Exotic Pets™
sponsored by Zoo Med
The show for people interested in pets that slither, hop, creep, fly or swim: from bunnies to iguanas, parrots to ferrets, snakes to tortoises. Information on the physical requirements of these exotic pets and how to manage the often challenging environment and correct diet essential to their welfare.
Co-hosted by Dr. Doug Mader, author of “The Vet at Noah’s Ark: Stories of Survival from an Inner-City Animal Hospital,”who is a world-renowned specialist on exotic animals, author of four major veterinary textbooks on reptile and amphibians, and a passionate educator.
Sponsored by:
Also Sponsored by Beaktivity.
Also Sponsored by Scratches.
My Rat is Crying Blood!
#328: Dr. Doug talks about the red tears and runny nose that look like blood — but are not actually blood, but a symptom of a lowered immune system in a stressed ratty. Most rats purchased from pet stores have dormant viruses that get triggered by stress — but there are SPF colonies of rats (Specific Pathogen Free) which do not carry these conditions and cause you the stress of treating these conditions.
When Your Snake Has Trouble Shedding His Skin
#327: Dr. Doug Mader describes the monthly process in which a snake slips out of his own skin, like taking off a sock, inside out — and the sorts of problems to be aware of and to avoid (like never handling a snake that is molting).
Ear Mites in Rabbits Hurt Like the Dickens
#326: Dr. Doug describes how to spot ear mites in your rabbit — a common problem that is easily solved if caught early — and the challenge ahead of you if you’ve let the crusty result of ear mites clog up your rabbit’s ear opening, causing a great deal of discomfort to your bunny.
Parrots & Cockatoos All Over Oz!
#325: Dr Rick LeCouteur describes the natural phenomenon in Australia of thousands of kinds of parrots flying free and loose all over the place, causing havoc with their destructive beaks, and delight with their beauty.
C-Sections on Reptiles? Only as Last Resort!
#324: Dr. Doug discusses what an “egg bound” reptile means and the various ways to prevent and manage a snake whose eggs are stuck inside her.
What is “Normal” in an Exotic Pet?
#323: Dr. Doug Mader explains how you cannot know that something might be amiss with your exotic unless you are well informed on what “normal” looks like.
Piggies as Pets
#322: British exotic Pet veterinarian Dr. Madonna Livingstone talks about the joys of living with guinea pigs — and how to keep them happy and healthy.
Fighting the Good Fight for Ferrets in California
#321: Pat Wright, CEO of https://www.legalizeferrets.org/ has been fighting the California state ban on ferrets for 35 years — but now his group’s petition to the Fish and Wildlife Department might actually result in long overdue legalization.
Trying to Find A Fellow Exotic Pet Enthusiast?
#320: Murray Forbes in Zurich developed the Scratches social APP to connect people who embrace non-traditional pets — and want to find romantic or platonic friends to celebrate their unique pets.
Parrots Say “Love is Not Enough”
#313: Dr. Madonna Livingstone, author of the veterinary textbook “Exotics Made Easy,” discusses the brilliance of parrots and how they need activities and environmental enrichment. Foraging is so important for them, with homemade foraging toys her favorites: twist a parrot’s food into a toilet paper roll so he has to forage for it. They are "social eaters” so have parrot-friendly foods for him to eat while you are dining. Set up two stands at opposite ends of a room and let him fly between them.