New Exotic Pets

SKUNKS - These adorable nocturnal creatures are hitting the pet trade this year. They come descented but require spaying (or neutering) and deworming by a veterinarian experienced with this species and that can supply extensive reference material for raising them. Skunks are susceptible to K9 Distemper and Hepatitis as well as Feline Panleukopenia and must be vaccinated to avoid disease. Fleas can also be a problem. A Skunk in not a puppy or a kitten and is not fed, handled, disciplined or treated as such, or serious physical, medical and behavioral problems can result. These are non domesticated, intelligent, mischievous & fun animals that require a lot of time and T.L.C. to raise. They are Insectivores/Omnivores and require a special diet (not just cat food) that you must be willing to prepare daily. Mazuri Omnivore Zoo Feed, fresh fruits and vegetables, Nekton MSA and occasional crickets or King Mealworms which they love dearly is one substantiated diet. Raw diets are also in, but lab work has shown electrolyte imbalances and iron deficiency anemia in some. These animals are not for everyone, so do your pre-purchase research!

PRAIRIE DOGS-

These highly social amusing animals are the same creatures seen out west. They need a lot of attention and really do better with another Prairie Dog for company. They have a life span of about 10 years and are known for their characteristic bark when excited. Being avid diggers they require a sub-straight to do so in along with a hide box for sleeping and security, and tunnels (pvc pipe works well) for fun. 70-78 degree temperatures suit them best. No vaccinations are needed but they are prone to obesity and should be on a restricted diet of rodent chow, alfalfa blocks in small amounts and free choice timothy hay and clean water.

SUGAR GLIDERS -

From New Guinea, Australia or Indonesian rain forests comes this small nocturnal tree dwelling Marsupial that is related to Kangaroos and Opossums. They are highly social and live in groups, so as with Ferrets and Prairie Dogs a second buddy is advisable. These docile creatures are fun to watch and handle, but require large cages, a hide box for sleeping/security and lots of branches for their tree dwelling nature. They are prone to malnutrition often causing rear end paralysis, parasites, pneumonia and malocclusion, so consult an experienced exotic veterinarian prior to any problems. They live 10 to 15 years and require a diet of fresh chopped fruit and vegetables, a vitamin/mineral supplement (Nekton Lori is best) and fresh gut loaded insects such as Crickets, Mealworms and Waxworms. If you're not prepared for the daily upkeep on these, don't get one!

CHINCHILLAS -

Another nocturnal critter that is cute, cuddly and playful comes to us from the Andes Mountains. Chinchillas require cooler temperatures of 50 to 70 degrees F (greater than 80 degrees F can be fatal) They like large enclosures to play and climb, again with a hide box for sleeping and a daily dusting (a must) in a chinchilla dust bath. They are prone to skin and fur problems, gastrointestinal disease and malocclusion. Feeding involves commercial chinchilla chow (Mazuri brand) and free choice timothy hay which is vital for proper digestive function as hay is to a horse. They can live 10 to 15 years so be prepared for a long relationship!

CHAMELEONS -

One of the most colorful, interesting and difficult to keep reptiles (less than a 50% survival rate) now seen in the pet trade. The difficulty stems from lack of information and different but very explicit requirements for each species which must be met. The Veiled Chameleon from Saudi Arabia requires 80°-90° day time temp., mid 70 degrees evening temp., 50% humidity and a 95°-105° basking site. The Jacksons Chameleon from Tanzania needs a 74°-84° daytime temp., a 50°-64° evening temp., 80% humidity and a 85° basking site to emulate its natural environment.

The Panther and Parsons Chameleon from Madagascar are different still! Lack of proper parameters over time plus a heavy parasite load (typical of imports) leads to respiratory and gastrointestinal disease, lack of appetite and ultimate demise. They all require a large cage with plenty of foliage and limbs, a running, dripping or misting water source, a full spectrum light and a 12-14 hour photoperiod. Their diet is primarily insects that should be "Gut loaded" as well as small amounts of green leafy vegetables and a vitamin/mineral supplement for reptiles. They are solitary, antisocial animals that do not like handling. Anyone interested in one of these creatures is urged to speak to an experienced chameleon breeder, a herpetological club member that has raised them successfully or an experienced reptile veterinarian that can supply detailed information on all the necessary parameters for the given species.

SAVANNA MONITORS -

From the rocky savannas of Africa comes this small usually docile ground dwelling Varanid. These make good pets that tolerate handling and if all husbandry parameters are met, (50% humidity, mid 80° cage temp. with a 105° basking site and up to a foot deep of substrate and a hide box, with unfiltered sunlight and a 14 hour photoperiod) makes this one of the easier to keep monitors. Originally thought to be carnivores and fed a protein rich diet this has proven to lead to obesity and early deaths from liver disease. These are now known to be primarily insectivores as proven from a long term study of gut contents of wild caught specimens. The preferred diet should consist of "gut loaded" insects such as Crickets, King Meal Worms, Wax Worms, Earth worms, cooked eggs and garden snails (their favorite) plus a reptile vitamin/mineral supplement bi-weekly. Note on Exotics: Exotic species are often far removed from their natural habitat and placed by us in an artificial one. We must meet their requirements in order for them to survive and thrive as our pets. This requires some research on your part hopefully prior to obtaining your pet. Be suspicious of misinformation when someone says "just feed it dog or cat food, or just feed it crickets."

Also, many animals are nocturnal and getting them up during the daytime to play or show others is comparable to waking you at 3:00am, quite stressful to the animal. Please try and follow their natural instincts, not yours! Animals are totally dependant on us for all their needs so do your homework and do it right!

For More Information call Dr. Jack Landess D.V.M. at Braden River Exotic Services, 8123 U.S. Highway 301, Parrish, Florida, (941) 776-1100.