A Spiky Ball of Love — the African Pygmy Hedgie

A Spiky Ball of Love — the African Pygmy Hedgie

Author: Tracie Hotchner February 16, 2026 Duration: 17:56
#348: Dr. Dan Johnson explains the appeal of African pygmy hedgehogs, noting their quiet nature, small size, low maintenance, lack of odor. He recommends scattering hedgehog kibble in a tray with ping-pong balls and other objects for foraging enrichment — along with small pieces of every imaginable fruit or vegetable.

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.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Exotic Pets™
Podcast Episodes
When Your Snake Has Trouble Shedding His Skin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:58
#327: Dr. Doug Mader describes the monthly process in which a snake slips out of his own skin, like taking off a sock, inside out — and the sorts of problems to be aware of and to avoid (like never handling a snake that…
Ear Mites in Rabbits Hurt Like the Dickens [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:00
#326: Dr. Doug describes how to spot ear mites in your rabbit — a common problem that is easily solved if caught early — and the challenge ahead of you if you’ve let the crusty result of ear mites clog up your rabbit’s e…
Parrots & Cockatoos All Over Oz! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:21
#325: Dr Rick LeCouteur describes the natural phenomenon in Australia of thousands of kinds of parrots flying free and loose all over the place, causing havoc with their destructive beaks, and delight with their beauty.
C-Sections on Reptiles? Only as Last Resort! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:20
#324: Dr. Doug discusses what an “egg bound” reptile means and the various ways to prevent and manage a snake whose eggs are stuck inside her.
What is “Normal” in an Exotic Pet? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:01
#323: Dr. Doug Mader explains how you cannot know that something might be amiss with your exotic unless you are well informed on what “normal” looks like.
Piggies as Pets [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:45
#322: British exotic Pet veterinarian Dr. Madonna Livingstone talks about the joys of living with guinea pigs — and how to keep them happy and healthy.
Fighting the Good Fight for Ferrets in California [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:36
#321: Pat Wright, CEO of LegalizeFerrets.org has been fighting the California state ban on ferrets for 35 years — but now his group’s petition to the Fish and Wildlife Department might actually result in long overdue leg…
Trying to Find A Fellow Exotic Pet Enthusiast? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:59
#320: Murray Forbes in Zurich developed the Scratches social APP to connect people who embrace non-traditional pets — and want to find romantic or platonic friends to celebrate their unique pets.
Parrots Say “Love is Not Enough” [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:36
#313: Dr. Madonna Livingstone, author of the veterinary textbook “Exotics Made Easy,” discusses the brilliance of parrots and how they need activities and environmental enrichment. Foraging is so important for them, with…
Bugs Bunny Had it All Wrong - No More Carrots! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:39
#319: Claire Hamblion in England talks about how her company, Supreme Pet Foods, is devoted to proper nutrition for small mammals — and debunking the image of Bugs Bunny eating a carrot, which has given people the wrong…