Exotic pet species, like reptiles and other wild animals in captivity, have the same needs as they would in the wild. That’s why their needs can be challenging for owners. We advise you checking the following list of questions which potential exotic pet owners should ask themselves before bringing an animal into the family.
- Which member/s of our family will be caring for our pet?
- How much time daily must be spent on cleaning, feeding and socialization/interaction with our pet? Do we have time in our daily schedules to accommodate the time needed?
- What is the lifespan of the pet we are considering? Can we care for our pet for its lifetime?
- If my child is the main caretaker, will my new pet provide enough socialization/interaction for him/her & keep my child engaged and committed?
- What will happen if my child goes away to college or we move to a home that does not allow pets? Who will care for our pet?
All of these questions will help you to determine the suitability of a particular pet for you and your family.
If your pets haven’t spent much time in the car or in a crate, get some practice in before the big move. The ASCPA suggests easing pets into the habit by placing their food inside an open crate and having them eventually take meals inside a closed crate. Giving them treats and playing with them after crate time can help build positive feelings about the crate.
As for me, I don’t really consider parrots to be exotic pets anymore.
They do need special care though.
Thanks a lot, the checklist is really useful!