Being a competent owner of an unusual pet is much better than being the unusual owner of a competent pet, although both can apply in this circumstance. When many of us seek to bring a pet into our homes, we think along default terms. A dog is perhaps considered one of the most obvious choices, but little pets, such as rabbits, hamsters, gerbils and even kittens can be a good ‘starter pet’ for a young child, as they are either simpler to take care of or have their own independence and needn’t be trained.
That being said, these are hardly the only pet categories you have to choose from. It could be that now you have your own place and own independence, you feel it necessary to collection a pet or two of quite unique, unusual origin. While you shouldn’t bring a Serval into your home anytime soon, it might be that a snake, a bearded dragon, or even a particular type of fish (and its associated environment) is something you hope to bring into your home and nurture.
So, how can you be a competent owner of an unusual pet? Let’s consider:
Get Ready To Invest
Remember the old ad campaign that suggested a dog was for life, not just for Christmas? It gave people pause to think about how puppies were not just something you purchased as a nice token of appreciation, but they were a living being that required a dignified standard of care. While it could be harder to relate on a personal level to a reptile, the same principle applies. In some cases, it may be essential for you to spend a good amount setting up your environment before you even deign to purchase your pet.
This might involve purchasing a large tank with decorative elements. It might mean purchasing heat lamps to keep cold-blooded creatures warm. It could mean investing in high-quality protein sources. It also means understanding the time investment, such as cleaning their environment for them two hours each and every week. You must understand and itemize these requirements as they are most crucial to you providing a standard of care necessary to keep your pet not only alive, but in a thriving atmosphere. Remember – you can have fun with this! Bringing Koi into your back garden, for instance, can be aided by a fantastic garden feature design you spend the winter preparing for and the summer implementing. If you’re investing in an unusual pet, be sure to invest in its environment and upkeep.
Species Specifics
Never assume you know everything about a certain species simply because you’ve a friend who has taken care of them, or because you read one article, or because it seems simple. A good pet owner observes their pet and tries to pick up on what expressions and behaviors are worth paying attention to. Sometimes, this can be quite obvious. If your dog is limping, for example, that’s quite a clear sign that something is wrong. But how can you ‘read’ a bearded dragon? It may seem utterly alien to you.
Well, luckily, that’s not the case. You can see in this bearden dragon behavior guide: https://beardeddragonguidance.com/bearded-dragon-behavior/ – that there are many telltale signs that help you understand what to do in certain situations. At the very least, studying in this manner will help you stay as informed as possible – which is your first essential step to consider before bringing any pet into your home.
Careful Attention & Suitability
It’s very important to take the time to make carefully assess your own home environment and if you are suited to this task. For instance, many people will find that bringing a puppy home is cruel if they’re simply going to be working, away from their apartment, for sixty hours a week. While no reptile will require the love and attention that a little fuzzball will, it’s also important to ask yourself if your home is suitable for this kind of pet.
Do you have children, or other pets? How might they learn from you keeping this exotic pet? Do you have to register your pet, and what additional inspections might need to take place to ensure you’re giving it a good home? If you already have a unique pet, can you place a new one in the same tank, or might that prove dangerous? What medications might they need during their growth? These questions are worth asking. Even stupid questions are worthwhile. They help you understand if this is a worthwhile cause, from start to finish.
With this advice, we hope you can provide careful attention and suitability to bringing your pet home for good.
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