What Are Exotic Pets

Exotic pets are the type of pets that are rare, unusual, and generally considered wild species rather than just pets.^{1} Lately, many people are turning toward adopting exotic pets. But sometimes, owning an exotic pet turns into a trouble because the biggest thing to consider here is: Exotic pets are high maintenance.^{2)

Long back, the animals that were caught in the wild were called exotic pets. But, the meaning has changed with time. The meaning also changes with location, culture and time.^{2)

Categories of Exotic Pets

Exotic pets can be divided into certain categories, so let’s understand them.

Insects and Arachnids

Before adopting an insect or arachnid, It is necessary to check that it is not poisonous and safe to be kept at home. In general, these make very low maintenance pets. Some of the examples of insects and arachnids pets are:

• Tarantulas 
• Scorpions 
• Praying Mantises 
• Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches^{2)

Birds

Birds require lesser attention, which makes them easy to look after. Space can be one issue for bird owners. For enough space, huge cages are required. Further, you need to keep the windows, etc closed; and once kept in captivity, birds may not survive if left free. Some of the examples of the exotic birds are: 

• African Grey Parrots 
• Canary-Winged Parakeets (also known as Bee Bees) 
• Cockatoos 
• Lories (also known as Lorikeets) 
• Toucans^{2)

Amphibians

A variety of frogs make great Amphibian pets. They are mostly low maintenance, but need special care. You might need to create a perfect environment of water as well as land for them to feel comfortable. As they have very thin skin, they should only be held after wearing special gloves. Some of the amphibian pet species are:

• Northern Leopard Frogs 
• Fire-bellied Toads 
• Dwarf Clawed Frogs 

Reptiles

Caring for the reptiles can be a bit complex as compared to cats and dogs. Proper caging and avoiding physical contact is important, as they can carry some diseases with them. While thinking about their accomodation, consider how big they can grow. Some reptiles may also need additional support in regulating their body temperature. Some of the exotic reptiles that you can keep as pets are:

• Burmese Pythons 
• Ornate Box Turtles^{2)

Rodents and Weasels

Rodents and weasels stay up at night and sleep during the day. Some rodents are now accepted as usual pets, but they are still exotic such as:

• Chinchillas 
• Prairie Dogs 
• Rats 
• Ferrets^{2)

There are many other types of exotic pets in the world. Before getting one, find out which ones are legal.^{2)

Are Exotic Pets Legal in The UK

The Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 says that one needs a valid licence to adopt some of the dangerous wild animals in the UK. The license is issued only after you prove that you have all the knowledge related to the safety and other requirements of that particular pet. You may apply for the license on the UK’s government website.^{3}

Things to Consider Before Bringing an Exotic Pet 

1. All the pets that are exotic do not like the human touch; and touching some of them can be unhealthy for you. So, take care of this before you think about owning an exotic pet. 
2. These pets come along with their specific dietary requirements as well. Some reptiles may need to eat dead rats at times, some amphibians may require live insects for their nutritional needs, and similarly, all of these pets have their needs as per the wild environment they come from. So, do not plan on feeding them lettuce, and think about arranging the required diet.
3. Some of these pets need the right amount of humidity, light, and heat. 
4. The owner should take care of the size of their shelter. It should be comfortable according to the pet’s size and movement requirement.
5. Some pets need proper cleanliness, maintenance, and hygiene to endure. In certain cases, dechlorinated water in the form of spray should be used to clean the tanks or shelter and the surroundings of the pets. No bacteria friendly component should be allowed to develop and grow around such sensitive pets.
6. In order to maintain optimum health of your exotic pet, one should check for the local veterinarian from time to time for the health checkup of the kept pet.^{2}

How DuePet App Can Help Exotic Pet Owners 

DuePet app has been developed considering all types of pet owners in mind. Especially, all the trackers are designed to manage the health and lifestyle of the exotic pets better; for example:

• Humidity tracker helps in finding out and ensuring the right amount of humidity in your pet’s environment.
• Temperature tracker helps with maintaining the right temperature. 
• Water pH tracker has already been helping so many fish owners. 

Similarly, the app has more than 20 features to make your life easier as a pet parent. 

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FAQs

Sources

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exotic_pet 
2. https://pets.webmd.com/types-of-exotic-pets#1 
3. https://www.rufflesnuffle.co.uk/all-you-need-to-know-about-keeping-exotic-pets-in-the-uk/