Title: (Optional) Explain husbandry of common exotic animals.
Course: Veterinary Science II (18105-II) > Section: Handling Common Exotic Companion Animals

Explanation should include

- identification of exotic animals commonly kept as pets (e.g., rodents, rabbits, reptiles, birds, fish)
- identification of the colorations and other physical characteristics of breeds within a species
- dietary and habitat requirements of each species
- the need for, and methods of providing, environmental enrichment to each species
- natural behaviors of each species that may mask signs of illness
- common health/disease issues and preventive practices for each species (e.g., checking for malocclusion, trimming overgrown nails/beaks, providing dust baths)
- appropriate sanitation methods for housing and equipment used with each species.

Process/Skill Questions:

- Why is it important to learn about exotic animals commonly kept as pets?
- What resources are available to study these species and their habitat requirements?
- How could failure to understand habitat requirements contribute to illness in a pet?
- What color variations occur within a species?
- What common diseases affect a given species?