The word "exotic" applied to pets traditionally refers to a very wide range of the more unusual types, from axolotls, a type of salamander, to womas, also known as the sand python. As their popularity has increased, it is more usual nowadays to see each species and many sub-species being referred to in their own right.
When choosing which type to keep, a number of different aspects should be considered and it is appropriate to take time to research and consider the optimum choice for the would-be keeper's requirements.
Legislation and Safekeeping
Exotic species can be rare and/or poisonous, so a check on the legislative requirements in the keeper's locality will not go amiss. Most enclosures are going to be a tank or vivarium; a cage or in some cases a wooden enclosure is appropriate. Security is therefore a further consideration. Some of the pet types, e.g. millipedes, can burrow through the most narrow spaces, or live food could be required so these should also be included in security considerations.
Habitat
Heat, light and humidity are the main habitat parameters. If the selected type of pet is amphibious or marine, then extra equipment will be required, similar to that for keeping fish in aquariums. Size of enclosure and the corresponding ease of maintenance and pet care, will be determined by the type of pet. For instance, these could vary from small vivariums for spiders to long and shallow versions of tanks for salamanders. The floor of the enclosure, use of plants, rocks, etc, and their need for cleaning and/or replacement all add more parts to the equation.
Handling
Many of the exotic species are of the "admire from a distance" variety and handling would not be appropriate or necessarily welcomed. They still have to be moved though for cleaning or examination so adequate preparations might include forceps for scorpions or nets, plastic boxes and gloves.
Diet and Feeding
If the pet is a herbivore, food provisioning may be of an abnormal type so needs to be planned. Many of the exotics are predators or carnivores, so supply of live food and removal of uneaten meat will be required. It will not be difficult in the majority of cases, and with many types frequency of feeding can very low, e.g. every few days in some instances.
Health and Veterinary Advice
A lot of exotic species' populations in the wild have been decimated by pollution and many are susceptible to commercial products such as cleaners, so a good supply of dechlorinated water is required as a spray to clean the inside of tanks, plants and anything with a surface that might allow harmful bacteria to grow. Tap water that has stood for two days is suitable for this purpose.
Health advice will be available from any reputable supplier of these type of pets, but a prospective petkeeper would also be well-advised to check the availabilty of a local veterinarian able to treat the selected species.
Special Considerations
Depending on the choice made, extra tanks or enclosures could be advisable to cater for live feeding, separation of co-habitants on occasion and breeding, as some examples. One should also bear in mind that with many types, breeding can be prolific because in the natural habitant few offspring survive to become adults. That may not be the case in a stable domesticated environment!
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