Please Don't Gift a Snake or a Turtle to Anyone

Please Don't Gift a Snake or a Turtle to Anyone

Author: Tracie Hotchner December 29, 2025 Duration: 18:14
#341: Doug Mader reminds you that whether it’s a tortoise that lives many decades, or a mouse that only lives a short while, it is never a good idea to give anyone a living thing — other than a houseplant!

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
Frizzies or Hairless? So Many Mice to Love! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:39
#278: Dr. Doug talks about the virtues of sweet, affectionate, low-maintenance “house mice” as wonderful “starter pets” for a small child. And they come in so many varieties now (he calls the hairless mouse “creepily ado…
Reptiles Can’t Feel the Burn [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:06
#277: Dr. Doug cautions that faulty hot rocks, human heat pads and heat lamps used improperly can give 3rd degree burns to a reptile who cannot feel the damage.
33% of Pet Birds Test Positive for Borna Virus [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:36
#276: Dr. Jennifer Graham (board certified in Avian and Exotic Companion Animals) talks about this potentially deadly virus that is often in a breeder’s whole flock. Birds can be shedding borna virus without clinical sig…
“People Food” Can Harm Exotics [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:55
#275: Your ferret wants candy? Don’t do it! Even fruit is merely sugar plus water — give it sparingly to any exotic. Your bird loves cheese? Just say no! Chicken eggs for parrots — no! Too much protein for a bird is unna…
Check Your Bird’s Poop! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:38
#273: Avian expert Dr. Jennifer Graham tells you all the ways that your bird’s droppings are a treasure trove of information.
Zoonosis — What Diseases Can Your Exotic Give You? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:02
#273: Dr. Doug wants people to know about — but not be frightened by — the many illnesses exotic animals can transmit to people, especially those who are immunocompromised, elderly or young children whose immune systems…
Are Neurodiverse People Drawn to Exotic Pets? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:48
#272: Tracie raises this question with the namesake of Jungle Bob’s Reptile World on Long Island, who goes into schools to put reptiles in a positive light and teach about what he calls “the Unloved, Unusual and Unknown”…
Small Pet Birds Have Long Lives [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:05
#271: Dr. Micah points out that parakeets — also known as budgies — and cockatiels can live 8-10 years. It’s a responsibility and commitment. They need 65-75 degrees and 50% humidity. Nutrition matters, with Zupreem & Ha…
Iguanas Have a Dark Side [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:07
#270: Dr. Doug says people buy a five INCH pet that becomes a five FOOT creature requiring 80% humidity and 80 degrees. In adolescence, when “in rut,” they can viciously attack their owners.
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…