Pet Care

Welcome to our Exotic Pet Care Hub – Your Ultimate Resource for Comprehensive Information!

At the Unusual Pet Vets, we take pride in being your go-to destination for a wealth of knowledge on caring for exotic pets. Whether you share your life with reptiles, birds, small mammals, or other extraordinary companions, our extensive library of articles and care sheets provides expert advice and information on exotic pet healthcare, nutrition, husbandry and more.

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Salmonella and reptiles

Salmonella & Reptiles: How to Protect Yourself and Family as a Reptile Owner

Most people are familiar with Salmonella, a type of bacteria that can cause disease in humans and animals. Salmonellosis is the illness caused by infection with Salmonella, and it typically presents in humans with diarrhoea, fever, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. In vulnerable individuals, such as infants, the elderly, or immunocompromised people, the infection can be severe and, in rare cases, even fatal.

Land hermit crab

Caring for Australian Land Hermit Crabs

Australian Land Hermit Crabs are fascinating animals and make suitable pets for those willing to meet their specific care needs. They are social creatures that thrive in groups, making them interesting to observe. However, due to their delicate nature and specific environmental requirements, they may not be ideal pets for everyone.

Axolotl care sheet

Caring For Axolotls

Axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum) are fascinating amphibians known for their unique appearance and remarkable regenerative abilities. These exotic creatures are only found in the wild in a single lake system in Mexico and are classified as an endangered species. Fortunately, they have gained popularity as pets, with a captive population far exceeding their wild numbers.

Lop eared rabbit

What to Expect for Ear Canal Surgery in Rabbits

Lop-eared rabbits are highly susceptible to ear diseases, making ear surgery a common necessity. A summary of the most common clinical issues, diagnostic steps and surgical intervention is included below.

Bumble foot treatment

Pododermatitis in Birds: Understanding, Treatment, and Prevention

Pododermatitis, commonly referred to as “bumblefoot,” is an inflammatory condition affecting the bottom of a bird’s feet. This condition is prevalent among various bird species, including ducks, chickens, and parrots.

Aquarium water quality

Basic Water Quality and the Nitrogen Cycle

Your aquatic animal’s health is intimately related to the quality of the water they live in. The way you manage your water quality is therefore very important. This handout covers the very basics of water quality management for indoor freshwater aquariums and will be helpful for freshwater species such as goldfish, turtles and axolotls.

Feeding your ferret

A Guide to Feeding Your Ferret

Ensuring the well-being of your ferret involves providing a nutritionally balanced diet that aligns with their natural carnivorous instincts. This guide explores various feeding options, emphasizing the importance of protein and fat while steering clear of plant-based proteins.

Ferret feeding recipe

Ferret Raw Feeding Recipe

A simple recipe to make up 10kg of ferret food. As an alternative to feeding whole prey, a raw mix can be made by combining 10% bone, 10% organ, and 80% muscle meat, as below.

Two pet chickens in a backyard, highlighting proper pet chicken care

The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Pet Chickens

Chickens make wonderful pets, endearing themselves to many with their unique personalities and interesting behaviours. Caring for chickens is relatively easy, but ensuring they receive the right vaccinations, proper husbandry, and a balanced diet is crucial.

Cockatoo eating grass

Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease: A Comprehensive Guide

Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD) is a viral infection that affects parrots and other avian species, and can significantly impact their health. Understanding the symptoms, modes of transmission, and diagnostic options is crucial for early detection and effective disease management.

Find out what blue tongue lizards eat

What Do Blue-Tongue Lizards Eat? A Guide to Their Dietary Requirements

Blue-tongue lizards, also known as blue-tongued skinks, are fascinating reptiles that have captured the hearts of many reptile enthusiasts.

Learn about lipomas in birds, how they are diagnosed, treated and early detection.

Lipomas in Pet Birds

The development of a lump or mass on a pet bird can be worrying for pet owners with some being more sinister than others.

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