Exotic Pets

Reason # 8 ... Because it looks CUTE or sounds like a neat thing to have!

A pet tiger is soooo cute, and is there anyone, anywhere that wouldn't think that a baby tiger wasn't the neatest thing around? Purring and licking on you as you cuddle it in your lap. Watching it fall asleep and taking it with you everywhere you go. And, OH .... giving it a bottle is a most awesome high. Then, one day something happens. This cute little, ball of yellow and black stripes becomes a 400 - 800 pound eating, scratching, defecating machine! Woah, what happened! Do your homework when it comes to buying any pet, but especially an exotic pet. There are several more chapters to read before you get to the "and they lived happily ever after" part. Every puppy is soooo cute, but the sad truth of the matter is, many puppies grow into ignored, abused and mistreated dogs.
It sounds REALLY neat to think of owning a monkey or primate for a pet. WOW! A Cheetah, a Bonzo, a George or an Ed, would be a great pet to have. Everyone would be amazed and even a little bit envious, wouldn't they? Yet, how many people know, that to own or buy some primates, you need some sort of federal or state permit, either a USDA or USDI. Though most exotics can be owned as pets without any special license or regulation, there are exceptions. In many cities or counties there are ordinances that make it almost impossible to own any exotic. In fact, there are some states that simply do not allow certain exotics to be kept. In California it is illegal to own a wallaby unless you abide by some very strict (ridiculous) regulations. What sometimes sounds like a wonderful pet to own, may turn out to be a complete nightmare to secure properly. Research thoroughly the exotic pet of your choice BEFORE you buy. Find out the local and regional requirements first. This is the best advice available. 

 

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Reason #7 ... Because you've always LIKED that particular exotic!
OR .... that particular exotic is the IN pet!

All my life I have loved parrots and colorful birds. However, I know the work that goes into them if you keep them for a pet. They need daily attention, and with my schedule, with all the animals I tend to, it would not be beneficial for the bird. I also know the work that I would have to do if I were to raise them as pets for others. No thank you, it's not for me! I only came to this decision after I had been around a few years in the exotic industry, I had plenty of chances for excellent buys. I also had the help and support needed to get into raising exotic birds, but I knew it is not for me. I am happy doing what I do and I love it! I have always loved those marsupials of Australia, namely Wallabies! It was not until after I did my home work and helped raise a few that I realized I could do this on a bigger scale. I have never looked back! It has been a wonderful experience. NEVER rush into ANY exotic purchase just because you LIKE that exotic or because everyone else is doing so! 

Reason #6 ... Because It's a GOOD buy!

It's a "GOOD" buy, only if it's a good, healthy animal and the pet you have been considering and preparing to buy. There may be a reason that animal is "cheap", or priced below market value. It could be because the breeder found it had an unusual nasty temperament, or because the animal bites or has other undesirable traits. Sometimes I have sold animals cheaply (especially at auctions) because I knew the animal just did not have what I consider to be pet quality characteristics. Besides, no buy is a good buy if the animal dies three days later, wouldn't you agree? Not to mention that, some "good buys" have hidden charges, such as cost for cages, vet bills, "specialized" equipment or environmental needs. Some pet cages and houses cost 100 times the price of the animal. I remember winning two gold fish at a fair once. I went out and began to buy all that was needed to take proper care of my new pets. Before it was all over I had spent over $ 35.00 for 2 $.35 gold fish that died 2 months later.

Always remember these two things. First, a "good buy" will always have a GREAT guarantee that goes with it. Guarantees may vary, but a dealer, broker or breeder that is concerned more about his or her reputation and doing others right than their own financial gain will always give some kind of guarantee, and their previous customers will vouch for them too. Secondly, a "good buy" always furnishes a name, address and phone number for continued support and help after your purchase. Any breeder/broker should offer you perpetual service, 24 hours a day, and what better buy than that can you have.
Another thing to consider is that the price for an exotic may vary because of any number of reasons. Breed variations such as color or color patterns, size, family or genius origin and temperament all play a part in pricing. Some variations such as albinos, mosaic or color variations may be 2 to 5 times more in price than the more common animals of the same breed. Just for example, a pair of Chinchilia's may vary between $75-100 (common gray), $150-250 (mosaics) to $1500 (Violets). You need to know the difference! 

 

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Reason # 5 ... Because you let someone TALK you Into It!

Any breeder worth his or her salt (or pet store for that matter) would never talk you into buying any animal, exotic or domestic! The best sells are those sells to people who have done their homework and made their decision to buy before they even see the animal one is selling. Seeing the animal or trusting the professionalism of the seller is all the buyer needs to make up their mind. This kind of sale is often never heard from again. Personally, if the animal does not sell itself, I do not what to handle it!

YOU make the decision rather you buy or not, and from whom you buy it. Beware of anyone who would persuade you not to purchase an animal from anyone other than themselves. A helpful and reliable breeder or broker of exotic pets will allow you plenty of time to make your decision to buy. It is a big decision to make and one you should take very seriously. A reputable breeder will also give you the support you and your new pet needs even if you do not buy from them. 

Reason #4 ... Because someone you KNEW had one!
                            and... You WANT one TOO!
Once again, there are many variables to owning an exotic pet. Everyone's lifestyle and personality is different. There is no guarantee that you would make a good owner of a particular exotic. Neither is there a guarantee that a particular exotic would be the perfect pet for you. The person you knew may have been able to afford the upkeep for such a pet. They might even have been able to farm out their pet to a neighbor or friend when they went away, and this might pose a problem for you in your particular circumstance.
I had a friend once that owned a 4 seater plane. I always wanted to have one too, until one day he shared with me that it cost him about $1500 a month to own and operate his plane. I figured then that even if someone gave me a brand new plane, I couldn't afford to keep it. Remember, do your homework. Planning and preparation for the purchase of an exotic pet will save you money, frustration and most of all, it will prevent stress and harm for the pet! 

Reason #3 ... Because it's so DIFFERENT!

This is the nature of exotic pets, they are different! Their difference is mostly due to their origin. For the most part, exotics originate from foreign lands. Sugar Gliders are imported from Indonesia, Wallabies from New Zealand, Dormice from Africa, Fennic Fox from Egypt and so on. Because they come from foreign lands, they will have, by and large, foreign diets. Their particular needs, that all exotics have, must be kept up with. Every exotic I have ever raised has even come with it's own exotic brand of sicknesses and ailments. Because they are different, you will need to find a veterinarians that will be able to handle your exotic pet needs. Just any dog and cat or farm animai doctor will not be equipped for your particular needs.

Most exotics take a special diet. Although Purina, Zoo Prem and other pet food producers make a plethora of diets, some animals need specialty nutrition that must be special ordered. Exotics also need certain climates and conditions in order to breed properly or to maintain their health. There are often toxicities that must be considered that might prove harmless to domestic animals but fatal to exotics. I am not trying to scare you, just jolt you to do your homework. Most catastrophes can be eliminated if proper preparation is done BEFORE the purchase. Most exotics I know of have one or more down sides. Know what they are and then make your decision to purchase. 

Reason #2 ... Because you've grown bored with OTHER petsl
Get a life! Any animal, domestic or exotic, demands a high level of owner responsibility. Becoming bored with a pet is NOT an option, especially when it comes to exotic pets, You can't just find another family for your 5 foot Iguana, your over grown Siberian Lynx or unwanted snake. Please, for the sake of the animal, be committed to the long haul. Realize you have a responsibility to the animal, the exotic pet industry, the general public and your own dignity. The Exotic Pet industry already suffers from too much poor PR which results from irresponsible "wanna-be" exotic pet owners. 

Reason #1 ... You DO NOT have lots of EXTRA TIME

to devote to your new exotic pet!

Time to study and become informed about an exotic pet, time to look for and search for an exotic pet and time to find the best exotic pet available are just a few of the time management steps exotic pets demand of us. Every exotic pet I have owned or taken care of has given back countless moments of joy and happiness. Though there may be many reasons NOT to buy an exotic pet, in time, everyone of those reasons can be eliminated some way or other. In time all the details can be worked out or you will eventually find the exotic pet that best fits your family structure or lifestyle.

There is one major reason to buy an exotic pet when the time is right! That is, because they are (as Tony the Tiger says) GRRRRREAT!!! Not to mention, there is nothing like an exotic pet. It is truly an exotic experience. People are always amazed at what they see when they come to my house. I always hear things like, "Wow, how did you come to have so many wonderful animals?" My answer, "I bought them one at a time, AFTER... I did my homework on each species!" Most exotic pet owners I know have several kinds of exotics. It gets in your blood. From hissing roaches and pygmy mice, to cuddly wallabies and talking birds, to timid snakes or playful primates, they all, when purchased with timely insight, can be most rewarding and they will add hours of happiness and joy!
In short, please BUY EXOTIC, but do so WISELY!