Is An Avian or Exotic Pet Right for You?
Various birds and other exotics—excluding cats, dogs, farm or wild animals—make terrific household pets. Each has unique care needs, so before bringing an avian or exotic home, you want to be sure they’re a good fit for your space and lifestyle. BEEVET Animal Hospital has put together this guide to help you determine if an avian or exotic pet is the right pet for your household.
Avian Species That Make the Best Pets
Birds can be messy and noisy. Some will demand your attention and may even become aggressive and destructive, while some can also be loving. How can you know which bird will be right for you? At BEEVET Animal Hospital, our experienced veterinarians can consult with you about avian pet care so you can make the best choice for your household. Consider one of these friendly, smaller birds as your next pet:
- Parakeets
- Cockatiels
- Canaries
- Finches
- Lovebirds
Any of these small birds can live for 10 to 15 years or even longer. Like a dog or cat, these loveable creatures will need your care for a long time.
Larger birds tend to need more of your attention. Many thrive on affection and interaction with their humans, and many need a lot of space. Consider these varieties If you can provide the right environment:
- Cockatoos
- Doves
- Parrots—including the smaller Pionus Parrot (about 10 to 12 inches) and the smallest Parrotlets (about 4 to 5 inches), the Amazon Parrot, and African Greys—need more attention and lots of distraction in the form of new toys and puzzles. They live from 10 to 50 years or more.
What is an Exotic Pet and Which is Right For Your Family?
An exotic pet can be a creature that is legal to own and is relatively easy and safe to handle. Each exotic has special housing, food, and health considerations unique to its species. Activity needs, longevity, and size are just a few of the characteristics you’ll want to study before bringing an exotic pet into your home. Examples of exotics include:
- Amphibians
- Chinchillas
- Gerbils
- Guinea Pigs
- Mice & Rats
- Rabbits
- Reptiles
- Sugar Gliders
Pet Safety for Avians and Exotics
Human and pet safety is of the utmost importance when making a home for any new pet. If your avian or exotic can be aggressive, they may not be the right fit for a family with young children. Talk to your veterinarian about ways to avoid bites and fights from your unusual pets. Some questions to consider are:
- Does your pet have adequate space?
- Does your pet prefer the company of one or more others of its kind?
- Is your pet getting adequate nutrition?
- Does your pet require regular grooming, including nail or beak trims?
- Is your pet getting enough attention, distractions, and exercise?
Because our pets can’t talk to us, often their behavior tells us when something isn’t quite right. Understanding the unique needs of exotics will go a long way to keeping everyone healthy and safe.
What You Need to Know About Avian and Exotic Pet Care
Keeping your exotic pets healthy is our job at BEEVET Animal Hospital. Exotics may have special grooming needs and diet requirements that keep them feeling their best. We encourage our exotic clients to visit us for regular wellness checkups and we are eager to answer all your exotic pet care questions. Call us at (512) 263-9292 to schedule a wellness appointment or exotic consultation.