Guest Author - Denise Lacazette

A successful relationship between you and your exotic pet depends on many factors; the social behavior is one such factor. Many exotic pets can be as little as one or two generations from the wild. Over time it may be possible to breed out instinctive or social behaviors (try telling that to my cats), but forcing an animal into an unnatural living situation can be emotionally unhealthy and shorten the lifespan of your companion animal. When you are considering purchasing any pet - especially an exotic pet - you must first understand your own needs and expectations and then learn as much as you can about the species that you find attractive. Don’t assume that you understand the basics of animal behavior.

When purchasing a pet (especially exotic) you have to be realistic about how much interaction you can provide, or even want. Do you work all day at an office? Will the animal be alone for long periods of time? Will the “new” wear off and you spend less time with it as time goes by? Do you want an animal that needs to cuddle, be scratched and follow you around the house or do you prefer a more reserved pet?

In many cases you should purchase a companion for it. Social animals, including dogs and cats, that are happier and healthier with a companion can become neurotic and/or self-destructive if they are raised alone and may not adapt easily to a companion if one is introduced after they have become adults. Solitary animals, on the other hand, are often territorial and will defend their territory from others which can lead to injury and death. In the wild some species of solitary animals may have no contact with others of their own species outside of mating once every year or even every few years – box turtles fall into this behavior category. Some solitary animals may not even benefit from much interaction with you, although some species – like box turtles - may learn to enjoy human attention and affection.

Social species may socialize with other, different species in the wild and may or may not socialize well with other species in captivity. When companionship will be provided by other species the common thinking is that both animals should be young and brought home relatively close together in time – like a puppy and a kit (fennec fox). Always closely monitor the situation when different species and sizes of animal are together - especially if they have a natural predator/prey relationship. Also, remember that even well-behaved, well-socialized animals can change due to sexual maturity, stress, or illness and what was once a happy animal kingdom can turn to deadly aggressive or self-destructive behaviors.

Be kind to your pet. Think carefully about its social needs. The list below is based on social habits of exotic pets in the wild. Remember this list is only a starting point; there are always exceptions. Animals have personalities just like people do so it is difficult to make definitive rules about a specific pet’s behavior and needs.

Social:

Rat, Mouse, Seahorse, Sugarglider, Guinea Pig, Squirrel, Fennec Fox, Wallaby, Pot-bellied Pig, Lemur, Rabbit, Bearded Dragon, Hermit Crab, Monkey/Ape, Most birds

Solitary:

Tarantula, Opossum, Hedgehog, Iguana, Raccoon, Corn Snake, Kinkajou, Scorpion, Box Turtles

Multiples of females kept together, but not necessarily social:

Chinchilla, Coatimundi, Gecko

Breed, Species, or Size dependent:

Hamster, Cichlid, Birds

Other:

Genets are typically solitary except for pair bonds.