How To Care For Different (& Sometimes Unusual) Pets

“The more unusual the pet, the more demanding its care is likely to be. Most exotic pets are wild animals, so their natural environment needs to be recreated as closely as possible, from specialist lighting and heating to suitable enclosures and diets. Social media has made unusual pets more visible but prospective owners should always research a species thoroughly before committing. It’s important to understand the costs, time involved and expected lifespan before bringing one home.”  –  Rachel Croucher, veterinary surgeon at CVS Vets

“Thorough research is essential, ideally going beyond online searches to include advice from experienced keepers and a vet. They can offer guidance on a species’ health and welfare requirements, from diet and housing to any particular challenges. It’s also vital to think about the long-term commitment: some animals have exceptionally long lifespans, and tortoises, for example, can even outlive their owners.” – David Martin, group animal welfare advisor for IVC Evidensia, the largest corporate veterinary group in Europe 

“Ultimately, owning an exotic pet means taking responsibility for recreating the conditions it would experience in the wild. From diet and exercise to opportunities to express natural behaviours, the aim should be to provide an environment in which the animal can genuinely thrive, not simply survive." – Dr Walter Natoli, MRCVS GPCert(ExAP), branch partner at Medivet Danbury

Equipment & housing

“The biggest responsibility of owning a horse is ensuring its welfare needs are met. These can be summed up by the three ‘Fs’: forage, friends and freedom. Horses are naturally social animals, so keeping one on its own, without other horses to interact with, is not good for its welfare. They also need plenty of space to move around, which means access to regular turnout is essential. Keeping a horse stabled 24/7 is not appropriate; ideally, they should have access to a suitably sized field where they can graze and move freely, alongside shelter such as a stable or barn to protect them from the weather. Horses also need regular checks and interaction, normally at least twice a day, as well as grooming, exercise and having their rugs changed to suit the weather. The amount of exercise required will depend on the horse’s age, breed and intended purpose but daily movement is important for maintaining fitness and providing mental stimulation. Owners should also factor in regular veterinary care and routine health checks.” – David

Feeding

“The majority of a horse’s diet should be fibre-based. Horses have evolved to eat a high-volume diet and spend many hours of the day grazing. In spring and summer, this often means they can help themselves to the natural ‘self-service buffet’ provided by the grass in their field. During the winter months, however, owners need to provide substantial amounts of preserved forage, usually hay or haylage, often 10kg or more each day. Some horses may also need additional hard feed, depending on their individual requirements. Forage needs careful planning, both in terms of sourcing and storage. Supplies can be limited and expensive, particularly following periods of drought, and storing enough hay to feed a horse throughout the winter requires a considerable amount of space. Owners also need to think about what happens after feeding: a horse eating 10kg of hay a day will produce a significant amount of muck that needs clearing. Horses also have complex digestive systems. If they develop a stomach ache, known as colic, they can become very unwell. Signs of abdominal discomfort include sweating, repeatedly looking at their belly, kicking at themselves or persistently trying to roll. These signs should never be ignored, and owners should contact their vet promptly if they appear.” – David

Equipment & housing

“Keeping chickens at home can be rewarding but they need more space and attention than you might expect. Allow around one or two square metres of outdoor space per bird, ideally in a securely fenced area to stop them scratching up lawns and flower beds. They’ll also need a secure coop or shed where they can be locked away at dusk to protect them from foxes and other predators, with raised perches and nesting boxes inside.” – David

“Chickens need a secure outdoor space to roam and forage, alongside a sheltered nesting house that can be locked at night to protect them from predators and bad weather. Inside, provide soft, easy-to-clean flooring, straw or wood shavings for nesting and perches. Bear in mind that chickens love to scratch and dig, so an enclosed area can help protect your garden. Moving their run regularly will also prevent the ground and plants from becoming too damaged.” – Rachel

Feeding & health

“For feeding, a proprietary chicken layer mix will provide the nutrients they need, alongside access to both insoluble grit to aid digestion and soluble grit for calcium and healthy eggshells. Kitchen scraps are illegal to feed to poultry in the UK due to the risk of spreading disease. Health-wise, parasites such as red mites are a common problem, while avian influenza is another important concern. Watch for signs such as fluffed-up feathers, loss of appetite, discharge from the eyes or nose and diarrhoea, and contact a vet promptly if anything seems wrong.” – David

“While they’ll naturally forage for insects and earthworms, their diet should be supplemented with commercial pellets, plus insoluble grit to aid digestion and soluble grit for calcium. Fresh fruit and vegetables make good treats, but kitchen scraps are illegal to feed to chickens in the UK. Chickens are good at hiding signs of illness, so look out for subtle changes in their behaviour, appetite or activity levels. For laying hens, a drop in egg production or changes to the shape and quality of eggs can also indicate a problem. Common health issues include being egg-bound, egg peritonitis, mites and other parasites, as well as digestive conditions such as sour crop.” – Rachel

Equipment & housing

“Small reptiles are not low-maintenance pets. Replicating their natural habitat takes work, with the right set-up including heaters and UV lights (which need replacing periodically), as well as regular monitoring of temperature and humidity. Getting these conditions wrong is one of the most common causes of health problems.” – Rachel

“Each reptile species has specific environmental needs, particularly around temperature, humidity and UVB lighting. Getting these wrong can lead to serious, long-term health problems. Research your chosen species thoroughly and find a vet experienced in treating reptiles before bringing one home. It’s also worth thinking about longevity again – for example, arrangements for the future care of tortoises are sometimes included in people's wills as they can commonly outlive their owners.” – David

Feeding & health

“Reptiles such as lizards and geckos often eat crickets and other insects, which need to be properly prepared before feeding. This involves ‘gut loading’ – giving insects good-quality vitamins and minerals before feeding them to your reptile to ensure they provide the right nutrients. Tortoises, by comparison, need a varied diet of fresh leaves and vegetation to get the essential minerals and nutrients required for healthy growth and bone development. Home-grown leaves and edible weeds are preferable to shop-bought fruit and vegetables, and fresh water should always be available. It’s also important to provide the right environment, including UV light and a ceramic heat lamp” – Rachel

“Temperature, humidity and UVB lighting are all essential to reptile health – especially animals like tortoises, which are often a pet people are interested in having. As cold-blooded animals, reptiles rely on external heat to regulate their body temperature, which affects everything from digestion to metabolism. They need a temperature gradient that allows them to move between warmer and cooler areas, while appropriate UVB exposure supports vitamin D3 production and calcium absorption. Without it, they can develop metabolic bone disease, skeletal deformities and fractures. Humidity is equally important, as incorrect levels can cause dehydration, shedding difficulties and skin or respiratory problems.” – Dr Walter