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About
The Site
EFExotics.com is compiled by a single individual, Kevin Brooks.
I am a hobbyist with an interest in exotic pets. After noting an absence
of information regarding many of the species available, I started consulting
breeders and pet owners about their experiences and placing it in one
centralized location.
It is my
opinion this anecdotal data has its place in the pet care spectrum. With
some of the more obscure species, this is the only data available. Please
take it for what it is, but also utilize all avenues of info when researching
a potential species.
What Is
An Exotic Pet?
Opinions differ as to what constitutes an exotic pet. Some consider
any creature not native to a specific area "exotic". This definition,
however, excludes indigenous fauna. Others consider it any non domestic
pet, however, some unusual pets are still domestic. For the purpose of
this site, exotic pets are those outside the normal household fare.
Problems
With Exotic Animals
There are many problems associated with exotic pets. As a whole most people
are not willing to put up with the troubles they may face. It can be difficult
to find a competent vet to treat your exotic creature.
There are
no government approved rabies vaccinations for most species in the United
States. You can protect your pet against the disease, but if it were to
bite someone it would not be legally binding.
You must
accept that it is not a domestic animal. It is still wild and acts with
wild instincts. If your serval reduces the sofa to shreds, you cannot
get angry at the animal. It was something you where possibly facing in
the first place. If your generally amiable fox bites you, pay for the
stitches and get over it.
Exotic animals
are not for everyone, but for some people the rewards outweigh the woe.
Why Exotic
Animals As Pets?
Why indulge
such a harrowing venture? The reasons are as varied as the species available.
Space is
often an issue. Sugar gliders create an intimate bond with their owners,
but are about the size of a hamster. Finances can factor as well. It is
far cheaper to feed a flying squirrel than a Siberian husky. Time can
be important and most snakes require much less maintenance than mammals.
Chinchillas are generally hypoallergenic and rescued wildlife is sometimes
unreleasable.
Do
Exotic Animals Make Good Pets?
The Following By Stephanie Oostveen:
"For the
record I raise the ranch fox and I do tell people they make good pets
and they do. I also tell them that they stink to high heaven and they
need to understand that before they commit themselves.
I guess
while I'm on the subject I just gotta get this off my chest. I don't
sell freeze-dried pets. Meaning you don't just add water and "presto"!
Instant pet. No, no, I'm not jumping at any one here. Not at all. And
I also hate it where a breeder or broker makes stupid comments like
that.
First before
any thing I find out what the person's interpretation of the word "pet"
is and I take it from there.The
word "pet" to me means an animal capable of giving love to me in return
for the love and care I give it. That affection comes in many forms
(like love) and with that comes respect and acceptance. Acceptance on
my part to love that animal for what he/she is. That acceptance and
respect is two fold.
The hardest
question for me to answer is "what makes the best pet"? Oh God, I love
them all! True some more than others but they are all my pets. What
a person gets from that pet depends very much in what they put into
it. It's like any relationship. Maybe that's the key. Sometimes the
word "pet" to me almost brings to mind feelings of ownership.
Like it's the animal's duty to perform. When you own an animal that's
not the "norm" it comes with a lot of responsibility:
- To meet
it's needs.
- Look
out for it's (and those in contact with it) safety.
- Give
it the attention and love it deserves
- Respect,
Respect, Respect!
When we
learn to accept the creature for that it is instead of trying to make
it fit in like an animal that's been domesticated for hundreds of years
the rewards go beyond any words I could use to describe."
How
To Choose The Right Pet?
With so many options, how does one choose the right species?
First critically examine your personality any lifestyle. Many species
require vast amounts of attention, expensive diet demands, nocturnal hours
and other idiosyncrasies. You must also check if a prospective animal
is legal in your area.
Once you
have compiled a list of species that suit your lifestyle, research them
thoroughly to make the decision! Read books, search the web, ask questions
on mailing lists, email breeders and anything else you can think of. Never
accept one source and be weary of those interested in making a sales pitch
rather than providing accurate information.
Know
Your Breeder
The socialization
and rearing of a species is often an integral part of creating a tractable
companion. The genetic history is equally important. Is your pet coming
from pet quality stock that has been reared with time and love or from
an overworked, monetary driven backyard breeding operation? The quality
and integrity of your breeder is of utmost concern.
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