Pet Life
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Use Caution When Getting an Exotic Pet

While most people have dogs or cats as pets, there are others who prefer exotic animals. At a time when many of these exotic animals are listed on the endangered species list, nonetheless, a variety of animals are captured, traded illegally and sold to consumers. There are many considerations involved in owning these not so ordinary pets. Therefore, use caution when getting an exotic pet.

Snakes and other Reptiles

Although snakes, iguanas and lizards are popular exotic pets; they are not suitable for families with young children. They require high maintenance and special dietary needs.

In addition, they also require large enclosures and specific temperatures simulating their environment in the wild.

While at first look they may seem fascinating, the fact is they can pose health risks. For example, a snake's diet is composed of mice, insects, frogs, lizards and insects. Lizards consume certain types of plants, bugs, spiders and depending upon their size, other smaller animals. Iguanas rely on fruits, insects, worms and crickets.

Considering the diet of these exotic animals, the cost to feed them could be exorbitant. Moreover, as mentioned earlier some of these exotic reptiles may have been trapped in the wild and sold to unsuspecting consumers. It would have to be determined if, for example, the snake purchased may become a danger to family members or other pets in the home.

It is important then, before choosing snakes or other reptiles, to find out as much as you can about their needs, if it is lawful to keep them as pets and whether or not you can provide them with the care and attention they deserve. More importantly, they should be checked by a qualified vet to ensure they do not carry any known diseases that you or your family can be exposed to.

Gerbils

Gerbils make great pets and are fairly easy to feed. They mostly live on organic pellets, carrots and other vegetables but you can also purchase special gerbil food specifically designed for their diet. However, since they are energetic, it is advised that you purchase a large cage filled with a spinner wheel, a bottle of water affixed to the cage, a food dish, wood shavings or hay to line the bottom of the cage. Many experts advise it is better to acquire two gerbils as they are a social rodent. Maintenance of the gerbil can be minimal, but they love attention and prefer to be taken out of the cage and hand-held for several hours.

Therefore, before deciding on an exotic pet, ask yourself these questions:

• Can I afford the costs associated in maintaining this pet?
• Is it legal to own this pet?
• Do I have enough space in my home or apartment that is conducive to mimic this pet's environment in the wild?
• Does this pet pose any health danger?
• Will I be able to give this pet the attention it needs?
• How will this pet fit in with other pets I own?
• Was this pet obtained by a breeder or traded illegally?
• Am I doing more harm than good by keeping this exotic animal out of its normal environment?

While there are a number of exotic pets available, albeit legal and illegally obtained, the decision as to whether or not to own one takes a great amount of thought. Children tend to gravitate towards gerbils, guinea pigs and hamsters, while seasoned pet owners prefer more exotic animals such as snakes and parrots.

Ideally, however, acquiring an exotic pet through a breeder is preferable. Pet stores, on the other hand, may not be fully candid as to where the animal came from or concede that there may be existing health problems. Consider, too, that most exotic animals need to be kept in an enclosed environment since they can be a danger to other pets in the home.

Use caution when getting an exotic pet by ascertaining their origin, health condition, suitability in the home and maintenance. Remember too, because many exotic animals are being transported through illegal trade they may not be in the best of shape when they reach a certain destination. Just as humans can develop diseases from exotic animals, they are just as vulnerable to human viruses as well. It's just like taking a fish out of water; they can't possibly survive.

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