UNUSUAL PETS If you’re looking for a pet pal with a difference check out these cool creatures CHAMPION CHEWERS Chinchillas and degus are South American rodents These active animals need large tall cages with plenty of space to jump and climb Rodents teeth never stop growing so they have to chew to wear them down Give these pets lots of chewing material in their cages otherwise they may gnaw on the furniture when you let them out REMARKABLE REPTILES Reptiles such as snakes and turtles are cold blooded creatures so they need to bask under a heat lamp to raise their body temperature They also need an ultraviolet UV lamp to keep them healthy Reptiles can carry a disease called salmonella so it’s very important to wash your hands after handling them 4
AWESOME AMPHIBIANS Amphibians start life in water then grow legs and lungs As adults some live on land and others spend all or part of their time in water but they all need damp conditions and dark hiding places Amphibians have sensitive delicate skin and should be handled as little as possible Members of the salamander family including axolotls and newts can regrow lost limbs INTRIGUING INVERTEBRATES Insects and spiders are invertebrates Their bodies are protected by a tough outer shell called an exoskeleton that allows them to live in places where other creatures wouldn’t survive An insect’s exoskeleton doesn’t grow so they have to shed it as they get bigger Shedding or molting is a dangerous time in an insect’s life as their new exoskeleton is very delicate until it hardens TOP TIPS Never keep an animal that has been taken from the wild It may have parasites and carry diseases and it will not adapt well to life as a pet Some of these animals have surprisingly long lifespans so think about whether you’ll be able to look after your pet for the rest of its natural life It’s best to keep your unusual pet pals in single sex pairs or groups or you may end up with many babies that you will need to find homes for Never release an unwanted pet into the wild Animals who have been pets rarely have the skills to survive and you could upset the balance of the natural environment Consider adopting a pet Having an older animal is a good solution if you’re not sure you can care for it for 20 to 30 years 5
