do you want from a pet. And investigate feeding options before you buy. Finally, make sure you go into exotic pet ownership fully committed and ready to take whatever challenges come your way.

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Source: http://www.fabulousnurse.com/breakroom-discussions/life-solutions/pets/exotic-pet-ownership-part-1/

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