Owners of exotic pets get their animals for a number of reasons.  Some are planned and thought out, researched and prepared for as they should be, while others are spontaneous purchases that leave the new owner asking whoever they can "What do I do now?"  Regardless of how they may have gotten there, some owners realize after time that they are just in over their heads.

Pet care can be a full-time job for certain animals.  No matter how good the intentions, sometimes things don't happen they way they should.  Do you know someone like this?  Perhaps you are someone like this?  You may need help creating an appropriate and safe enclosure or in getting medical attention to your pet.  Do you feel like there is no one who understands?  Are you embarrassed or ashamed?

There are people who want to help, but you must be willing to accept the help.  If this sounds like you and you are looking for support, try posting in the forum, explore the wild animal sanctuaries in your area, contact organizations like Outreach for Animals, or if you are in Ohio, send me an e-mail and I may be able to help.

You probably think chinchillas have cute little hands and feet, but have you ever thought about the health of their paws?

Chinchilla feet get dry and crack just like ours.  Vaseline, Bag Balm, or special pet safe creams like Protecta-Pad Cream can be applied as needed to help moisturize dry feet.

Chinchilla feet are also very fragile.  Make sure there are no sharp spots on your chinchilla cage floor, or anywhere the chinchilla can reach.  Don't use any toy or hay holder that a foot could get caught in, and stay away from exercise wheels that are made of metal bars.

With all the choices available in pet stores, it's a little overwhelming when trying to pick a hamster bedding.

To help you make the right decision, think about how you would feel if you had to walk on that bedding all day long.  Wood chips and shavings? No - they cut up feet and can cause skin issues.  Pelleted bedding?  Not comfy and turn to mush when they get wet.  Newspaper?  Toxic ink turns feet black while tiny mouths ingest it and it falls apart when it gets wet.

So what to pick?  Choose a soft material.  Something that is absorbent, able to be burrowed in, not dusty, and if you are concerned about the environment, recycled!  Brands such as Care Fresh, Paper Shavings Pet Bedding, and other soft, recycled paper bedding should be your top picks.

Photo © Pricegrabber.com

If you are thinking about a snake but are afraid it will get too big, or be too active to handle, a ball python may be for you.

These snakes are known for their calm attitude and they get their name from the way they "ball" up when resting or scared.

A great choice for children and adults alike, the ball python is a low-maintenance, quiet exotic pet.  Read more about ball pythons here.