Overview

For anyone caring for exotic pets, thorough research is absolutely essential to ensure the well-being of your animals. This page outlines my personal research process and the steps I take before bringing a new pet into my care.

Don'ts

Many people, myself included, have been guilty of this at some point: impulsively acquiring an animal without conducting thorough research. It's an easy mistake to make, especially in the excitement of the moment. For example, I've done this with invertebrates and tarantulas before realizing how slippery that slope can be. Here's the golden rule: don't think, "I already have a spare enclosure and substrate, so I'll make it work, even though I'm unsure about the lighting." Stop yourself right there. Close the website or leave the shop and take time to fill in the gaps in your knowledge beforehand. Proper research ensures the best care for your animal and saves you and the animal unnecessary stress in the long run. Always prioritize preparation and understanding before acquiring a pet. Below, I’ll guide you through the phases of responsible preparation and care.

Preparations (Surface-Level Research)

The first step is to explore what information is already available online about the species you’re interested in. There are numerous excellent websites filled with detailed insights about exotic animals. Start by reading at least one or two resources and deciding whether you’re genuinely interested in the species. You’d be surprised how often I’ve gone down research rabbit holes, spending hours reading only to realize I’m not actually interested in keeping that animal. This step is just the foundation—it’s not even the bare minimum of what you should do before committing to an exotic pet.

Preparations (Deep Dive Research)

Once you’ve completed your initial surface-level research and decided on your ideal animal, it’s time to dig deeper. This is a crucial step in ensuring you’re fully prepared to meet your pet’s needs. Start by joining relevant reptile or exotic animal communities, such as Facebook groups or forums like reptileforums.co.uk. You don’t necessarily have to post—just observe, read, and absorb information from others’ experiences. This will give you a broader perspective on how people care for their animals and common challenges they face.

Keep in mind that not everything you read online is definitive or universally applicable. Some care guides are overly rigid in their recommendations. Use critical thinking to evaluate the advice you come across, and adapt it to your specific situation. Additionally, make sure you read multiple care guides to cross-reference information. Always strive to build an understanding tailored to your future pet’s unique needs.

At this stage, you should also start purchasing and preparing the essentials for your pet’s habitat. Ensure you have all the necessary equipment, such as enclosures, substrates, and thermostats, as well as knowledge of their basic requirements. Completing this step is essential before fully committing to bringing an animal into your care.

Ongoing Learning (Continuous Exploration)

This is the pinnacle of responsible pet ownership—ongoing, in-depth learning about your animal. While many people stop at understanding the basics of temperature and humidity requirements, there’s so much more to explore if you want to provide the best care possible. Here are some ways to continue learning and improving:

• Research the natural environments and ecosystems where your animal lives in the wild.
• Study the temperature and humidity fluctuations they experience in their native habitats.
• Learn about the plants, wildlife, and other species your pet coexists with in the wild.
• Create a plan for seasonal temperature and humidity adjustments using your thermostat.
• Read scientific articles and research papers about the species you care for.

By delving into these areas, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of your pet’s needs and create an enriched, naturalistic environment that closely mimics their wild habitat.

Ongoing Learning (Note Keeping)

Not everyone learns in the same way. Some people absorb information effortlessly, while others, like myself, benefit from taking notes. If you’re a note-taker, consider using tools like Husbandry.pro, which helps track important data about your animals, or simply use a notebook and pen if you prefer a more traditional approach. Observing your animals closely and documenting their behaviors is one of the best ways to learn and ensure you’re meeting their needs effectively.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced keeper, consistent learning and observation are key to becoming the best caretaker for your animals. Always remain curious and committed to improving their well-being.