Make sure you can care for exotic pets, urges Reaseheath College

Lauren Lane, deputy manager of the Animal Collection at Reaseheath Zoo in Nantwich, is concerned that unusual pets like snakes, chameleons, turtles, monkeys and parrots are becoming more popular - but often their special requirements and care are not being met.

She is appealing for families to think carefully before welcoming a new pet into the household, or at least to get expert advice on its care before making the purchase.

“Caring for exotic pets is far more complicated than you think,” said Lauren.

“It’s becoming much easier to buy reptiles, amphibians, birds and more unusual mammals but they don’t necessarily make good pets because they need specialist management to keep them healthy.

“Reptiles need certain levels of UV lighting. Many owners have a UV bulb but have no idea how to measure it to make sure it’s correct.

“Fish are often bought as first pets or won as prizes, but people don’t appreciate they are taking on an animal that could live for more than 30 years and grow to over a foot in length.

“Primates are very social animals and shouldn’t be kept on their own.

“Even commonly-kept pets like rabbits need specific feeding to avoid digestive problems, a companion to bond with and more space than most people appreciate.”

Lauren said anyone tempted to buy an unusual pet should first talk to an expert and make sure they are aware of the animal’s requirements.

Reaseheath’s animal management department, which trains RSPCA officers on the care of exotic animals, is planning to hold a seminar on the subject next spring.

The event will offer a range of talks and workshops for pet owners which will be delivered by college experts.

Topics are likely to include primate behaviour and welfare, and the requirements and care of reptiles, rabbits and guinea pigs, parrots and birds of prey.

Lauren said: “We want to raise awareness of the minimum care standards required by exotic pets.”