Animal Mites: What to do?

Mites are an issue that a pet owner may encounter from time to time so its imperative that some insight is placed upon this issue. Mites are tiny parasitic arachnids that live on the skin, hair, feathers, or scales of an animal. They can cause itchy irritated spots and prolonged exposure could cause certain upper respiratory disorders along with many other problems. Mites either eat skin cells or suck lymph fluid from an animals body. There are many options to rid the animals of these pesky parasites depending on the type of animal and how long the animal has had them. Its no walk in the park either way but with a little dedication they can be brought to bay.

Scabies Mite. Photo courtesy of

Itching in a Miniature Pig | Avian and Exotic Animal Care, Raleigh, NC. (n.d.). Retrieved December 27, 2011, from http://avianandexotic.com/archives/861

 Once it has been established that the animal has mites if there is any other animals around, the infected animal must be isolated from the rest of the animals because mites will spread like wildfire. Don’t allow any other animals around the infected animal. It is much more difficult to get rid of a mite infestation in two or more animals. Once the infestation gets out of control it is a lot harder to control. There are several sprays that can be bought at pet shops that work decent. I have personally used sprays on parrots that have had mites and a few reptiles with mites. If the sprays are used properly, most of the time they will yield positive results. Another option for snake owners is to place the snake in a container with water for 24 hours. Make sure the snakes head isn't completely submerged but allow its entire body to be under water and place a lid on the container with holes for breathing. This will drown the mites.

One thing to keep in mind when dealing with a mite infestation is that all pet litter and the entire cage should be cleaned thoroughly with a solution of one cup bleach per one gallon of water. This dilute solution is sufficient enough to kill the mites but also won't be strong enough to harm the animal. This will eliminate any mites that may exist in the bedding. It is a good idea to sanitize the cages and bedding as soon as the mites are found. Any material that is to be reused and small enough to fit in something that has the solution should be placed in the solution for at least 48 hours.  The mites will keep coming back until everything has been sanitized.

Reptile Mite. Photo courtesy of

Recognize & Treatment of snake mites. (n.d.).Stöckl - Die Nr.1 Boa constrictor  Seite im Internet. Retrieved December 27, 2011, from http://www.boa-constrictors.com/en/Interesting_facts_about_Boa_constrictor/Boa_constrictor_Care/mites/Recognize_Treatment_snake_mites

 It is difficult to detect mites in animals because they are so small. There are several indicators of mites. Reptiles that have mites are easier to examine than birds or mammals. In most cases mites can be seen with a magnifying glass and looking over the reptiles body. If careful attention is payed to the reptile a magnifying glass may not be needed. In birds, one more serious sign that a mite infestation may be present is plucking. Other ways of determining if a parrot has mites is by looking at the base and the tip of its feathers. Looking carefully at the feathers clusters of mites may be visible. A Mammal infestation can prove to be harder to determine. Some signs to look for is lethargy, drinking an unusual amount of water, bold spots, and an overall sickly appearance. One way to visibly see if mites are on an animal is by taking a white piece of paper and gently brush the animals hair with a fine toothed comb. Once the animal is completely brushed examine the paper for mites.

If the infestation is extreme and/or it can't be determined that mites are the cause then seeking a veterinarian immediately is essential to the animals well being. Mites are a common problem that shouldn't be taken lightly. With a little information, they can be eliminated, greatly increasing an animals quality of life. It isn't bad for an animal to have mites but it is horrible if they keep mites. It is our job as caretakers of our beloved pets to ensure that they live happy, healthy, long lives.

A type of Mange. Photo courtesy of

The Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention of Sarcoptic Mange in Dogs. (n.d.). Retrieved December 27, 2011, from http://www.dogsobediencetraining.com/the-symptoms-diagnosis-treatment-and-prevention-of-sarcoptic-mange-in-dogs/

Thanks for reading!

James

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A Worldly View on Pets

Paulie at 7 months of age.

Many times most of us don’t think about the reactions to our beloved furry, scaly, or feathered companions throughout various parts of the world. While many would readily accept our companions without hesitation others may be somewhat reserved.Throughout many countries all over the world there are vary different views on owning pets. While every individual has their own perspective on animals as pets there are social norms for each country. These norms define the ideals of people who live there and how they view pets in their society. What might seem inhumane and upsetting to one, may be every day regular life for another. This isn’t to say that commonalities don’t exist. It does how infer that when going to another place far from home, these views should be taken into consideration.

Europe’s views on pets are similar to those in the United States. Pets are revered as members of the family. Some pets like dogs and cats are kept for the purposes of work. Dogs can be used for protection or some breeds are herders. Herders are dogs that push animals like cattle or sheep in a desired direction for farmers. Cats are utilized for their supreme ability to catch rodents. Birds like parrots are kept as pets in both the United States and Europe. Although the similarities exist between the US and Europe, reptiles like snakes ands and lizards aren’t kept as pets in Europe as often as they are in the US. More people in Europe keep Hamsters and gerbils as pets more so than reptiles.

Throughout Africa, most people don’t keep pets. The animals that are found throughout the homes serve a purpose. The cattle are raised for their beef and the horses are used for transport. It is likely that the choice of pet would be a dog or cat because cats rid the area of rodents and dogs offer protection. While the pet trade places high demand on animals native to Africa, few of these are actually kept by locales. Pets are more of a source of income than a companion per say.
Many Muslims view dogs as unclean. Right after a dog is touched a ritual hand washing is followed. While dogs are seen as dirty, Muslims respect all animals and it is frowned upon to hurt them in any way. Cats are looked at as wonderful companions. Muhammad kept a cat named Muezza, that he’d not disturb if it was sleeping on his cloak.

In India many people keep pets. Cows are considered sacred and highly respected. Many animals serve a purpose in India as well. Snake charming is a profession found in many areas of India because of tourism. It is a trade that is passed down from generation to generation. Types of pets found in India are dogs, monkey’s, birds and reptiles.

The most popular pets in China are dogs. While some Chinese eat dog meat, they are increasing in popularity as pets. Some Chinese see cats as good luck. Cats have been kept as pets in China for a long time. They were used to capture mice. Birds are often taken for walks in the cage by older Chinese. The older folks will carry the caged bird to a park and carry out daily exercises with the bird in the cage hanging in a tree nearby. Another common pet in Chinese culture fish. It is believed that fish bring “plenty”. The sound of the word fish is similar to the sound of the Chinese word for “plenty”. Having a fish as a pet is a wish to have plenty or a sufficient amount.

 While many cultures have similar views on pets, there are differences. Those differences should be respected. Looking at the world from a culturally considerate perspective will help harmonize the world instead of divide it. If your traveling this is one issue that may be taken into account. We can't expect others to share the same views as us. We all come from many different cultures and backgrounds. The cultures and backgrounds help define who we are. Mutual respect and an open mind is essential to obtaining a better grasp of the world in which we all live.

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Reptile Lighting (An Art)

Lighting is vital to reptile health for many reasons. From essential minerals to temperature regulation. Specific species of reptiles require specific lighting requirements. Everything from length of light to wattage will change from species to species. Desert reptiles will need different lighting than say a tropical reptile species. If the lighting requirements aren’t met this could cause a reptile to improperly grow and metabolize the nutrients it must have.

Reptiles are cold-blooded so they must use the environment to regulate their body temperature. Light is one way reptiles do this. Infrared light is used to heat up the ambient temperature in the terrarium. Another light source that some reptiles may need are basking bulbs. These emit light in a certain area in the terrarium to allow some reptiles to bask so raise their body temperature. Heat is a way for reptiles to produce energy for daily tasks.

Minerals are an important part of every animals life including our own. Reptiles aren’t an exception to that. Most reptiles need UVA and/or UVB light to break down certain vitamins. For instance UVB light will break down vitamin D3 do that calcium can be metabolized. Without the special lighting certain health conditions will not be met. A iguana may not get the amount of calcium it needs which in turn can cause mouth and other deformities.

A reptiles overall “look” is a good indicator of health. Lighting will improve the color and “look” of a reptile. Lights like UVB will also improve an animals vibrant colors and also stimulates natural behavior. The closer one can get to the suns actual lighting the more natural it is for the animal. Reptiles weren’t meant to be in terrariums, so the more natural we can make their life in them the happier they will be thus increasing their lifespan greatly.

Once I had taken in a Green Iguana who had leg deformities due to an inadequate amount of calcium. He was a cute little guy but I felt so bad for him. I knew I couldn’t fix what had happened to him but I did improve his overall health by improving his lighting like adding basking bulbs and UVB lights. His bright green color came back and his activity level increased. At that time I learned the importance of lighting requirements in reptiles.


References
Exo_Terra_Lighting_Guide_EN.pdf (application/pdf Object) A GUIDE TO LIGHTING BY EXO TERRA.
Reptile Lighting: A Current Perspective ARTICLE FROM MELISSA KAPLAN’S HERP CARE            COLLENTION.
The Influence of Light Intensity and Temperature on Microhabitat Selection in Two Anolis Lizards,. P. E. Hertz, L. J. Fleishman and C. Armsby, Functional Ecology
Vol. 8, No. 6 (Dec., 1994), pp. 720-729


Thanks for Reading!
James

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Selfish Acts

Question: What exactly is love for another living being?
Love can be defined many ways. One of the best examples of love is the sacrifice. If you love something enough to let it go for the greater good of that particular thing, then you must love it unconditionally. There are more cases of people keeping an animal in unfair conditions because of their fear of separation do to their love of that animal. Is that what love is really about? Keeping the animal no matter what the circumstances are?
We as care takers of these magnificent creatures should constantly be asking ourselves are we providing the best care for our loved animals. Now life, as it is, may bring unfortunate circumstances to us but should our beloved pets suffer because of these fallacies.Our pets are trusting us to make the right decisions for them. It’s vary similar to taking care of a child. The animals basic needs must be met no matter what. Basic needs go way beyond “food, water, and shelter”. Like humans most animals need some type of enrichment and interaction. Without these two key elements an animal will suffer a great deal.

A few good examples are birds and reptiles. If a parrot isn’t given the attention it deserves that parrot may begin to mutilate itself or a snake who hasn’t been held in a long time will revert back to it’s wild ways. It’s the job of the care taker to meet these “basic” needs.
Exotic pets aren’t like dogs and cats. While, they too, need enrichment and interaction most are content with just being by our side. Dogs and cats have been domesticated for a long time. Where as most exotics have only been “pets” for a minute compared to the domestication of dogs and cats.
Keeping an animal that is missing these two essential element is selfish. If for whatever reason that animal can’t be given either of these, the animal should find a new home. While some may say it’s a little irresponsible to get an animal that must be given up. It is understandable that life is constantly changing and things can come up without notice but we must always consider our animals as our children. All to often, a bird, snake, dog, or cat is kept because of separation anxiety but keeping them knowing that the animals interests aren’t at heart is selfish and isn’t an unconditional love.

Thanks for Reading!
James Ward

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Birds of a Feather

As your searching for the right companion pet you a bird might come to mind. One question that might come up is which species is for me? Well if you find yourself asking that particular question then it is suffice to say that almost none of the larger parrots are in the mix. The larger parrots can be more alluring with their amazing colors and wonderful abilities. However, these birds ARE NOT for everyone.

Medium to large parrots require much more dedication than their smaller counterparts. Just because your friends Macaw will wave and dance doesn’t mean that yours will. Birds such as macaws, cockatoos, amazons, and greys are far more demanding than say Budgie’s, lovebirds, and cockatiels. It is far more beneficial to get some practice in way before taking on the more “impressive” birds.
Ultimately it is up to you but a caution must be given in advance. Most of the larger birds will go through a period of sexual maturity that lasts from months to years. During this time, the amazon that you once knew may try to take a crack at you. Hey you know what? He or she may even break the skin with one of his or her attacks. Most parrots that go through this end up being sold or given away because the owners could not “deal” with this part of a birds development.

Another aspect to getting a medium to large parrot species is the amount of time that is required from you day in and day out. All of these animals need AT LEAST 5 hours out of their cage per day. Most of that TIME should be spent with you. If for whatever reason you stop devoting that amount of TIME with your parrot then it just might begin more pulling its’ feathers out.
So honestly we have to ask ourselves a question. Is being owned by one of the astonishing creatures better for us with our lifestyle or is it beneficial for the parrot? If you can say yes to the later then you might can consider a larger parrot as a pet. Please take a self-less look into owning one of the larger parrots because most of what is involved are self-less acts.If your looking for a bird as a companion pet and the larger parrots don’t quite fit look into the Budgies (Parakeets), Lovebirds, or Cockatiels.

Thanks for Reading! James Ward

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Made With Love from Your Pet Owners

 
 
Sometimes store bought toys and accessories aren’t enough. You may find yourself in a local pet shop wondering about searching for the right parrot toy but, it seems like everything in there just doesn’t fit what is in mind. The perfect branch to fit into your lizard terrarium seems useless. Why not make or find it yourself?
                                                         
There are tons of creative ideas that can be done to make your pet his or her next toy or accessory. Many times most get into the daily hustle and bustle of going to the pet shop and searching for the perfect item for their pet. Often times it just seems easier to just buy it and take it home. Wouldn’t it buy more “authentic” if it was either made or found by you?
                                                    
There is a vast array of information on how to make toys for your pets on the web. Here are just a few:
Sites for making bird toys
· http://www.birdsnways.com/birds/ideas.htm - g0123054
· http://www.fluffies.org/parrottoymaking.htm
· http://www.tailfeathersnetwork.com/birdinformation/homemadetoys.php
· http://birds.about.com/od/livingwithabird/ss/homemadetoys.htm
Sites for making Cat Toys
· http://www.felinexpress.com/cat-care/homemade-toys.asp
· http://cats.lovetoknow.com/Homemade_Cat_Toys
· http://www.cat-lovers-gifts-guide.com/homemade-cat-toys.html

Sites for making Dog Toys
· http://www.make-and-build-dog-stuff.com/homemade-dog-toys.html
· http://www.dogtopics.com/177/ideas-for-homemade-dog-toys/
· http://www.puppydogworld.com/the-guides-dog-homemade-dog-toys/

Reptile lovers out there, most things that you can find in nature can be sanitized and placed into terrariums. One thing to keep in mind when choosing an item is make sure the area it is found hasn’t been sprayed with pesticides or any other chemicals. After that then place the item in a hot bath and add a cup of bleach for an hour. Once that is finished wrap the item in aluminum foil and bake it in the oven on 300 F for an hour. This should be sanitized enough to keep herps safe. (http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100512161554AACvJPc)
 
Thanks for Reading! Sorry for the untimely post. James Ward

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Large Constrictors as Pets.

The first time I had fell in love with large snakes is when I was in the 1^st or 2^nd grade. My teacher had read a children’s book titled The Day Jimmy’s Boa Ate the Wash by Trinka Hakes Noble. The huge Boa Constrictor in the book just excited me. As she read on I realized that I had to have one of these “Big” snakes as a pet. That childhood book was the first time I came into contact with these wonderful creatures called boas or pythons.

Large Constrictors are impressive to look at and some species are quite popular in the pet trade. While I think some people are capable of taking great care and caution when raising one of these magnificent creatures, they are not for everyone. It takes great devotion to an animal that could reach 20 feet or more and weigh at or over 100 lbs.

Snakes that reach an adult size of 8 feet (2.44 meters) or more are considered to be large (http://www.anapsid.org/handling.html).  Many pythons and boa species can easily obtain this size in a relatively short period of time.  For instance in a year or so a baby Burmese Python can turn into 9-12 foot snake. While some species are easier to handle some have vary nasty attitudes. Examples of more manageable snakes are the Redtail Boa and Carpet Python. Others such as the African Rock Python or the Reticulated Python may be more for the experienced individuals. Most Burmese Pythons tame down quite well if handled regularly but there are some that have bad temperaments as well.

These large constrictors can be as dangerous as a loaded gun in the hands of a child. A large python or boa can potentially kill a human being and if that human happens to be an infant then the risk is more significant. If your bitten by one of these larger snakes, one way to get them to release from the bite is to place a little vinegar in their mouth around the bite. They also can be a danger to your friends and family because all reptiles can have salmonella on their bodies without proper hygiene then this bacterium could make someone very sick. In warmer climates if allowed to escape they can pose a serious threat to the environment. So if this is your pet of choice be cautious and do your homework.

Most large constrictors can be kept at temperatures around 85-95°F with a basking spot at around 95°F. The best substrate for them is something that is easily cleaned and holds some moisture like a reptile carpet that is sold in most pet stores. Cyprus and repti-bark could work as well. Depending on the size of the snake you would either feed it every other day to weekly. Babies to juveniles will eat every other day and the large snakes will it once to twice weekly. Snakes do not need UVB lighting because the prey items have calcium (Bones) along with other nutrients. While it doesn’t hurt to have a UVB light it isn’t necessary. They heat light should be relative to the size of the enclosure. Temperature and humidity gauges are a must for most all reptiles. 

A few years back one of the most amazing pythons ever came into my life. He was an albino Burmese python named Zeus. When I got Zeus he was around 8 feet long. As I took care of him he just grew and grew. I eventually ended up having my Dad make him a cage out of a cargo crate. He was one of the gentlest snakes I’ve had for his size. Zeus would look up from the cage when I came up to it, showing me that he wanted to be let out. Before I had to adopt him out, he got to a size of about 14 feet. He was a BIG boy. I had to feed him a large rabbit once a week. Looking back I remember how beautiful he was. I was always cautious but he never attempted to strike at me. 

This is a photo of Zeus back in 2006.

I can’t condemn people who want large constrictors as pets. They are truly amazing giants. Most folks can not see the beauty and grace these animals have but just looking into their eyes seems to be inspiring in its own sense.

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Children and Pets

My Cat Creature Winking

Picture this: A young boy of about 9 running through an overgrown hay field with his black lab faithfully running behind him or a little girl having a tea party in the front yard of her suburban home with her best friend Molly the green parakeet on the back of the chair opposite her. Seeing this would help you understand why a child should not miss out on a pet.

There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a child spending quality time with their pet. It is magical to watch the way they interact with the animal; Petting, talking with, and hugging on their best friend.  So what makes pets great for kids? Pets are incredible educators for children in many ways. Pets are ambassadors to friendship, responsibility and compassion. These are important characteristics that every parent wants their child to learn and grow up with. There are many pets out there that may seem well suited to be kept by children but the truth is there are many things to consider when bringing the proper animal into our homes.

Many of the same questions we ask ourselves before bringing one home are the same for children but with more emphasis. One huge aspect of a child’s pet is the ability to hold and often times cuddle with their newfound friend. So which pet is suiting for your child? 

Starting a child off with a pet can often times be challenging because things like space, affordability, and amount of care are imperative factors in the decision. A child’s age is another aspect to take into consideration as well. Most children between the ages 4 and above have potential to enjoy a pet without harming them or the animal. This of course also depends on the child’s maturity level. 

There are 7 pets, exotic and domestic, that I find is suiting for children around this age group.  While there may be others, these seem to fit most children and adults. 

·      Leopard Gecko- This reptile is hearty and meek in just about every aspect of its husbandry. Children can carry them around on their shirts as they play around in the house or apartment. These lizards do not need UVB as they are nocturnal. Which means they only wake up at night. Heating is essential but not as demanding as some other reptiles. Leopard Gecko’s are insectivores devouring any cricket or mealworm their eyes are aligned upon. 

·      Bearded Dragon- These particular lizards aren’t too difficult to keep as long as you maintain their heating requirements. While “Beardie’s” are relatively small when born they will reach lengths of about 1.5-3 feet. Like the Leopard Gecko’s they are also insectivores. For temperament, you couldn’t ask for a better lizard. 

·      Dogs- All dogs make wonderful pets for children but, I would stay away from the smaller breeds as the child may unintentionally injure them. I personally grew up with a Black Labrador that we named Crazy because he would partially swing inside our tire swing. He sure was something else. I loved that dog.

·      Ball Pythons- If the child loves snake then this python is a great fit. It doesn’t get as huge as most pythons do. Nor does it come with the aggressive nature that others do. They are hearty in that Ball pythons are forgiving in less than perfect habitat settings (Not Recommended) like if a heat light is cut on for a day, they are not likely to get sick. 

·      Cats- Cats make great pets for a number of reasons. The biggest is they are low maintenance. Most will be happy if left alone and fed. Plus there are some breeds that act like dogs in their personalities. An example is the Angora. These particular cats are known for learning to play fetch.

·      Parakeets- From green to yellow to blue, parakeets come in a variety of colors. Just like their colors vary so do their personalities. These perfect little parrots can learn to mimic and do tricks. While they can be a bit on the messy side, they can be quite affectionate. The secret to keeping these beautiful birds happy and healthy is a clean water bowl, food daily, and out of a drafts way. 

·      Fish- For a child that isn’t the touchy, feely type then maybe a Betta Fish would suffice (Thanks Kathy Hollis). This is a great starter pet because they are not expensive and they are easy to take care of. An interesting fact, as a person watches fish in an aquarium that persons’ stress level decreases. So they are not just great for kids, they may even be good for you!

As the time comes when your child wants a furry scaly or feathery friend, you will have some insight into which pets are suitable for them. Hope this helped.

 Hope you enjoyed the Post!

Questions or suggestions email me at James DWard24@gmail.com

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Amazons Are Amazing!

Pete The Blue Fronted Amazon Parrot

The beauty and talents of Amazon parrots can be astonishing but it does come at a price for some folks. Most talk so much that you’ll be wishing for just one moment of silence in any given time. These particular parrots aren’t for the faint of heart. It takes a great amount of time and energy to "tame" so to speak these birds down. If not properly trained they can become quite territorial and highly aggressive. Their intelligence has a tendency to get them into loads of trouble.

These amazing animals are found throughout South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. In the environment their intelligence and great ability to vocalize helps them find food and stay alive.  They are full of personality and can be delightful if one puts all the blood, sweat, and tears into the relationship. This bird can have a particularly stunning ability to mock human speech. Like most parrots, these are no different in that it is a must to stimulate them mentally regularly.

If this doesn’t happen they will find other means to place that brainpower. From managing to escape the cage and tear something up in the house or scream for someone’s undivided attention. Those issues may seem pretty devastating however the worst would be for it to begin mutilation by ripping feathers completely from its body sometimes bringing blood. Amazons aren’t as probable to do this as some of the other parrots. Still yet, it could and has happened.

Birds are emotional creatures that need our love and devotion. As time passes on the bird and owner relationship can either get better or worse. Amazon’s aren’t a short-term commitment either. They can live 40 plus years in captivity and may even out live you. I know a lady who’s had her Amazon for well over 55 years. She eventually passed and a family member began taking care of him. For a certain amount of time the parrot grieved over its missing owner. This is something that we should certainly consider when thinking of them as potential pets.

Amazons are amazing (AAA)! I remember when Pete, my Blue Fronted Amazon, came to me. His owner didn’t realize he was actually a she. The “other” owner placed him in a cage with another female and expected them to mate. This caused terrible problems for both birds. Pete took it the worst, eventually plucking his chest feathers because of the stress. She’s an amazing bird who loves to sing and dance. The lady had her in a cage that was completely metal. There wasn’t a trace of wood or anything chewable for that matter in her cage.

Amazons love to chew things. So what I gathered was the stress and nothing to chew on caused the plucking. I heard about her from a friend and went to adopt her. The lady was glad to send her home with me. She’s doing incredible now, loving and living life to the fullest. Pete still doesn’t trust many folks though but with time I hope to change all that.

Thanks for reading!

Any questions or suggestions email me at JamesDWard24@gmail.com.

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Exotics vs. Domesticated Pets

While most people don’t realize that more people are attacked and fatally wounded by domesticated animals more than exotic pets. Most would argue that it is in part because of the popularity of domesticated animals. This is sort of true but looking at the numbers shows a different story. National Geographic reports: more than 20 people in the past ten years have been fatally injured by pet pythons in the United States (http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/wild/community/blogs/inside-wild/_pet-python-attack). That number might seem quite large but when compared to Man’s Best Friend isn’t quite as stunning. There were 33 fatal dog attacks just in 2010 (http://www.dogsbite.org/bite-fatalities-2010.htm). 

There reason for this is most canines will stand their ground when confronted and snakes will usually cower away. Reptiles see animals bigger than them as dangerous so why would they waste their time and energy fighting when its easier to conserve that energy for a meal and run away. Rover don't have to worry so much about energy expenditure because he's fed by us. The interesting part is the media doesn’t report dog attacks as often as a python attack. This makes me wonder why? 

 Could it be that dog attacks are just more common? I think so. Things that don’t happen that often are appealing to the media because it gets viewer attention. Exotic pets have lots of potential to be quite dangerous but with proper education and responsible pet owners they aren't as bad as some might think. The secret to good pet ownership is prevention and education. This is a practice that should be drilled into every pet owners mind. Preventing by locking cages, socializing your puppy, and many more.

One thing that is definitely preventable in most exotics is Stupid Feeding Errors (SFE’s). These errors are made when feeding snakes, monitors, and other carnivorous pets. A good example is feeding a python inside its cage. This allows the snake to assume that any time the cage door opens it could be time to eat. By feeding the python in another area this can be prevented.

Exotics get a bad rap. Some exotics shouldn’t be pets for everyone but others aren’t as bad as the media make them out to be. I think exotic or domesticated animals both have the potential to be dangerous. In the end Man’s Best Friend is no more docile than a properly contained python. 

I can recall many times throughout my life keeping reptiles that I have made a mistake and gotten a nasty bite. I didn't blame the animal for what happened, I held myself responsible for it. I remember a time when Rocky my African Rock Python, who already had an attitude problem, took a good bite into my hand. The reason he had done so was because I was feeding the other pythons that I had and went into the cage with the scent of a rat on my hands-an SFE. So it was only natural for him to attack it. I never blamed him and continued to love him everyday after that.

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Royal Pythons a.k.a Ball Pythons

The Photo is from http://www.ra-reptiles.com/baby-ball-pythons/

Snakes are extraordinary creatures. They are quite different than just about anything else out there. No legs, Shiny scaly bodies, long flickering tongues, and some of the most beautiful colors out there. While there are many that make great pets, some aren’t for everyone. One particular snake species that I find suits most snake lovers is the Ball Python or also named the Royal Python.

Royal Pythons are native to Africa and do quite well in captivity.  A 50-gallon aquarium will do just fine for the entire length of its life. One great aspect about Ball Pythons is that they are hearty snakes. These snakes aren’t as unforgiving to temperature changes as some of the other pythons and reptiles are.

The temperament of Royal Pythons is quite docile. I have kept them for over 10 years and have never been bitten.  I would trust most of them in the hands of children. I think it mostly has to do with its defense mechanism. Once threatened, they will ball into a ball and hide their heads. Hence, the name "Ball" Pythons.  So even naturally they rarely attack. With that being said, another good point is these particular pythons don’t get as big as most of the others in the pet trade. Most Royal Pythons max out in length at around 4-5 feet.

Feeding them isn’t that expensive either. At most you will feed your full grown Ball Python one medium sized rat a week.  I am quite fond of them in that they are vary friendly and inexpensive to maintain. They’re great for beginner herp lovers.

However, its always good practice to make sure your pythons is eating no matter what type. Ball Pythons are particularly finicky eaters. Some will just stop eating all together and several babies will choose to not eat at all. So as a good herper I will tell you to make sure that cute Ball eats before taking him home.

I have had many Ball or Royal Pythons throughout most of my life. One particular Ball that stands out in my mind was my first. His name was Samson. My Uncle Jay bought him for me in a small pet shop inside a mall in North Carolina. Looking back, I can even remember the ride to the pet shop with my uncle. Filled with excitement and intrigue, I felt as if I had just won the lottery. The coolest part was he bought him one too. Which my uncle named Goliath. Inevitably, I got Goliath as well.  I can remember thinking about how Samson was my first "big" snake. I was like 13 and up until then all I had ever taken care of were Garter Snakes.One thing I was fascinated by was the fact that when Samson was either on the bed or floor, if there was an object in his way, he would simply raise up his head and look over it. It sort of gave him a personality. Samson, Goliath and I had many wonderful years together. I had Samson for almost 10 years before he passed. A picture of Samson and I still hangs on my wall today. 

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Responsibilities of an Exotic Pet Owner

Exotic pets are intriguing, beautiful, and just different than a dog or cat. With that difference comes a huge amount of responsibility. Most of these animals have needs that are unique to them. With their “coolness” comes lots of work on the owners’ part. Although some exotics require more effort than others, I’ve found that the more you put into taking care of them the more you get in return. Whether it is a longer life or a happier animal.

Being a responsible exotic animal owner not only requires someone to care for that particular animal, it also demands for a person to be aware of the potential dangers that animal may pose to others. Keeping the animal in a secure environment is essential. Not only should the main goal be to keep an animal from doing harm to others, there are other issues that could arise if an animal were to escape and get into the nearby woods. This might prove to be devastating to the environment. This can be seen in several examples like the Monk Parakeets thriving in New York City (http://www.brooklynparrots.com/) or the python problem that persists in the Florida Everglades (http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/06/0603_040603_invasivespecies.html). There are several other cases where this has occurred. So with that being mentioned. An issue that comes from this is the uneducated pet owner.

Most who buy a pet do it on impulse. Many don’t go home and do the homework before taking an animal home.  A good example is those who purchase the baby pythons that eventually get much larger than they expected. Most think that the animals will only grow to the size of their environment; however, this is far from the truth. By not giving the animal a proper environment someone is actually neglecting that animal. It stunts the animals growth and causes the bones to form improperly leaving the animal deformed. It is the duty of an exotic pet owner to educate themselves and others. Many of the exotics sold in pet stores aren’t really pets that everyone should be purchasing. While some may get educated and decide to keep these animals, not everyone has that particular ability. For instance, American Alligators are cute when their little babies calling for their mommies with that distinct sound.

These little cuties grow to over 16 feet long and weigh over 400 lbs. They won’t just grow to their environment and it gets quite expensive to house them.  As a matter of fact, Sheila, my American Alligator is pushing 6 foot and I am in the process of ordering her a poly tank that will cost around $600 after shipment costs. That’s just for her pond setup.

It is the exotic pet owners duty to keep up with the newest laws for these animals. While most cities and states regulate its exotics in some way, there are a few that have little to no regulation.  These laws are always changing and getting more stricter because of the dangers that some of the exotics pose. Here is a good website that gives a few of the laws by state http://www.bornfreeusa.org/b4a2_exotic_animals_summary.php.  Keeping track of the newest legislation is part of being a responsible pet owner whether its exotics or cats and dogs.

Responsibility is key to safety for the animal and for us. Education is essential to the exotic pet trade. Keep in mind that just because something is cute and easy to handle while its young may not always be the case when it gets older. Keep yourself informed and up to date.

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." Mahatma Gandhi

If you have any questions or suggestions please email me at JamesDWard24@gmail.com

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