Exotic Pets - Part 1 Intoduction

Some people say that exotic pets are animals that are not domesticated, and some people use the term to denote all non-mammal animals kept as pets. I don't entirely agree with either view point. Some animals may have been bred in captivity long enough to be considered domesticated, but are still often considered exotic pets.

For example, scientists have domesticated the Silver Fox. Some companies are selling Silver Fox pups as pets. But that does not mean that they are ranked alongside guinea pigs and housecats as household pets, so I would consider a pet Silver Fox and exotic pet. In the same way, according to Wikipedia African Pygmy Hedgehogs are domesticated, but in my opinion they are still exotic pets. Some people might beg to differ with this, though.

I would personally divide exotic pets into two categories.


Type one exotics that I know of consist of the following: hedgehogs, sugar glider, pet prairie dogs (yes, it's true!), pet flying squirrels, medium sized birds, small- medium reptiles,  short-tailed opossums, pygmy mice, and spiny mice.

These exotic pets are relatively easy to find, are a lot cheaper (under $300), do not need huge caging/ pen and supplies, and are normally legal and do not usually require a permit (but NOT always! Always check your local laws before getting an exotic pet!)

Type two exotics are such animals like wallabies, kinkajous coatimundis, genets, large exotic birds, (small wild cats), large reptiles, and marmosets (TINY monkeys). Basically they are the reverse of the type one exotics, but still could possibly make a good pet for a specialized owner.

I will try to write about most of these animals in the posts to come.