Wednesday, December 8, 2010

My Favorite Exotic Pet

What is my favorite exotic pet? I have been asked this question so many times. Since I am leaving for the hospital today for my spine surgery I decided to finally answer that question. What will it be? Will it be a mammal, reptile, marsupial, maybe even a stick insect? They are really cool too. Why don’t you pop in, visit, and find out what my favorite animal is.


My Favorite Exotic Pet

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Exotic Pets and Household Stress

I don’t know why some people act as they do. It’s kind of as if they thrive on stress. Squabble over nitpicky little things until the other person doesn’t respond to the important requests. I often wonder if it isn’t an incredibly low self-esteem that causes these harmful behaviors. It goes without saying it is psychologically damaging to children. Has anyone stopped to think about the ramifications to pets and exotic pets?

Has your pet suddenly started acting differently than normal? We examine the usual stuff, change of diet, new animal in the house, and a host of other things that may cause behavioral changes in animals. If that isn’t the case, then we need to examine other things that may be going on in the household as well as potential physical problems with our pets. Household stress causes physical and psychological damage in pets and children. Read much more ! Exotic Pets and Household Stress

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Brink of Extinction the Tiger

Weekend Tiger Summit NOT Good News!
By the time the next Chinese calendar year of the tiger rolls around, the tiger could very well be extinct. The latest reports indicate there is now less than 3,200 tigers left in the wild. This does not include the numbers of tigers in captivity.

At a "Tiger Summit" on November 19, in St. Petersburg, Russia Director General of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) James Leape reported, that if protective measures weren’t taken, the tiger could very well face extinction in the year 2022. The Summit was hosted by Vladimir Putin, the Prime Minister of Russia.

Part of the plan is providing incentives and education for communities to protect the tiger from smuggling, poaching, as well as the illegal traffic trade for tigers and tiger parts. Tiger parts are used in Chinese traditional medicine. The tiger's pelt is considered a trophy. The tiger’s environment also needs to be protected; habitat loss is another major reason for the tiger's demise. Forests are cut for construction and farmlands, grasslands are leveled for construction affecting not just tigers but also many other species of animal and plant life. It will also be necessary to protect the animals that are the tiger’s food source, if the program is going to be effective.

Even though some conservation measures had been taken there still has been a drastic decrease of the existing tiger population in just the last ten years. Many of the attempts at conservation have been in unprotected areas. Even on protect preserves the poaching of tiger’s continued as did the decimation of the tiger’s prey. Read more Brink of Extinction the Tiger

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

SAVANNAHS DO MAKE GREAT PETS

By Brigitte Cowell, Ph.D., Kirembo Savannahs, Rescue Coordinator for Savannah Rescue.

I’ve been a cat breeder for a few years now. I breed Savannah cats, an exciting new domestic breed of cat accepted by the International Cat Association (TICA) and one of their fastest growing new breeds. Not only do I spend my days promoting this highly exciting new cat breed, but I also head up the breed Rescue for Savannah cats along with my colleague Kristine Alessio.

Big Cat Rescue is responsible for a great deal of misinformation about domestic hybrid cat breeds such as Bengals, Chausies and Savannahs. As I deal mainly with Savannahs, although I have fostered Chausies and Bengals in the past, most of my comments below are taken from my experience with that particular domestic cat breed.

Big Cat Rescue is wrong about many things, the error they are making that I currently object to is that they are labeling the Savannah as an “exotic”; so right in the same grouping as lions and tigers is a domestic cat breed recognized by the largest registry of DOMESTIC cats, (TICA, the International Cat Association). According to BCR, you should put a domestic Savannah cat in a cage instead of your home. Read more, much more!!

SAVANNAHS DO MAKE GREAT PETS, DON’T BELIEVE BCR’S HYPE

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Hybrid Cats Designer Cats

Hybrid cats, also known as designer cats, are not an exotic cat such as their shirttail cousins the lion or tiger, anymore than any other domestic house cat. Most are recognized by the TICA, the (International Cat Association). A domestic house cat certainly doesn’t belong in a cage and neither does a domestic hybrid.

As with any pet be sure to research state and local laws, even your homeowners association could affect your decision to own a hybrid cat, for that matter a dog or ferret. Here is an excellent source to get on the right track checking laws. Hybrid Laws

There are several hybrid cat species these four are some of the more popular.

Savannah cat – the Savannah is a hybrid cross between domestic cat and African Serval (Leptailurus serval)

Bengal cat - the Bengal is a hybrid cross between domestic cat and an Asian Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis)

Chausie cat – the Chausie is a hybrid cross between a domestic cat and a Jungle Cat (Felis chaus)

Safari cat – the Safari is a hybrid cross between a domestic cat and the South American Geoffroy's cat (Leopardus geoffroyi).

Each cat hybrid species is distinctive, however, on an average, carry many of the same personality traits, intelligent, inquisitive, good natured, affectionate, and loyal; in fact many describe these hybrids as much dog-like as cat-like. Each cat will have unique personalities of his or her own. Read more Hybrid Cats Designer Cats

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Exotic Pets Wild Animals and Besotted Fools

While this article was suppose to be the lead-in or precursor to the designer cats or the hybrid cats article, though I believe it still is in a way. There are a few things I need to bring out or to get off my chest as the saying goes. I have already had a double mastectomy I might as well endure another. I suspect to see a few sharp scalpels thrown my way.

I am often told that wild animals don't belong with humans. I disagree. I firmly believe we learn humanity through animals.

If wild animals didn't belong with humans we would never have known the love of a domestic dog, cat, or exotic pet.

Wild animals, exotic pets, or pets, was there ever a pet that hadn’t been a wild animal, no not ever. Our maker did not create domestic pets for our convenience. Every pet we have today came from a lineage of wild animals. Yes each and every one of our pets has the roots of a wild animal. Read more Exotic Pets Wild Animals and Besotted Fools

Monday, November 1, 2010

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Exotic Pet Survey

Dear exotic pet owner: I appreciate you taking the time from your busy schedule to look over this questionnaire, and hopefully to fill it out. This is a totally anonymous survey about exotic pet ownership.

According to the AVMA and the USDA, no one has ever done such a study, and as an exotic pet owner myself, I see a great need for it. The general public only hears about the abuses, maulings and escapes, so most people tend to believe everyone who owns an exotic pet has a malnourished lion or a six-foot alligator in the basement. I believe it would be beneficial to have some real data about the types of exotics actually owned.

This study will attempt to do this, and also characterize the laws that affect exotic owners, both positively and negatively. This is the second phase of a PhD dissertation, and the results of the survey are very important. READ More



Exotic Pets Finally the Truth

Are you ready to learn the truth about exotic pets? Gabrielle Collins most certainly is. Let me introduce you to this remarkable person.

Collins is a PhD student at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Collins also earned a BS and MA from the University of Nebraska. Collins is currently working on a dissertation in Animal Geography.

Collin's PhD work is on exotic pet mammals in the USA. A part of this work includes collecting surveys from exotic pet owners from all over the country.

"My idea for the dissertation stemmed directly from dealing with exotic animal laws and animal rights activists," said Collins. "There are so many claims going around about exotic animal estimates, and when I actually investigated I discovered that no one has ever really attempted to find out the truth of these numbers."

Collins continued, "You can literally throw out any number you like online, and people will pick it up, repeat it, and it magically becomes 'fact'. As a science-oriented person that horrifies me."

According to Collins, the initial idea was to attempt a comprehensive survey and try to reach the many exotic mammal owners however, found it wasn’t practical. Since 2008, Collins has been focusing on cataloging and interpreting the exotic pet laws for all 50 states. "Quite a daunting task; keeping track of 'exotic animal attacks,' (these range from inconsequential scratches to the well-publicized deaths, and now finally getting the survey started)".

According to Collins, the focus is on mammals for many reasons, because there are fewer mammals than reptiles, fish, and birds owned, because most of the publicized material about exotics tends to be about mammals and occasionally reptiles and because there are few laws regarding reptile, bird or fish ownership nationwide, but many regarding mammals.

"I do not imagine I will reach everyone – or that everyone who sees it will fill it out – but the more people who do this survey (and do it honestly) the more data I will have to back up my research and the better the outcome. I think that if real information is gotten and published, rather than sensational ‘attacks’ and random misinformation, it can only be good for both the animals and their owners."

If you would like to see "real information" rather than all the sensationalized drama please do your exotic pet and yourself a big favor and fill out Gabrielle Collins' survey!

Read MORE

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Specialty Serpents Top of the Web Award

I don’t give the award because of fancy websites I give the award only to people that CARE about exotic pets and go out of their way to help exotic pets. Other words, above and beyond!

Read more about Eric S. Roscoe of Specialty Serpents at Exotic Pets BellaOnline.com!





Friday, October 15, 2010

TV Networks and Exotics - A New Problem?

Are Animal Television Networks Tumbling into the Toilet?

There is no doubt that for many years, and quite possibly decades, animal and nature oriented television networks including Discovery Channel, National Geographic Channel, and Animal Planet for example, have long served as memorable, reliable, and entertaining sources of information for all individuals and families alike. This has typically been achieved through the airing of many well known programs and individuals such as Steve Irwin and his loving family/co-workers, Mark O’Shea, and Jeff Corwin to name a few. Within these programs, these noble animal and environmental educators constantly stressed the importance of becoming aware of, learning about, and ultimately respecting animals, nature, and the environment.

However, over last several recent years, a disturbing and appalling new trend has emerged within these television networks as well as many others that has slowly but steadily replaced the aforementioned types of programming that so many people love and enjoy. This “new generation” of television programming now focuses far more heavily on exploiting and appealing to the human’s rudimentary senses or emotions such as fear. To illustrate such a classic example, according to Anne Beck, Animal Planets self described “relaunch” has stated the following in February 2008: “The goal is to move from being perceived by viewers as paternalistic, preachy, and observation-based to being seen as active, entertaining, and edgy. That means targeting adults 25-49, rather than full families, with less voice-of-God narration and more visceral imagery and sounds. Think of it as swapping a drab narrator saying that a lion is about to kill its prey for the blood-curdling scream of the doomed creature as it meets its demise.” Read more Are Animal Television Networks Tumbling into the Toilet?

Monday, October 4, 2010

Halloween Costumes for Pets

Making costumes for your pets can be simple, and inexpensive, if not free. Everyone has old clothing or clothing we don’t wear or need tucked away, taking up space, which could be used for other things. That size six wardrobe put away 15-years ago in all likelihood will never see the light of day again. We also have a whole lot of stuff in our junk drawers that could easily be used to decorate costumes. With a little imagination and improvising skills this could result in some mighty cute costumes.

First things first; visualize what type of costume you want for your exotic pet. Second look at your pet’s proportions. Measure the neck, space between legs both from side to side and back to front. That is, if the animal has four legs. Also measure the circumference of the legs, so on and so forth. Usually simply eye-balling the measurements will do the trick. Some pets just won’t hold still long enough to use a tape measure.

Now think about what you have on hand. You may have to purchase a couple of things but improvise using what you already have is a lot of fun.

Perhaps you’re not so crafty, or just don’t enjoy or have time for homemade costume. There is a bunch of costumes for your pet to look like an exotic pet, your exotic pet to look like a pet, a pet that looks like a child or a child that looks like an exotic pet. Sounds fun, doesn’t it!

If a child can be a lamb why can’t a ferret become a bumble bee for Halloween! The new rage, Halloween costumes for our pets from Halloween costumes for dogs, Halloween costumes for cats, and Halloween costumes for exotic pets.

I have found that many costumes designed for small dogs or cats will work on the skunk, raccoon, coatimundi, iguana, and many other animals. Ferret costumes work great with smaller exotic pets. I have even rigged a costume or two for iguanas. Use your imagination; think about your pet, how the pet is shaped, where the leg positions are, the sky is the limit with converting costumes meant for children and pets to fit other animals. I have seen some pretty cool snake costumes as well. Read more and see the darling costumes at Exotic Pets BellaOnline.com



Monday, September 27, 2010

Cold Weather Preparedness for Exotic Pets

The first day of autumn has arrived. For some of us in the Northern climates it means that frigid temperatures could be right around the corner. We can hope not, but we do need to be prepared. Cold weather preparedness is essential if you have pets, exotic pets, children, or elderly adults.

Pet owners, especially exotic pet owners need to plan ahead for such emergencies as power failure. If the power went out today, right this minute and lasted for a few days. The temperatures are extremely cold; would your pet or pets survive?


As the thermostat plunges way below zero I wonder how many people have thought about their pets if they should lose electrical power. Are you ready? Think clearly and concisely, if the electric went out right now for a few days will your pets survive?

Cold Weather Preparedness

Let’s pretend there is a widespread outage all over town. People are scrambling to other people’s houses that had the foresight to prepare for electrical outages. Your neighbor has an emergency generator you could go there, but they are allergic to animals, or just don’t like animals. What are you going to do? PREPARE yourself right now. It can and does happen.


Through my lifetime I have been through many power failures lasting 24 hours or more. Some have been in the winter caused by heavy ice storms, power problems, blizzards, and evidently power gremlins – I believe that is who causes those mysterious failures. So far this year, 2010 we have seen the electricity go out twice. Not long enough for concern but it could have meant disaster if it had been a longer outage and if we had not been prepared.


We have also been through many power failures and blackouts because our power grid in the United States is out of date and not even close to size to handle the capacity of need.


Many days it can be below 32 F, here in the north part of the United States where I live, it gets much, (even more much :) colder! I have seen it thirty below 0 F. In Northern Minnesota where I once lived one day it was 60 F below zero, and that is not figuring the wind chill factor which was 100 below 0! The governor closed down every single school in the state.

What if my electricity would have gone out that day? I lived many miles back on a forest service road, a minimum maintenance forest service road. There was too much ice on the ground to consider moving my car. When I put one finger on the side of the car it would slide sideways. There would have been no way to have gotten to safety, a place to keep my children or my animals warm.

YouTube winter safety video This is excellent advice for general cold weather safety. SEE the Video http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art68802.asp




Winterize Pets in Cold Weather video

Here we have a generator just in case we lose electricity in a power failure. We also have propane heaters. At least one propane heater is necessary in any household. In Minnesota I had electric heat but also a well ventilated wood stove. I had always kept at least four cords of wood on hand if not more.

There are many different pets that can’t handle extreme temperature changes. It will kill them.


What exotic pets can’t handle the extreme cold, just a little cold, or even too high of temperatures? Here are a few to consider, ectotherms, invertebrates, amphibians, and reptiles are coldblooded and cannot regulate body heat. We made the decision to have these animals as an exotic pet it is our responsibility to protect their lives in case there is a long-term power outage. Normally, we would have under tank heaters, basking lights, and full spectrum lights to make sure they get their daily vitamin D3 they so essentially need, and to keep them warm. Without this heat they won’t eat, and if they did eat they would not be able to digest their food.

How to handle a frozen iguana READ MORE - http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art68802.asp



Many of our exotic pets are warm-blooded species this is known as endotherms. Many species of endotherms cannot stand exposure to too much heat or too cold an environment. Either way many of these animals can die. Look at parrots, ferrets, and a huge number of exotic pets that will need emergency power for heat or air conditioning.


The emergency – it is -30 below zero, there is an ice storm; the ice has covered electrical and telephone lines all over town. You have no communication, no electricity, no heat, no water (it is frozen and water systems run on electricity, or you have a well and that is frozen or runs on electric), and little food since most food needs cooking. The colder it is the more calories your body requires. You have pets, perhaps children, and elderly parent, and yourselves. How will you survive?


We have several things that are essential during a power failure. I have an emergency kit put together for spring storms. This kit is located near the back basement door which is also near one of the back doors. This kit can be run down to the basement during a tornado or it can be brought out the backdoor. Or, if we have a cold weather power failure it can stay right in the house.


Each member of the family has an emergency kit. Each kit is designed to last 72 hours.


Each household member is responsible for so many pets. The kit has food for that person and the pets for which they are responsible (go for light weight), water at least a gallon a day per person and pet (determine water needs per pet, type and size of pet), change of clothing, blankets, wet wipes, flashlights, batteries, candles, lighters, pocket knife, rope, duct tape, toiletries, a whistle, don’t forget the essentials for the animals (including medical needs and information). In our family we need extra water for formula for an infant.


We also have an elderly parent living with us, as well as our daughter and her husband, a three-year old, a nine month old baby, my husband, and myself and I am 100% disabled. Even if the electric went out for an hour in extreme cold I could lose pets, exotic pets, our granddaughters, and elderly parent.


We have two forms of backup heat – one could be portable if the need should arise. One is a propane heater. We started with one – we have used it so many times we now have a few We had propane camping –like canisters for the heater but now we have the large but yet still somewhat portable 20 lb cylinder you see in front of convenience stores.

These propane heaters with the amount of propane we have on hand would last several days. Have we needed emergency heat beyond 24hours? Yes, we have been without heat up to seven days. Three months if you count the time I bought a summer country house sight unseen in Northern Minnesota and moved there in the winter. One of my oops moments. We have also lost electricity during the middle of the summer, 100 degrees and above but that can be a different story.

A second important item is a generator. Depending on the wattage it puts out it will keep you warm by powering your heat, it will keep any other appliance going that you may need. It will also keep electric medical equipment running! My article on emergency generators - everything you need to know about emergency generators.

Stay clear of Coleman generators they went bankrupt – My article on emergency power generators READ MORE Cold Weather Preparedness for Exotic Pets

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Litter Box Stench

Some of the less enjoyable aspects of having pets are litter boxes, litter box training, and the less than pleasant smell that comes with the territory. It just doesn’t matter if we’re dealing with the everyday pet or an exotic pet. The excrement and urine stinks.

One funny case in point is why does it seem that much more comes out than goes in?

The reason I decided to write this article is because of the number of questions I receive dealing with litter boxes, litter box odor, and litter box training.

One question I often see, why did my pet quit using the litter box? After questioning the person I usually find out they have grown lack in taking care of the litter box. If you had to walk in the litter box and smell the odor would you want to use it either? I wouldn’t.

I will ask how often do you scoop the litter box, change out the litter, and wash and disinfect the litter box. Some people scoop daily, some weekly, but some people will be frank in their answer and admit to monthly.

Animals can’t handle the smell anymore than you or I could. Besides, it is an illness waiting to happen along with the enormous veterinarian bills.

Don’t forget that animals commonly have more sensitive noses than we do. If I were an animal I am afraid I’d have to go find a more pleasant spot to do my duty than that nasty litter box. Could this be the reason your pet has an occasional accident or forgets to use the litter box entirely?

Could it be the location of the litter box? Most animals won’t excrete their bodily wastes where they eat or sleep. Maybe animals are even a little wiser than many humans are. I think about the stories of the pioneers and settlers. When building their camps or settlements they would build their ditches or latrines close to where they slept and ate. The result was the smell being carried through the camp and diseases such as dysentery, cholera, and tetanus, often taking their lives.

There is a lot to be said for cleanliness and disinfecting. Keep the litter box clean, disinfect regularly, and replace the litter with clean litter. I am sure your pet will go back to his old good habits and use the litter box.

Something else you may want to consider if you are not keeping the litter box clean is the little feet that walked through all that icky muck that is now walking on the floor where the baby plays or on the furniture where you sit.

Most animals want to be clean and if given the opportunity they will use the litter box. When you start out with a baby animal a little teaching is in order or, observation of your new pet’s habits. If it is a ferret does it hike up its little rear and go in a certain corner or a couple of different corners? That is where you would put a corner litter box made for animals that hike their rears and go in corners.

Other animals such as a skunk, start with a small area the exotic pet has to roam, observe where the animal wants to do his or her duty and put a litter box in that area. If there is more than one place use multiple litter boxes. Eventually as the skunk matures fewer litter boxes and the animal can have access to more space to roam.

About the only animals I have any problem with are my ferrets. They will normally use corners so supply a corner litter box made for the ferret. Sometimes they will go next to the litter box. I bought some plastic carpet runners, place squared pieces under the litter boxes and that solved that problem. I keep spray cleaner and paper towels nearby and clean up after them when we put them back in their cages for the night.

One thing I don’t like, even if you keep the litter box clean is the odor when the animal is in the process of leaving a big pile in the middle of the night. We decided to change our bedroom around which gave us a lot more room especially for my mobile on wheels legs. Except, and this is a big except, it placed my nose very close to the litter box. First night in new location, big awful, horrible odor came out of my beautiful, sweet, cute Ragdoll cat. The cat litter boxes stink!

Will, I had an odor problem with the ferrets and I started using Marshall Bi-Odor for ferrets. I just put it in their water. BIG difference!

So I decided to try the Marshall Bi-Odor for small animals. I put a few squirts in the cat’s water and I couldn’t believe the difference. NO ODOR and I’m not exaggerating in the least. I haven’t stuck my head inside the enclosed litter box to check out the up close and personal odor. But, the cat no longer wakes me in the middle of the night with that awful odor. It only makes sense to control litter box smell starting with the animal.

If you haven’t tried Marshall Bi-Odor you are really missing out. m there too! READ MORE Litter Box Stench

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Animal Planet "Confessions : Animal Hoarding"

A post in the BellaOnline Exotic Pet forum and the subsequent comments that followed is the reason for today's article. You can find the posts here and please feel free to add your comments and thoughts. Please keep it clean it is a family forum.

Animal Planet is allegedly airing a new show "Confessions: Animal Hoarding." Allegedly someone from Animal Planet or associated with animal planet posted the comment. I state allegedly because it doesn’t appear to be a professional letter that I have come to recognize as Animal Planet.

Yes, people with severe mental and emotional problems need help and it is wonderful you are offering psychological treatment. Is this treatment free of charge? I am sorry, but this doesn't belong on television sensationalizing a problem that yes needs to be addressed, but not on TV.

There will always be a few people around that don't properly take care of their children. There will be a few people who don't take care of their animals, exotic or otherwise.

I feel my job is to help educate people who have never had exotic pets before, to make sure they make an informed decision.

I am also here to bring other exotic pet people together to enjoy each others company, to share the great strides they have made in taking care of exotics, to share their joy, as well as their heartbreak.

I am not here to exaggerate the minuscule number of unfortunate accidents. But, I am here to help avoid mistakes. I can't do my job as long as the media blows anything to do with exotic pets' way out of proportion.

Has there been fatalities, yes but very few, very very few. Do some people horde exotic pets? Occasionally, you hear of this happening. Kind of like the poor little old cat women with all her cats. It's sad, but fortunately it is not something that occurs very often.

When there is one reported incident, there are thousands of joyful exotic pet owners with healthy and happy exotic pets. Why don't we see these families and their pets on TV, the internet, magazines, or newspapers?

There is only one reason, it doesn’t make the media owners any money.

I just love it when our government representatives, rant and rave about exotic pet laws, with politically active Animal Rights groups in their pockets, only to drive home to feed their pet iguana. Hypocrites. These AR groups do more to harm exotic pets than help them.

As far as many of their so-called sanctuaries, it looks like legal hording to me, but with grants and donations to support their habit.

Am I a horder? Are you? What is a horder? When the media broadcasts such a show, potentially causing changes in exotic pet laws, where is the line going to be drawn? The hording of anything belongs on a mental health channel and not shows that primarily deal with animals.

Did they see the dollar signs when the show on hoarders actually brought in an audience? Reality TV, I doubt it, it’s sad to make money off of someone else's problem. As far as I am concerned it is no different from making nasty comments about someone with a physical deformity, or mentally challenged. I thought, or at least hoped those days were long gone.

As long as there is money to be made, people will continue to hurt other people, and along with those people, our pets that we love dearly.

Animal Planet, if that post was truly from you I would like an open discussion. I have enjoyed many of your shows. However, the shows blasting exotic pet ownership, using scare tactics exploiting these rare occurrences, let's be fair and show the huge other side of the population, the pet owners with healthy and happy exotic pets. Article here - read more Animal Planet Confessions-Animal Hoarding


Comments here please."Animal Planet Confessions-Animal Hoarding"



Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Cancer the Number One Killer in Pets

g Exotic Pets Site
Diana Geiger
BellaOnline's Exotic Pets Editor

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Cancer the Number One Killer in Pets
It can’t happen to me. It won’t happen to my pet. This is only something that affects other people, or other people’s pets. I was naive enough to believe that, very long ago; until it happened to me. What am I babbling about; cancer. Cancer is the number one killer of dogs, cats, and many exotic pets.

One day it may invade your life. You may hear those dreaded words, your pet has cancer. After the shock of learning your pet has cancer. You will be given treatment options to consider. At some point through, through this series of events, you will be sitting in waiting rooms and will have the opportunity to talk with other people whose pets have cancer.

It is going to occur to you, it’s going to feel like a huge boulder falling in front of your car while driving down the road; there are a lot of animals with cancer. It may stun you at first. However, you are going to have to stand up, become empowered, take charge, and become an advocate for your pet.

Cancer is a frightening word; it will be a very emotional time for you, your family, and your pet. Remember, animals pick up on emotions and it will affect them. The last thing they need is additional stress. Seek out other people going through the same thing, or a support group. You don’t have to go through this alone.

Hopefully, you are reading this before you have a pet, or before your pet develop cancer. While cancer is no longer necessarily a death sentence, in fact, an animal has a very good chance of survival with the medical advances in cancer treatments. Huge strides have been made in the treatment of cancer. Consult with a veterinary oncology, or veterinary oncologist.

However, what works best is cancer prevention. READ MORE Cancer the Number One Killer in Pets




Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Prairie Dog as a Pet

There is something about the prairie dog that is captivating, the love they crave, and the love they freely give. Enjoy the article on the pet prairie dog, the prairie dog pictures, and the prairie dog videos. One of the videos about prairie dogs is the cutest baby (pup). You have got to see it. You will also hear the sound that they make, one of many sounds, and many forms of communication. What are your experiences with prairie dogs? Do you feel the ban is fair or right? Read the complete article on the pet prairie dog. Read more Prairie Dog as a Pet




Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Civet Coffee - Kopi Luwak

As promised here is how to make the best cup of coffee in the world. The funny thing was, it was the very poor farmers that enjoyed the coffee and drank it first. They were not able to afford expensive coffee beans so they picked the beans off the ground. Ahh, but you will understand all this once you read the article. I am curious, have you have tried kopi luwak coffee? I had to try it before I submitted the article, seemed only fair. It is true, it is deep, rich, mellow, no acidity, low in caffeine, what else could you ask for? The caviar of coffee! Read more
Civet Coffee - Kopi Luwak

Civet - Civet Cat

A civet or civet cat is a beautiful long-tailed spotted critter. When acquired young they are quite tamable and can be a great pet for the right person. They aren’t good fashion coordinators because they wear clashing spots with strips. Civets make the best cup of coffee in the world. Read the article and learn more Civet - Civet Cat




Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Critter Camp Pepsi Refresh Everything

Just as human babies are abandoned and abused, pets and exotic pets sometimes meet the same fate. Critter Camp, Critter Camp Exotic Pet Sanctuary exists to give a home to these animals. Let’s help their very modest wish come true. Learn about Critter Camp and the Pepsi Refresh Everything contest. Read more Critter Camp Pepsi Refresh Everything

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Ferret Adrenal Disease

You begin to notice your ferret is losing its hair. His or her little tail looks naked like a rat. The ferret has no energy and is beginning to lose weight. This could be ferret adrenal disease and it is not a death sentence for most ferrets. The treatment which isn’t necessarily that expensive.

See ferret pictures of ferret adrenal disease, YouTube videos of ferret adrenal disease, ferret pictures, how to care for the pet ferret and more! Excellent video describing ferret adrenal disease. Read about Ferret Adrenal Disease

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Ducks - How to care for a pet duck

Ducks are friendly, charming, and can be downright sweet, and to top all that off they are beneficial. You have a pet that works for a living and that is rare. Just ask my cats, or for that matter any pet I have in the house. They’re right, ducks unlimited, why not pet ducks? Read more about ducks as pets. Read more about pet ducks Pet Ducks



Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Raccoon Roundworms - Fatal to Humans

Have you thought about parasites, worms that can invade your brain causing blindness, paralysis, and even potential death? Many animals can be host to this deadly roundworm – the raccoon roundworm. Your dog, your child, birds, and many mammals can all be a host to this deadly parasite. Read more about this serious threat! Raccoon Roundworms - Fatal to Humans





Tuesday, June 29, 2010

There is a Rabbit in the Dryer - Exotic Pets

Dangers of Free Ranging Exotic Pets - When you find your rat on the roof you may have second thoughts about allowing your exotic pets free run of the house. If that story doesn’t convince you perhaps the raccoons that called the police, or the seven ferrets that mysteriously vanished...Read more! There is a Rabbit in the Dryer - Exotic Pets


Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Death by Ignorance of Dietary Needs - Skunks and Other Exotic Mammals

Death by Ignorance of Dietary Needs - We feed insects to reptiles and wouldn’t think about giving them peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Why on earth would we feed an exotic mammal, especially a skunk dog food or cat food? I feel there are quite a few mammals that would benefit from this fresh protein diet, specifically skunks. That is their primary diet in nature along with fresh plant matter. Read more! Death by Ignorance of Dietary Needs - Skunks and Other Exotic Mammals


Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Trimming Claws Pets and Exotic Pets

Imagine how bad an ingrown nail hurts. Imagine an overgrown claw that curls and grows into an animal’s foot pad. All pets need foot care. This article covers how to trim an animal’s nails, preventing infection, restraint, quality nail clippers, control bleeding, how to avoid bleeding and much more. Read more...Trimming Claws Pets and Exotic Pets



How do you trim your pet's nails? Your exotic pet may be a bit more difficult. All suggestions welcome!

Your exotic pet may be a bit more difficult. All suggestions welcome! Please comment here Questions and comments

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Afterlife and Pets

Will we see our beloved pets again when we give up our physical bodies? I would like to think so. I think I have proof that we will. In reality, pets, and exotic pets have souls just as we do. There is scientific evidence and also confirmation in many revered books that prove animals have souls. Read more....

Please express your thoughts, do animals have souls. Do you feel you will see your pets in the afterlife? Read more Afterlife and Pets



Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Alpha Male is a Fairytale

The exotic pet story for the week.

There is much training material based on untrue and obsolete research on wolves and the alpha male. We were wrong about the gerbil. What else are we doing wrong raising and training our exotic pet, dog, or cat. Learn how to properly raise and train any animal. They must be healthy, happy, and safe.

Wolves, gerbils, cats, dogs, horses, it doesn't matter, we have a LOT to learn. There is no such thing as a lone wolf...read the article Alpha Male is a Fairytale



Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Exotic Pets the Truth Revealed

There seems to be so much negative press about exotic pets and exotic pet owners. These stories are only a minuscule part of the millions of stories you never hear or see. These are the stories of undeniable love; the stories never told because they don’t include blood, shock, and gore. Let me introduce you to pet rats, Tanzanian Egg Eating Snakes, and Silly the Crested Gecko and more... Exotic Pets the Truth Revealed

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Hermit Crab Facts

Learn about hermit crab information, hermit crab facts, land hermit crabs, hermit crab molting, hermit crab food, the pet hermit crab, supplies, and hermit crab accessories. See hermit crab pictures. Land hermies can’t be bred please consider hermit crab adoption from a hermit crab rescue. Read much more on hermit crabs
Hermit Crab Facts

Monday, May 24, 2010

Pet Raccoon

Raccoons are intelligent, mischievous, fun, in addition destructive, may bite, and scratch. You will also see part of my pet raccoon family that I adore; lots of cute raccoon pictures. I personally love these exotic pets, everything about them, their personalities, their antics, even their odor. Have you had a raccoon as a pet? Do you think they could make a good pet? Please give your opinion about pet raccoons.Great raccoon pictures! Much more information on raccoon facts and the pet raccoon. Read the full article Pet Raccoon


Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Green Eggs and Chickens - My Pet Chicken

Sometimes we don’t intentionally go out to find a pet, exotic pet or otherwise. Sometimes we find each other. Considering I had grown up on a ranch, in my youth, I never thought of a chicken as anything other than a farm animal. That is, until I fell in love with my exotic pet chicken.

Read the full story...

Green Eggs and Chickens - My Pet Chicken

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Exotic Pet Blunders

Perhaps some lessons can be painful, especially when it comes to making mistakes that causes an illness or even the death of an exotic pet. Exotic pets were a big part of my life when I was a young child. Some of these pets included a red eared slider turtle, an alligator, and a parakeet. Read more Exotic Pet Blunders


Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Pet Coatimundi

Coatimundi - The pet coatimundi
The coatimundi or coati can be a great exotic pet for some people. The coati can be very affectionate but are highly active and can be destructive. The coati is active in the day and is an omnivore. Find coati breeders and learn to take care of the coatimundi. Enjoy coatimondi pictures.
Pet Coatimundi

Be sure to visit Exotic Pets BellaOnline for more than a hundred of other possibilities of exotic pets. There may be an exotic pet for you! Exotic Pets


Saturday, April 24, 2010

Exotic Pets

Exotic Pets BellaOnline is a exotic pet friendly site. There is a comprehensive series of exotic pet articles you are sure to enjoy. There are great animal pictures, exotic pet news, and a friendly forum to get to know people that have pets as you do. Please learn all you can about an exotic pet before you purchase one. Find out if the pet you are interested in is legal where you live. Read more Exotic Pets



Hedgehog - Hedgehogs

The pet hedgehog and pet hedgehogs

The hedgehog is a wonderful little pet. They are a nocturnal animal and it maybe better if you´re not the early to bed type of person. You would only end up with enough time to wave a friendly hello to your little exotic pet. Their quills are not sharp like a porcupine; the feel is more like a hair brush. Read more...Hedgehog - Hedgehogs



Chinchilla

The chinchilla as a exotic pet pet chinchillas

Pet chinchillas are intelligent, and sweet. They are reasonably easy to care for. They do need a large, tall cage, with multiple layers. They have an advanced herd social structure it is necessary to be knowledgeable about introducing a new chinchilla to another chinchilla. Read more on the pet chinchilla Chinchilla



Tarantula - How to Care for the Pet Tarantula

The pet tarantula

Learn how to care for the pet tarantula. Tarantulas need special care for heat to humidity. There are many different kinds of tarantulas each need special care. Most are quite gentle and really do make great pets. Meet my hairy friend the tarantula. Think twice before stepping on a spider. See tarantula pictures.

More on the pet tarantula Tarantula - How to Care fore the Pet Tarantula



Hamster - How to Care for the Pet Hamster

The pet hamster and pet hamsters

Hamsters can be good pets but can be a bit nippy. Children should be supervised 100% of the time when handling a hamster. This is to protect your child and the hamster. How to house, feed, and care for the exotic pet hamster. There is a follow up article on hamster bonding and health issues.

More on the pet hamster....Hamster - How to Care for the Pet Hamster



Iguana as a pet

The pet iguana

So you want a pet iguana? Beautiful reptiles but do you know how big they get? The iguana can make a wonderful exotic pet but you do need to know a great deal about the care of iguanas. They need heat, special food, and special lighting. Otherwise it can lead to Metabolic Bone Disease, MBD.

Read more Iguana as a pet


Sugar gliders - Sugar gliders as pets

How to care for an exotic pet Sugar Glider. Sugar Gliders are a social animal and should not be raised alone. You must have more than one.

They are a marsupial much like an opossum. They rear their young in pouches like a kangaroo. Sugar Gliders can be adopted from sugar glider rescues. In fact, many people are unprepared when they purchase a sugar glider and many gliders do end up in rescues!

Dietary Requirements They cannot consume fat. The majority of their diet is fruit and vegetables (75%). They should receive protein (25%. They do need calcium.

These are the foods that sugar gliders like: strawberries, cantaloupe fruit jams, raisins, carrots, peas, low-fat turkey and boiled chicken, dried fruit, apricots, peaches, pineapple, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds, fruit juices, papaya, grapes, peaches, honeydew melon, pears, blueberries, corn, oranges, yams, sweet potatoes, peanuts (crushed), pine nuts, squash, hard-boiled eggs (leave the shells, cut the egg in half), Paw Paws, high protein baby cereal, assorted baby foods, low-fat yogurt (they especially like peach and blueberry), mealworms, wax worms, silkworms, small amounts of honey, dehydrated fruits and vegetables.

Since their food is fresh, the food needs to be removed from the cage frequently to prevent spoiling. Do not feed lightening bugs these can be deadly to many animals.

The much of their fluid in-take is from the fruit in the wild. The sugar glider must have fresh water available at all times.

Vitamin deficiency can be a problem with sugar gliders. You should offer a liquid supplement in their drinking water or on their food.

Deviating from this diet, 75%/25% can be fatal to the Sugar Glider. Avoid preservatives, artificial flavors, and artificial colors. The Sugar Glider's diet is very specialized and can be quite expensive to feed. Something to take into serious consideration before you decide to bring home a sugar glider.

Housing

It is not a good idea to let your little sugar gliders to be free in a house without strict supervision. They can be injured. The little darlings also like to chew things up like your drapes, furniture, and any other chewable things in your house.

Do not forget that the Glider is nocturnal. Sugar Gliders cannot be outside in the direct sun. The sun will injure their eyes severely.

Cages need to be good sized. The sugar glider cage can be bought or homemade. Homemade cages are relatively easy to build. The cage should be welded wire because Sugar Gliders like to climb. The size of the mesh needs to be small. A cage should be no smaller than 24" inches in diameter and 38" tall for any more than 2 animals. Bigger is better.

Place live fruit trees branches in their cage, and replace them frequently. This is for two purposes. One of these reasons is for climbing. The other reason they need to chew to keep their teeth healthy. Do not use any branches that have been sprayed!

Provide a nesting box for them to sleep in the daytime, for their comfort and to keep them out of the daylight. Fleece makes a great pillow and blanket for the sugar glider. Never use tissue (like toilet paper), sugar gliders can ingest tissue. Ingested tissue can cause intestinal blockage.

Bedding is a bit tricky; from all the fruit, their little feet can be sticky. Corncob bedding works well. Cedar is harmful, as is pine.

Legality of Sugar Gliders in the US

I say in the US because I do not know what agency to contact outside of the United States. To find out if it legal to own a sugar glider in the US, contact the US Dept of Agriculture (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service). Inquire if you must have a license.

This is a general overview to give you information about the Sugar Glider. Before you decide to bring one into your home, please research them completely and find a vet that is knowledgeable.

Spend lots of time with your Sugar glider and they will love to be with you. They will literally crave your attention. As you have seen, they can be very expensive and are time intensive. Sugar Gliders are sweet animals and make wonderful pets for the right person. Above all else enjoy your sugar glider.

My Ferret Book Guides and Exotic Pet Books Guides

Exotic Pets: Family Guide Paperback and Kindle. Available on Kindle Unlimited!

Ferrets: A Complete Guide is available in Kindle, paperback and Kindle Unlimited!

Friday, April 23, 2010

Rabbit Supplies

Rabbit Supplies

Learning about a new exotic pet and everything an exotic pet needs isn’t an easy task. I have put together the basic necessities of what a rabbit will need. Don’t skimp on the rabbit cage, they need the space. Stay away from the rabbit pellets that commercial rabbit breeder’s use.

To see the whole article - Rabbit Supplies


Pet Rabbit

Pet Rabbit




Nothing much beats the feeling of a wiggly nose in the neckshoulder. This is a body part you develop only when you have had a baby or when you have a pet rabbit. Rabbits are not a object you give as a gift nor should one be bought on impulse. How to care for the pet rabbit.


To read the full article
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art63452.asp

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Ban the Gas Chamber for Animals

"Michigan House Bill 4263, the Humane Euthanasia of Shelter Animals Act, and House Bill 4803 both would ensure that when the state's unwanted, sick or unadoptable shelter animals have to be euthanized, the procedure will only be done by injection of sodium pentobarbital. This method is called euthanasia by injection."
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/900398769?z00m=19839011

Exotic Pets BellaOnline Ban the Gas Chamber for Animals/

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Pet Adoption

When we are lonely and blue there could be a pet for you that will always be true. Consider pet adoption. It doesn’t need to be a dog or cat there are many exotic pets that need a home. Consider adopting an exotic pet I will show you how to find adoptable exotic pets. Read more Pet Adoption