Owning, caring for, and loving a pet is undoubtedly one of life’s greatest joys. Do you have a fondness for slightly unorthodox exotic pets? If so, there are some important guidelines you will need to familiarize yourself with to provide your cuddly or scaly pet with optimal care.
Below, we highlight four popular exotic and unorthodox pets and how best to look after them.
Pet Snakes
You will find an endless number of tips regarding effective snake care on our website. Here is a general breakdown of what you will need to set up if you decide to adopt a serpentine pal:
- A terrarium: The more spacious, the better. A 20-gallon terrarium should do the trick at first, although most snakes will require somewhat larger tanks as they grow.
- Lighting: Some species of snake may require UVB bulbs.
- Heating elements: Snakes are cold-blooded creatures, which means they can’t regulate their own body temperatures. Under-tank heating pads are ideal to help keep them warm and comfortable.
- Bedding: There are a few substrates from which to choose, such as Aspen shavings, Cypress mulch, coconut fibers, and Astroturf.
- Hiding places: Snakes enjoy their privacy, so be sure to include some shelter on both sides of their terrarium.
Pet Turtles
We also have lots of info about Turtles on Cobras.org. Ensuring a combination of clean water for swimming and dry land inside a spacious terrarium is the most important aspect of caring for an aquatic turtle. Turtles also love to dig, so ensure that you include plenty of tiny rocks inside their habitat.
Place your turtle pet in the sunlight as much as possible or buy a basking lamp if you live in a region that does not see many sunny days throughout the year.
From a feeding perspective, most aquatic turtles enjoy a variety of meats, fruits, and vegetables – just steer clear of offering spinach or lettuce. They especially enjoy de-clawed crayfish, salamanders, and snails.
Pet Goats
Goats are a firm favorite farm animal. Did you know that they are actually extremely loving animals who form close bonds with their owners?
Remember, though, that is always best to get more than one goat. They are herd animals and won’t fare well on their own. Furthermore, these mammals need plenty of space to roam – approximately 270 square feet per goat. If you get a smaller goat breed, such as pygmies, 135 square feet per goat will suffice.
According to New Heritage Feed Co, it is extremely important that you find a quality, plant-based feed comprised of natural ingredients for your goats. You will also need high-quality animal feed if you want other farm animals, including goats, chickens, cows, and rabbits.
Pet Ferrets
Ferrets are simply adorable, so it is no surprise that they have surged in popularity as pets over the last few years. Like goats, ferrets are social animals, so it is always best to adopt more than one to allow for companionship.
Most animal experts insist on de-sexing your ferret when they reach six months of age to avoid health problems in the future. This is particularly important for female ferrets who remain in heat until they mate.
Ferrets are carnivores, so be sure to select a high-quality food designed specifically for them. If you can’t find any, most quality dry kitten food should suffice.
You can also feed small portions of fruits and vegetables from time to time, being careful to avoid grains, bread, milk products, and caffeine, which all could prove toxic.
Finally, ensure that you offer large, raw, human-grade bones every week to keep your pets’ teeth clean and to keep them entertained.
Bottom Line: Care for Your Exotic Pets
Caring for an exotic or unorthodox pet can be hard work, but the rewards are so worth it! Enjoy every moment spent with your new companion.
