In this article we will cover some common and some rare diseases that can be transmitted to humans from their exotic pets. These diseases should be taken into consideration before purchasing an exotic pet. As with all pets, special caution should be taken in households with children or immuno-compromised people. Whenever you go to the doctor with a sickness, you should always mention that you have pets. Although severe sickness caused by a zoonosis is uncommon, knowing that you have pets is a critical piece of information for your physician.
Salmonellosis is a disease caused by the bacteria Salmonella, which is commonly found in reptiles and amphibians. Up to 90% of reptiles and amphibians carry the bacteria in their gut without showing any signs of disease. It is difficult to test for these bacteria. It is shed in feces and is transmitted to humans directly from the pet or through anything the pet has been in contact with. It is very important to change water regularly, wash your hands after handling the pet, and properly sanitize the environment. Infection with Salmonella commonly causes gastrointestinal signs (such as diarrhea) in adults, but can be fatal in children.
Giardia is a protozoa that can be transmitted from all pets, including cats and dogs. The sources of giardia include water and handling of infected animals. In humans and animals, giardia causes gastrointestinal signs, although almost half of infected humans show no signs. Giardia can be fatal in chinchillas. There is a special test available at veterinary clinics for giardia.
Dermatomycosis is a skin disease caused by fungi and can be found on all mammalian pets (including dogs, cats, rats, guinea pigs, rabbits and ferrets). The most common fungus causes ringworm, an easily identifiable skin infection. Dermatomycosis causes itchy skin and hair loss in both humans and animals. It is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact. Another skin disease is a mite disease called scabies. Scabies is also found on mammalian pets and is transmitted through skin contact. It causes itchy skin and is often associated with secondary infections.
Psittacosis is a disease caused by the bacteria Chlamydophila psittaci and can be obtained from birds in the parrot family and some wild birds. Symptoms in birds include inflamed eyes, difficulty breathing, and watery droppings. However, birds can show mild or severe signs, or show no signs at all. The bacteria are shed through feces and nasal discharge. It causes varying severities of pneumonia-like symptoms in humans. There have been very few cases of psittacosis reported, but bird owners must keep in mind that they are at greater risk than the general population.
Some diseases that you may hear of in birds are actually extremely rare in pet birds, and occur more commonly in wild birds and poultry. These include mycobacteria, New Castle disease, and campylobacter.
Cheyletiella is an uncommon mite found mostly on rabbits, but can be found on all mammalian pets. The appearance of cheyletiella gives it the name ‘walking dandruff’, and it does not usually cause itchy skin or loss of hair in the rabbit. Therefore, it often goes unnoticed by the owner. It causes itchy skin in humans, but because it cannot reproduce on humans, over time it will simply cease to exist on the skin.
Pasteurella is a common bacteria found in the respiratory tract of rabbits. Some strains can cause severe upper respiratory infection, but the majority of rabbits are symptom-free. It is transmitted through bites and scratches, and can cause fever, vomiting, and chills in humans. A very similar disease is caused by Streptobacillus moniliformis, which is transmitted by bites and scratches from rodents. It is termed ‘rat bite fever’.
Rabies is always a consideration for pets. Although it is unlikely that a household pet will get rabies, this disease is deadly in humans and animals and deserves to be mentioned. There is a rabies vaccination available for ferrets. Another highly unlikely disease is avian influenza. This is mainly a concern in poultry in parts of Asia. But as a bird owner, you should understand the concerns in the scientific community that a strain will develop that can pass between humans. Because we have never been exposed to it, it could have severe effects. This is not a concern in pet birds at this point.
As with all pets, there is also the concern of allergies. While this is not a ‘disease’, allergies to feathers, dust, dander, feed, and bedding should always be taken into consideration before purchasing a pet.
Although it is very uncommon to contract a disease from your exotic pet, it is a risk that you should understand. Houses with children and immuno-compromised individuals should be especially careful with pets. By properly handling your pet and its environment, you will significantly reduce the chance of disease transmission. Remember that the risk of obtaining a disease from your pet should be a good reason to take good care of it and should not stop you from owning an exotic pet.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Exotic Pets and Zoonosis
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Guide To Caring for An Exotic Pet Snake
In spite of this, snakes remain to be not for everyone as care is quite complex. Just like in the case of having other types of exotic animals, commitment is very essential. Thus, prior to acquiring one, it is best to have the right information about them such as behavioral characteristics, dietary and habitat requirements, and other pertinent details. Only after which should you decide if you really are capable of having one.
Several species of exotic snakes may be considered as pets but the most common are garter snakes and pythons. For first-time owners, corn snakes, king snakes, and ball pythons are, in fact, most suitable as these are gentle and not very sensitive to food and the type of habitat they are in.
On the other hand, if you are a beginner, don't think about acquiring Burmese pythons, red-tailed boas, tree boas or pythons, water snakes, anacondas, reticulated pythons and other wild snakes as they can really be dangerous especially when not handled properly. A rash approach affects their temperament negatively.
The appropriate diet and living area vary with different species. Generally, though, in creating an artificial environment for them, take note of security as they tend to get out of any enclosure. Check for gaps and the strength of the habitat itself.
Otherwise, you shall be putting others in danger as well as incurring liabilities. Also, check if there is enough space for them to move around. The size of the space must correspond well to the size of your pet.
As all snakes are carnivorous, mice and rats are the best food for them. It is better to give them pre-killed ones so as to protect them from possible injuries caused by their prey when alive.
This especially happens when the prey is given to them while they are not yet hungry and unwilling to attack. On your part, it would likewise be more convenient to have these killed rodents in a freezer than keep another habitat just for them.
Animal care, no matter what you choose as your pet, has indeed never been easy. For pet snakes, your responsibility doesn't end when you have chosen the species. It is actually just the beginning of a long-term complex relationship.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Getting an Alligator for an Exotic Pet
But if you are still keen on getting one as pet, read on the things below so you'll know what to do or what to expect.
1. You need a special license to buy an alligator. In
2. Taking an alligator from its natural habitat isn't allowed in some States. Before you go to the wild and get an alligator, check the local laws of the state first. There are states that don't allow it entirely. And some even control the feeding and harassing of alligators.
3. Alligators require a large habitat. An alligator can grow to as long as 12 feet, which is about average. Some species can even grow longer than that. That being the case, you have to make an alligator pen for them, maybe in your backyard, as big as thrice its size.
4. Alligators can be dangerous. Everybody knows this. So just because you wanted to have something exotic as a pet shouldn't be the only reason why you get an alligator. You should be ready for all the things it can do to you and the rest of the people that it can come in contact with it accidentally or intentionally. If you don't have any experience in controlling a full-grown brusque alligator think, twice in getting one for yourself.
5. Most alligators are used to a subtropical wetland climate. If you live in a rather cold state, please, don't get an alligator. It isn't used to that environment and it is going to be harmful to it and in certain instances, to its owner as well.
6. It isn't advisable to keep a baby alligator with an intention of releasing it when it is grown up. Many alligator pet owners do this. But this is really not a good practice. It makes the alligator do one of two things - to be fiercer or to lose fear entirely.
The lesson? Don't get an alligator and make it a pet unless you are ready for the responsibility that comes with it. Know what you have to know about alligators. And decide for yourself if you really want one. Technorati Profile
Monday, May 26, 2008
Guide To Caring for An Exotic Pet Snake
In spite of this, snakes remain to be not for everyone as care is quite complex. Just like in the case of having other types of exotic animals, commitment is very essential. Thus, prior to acquiring one, it is best to have the right information about them such as behavioral characteristics, dietary and habitat requirements, and other pertinent details. Only after which should you decide if you really are capable of having one.
Several species of exotic snakes may be considered as pets but the most common are garter snakes and pythons. For first-time owners, corn snakes, king snakes, and ball pythons are, in fact, most suitable as these are gentle and not very sensitive to food and the type of habitat they are in.
On the other hand, if you are a beginner, don't think about acquiring Burmese pythons, red-tailed boas, tree boas or pythons, water snakes, anacondas, reticulated pythons and other wild snakes as they can really be dangerous especially when not handled properly. A rash approach affects their temperament negatively.
The appropriate diet and living area vary with different species. Generally, though, in creating an artificial environment for them, take note of security as they tend to get out of any enclosure. Check for gaps and the strength of the habitat itself.
Otherwise, you shall be putting others in danger as well as incurring liabilities. Also, check if there is enough space for them to move around. The size of the space must correspond well to the size of your pet.
As all snakes are carnivorous, mice and rats are the best food for them. It is better to give them pre-killed ones so as to protect them from possible injuries caused by their prey when alive.
This especially happens when the prey is given to them while they are not yet hungry and unwilling to attack. On your part, it would likewise be more convenient to have these killed rodents in a freezer than keep another habitat just for them.
Animal care, no matter what you choose as your pet, has indeed never been easy. For pet snakes, your responsibility doesn't end when you have chosen the species. It is actually just the beginning of a long-term complex relationship.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Top 10 Creepy Pets
Creepy crawly pets are critters that have the potential to bring out phobias in many people. However, every kind of pet on this list makes a good pet if matched with the right owner. Be warned though: the pets on this list may surprise, shock, or even scare some of your family and friends!
1. Tarantulas
Big hairy spiders - need I say more? Just remember that tarantulas are not as dangerous as many people believe, and they are compact, quiet, clean pets.
2. Hissing Cockroaches
Okay, not many insects are as universally loathed as cockroaches. But really, these giant cockroaches are perhaps the ultimate in low maintenance pets, and are sturdy and slow enough to be handled quite easily.
3. Giant Millipedes
Did you know that millipedes don't have a thousand legs? Still, a their 100-400 legs and giant size (up to 10 inches long) make African giant millipedes a little scary for many people. However, they are really quite docile and easy to look after.
4. Emperor Scorpions
As far as scorpions go, emperors are the most suitable as pets. At an adult size of 6 inches with good sized claws and a big stinger these chunky black scorpions are pretty intimidating pets. Despite their scary looks, they are quiet, undemanding and quite long-lived.
5. Snakes
Snakes are another pet that some people find absolutely terrifying. Snakes come in a wide range of types and sizes (which should be carefully considered before getting a snake), and usually become quite tame and make excellent pets.
6. Rats
Rats still conjure up images of disease carrying pests inhabiting murky sewers for many people, but rats are really among the most ideal of pets. They are very social and enjoy interaction with their humans, and they are loaded with personality.
7. Lizards
Lizards are another group of animals that is the subject of many unfounded fears. Although they are generally not low maintenance pets, they can make great pets for owners prepared for their demands. There are a wide variety of lizards available as pets, and some are quite lovely in both appearance and temperament.
8. Frogs
Frogs are another largely misunderstood creature. From cute little dwarf aquatic frogs to homely giant bullfrogs, frogs can be very interesting pets. Although not really low maintenance pets, some are quite easy to care for and long-lived, and some are quite vocal with beautiful calls.
9. Stick Insects
These nifty little critters are very intriguing - their natural defense is excellent camouflage among the branches they live in. However, many people would not appreciate sharing their home with a four inch insect that excels at hide and seek. They are quite easy to care for and fascinating to watch.
10. Giant African Land Snails
Giant African land snails (GALS) are not available in the US, but are surprisingly popular in the UK. These snails are definitely giants, with some species reaching a foot long as adults. Imagine one of the these beauties crawling over your hand! However, they are fairly easy to care for, and they reproduce very readily (one reason they are not allowed into the US!). Article source : exoticpets.about.com
Caring for Pet Ferrets
Making a Home for the Ferret
Ferrets prefer living in spaces that resemble dens in the wild. A wired cage that is about 30 inches wide, 18 inches deep, and 18 inches long may suffice. Many ferrets like living in cages that have things to climb such as ramps and stairs. The cage should allow good ventilation, thus it is not wise to use aquariums.
The floor may be covered by linoleum tiles and carpets or other soft washable materials to make the flooring more comfortable for ferrets to walk on than wire floors. The cage should be kept within 55 to 70 degrees. It should also be cleaned regularly with hot soapy water.
Feeding Ferrets
Ferrets are carnivores that require at least 22% fat and 34% protein from animal sources. It isn't recommended to feed them dog or cat food. Chicken and turkey are ideal. Ferrets should never be fed vegetables because they are difficult to digest. Fruits are also not an option because sugars may increase tendencies for insulinoma. Egg whites should also be avoided because they can cause hemolytic anemia.
Potty Training
A small 3 to 5 inches-high cardboard box may be used as a litter box for ferrets. Litter pans should be secured to a side of the cage, far from the ferret’s eating and sleeping areas. Litter products made of plant or paper fibers are recommended to prevent clumping of fecal matter.
Keeping Ferrets Clean
Ferrets tend to produce undesirable odors. To prevent them from smelling to strongly, they can be bathed using a special ferret shampoo, kitten shampoo, or diluted baby shampoo.
It isn't advisable to bathe ferrets daily, because it will dry their skin, causing overcompensation of oil secretion, making the ferret smell more. It is also important to check the ferret’s ears for mites regularly. Ears should be cleaned using cotton soaked in a special cleanser that can be bought from a pet store.
Keeping Ferrets Active
Ferrets are very energetic animals. It is recommended to keep them entertained with toys that aren't easy to break to maintain the animal’s safety.
Ferrets can be nice pets when one knows the right ways of caring for them. Having them can be a fun and exciting experience.
Unusual species replace classic pets as top fashion accessories
Jear-old Hannah Chapman takes her pet skunk, Ichi, out for walkies on her very own lead after paying £700 for her.
But Ichi, like many exotic pets, can be unpredictable and has bitten her partner's fingers, stamps her feet and charges at her owner. "She is just such a cutie, but tends to be a lot of work to look after," admits Hannah.
And this, according to Kenny Sharp, assistant manager of the Scottish SPCA, is something a lot of people don't realise.
He explains: "Like puppies and kittens, exotic pets need a lot of looking after, and there's a misconception that you don't have to do much with them.
"They need to be properly housed, as they can escape relatively easily and make their way under the floorboards and into other people's homes."
Earlier this year Scotland got its first dedicated shelter for abandoned pets with a halfway house to care for up to 40 exotic animals.
"We have 14 centres throughout Scotland, and Edinburgh has the only exotic pet centre," adds Kenny. "We do get a lot of snakes and other exotic pets, including iguanas, from Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife, compared with the rest of Scotland."
In December last year, kune kune pigs – a small-to-medium-sized breed that used to tour the country as part of a circus – became another unusual pet in the Capital. And in 2005, Edinburgh had an alligator pet, which lived in a bath within a tower block in Leith.
According to Kenny, the dumping of exotic pets is becoming increasingly common, as owners struggle to look after their unique family members.
"It happens a lot. However, with some of the exotic animals, we don't know whether they've been abandoned or have escaped. And they can survive for some time. If people do want an exotic pet, then it's vital they get a strong enough home for them."
He adds: "I think these types of pets are seen as a status symbol for some people – a macho thing to have. And there's the misconception that you can stick them in a tank, leave them and feed them occasionally. Each animal needs a tank specially set up for it or it will suffer."
While the most popular exotic pets – which include spiders and snakes – are relatively easy to care for, experts stress that some are more demanding, time-consuming and expensive than others.
"Before deciding on a pet, think hard about it," stresses Edinburgh vet Paul McAdam. "Yes, they may look adorable and it is tempting to snap them straight up, but you need to do your homework on the species, and whether you can give them proper housing."
Moving to a new environment is stressful for all pets, so make the move easier by organising a cage or tank in advance. Many pet stores will advise on homes and help with information on the right temperatures and humidity.
And don't underestimate the cost. "Housing, food and equipment cost money, and while the exotic pet may have been relatively inexpensive to buy, they're rarely inexpensive to keep," adds Paul.
And don't forget to check the legalities of owning certain exotic pets. Otherwise you could face a fine and a criminal record. Article Source : living.scotsman.com
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Use Tips When Considering Box Turtles as Exotic Pets
However, such isn't really true since not all exotic pets are hard to keep. Some may even be easier to maintain than typical pets. One example of easy-to-keep exotic pets are box turtles.
When buying box turtles it is best to avoid doing it during the cold seasons as box turtles hibernate during such times. Box turtles tend to be stressed during the winter due to the dehydration and starvation that comes with hibernation.
A good box turtle would feel solid and weighty when you pick it up. Check for its strong reflexes by gently tugging its hind leg and seeing if it quickly and strongly pulls its legs away. The face and limbs should have no swellings, the eyes should be alert and clear. There should be no discolorations or slime on the shell.
There should be no secretions coming from the mouth and nose. There should be no breaks, cracks, or overgrowths in the beak. Common sense would usually help one find the tell-tale signs of bad condition.
Boxed turtles live well both indoors and outdoors. They just need an enclosure that allows them enough space to live in. The enclosure should be at lest 36 by 12 inches and have a wall high enough to keep the turtle from climbing out.
Box turtles prefer living on slightly moistened potting soil that have no coarse substrates that may damage their shells. There should be enough water for the turtle to dip in and climb out as it wants. For cold areas, there should be a heat source such as a heating pad to regulate the temperature.
Box turtles need only to be fed once every morning for youngsters, and every other day for adults. Box turtles need a balanced diet that contains both animal and plant materials. Varied vegetables are good when combined with canned dog food are usually recommended for the turtles. Other owners feed box turtles with mashed chicken liver, earthworms, slugs and small insects.
Keeping box turtles as exotic pets may be a good decision for many. They are easy to live with and easy to maintain. It is also very enjoyable to witness these creatures grow and live.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Iguana a product of love, knowledge
By Jan Jackson • Special to the Statesman Journal
West Salem may not look like a typical tropical neighborhood, but a 10-year old, 7-pound 4-foot iguana named Sissy thinks it's the next best thing.
She lives in an apartment in her own giant two-story cage, she sleeps all night and is awake all day, she has her own daytime place in a sun-lit window and her own UV light for summer when the sunny window is too hot. She lounges on a heating pad, eats and drinks only what she should, she sees her veterinarian when she needs to and her family loves her.
"Sissy is calm, quiet and beautiful," Ann Hussey said of her prized pet. "I keep her in her cage or in the window most of the time because she's clumsy, and when she runs around loose, she knocks stuff over with her tail. They also like to be the highest thing in the room, so more than once, I've found her hanging over the sides of curtain rod and had to peel her off and bring her back down.
"She's cage toilet-trained, which is nice. When I first got her, I put a pan of what I considered drinking water in her cage and would be dismayed because she went to the bathroom in it. I learned that in the wild, they sit on a branch over water to relieve themselves, so now instead of trying to make it a place for her to drink, I make sure she gets lots of moisture in her food."
Sissy eats dark leafy green vegetables, she likes bananas and her diet is supplemented with a canned iguana food.
"I know not ever to feed her dog food or anything else you would feed a cat or dog," Hussey said.
Sissy entered the Hussey household a year after Ann's oldest son Andrew went off to college and on an impulse, bought himself an iguana.
"I walked by a pet shop, saw the iguanas and bought" one, said Andrew Hussey, who now lives in North Salem. "When I got her, she was a year old and about the length of an egg carton — maybe a little longer with the tail. However, the responsibility of raising one is more like taking care of a child and I don't think people stop and think about that."
An iguana, he said, is definitely an adult pet that requires enough money to take the right kind of care of it. After a year, Andrew ended up giving the iguana to his mother.
"If I walked by a pet shop today, the only thing I would be tempted to buy would be dog food for my brother's dog," he said.
In the wild, iguanas can live about 25 years, but the life span in captivity is much shorter because people don't know how to care for them properly.
"You have to be very careful about which Web sites you read or who you talk to because there is a lot of bad information out there," said Dr. Richard Hillmer, Oak Hills Veterinary Clinic in West Salem. "It is critical that they have a proper diet, proper housing and the right care, which includes being kept at the right temperature range."
Hillmer works closely with Dr. Mark Burgess, who owns the Southwest Animal Hospital/Exotic Animal Practice in Beaverton and has spent the last 20 years working on small exotic pets.
"I specialize in birds, cats and dogs and see one or two iguanas a month while he sees more than that a day," Hillmer said.
"Ann has done a great job, and though we are watching Sissy closely now because she acts like she is preparing to grow another clutch of eggs, today's exam showed she is in wonderful condition."
Sissy already has laid two clutches of eggs — 40 the first time and 60 the second — and both ended up as projects in West Salem school science labs.
"The eggs weren't fertile because we don't have a male iguana to go with her, but it was still pretty interesting to see the insides," said Alex Hussey, a West Salem High school student who helps his mother care for Sissy. "It grossed some of the kids out because they look like a squishy version of our eggs on the outside and a dense yellow material on the inside.
"My friends think it's cool that we have a gigantic lizard, though no one ever comes over and asks if they can pet her."
Exotic pets need proper dental care
According to Dr. Mark Mitchell, an exotic animal veterinarian at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana, proper dental care is an essential part of exotic pet ownership. The animal that has the highest occurrence of dental issues is the rabbit.
The mouth of a rabbit is much different than that of a dog or cat, which can present some unique challenges for owners and veterinarians. Rabbits' teeth are unique compared to those in Fido's mouth, in that the teeth of a rabbit grow continuously throughout its lifetime.
As with most things in nature, the form of rabbits' teeth is certainly a result of their function. As an herbivore the rabbit spends much of its time chewing on fibrous plant material, which allows the teeth to be worn down naturally. However, several factors can contribute to the improper growth, position, or wear-down of the teeth, which can lead to a problem known as malocclusion.
"Malocclusion is unfortunately a very common problem in rabbits and other species with hypsodont teeth," explains Dr. Mitchell. "This issue arises when a rabbit's tooth becomes overgrown as a result of improper wearing. Causes of malocclusion and other dental issues in rabbits can range from the animal's genetics, to improper diet, to a vitamin D deficiency.
“Proper diet is critical for the prevention of malocclusion in a normal, healthy rabbit. Feed high-quality, long-stem fibrous hay, like timothy hay or Bermuda grass. Rabbit owners should also stay away from feeding only pellet-based diets, which do little to aid in the wear- down of your rabbit's teeth.”
Rabbits can also be genetically predisposed to problems with tooth overgrowth and malocclusion. Even with proper husbandry these rabbits will still have dental problems.
Malocclusion can be extremely painful and debilitating for our rabbit companions; however, since they have evolved as a prey species they are reluctant to show any sign that they are in pain or otherwise ill. If your rabbit is showing clinical signs of malocclusion such as decreased appetite, problems picking up or chewing food, lethargy, or decreased fecal matter in the cage it is important to schedule a visit with a veterinarian sooner rather than later.
Abscesses in the oral cavity or on the face can result from a malocclusion that goes untreated. If you notice any facial swelling, foul odor around the face or mouth, discharge from the mouth, or if the face is hot to the touch, these are all signs that your rabbit is in need of immediate veterinary attention.
Every rabbit, even if it seems completely healthy, should be scheduled for a physical exam at least once a year to ensure that all systems are functioning properly. Once your rabbit reaches the age of four these exams should increase in frequency to twice a year. At each physical exam your veterinarian should complete a thorough oral exam, which includes examining the oral cavity for any signs of disease and checking the growth and wear-down of the incisors, pre-molars, and molars.
This can sometimes be easier said than done. Your veterinarian may use an otoscope, the same instrument used to look in your pet's ears, with an extended cone to examine the pre-molars and molars located near the back of the rabbit's mouth. If your rabbit becomes stressed or is not in the mood to cooperate, your veterinarian may need to complete the exam under general anesthesia using an endoscope.
According to Dr. Mitchell, a thorough examination of the oral cavity is essential for proper diagnosis if your pet is showing any signs or symptoms of malocclusion since they can overlap with the signs seen with gastrointestinal issues. If all of the teeth are not inspected it would be easy for a veterinarian to diagnose a malocclusion of one of the hard to see pre-molars or molars as a gastrointestinal issue and miss the underlying cause of your rabbit's problem.
By using correct rabbit husbandry and seeing that your rabbit receives the proper preventive veterinary attention, owners can ensure that they will enjoy many happy years with their long-eared friends.
For more information regarding dental health for your rabbit or other exotic pet, contact your local veterinarian. Source : www.palestineherald.com
Exotic pet owners say they're just like dog and cat lovers
Roy and Beverly Carlson were empty-nesters whose five children had grown up, and they were seeking humanlike companionship; enter Michael the pigtail macaque (a "monkid" in pet parlance). Gwen Hovde and Andrew Reddig switched to sugar gliders because they were tired of having hamsters die on them. Kaine Trindson used to be allergic to cats and soon took a liking to reptiles.
Another trait they share with those for whom cats and dogs reign: a disdain for irresponsible pet owners. The problem with exotic pets, they maintain, is not the animals but the people, irresponsible owners and breeders.
"That's the way it is with every species," Hovde said. "Pit bulls are great pets if they're treated right. Same with sugar gliders."
Hovde is glad she lives on the west side of the river. Last December, the St. Paul City Council banned sugar gliders — adorable marsupials from Australia — but they remain legal in Minneapolis and most suburbs.
"That ban was due to ignorance, really," said Trindson, who owns and sells animals at Special-T Pets in North Branch. "They need to go after the (breeding) mills rather than the loving owners of these animals. People go to exotic shows, and (the mills) overcharge for the animals, tell the people to feed 'em cat food or whatever, don't ask any questions or talk about responsible ownership."
Exotic-pet owners aren't the only ones who stress personal responsibility on the pet owner's part. Jamie Turner, who works at the Como Park Animal Hospital and takes in exotic animals for "rescue," has observed the pattern of animals outgrowing their welcome.
"That's what you saw with the Vietnamese potbellied pigs (a 1980s fad)," said Turner. "People got these cute little animals and before long found themselves with 200-pound sows."
At times the government steps in, as with the sugar-glider ban. In 2005, the Minnesota Legislature prohibited ownership of large cats and primates, but allowed those who already owned those pets to be "grandfathered" in if they were registered. But only 80 primates and large cats have been registered, and authorities agree that there are considerably more out there. Local game sanctuaries are getting overcrowded because of owners who could not handle lions and tigers and bears.
"These animals are high-maintenance," said Trindson. "You have to treat them like family."
There are no sure cures for arachnophobia. But Jennifer Jones deserves credit for her rather novel attempt.
She got a new pet: Harriett the tarantula.
"She's a great kid. I get up in the morning and come in and talk to her," said Jones, an executive assistant from Minneapolis. "She's my little baby. Sometimes I coo to her."
Sounds like a fairly typical pet owner, except that Jones, 50, is "deathly afraid of spiders. I thought, 'Maybe I'll overcome my fears.' My friends thought I was kinda whacked out."
She got Harriett when a friend was told by his spouse that a Chilean rose tarantula no longer was welcome at their home. In the ensuing four years, Jones has gotten Harriett, now 13, a new cage ("the old one was really grotty; I said, 'Girl, you need some new digs'''), fed her mostly crickets ("she didn't go for grubworms") and tried to summon up the courage to touch a critter with eight legs, eight eyes and two fangs ("hasn't happened yet").
Has Harriett, who's named for her hirsute appearance, helped cure Jones' arachnophobia? Hardly. But Jones has found an innovative approach along those lines.
"Every spider I see in the house, I'll scoop up with a paper towel and put in her cage, and she'll devour it," she said. "And it's not like I have nightmares or anything. I have never dreamt about Harriett. I have bad dreams about work, but not about spiders."
Trindson opened a terrarium, pulled out an egg case and shook a cockroach the size of a matchbook down into his ample paw. The bug hissed. "These things creep most people out," he said, chuckling.
Ya think?
Turns out, though, that Trindson's three dozen or so Madagascar hissing cockroaches are not pets, but are being bred for reptile food ("They're really high in protein; bearded dragons love 'em," he noted).
And these critters are hardly the most intimidating animals in Trindson's collection. That would (probably) be Cookie and Vanilla Ice, the two 10-foot albino Burmese pythons that Trindson is hoping will soon produce 40 or so offspring.
It also turns out that Trindson, 28, despite his frightful pet collection, his intimidating size and a T-shirt that reads "I fart in your general direction," is a gentle giant, affable and earnest.
"This is probably my favorite," the North Branch resident said, pointing toward a Kenyan sand boa, which is strikingly beautiful (as snakes go, anyway) and grows to only about 2 to 2½ feet. But the nearby pythons, housed in long, shallow, glassed-in containers, are getting most of Trindson's attention these days, in the hopes that his first attempt at breeding bears eggs. Lots of 'em.
Trindson, who keeps these animals in a private space behind his Special-T-Pets store, "was just drawn to the large constrictors." And how does he handle these ginormous snakes?
"Very carefully," he said, chuckling.
Roy Carlson chuckled when asked about one pet-owner cliche — "yes, everybody says we look alike" — but he's even more convinced of another bond with Michael the pigtail macaque.
"We eat the same things, and that has helped keep us both healthy," said Carlson, his flat-top haircut being gently "groomed" by his monkey at his St. Paul towing-company office. "He eats 28 different fruits and vegetables a day. He hasn't had the common cold in 10 years, and neither have I. I haven't had a sick day during that time."
Indeed, Carlson is trim and vibrant at age 59, and Michael, looking almost dapper in jeans and a colorful striped shirt, is the picture of health, in fighting form at 25 pounds.
"I used to train boxers, and he's stronger than any teenage boxer I ever trained," said Carlson, alternating admonishments, encouragements and smooches with his primate pal. "You do have to let them know who's boss. The first year, he was my wife's (Beverly's) baby, a mama's boy. But then he got into a macho stage, and it's all dad now."
A decade ago, after their children had grown up, they purchased Michael in Las Vegas. "I was looking for a chimp," he recounted, after covering Michael's ears, "but found out the ones that live up north tend to catch pneumonia and die. Mikey's a tougher breed."
Which is somewhat surprising, since his native habitat is India's rain forests. Carlson waits until the temperature hits the 50s before taking his macaque for a walk, where, he says, Michael is friendly toward "99 percent of the animals he encounters."
"He's so human. He's very, very intelligent," said Carlson. He likes classical music. He knows when he's supposed to get F-O-O-D. He knows what time his favorite TV show is on."
And what would that show be? "'Planet's Funniest Animals' on the Animal Planet cable channel. He really likes TV, but we have to monitor what he watches because of the violence." Source : www.courier-journal.com
Monday, May 19, 2008
Use Tips When Considering Box Turtles as Exotic Pets
However, such isn't really true since not all exotic pets are hard to keep. Some may even be easier to maintain than typical pets. One example of easy-to-keep exotic pets are box turtles.
When buying box turtles it is best to avoid doing it during the cold seasons as box turtles hibernate during such times. Box turtles tend to be stressed during the winter due to the dehydration and starvation that comes with hibernation.
A good box turtle would feel solid and weighty when you pick it up. Check for its strong reflexes by gently tugging its hind leg and seeing if it quickly and strongly pulls its legs away. The face and limbs should have no swellings, the eyes should be alert and clear. There should be no discolorations or slime on the shell.
There should be no secretions coming from the mouth and nose. There should be no breaks, cracks, or overgrowths in the beak. Common sense would usually help one find the tell-tale signs of bad condition.
Boxed turtles live well both indoors and outdoors. They just need an enclosure that allows them enough space to live in. The enclosure should be at lest 36 by 12 inches and have a wall high enough to keep the turtle from climbing out.
Box turtles prefer living on slightly moistened potting soil that have no coarse substrates that may damage their shells. There should be enough water for the turtle to dip in and climb out as it wants. For cold areas, there should be a heat source such as a heating pad to regulate the temperature.
Box turtles need only to be fed once every morning for youngsters, and every other day for adults. Box turtles need a balanced diet that contains both animal and plant materials. Varied vegetables are good when combined with canned dog food are usually recommended for the turtles. Other owners feed box turtles with mashed chicken liver, earthworms, slugs and small insects.
Keeping box turtles as exotic pets may be a good decision for many. They are easy to live with and easy to maintain. It is also very enjoyable to witness these creatures grow and live.
Raising Axolotl Spawn
A basic guide to how I raise my Axolotl spawn from eggs to Axolotls.
By Philip B from Derbyshire on
I'm not an expert, just an every-day-Joe with an interest in our native
I've been raising Axolotls from spawn for a couple of years now, read various books, websites and forum posts (http://www.axolotl.org/ is a good site).
However, the method I use was told to me by Axolotl enthusiast who used to raise literally hundreds per year for the
Equipment for raising Axolotl hatchlings
- Buckets or large containers for keeping fresh water in
- Tanks or containers for keeping hatchlings in
- Turkey Baster (handy for cleaning and general maintenance)
- A fine net
- A less finer net (I use a tea bag strainer; used for separating smaller/larger daphnia if need be)
- A tube to siphon water
Tip: Keep some buckets of water outside. Fill with tap water and leave them there for a couple of days, then use the water for top-ups and water changes.
When you get your Axolotl spawn
Soon as you get your Axolotl Spawn - put it in a small 1ft tank (or similar) - fill 1/3 with water (from outside); put some pond weed or oxygenating plant in. Keep out of direct sun light with at temperature around 20c. At room temperature your spawn will hatch within about two weeks, so start thinking about getting some food ready for them..
Tip: Introduce some daphnia to your tank as soon as (or before) you get your spawn. All being well the daphnia will breed, creating plenty of food for your newly hatched Axolotls.
Feeding your Axolotl hatchlings
A day or so after hatching the little Axolotls (at this point looking like a cross between a tadpole and fish fry) will be ready for some food. They will only eat live food, snapping at anything small enough that swims past them.
Tip: Smaller tanks are ideal for hatchlings, the lesser the space the higher ratio of food swimming past them.
I swear by wild caught daphnia; although there is a risk of introducing disease and predators - I haven't had a problem yet. You can buy daphnia from pet and aquatic shops, but if you do - make sure it's fresh. Old bags of daphnia can be the kiss of death; giving a bacterial infection (If shortly after a feed of bought daphnia you notice a large % of Axolotls dead - do a full water change for any remaining).
Some people use baby brine shrimp - although personally I find this too much hassle to hatch, rinse then introduce ...it'll only live for an hour or so once in with your Axolotl hatchlings (not to mention the risk of killing them off with salt if not rinsed enough).
The wild caught daphnia - I get directly out of my pond. It's very hardy and will happily live along side your hatchlings until eaten. Keep your hatchlings well fed, they are transparent - so you can see if they're eating enough. Feed daily, making sure there is plenty of daphnia swimming about at all times. As your hatchlings get larger, introduce live bloodworm to their diet.
When they have been happily eating bloodworm for a few weeks, try introducing some sinking fish pellets. When they get to around the 4-5cm mark, try small or chopped up earthworms, little slugs, woodlice, crickets. Key is variety.
For me, feeding them is the fun part. I like to find little water bugs and other insects; use a little commonsense, anything that will kill or eat a tadpole will probably eat or kill a little Axolotl.
Tip: In the summer months keep an eye out for mosquito larvae - they love it!
Keeping your Axolotl hatchlings water clean
I've never used pumps or filters to keep my water clean, although it is an option. Previously I've done daily 10% water changes, however I came to the conclusion this is too much. Now, I only do a part water change once a week. Siphon the water from the bottom of the tank, sucking up all the dirty. Replace the water from the buckets outside (or treated water).
Judge when to do a full clean (usually every four to six weeks for my lot), cleaning any stones and rinsing off the plants.
As your Axolotl hatchlings grow...
Your hatchlings will grow a different rates, temperature and food seem to affect growth rate. When you notice some Axolotls are getting noticeably larger than others, it is time to separate them (or you could risk some of the smaller ones being eaten).
A few weeks after hatching, I move my hatchlings to "Under-bed Storage Containers"; to give them more floor space; these containers are cheap (approx £5.00 each), so it is always handy to have a couple of spares around.
As your Axolotls grow, you'll first notice their front legs budding - look carefully, they are tucked in under their gills. Within a few weeks these buds, will grow in to mini-front legs and you'll see little hands appearing. By this time you will notice their back legs starting to develop. Young Axolotls remain slightly transparent until about 15cm. (Source : www.exotic-pets.co.uk)
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Reasons Why You Should Become an Exotic Pet Vet
Since you are in this field for quite sometime you might think of becoming one. Being an exotic pet veterinarian has a lot of advantages. And here are just some of them.
1. You will have a broader range of clients. Imagine more people consulting you for all their pets, no matter what kind it is. That also means you will be able to earn more by being able to expand your clinic or office.
2. You will become more famous. There are just a few exotic pet veterinarians in your area, for sure. A regular veterinarian may be one too many, but an exotic veterinarian isn't. You may even have customers coming from other states, just to consult you regarding their pets.
3. You will widen your knowledge about animals. Being confined to dogs, cats, and other regular pets could be less challenging after being in the field for too long. Maybe it's time to take your expertise to another level and take on skunks, turtles, and snakes as patients.
4. You will be able to help the environment. Being a veterinarian of exotic pets would enable you to help injured and very sick animals out of danger. You can lengthen their lives and add to the preservation of their species in the process.
5. You will be able to inform other people. As you attend to sick exotic pets, you can enlighten its owners as to the proper care these types of animals need. And you will also be able to give them tips to prevent the same illness from happening again.
6. You can use your knowledge and expertise in reaching out to more people. Once you have became an exotic pet veterinarian and have done well in it, you will be able to use all the things you have learned in making informed decisions people wanting to get exotic pets. You can join an advocate protecting exotic animals or other similar organizations according to your personal beliefs and principles.
Being an exotic pet veterinarian could mean lots of things to learn and lots of information to digest, even if you are a practicing veterinarian already. You might even go back to school again for that purpose alone. But think of the things it can give you. Being an exotic pet vet can become really fulfilling so just go for it.
Did Pandas Know The Earthquake Was Coming?
Image from avlxyz
It’s been well-documented that animals are better than we are at picking up little changes in the surrounding world. Watch your dog lose his marbles 30 minutes before a thunderstorm arrives and you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about. It only makes sense then, that the pandas at Wolong National Nature Reserve near Chengdu, China, realized that an earthquake was coming long before the ground started shaking up to half an hour before, according to a British tourist who noticed a marked difference in behavior.
The pandas, which had been relaxing and eating bamboo, suddenly all got up and began to parade around their facility, according to Diane Etkins, who witnessed the event. It’s understandable for one or two animals to do such a thing or for pack animals to engage in mass behavior. There are however, 86 adult pandas at the Wolong Reserve and all of them acting in a strange manner simultaneously very clearly demonstrates that something was going on, even if it wasn’t an early detection of the earthquake.
Still, that may be the best explanation for the change in behavior. There are multiple accounts of animals fleeing or retreating into cages prior to the tsunami that struck Sri Lanka in 2004, and while it’s impossible to check the area for stimuli after such a destructive event as a 7.8 magnitude earthquake, there didn’t appear to be anything else capable of causing the behavior.
There are unsubstantiated reports that the wild pandas moved to higher terrain in the hours before the quake; something that would have definitely stirred up anxiety in the captives, as they would have been unable to follow their instincts.
Article Source : National Geographic
Friday, May 16, 2008
Choose To Be An Exotic Pet Breeder
Being an exotic pet breeder would give you these benefits. Read on.
1. It could be an added source of income for you. Imagine earning from your hobby. You can get profits from something you like doing. You can choose to sell the breed of animals that you produce to other people.
2. Breeding can save you on buying pets. Even if you don't intend to sell your pets, you can save a lot from breeding, because you don't have to buy the animals to add to your existing collection, if you are really a pet lover.
3. You have ready gifts to friends. If there are equally pet lover people you know of, you can give a pet to them as a gift. You can very well do that as a breeder. No need to find an expensive and interesting present, as you have the right one at your disposal.
4. You can help in preserving the species. Although it is illegal to take an endangered animal as a pet, you can help the environment by taking care and expanding the breed of the ones you own. That way, they will be further away from the possibility of extinction.
5. You will be able to enrich your animal knowledge. Being a breeder gives you the chance to know many things about animals, even if you didn't take zoology in college. Paying close attention to your pets will surely teach you a different thing or two everyday.
6. You can contribute to nature. Being a breeder enables you to contribute to the environment by propagating the species, or even experimenting on new breeds when applicable. These are really good roles to take on.
Being a breeder isn't simple. You can't become a breeder overnight. It takes knowledge, experience, and patience. You also may need to consult with an expert breeder or a veterinarian to help you out.
And it also entails responsibility. You might need to apply for a permit especially for that reason too. Of course, you have to follow all the legalities surrounding the transport of exotic pets for breeding purposes.
If you have dreams of becoming an exotic pet breeder, start today. Gather all relevant information about your pet. And learn everything you have to learn. Soon enough, you might just realize your goals.
Information you should know before buying an Anaconda
Basic Anaconda Facts:
This snake isn't quite the largest in the world, however it is the heaviest. A 25ft long reticulated python would weigh about 258lb whereas a Green Anaconda of the same length could weigh up to 550lb!
Its average length is about 18ft, due to lack of protection in the wild this snake rarely lives longer than 15 years. Be warned this snake can live as long as 50 years if this happens you could end up with a giant record breaker on your hands!!
Handling Points:
These animals can eat a fully grown buffalo in the wild. Handling should not be done without at least 2 extra pairs of hands. Always go for the head when grabbing it if not it will bite you and it can't pull away. Its teeth point backwards so you have to go further into this monster before you can come out.
Feeing:
This snake has a big appetite and will grow fast on big food. As sad as it is, live food is always best, as the anaconda grows it will need bigger food but less often. A good guide for a baby (50cm-90cm) a duckling sized meal. (100cm-300cm) a rat-rabbit, (300cm-600cm) a chicken-goose. It takes an anaconda along time to digest its food, during the first week of digestion leave it alone as it may regurgitate its meal.
Mating/Reproduction:
I don't advise breading an animal that has the natural instinct to form mating balls of one female and about five males. But if you want to do it then you'll need to set up a very wet, very muddy ditch that can fit your female and her eligible partners in with ease.
When the female has selected her mate she will mate, her young will develop inside her. Size determines the amount of young she will produce e.g. 16ft snake will produce about 30-40 young. It takes the young 6 months to develop, during this time the female will not eat! When she gives birth leave her to eat the undeveloped eggs and still bourns as these will give her some drastically needed energy. After she's eaten, take away the live young as she will want nothing more to do with them other than eat them. After they've been removed treat them like a newly bought snake give them a feed (chick).
Final Word:
Don't get this species of snake unless...
- You have a custom made vivarium/converted bedroom.
- Can afford to buy it's food and maintain it correctly.
- Aren't squeamish when it comes to giving this snake live animals.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
On Joining an Exotic Pet Auction
But if it is going to be your first time, listed here are the things that you should know about an exotic animal or exotic bird auction.
1. Most auctions are a one-day event. Some could extend the event to two or three days. There is also a specified date as to when and where they are accepting consignments. Joining an auction isn't limited to being a buyer of exotic animals. You can also join as a seller of such.
2. Some animals aren't accepted in auctions. This includes state regulated animals such as deer and elks, as well as all other types of poisonous animals and certain skunks. So if you are a buyer looking for a rather venomous animal or an animal not allowed in your state, don't go to an exotic animal auction anymore, because you are not going to find what you are looking for there.
3. Cameras and videos aren't allowed in an auction place. For security purposes and other related reasons, the auction sponsor reserves the right not to allow any form of camera and other image-taking equipments. So when you attend an auction, leave these things at home, because you can't use that inside anyway.
4. Auction sponsors get a sale for every item sold. If you intend to join the auction as a seller, you have to be informed that your sale is subject to commission of 5% to 20%, depending upon the price of the animal you are selling. So you can adjust your prices accordingly.
5. Auction sponsors could request for a registration fee for sellers. To ensure that the animal will arrive on the date of the auction, sponsors will ask for a registration fee, either refundable or non-refundable according to the agreement. Ask exactly how much they are going to charge per pet.
6. Admission fees can be collected from buyers. If you are coming as a buyer, a minimal amount could be asked of you as entrance fee. Usually for a 2-day event, the price is within the rage of $8 to $15. A single day event will usually be less than $10.
Is there an exotic pet auction coming up near you? If there is one, and you do want to get an exotic pet, join it. Your next best friend could be there!
