Overview

It's always wise to have a plan in place for unexpected situations, especially when caring for exotic animals. Their unique needs often require attention to details that our local climates may not naturally provide. Drawing from my own experience living in the UK, here are some precautions I personally take to manage unforeseen challenges effectively.

Cold Weather and Exotic Pets

Winter often brings higher energy costs for exotic pet owners. As temperatures drop, your boiler works harder to heat the house, and maintaining suitable conditions for your pets can become challenging. Personally, I keep my room at a consistent 22°C year-round. This provides a safety buffer in case of a power outage, as most exotic species can tolerate a temporary drop to 18°C without long-term health issues.

If you prefer not to rely on central heating or if your boiler fails, there are alternative solutions to maintain a stable environment. Electric heaters, typically 1500W in the UK, are an excellent option. They can efficiently heat a moderately sized room, especially if the space contains multiple terrariums that contribute to retaining warmth.

Remember to keep the room at a reasonable temperature overnight, allowing for a slight natural temperature drop that mimics conditions in the wild while still keeping your pets safe and comfortable.

Hot Weather and Exotic Pets

During this time of year, high temperatures can pose a serious risk to exotic pets. Many homes in the UK are designed to retain heat due to our typically mild winters. However, in summer, these same homes can trap heat and act like greenhouses, often reaching temperatures far higher than those outside. This can be extremely dangerous for exotic pets—or any animal, for that matter.

To tackle this issue, I use several effective techniques. One of the simplest methods is utilizing fans to circulate air throughout the room. This helps improve airflow and prevents hotspots from forming, ensuring a safer environment for your pets.

Blackouts

While blackouts are rare, it’s essential to have a plan in place for when they do occur. As someone who keeps a variety of desert-dwelling and tropical species, I’ve prepared a dedicated drawer stocked with the essentials needed to handle such situations. Here’s what I keep on hand:

Heatpacks

Heat packs are an essential first line of defense for maintaining the proper temperature for your animals. They are relatively inexpensive, with both reusable and disposable options available. The most cost-effective choice is disposable, single-use heat packs, which typically cost under £1 each. These can provide warmth for over 24 hours, but it's important to always use a towel or cover to prevent overheating and burns.

Reusable heat packs are slightly more expensive, ranging from £5 to £10. While they are more eco-friendly and can be reused, they only provide heat for 1-2 hours per use. These are a good option for short-term needs but may not be ideal during extended power outages. Although they tend to run cooler than disposable packs, it’s still recommended to use a cover to ensure safety and avoid any risk of burns.

USB power packs and heat mats

Here are some of my favorite solutions for staying warm during power outages. A portable power bank designed for charging mobile phones can also be used to power a USB heat mat. These heat mats are typically padded with fabric, which not only helps distribute heat evenly but also provides protection against burns. Most models come with three heat settings—low, medium, and high—and consume around 2 amps of energy. With a reliable power bank, you can enjoy a few hours of warmth. For extended power outages, consider using a 18350 battery pack with pre-charged battery cells. This setup allows you to continue using the heat mat beyond the initial couple of hours, ensuring comfort during prolonged power cuts.

Duvet covers and towels

A standard duvet or towel can be a lifesaver for maintaining warmth in an enclosure during a power outage. By covering the enclosure, you help stabilize the temperature, reducing the risk of temperature shock to the animal while the heating system is unavailable.

Plastic Rub containers

These storage bins are perfect for safely transporting lizards, snakes, invertebrates, and other small animals during emergencies. As part of my own emergency plan, I keep several of these bins readily available around my home. In the event of a prolonged power outage during the winter, I use them as temporary accommodations to transport my animals to friends or family with a wood burner. This ensures the animals remain at a stable temperature until the power is restored.

Further improvements

I intend to continuously refine my plan, and as finances permit, these are the additional systems I aim to acquire.

Petrol generator

These systems can be quite expensive, with entry-level models typically starting at £200 or more. However, they can be a worthwhile investment, especially if you face extended periods without power. Their efficiency allows them to run for a long time on a single tank of fuel. Personally, I plan to invest in one when I renovate my garage to relocate all of my animals there.