Exotic Pets™ Wed, 04 Mar 2026 18:18:24 -0500 https://www.radiopetlady.com/category/shows/podcast-ep/ en-us © 2026 Exotic Pets™ yes 7d722fce-e01b-5a16-b967-64e8b1dcc1a5 Tracie Hotchner episodic false The show for people interested in pets that slither, hop, creep, fly or swim:  from bunnies to iguanas, parrots to ferrets, snakes to tortoises. Information on the physical requirements of these exotic pets and how to manage the often challenging environment and correct diet essential to their welfare.
Co-hosted by Dr. Doug Mader, author of "The Vet at Noah's Ark: Stories of Survival from an Inner-City Animal Hospital,"who is a world-renowned specialist on exotic animals, author of four major veterinary textbooks on reptile and amphibians, and a passionate educator.

Early episodes of this show were co-hosted by Dr. Karen Rosenthal, Director of Exotic Animal Medicine at several institutions of higher learning.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Tracie Hotchner https://storage.buzzsprout.com/34ycfqtr9i762cq5ouogcb2la7dd?.jpg Exotic Pets™ https://www.radiopetlady.com/category/shows/podcast-ep/ A Spiky Ball of Love — the African Pygmy Hedgie A Spiky Ball of Love — the African Pygmy Hedgie #348: Dr. Dan Johnson explains the appeal of African pygmy hedgehogs, noting their quiet nature, small size, low maintenance, lack of odor. He recommends scattering hedgehog kibble in a tray with ping-pong balls and other objects for foraging enrichment — along with small pieces of every imaginable fruit or vegetable.

]]> #348: Dr. Dan Johnson explains the appeal of African pygmy hedgehogs, noting their quiet nature, small size, low maintenance, lack of odor. He recommends scattering hedgehog kibble in a tray with ping-pong balls and other objects for foraging enrichment — along with small pieces of every imaginable fruit or vegetable.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-18567707 Mon, 16 Feb 2026 04:00:00 -0500 1076 full false Amazing Creatures in the Briny Deep Amazing Creatures in the Briny Deep #347: Cara Giaimo tells the story of many fascinating creatures in the sea, along with glorious illustrations of them, in her precious little book “Leaving the Ocean was a Mistake: Life Lessons from Sixty Sea Creatures” including the Vampire Squid, the Sea Mouse and the Blobfish. 

]]> #347: Cara Giaimo tells the story of many fascinating creatures in the sea, along with glorious illustrations of them, in her precious little book “Leaving the Ocean was a Mistake: Life Lessons from Sixty Sea Creatures” including the Vampire Squid, the Sea Mouse and the Blobfish. 

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-18567575 Mon, 09 Feb 2026 04:00:00 -0500 1756 full false Rabbits, Rabbits Everywhere! Rabbits, Rabbits Everywhere! #346: Dr Dan Johnson sees more rabbits than any other untraditional pet at his Avian and Exotic Clinic in Raleigh, North Carolina — and sees many every day, mostly for digestive problems caused by not feeding the right timothy hay.

]]> #346: Dr Dan Johnson sees more rabbits than any other untraditional pet at his Avian and Exotic Clinic in Raleigh, North Carolina — and sees many every day, mostly for digestive problems caused by not feeding the right timothy hay.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-18564038 Mon, 02 Feb 2026 04:00:00 -0500 1050 full false An Animal Communicator Who Found Riley the Tortoise (4 times!) An Animal Communicator Who Found Riley the Tortoise (4 times!) #345: Meredith Tollison, an intuitive who professionally makes communication connections between people and their pets, has been called upon to find Riley the tortoise FOUR(!) times. As with many "lost" pets, Riley has given Meredith physical descriptions of where she is so that her people can come find and fetch her. 

]]> #345: Meredith Tollison, an intuitive who professionally makes communication connections between people and their pets, has been called upon to find Riley the tortoise FOUR(!) times. As with many "lost" pets, Riley has given Meredith physical descriptions of where she is so that her people can come find and fetch her. 

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-18488374 Mon, 26 Jan 2026 04:00:00 -0500 1379 full false Running a Turtle Brothel Running a Turtle Brothel #344: Paul Radice breeds rare turtles like Elizabeth the albino Chinese long neck water turtle, which is now extinct in China. Angel's Hatchery keeps 4 males for every 2 females to ensure fertilized eggs. One could say they are running a Turtle Brothel!

]]> #344: Paul Radice breeds rare turtles like Elizabeth the albino Chinese long neck water turtle, which is now extinct in China. Angel's Hatchery keeps 4 males for every 2 females to ensure fertilized eggs. One could say they are running a Turtle Brothel!

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-18427091 Mon, 19 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0500 1668 full false Caring for Exotic Pets and Wildlife Caring for Exotic Pets and Wildlife #343: Dr. Angela Lennox, owner of the Avian and Exotic Vet Clinic in Indianapolis, traces her concern for the welfare of animals back to the eight baby possums she rescued from a roadside as a girl, which morphed into a veterinary degree along with a double board certification in exotic animal care, pro bono work in wildlife rehabilitation — and now a non-profit called Rewilding Indiana.

]]> #343: Dr. Angela Lennox, owner of the Avian and Exotic Vet Clinic in Indianapolis, traces her concern for the welfare of animals back to the eight baby possums she rescued from a roadside as a girl, which morphed into a veterinary degree along with a double board certification in exotic animal care, pro bono work in wildlife rehabilitation — and now a non-profit called Rewilding Indiana.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-18447143 Mon, 12 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0500 1681 full false A Better World for Betta Fish A Better World for Betta Fish  #342: Ariel Heinicke in Berkeley California created the Betta World for Bettas advocacy group to raise awareness about the harmful way these beautiful popular fish are warehoused and sold by the big box stores in small plastic "take out" containers. The group's goal is to educate and advocate for Betta's welfare and improved standards of care by those who sell and those who acquire them.  

]]>  #342: Ariel Heinicke in Berkeley California created the Betta World for Bettas advocacy group to raise awareness about the harmful way these beautiful popular fish are warehoused and sold by the big box stores in small plastic "take out" containers. The group's goal is to educate and advocate for Betta's welfare and improved standards of care by those who sell and those who acquire them.  

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-18426930 Mon, 05 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0500 1199 full false Please Don't Gift a Snake or a Turtle to Anyone Please Don't Gift a Snake or a Turtle to Anyone #341: Doug Mader reminds you that whether it’s a tortoise that lives many decades, or a mouse that only lives a short while, it is never a good idea to give anyone a living thing — other than a houseplant! 

]]> #341: Doug Mader reminds you that whether it’s a tortoise that lives many decades, or a mouse that only lives a short while, it is never a good idea to give anyone a living thing — other than a houseplant! 

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-18348062 Mon, 29 Dec 2025 04:00:00 -0500 1094 full false Alfred the Little Albino Tortoise Talks to Tracie Alfred the Little Albino Tortoise Talks to Tracie #340: Paul Radice at Angels Hatchery and his wife Judith were the first breeders to create Albino tortoises — and enchanted Tracie by introducing her to Albert, the great grandson of their first breeder Norman, who is now 130 lbs and still lives with them.

]]> #340: Paul Radice at Angels Hatchery and his wife Judith were the first breeders to create Albino tortoises — and enchanted Tracie by introducing her to Albert, the great grandson of their first breeder Norman, who is now 130 lbs and still lives with them.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-18307698 Mon, 22 Dec 2025 04:00:00 -0500 1386 full false The Sad Fate of the Southern Hognose Snake The Sad Fate of the Southern Hognose Snake #339: Jeff Beane is Herpetology Collections Manager for the North Carolina State Museum of Natural Sciences where he has been documenting the shrinking populations since 1985. He talks about the Southern Hognose Snake in particular, which has lost 97% of its habitat and is on the "Threatened" list but without the environment it requires is unlikely to rebound (and is quite a different creature from the eastern Hognose Snake which James Taylor featured in a song!).

]]> #339: Jeff Beane is Herpetology Collections Manager for the North Carolina State Museum of Natural Sciences where he has been documenting the shrinking populations since 1985. He talks about the Southern Hognose Snake in particular, which has lost 97% of its habitat and is on the "Threatened" list but without the environment it requires is unlikely to rebound (and is quite a different creature from the eastern Hognose Snake which James Taylor featured in a song!).

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-18289271 Mon, 15 Dec 2025 04:00:00 -0500 1138 full false Meet the Masters of African Cichlids: 50 Years, 45 Varieties, One Legendary Hatchery Meet the Masters of African Cichlids: 50 Years, 45 Varieties, One Legendary Hatchery #338: Paul Radice and his wife Judith at Angels Hatchery first brought this hardy colorful fish from the 3 largest lakes in Africa 50 years ago and are still breeding the 45 most popular varieties.

]]> #338: Paul Radice and his wife Judith at Angels Hatchery first brought this hardy colorful fish from the 3 largest lakes in Africa 50 years ago and are still breeding the 45 most popular varieties.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-18275153 Mon, 08 Dec 2025 04:00:00 -0500 1165 full false The Python Huntress in Naples, Florida The Python Huntress in Naples, Florida #337: Python Huntress on Instagram, Amy Siewe leads guided hunts to kill invasive Burmese pythons, her biggest kill being a 17 foot snake. A “herper” who loves snakes and used to breed small ones, Amy has eliminated over 750 of these snakes that have decimated the mammals in the Everglades — one python even had a deer and two fawns inside it when they caught it. 

]]> #337: Python Huntress on Instagram, Amy Siewe leads guided hunts to kill invasive Burmese pythons, her biggest kill being a 17 foot snake. A “herper” who loves snakes and used to breed small ones, Amy has eliminated over 750 of these snakes that have decimated the mammals in the Everglades — one python even had a deer and two fawns inside it when they caught it. 

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-18236140 Mon, 01 Dec 2025 04:00:00 -0500 1294 full false How About an African Emperor Scorpion as a Pet? How About an African Emperor Scorpion as a Pet? #336: Dr. Doug explains that scorpions — which are over 200 million years old, the oldest living animal on earth, — are unusual as an exotic pet. African Emperor scorpions — "ominous looking, yet fairly gentle with grasping pincers" — carry their young on their back like a taxi service.

]]> #336: Dr. Doug explains that scorpions — which are over 200 million years old, the oldest living animal on earth, — are unusual as an exotic pet. African Emperor scorpions — "ominous looking, yet fairly gentle with grasping pincers" — carry their young on their back like a taxi service.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-18195932 Mon, 24 Nov 2025 04:00:00 -0500 1222 full false Play with Beaktivity (and Your Food!) Play with Beaktivity (and Your Food!) #335: Avian specialist and house call parrot veterinarian Dr. Ann Bourke talks about having helped Sue & John with the development of the Beaktivity hanging parrot toy, which makes parrots happy because they can destroy a toy made with his physical and mental needs in mind. 

]]> #335: Avian specialist and house call parrot veterinarian Dr. Ann Bourke talks about having helped Sue & John with the development of the Beaktivity hanging parrot toy, which makes parrots happy because they can destroy a toy made with his physical and mental needs in mind. 

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-18124885 Mon, 17 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0500 1701 full false Reptile Got Mites? Give your snake a bath in olive oil! Reptile Got Mites? Give your snake a bath in olive oil! #334: Dr. Doug discusses mites on snakes — and the different mites that get on lizards — and how to treat them with an olive oil rub down, or the medication Provent-a-mite.  

]]> #334: Dr. Doug discusses mites on snakes — and the different mites that get on lizards — and how to treat them with an olive oil rub down, or the medication Provent-a-mite.  

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-18124881 Mon, 10 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0500 1128 full false The Special Human-Animal Bond With Fish The Special Human-Animal Bond With Fish #333: Dr. Doug Mader talks about his personal history with keeping fish as pets — feeling emotionally attached to them and their responsiveness to him as their caregiver. Another facet of the human-animal bond that is increasingly recognized in the pet keeping world.

]]> #333: Dr. Doug Mader talks about his personal history with keeping fish as pets — feeling emotionally attached to them and their responsiveness to him as their caregiver. Another facet of the human-animal bond that is increasingly recognized in the pet keeping world.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-18050487 Mon, 03 Nov 2025 04:00:00 -0500 909 full false Love Your Fish! (and they'll love you back) Love Your Fish! (and they'll love you back) #332: Dr Doug Mader talks about "the atypical human-animal bond" and how statistics are showing a new generation of fish and reptile owners who are forming bonds and interactions with their exotic pets. Tracie explains how Scratches, the new APP for atypical pet owners (that is a sponsor of EXOTIC PETS), allows enthusiasts of atypical pets to find each other for romance, friendship or just a feeling of belonging to a larger family.

]]> #332: Dr Doug Mader talks about "the atypical human-animal bond" and how statistics are showing a new generation of fish and reptile owners who are forming bonds and interactions with their exotic pets. Tracie explains how Scratches, the new APP for atypical pet owners (that is a sponsor of EXOTIC PETS), allows enthusiasts of atypical pets to find each other for romance, friendship or just a feeling of belonging to a larger family.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-17997406 Mon, 27 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0400 909 full false How Tiny is Tiny? How Tiny is Tiny? #331: Exotic veterinarian Dr Jeff Jenkins in San Diego talks about doing surgery on "tiny things" like a Society Finch (that’s the species actual name, not an adjective!), spaying guinea pigs and neutering rats — all through surprising locations on their bodies. 

]]> #331: Exotic veterinarian Dr Jeff Jenkins in San Diego talks about doing surgery on "tiny things" like a Society Finch (that’s the species actual name, not an adjective!), spaying guinea pigs and neutering rats — all through surprising locations on their bodies. 

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-17964640 Mon, 20 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0400 1615 full false His Octopus Friend Who Lived With Him His Octopus Friend Who Lived With Him #330: Dr Don Harris really did have an octopus as a pet — in fact a series of them, as they don’t live very long, but are fascinating “companions.” Note: Octopuses are not actually pets for sale. You'd have to dive and find them as babies, as Dr Don did!

]]> #330: Dr Don Harris really did have an octopus as a pet — in fact a series of them, as they don’t live very long, but are fascinating “companions.” Note: Octopuses are not actually pets for sale. You'd have to dive and find them as babies, as Dr Don did!

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-17918490 Mon, 13 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0400 1429 full false The Clients Are Exotic, Too! The Clients Are Exotic, Too! #329: Dr. Jeff Jenkins in San Diego talks about his 40+ years running an Exotic Specialty Practice — the early pioneers of exotic animal medicine on whose shoulders he stands —  and how he also enjoys the unusual humans who own unusual pets.

]]> #329: Dr. Jeff Jenkins in San Diego talks about his 40+ years running an Exotic Specialty Practice — the early pioneers of exotic animal medicine on whose shoulders he stands —  and how he also enjoys the unusual humans who own unusual pets.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-17879246 Mon, 06 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0400 1411 full false My Rat is Crying Blood! My Rat is Crying Blood! #328: Dr. Doug talks about the red tears and runny nose that look like blood — but are not actually blood, but a symptom of a lowered immune system in a stressed ratty. Most rats purchased from pet stores have dormant viruses that get triggered by stress — but there are SPF colonies of rats (Specific Pathogen Free) which do not carry these conditions and cause you the stress of treating these conditions.

]]> #328: Dr. Doug talks about the red tears and runny nose that look like blood — but are not actually blood, but a symptom of a lowered immune system in a stressed ratty. Most rats purchased from pet stores have dormant viruses that get triggered by stress — but there are SPF colonies of rats (Specific Pathogen Free) which do not carry these conditions and cause you the stress of treating these conditions.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-17838014 Mon, 29 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0400 1133 full false When Your Snake Has Trouble Shedding His Skin When Your Snake Has Trouble Shedding His Skin #327: Dr. Doug Mader describes the monthly process in which a snake slips out of his own skin, like taking off a sock, inside out — and the sorts of problems to be aware of and to avoid (like never handling a snake that is molting).

]]> #327: Dr. Doug Mader describes the monthly process in which a snake slips out of his own skin, like taking off a sock, inside out — and the sorts of problems to be aware of and to avoid (like never handling a snake that is molting).

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-17804039 Mon, 22 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0400 1078 full false Ear Mites in Rabbits Hurt Like the Dickens Ear Mites in Rabbits Hurt Like the Dickens #326: Dr. Doug describes how to spot ear mites in your rabbit — a  common problem that is easily solved if caught early — and the challenge ahead of you if you’ve let the crusty result of ear mites clog up your rabbit’s ear opening, causing a great deal of discomfort to your bunny.

]]> #326: Dr. Doug describes how to spot ear mites in your rabbit — a  common problem that is easily solved if caught early — and the challenge ahead of you if you’ve let the crusty result of ear mites clog up your rabbit’s ear opening, causing a great deal of discomfort to your bunny.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-17759789 Mon, 15 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0400 1080 full false Parrots & Cockatoos All Over Oz! Parrots & Cockatoos All Over Oz! #325: Dr Rick LeCouteur describes the natural phenomenon in Australia of thousands of kinds of parrots flying free and loose all over the place, causing havoc with their destructive beaks, and delight with their beauty.

]]> #325: Dr Rick LeCouteur describes the natural phenomenon in Australia of thousands of kinds of parrots flying free and loose all over the place, causing havoc with their destructive beaks, and delight with their beauty.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-17720841 Mon, 08 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0400 1281 full false C-Sections on Reptiles? Only as Last Resort! C-Sections on Reptiles? Only as Last Resort! #324: Dr. Doug discusses what an “egg bound” reptile means and the various ways to prevent and manage a snake whose eggs are stuck inside her.

]]> #324: Dr. Doug discusses what an “egg bound” reptile means and the various ways to prevent and manage a snake whose eggs are stuck inside her.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-17684024 Mon, 01 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0400 1280 full false What is “Normal” in an Exotic Pet? What is “Normal” in an Exotic Pet? #323: Dr. Doug Mader explains how you cannot know that something might be amiss with your exotic unless you are well informed on what “normal” looks like.

]]> #323: Dr. Doug Mader explains how you cannot know that something might be amiss with your exotic unless you are well informed on what “normal” looks like.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-17652983 Mon, 25 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -0400 901 full false Piggies as Pets Piggies as Pets #322: British exotic Pet veterinarian Dr. Madonna Livingstone talks about the joys of living with guinea pigs — and how to keep them happy and healthy.

]]> #322: British exotic Pet veterinarian Dr. Madonna Livingstone talks about the joys of living with guinea pigs — and how to keep them happy and healthy.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-17604141 Mon, 18 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -0400 945 full false Fighting the Good Fight for Ferrets in California Fighting the Good Fight for Ferrets in California #321: Pat Wright, CEO of LegalizeFerrets.org has been fighting the California state ban on ferrets for 35 years — but now his group’s petition to the Fish and Wildlife Department might actually result in long overdue legalization.

]]> #321: Pat Wright, CEO of LegalizeFerrets.org has been fighting the California state ban on ferrets for 35 years — but now his group’s petition to the Fish and Wildlife Department might actually result in long overdue legalization.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-17575782 Mon, 11 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -0400 816 full false Trying to Find A Fellow Exotic Pet Enthusiast? Trying to Find A Fellow Exotic Pet Enthusiast? #320: Murray Forbes in Zurich developed the Scratches social APP to connect people who embrace non-traditional pets — and want to find romantic or platonic friends to celebrate their unique pets. 

]]> #320: Murray Forbes in Zurich developed the Scratches social APP to connect people who embrace non-traditional pets — and want to find romantic or platonic friends to celebrate their unique pets. 

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-17546204 Mon, 04 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -0400 1319 full false Parrots Say “Love is Not Enough” Parrots Say “Love is Not Enough” #313: Dr. Madonna Livingstone, author of the veterinary textbook “Exotics Made Easy,” discusses the brilliance of parrots and how they need activities and environmental enrichment. Foraging is so important for them, with homemade foraging toys her favorites: twist a parrot’s food into a toilet paper roll so he has to forage for it. They are "social eaters” so have parrot-friendly foods for him to eat while you are dining. Set up two stands at opposite ends of a room and let him fly between them.

]]> #313: Dr. Madonna Livingstone, author of the veterinary textbook “Exotics Made Easy,” discusses the brilliance of parrots and how they need activities and environmental enrichment. Foraging is so important for them, with homemade foraging toys her favorites: twist a parrot’s food into a toilet paper roll so he has to forage for it. They are "social eaters” so have parrot-friendly foods for him to eat while you are dining. Set up two stands at opposite ends of a room and let him fly between them.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-17227649 Mon, 28 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0400 1116 full false Bugs Bunny Had it All Wrong - No More Carrots! Bugs Bunny Had it All Wrong - No More Carrots! #319: Claire Hamblion in England talks about how her company, Supreme Pet Foods, is devoted to proper nutrition for small mammals — and debunking the image of Bugs Bunny eating a carrot, which has given people the wrong idea about what rabbits need, which is only the green tops of the carrots!

]]> #319: Claire Hamblion in England talks about how her company, Supreme Pet Foods, is devoted to proper nutrition for small mammals — and debunking the image of Bugs Bunny eating a carrot, which has given people the wrong idea about what rabbits need, which is only the green tops of the carrots!

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-17450434 Mon, 21 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0400 1179 full false Ferret “Deodorant” & Other Ferret Necessaries Ferret “Deodorant” & Other Ferret Necessaries #318: Amanda at Marshalls is the first to say that ferrets really are stinky — which is why they created a special odor eliminator just for them, as well as their paper-towel derived bedding pellets, which are important to the health of these little critters who like to chew their bedding.

]]> #318: Amanda at Marshalls is the first to say that ferrets really are stinky — which is why they created a special odor eliminator just for them, as well as their paper-towel derived bedding pellets, which are important to the health of these little critters who like to chew their bedding.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-17414809 Mon, 14 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0400 1162 full false Bad Things Happen to Good Fish Bad Things Happen to Good Fish #312: Dr. Greg Lewbart returns to discuss koi ponds and how these ornamental fish (called “living art” by the Japanese) can need medical help from doctors who are members of the American Association of Fish Veterinarians, whether from chlorine toxicity or environmental disasters like the L.A. fires. [The world record price for a Grand Champion koi is $1.6 million, so clearly there is a need for vets specialized in pet/ornamental fish medicine!]

]]> #312: Dr. Greg Lewbart returns to discuss koi ponds and how these ornamental fish (called “living art” by the Japanese) can need medical help from doctors who are members of the American Association of Fish Veterinarians, whether from chlorine toxicity or environmental disasters like the L.A. fires. [The world record price for a Grand Champion koi is $1.6 million, so clearly there is a need for vets specialized in pet/ornamental fish medicine!]

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-17227527 Mon, 07 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0400 987 full false Why Does Your Tortoise Need a House of His Own? Why Does Your Tortoise Need a House of His Own? #317: Dr. Doug Mader recommends getting your tortoise outdoors as much as possible, but at night they need protection from marauding raccoons who will attack the tortoise’s nose, toes and even legs. Zoo Med’s new tortoise house solves the problem... your tortoise ambles up the ramp and you raise it up like a moat in a castle and it becomes the door you close until the safety of daylight.

]]> #317: Dr. Doug Mader recommends getting your tortoise outdoors as much as possible, but at night they need protection from marauding raccoons who will attack the tortoise’s nose, toes and even legs. Zoo Med’s new tortoise house solves the problem... your tortoise ambles up the ramp and you raise it up like a moat in a castle and it becomes the door you close until the safety of daylight.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-17369412 Mon, 30 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -0400 955 full false The Emotional Support Hamster Who Went to College The Emotional Support Hamster Who Went to College #307: Ethan Haber started the small mammal company https://happyhabitats.net/ and designed an array of amazing products to let you take your hamster or mouse with you anywhere — for exercise and a chance to see the world. Ethan was that kid who begged his father for a pocket pet, but only got Mookie the hamster when he was 19 — then took him to college as his ESA. Now he’s a hamster entrepreneur making delightful products for gerbils, sugar gliders, hedgehogs, etc.

]]> #307: Ethan Haber started the small mammal company https://happyhabitats.net/ and designed an array of amazing products to let you take your hamster or mouse with you anywhere — for exercise and a chance to see the world. Ethan was that kid who begged his father for a pocket pet, but only got Mookie the hamster when he was 19 — then took him to college as his ESA. Now he’s a hamster entrepreneur making delightful products for gerbils, sugar gliders, hedgehogs, etc.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-16945590 Mon, 23 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -0400 1083 full false I Am Parrot — I Live to Destroy! I Am Parrot — I Live to Destroy! #316: Avian specialist Dr. Julia Shakeri says that toys for parrots should be viewed as essential “medical devices,” because they fulfill vital natural instincts in what are basically wild, non-domesticated animals — so she was very happy to consult with the creators of Beaktivity activity toys to make sure they fulfill a bird’s natural drive and at the same time avoid “toy trauma” from poorly designed interactive toys.

]]> #316: Avian specialist Dr. Julia Shakeri says that toys for parrots should be viewed as essential “medical devices,” because they fulfill vital natural instincts in what are basically wild, non-domesticated animals — so she was very happy to consult with the creators of Beaktivity activity toys to make sure they fulfill a bird’s natural drive and at the same time avoid “toy trauma” from poorly designed interactive toys.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-17267869 Mon, 16 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -0400 1185 full false “Ferret Stink” — You Either Love the Musky Smell or You Don’t! “Ferret Stink” — You Either Love the Musky Smell or You Don’t! #315: Dr. Madonna Livingstone in Glasgow talks about “descenting ferrets” which is routine in the U.S. but illegal in the UK and elsewhere. Spoiler alert: it doesn't make them odor free! Their skin emits a natural musky odor, too. Dr. Madonna has EIGHT ferrets of her own at home (recently there were 10 of them) so she knows a thing or two about the fragrance! Ferret tip: they need 8 hours a day of dark sleep to keep them well (and minimize the odor). 

]]> #315: Dr. Madonna Livingstone in Glasgow talks about “descenting ferrets” which is routine in the U.S. but illegal in the UK and elsewhere. Spoiler alert: it doesn't make them odor free! Their skin emits a natural musky odor, too. Dr. Madonna has EIGHT ferrets of her own at home (recently there were 10 of them) so she knows a thing or two about the fragrance! Ferret tip: they need 8 hours a day of dark sleep to keep them well (and minimize the odor). 

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-17258185 Mon, 09 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -0400 1167 full false The Jumping Spider Craze The Jumping Spider Craze  #314: Dr. Rick LeCouteur is not officially an arachnologist (spider expert) but he has always been fascinated by them and knows a wonderfully amazing amount about them (and it seems nearly every living creature on the planet!) Dr. Rick explains the charm of jumping spiders, which is why Zoo Med's new Jumping Spider Kit is such a success.

]]>  #314: Dr. Rick LeCouteur is not officially an arachnologist (spider expert) but he has always been fascinated by them and knows a wonderfully amazing amount about them (and it seems nearly every living creature on the planet!) Dr. Rick explains the charm of jumping spiders, which is why Zoo Med's new Jumping Spider Kit is such a success.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-17227887 Mon, 02 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -0400 1280 full false Are Humans an Invasive Species? Are Humans an Invasive Species? #311: Dr. Gregory Lewbart — Professor of Aquatic, Wildlife & Zoological Medicine at North Carolina State University — talks about his recent (30th!) trip to the Galapagos Islands and the work he has been doing there at the Wildlife Conservation & Research Institute — where they are happy for the controlled tourism but also committed to protecting the flora and fauna from those invading humans!

]]> #311: Dr. Gregory Lewbart — Professor of Aquatic, Wildlife & Zoological Medicine at North Carolina State University — talks about his recent (30th!) trip to the Galapagos Islands and the work he has been doing there at the Wildlife Conservation & Research Institute — where they are happy for the controlled tourism but also committed to protecting the flora and fauna from those invading humans!

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-17135573 Mon, 26 May 2025 04:00:00 -0400 1146 full false Always Demolish Your Sandcastles (for the Sea Turtles) Always Demolish Your Sandcastles (for the Sea Turtles) #310: Brooks Barrett is the senior aquarist at the Key West Aquarium where, amongst other things, she directs placing a prosthetic flipper on a turtle named Lola, who can live to 100 years old (and gets jellyfish as a treat). Brooks discusses the ways sea creatures can be harmed by human behavior — including building sand castles above the water line, which can keep turtles from getting to that part of the beach to lay their eggs.

]]> #310: Brooks Barrett is the senior aquarist at the Key West Aquarium where, amongst other things, she directs placing a prosthetic flipper on a turtle named Lola, who can live to 100 years old (and gets jellyfish as a treat). Brooks discusses the ways sea creatures can be harmed by human behavior — including building sand castles above the water line, which can keep turtles from getting to that part of the beach to lay their eggs.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-17102348 Sun, 18 May 2025 10:00:00 -0400 1362 full false Parrots Need Proper Playthings! Parrots Need Proper Playthings! #309: Sue Thibeault and her husband John — parrot lovers who foster parrots who need new homes — created their company Beaktivity that makes the award-winning “parrot-designed” hanging enrichment toy that safely and creatively meets the environmental needs of parrots — and that parrots cannot destroy. 

]]> #309: Sue Thibeault and her husband John — parrot lovers who foster parrots who need new homes — created their company Beaktivity that makes the award-winning “parrot-designed” hanging enrichment toy that safely and creatively meets the environmental needs of parrots — and that parrots cannot destroy. 

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-17097317 Mon, 12 May 2025 04:00:00 -0400 1180 full false Rabbits Are Lying to Us Rabbits Are Lying to Us #308: Dr. Madonna Livingstone in Scotland, author of the textbook “Exotics Made Easy” explains how rabbits — who are prey animals — could literally be dying but projecting the message “I’m fine.” The subtle little changes in their habits are the tip off to how they really are feeling.

]]> #308: Dr. Madonna Livingstone in Scotland, author of the textbook “Exotics Made Easy” explains how rabbits — who are prey animals — could literally be dying but projecting the message “I’m fine.” The subtle little changes in their habits are the tip off to how they really are feeling.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-16945603 Mon, 05 May 2025 04:00:00 -0400 1251 full false Senior Pet Care — Age Itself is Not a Disease! Senior Pet Care — Age Itself is Not a Disease! #306: Dr. Doug talks about geroscience, the study of the effects of aging. When does a pet become geriatric: at 70% of their expected lifespan. A ferret or rat will be geriatric at 7.

]]> #306: Dr. Doug talks about geroscience, the study of the effects of aging. When does a pet become geriatric: at 70% of their expected lifespan. A ferret or rat will be geriatric at 7.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-16857790 Mon, 28 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0400 1240 full false “Walking Dandruff” on Your Bunny? “Walking Dandruff” on Your Bunny? #305: Dr. Doug Mader talks about mites, which are common on rabbits and sometimes look like dandruff that seems to walk in their fur — or may appear as brown “goo” in their big ears or a crusty nose. All of these mean you need to get to the vet for swift treatment!

]]> #305: Dr. Doug Mader talks about mites, which are common on rabbits and sometimes look like dandruff that seems to walk in their fur — or may appear as brown “goo” in their big ears or a crusty nose. All of these mean you need to get to the vet for swift treatment!

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-16857698 Mon, 21 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0400 779 full false "Hedgies" Are the Trendiest Little Pet "Hedgies" Are the Trendiest Little Pet #296: Dr Micah Kohles of the Woodland Animal Hospital outside Lincoln, Nebraska, explains how to best care for hedgehogs, who are "charming munchkins who have become an up-and-coming pet." 

]]> #296: Dr Micah Kohles of the Woodland Animal Hospital outside Lincoln, Nebraska, explains how to best care for hedgehogs, who are "charming munchkins who have become an up-and-coming pet." 

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-16164936 Mon, 14 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0400 1375 full false Is Your Ferret Grinding His Teeth? Is Your Ferret Grinding His Teeth? #304: Dr. Doug Mader says teeth grinding in ferrets (whether when asleep or awake) is a red flag that could mean he has stomach ulcers from bacteria, just like in humans.

]]> #304: Dr. Doug Mader says teeth grinding in ferrets (whether when asleep or awake) is a red flag that could mean he has stomach ulcers from bacteria, just like in humans.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-16693510 Mon, 07 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0400 911 full false The Insect Jungle in Your House The Insect Jungle in Your House #292: Dr. Eleanor Spicer Rice (author of “Your Pets’ Secret Lives: the Truth Behind Your Pets’ Wildest Behaviors”) says there are spiders everywhere and you are never more than four feet from one of them — although none will cause the havoc her own curly-haired tarantula did when it let itself out of his cage.

]]> #292: Dr. Eleanor Spicer Rice (author of “Your Pets’ Secret Lives: the Truth Behind Your Pets’ Wildest Behaviors”) says there are spiders everywhere and you are never more than four feet from one of them — although none will cause the havoc her own curly-haired tarantula did when it let itself out of his cage.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-15832149 Mon, 31 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -0400 1119 full false “Breast Cancer” in Rats — It’s a Thing! “Breast Cancer” in Rats — It’s a Thing! #303: Dr. Doug talks about how rats get mammary gland tumors, a chain of glands that runs from their tail to over their shoulders, but they are benign 80% of the time and the rats often do just fine if operated on by a veterinarian experienced in small mammal surgery.

]]> #303: Dr. Doug talks about how rats get mammary gland tumors, a chain of glands that runs from their tail to over their shoulders, but they are benign 80% of the time and the rats often do just fine if operated on by a veterinarian experienced in small mammal surgery.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-16585848 Mon, 24 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -0400 781 full false "Chins" Are Ridiculously Cute But Challenging Pets "Chins" Are Ridiculously Cute But Challenging Pets #298: Dr. Micah Kohles of Woodland Animal Hospital in Nebraska, cautions that chinchillas are not a good starter pet for a child. They are very active, not cuddlers, a bit jumpy and nervous and require very specific nutrition and a habitat with lots of vertical climbing options.

]]> #298: Dr. Micah Kohles of Woodland Animal Hospital in Nebraska, cautions that chinchillas are not a good starter pet for a child. They are very active, not cuddlers, a bit jumpy and nervous and require very specific nutrition and a habitat with lots of vertical climbing options.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-16164941 Mon, 17 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -0400 888 full false I Am Mouse, Hear Me Roar I Am Mouse, Hear Me Roar #289: Eleanor Spicer Rice, author of “Your Pets’ Secret Lives: the Truth Behind Your Pets’ Wildest Behaviors,” writes about the wondrous conversations mice have that we cannot hear. Mama mice sing to their babies — who sing back! She recommends getting an ultrasonic transducer so you can hear your pet mice communicate.

]]> #289: Eleanor Spicer Rice, author of “Your Pets’ Secret Lives: the Truth Behind Your Pets’ Wildest Behaviors,” writes about the wondrous conversations mice have that we cannot hear. Mama mice sing to their babies — who sing back! She recommends getting an ultrasonic transducer so you can hear your pet mice communicate.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-15728138 Mon, 10 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -0400 563 full false Do Not Put Your Reptile in the Freezer! Do Not Put Your Reptile in the Freezer! #297: Dr Doug talks about reptile euthanasia which is very tricky, since they can come back to life after being euthanized medically! And people mistakenly think they can euthanize their reptile in the freezer but it is a terrible, painful death.

]]> #297: Dr Doug talks about reptile euthanasia which is very tricky, since they can come back to life after being euthanized medically! And people mistakenly think they can euthanize their reptile in the freezer but it is a terrible, painful death.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-16164937 Mon, 03 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -0500 1259 full false Sy Montgomery “What the Rooster Knows” Sy Montgomery “What the Rooster Knows” #294: Sy Montgomery talks about her flock of “ladies” in her book “What the Chicken Knows: a New Appreciation of the World’s Most Familiar Bird” and all the ways that chickens are delightful, intelligent, long-lasting pets (with the added bonus of eggs!)

]]> #294: Sy Montgomery talks about her flock of “ladies” in her book “What the Chicken Knows: a New Appreciation of the World’s Most Familiar Bird” and all the ways that chickens are delightful, intelligent, long-lasting pets (with the added bonus of eggs!)

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-15890468 Mon, 24 Feb 2025 04:00:00 -0500 1119 full false Turtles Always Fly in a Chiquita Banana Box Turtles Always Fly in a Chiquita Banana Box #302: Michael Schneider founded Pilots to the Rescue to bring dogs and cats from the South, where they aren't wanted, to shelters in the Northeast that can place them in homes — but he never expected to be filling his Kodiak 100 plane with Chiquita banana boxes, the preferred transport method for endangered sea turtles that are cold stunned in New England, and fly them to the safety of waters in Florida.

]]> #302: Michael Schneider founded Pilots to the Rescue to bring dogs and cats from the South, where they aren't wanted, to shelters in the Northeast that can place them in homes — but he never expected to be filling his Kodiak 100 plane with Chiquita banana boxes, the preferred transport method for endangered sea turtles that are cold stunned in New England, and fly them to the safety of waters in Florida.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-16585746 Mon, 17 Feb 2025 04:00:00 -0500 1000 full false Fresh or Saltwater Fish? Fresh or Saltwater Fish? #300: Dr. Doug says freshwater is the easiest way to get into fish ownership but saltwater tanks are the coolest, with puckerfish and lionfish greeting you when you come home!

]]> #300: Dr. Doug says freshwater is the easiest way to get into fish ownership but saltwater tanks are the coolest, with puckerfish and lionfish greeting you when you come home!

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-16554460 Mon, 10 Feb 2025 04:00:00 -0500 989 full false Does Having An Exotic Pet Make You Special? Does Having An Exotic Pet Make You Special? #301: Are people surprised or amazed that you have an exotic pet? Do you ever wonder why you chose the exotic that you did? Do other people make assumptions about you — positive or critical — because of the pet who shares your home? Does that unusual pet make you feel special?

]]> #301: Are people surprised or amazed that you have an exotic pet? Do you ever wonder why you chose the exotic that you did? Do other people make assumptions about you — positive or critical — because of the pet who shares your home? Does that unusual pet make you feel special?

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-16562207 Tue, 04 Feb 2025 12:00:00 -0500 1113 full false The Spider Chaser The Spider Chaser #290: Chris Buddle has chased spiders his whole life — since childhood, although for academic purposes the past 30 years! and talks about the effect on visitors of his own lovely long haired tarantula.

]]> #290: Chris Buddle has chased spiders his whole life — since childhood, although for academic purposes the past 30 years! and talks about the effect on visitors of his own lovely long haired tarantula.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-15737758 Mon, 27 Jan 2025 04:00:00 -0500 936 full false Falling in Love With Sea Turtles Falling in Love With Sea Turtles #299: Bette Zirkelbach, General Manager of the non-profit The Turtle Hospital in the Florida Keys, talks about rescuing and rehabilitating Mojo, the 800 lb. Leatherback Sea Turtle and explains how “compassion is contagious" and ecotourism helps these endangered creatures.

]]> #299: Bette Zirkelbach, General Manager of the non-profit The Turtle Hospital in the Florida Keys, talks about rescuing and rehabilitating Mojo, the 800 lb. Leatherback Sea Turtle and explains how “compassion is contagious" and ecotourism helps these endangered creatures.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-16381154 Mon, 13 Jan 2025 04:00:00 -0500 1010 full false Exotic Emergencies Exotic Emergencies #295: Dr. Doug Mader talks about breathing difficulties and bleeding being the two symptoms of true emergencies in exotics. Reptile emergencies are rare but with birds, breaking a blood feather that causes more than 6 drops of bright red blood is an emergency.

]]> #295: Dr. Doug Mader talks about breathing difficulties and bleeding being the two symptoms of true emergencies in exotics. Reptile emergencies are rare but with birds, breaking a blood feather that causes more than 6 drops of bright red blood is an emergency.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-15890479 Mon, 30 Dec 2024 04:00:00 -0500 1028 full false A Baby Bird Needs Only One Friend: You! A Baby Bird Needs Only One Friend: You! #288: Sandi Pipock has been the manager of Walton's Pet Shop in the Florida Keys for 30 years and talks about the value of education and customer service at a small privately owned store.

]]> #288: Sandi Pipock has been the manager of Walton's Pet Shop in the Florida Keys for 30 years and talks about the value of education and customer service at a small privately owned store.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-15728129 Mon, 16 Dec 2024 04:00:00 -0500 1274 full false “What the Chicken Knows” “What the Chicken Knows” #294: Sy Montgomery talks about her flock of “ladies” in her book “What the Chicken Knows: a New Appreciation of the World’s Most Familiar Bird” and all the ways that chickens are delightful, intelligent, long-lasting pets (with the added bonus of eggs!)

]]> #294: Sy Montgomery talks about her flock of “ladies” in her book “What the Chicken Knows: a New Appreciation of the World’s Most Familiar Bird” and all the ways that chickens are delightful, intelligent, long-lasting pets (with the added bonus of eggs!)

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-16036771 Mon, 02 Dec 2024 04:00:00 -0500 1119 full false Cold Weather Warning! Cold Weather Warning! #293: Dr. Doug explains how birds in an outdoor aviary can handle the cold but wind and getting wet feathers are a danger more than the temperature. Ferrets love the snow! Snakes and fish have antifreeze proteins in their blood so the cold doesn't affect them.

]]> #293: Dr. Doug explains how birds in an outdoor aviary can handle the cold but wind and getting wet feathers are a danger more than the temperature. Ferrets love the snow! Snakes and fish have antifreeze proteins in their blood so the cold doesn't affect them.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-15890449 Mon, 18 Nov 2024 04:00:00 -0500 1058 full false From ‘Gator Wrestler to Gator Rescuer From ‘Gator Wrestler to Gator Rescuer #287: Social media star Chris Gillette really did put himself through school wrestling alligators — and now is their rescuer at Bellowing Acres Alligator Sanctuary in Florida, where he has saved many “nuisance” alligators (caused by what he calls “nuisance people”!) along with a vast array of other animals needing sanctuary.

]]> #287: Social media star Chris Gillette really did put himself through school wrestling alligators — and now is their rescuer at Bellowing Acres Alligator Sanctuary in Florida, where he has saved many “nuisance” alligators (caused by what he calls “nuisance people”!) along with a vast array of other animals needing sanctuary.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-15673750 Mon, 04 Nov 2024 04:00:00 -0500 1612 full false Follow the Great Hawk Migration Follow the Great Hawk Migration #291: Mark Hedden — self-described bird geek in the Florida Keys — describes the yearly migration of raptors that has “hawk counters” at the 200 hawk counting sites around the U.S. (follow the hawks at HMANA.org)

]]> #291: Mark Hedden — self-described bird geek in the Florida Keys — describes the yearly migration of raptors that has “hawk counters” at the 200 hawk counting sites around the U.S. (follow the hawks at HMANA.org)

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-15890442 Mon, 21 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0400 1212 full false Did Your Snake have a “Virgin Birth”? Did Your Snake have a “Virgin Birth”? #286: Warren Booth — snake reproduction geneticist and professor at Virginia Tech — discusses discoveries about some snakes' ability to reproduce without a member of the opposite sex [parthenogenesis]. However, this phenomenon might be misleading because some snakes, like rattlers, can store sperm for up to six years.

]]> #286: Warren Booth — snake reproduction geneticist and professor at Virginia Tech — discusses discoveries about some snakes' ability to reproduce without a member of the opposite sex [parthenogenesis]. However, this phenomenon might be misleading because some snakes, like rattlers, can store sperm for up to six years.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-15673743 Mon, 07 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0400 1200 full false Is Your Venomous Snake Legal? Is Your Venomous Snake Legal? #285: Dr. Doug Mader explains that many snakes sold in pet stores have a venomous bite without people knowing it — from garter snakes to hognose snakes — which you should research before buying. The legalities differ by state, but obtaining a legal license to have a venomous snake has requirements nobody could realistically fulfill. Find out the amnesty date in your state for relinquishing your venomous snake and take advantage of it! 

]]> #285: Dr. Doug Mader explains that many snakes sold in pet stores have a venomous bite without people knowing it — from garter snakes to hognose snakes — which you should research before buying. The legalities differ by state, but obtaining a legal license to have a venomous snake has requirements nobody could realistically fulfill. Find out the amnesty date in your state for relinquishing your venomous snake and take advantage of it! 

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-15619068 Mon, 23 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -0400 1169 full false Betta Fish — The Meanest Fish on the Block Betta Fish — The Meanest Fish on the Block #284: Dr. Eleanor Spicer Rice gives context to why betta fish attack others in her book “Your Pets’ Secret Lives: the Truth Behind Your Pets’ Wildest Behaviors,” explaining that humans breeding for ever more exotic colors in Betta fish have made them increasingly aggressive.

]]> #284: Dr. Eleanor Spicer Rice gives context to why betta fish attack others in her book “Your Pets’ Secret Lives: the Truth Behind Your Pets’ Wildest Behaviors,” explaining that humans breeding for ever more exotic colors in Betta fish have made them increasingly aggressive.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-15619017 Mon, 16 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -0400 828 full false The Purple Claw and Other Charming Hermit Crabs The Purple Claw and Other Charming Hermit Crabs #283: Dr. Doug convinces Tracie that hermit crabs make delightful pets — as those who belong to online hermit crab clubs can attest — some of which can grow as big as a grapefruit and live 25 years! He explains how they need ever-larger shells as they grow, adapting to discarded shells in the wild, as well as human detritus that can meet their housing needs.

]]> #283: Dr. Doug convinces Tracie that hermit crabs make delightful pets — as those who belong to online hermit crab clubs can attest — some of which can grow as big as a grapefruit and live 25 years! He explains how they need ever-larger shells as they grow, adapting to discarded shells in the wild, as well as human detritus that can meet their housing needs.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-15618881 Mon, 09 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -0400 1038 full false Goldfish Can Be Taught to Drive a Car Goldfish Can Be Taught to Drive a Car #282: Eleanor Spicer Rice, author of “Your Pets’ Secret Lives: the Truth Behind Your Pets’ Wildest Behaviors,” discusses how truly intelligent goldfish are, with good memories — recognizing you and music they have heard — and have even been taught to drive a little goldfish car by Israeli scientists exploring their capabilities.

]]> #282: Eleanor Spicer Rice, author of “Your Pets’ Secret Lives: the Truth Behind Your Pets’ Wildest Behaviors,” discusses how truly intelligent goldfish are, with good memories — recognizing you and music they have heard — and have even been taught to drive a little goldfish car by Israeli scientists exploring their capabilities.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-15600687 Mon, 02 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -0400 752 full false Canaries Learn Their Songs as Baby Birds Canaries Learn Their Songs as Baby Birds #281: Eleanor Spicer Rice, author of “Your Pets’ Secret Lives: the Truth Behind Your Pets’ Wildest Behaviors,” talks about how lovely little yellow canaries were once used to detect deadly gasses in mines (“the canary in the coal mine”) but actually have a natural “invisible force field” that protects them when others in their flock become ill.

]]> #281: Eleanor Spicer Rice, author of “Your Pets’ Secret Lives: the Truth Behind Your Pets’ Wildest Behaviors,” talks about how lovely little yellow canaries were once used to detect deadly gasses in mines (“the canary in the coal mine”) but actually have a natural “invisible force field” that protects them when others in their flock become ill.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-15562166 Mon, 26 Aug 2024 04:00:00 -0400 781 full false Guppies and Their "Power of the Evil Eye" Guppies and Their "Power of the Evil Eye" #280: Eleanor Spicer Rice — author of “Your Pets’ Secret Lives: the Truth Behind Your Pets’ Wildest Behaviors” — talks about guppies being the most popular pet fish which are easy prey in the wild for all the other fish, since the only defense a guppy has is the ability to turn their eyes jet black to lure a predator directly to them, then dart out of the way at the last minute.

]]> #280: Eleanor Spicer Rice — author of “Your Pets’ Secret Lives: the Truth Behind Your Pets’ Wildest Behaviors” — talks about guppies being the most popular pet fish which are easy prey in the wild for all the other fish, since the only defense a guppy has is the ability to turn their eyes jet black to lure a predator directly to them, then dart out of the way at the last minute.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-15562163 Mon, 19 Aug 2024 04:00:00 -0400 830 full false Finches Are Darling Birds — Why have Just One? Finches Are Darling Birds — Why have Just One? #279: Dr. Doug’s grandmother had an aviary with nearly 100 birds in it — you don't have to rival that, but have at least two of these sweet little birdies with their elaborate coloring, easy management and generous lifespans of five to 10 years.

]]> #279: Dr. Doug’s grandmother had an aviary with nearly 100 birds in it — you don't have to rival that, but have at least two of these sweet little birdies with their elaborate coloring, easy management and generous lifespans of five to 10 years.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-15480788 Mon, 12 Aug 2024 04:00:00 -0400 871 full false Frizzies or Hairless? So Many Mice to Love! Frizzies or Hairless? So Many Mice to Love! #278: Dr. Doug talks about the virtues of sweet, affectionate, low-maintenance “house mice” as wonderful “starter pets” for a small child. And they come in so many varieties now (he calls the hairless mouse “creepily adorable.”)

]]> #278: Dr. Doug talks about the virtues of sweet, affectionate, low-maintenance “house mice” as wonderful “starter pets” for a small child. And they come in so many varieties now (he calls the hairless mouse “creepily adorable.”)

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-15476660 Mon, 05 Aug 2024 04:00:00 -0400 999 full false Reptiles Can’t Feel the Burn Reptiles Can’t Feel the Burn #277: Dr. Doug cautions that faulty hot rocks, human heat pads and heat lamps used improperly can give 3rd degree burns to a reptile who cannot feel the damage.

]]> #277: Dr. Doug cautions that faulty hot rocks, human heat pads and heat lamps used improperly can give 3rd degree burns to a reptile who cannot feel the damage.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-15369834 Mon, 29 Jul 2024 05:00:00 -0400 1146 full false 33% of Pet Birds Test Positive for Borna Virus 33% of Pet Birds Test Positive for Borna Virus #276: Dr. Jennifer Graham (board certified in Avian and Exotic Companion Animals) talks about this potentially deadly virus that is often in a breeder’s whole flock. Birds can be shedding borna virus without clinical signs — it’s not easily transmitted to other birds yet still contagious. The disease is costly to treat and sadly, once your bird has symptoms it is a death sentence.

]]> #276: Dr. Jennifer Graham (board certified in Avian and Exotic Companion Animals) talks about this potentially deadly virus that is often in a breeder’s whole flock. Birds can be shedding borna virus without clinical signs — it’s not easily transmitted to other birds yet still contagious. The disease is costly to treat and sadly, once your bird has symptoms it is a death sentence.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-15369829 Mon, 22 Jul 2024 05:00:00 -0400 1176 full false “People Food” Can Harm Exotics “People Food” Can Harm Exotics #275: Your ferret wants candy? Don’t do it! Even fruit is merely sugar plus water — give it sparingly to any exotic. Your bird loves cheese? Just say no! Chicken eggs for parrots — no! Too much protein for a bird is unnatural and can damage their heart, kidneys and liver so avian experts all agree to feed a balanced pelleted diet from a quality company. Dr. Doug Mader says, When in doubt, leave it out! 

]]> #275: Your ferret wants candy? Don’t do it! Even fruit is merely sugar plus water — give it sparingly to any exotic. Your bird loves cheese? Just say no! Chicken eggs for parrots — no! Too much protein for a bird is unnatural and can damage their heart, kidneys and liver so avian experts all agree to feed a balanced pelleted diet from a quality company. Dr. Doug Mader says, When in doubt, leave it out! 

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-15369823 Mon, 15 Jul 2024 05:00:00 -0400 1195 full false Check Your Bird’s Poop! Check Your Bird’s Poop! #273: Avian expert Dr. Jennifer Graham tells you all the ways that your bird’s droppings are a treasure trove of information.

]]> #273: Avian expert Dr. Jennifer Graham tells you all the ways that your bird’s droppings are a treasure trove of information.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-15332655 Mon, 08 Jul 2024 05:00:00 -0400 1058 full false Zoonosis — What Diseases Can Your Exotic Give You? Zoonosis — What Diseases Can Your Exotic Give You? #273: Dr. Doug wants people to know about — but not be frightened by — the many illnesses exotic animals can transmit to people, especially those who are immunocompromised, elderly or young children whose immune systems are “not yet confident.”

]]> #273: Dr. Doug wants people to know about — but not be frightened by — the many illnesses exotic animals can transmit to people, especially those who are immunocompromised, elderly or young children whose immune systems are “not yet confident.”

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-15332477 Mon, 01 Jul 2024 05:00:00 -0400 1442 full false Are Neurodiverse People Drawn to Exotic Pets? Are Neurodiverse People Drawn to Exotic Pets? #272: Tracie raises this question with the namesake of Jungle Bob’s Reptile World on Long Island, who goes into schools to put reptiles in a positive light and teach about what he calls “the Unloved, Unusual and Unknown” pets, to which many children are drawn. 

]]> #272: Tracie raises this question with the namesake of Jungle Bob’s Reptile World on Long Island, who goes into schools to put reptiles in a positive light and teach about what he calls “the Unloved, Unusual and Unknown” pets, to which many children are drawn. 

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-15018697 Mon, 24 Jun 2024 05:00:00 -0400 1488 full false Small Pet Birds Have Long Lives Small Pet Birds Have Long Lives #271: Dr. Micah points out that parakeets — also known as budgies — and cockatiels can live 8-10 years. It’s a responsibility and commitment. They need 65-75 degrees and 50% humidity. Nutrition matters, with Zupreem & Harrison food being the best.  

]]> #271: Dr. Micah points out that parakeets — also known as budgies — and cockatiels can live 8-10 years. It’s a responsibility and commitment. They need 65-75 degrees and 50% humidity. Nutrition matters, with Zupreem & Harrison food being the best.  

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-15018690 Fri, 14 Jun 2024 05:00:00 -0400 1265 full false Iguanas Have a Dark Side Iguanas Have a Dark Side #270: Dr. Doug says people buy a five INCH pet that becomes a five FOOT creature requiring 80% humidity and 80 degrees. In adolescence, when “in rut,” they can viciously attack their owners.

]]> #270: Dr. Doug says people buy a five INCH pet that becomes a five FOOT creature requiring 80% humidity and 80 degrees. In adolescence, when “in rut,” they can viciously attack their owners.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-15018685 Mon, 10 Jun 2024 05:00:00 -0400 1147 full false Anorexia in Exotics: What to do When They Won't Eat Anorexia in Exotics: What to do When They Won't Eat #269: Dr. Kohles says that a decrease in appetite in a small mammal can be a big deal. They are a prey animal and keep problems to themselves for survival. Ask everyone in the household to pay attention to changes in appetite and behavior.

]]> #269: Dr. Kohles says that a decrease in appetite in a small mammal can be a big deal. They are a prey animal and keep problems to themselves for survival. Ask everyone in the household to pay attention to changes in appetite and behavior.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-15018672 Mon, 03 Jun 2024 05:00:00 -0400 1021 full false The Whole Truth About Bearded Dragons The Whole Truth About Bearded Dragons #268: Dr. Stacey Wilkinson teaches us that we don’t know as much as we think we do about Beardies, America’s most popular exotic pet! 

]]> #268: Dr. Stacey Wilkinson teaches us that we don’t know as much as we think we do about Beardies, America’s most popular exotic pet! 

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-14948845 Mon, 27 May 2024 04:00:00 -0400 1694 full false Eh, What's Up Doc? Your Bunny Needs More Than a Carrot! Eh, What's Up Doc? Your Bunny Needs More Than a Carrot! #267: Dr. Karen Rosenthal describes the proper feeding of a bunny, which means getting the right hay from Oxbow Health and good quality pellets from Zupreem, to supply the fiber and grit necessary in a rabbit’s diet.

]]> #267: Dr. Karen Rosenthal describes the proper feeding of a bunny, which means getting the right hay from Oxbow Health and good quality pellets from Zupreem, to supply the fiber and grit necessary in a rabbit’s diet.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-14948840 Mon, 20 May 2024 04:00:00 -0400 2038 full false Don’t Let Your Small Fur Baby Get Chubby Don’t Let Your Small Fur Baby Get Chubby #266: Dr. Micah Kohles suggests establishing a target weight for your small mammal, then getting a baby scale (even at a yard sale or on Craigslist) so you can tell if they are underweight or overweight.  

]]> #266: Dr. Micah Kohles suggests establishing a target weight for your small mammal, then getting a baby scale (even at a yard sale or on Craigslist) so you can tell if they are underweight or overweight.  

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-14948834 Mon, 13 May 2024 04:00:00 -0400 1022 full false Meet the Master Crocodilian Meet the Master Crocodilian #265: Savannah is the resident Crocodilian at Gatorland in Orlando, with fascinating tales about crocs, especially the “albino” baby.

]]> #265: Savannah is the resident Crocodilian at Gatorland in Orlando, with fascinating tales about crocs, especially the “albino” baby.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-14948824 Mon, 06 May 2024 04:00:00 -0400 1745 full false What Pet Has 8 Eyes & Hairy Legs? What Pet Has 8 Eyes & Hairy Legs? #264: A tarantula! Dr. Doug Mader talks about the fascination of having 8 legs and 8 eyes peering out at you from behind the terrarium glass. These spiders can live 20-25 years!

]]> #264: A tarantula! Dr. Doug Mader talks about the fascination of having 8 legs and 8 eyes peering out at you from behind the terrarium glass. These spiders can live 20-25 years!

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-14751142 Mon, 29 Apr 2024 04:00:00 -0400 1039 full false On the Road Again — Travel with Little Mammals On the Road Again — Travel with Little Mammals #263: Dr. Micah talks about practicing beforehand if you're planning on a trip with your exotic, especially get them used to the carrier by putting familiar objects in it. [Don’t use a soft-sided carrier because they will chew right through it!] 

]]> #263: Dr. Micah talks about practicing beforehand if you're planning on a trip with your exotic, especially get them used to the carrier by putting familiar objects in it. [Don’t use a soft-sided carrier because they will chew right through it!] 

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-14751139 Mon, 22 Apr 2024 04:00:00 -0400 944 full false Geckos Will Steal Your Heart Geckos Will Steal Your Heart #262: Dr. Doug Mader extols the virtues of geckos as perfect first reptiles because they can be as cute in real life as the Geico gecko on TV, with expressive faces (with eyelids) and charming personalities. Plus they can live 10 to 20 years!  

]]> #262: Dr. Doug Mader extols the virtues of geckos as perfect first reptiles because they can be as cute in real life as the Geico gecko on TV, with expressive faces (with eyelids) and charming personalities. Plus they can live 10 to 20 years!  

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-14751138 Mon, 15 Apr 2024 04:00:00 -0400 1186 full false Bunny Bonding Tips & Tricks Bunny Bonding Tips & Tricks #261: Dr. Micah Kohles talks about how to add a 2nd bunny to your home. Slowly! Go to a shelter for a “bunny speed dating event” but still expect to spend months introducing them slowly. Once they are ready for a face-to-face introduction, the bathtub works great as a neutral territory [and it’s too slippery to get good traction to beat up the other bunny!] 

]]> #261: Dr. Micah Kohles talks about how to add a 2nd bunny to your home. Slowly! Go to a shelter for a “bunny speed dating event” but still expect to spend months introducing them slowly. Once they are ready for a face-to-face introduction, the bathtub works great as a neutral territory [and it’s too slippery to get good traction to beat up the other bunny!] 

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-14712608 Mon, 08 Apr 2024 04:00:00 -0400 991 full false Meet Dayyan the YouTube Reptiliatus Star! Meet Dayyan the YouTube Reptiliatus Star! #260: Starting with a love for dinosaurs as a child, Dayyan evolved into one of the most watched entertaining educators about “herp culture,”  explaining fascinating phenomena like “obligate egg eater frogs!”

]]> #260: Starting with a love for dinosaurs as a child, Dayyan evolved into one of the most watched entertaining educators about “herp culture,”  explaining fascinating phenomena like “obligate egg eater frogs!”

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-14685147 Mon, 01 Apr 2024 04:00:00 -0400 1529 full false Gastrointestinal Stasis: What Every Bunny Owner Should Know Gastrointestinal Stasis: What Every Bunny Owner Should Know #259: Dr. Micah Kohles talks about the importance of "keeping things moving along in your bunny’s G.I. tract" by feeding a variety of fibers, like different hay and grasses and dark leafy greens to avoid shutting down the G.I. tract and causing a serious problem.

]]> #259: Dr. Micah Kohles talks about the importance of "keeping things moving along in your bunny’s G.I. tract" by feeding a variety of fibers, like different hay and grasses and dark leafy greens to avoid shutting down the G.I. tract and causing a serious problem.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-14658541 Mon, 25 Mar 2024 04:00:00 -0400 1140 full false Decisions, Decisions. How to Choose a Snake? Decisions, Decisions. How to Choose a Snake? #258: Dr. Karen talks about how to choose a pet snake. Corn, King, Milk, and Ball Pythons are all docile snakes costing from $50 to $200. Dr. Karen recommends going to a “reptile expo” to learn about good breeders, veterinary needs, and to join a reptile enthusiast club to learn from those who are passionate.

]]> #258: Dr. Karen talks about how to choose a pet snake. Corn, King, Milk, and Ball Pythons are all docile snakes costing from $50 to $200. Dr. Karen recommends going to a “reptile expo” to learn about good breeders, veterinary needs, and to join a reptile enthusiast club to learn from those who are passionate.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-14655182 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 04:00:00 -0400 2013 full false Small Pets in the Classroom Small Pets in the Classroom #256: Annie Petersen speaks about her fascination and love for guinea pigs and how she founded the Association for Human-Animal Bond Studies particularly to promote small animals in classrooms (and in homes like her own!)

]]> #256: Annie Petersen speaks about her fascination and love for guinea pigs and how she founded the Association for Human-Animal Bond Studies particularly to promote small animals in classrooms (and in homes like her own!)

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-14480911 Mon, 11 Mar 2024 03:00:00 -0400 1950 full false Exotics Need Vaccinations, Too! Exotics Need Vaccinations, Too! #255: Dr. Doug Mader talks about the value of vaccinations for exotic pets, urging people not to be afraid of vaccines, especially rabies which all mammals can get. Ferrets can also get canine distemper which can be deadly — but it is essential that it be the killed vaccine for them, never the live distemper vaccine.

]]> #255: Dr. Doug Mader talks about the value of vaccinations for exotic pets, urging people not to be afraid of vaccines, especially rabies which all mammals can get. Ferrets can also get canine distemper which can be deadly — but it is essential that it be the killed vaccine for them, never the live distemper vaccine.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-14480905 Sun, 03 Mar 2024 11:00:00 -0500 1208 full false The Turtle Passionate Couple Behind Garden State Tortoise The Turtle Passionate Couple Behind Garden State Tortoise #257: Chris Leone of Garden State Tortoise on the South Shore of New Jersey, tells how he and his wife Casey bonded over a shared love of turtles and now create social media content every day to educate and delight over 2 millions followers, while raising and selling tortoises to pre-approved homes.

]]> #257: Chris Leone of Garden State Tortoise on the South Shore of New Jersey, tells how he and his wife Casey bonded over a shared love of turtles and now create social media content every day to educate and delight over 2 millions followers, while raising and selling tortoises to pre-approved homes.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-14521402 Mon, 26 Feb 2024 03:00:00 -0500 1763 full false Ferrets are Like Kittens That Never Grow Up Ferrets are Like Kittens That Never Grow Up #254: Dr. Karen Rosenthal gives an overview of Ferrets as pets — the highly friendly, social, playful little pets who remain kittenish and will give you years of loving companionship. They use a litter box immediately: just put a litter box in a corner (their preferred location to relieve themselves) and cover the bottom with Dr. Elsey’s Touch of the Outdoors litter.

]]> #254: Dr. Karen Rosenthal gives an overview of Ferrets as pets — the highly friendly, social, playful little pets who remain kittenish and will give you years of loving companionship. They use a litter box immediately: just put a litter box in a corner (their preferred location to relieve themselves) and cover the bottom with Dr. Elsey’s Touch of the Outdoors litter.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-14480899 Mon, 19 Feb 2024 03:00:00 -0500 2034 full false Did Tracie's Childhood Rabbit Need Orthodontics? Did Tracie's Childhood Rabbit Need Orthodontics? #253: Dr. Doug Mader explains how important dental care is for all rabbits and what happens when it is neglected. He answers Tracie's question about whether her childhood veterinarian really did suggest braces for one of her rabbits with buck teeth.

]]> #253: Dr. Doug Mader explains how important dental care is for all rabbits and what happens when it is neglected. He answers Tracie's question about whether her childhood veterinarian really did suggest braces for one of her rabbits with buck teeth.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-14433701 Mon, 12 Feb 2024 03:00:00 -0500 1199 full false Dr. Doug Talks Turtles (and Tortoises) Dr. Doug Talks Turtles (and Tortoises) #252: Doug talks turtles — and the differences between turtles, tortoises and terrapins. Doug and Tracie reminisce about the “penny turtles” [red eared sliders] they had as kids, and how far we have come with environments designed by ZooMed instead of the little  green plastic dishes with a plastic palm tree.

]]> #252: Doug talks turtles — and the differences between turtles, tortoises and terrapins. Doug and Tracie reminisce about the “penny turtles” [red eared sliders] they had as kids, and how far we have come with environments designed by ZooMed instead of the little  green plastic dishes with a plastic palm tree.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-14408158 Mon, 05 Feb 2024 04:00:00 -0500 1219 full false Don't Monkey Around with Monkeys Don't Monkey Around with Monkeys #251: Dr. Doug rarely says "don't" about exotic pet ownership if you're ready to provide the right environment. But in the case of monkeys, he explains all the reasons why it is impossible to create what a monkey needs at home. He makes clear it is simply wrong on so many levels to have a pet monkey. DON'T DO IT!

]]> #251: Dr. Doug rarely says "don't" about exotic pet ownership if you're ready to provide the right environment. But in the case of monkeys, he explains all the reasons why it is impossible to create what a monkey needs at home. He makes clear it is simply wrong on so many levels to have a pet monkey. DON'T DO IT!

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-14344635 Mon, 29 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0500 1336 full false Should People Have Birds as Pets At All? Should People Have Birds as Pets At All? #250: Leading avian and exotic pet veterinarian Dr Laurie Hess raises the ethical question of whether people should have birds as pets at all.  Are you giving them a good life? Taking your bird in the shower with you? Playing TV and music he likes? Providing social interaction, UV light, something safe and satisfying to chew on all the time? And can you continue to do that for the 40 years that some of them live?

]]> #250: Leading avian and exotic pet veterinarian Dr Laurie Hess raises the ethical question of whether people should have birds as pets at all.  Are you giving them a good life? Taking your bird in the shower with you? Playing TV and music he likes? Providing social interaction, UV light, something safe and satisfying to chew on all the time? And can you continue to do that for the 40 years that some of them live?

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-14341911 Sun, 21 Jan 2024 16:00:00 -0500 1999 full false Ralphie, The Guinea Pig Therapy Pet Ralphie, The Guinea Pig Therapy Pet #249: Nikki talks about her rare therapy pet Ralphie, an Abyssinian guinea pig with a natural Mohawk “hairdo”, who regularly does therapy visits at an adult forensic psychiatric facility, where he has a positive effect on the population he is working with.

]]> #249: Nikki talks about her rare therapy pet Ralphie, an Abyssinian guinea pig with a natural Mohawk “hairdo”, who regularly does therapy visits at an adult forensic psychiatric facility, where he has a positive effect on the population he is working with.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-14259423 Mon, 15 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0500 2541 full false What Kind of Lizard Person are You? What Kind of Lizard Person are You? #248: Dr. Karen Rosenthal discusses the ever-popular Australian Bearded Dragon, which stay small, have a pleasing personality (you need to interact with them!), they “color morph” and can be very beautiful, they don't need to climb and are generally easy to keep. Dr. Karen points out that Nile Monitor lizards are very aggressive, the Savannah Monitor gets large and needs to eat small mammals, and chameleons are the most difficult lizard to keep because — amongst other lifestyle requirements — they need to get their water dripped off the end of a leaf!

]]> #248: Dr. Karen Rosenthal discusses the ever-popular Australian Bearded Dragon, which stay small, have a pleasing personality (you need to interact with them!), they “color morph” and can be very beautiful, they don't need to climb and are generally easy to keep. Dr. Karen points out that Nile Monitor lizards are very aggressive, the Savannah Monitor gets large and needs to eat small mammals, and chameleons are the most difficult lizard to keep because — amongst other lifestyle requirements — they need to get their water dripped off the end of a leaf!

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-14245355 Mon, 08 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0500 2087 full false Ball Pythons — America's Favorite Snake Ball Pythons — America's Favorite Snake #247: Dr. Doug Mader explains that Ball Pythons are such easy pets, especially as a first snake. For one thing, if they get scared they don't get aggressive — they roll up into a ball and tuck their head into the middle ("with the bitey parts out of the way," as Dr Doug puts it.)

]]> #247: Dr. Doug Mader explains that Ball Pythons are such easy pets, especially as a first snake. For one thing, if they get scared they don't get aggressive — they roll up into a ball and tuck their head into the middle ("with the bitey parts out of the way," as Dr Doug puts it.)

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-14158132 Mon, 01 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0500 1118 full false How Sick is Your Bird? The Smaller the bird, the Quicker She'll Get Sick How Sick is Your Bird? The Smaller the bird, the Quicker She'll Get Sick #246: Avian specialist Dr. Jennifer Graham discusses how birds are prone to respiratory disease and are very sensitive to pollutants in the air — which is why they used to keep canaries in coal mines as a bellwether of air quality. If your bird seems "off," she says, Do not wait before going to the veterinarian if your bird shows signs of illness! She also says "the smaller the bird, the quicker they get sick."

]]> #246: Avian specialist Dr. Jennifer Graham discusses how birds are prone to respiratory disease and are very sensitive to pollutants in the air — which is why they used to keep canaries in coal mines as a bellwether of air quality. If your bird seems "off," she says, Do not wait before going to the veterinarian if your bird shows signs of illness! She also says "the smaller the bird, the quicker they get sick."

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-13952721 Sun, 24 Dec 2023 10:00:00 -0500 1182 full false Ferrets — the Obligate Hyper-Carnivore Ferrets — the Obligate Hyper-Carnivore #245: Dr Micah Kohles, the Chief Veterinary Officer for Compana Pet Brands, talks about the specific nutritional needs of rats and ferrets, which are considered "obligate hyper carnivores." They need meat — and lots of it!

]]> #245: Dr Micah Kohles, the Chief Veterinary Officer for Compana Pet Brands, talks about the specific nutritional needs of rats and ferrets, which are considered "obligate hyper carnivores." They need meat — and lots of it!

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-13952036 Mon, 18 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0500 968 full false Annual Exams for Exotics Are "An Ounce of Prevention" Annual Exams for Exotics Are "An Ounce of Prevention" #244: Dr. Doug Mader, the author of "The Vet at Noah's Ark," explain why an annual exam for exotic pets is so important to catch medical problems early, before they become too costly or life-threatening. 

]]> #244: Dr. Doug Mader, the author of "The Vet at Noah's Ark," explain why an annual exam for exotic pets is so important to catch medical problems early, before they become too costly or life-threatening. 

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-13949262 Mon, 11 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0500 1220 full false Protect Against RDHV — The Rabbit "Ebola Virus” Protect Against RDHV — The Rabbit "Ebola Virus” #243: Dr. Micah Kohles from Oxbow Animal health discusses how the deadly RDHV virus can have up to a 90% mortality rate in bunnies — therefore the truly life-saving importance of getting the RDHV vaccine for all pet rabbits.

]]> #243: Dr. Micah Kohles from Oxbow Animal health discusses how the deadly RDHV virus can have up to a 90% mortality rate in bunnies — therefore the truly life-saving importance of getting the RDHV vaccine for all pet rabbits.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-13942908 Mon, 04 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0500 1269 full false Birds Are Perch Potatoes Birds Are Perch Potatoes #242: Avian veterinarian Dr Jennifer Graham discusses the stewardship of a pet bird and how the inherent problem is that they cannot do their normal behavior, which is to fly! Being sedentary can lead to a host of physical and emotional problems, which as their guardian you need to be aware of and try to mitigate.

]]> #242: Avian veterinarian Dr Jennifer Graham discusses the stewardship of a pet bird and how the inherent problem is that they cannot do their normal behavior, which is to fly! Being sedentary can lead to a host of physical and emotional problems, which as their guardian you need to be aware of and try to mitigate.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-13912184 Mon, 27 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0500 1263 full false Your First Vet Visit with Your Exotic Pet Your First Vet Visit with Your Exotic Pet #241: Dr Micah Kohles, Chief Veterinary Officer with Compana Pet Brands, talks about how to go about planning your first vet visit with an exotic pet to form the beginning of a partnership in its care. You can find a specialized vet at the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians [AEMV], the Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV) and the Association of Reptile Veterinarians (ARV).

]]> #241: Dr Micah Kohles, Chief Veterinary Officer with Compana Pet Brands, talks about how to go about planning your first vet visit with an exotic pet to form the beginning of a partnership in its care. You can find a specialized vet at the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians [AEMV], the Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV) and the Association of Reptile Veterinarians (ARV).

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-13911634 Mon, 20 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0500 1045 full false Dr. Doug Dispels the Myth — You CAN be Allergic to Exotic Pets! Dr. Doug Dispels the Myth — You CAN be Allergic to Exotic Pets! #240: Are exotics hypoallergenic? "No, that’s a myth!," Dr. Doug says. Proteins in saliva, urine and feces are what can trigger allergies. These proteins dry — become airborne — and cause reactions in some people with a tendency to allergic reactions.

]]> #240: Are exotics hypoallergenic? "No, that’s a myth!," Dr. Doug says. Proteins in saliva, urine and feces are what can trigger allergies. These proteins dry — become airborne — and cause reactions in some people with a tendency to allergic reactions.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-13864124 Mon, 13 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0500 859 full false Little Mammals Need to Forage Little Mammals Need to Forage #239: Dr. Micah Kohles explains why foraging is a basic need that is essential to the wellbeing of all small mammals, who engage instinctually in this behavior. He describes how to support meaningful foraging activities to provide enrichment to guinea pigs, rats, gerbils and other little pets. 

]]> #239: Dr. Micah Kohles explains why foraging is a basic need that is essential to the wellbeing of all small mammals, who engage instinctually in this behavior. He describes how to support meaningful foraging activities to provide enrichment to guinea pigs, rats, gerbils and other little pets. 

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-13864173 Mon, 06 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0500 1148 full false Decisions, Decisions. What Kind of Pet Snake to Get? Decisions, Decisions. What Kind of Pet Snake to Get? #238: Dr. Karen Rosenthal describes the characteristics of a variety of snakes to help people choose the right kind for themselves.

]]> #238: Dr. Karen Rosenthal describes the characteristics of a variety of snakes to help people choose the right kind for themselves.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-13744149 Mon, 30 Oct 2023 05:00:00 -0400 2078 full false "Chonkosaurus" the Obese Snapping Turtle "Chonkosaurus" the Obese Snapping Turtle #237: Tracie asks Dr. Doug whether exotics can get overweight — like the photos circulating on the internet about the gigantic snapping turtle nicknamed Chonkosaurus, who got too fat for his shell. Dr. Doug discusses the dangers of obesity in pets in general, but particularly exotics.

]]> #237: Tracie asks Dr. Doug whether exotics can get overweight — like the photos circulating on the internet about the gigantic snapping turtle nicknamed Chonkosaurus, who got too fat for his shell. Dr. Doug discusses the dangers of obesity in pets in general, but particularly exotics.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-13745041 Mon, 23 Oct 2023 05:00:00 -0400 1227 full false Feeding Your Bird — Is She Insectivorous? Granivorous? Feeding Your Bird — Is She Insectivorous? Granivorous? #236: Dr. Micah Kohles discusses avian nutrition and how to layer the right foods on top of basic nutrition from Zupreem by adding the variety of foods your particular species of bird needs — insects, nuts and seeds, fruit? [Hint: the shape of your bird's beak does indicate the right foods for her.]

]]> #236: Dr. Micah Kohles discusses avian nutrition and how to layer the right foods on top of basic nutrition from Zupreem by adding the variety of foods your particular species of bird needs — insects, nuts and seeds, fruit? [Hint: the shape of your bird's beak does indicate the right foods for her.]

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-13744130 Mon, 16 Oct 2023 05:00:00 -0400 1032 full false An Iguana Smuggled in a Bra? An Iguana Smuggled in a Bra? #235: Dr. Doug tells the bizarre and hilarious story from his book "The Vet at Noah's Ark" about the woman who wanted a tranquilizer for her pet iguana so she could keep him quiet while she smuggled him into Australia — down her bra!

]]> #235: Dr. Doug tells the bizarre and hilarious story from his book "The Vet at Noah's Ark" about the woman who wanted a tranquilizer for her pet iguana so she could keep him quiet while she smuggled him into Australia — down her bra!

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-13734077 Mon, 09 Oct 2023 05:00:00 -0400 1101 full false "What's Up, Doc?" Rabbits need More Than a Carrot! "What's Up, Doc?" Rabbits need More Than a Carrot! #234: Dr Michah Kohles [Compana Pet Brands Chief Veterinary Officer] explains the diversity of hays and leafy greens that bunnies and hamsters need to mimic their natural diet, in addition to their pellets.

]]> #234: Dr Michah Kohles [Compana Pet Brands Chief Veterinary Officer] explains the diversity of hays and leafy greens that bunnies and hamsters need to mimic their natural diet, in addition to their pellets.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-13657233 Mon, 02 Oct 2023 05:00:00 -0400 1176 full false Petula the Corn Snake, One Man's BFF Petula the Corn Snake, One Man's BFF #233: Musical director Alex Rybeck tells why Petula the corn snake is the perfect pet for him... low maintenance, undemanding and he isn't allergic to her like he is to dogs or cats.

]]> #233: Musical director Alex Rybeck tells why Petula the corn snake is the perfect pet for him... low maintenance, undemanding and he isn't allergic to her like he is to dogs or cats.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-13559913 Mon, 25 Sep 2023 05:00:00 -0400 1107 full false Dr. Doug's Basic Bunny Advice Dr. Doug's Basic Bunny Advice #232: You can litter box train a bunny [but whatever you do, don't move that litter box!] Bunny proof your home, especially electric cords and cables. Rabbits can have delicate health, so find a "bunny veterinarian" and have a wellness exam twice a year to prevent possibly serious medical issues.

]]> #232: You can litter box train a bunny [but whatever you do, don't move that litter box!] Bunny proof your home, especially electric cords and cables. Rabbits can have delicate health, so find a "bunny veterinarian" and have a wellness exam twice a year to prevent possibly serious medical issues.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-13559912 Mon, 18 Sep 2023 05:00:00 -0400 938 full false Poor Little Piggies on Craigslist Poor Little Piggies on Craigslist #231: Saskia Chiesa of the Los Angeles Guinea Pig rescue talks about how children lose interest in their first pet — a guinea pig — and the parents don't have a plan for what to do with them, so the piggies wind up neglected and discarded.

]]> #231: Saskia Chiesa of the Los Angeles Guinea Pig rescue talks about how children lose interest in their first pet — a guinea pig — and the parents don't have a plan for what to do with them, so the piggies wind up neglected and discarded.

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-13512832 Mon, 11 Sep 2023 05:00:00 -0400 1344 full false People Collect Snakes Like Trading Cards People Collect Snakes Like Trading Cards #230: Ace Tilton wrote the charming "Little Book of Dog Care" but it turns out they also love snakes and rescue ball pythons (5 at the moment) from people who "collect and neglect" them, then put them on Craigslist. Ace also has a Kenyan sand boa named Confetti, who has what they call "a kitten face."

]]> #230: Ace Tilton wrote the charming "Little Book of Dog Care" but it turns out they also love snakes and rescue ball pythons (5 at the moment) from people who "collect and neglect" them, then put them on Craigslist. Ace also has a Kenyan sand boa named Confetti, who has what they call "a kitten face."

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-13512821 Mon, 04 Sep 2023 05:00:00 -0400 1158 full false Is it Good or Bad to Clip a Bird's Wings? Is it Good or Bad to Clip a Bird's Wings? #229: Dr. Doug talks about the circumstances that determine whether or not to clip a bird's wings. Should you do it yourself or have a professional handle it? And why you should do a "test flight."

]]> #229: Dr. Doug talks about the circumstances that determine whether or not to clip a bird's wings. Should you do it yourself or have a professional handle it? And why you should do a "test flight."

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-13479252 Mon, 28 Aug 2023 05:00:00 -0400 1370 full false Where Does a Camel Go for Refuge in Florida? Where Does a Camel Go for Refuge in Florida?  #227: Martha Rivera, curator of the Everglades Outpost, talks about the joys and challenges of running a refuge facility where people dump unwanted exotic pets. They also rehabilitate and release wildlife, often with Dr. Doug’s veterinary expertise. 

]]>  #227: Martha Rivera, curator of the Everglades Outpost, talks about the joys and challenges of running a refuge facility where people dump unwanted exotic pets. They also rehabilitate and release wildlife, often with Dr. Doug’s veterinary expertise. 

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-13322310 Mon, 21 Aug 2023 05:00:00 -0400 1151 full false Petula the Corn Snake asks “What’s for Dinner?” Petula the Corn Snake asks “What’s for Dinner?”  #226: Musician Alex Rybek lists the advantages of having a snake as a pet --- Petula is quiet, hypoallergenic, undemanding and an object of beauty. [However, Petula’s weekly meal does require dangling a defrosted mouse with a forceps.] 

]]>  #226: Musician Alex Rybek lists the advantages of having a snake as a pet --- Petula is quiet, hypoallergenic, undemanding and an object of beauty. [However, Petula’s weekly meal does require dangling a defrosted mouse with a forceps.] 

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-13322298 Sat, 12 Aug 2023 05:00:00 -0400 1108 full false This Epic Heat is Deadly to Exotics This Epic Heat is Deadly to Exotics #228: Protect your vulnerable exotics from mercury-busting temperatures. Parrots, Jackson's chameleons, bunnies, small birds and mammals can all die in un-air-conditioned indoor spaces or outdoors, too. Dr. Doug suggests ways to keep them cool. 

]]> #228: Protect your vulnerable exotics from mercury-busting temperatures. Parrots, Jackson's chameleons, bunnies, small birds and mammals can all die in un-air-conditioned indoor spaces or outdoors, too. Dr. Doug suggests ways to keep them cool. 

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-13343501 Mon, 07 Aug 2023 05:00:00 -0400 1012 full false Avoiding Bumblefoot in Guinea Pigs Avoiding Bumblefoot in Guinea Pigs  #225: Dr. Doug extols the virtues of friendly, easy to keep and affectionate guinea pigs as his favorite “starter pet” for kids. But he cautions to house them correctly or they can get bumblefoot! 

]]>  #225: Dr. Doug extols the virtues of friendly, easy to keep and affectionate guinea pigs as his favorite “starter pet” for kids. But he cautions to house them correctly or they can get bumblefoot! 

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-13322276 Mon, 31 Jul 2023 11:00:00 -0400 1187 full false The Brilliance of a Snake’s Forked Tongue The Brilliance of a Snake’s Forked Tongue  #224: Dr. Doug Mader extols the wondrous sophistication and utility of a snake's forked tongue and explains “tongue flicking.” 

]]>  #224: Dr. Doug Mader extols the wondrous sophistication and utility of a snake's forked tongue and explains “tongue flicking.” 

]]> Tracie Hotchner Buzzsprout-13247121 Mon, 24 Jul 2023 05:00:00 -0400 1293 full false A Day in the Life of Two Mexican Tortoises A Day in the Life of Two Mexican Tortoises Tracie Hotchner podlove-2023-05-23t16:06:32+00:00-0d4ad0944b2cb25 Mon, 17 Jul 2023 03:20:32 -0400 1223 false A Tortoise Can Come When Called! A Tortoise Can Come When Called! Tracie Hotchner podlove-2023-05-09t19:59:17+00:00-fc1a740fee4bd35 Mon, 10 Jul 2023 03:20:17 -0400 1259 false The Frog with a Tumor on His Face The Frog with a Tumor on His Face Tracie Hotchner podlove-2023-05-23t15:58:15+00:00-991b00aee35f58a Mon, 03 Jul 2023 03:20:15 -0400 896 false An African Gray Keeps the Baby at Bay An African Gray Keeps the Baby at Bay Tracie Hotchner podlove-2023-05-23t15:51:15+00:00-4970e218edce383 Mon, 26 Jun 2023 03:20:15 -0400 1754 false Got Your WIll in Order? Parrots Can Live 80 Years or More! Got Your WIll in Order? Parrots Can Live 80 Years or More! Tracie Hotchner podlove-2023-05-09t20:36:56+00:00-c4d8cc9eec1148a Mon, 19 Jun 2023 03:20:56 -0400 1036 false Beware a Horny Iguana: He Can Bite Off Your Finger! Beware a Horny Iguana: He Can Bite Off Your Finger! Tracie Hotchner podlove-2023-05-09t20:22:16+00:00-e304783792cd94a Mon, 12 Jun 2023 03:20:15 -0400 903 false What to Feed Your Dragon?! What to Feed Your Dragon?! Tracie Hotchner podlove-2023-05-20t16:59:37+00:00-f09549e7d6ff444 Mon, 05 Jun 2023 03:20:36 -0400 1277 false One Foot Long “Living Art” One Foot Long “Living Art” Tracie Hotchner podlove-2023-05-23t15:44:37+00:00-83a83a312ad834b Mon, 29 May 2023 03:20:37 -0400 1192 false Smoothing “Ruffled Feathers” Smoothing “Ruffled Feathers” Tracie Hotchner podlove-2023-05-22t22:49:56+00:00-e37b8cafca67d25 Tue, 23 May 2023 15:25:15 -0400 1007 false Looking for a Vet? Beware the Word “Specialist” Looking for a Vet? Beware the Word “Specialist” Tracie Hotchner podlove-2023-05-09t19:40:36+00:00-2532962b57fa56c Mon, 15 May 2023 03:20:36 -0400 959 false Mother’s Day Shout Out to Moms Who Inherit Their Kids’ Snakes! Mother’s Day Shout Out to Moms Who Inherit Their Kids’ Snakes! Tracie Hotchner podlove-2023-05-09t18:47:14+00:00-f4b0530191a5207 Tue, 09 May 2023 14:49:07 -0400 1005 false What Does an Exotic Pet Say About YOU? What Does an Exotic Pet Say About YOU? Tracie Hotchner podlove-2023-04-29t17:12:44+00:00-97c8d104f129d12 Tue, 02 May 2023 15:20:44 -0400 1139 false