---
name: exotic-pet-specialist
description: |
  Exotic pet care guide covering reptiles, birds, small mammals, and amphibians with habitat setup requirements, temperature and humidity control, species-specific diets, health indicators, common illnesses, handling techniques, enrichment ideas, and veterinary care guidance for non-traditional companion animals.
  Use when the user asks about exotic pet specialist, or needs help with exotic pet care guide covering reptiles, birds, small mammals, and amphibians with habitat setup requirements, temperature and humidity control, species-specific diets, health indicators, common illnesses, handling techniques, enrichment ideas, and veterinary care guidance for non-traditional companion animals.
  Do NOT use when the request requires professional specialized advice or falls outside the scope of exotic pet specialist.
license: Apache-2.0
metadata:
  author: foundry-skills
  version: "1.0.0"
  tags: "pet-care guide step-by-step"
  category: "home-household"
  subcategory: "pet-care"
  depends: ""
  disclaimer: "none"
  difficulty: "intermediate"
---

# Exotic Pet Specialist

## When to Use

**Use this skill when:**
- User asks about exotic pet specialist
- User needs guidance on exotic pet specialist topics
- User wants a structured approach to exotic pet specialist

**Do NOT use when:**
- Request requires professional consultation beyond educational guidance
- User needs emergency assistance

## Questions to Ask First

1. **What species do you have or are considering?** (Be as specific as possible: species name, not just "lizard" or "bird")
2. **Is this a new pet or an existing one?** (Researching before purchase / Just acquired / Have had for a while)
3. **What is your concern?** (Habitat setup / Diet / Health issue / Behavior / General care)
4. **What is your current enclosure setup?** (Size, heating, lighting, substrate)
5. **What are you currently feeding?** (Specific foods and frequency)
6. **Have you noticed any changes in behavior, eating, or appearance?**
7. **Do you have access to an exotic animal veterinarian?**
8. **What is your experience level with exotic pets?** (First exotic pet / Some experience / Experienced keeper)
9. **What is your climate?** (Important for heating/cooling considerations)
10. **What is your budget for setup and ongoing care?**

---

## Reptile Care

### Popular Reptile Species Comparison

| Species | Enclosure Size (min) | Temp (Basking/Cool) | Humidity | Diet | Lifespan | Beginner Friendly |
|---------|---------------------|---------------------|----------|------|----------|-------------------|
| Leopard Gecko | 20 gal long | 88-92F / 75-80F | 30-40% | Insects | 15-20 yr | Excellent |
| Bearded Dragon | 40 gal (adult 75+) | 100-110F / 80-85F | 30-40% | Omni (insects + veg) | 10-15 yr | Excellent |
| Ball Python | 40 gal (adult) | 88-92F / 76-80F | 50-60% | Rodents | 20-30 yr | Good |
| Corn Snake | 30-40 gal (adult) | 85-88F / 75-80F | 40-50% | Rodents | 15-20 yr | Excellent |
| Crested Gecko | 18x18x24 (vertical) | 72-80F / 65-75F | 60-80% | CGD + insects | 15-20 yr | Excellent |
| Blue Tongue Skink | 40-75 gal | 95-100F / 75-80F | 40-60% | Omni (protein + veg) | 15-20 yr | Good |
| Red-Eared Slider | 75+ gal (aquatic) | 85-90F basking / 75-80F water | N/A (aquatic) | Omni | 20-40 yr | Moderate |

### Reptile Habitat Setup Essentials

```
HEATING (Critical - reptiles are ectothermic):
- Create a THERMAL GRADIENT (warm end and cool end)
- Basking spot: Overhead heat lamp or ceramic heat emitter
- Ambient heat: Under-tank heater (UTH) with thermostat
- ALWAYS use a thermostat (prevents overheating and burns)
- Measure temps with digital thermometer at both ends
- Night temps can drop 5-10F (species dependent)

LIGHTING:
UVB Requirements:
  - Desert species (bearded dragon): High UVB (10-12%)
  - Forest species (crested gecko, ball python): Low/No UVB (2-5% or none)
  - Diurnal species: 10-12 hours of light per day cycle
  - Nocturnal species: Light cycle for day/night rhythm, minimal UVB
  - Replace UVB bulbs every 6-12 months (output degrades before visible light fades)
  - Never place UVB through glass or plastic (blocks UV rays)

SUBSTRATE OPTIONS BY SPECIES:
| Substrate | Good For | Avoid For |
|-----------|----------|-----------|
| Paper towel | Any (quarantine, babies) | Long-term display |
| Reptile carpet | Leopard geckos, bearded dragons | Snakes (claws catch) |
| Coconut fiber | Tropical species | Desert species |
| Cypress mulch | Ball pythons, blue tongue skinks | Desert species |
| Tile | Bearded dragons, leopard geckos | Arboreal species |
| Bioactive soil mix | Most species (advanced) | New keepers |
| Avoid: Cedar, pine (toxic), loose calcium sand (impaction risk) |

HUMIDITY CONTROL:
- Hygrometer (digital) in enclosure at all times
- Misting: Manual or automatic misting system
- Water bowl size affects ambient humidity
- Damp moss hide for shedding support
- Ventilation: Balance humidity retention with air flow
- Too dry: Stuck shed, respiratory issues
- Too wet: Scale rot, respiratory infections
```

### Reptile Health Indicators

```
HEALTHY SIGNS:
- Alert, responsive to environment
- Clear, bright eyes (no swelling or discharge)
- Clean nostrils (no bubbles or mucus)
- Smooth, intact skin/scales (clean sheds)
- Regular appetite appropriate for species
- Normal posture and movement
- Regular, well-formed feces
- Healthy body weight (no visible spine or hip bones in most species)

WARNING SIGNS (See exotic vet):
- Mouth breathing or wheezing (respiratory infection)
- Bubbles from nose or mouth
- Swollen eyes, mouth, or joints
- Retained shed (especially around toes, tail tip, eyes)
- Lethargy beyond normal brumation
- Loss of appetite lasting more than 2-3 weeks (non-brumation)
- Soft jaw or kinked spine (metabolic bone disease)
- Discolored or foul-smelling skin patches (scale rot)
- Weight loss, visible bones
- Straining to defecate or pass eggs
- Twitching, tremors, or star-gazing (neurological signs)

EMERGENCY (Exotic vet immediately):
- Prolapse (tissue protruding from vent)
- Egg binding (straining female, lethargic)
- Trauma (burns, bite wounds, falls)
- Seizures
- Complete food refusal for extended period with weight loss
```

---

## Bird Care

### Popular Pet Bird Comparison

| Species | Cage Size (min) | Noise Level | Lifespan | Talking Ability | Social Needs | Beginner Friendly |
|---------|----------------|-------------|----------|----------------|-------------|-------------------|
| Budgerigar (Budgie) | 18x18x18 | Low-Mod | 5-10 yr | Moderate | Moderate | Excellent |
| Cockatiel | 24x18x24 | Moderate | 15-25 yr | Moderate | High | Excellent |
| Conure (Green Cheek) | 24x24x30 | Mod-High | 20-30 yr | Low | Very High | Good |
| African Grey | 36x24x48 | Moderate | 40-60 yr | Exceptional | Very High | Advanced |
| Cockatoo | 36x24x48+ | Very High | 40-70 yr | Moderate | Extremely High | Advanced |
| Lovebird | 24x18x24 | Moderate | 10-15 yr | Low | High (pairs) | Good |
| Finch/Canary | 24x18x18 | Low | 5-10 yr | None/Song | Low-Mod | Excellent |

### Bird Habitat and Diet

```
CAGE SETUP:
- Biggest cage you can afford (wider is better than taller for most species)
- Bar spacing appropriate to species size (prevents head entrapment)
- Multiple perches of varying diameter and texture (natural wood branches ideal)
- Food and water dishes (stainless steel, multiple locations)
- Toys: Foraging, chewing, preening, puzzle toys (rotate weekly)
- Cage liner: Paper towels or newspaper (changed daily)
- Placement: Eye level, against a wall (security), near family activity
- Away from kitchen (fumes are deadly), drafts, direct sunlight

BIRD DIET FOUNDATION:
| Food Type | Percentage | Examples |
|-----------|-----------|----------|
| Pellets (formulated) | 50-70% | Species-appropriate pelleted diet |
| Fresh vegetables | 20-30% | Dark leafy greens, carrots, peppers, broccoli |
| Fresh fruits | 5-10% | Berries, apple, banana, mango (treats) |
| Seeds/nuts | 5-10% | As treats/foraging, not staple diet |
| Grains/legumes | Occasional | Cooked quinoa, lentils, brown rice |

TOXIC FOODS FOR BIRDS (never feed):
- Avocado (fatal)
- Chocolate (fatal)
- Caffeine (fatal)
- Alcohol (fatal)
- Onion and garlic
- Apple seeds and fruit pits
- High-salt or high-sugar human foods

HOUSEHOLD DANGERS FOR BIRDS:
- Non-stick cookware fumes (PTFE/Teflon - FATAL even from another room)
- Scented candles, air fresheners, incense
- Cleaning chemical fumes
- Ceiling fans
- Open windows/doors
- Other pets (cats, dogs)
- Open water (toilet, pots of water)
- Mirrors and windows (collision risk)
```

### Bird Health Indicators

```
HEALTHY BIRD:
- Active, vocal, engaged with environment
- Bright, clear eyes
- Clean, smooth feathers (preening is normal)
- Good appetite
- Firm perching grip
- Droppings: Green/brown feces + white urates + clear liquid

WARNING SIGNS (See avian vet):
- Fluffed up and sitting on cage bottom
- Decreased or absent vocalizations
- Loss of appetite
- Tail bobbing (respiratory distress)
- Discharge from eyes or nares (nostrils)
- Sneezing frequently
- Change in droppings (color, consistency, frequency)
- Feather plucking or bald patches
- Swollen or crusty beak or feet
- Limping or favoring a foot
- Weight loss (weigh weekly with gram scale)

CRITICAL NOTE ABOUT BIRDS:
Birds mask illness as a survival instinct. By the time a bird
looks sick to you, it may have been ill for days or weeks.
Any change in behavior warrants close monitoring and likely
a vet visit. Establishing a baseline by weighing your bird
weekly is one of the best early detection methods.
```

---

## Small Mammal Care

### Popular Small Mammal Comparison

| Species | Enclosure Type | Diet | Lifespan | Social | Handling | Activity |
|---------|---------------|------|----------|--------|----------|----------|
| Rabbit | Large pen/room | Hay, vegetables, pellets | 8-12 yr | Pairs ideal | Gentle, ground-level | Dawn/dusk |
| Guinea Pig | Large open pen | Hay, vegetables, pellets + vitamin C | 5-7 yr | Pairs or groups | Gentle, social | Daytime |
| Hamster (Syrian) | 40+ gal / 600+ sq in | Seed mix, vegetables, protein | 2-3 yr | Solitary only | Evening handling | Nocturnal |
| Rat | Multi-level cage | Lab blocks, fresh foods | 2-3 yr | Same-sex pairs/groups | Very social, trainable | Nocturnal |
| Ferret | Large multi-level | High-protein kibble or raw | 6-10 yr | Pairs or groups | Very social, playful | Crepuscular |
| Chinchilla | Multi-level tall cage | Hay, pellets, limited treats | 10-20 yr | Pairs (bonded) | Gentle, flighty | Nocturnal |
| Hedgehog | 2x4 ft minimum | Insectivore diet, cat food | 4-7 yr | Solitary | Patient handling | Nocturnal |

### Small Mammal Essentials

```
RABBITS AND GUINEA PIGS:
- Unlimited timothy hay (80%+ of diet; essential for dental and GI health)
- Fresh vegetables daily (1 cup per 2 lbs body weight for rabbits)
- Guinea pigs REQUIRE vitamin C supplementation (cannot synthesize it)
- Limited pellets (1/4 cup per 5 lbs for adult rabbits)
- Fresh water always available (bowl or bottle)
- Exercise space: Minimum 4 hours free-roaming daily (rabbit-proofed area)
- Litter trainable (rabbits especially)
- Never house rabbits and guinea pigs together

HAMSTERS AND RATS:
- Hamsters are SOLITARY (Syrian hamsters WILL fight to the death)
- Rats are extremely social and must NEVER be kept alone
- Deep bedding for burrowing (paper-based, aspen; never cedar or pine)
- Wheel: Solid-surface (wire wheels cause bumblefoot and injuries)
  Hamster: 8-12 inch diameter
  Rat: 12+ inch diameter
- Enrichment: Tubes, hides, climbing structures, foraging opportunities
- Rats are highly trainable and bond closely with owners

FERRETS:
- Ferret-proofed room for play time (minimum 4 hours daily)
- High-protein, high-fat diet (obligate carnivores)
- Litter trainable (with patience)
- Annual vet visits including adrenal and insulinoma screening
- Descenting and spaying/neutering typically done before purchase

TEMPERATURE SENSITIVITY:
- Rabbits: Heat stress above 80F (can be fatal); prefer 60-70F
- Chinchillas: MUST stay below 75F (heat stroke risk); prefer 60-70F
- Guinea pigs: Comfortable 65-75F
- Rats: Comfortable 65-75F; sensitive to drafts and ammonia
- Hedgehogs: MUST stay above 72F (can attempt hibernation, which is fatal)
```

---

## Finding an Exotic Veterinarian

```
HOW TO FIND A QUALIFIED EXOTIC VET:
1. Search ARAV (Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians) directory
2. Search AAV (Association of Avian Veterinarians) directory
3. Ask local herpetological or aviculture societies
4. Look for "exotic animal" or "avian and exotic" specialties
5. Call and ask: "Does your vet have experience with [specific species]?"

WHAT TO LOOK FOR:
- Board certification or extensive exotic animal training
- Exotic-appropriate equipment (small anesthesia, endoscopy)
- Willing to educate you about species-specific needs
- Does not recommend dog/cat protocols for exotics

WELLNESS EXAM SCHEDULE:
- New pet: Within first week of acquisition
- Annual exam: Minimum once per year
- Senior animals: Twice yearly
- Any change in behavior or appearance: Promptly

WHAT TO BRING TO THE VET:
[ ] Recent photos of enclosure setup
[ ] Diet log (what and how much you feed)
[ ] Fresh fecal sample (within 12 hours)
[ ] Behavioral notes (any changes)
[ ] Temperature and humidity readings from enclosure
[ ] Transport in secure, temperature-appropriate carrier
```

---

## Enrichment Ideas by Species Type

```
REPTILES:
- Rearrange enclosure decor periodically
- Scatter-feed insects (hunt instead of bowl-feed)
- Offer different climbing branches and hides
- Supervised outdoor time in secure enclosure (warm weather, shade available)
- Different textured substrates to explore

BIRDS:
- Foraging toys (hide food in paper, boxes, or puzzle feeders)
- Training sessions (target training, tricks) - 10-15 min daily
- Music and conversation (birds are highly social)
- New toys rotated weekly (3-4 in cage at a time)
- Bathing opportunities (mist, shallow dish, or shower perch)
- Flight time in bird-safe room

SMALL MAMMALS:
- Digging boxes (rabbits, rats)
- Tunnels and obstacle courses
- Foraging: Hide food in hay, paper rolls, or puzzle feeders
- Supervised floor time with toys
- Dust baths for chinchillas (2-3 times per week)
- Training with positive reinforcement (rats, rabbits, ferrets)
```

---

## Common Mistakes by New Exotic Pet Owners

```
REPTILES:
- No thermostat on heat source (burns or overheating)
- Wrong UVB bulb or placing it through glass
- Feeding only one type of insect (nutritional deficiency)
- Not gut-loading or dusting feeder insects
- Enclosure too small for adult size
- Using loose substrate for young animals (impaction risk)

BIRDS:
- Seed-only diet (leads to fatty liver disease and malnutrition)
- Using non-stick cookware anywhere in the home
- Keeping a single social species without adequate interaction
- Placing cage in kitchen or near fumes
- Not bird-proofing before out-of-cage time
- Assuming small birds need small cages

SMALL MAMMALS:
- Keeping social species alone (guinea pigs, rats)
- Keeping solitary species together (Syrian hamsters)
- Not providing unlimited hay (rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas)
- Enclosure too small (especially hamsters; minimum 600 square inches)
- Ignoring dental health (rabbit and rodent teeth grow continuously)
- Not ferret-proofing the home (they fit through very small gaps)
```

---

## Output Format

When providing exotic pet guidance, present it as:

```
EXOTIC PET CARE ASSESSMENT
Species: [Common and scientific name]
Concern: [Setup / Diet / Health / Behavior]

HABITAT REQUIREMENTS:
Enclosure: [Size and type]
Temperature: [Range with gradient]
Humidity: [Range]
Lighting: [UVB and photoperiod]
Substrate: [Recommended type]

DIET PROTOCOL:
[Species-specific feeding plan]

HEALTH STATUS:
[Assessment based on described symptoms/behavior]
Action: [Monitor / Routine vet / Urgent vet / Emergency]

ENRICHMENT RECOMMENDATIONS:
[Species-appropriate activities]

IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
[Species-specific cautions]

**This guidance is educational. Always consult an exotic animal
veterinarian for diagnosis, treatment, and species-specific care.**
```

## Example

**Input:** "Help me get started with exotic pet specialist"

**Output:** A structured exotic pet specialist plan tailored to the user's specific situation, following the process outlined above.

## Edge Cases

- **Incomplete information:** Ask clarifying questions before proceeding. Do not assume details the user has not provided.
- **Out of scope requests:** Redirect to appropriate professional resources when the request exceeds educational guidance.
- **Conflicting requirements:** Present trade-offs clearly and let the user decide priorities.
