Not always.
This is certainly not the case for exotic pets and birds, who require extra care and attention during the coldest months of the year. As the ownership of exotics grows more popular, we see more of these special creatures regularly and strongly encourage owners to pay close attention to their pet’s unique needs. We invite you to peruse the following to see if you are meeting the winter essentials for your exotic pet or bird.
Heat
Generally speaking, exotic pets and birds should be kept at the ideal temperature for their individual species and breed, year round. If overexposed to cold temperatures, the immune and digestive systems of exotic pets and birds will be compromised and metabolism will slow down. For example, lizards, snakes, and turtles cannot regulate body temperature and are extremely sensitive to decreasing temperatures. Likewise, when birds get chilly they try to trap warm air between their body and feathers so, if cold, their feathers fluff up.
Provide a safe, veterinarian-approved heat lamp and attach it to your pet’s pen, cage, or house in order to create the most habitable winter environment. You can also add extra bedding and nesting material for your pocket pet to burrow into and, or cover the entire cage with a blanket as insulation.
Water
You may have backup water on hand in the case of potentially bad or damaging storms, and your supply should make allowances for your pet’s intake, too. Likewise, you’ll want to monitor your pet’s water intake closely during the winter to prevent dehydration and associated illnesses.
Offer Extra Food
To stay warm, your pet will expend any extra calories. Offering extra food won’t always work because colder temperatures decrease otherwise healthy appetites. Find favorite foods or special treats and encourage your pet to eat by hand feeding or syringe. Don’t wait to contact us if you think your exotic pet or pet is in danger of dehydration or malnutrition. Often any changes in dietary habits are a sign that your exotic pet’s health is changing, and should be discussed with us, just in case.
Safety Precautions
In the case of power outages, we recommend keeping a small flashlight near your pet’s cage so he or she can see around the room or area. Birds can upset themselves in the dark, and can cause injuries to wings if left in a dark, enclosed space. You may also want to consider a back-up plan for heating lamps and pads during the winter months, too; as it’s not uncommon to see the power out for an extended period of time during Colorado’s winter storms.
Your bird could also be at risk of overheating if you are trying to keep him or her too warm. Please keep an eye on your bird’s breathing and body posture for any changes that suggest discomfort. Likewise, a lack of humidity can wreak havoc on your pet bird’s delicate respiratory system, and their skin and feathers can become dry and irritated, too. Consider running a humidifier to defuse the dry cold, and talk to us about other considerations you should make, depending on your feathered friend’s condition.
Winter Wonderland
Taking the unique needs of your exotic pet or bird into consideration as you prepare for the months ahead will ensure that everyone stays healthy and happy until spring rolls around. It can seem like a lot of extra work, but the attention paid to your special pet will reward your efforts tenfold.