Caring for those creepy creatures
According to recent research carried out by the Pet Food Manufacturing Association, snakes are now a more common pet than horses with 0.4% of households owning one. Now, as Halloween approaches, a local veterinary surgery is calling out to those who already own or are considering purchasing exotic pets to think about the standard of care they require in comparison to more traditional family pets.
Since 2006, Arthur Lodge Veterinary Surgery in Horsham has seen a 15% increase of exotic pets clients who genuinely care for their pets however unfortunately, many owners, especially of snakes, simply cannot cope with the size that they grow to and choose to give them away. However, with the majority of re-homing services, such as the RSPCA, not having suitable facilities to be able to help with exotic animals, most end up going back to reptile houses.
Jemma Sulsh, veterinary surgeon at Arthur Lodge Veterinary Surgery, commented: “Spiders and snakes may be thought of by many as an unusual choice of pet. However, they are becoming ever more popular. Care can differ depending on where spiders and snakes have originated from so it is essential that owners are made aware of this when they purchase their pet and fully understand their growth, environment and feeding requirements.”
Klare Kennett from the RSPCA South East said: “More and more people are thinking that it might be fun to take on an exotic pet such as a snake or a reptile, but not considering the time, money and expertise it will take to look after a pet like this properly. Unfortunately, the RSPCA then ends up having to pick up the pieces by rescuing the animal when it has been dumped and abandoned by an owner who can no longer care for it.”
A few tips on exotic pets include:
- It is vital that both spiders and snakes are kept in a secure container, especially as snakes are renowned for escaping.
- Snakes must not be constricted in their movements.
- Both spiders and snakes enjoy a game of hide and seek so a hiding place is essential for them.
- The bottom of the container will be dependant on the creature’s natural habitat.
- As spiders and snakes come from warmer parts of the planet, some form of heat is needed in their container.
- A spider’s diet will consist mainly of insects, particularly crickets and locusts.
- Smaller snakes enjoy mice unlike their larger counterparts who prefer a diet of rats and chicken.
Information from Arthur Lodge Veterinary Surgery is available to anyone who currently owns an exotic pet or who is considering purchasing one, please call 01403 252 964.