Herp Owners - Exotic Pets - Take a Stand!

Just in the United States, this figure does not include the rest of the world; 1.6 billion dollars is spent on exotic pets each year. I did not mistype that, that was a billion plus a whole lot more. One huge representation of the exotic pet industry is lizards, snakes, amphibians, frogs, and turtles. I don't spend a great deal of time discussing this very important part of the exotic pet industry because BellaOnline should have a reptile and amphibian editor. I am both the exotic pets editor and bird editor and I know how many thousands of people that come to me each month for advice. We need someone that cares enough for these beautiful creatures to do for reptiles and amphibians that I do for exotic pets and birds. Help educate and inform the public. Especially, before someone decides to acquire an animal they know little about. Read of the rest of the article Herp Owners - Exotic Pets - Take a Stand!My Ferret Book Guides and Exotic Pet Books Guides

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Behavioral Training Pets and Children

There is little difference in behavioral training a child or an animal; either common domestic companion pets or domestic companion exotic pets. I am going to use the word parents or parent to refer to the guardians of a human child or an animal or pet child.

If one parent tells the child, they can or cannot do one thing, and the other parent turns around and tells them the opposite that can cause serious confusion in a child. Their heart breaks. One, it makes the person that said yes a liar. It makes them the "bad person," and makes them look weak to the child. Tell me, what kind of role model does this give the child to follow? Exactly, certainly not a role model I would ever want my child to follow.

The same thing holds true when a parent tells a child no to a question, and other parent turns around and then says yes. The child learns nothing positive. If you disagree (and you will), you NEVER disagree in front of a child.

The child's mind literally tilts (my word for higher brain function overload), and they do the only thing they know what to do when dealing with utter confusion...they cry. Of course, some men are hard-wired to believe any crying is aimed at them - a plot against them. Only because most men have never learned to deal with emotion. The angrier a man gets, the more the crying gets to them, the more they yell, the more hurt the child becomes and therefore, cries more. Have you ever noticed countries or large corporations on an average are more efficient with a woman at the head than a man? More and more men are learning to use their hearts in combination with their brains to make decisions. More men are spending larger amounts of time with children and pets, they learn what emotion is. Not a sentiment to destroy the world or their little black and white world where they understand no evolution or change. So there is a chance the species may survive. If they don't blow mother earth to kingdom come with nuclear weapons.

Every single word of this holds true when you have an animal. Especially during the training process. If you don't think the animal doesn't understand these basic concepts you're dead wrong and probably shouldn't raise an animal. At least an animal that will need to survive a human world with social skills.

The child or animal will eventually use these disagreements to cause discord in the family. The child has then gained control.

Before you have children or acquire exotic pets or a more common pet, agree how that pet is going to be raised and FOLLOW through. As you go through the processes you will find just through experience you will need to make some adjustments that are fine and perfectly normal, and is human nature. We learn and improve. However, these changes are discussed privately, never in front of the animal or child.

A child has a hard enough time dealing with the oddities of people, can you imagine what a poor little animal goes through when they don't even speak the same language? Training and behavioral training children are pretty much the same as training exotic pets and common pets.

If you are planning a special day with your pet or child, don't start it out with a power struggle! Facebook Diana Geiger

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Exotic Pets - It is HOT Outside - Extreme Weather

Sometimes the best intentions just don't seem to work out. I had my surgery, and hospital stay planned out perfectly, so I thought. All my exotic pets and pets were set. Until I got to the hospital and found out the curve in my spine was the worst disaster that ever thought and turned into a very long surgery. The weather forecast 102 with high humidity. What would happen if my air conditioner would go out while we were in Sioux Falls? I just plain decided I was going home right after surgery.

Now the trick is not twisting, bending, doing nothing that can keep the bullet cages, screws, a bone protein, rods and whatever other assorted objects are holding my spine together. Even trying to get the animals fresh water is an impossibility. Scooping litter boxes, not possible. Thank goodness for my husband who has been a gem, but getting to be a very tired gem.

It is still hot, the air conditioner is still holding up. I thank goodness we were not in the area with the massive electrical outage. At least there are emergency generators. If the weather is hot or cold, I can't stress enough the need for emergency generators to keep your animals alive. Exotic pets are heat and or cold sensitive. We can't take a chance with these precious animals. Make sure they always have plenty of cold fresh and filtered water.

Of course, all the vegetables are beginning to bear fruit. That takes plenty of water. But that fresh salad last night was so cold and wonderful! The animals love the fresh veggies out of the garden too. All this takes work and plenty of it.

I doubt if I ever have had a surgery that has hurt so darn bad. So this story will be short and sweet. Keep your animals safe from the heat.

Keep your animals safe from the Fourth of July Day noises. More animals end up in shelters than any other time of the year because of fear. Keep them in a safe place. Play music or sounds they are accustomed too.

At the very least for you, your children and your pets have some form of the emergency generator! You may need it for extreme heat or cold, but rest assured, someday you will need it!

Facebook Diana Geiger

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Pet Monkey Guide

Monkeys are one of the most intelligent animals on earth. The pet monkey, at least in my opinion is also the most difficult animal to keep as a pet. It is very expensive to keep a primate happy and healthy. A monkey that does not bite is extremely rare and their teeth are sharp. Monkeys are impulsive, unpredictable, and excitable. They can never be toilet trained. Monkeys should not be kept singly. They are social animals and socializing with you is not enough. I believe the socialization needs of a monkey make it very difficult to successfully rear as a pet. They will become lonely and become sick or die. Having a monkey is like having a 6-month-old baby (basic needs) or a toddler (intelligence and agility) but for the next 20 to 40 years. The capuchins monkey is a popular pet monkey.

Be very careful when dealing with pet monkeys for sale advertisements and websites or monkey breeders. Never send cash. Make sure they have a USDA permit. It is a very good idea to pick the monkey up in person instead of having the monkey shipped.

The cage or enclosure needs to be big, the bigger the cage the better. Do not use anything less than 12-gauge wire. A safety entrance must be included to prevent the escape of your monkey. Monkeys need light to survive, so provide them with a Vita-Lites (replicates natural sunlight) Primates need this light for their skeletal development.

Variety is an important key to feeding a primate. Feed him a commercial primate diet, supplemented with fruits, nuts, cooked vegetables, wheat products, and eggs. They also enjoy insects like crickets, grasshoppers, and mealworms.

Monkeys need a complete health exam once a year. They will need a TB test to protect their health and you and your families' health. Also needed are a parasite examination and a complete blood screening. Find out the vaccination requirements for monkeys.

Monkeys are like children and can get into anything. Watch medicines, poisons, anything that is dangerous to a child, is more dangerous to a monkey because he can more readily get into things.

Be sure to check with your state, county, city, subdivision, and other local government agencies to see if primates are legal. If they are in fact legal in your state, it may be illegal in your county, city, or even neighborhood. Many regulations have changed lately. Even if you think it is legal it may not be.

Please do considerable research before you purchase a monkey. If it seems like I am trying to persuade you away from buying a monkey as a pet, I am. With many exotic pet purchases, animals suffer. Luckily the cost of a monkey is prohibitive in itself and is less likely to be bought on a whim.

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Pet Spider Guide

All pets including exotic pets are compared and matched to your personality and lifestyle. Would an arachnid be the right exotic pet for you?

An arachnid is a spider and has eight legs. In, comparison, insects have six legs. Spiders are not for everyone, and they have extraordinary needs.

All spiders can bite, and all spiders are venomous in varying degrees. Most species do no more harm than a bee sting or even less. Like a bee sting, it is possible to be allergic to the spider's venom, and you can go into anaphylactic shock. Some spiders can be very venomous, two examples would be the black widow spider and the brown recluse spider.

Any animal taken out of the wild deserves the largest enclosure possible. A fish aquarium is a good choice. The top should have a screen, cheesecloth or mesh so that the aquarium has ventilation. Keep the cage out of direct sunlight. Glass containers especially can get very hot which can kill the spider. A terrarium is also an excellent habitat for a spider. Temperatures and humidity can be controlled in a terrarium or aquarium environment. Make sure the top is secure. You don't want to lose your pet spider.

Spiders are carnivores and predators. The spider crushes its prey with its powerful mouthparts. The spider injects the venom to immobilize their prey and use its chelicerae and then insert their own digestive juices as they can't swallow whole food but suck it like you would using a straw.

A favorite arachnid of mine is the tarantula. The Grammastola Rosea, or Chilean Rose, is the most popular choice of tarantula because of its more relaxed disposition. Tarantulas are delicate creatures. When handling them be very careful that they don't fall, they can be skittish, and a shortfall can injure them severely or even kill them. Tarantulas do not like roommates. They are not social critters, so they must be kept one per enclosure.

I have had several different spiders as pets. They can get quite tame and friendly. I have one spider that comes down to the kitchen sink when I am washing dishes. He waits for a tiny fresh drop of water to be placed on the counter. He drinks from the spot of water and climbs back up to where he sits on his web. I had one spider that got so lazy he'd wait for me to put a live insect on his web. Then he'd come down and wind it up with spider silk. Maybe he wasn't lazy but had me well trained. Either way, he really got to be quite large.

A spider could be an excellent choice of exotic pet for the right person. Protect your pet from other people, and protect other people from your pet. There could be liabilities in owning a venomous pet.

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Pet Armadillo Guide

Armadillos are found mostly in South and Central America. The nine-banded armadillo is the only armadillo found in the United States. They have been seen as far north as Missouri. I saw a number of them when we lived in Oklahoma. I have a couple of cute stories about Armadillos I will relate a little later in this article.

They do not do well in cold weather. This fact is something essential to keep in mind if you are considering an armadillo as a pet. They do not store fat. If you have an armadillo as a pet, you must provide a safe heating source. An armadillo has a hard leathery outer shell made up of scutes or thin bone plates. They are a mammal and give birth to live young. They are of the order Cingulata.

The armadillo ranges from 24 to 32 inches or 61 to 80 cm and weighs from 8 to 17 pounds or 3.6 to 7.7 kg. They do have a short lifespan in the wild. They live for 10 to 15 years in captivity.

The armadillo is natural foragers; they dig with their long claws. It would be downright animal abuse if an armadillo were stuck in a small cage and fed cat food. An exotic pet must be kept in an environment as close to their natural habitat as possible. They could be held outside in a large secure pen with a shed that would be heated in the winter. They do not do well inside a house. Make sure they are supervised when in the house.

They do have a slight odor somewhat musk-like. I haven’t noticed the odor, but then again I like the smell of skunks. When the armadillo is startled it may have a stronger scent.

Feed a natural diet as possible; they eat grubs, worms, insects, and other creepy crawlies. They are omnivorous but mostly eat insects. They have a long sticky tongue much like the anteater. They do eat some roots and fruit. Like all omnivorous animals, they are opportunist eaters and do eat carrion.

They do dig dens but only to house themselves or give birth to their young. They do not den with other armadillos; they are solitary animals.

Something else to keep in mind when considering armadillos as exotic pets is that they are nocturnal and are rarely awake more than about five hours a night.

Be sure to check on the legality of the armadillo, are they legal to keep as pets? Please before bringing home any animal make sure it is a legal animal in your state, county, city, or local area. These can all differ! Just because a pet is permitted in a state doesn’t mean that it is legal in your town. Find out what the requirements are. You may need a permit, examination by a veterinarian, or a health certificate; find out before acquiring the exotic pet.

Some areas consider them pests because they dig up yards looking for food. It hasn’t been very long since they crossed from Mexico to the United States and even a shorter time since they made their way further north than Texas.

Armadillos do swim. They are a substantial - dense animal. They swallow air to keep them afloat. They can dog paddle or even walk on the bottom of the lake or stream.

I had never seen an armadillo in their natural environment until we moved to Oklahoma. We were driving down the road, and I caught something unusual out the corner of my eye. I had my husband turn around, and sure enough, it was an armadillo.

We enjoy camping. We photograph the local wildlife at night. There was one campground where we were allowed to stay during the winter months. We were entirely by ourselves and locked in at night. Late one night we were sound asleep when we heard some crash banging outside the tent. We were a bit concerned. Whatever it was making the ruckus walked around the tent, made a great deal of noise, and eventually left. We had no idea what it had been.

The following fall we were on another camping trip. We were walking through the woods. Since it was fall and there were some dead leaves on the ground. We heard this tremendous noise coming straight toward us. We stopped and watched. This thundering, SINGLE armadillo went right by us. We followed it, (not hard considering the noise it was making) it headed straight for the lake, and we heard a loud splash. I am glad they are foragers and don’t depend on sneaking up on another animal to hunt. That night we came to the conclusion it had to have been an armadillo checking out our campsite and tent the previous camping trip.

They do have lousy eyesight but make up for it with their acute sense of smell. They also have a pretty good sense of hearing. Their eyes are very light sensitive which is why you won’t see them in bright daylight only at night or on a cloudy day.

The female armadillo always gives birth to genetically identical offspring the term for this is polyembryony — the offspring form from the same egg. Since the pups are identical, they would, of course, be all females or all males. Some armadillos, including nine-banded armadillo, Embryonic Diapause take place. The fertilized egg doesn’t immediately attach to the uterus. The growth of the fetus doesn’t begin until implantation occurs. Until the fertilized egg attaches, the fertilized egg remains dormant.

Pups or baby armadillos can move around just a few hours after birth, and their eyes are open at birth. They nurse for approximately two months. They will remain with their mothers until another litter is born.

People often hear that armadillos carry Hansen’s disease; or what some people recognize as leprosy. This happening is extremely rare, and a person would most likely come in contact with the bacterium if they ate a raw or under-cooked armadillo. Only a few nonhuman animals can contract Hansen’s disease; animals other than the armadillo are mice, rabbits, and some monkeys.

The armadillo or the Nine-Banded armadillo that is most common in the United States is certainly an exotic pet that has very different care and needs. Be sure to learn all you can about this little critter before considering obtaining one as a pet. His or her life is precious as all animal’s lives are, and having an exotic animal as a pet is a big responsibility.

My Ferret Book Guides and Exotic Pet Books Guides

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Exotic Pets – Please Help Me - A Public Plea

I want to hear from you! Help me make a difference. I am making a plea to all exotic pet professionals, caregivers, and owners. I want people to become aware of the needs of all exotic pets. What are their personalities? What are the social issues and needs concerning your exotic pet? How do you deal with training? Is it an exotic pet that can be trained? Do you realize what a difference we could make if more people became aware of the true nature of exotic pets? To fully understand an exotic pet before acquiring or purchasing one!

Perhaps people would become more sensitive to exotic pet legislation. More alert to their health care requirements. The population would grow less susceptible to rumors and educated with facts. Do you realize what we could accomplish with this project?

Fewer people would buy on impulse. They would have more knowledge about the exotic pet before diving into attempting to care for a strange animal. Nontraditional animals have much different care needs than traditional animals.

We complain about the misinformation on many television shows looking for nothing but ratings and money. We can make a more significant impact than any television show. Instead of complaining let’s do something about it!

I want to hear from exotic pet rescues. Why do people give up their pets? I want to hear from exotic pet veterinarians. Why do some exotic pets die too young? I remember cockatiels and the short lifespan they were experiencing. As we have learned more, they are living much longer. I am sure that the professionals that deal with exotic pets know better to what questions need answering than I know what questions to ask.

I want to hear about your ideas on how to change many misconceptions. One that bothers me a great deal is a domestic skunk and the fact that lawmakers and the general population think each and everyone is a rabies carrier. The breeder I purchased my skunks from, has been a breeder for over a hundred years and has not had a single case of rabies. There are many fallacies concerning exotic pets. It is time to get the truth out; as far and wide as we can.

Are you with me on this project? I can’t do it on my own. I need you and your experiences! Email Diana Geiger

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!

Fat Pets – Obesity

Share how you keep your pet's active. What methods have you used to help your pet's lose weight or to maintain a healthy weight?

According to a news report, our pets are fat. So what else is new? We’re fat, our kids are overweight, and it just stands to reason our pets would suffer from obesity too. We are creating an obese society causing severe health and mental issues.

Sixteen to thirty percent of kids are obese, around thirty percent of adults, and around fifty percent of our pets? What is going on? I think examining the reason for obesity is the key though I suppose that is kind of a no-brainer.

Our physical activity levels directly associate with our obesity levels, if were inactive we tend to go for easy when it comes to food. If we're idle, we feel mentally defunct and find a cure in eating. We are inactive, and our pets are lethargic. Someone has to walk and or play with the pets. The obesity situation in pets isn’t just dogs or cats it is exotic pets as well.

Animals weren’t born to be in cages or stuck in a house or in a fenced yard for that matter. They searched or hunted for their food. They were active.

The less we want to move the more weight we gain. Our joints start hurting causing us to want to move even less. It is no different for our pets. They begin to experience pain too. We already know the obesity causes all kinds of health problems from diabetes to heart disease. But let’s stick with just obvious discomfort for now. The more sedentary we become, the less we want to more. We become depressed our mental facilities slow. When we grab the pets and kids and get moving the rush of adrenal and oxygen is terrific.

During my younger years, I’d turn up the stereo, not enough to hurt anyone’s ears, grab the kids and animals and we’d all dance to the music. Even the birds would tag along bobbing their heads as they brought up the rear. Everyone’s eyes would shine you could feel the euphoria in the air. It was catchy the more you danced, the more you wanted to. The happier you became, the more weight loss. This is just one example of the multitude of things you can do with your entire family, kids, adults, exotic pets and pets, to keep you moving without having to plan a ballgame. Though, a ballgame would be fun.

Does our diet affect our physical activity or is it the other way around. Do we grow so sluggish that we don’t want to take the time and energy to make healthy meals? Are we to lethargic to learn what a healthy meal is? We just grab what is quick and easy from a fast food hamburger full of fat, sugar, and salt or the fastest food we can find in the kitchen. When we get into this vicious circle, we grow lazy when it comes to our pets. Do we just put out a bowl of food so that the pet can free range whenever it wants to eat?

Take the time to learn what a healthy diet is for your exotic pet. Learn how much and how often your pet ought to eat. Put what you have learned into action. Then get active!

Our lack of physical activity directly relates to our pet’s obesity. Get up, grab the kids and pets, move around, and get reacquainted with that feeling of exhilaration. Weight loss becomes much easier.

Share how you keep your pet's active. What methods have you used to help your pet's lose weight or to maintain a healthy weight?

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!

Pet Sugar Gliders

Exotic pet sugar gliders are a gentle, social marsupial from Southern Australia. Other marsupials include opossums, wallabies, koala, and kangaroos. Sugar Gliders glide from tree to tree using a membrane that stretches from their ankles to their wrists. The Sugar Glider's body size averages around 6 - 7 ½ inches and have a long tail, about the same length as their body. The sugar glider does make an excellent exotic pet for the right person. The person that will learn everything about their care before acquiring a sugar glider, and follow through with that care!

I think the name sugar from the sugar glider's name is because they are such sweet and affectionate animals. However, in reality, the name was from the sugar's gliders diet. They like sweet saps, gums, and pollen from trees and plants. They also need protein and obtain the protein from small insects, vertebrates and arthropods.

Sugar gliders are a social animal living in the wild in colonies of usually six to up to 40 animals. Since they are a social animal, they should not be raised as a single pet. They must be raised in a colony. A single sugar glider is not an option!

How to care for a pet Sugar Glider - Guide to Sugar Gliders

Sugar gliders are affectionate and very intelligent. They are lovely exotic pets. Just like any other exotic pet, they have some extraordinary needs. Suggie owners need to know what those needs are!

Sugar gliders love human attention, and they like to play. You need to bond with the little ones when you bring them home. Since they sleep in the daytime, you can bond with them by letting them rest in your pocket or even a fanny pack, facing front, mainly so you do not forget, and sit on it! Sugar gliders will form powerful bonds with their owners. Scent is important to Sugar Gliders; they use it in the wild to recognize their groups. Smell has influence in the bonding process as well. Wearing gloves will defeat your purpose in the bonding process. Play with them in the evening and at night. They love hide and go seek. They enjoy "finger" wrestling with you. I love it when I come home at night, open their cage, and they all converge on you, excited to see you! I call them my Velcro babies when they spot you they cling to you like Velcro!

Please buy them from a reputable breeder. The cost of a Sugar Glider ranges from $200 to $400. I recommend starting with a baby since they do form much stronger bonds with you.

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!

Birds of Prey – Falconry

The ancient art of falconry is far from a lost skill, alive and well in the US, and around much of the world. The proficiency takes a lot of dedication. In this world of instant gratification, cell phones, and computers, I hope it doesn’t become a lost art. I have gained a tremendous amount of esteem for falconers and hawkers, in addition to the respect they have for a wild bird and the incredible relationship that develops. Not the warm fuzzy relationship we have with many exotic pets but the working relationship that falconers and hawkers experience. Read the article...


Birds of Prey – Falconry

Small Spotted Genet - Common Genet as Pets

The Small Spotted Genet or the Common Genet is a popular exotic pet. They have many characteristics with the common house cat or the civet. They sport a spotted body and a ringed tail. They are agile, great climbers, highly intelligent, and curious. They are able to stand on their two front legs… Learn about one of the most agile and clever animals on earth.


Small Spotted Genet - Common Genet as Pets