1. Home
  2. Home & Garden
  3. Exotic Pets

Exotic Pets: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Hamster Care Guide
A guide to choosing a pet hamster and hamster care. Topics include choosing a healthy hamster, choosing a cage and accessories, feeding your hamster, toys for hamsters, hamster behavior, hamster health and more.
Chinchillas
Profile of chinchillas as pets, basic information about chinchillas and basic care information
red eared sliders
Red eared sliders are the most common turtle found in the pet trade, but many owners are surprised by the amount of care they need. Here's what you should know about red eared sliders before getting one, and a basic guide to their care.
Snakes as Pets
Thinking about a pet snake? Learn about what you should consider before deciding on a snake as a pet, good snakes for beginners, and some basic care requirements of pet snakes.
Names for Pet Fish
Browse through a list of reader-submitted pet names for fish.
Rabbit Care Guide
A guide to pet rabbits, including making the decision if a pet rabbit is right for you, choosing a healthy rabbit, and the proper care of pet rabbits.
Aquatic Turtles as Pets
Information on keeping aquatic turtles as pets, including what to expect from a turtle and the level of care and commitment required to keep turtles as pets.
Exotic Pets A to Z
Looking for information on a particular species? An index of all the types and species of exotic pets covered on About Exotic Pets.
Lizards as Pets
About keeping lizards as pets, including choosing the right lizard and some basic but important care concepts.
Pot Bellied Pigs as Pets
A discussion of what to expect if you choos a pot bellied pig as a pet.
Names for Hamsters
Browse through a list of reader-submitted pet names for hamsters.
Sugar Gliders as Pets
What you need to know if you are considering a sugar glider as a pet, including basic care information and links.
Guinea Pigs as Pets
Facts about guinea pigs, what to consider when choosing a guinea pig, finding and choosing a guinea pig, care of guinea pigs.
Geico - Leopard Gecko
Geico - Leopard Gecko
Ball Pythons as pets
Basic information on ball pythons, including choosing a pet ball python, providing a proper cage, and feeding ball pythons.
Fiddler Crabs as Pets
Information on fiddler crabs and how to keep them as pets, including setting up a tank appropriate for fiddler crabs.
Names for Guinea Pigs
Browse through a list of reader-submitted pet names for guinea pigs.
Syrian Hamsters
A profile of the Syrian (golden, teddy bear, black bear) hamster.
Degus as Pets
About degus as pets, including basic care information.
Rats as Pets
What you need toknow about deciding on a rat as a pet - life span, size, and characteristics.
Fennec Foxes as Pets
A look at what an owner can expect from a pet fennec fox.
Ferret Facts
Information about keeping ferrets as pets, including a care guide and some facts about ferrets.
Dwarf Hamster Species
Dwarf Hamster Species kept as pets.
Frogs as Pets
Keeping frogs as pets - pros and cons, what to consider before choosing a frog, good frog species for beginners, and links to care sheets.
Feeding Red Eared Sliders
Answer in response to a question I am asked frequently about feeding red eared sliders, especially young turtles.
Guinea Pig Breeds
Guide to the various breeds of guinea pigs or cavies, such as american, abyssinian, peruvian, silky, and more.
Names for Pet Turtles
Browse through a list of reader-submitted pet names for turtles and tortoises.
Iguanas as Pets
What to expect from a pet iguana and links to some of the best iguana care information available online
Tarantulas as Pets
What you need to know before getting a tarantula, and choosing a pet tarantula
Tortoises as Pets
An introdcution to tortoises as pets, including things to consider before committing to a pet toortoise, and links to species information.
Bearded Dragons as Pets
An introduction to keeping bearded dragons as pets.
Corn Snakes as Pets
Chossing a corn snake as a pet, with information on care of corn snakes.
Leopard Geckos as Pets
Introduction to leopard geckos and their care as pets.
King and Milk Snakes
An introduction tot he closely related king and milk snakes, and how to choose a healthy snake.
Pet Rabbit Housing
What to consider when choosing a home for a house rabbit, including provided the right size of cage.
Rabbit Breeds
A listing of rabbit breeds recognized by the American Rabbit Breeder Association with a brief description for each including weight.
Care of Pet Rats
Information on caring for pet rats including setting up a rat cage, and providing toys and exercise, and feeding.
6 Things RES
Considering a pet red eared slider? There are a few things you should know about aquatic turtles before deciding if a red eared slider is the right pet for you.
Exotic Pet Pictures
A gallery featuring pictures of exotic pets belonging to visitors to Exotic Pets at About.com
Hedgehogs as Pets
A quick guide to hedgehogs as pets, and basic care information.
Reptiles for Beginners
Information for inexperienced owners looking for their first reptile, including four good reptiles for beginners
Snake Names
Browse through a list of reader-submitted pet names for snakes.
Sugar Gliders - Profile
Basic facts about sugar gliders, incluing expected life span for pet sugar gliders.
Mice as Pets
Introduction to keeping fancy mice as pets, incluinding tips on choosing a pet mouse.
Sexing hamsters
How to tell the difference between male and female hamsters.
Hamster Health
A quick guide to common health problems seen in pet hamsters.
Fennec Foxes
Basic information on fennec foxes and keeping them as pets
Wolfdogs as Pets
What you need to know about keeping wolfdogs as pets, including what you should consider before deciding on a wolfdog as a companion.
Pet Monkeys
A look at the reasons monkeys can be very challenging and difficult pets.
Cages for Guinea Pigs
Information on what to look for in a guinea pig cage and how to set up the cage for your guinea pig. Includes links to top cages to buy online and ideas for homemade cages
Names for Pet Rabbits
Browse through a list of reader-submitted names for pet rabbits starting with the letter A to M.
Chinchilla Cages
Information on choosing a cage for your chinchilla and how to set it up for your chinchilla's comfort
Southern Flying Squirrels
Information on keeping southern flying squirrels as pets
Chameleons as Pets
A look at chameleons, their characteristics and what kind of pets they make.
Litter Training Rabbits
Advice on litter training pet rabbits, from choosing a litter to the steps to take to encourage rabbits to use the litter box both inside and outside their cage.
Homemade Indoor Rabbit Cage
One idea for a homemade indoor rabbit cage that is roomy and fairly easy to clean.
Sites with Ideas for Home M...
3 sites that feature wonderful home made guinea pig cage ideas
Keeping Pet Mantids
All about keeping mantids as pets inclduing housing and feeding of pet praying mantids.
Choosing Exotic Pets for Kids
My picks for the best pets for kids with pros and cons.
Feeding Guinea Pigs
Guidelines for Feeding your guinea pig incluing meeting their vitamin c requirments.
Syrian Hamster Cages
Factors to consider when choosing a cage for your pet Syrian Hamster.
Raccoons as Pets
A look at the characteristics of raccoons and whether they make good pets
Guide to Geckos
A introduction to keeping geckos as pets, including links to more information on a variety of gecko species.
Hamster Baby Care
What you should do if your hamster unexpectedly has a litter of babies (pups).
Rodents as Pets
A quick comparison of hamsters, gerbils, mice, rats, and guinea pigs, which are all common choices as family pets.
Giant African Land Snails
Giant African Land Snails as Pets (Achatina species) - care and feeding
Commercial Guinea Pig Cages
top picks for commercial guinea pig cages
Names for Pairs
Browse through a list of reader-submitted pet names for pairs of pets.
Land Hermit Crabs
Introduction to land hermit crabs as pets, with links to more detailed care information.
Molting Hermit Crabs
What to do with molting hermit crabs.
Cages for Pet Rats
A selection of cages found at online retailers that are appropriate for housing pet rats.
Green Anoles as Pets
of green anoles including setting up an appropriate tank and feeding.
Sugar Glider Photo Gallery - Page 9
Sugar Glider Photos pictures pics from Exotic Pets at About.com
Emperor Scorpions
Introduction to scorpions as pets, with an emphasis on the care of the large emperor scorpion.
Blue Tongued Skinks
Keeping blue tongued skinks as pets - information and a guide to their care.
How Much to Feed Turtles
How much and mow often to feed red eared sliders and other aquatic turtles
Axolotls as Pets
An introduction to the unusual and exotic axolotl, including basic housing and care information.
Introduction to Pet Love Birds
Infomation about keeping lovebirds as pets, including basic characteristics and care of pet lovebirds.
Big Cats as Pets
A look at the ready availability of big (non domestic) cats in the pet trade and the problems that can result when the reality of caring for a pet tiger or other large wild cat sets in.
Names for Pet Lizards
Browse through a list of reader-submitted pet names for lizards.
Zebra Finches as Pets
About zebra finches as pets - what to expect from a pet finch.
Feeding Pet Rabbits
A guide to properly feeding pet rabbits, who need ample roughage and fresh vegetables in their diets.
Chinese Water Dragons
Information and facts about water dragons and basic care information.
Chinchillas - Dust Baths
The importance of dust baths for chinchillas, and how to provide the dust bath.
Oriental Fire Bellied Toads
Introduction to oriental fire bellied toads and their care as pets.
Pet Canaries
An introduction to the pet canary and basic information on the care of pet canaries
Cockatiels as Pets
About keeping cockatiels as pets, including choosing a cockatiel, cages, and feeding.
Chinese Hamsters
A profile of the Chinese hamster.
Feeding Hermit Crabs
What to feed hermit crabs as part of a balanced diet.
Rabbit Communication
A quick guide to some of the things rabbits do to communicate and what they likely mean.
Toys for Rabbits
Some ideas for inexpensive and creative toys for your pet rabbit.
Exotic Pet Laws
It is important for potential exotic pet owners to make the effort to find out if a certain pet is legal where they live. If they don't and problems ensue, their pet may pay the price with his or her life.
Names for Pet Pigs
Browse through a list of reader-submitted pet names for pigs.
Kinkajous as pets
A look at keeping kinkajous as pets, and a look at their basic care and needs.
Feeding Your Ferret
A guide to feeding your ferret with advice on reading labels and some recommended diets.
Pacman Frogs as Pets
An introduction to pacman frogs (also known as ornate horned frogs, Argentinian horned frogs and bell horned frogs) and basic housing and feeding of these large frogs.
Box Turtles as Pets
An introduction to keeping box turtles as pets.
Charlotte - Miniature Pig
Charlotte - Miniature Pig Photo
Winter White Hamsters
A profile of the Dwarf Winter White Russian hamster.
Pet Names - Alphabetical
Alphabetical list of all the exotic pet names submitted by our readers.
Names for Pet Birds
Browse through a list of reader-submitted names for pet birds.
Names for Rats
Browse through a list of reader-submitted names for pet rats.
Cages for Sugar Gliders
Information on the ideal cage size and type for sugar gliders, as well as accessories to make the cage a good home for gliders.
Keeping Turtle Tanks Clean
Let's face it, red eared sliders can be messy. Keeping their tanks clean and their water quality high can be a real challenge, but there are ways to make keeping the tank clean easier.
American Green Tree Frogs
An introduction to American green tree frogs as pets and their care in captivity.
Tiger Salamanders
Introduction to keeping tiger salamanders as pets and information on caring for them in both the larval and adult form.
Red Footed Tortoises
An introduction to the red foot tortoise and its care as a pet.
Alternatives to Cedar
Top alternatives to cedar shavings as a bedding material for small pets
Sexing Red Eared Sliders
Determining if a red eared slider turtle is male or female: sexing red eared sliders
Skunks as Pets
An introduction to the characteristics of skunks as pets and what to expect from a pet skunk.
Guinea pigs 101
A collection of resources about guinea pigs, from basic guinea pig care to ideal gifts for any guinea pig owners on your list.
Molting or Dead
How to tell the difference between a molting hermit crab dead hermit crab
Feeding Pet Rats
Components of a good diet for pet rats includes food designed for rats as well as some fresh healthy food choices.
Fire Bellied Newts as Pets
Information about keeping fire bellied newts as pets, including a look at Japanese and Chinese or Oriental fire bellied newts
Hermit Crab Housing: Part 1
Information on setting up a tank for hermit crabs, including types of tanks and substrates.
Handling Hedgehogs
A reader wants to know if hedgehogs are spiky, whether hedgehogs can be held and cuddled.
Ichigo - Amelanistic Corn Snake
Ichigo - Amelanistic Corn Snake Picture
Lobo - Wolf x German Shepherd
Lobo - Wolf and German Shepherd Mix
Feeding Pet Hamsters
Advice on proper feeding of pet hamsters.
Hamsters that Bite
How to deal with a biting hamster.
Names for Crabs
Browse through a list of reader-submitted pet names for hermit crabs and fiddler crabs.
Ball Python Photos - Taken at Reptile World in Drumheller, Alberta
Photos of ball pythons taken at Reptile World in Drumheller, Alberta, Canada
Hamster Wheels
A hamster wheel will help keep your pet hamster happy and healthy.
Ferret Cages
A selection of well designed, large ferret cages availalbe for purchase online.
African Grey Parrots as Pets
Quick care guide for African grey parrots
Meet My Fiddler Crabs
Photos of my fiddler crabs: fiddler crabs as pets crab photos exoskeletons backhoe crusher
Dwarf Campbell's Hamsters
A profile of the Dwarf Campbell's Russian hamster.
Turbo - Flemish Giant Rabbit
Turbo - Flemish Giant Rabbit Picture
Names for Chinchillas
Browse through a list of reader-submitted pet names for chinchillas.
Tame a Chinchilla
a simple how to on taming a chinchilla
Goats as Pets
Some things to consider if you are thinking about getting a pet goat.
Prairie Dogs as Pets
What to expect from a pet prairie dog, and what you need to know before deciding on a prairie dog as a pet.
Mojito - Dwarf Hamster
Mojito - Dwarf Hamster Picture
Check if a Particular Pet I...
A quick guide to finding out about the legal status of exotic pets where you live.
Reasons Ferrets Make Good Pets
Reasons that ferrets can make excellent pets.
Rasing Crickets for Food
The advantages of keeping and raising crickets as food for your pet, and information on gut loading them before feeding them to your pet.
Crested Geckos
Information about the care of crested geckos.
Problems with Wood Shavings
A discussion of concerns over wood shavings as pet bedding and litter, especially cedar shavings and possibly pine shavings.
Boa Constrictors as Pets
An introduction to boa constrictors as pets, choosing a snake, and a care sheet for red tailed boas
Feeding Pot Bellied Pigs
Information on the proper diet for pet pot bellied pigs
African Clawed Frogs as Pets
Information about african clawed frogs as pets and how to care for them as pets.
Budgies as Pets
Introduction to keeping pet budgies along with a quick summary of their care (cages, feeding).
Toys for Hamsters
Hamsters are active creatures who benefit from a variety of toys and ways to get exercise. Here is some advice on choosing toys for hamsters - both homemade and store bought.
Trim Your Rabbit's Nails
How to trim the nails of your rabbit.
Feeding Sugar Gliders
A look at various diet recommendations for sugar gliders and links to resources for further information.
Toys for Chinchillas
A good selection of toys and activities will help keep your pet chinchillas active, happy and healthy. Chinchillas also like exploring outside of their cages, but this requires careful chinchilla-proofing.
What to Expect from Hamsters
What you need to know about pet hamsters before choosing one as a pet.
Red Eared Slider Tank
Red eared sliders are not difficult to care for, but it is important to choose a tank that is big enough, and provide sufficient water, a basking area, water filtration, and appropriate heat and light in order to keep your turtle happy and healthy.
About Turtles and Tortoises
What to consider before deciding on a turtle or tortoises, and a collection of other resources from About.
Homemade Rat Toys
Some common household items other things that make fun toys for pet rats.

Explore Exotic Pets

About.com Special Features

Holiday Central

What to eat, where to go, fun things to do and how to save money on the perfect gifts. More >

Make Your Own Scented Pine Cones

Bring a little of the fall season in your home with this easy-to-make craft. More >

  1. Home
  2. Home & Garden
  3. Exotic Pets

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.