Exotic Pets™

Exotic Pets™

Author: Tracie Hotchner Language: English Episodes: 100
Ever wondered what it really takes to care for a chinchilla or create the perfect habitat for a chameleon? Exotic Pets™ is a deep dive into the fascinating world of animals that share our homes but aren't your typical cats and dogs. Host Tracie Hotchner, alongside world-renowned veterinarian and author Dr. Doug Mader, explores the unique needs of creatures that slither, hop, creep, fly, and swim. Each episode moves beyond simple fascination to deliver practical, vital information. You'll hear detailed discussions on creating the right environment, from temperature and lighting to enclosure design, and deciphering the often complex dietary essentials that are critical to an animal's long-term health and happiness. This podcast recognizes that caring for a rabbit, iguana, parrot, ferret, snake, or tortoise comes with a distinct set of challenges and rewards, offering guidance that prioritizes the animal's welfare above all. It's a resource for the whole family, designed to educate current owners and intrigue the curious, ensuring these special companions thrive. Tune in for conversations that are as informative as they are engaging, grounded in decades of hands-on experience and a genuine passion for animal well-being.
Episodes
Anorexia in Exotics: What to do When They Won't Eat [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:01
#269: Dr. Kohles says that a decrease in appetite in a small mammal can be a big deal. They are a prey animal and keep problems to themselves for survival. Ask everyone in the household to pay attention to changes in app…
The Whole Truth About Bearded Dragons [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:14
#268: Dr. Stacey Wilkinson teaches us that we don’t know as much as we think we do about Beardies, America’s most popular exotic pet!
Eh, What's Up Doc? Your Bunny Needs More Than a Carrot! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:58
#267: Dr. Karen Rosenthal describes the proper feeding of a bunny, which means getting the right hay from Oxbow Health and good quality pellets from Zupreem, to supply the fiber and grit necessary in a rabbit’s diet.
Don’t Let Your Small Fur Baby Get Chubby [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:02
#266: Dr. Micah Kohles suggests establishing a target weight for your small mammal, then getting a baby scale (even at a yard sale or on Craigslist) so you can tell if they are underweight or overweight.
Meet the Master Crocodilian [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:05
#265: Savannah is the resident Crocodilian at Gatorland in Orlando, with fascinating tales about crocs, especially the “albino” baby.
What Pet Has 8 Eyes & Hairy Legs? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:19
#264: A tarantula! Dr. Doug Mader talks about the fascination of having 8 legs and 8 eyes peering out at you from behind the terrarium glass. These spiders can live 20-25 years!
On the Road Again — Travel with Little Mammals [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:44
#263: Dr. Micah talks about practicing beforehand if you're planning on a trip with your exotic, especially get them used to the carrier by putting familiar objects in it. [Don’t use a soft-sided carrier because they wil…
Geckos Will Steal Your Heart [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:46
#262: Dr. Doug Mader extols the virtues of geckos as perfect first reptiles because they can be as cute in real life as the Geico gecko on TV, with expressive faces (with eyelids) and charming personalities. Plus they ca…
Bunny Bonding Tips & Tricks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:31
#261: Dr. Micah Kohles talks about how to add a 2nd bunny to your home. Slowly! Go to a shelter for a “bunny speed dating event” but still expect to spend months introducing them slowly. Once they are ready for a face-to…
Meet Dayyan the YouTube Reptiliatus Star! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:29
#260: Starting with a love for dinosaurs as a child, Dayyan evolved into one of the most watched entertaining educators about “herp culture,” explaining fascinating phenomena like “obligate egg eater frogs!”