Do ferrets need raw or live food? Adobe Stock Ferrets: True Carnivores Despite their affectionate and cuddly nature, all pet ferrets are inherently obligate carnivores. These lithe and limber members of the weasel family have evolved to squeeze through confined tunnels to pursue their unfortunate prey. However, some ferret owners have taken the animal protein requirements of ferrets to various extremes, offering their pets raw meat, whole prey, or even live prey such as mice and chicks. Is this a sound option for ferret owners and could it even possibly be an ideal way to feed them? Taking the ..read more

Kinkajous bear a striking similarity to some primates. Getty Images A Popular Exotic Pet In recent years, exotic pets have been surging in popularity across the United States and foreign countries such as Japan. Seeing "exotic" or non-traditional species of animals being kept as pets is a common sight on social media platforms. It's also common to see people engage in heated debates over the subject. While snakes, frogs, spiders, and birds (with the exception of raptors and some softbills, such as toucans) are now normalized to own, exotic mammals as a whole are still not. If you ask about own ..read more

Do you need some inspiration for naming your hedgehog? Here are 72 cute and creative hedgehog names that are sure to inspire you. Read on to discover over 72 cute and creative names for hedgehogs! Photo by Pixabay Although I don't personally own a hedgehog, I understand how special and adorable they can be. And I know that one of the most exciting parts of pet ownership is choosing the perfect name that reflects your pet's unique personality. Coming up with a cute and creative name for a hedgehog can be quite a fun challenge. To make the naming process even more enjoyable and exciting, I've ca ..read more

Foxes are considered domesticated animals, yet are illegal in many states to own as a pet. This article explains why they shouldn't be. “Smiling polar fox” by Tambako Jaguar is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0A Controversial Pet Throughout the United States of America, the ownership of foxes as pets (specifically red foxes and arctic foxes) is a hot topic of debate—even though it quite frankly should not be. Foxes are one of the most popular “exotic pets” you can own, and species you will see kept as pets range from the miniscule two-pound fennec fox to the much larger red fox, which weigh upwards ..read more

The American Association of Zoos and Aquariums presents a troubling new campaign targeting exotic pet owners. Here’s why you should be wary. Kaycee is an exotic pet owner experienced in working with a variety of non-domesticated animals. A marble color morph red fox. shutterstock In 2022, the American Association of Zoos and Aquariums (or AZA, for short) released an article for their ongoing campaign, dubbed as “Not A Pet.” It’s a collaboration with the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) with the goal of increasing awareness for the illegal wildlife trade and hardships of owning exot ..read more

Why do chinchillas eat wood? Here's why it's not uncommon to see a them nibbling on a piece of wood and enjoying it. Kristie Leong M.D. is a family practitioner with a strong background in nutrition. Image by Canva Chinchillas are desert animals that live in the Andes mountains of South America. They're also popular in some areas of the world as pets. But if you choose to adopt one, it's important to keep them healthy. How? Give them a large cage with plenty of space to run and play and ensure you’re feeding them a healthy diet. The mainstay of a chinchilla's diet is mostly grasses, but they ..read more

Have a pet chinchilla but aren't sure what to feed it? Can they eat things like sweet potatoes? Kristie Leong M.D. is a family practitioner who believes in the power of nutrition and a healthy lifestyle to prevent and fight illness. Image by Canva Chinchillas are a type of rodent that lives in the wild in South America. They are closely related to squirrels. Chinchillas have small beady eyes, big ears, and long fur with colors ranging from black to grey to white on their backs and bellies. They also make adorable pets that don’t require a lot of room. But if you choose a chinchilla as a pet ..read more

Can hedgehogs eat broccoli? Find out whether it's safe for a hedgehog to eat this cruciferous vegetable and whether it's beneficial for them. Kristie Leong M.D. is a family practitioner with a strong background in nutrition. Image by Canva.com Can hedgehogs eat broccoli? The humble hedgehog is an adorable little creature that will steal your heart. They can be fantastic pets, and they have a reputation for being clean and easy to care for. However, you must know how to properly feed a hedgehog to keep them healthy and happy. There are some foods you should never feed your hedgehog because the ..read more

Waardenburg Syndrome is a disorder that develops while the kit is still in the womb, but with a few special management techniques, they can still live a wonderful and happy life. Tanya is the owner of multiple animals, including two ferrets. She has studied animal health and is a dedicated volunteer at a shelter. Groot - Waardy Ferret T. Huffman The ferret is often plagued by a variety of health issues, yet there is one disorder that they can develop before they are even born that can have its own challenges. Waardenburg Syndrome is a disorder that develops while the kit is still in the womb ..read more

A discussion of the new species of hedgehogs introduced to the pet trade in the United States as well as those already present. Melissa cares for a variety of exotic animals and has completed a certificate in veterinary assisting and a bachelor's degree in biology. "Long-eared hedgehog" by adwsocial is licensed under CC BY 2.0. Hedgehogs are prickly mammals of the subfamily Erinaceinae and relative to other exotic pets, they are extremely popular. Hedgehog ownership is common enough that commercial food for them can be found in chain pet stores, making them less non-traditional. There are num ..read more