Exotic Pet Species A to Z - Care Guides for a Variety of Exotic Pets
From About.com
Because exotic pets often have very particular or unique needs, it is important to learn the basics of providing proper care for whichever specie of exotic pet you choose. Included here are care sheets or guides to the care of a variety of species or types of exotic pets.
Rodents
This is a very diverse group of pets, many of which are extremely popular especially as pets for kids. There are many good pet choices in this group for all ages, though. Included are hamsters, gerbils, mice, rats, guinea pigs, chinchillas, degus, flying squirrels, dormice, prairie dogs, and more.
Rabbits
Rabbits are very playful and social, and can make wonderful and entertaining pets. They require a large cage, time out of the cage to play and socialize, a good selection of toys, regular health care, and some training so that their natural habits such as digging and chewing don't become a nuisance.
Ferrets
Ferrets are often misunderstood pets -- there are a lot of myths about ferrets, but they can be delightful pets that are playful and entertaining. Ferrets need a large cage and playtime out of the cage, and lots of toys to keep them active and entertained. They also have unique dietary needs, and need regular medical care.
Reptiles and Amphibians
This is a large group of animals that encompasses frogs, salamanders and newts, lizards, snakes and turtles. While some of these pets can be handled quite easily, many others are better off as pets to watch rather than handle. That said, there are lots of animals here that make very good pets. To keep reptiles and amphibians healthy it is extremely important to learn about the environmental needs of any species you are considering, as providing the appropriate habitat and diet are crucial to the proper care of these animals.
Insects, Spiders, Scorpions and Millipedes
This group of pets is not for the squeamish! However, with proper expectations and care, these creatures can make good pets that are quiet and generally have minimal space requirements. Most of these fall into the category of pets to watch rather than pets to handle, though.
More Exotic Pets
This is an extremely large category of pet, and encompasses both animals that are fairly common and some that are not so common, including wild animals. While some of these pets have needs and requirements that are fairly easy to meet as well as characteristics that are pretty easy to live with, some pets on this list are very challenging to keep as pets.