Rabbits, Rabbits Everywhere!

Rabbits, Rabbits Everywhere!

Author: Tracie Hotchner February 2, 2026 Duration: 17:30
#346: Dr Dan Johnson sees more rabbits than any other untraditional pet at his Avian and Exotic Clinic in Raleigh, North Carolina — and sees many every day, mostly for digestive problems caused by not feeding the right timothy hay.

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
Decisions, Decisions. How to Choose a Snake? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:33
#258: Dr. Karen talks about how to choose a pet snake. Corn, King, Milk, and Ball Pythons are all docile snakes costing from $50 to $200. Dr. Karen recommends going to a “reptile expo” to learn about good breeders, veter…
Small Pets in the Classroom [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:30
#256: Annie Petersen speaks about her fascination and love for guinea pigs and how she founded the Association for Human-Animal Bond Studies particularly to promote small animals in classrooms (and in homes like her own!…
Exotics Need Vaccinations, Too! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:08
#255: Dr. Doug Mader talks about the value of vaccinations for exotic pets, urging people not to be afraid of vaccines, especially rabies which all mammals can get. Ferrets can also get canine distemper which can be dead…
The Turtle Passionate Couple Behind Garden State Tortoise [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:23
#257: Chris Leone of Garden State Tortoise on the South Shore of New Jersey, tells how he and his wife Casey bonded over a shared love of turtles and now create social media content every day to educate and delight over…
Ferrets are Like Kittens That Never Grow Up [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:54
#254: Dr. Karen Rosenthal gives an overview of Ferrets as pets — the highly friendly, social, playful little pets who remain kittenish and will give you years of loving companionship. They use a litter box immediately: j…
Did Tracie's Childhood Rabbit Need Orthodontics? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:59
#253: Dr. Doug Mader explains how important dental care is for all rabbits and what happens when it is neglected. He answers Tracie's question about whether her childhood veterinarian really did suggest braces for one of…
Dr. Doug Talks Turtles (and Tortoises) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:19
#252: Doug talks turtles — and the differences between turtles, tortoises and terrapins. Doug and Tracie reminisce about the “penny turtles” [red eared sliders] they had as kids, and how far we have come with environment…
Don't Monkey Around with Monkeys [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:16
#251: Dr. Doug rarely says "don't" about exotic pet ownership if you're ready to provide the right environment. But in the case of monkeys, he explains all the reasons why it is impossible to create what a monkey needs a…
Should People Have Birds as Pets At All? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:19
#250: Leading avian and exotic pet veterinarian Dr Laurie Hess raises the ethical question of whether people should have birds as pets at all. Are you giving them a good life? Taking your bird in the shower with you? Pla…

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