exotic pets
Exotic pets are wild animals gone domestic; explore the absurd, fascinating and sometimes illegal exotic pet industry.
RATS: Why They Are Awesome and Why Stereotypes About Them Are Wrong
For those of you who are eagle eyed you may have noticed that my avatar image is a picture of rattus rattus; AKA the common rat. It is, in fact, a photo of some of my own rats altered through a pop art filter. I chose the picture because I. Love. Rats. There, I said it. Now I’m sure most of you will cringe as your mind conjures imagery of disgusting giant sewer rats terrorising family homes and dragging babies from their cribs. Whilst that really is a thing (yes, really!), I am not talking about feral street rats, I am talking about domesticated pet rats or ‘fancy’ rats.
By Joshua Johns5 years ago in Petlife
My Home Zoo
All my life I have admired and fought for animal rights. My family being a bunch of animal lovers themselves instilled the love for them in my heart and mind. Through my life I had several pets. From fish to hamsters, cats to dogs, and bearded dragons to capuchin monkeys. Yes, you read that correctly. I said capuchin monkeys.
By S.R. Coleman5 years ago in Petlife
Frank Exotic
I started keeping reptiles about ten years ago around the same time I started teaching. If you can afford it, it can become an addiction. “Passion” would be a better word. Addictions hurt people. Passions can too, but they’re usually more positive. There are Youtube videos of people with Reptile Rooms. I have one too (though I don’t have a Youtube channel yet), but a lot of these guys may also have venomous or dangerous animals as well. Like alligators (surprisingly it only seems to be illegal to keep alligators in states where they occur in the wild. But don’t quote me on that.) There are memes about reptile addiction. T-shirts. The Reptile business itself is a billion dollar industry with small expos and large breeder conventions held several times a year. Expos can be “normal” or “hot”. “Hot” expos sell venomous reptiles, usually in deli cups with red tape. Reptiles are often sold in deli cups of various sizes. They don’t have the space requirements that a dog would for example, so its not entirely inhumane. But for some people it takes some getting used to.
By Francisco Diaz5 years ago in Petlife
Transition to Country:
A few years back, I was nearing retirement and looking forward to remaining in my big home in a big city. Then, I was given a choice: take custody of my then 1 1/2 year old granddaughter or see her sent to foster care. We did ok at first, she, I and my son. We juggled his school and my two jobs, though at times not so well. Then my daughter announced another pregnancy. And I had to start thinking about schooling for two little girls. The city was no place for them. So I packed them up, and my son, for which I am so grateful, also packed up and we moved to my "ancestral home". Then there was another pregnancy and another call about foster care. I made the 12 hour drive to get her, stayed overnight at a hotel and drove back. Hawks flew along side the car most of the way back down the old country highways. The little one-bedroom house on the river suddenly seemed too small, porch and outbuildings or no. So we moved from my late dad's place to a little mobile home with a pond and some acreage and fruit trees. We were living on the same road as my grandfather's generation had and I was pleased with the knowledge that "we" had returned - the girls would be the 7th generation here.
By Terry Lerma5 years ago in Petlife
Adorable Axolotls
In my article Venom, I talked a little bit about these strange yet harmless little creatures. Now I'm back to offer some more info on keeping these salamanders which are being kept alive by the Pet Trade. Axolotl's are native to lake Xochimilco in Mexico City, but are now rarely found in the wild. These creatures now only exist in captivity in labs and as pets. They are inexpensive and easy to keep, so keeping them and breeding them is a helpful act of conservation. I won't get into breeding them, but I will give some basic tips on how to care for one.
By Francisco Diaz5 years ago in Petlife
On the Origins of the 'Dangerous Wild Animals Act' of 1976
For those of us who are intrigued by the frequent reports of big cat sightings in the wilderness and countryside of Britain, the ‘Dangerous Wild Animals Act’ of 1976 is likely to be familiar. It is an essential component of the tale, which is referred to by all enthusiasts and experts, but is actually understood in depth by very few…
By Tim Whittard5 years ago in Petlife
Be Loving and Bee Loving
You and I have had disappointments, mishaps and made mistakes. That is all part of the human condition. Events that upset, or distress us, can result in us becoming despondent, or even depressed. There may be even more serious consequences. Hopefully however, we are able to learn and grow from whatever has happened to us. And, of course, the bad times help us to understand how great the good times can be.
By Ian McKenzie6 years ago in Petlife
Meet My Lion Head Rabbit Mrs. Nipples
When you meet my Lion head rabbit you are definitely meeting a bunny with an attitude. She is full of spunk and free spirit. And if you are doing something she does not like she will certainly let you know that. She is also so sweet and she loves to cuddle. I got her from a breeder about 3 months ago. She was 8 weeks old when I got her so I have been raising her from a baby. I had my choice between a larger Rex rabbit and her. She was so adorable that I chose her to take home with me and we have been friends every since.
By Adriane Kirby6 years ago in Petlife
Andre the giant
I want to share with you, the story of one of my rescue rats, Andre the giant. I rescued him from a woman back in December 2018, who kept him alone for 2 years and in a very empty cage with nothing but sawdust and one of those plastic microwavable containers with mac & cheese in it.
By Nicola Jackson6 years ago in Petlife
Lala The Squirrel
This is the story of Lala the squirrel. It was a spring afternoon when my neighbor text messaged me that he had something for my son Caspian, I told him to come on over. When we opened the door, my neighbor was standing there holding a cardboard box. We peeked inside, to find a baby squirrel resting safely. He told us, "I was in my yard when I felt something tapping on my foot." "I looked down, and it was this baby squirrel!" "So I gave her a pet on the head and walked away." "I turned to see she was following me." "I put her in the box near the tree, but no mama squirrel came, so I figured she has been orphaned and I thought I should give her to you and Caspian because you will take good care of her."
By Debra Diament6 years ago in Petlife
