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.
“Ferret Stink” — You Either Love the Musky Smell or You Don’t!
#315: Dr. Madonna Livingstone in Glasgow talks about “descenting ferrets” which is routine in the U.S. but illegal in the UK and elsewhere. Spoiler alert: it doesn't make them odor free! Their skin emits a natural musky odor, too. Dr. Madonna has EIGHT ferrets of her own at home (recently there were 10 of them) so she knows a thing or two about the fragrance! Ferret tip: they need 8 hours a day of dark sleep to keep them well (and minimize the odor).
The Jumping Spider Craze
#314: Dr. Rick LeCouteur is not officially an arachnologist (spider expert) but he has always been fascinated by them and knows a wonderfully amazing amount about them (and it seems nearly every living creature on the planet!) Dr. Rick explains the charm of jumping spiders, which is why Zoo Med's new Jumping Spider Kit is such a success.
Are Humans an Invasive Species?
#311: Dr. Gregory Lewbart — Professor of Aquatic, Wildlife & Zoological Medicine at North Carolina State University — talks about his recent (30th!) trip to the Galapagos Islands and the work he has been doing there at the Wildlife Conservation & Research Institute — where they are happy for the controlled tourism but also committed to protecting the flora and fauna from those invading humans!
Always Demolish Your Sandcastles (for the Sea Turtles)
#310: Brooks Barrett is the senior aquarist at the Key West Aquarium where, amongst other things, she directs placing a prosthetic flipper on a turtle named Lola, who can live to 100 years old (and gets jellyfish as a treat). Brooks discusses the ways sea creatures can be harmed by human behavior — including building sand castles above the water line, which can keep turtles from getting to that part of the beach to lay their eggs.
Parrots Need Proper Playthings!
#309: Sue Thibeault and her husband John — parrot lovers who foster parrots who need new homes — created their company Beaktivity that makes the award-winning “parrot-designed” hanging enrichment toy that safely and creatively meets the environmental needs of parrots — and that parrots cannot destroy.
Rabbits Are Lying to Us
#308: Dr. Madonna Livingstone in Scotland, author of the textbook “Exotics Made Easy” explains how rabbits — who are prey animals — could literally be dying but projecting the message “I’m fine.” The subtle little changes in their habits are the tip off to how they really are feeling.
Senior Pet Care — Age Itself is Not a Disease!
#306: Dr. Doug talks about geroscience, the study of the effects of aging. When does a pet become geriatric: at 70% of their expected lifespan. A ferret or rat will be geriatric at 7.
“Walking Dandruff” on Your Bunny?
#305: Dr. Doug Mader talks about mites, which are common on rabbits and sometimes look like dandruff that seems to walk in their fur — or may appear as brown “goo” in their big ears or a crusty nose. All of these mean you need to get to the vet for swift treatment!
"Hedgies" Are the Trendiest Little Pet
#296: Dr Micah Kohles of the Woodland Animal Hospital outside Lincoln, Nebraska, explains how to best care for hedgehogs, who are "charming munchkins who have become an up-and-coming pet."
Is Your Ferret Grinding His Teeth?
#304: Dr. Doug Mader says teeth grinding in ferrets (whether when asleep or awake) is a red flag that could mean he has stomach ulcers from bacteria, just like in humans.