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
Sy Montgomery “What the Rooster Knows” [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:39
#294: Sy Montgomery talks about her flock of “ladies” in her book “What the Chicken Knows: a New Appreciation of the World’s Most Familiar Bird” and all the ways that chickens are delightful, intelligent, long-lasting pe…
Turtles Always Fly in a Chiquita Banana Box [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:40
#302: Michael Schneider founded Pilots to the Rescue to bring dogs and cats from the South, where they aren't wanted, to shelters in the Northeast that can place them in homes — but he never expected to be filling his Ko…
Fresh or Saltwater Fish? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:29
#300: Dr. Doug says freshwater is the easiest way to get into fish ownership but saltwater tanks are the coolest, with puckerfish and lionfish greeting you when you come home!
Does Having An Exotic Pet Make You Special? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:33
#301: Are people surprised or amazed that you have an exotic pet? Do you ever wonder why you chose the exotic that you did? Do other people make assumptions about you — positive or critical — because of the pet who share…
The Spider Chaser [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:36
#290: Chris Buddle has chased spiders his whole life — since childhood, although for academic purposes the past 30 years! and talks about the effect on visitors of his own lovely long haired tarantula.
Falling in Love With Sea Turtles [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:50
#299: Bette Zirkelbach, General Manager of the non-profit The Turtle Hospital in the Florida Keys, talks about rescuing and rehabilitating Mojo, the 800 lb. Leatherback Sea Turtle and explains how “compassion is contagio…
Exotic Emergencies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:08
#295: Dr. Doug Mader talks about breathing difficulties and bleeding being the two symptoms of true emergencies in exotics. Reptile emergencies are rare but with birds, breaking a blood feather that causes more than 6 dr…
A Baby Bird Needs Only One Friend: You! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:14
#288: Sandi Pipock has been the manager of Walton's Pet Shop in the Florida Keys for 30 years and talks about the value of education and customer service at a small privately owned store.
“What the Chicken Knows” [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:39
#294: Sy Montgomery talks about her flock of “ladies” in her book “What the Chicken Knows: a New Appreciation of the World’s Most Familiar Bird” and all the ways that chickens are delightful, intelligent, long-lasting pe…
Cold Weather Warning! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:38
#293: Dr. Doug explains how birds in an outdoor aviary can handle the cold but wind and getting wet feathers are a danger more than the temperature. Ferrets love the snow! Snakes and fish have antifreeze proteins in thei…