It may be counter-intuitive, since many exotic pets originate from hot climates, but exotic pets can suffer if they are exposed to too much heat. 

If you own an exotic pet, you will no doubt have educated yourself on pet care tips relating to that type of creature so that you know how best to feed it and how to spot any ill-health.  But avoiding overheating your pet might not be something you’re aware of because excess heat isn’t usually a problem we experience here in the UK.  And, of course, most people would assume that exotic pets can handle a bit of heat.

In fact, pets like lizards and frogs can suffer terribly if they are exposed to too much heat and this problem is exacerbated by the fact that they are usually kept in glass tanks.

Cold-blooded exotic pets require sensitive pet care when the heat rises, because they don’t regulate their own body temperature but rely on their environment to do so.  You need to keep a close eye on the temperature of their tank or cage and if they require a moist, humid environment make sure you regularly mist the inside of their tank.  Invest in a thermometer that you can place in their tank because the temperature inside the tank can be far higher than it is in the room in which it’s kept. 

To keep your exotic pet cool, you may just need to switch off their heater.  But make sure that their tank is not placed in direct sunlight, whether in summer months or not, and during warmer months consider moving your pet to somewhere cool within the house, such as the under-stairs cupboard or the cellar (though of course make sure you spend plenty of time with them as you normally would). 

Frequently check that your pet has enough water, since obviously it will evaporate more quickly in hot weather.  Also keep a close eye on your pet to watch for signs of heat stroke, which can include panting, trembling or difficulty in moving.  If they show signs of heat stroke, take them to a cooler location straightaway, and seek urgent advice from your vet.

Finally, if you are going on holiday and have arranged for a neighbour or friend to care for your pet in your absence, remember that your neighbour might not be as aware of these issues as you are and make sure that they would know what to do if the temperature in the UK were to soar whilst you’re away.  

Parrots are perhaps the most commonly-owned of all exotic pets in the UK, and they can give their owners a great deal of pleasure through their attractive colours and intelligent behaviour.  But as with all exotic pets it is important to give the right pet care because giving them the wrong diet can make them very ill.  Pet birds are frequently given up for adoption because their owners did not consider how much care and attention they would need before they bought them.

If you’re thinking of buying or rehoming a pet bird, only do so if you believe that your parrot will have enough company and entertainment during the day: a bored or lonely parrot will become stressed and unhappy and will often pluck out their feathers.  Also be sure to check your bird regularly for obvious signs of ill-health or mites, and get your bird seen by a specialist vet at the earliest opportunity if something seems amiss.  It is a good idea to get pet insurance for your bird –  there are specialist policies available for exotic pets that should cover birds, and the monthly premiums tend to be small (and certainly more than the cost of any vets’ bills). 

Different breeds of bird need different food to thrive. Parrots can become ill if they are not given a diet with all the nutrients they require, so take care to understand what they need before you buy. 

Parrots’ diets should include some seeds but seeds should not make up the bulk of their diet.  Seeds are high in fat and lack certain vitamins and minerals that parrots need to be healthy.  There are specialist parrot pellets available that offer all the vitamins and minerals that parrots need, because they are made from a variety of foodstuffs including fruit and vegetables. These are a better option than seeds alone, but parrots often grow bored of eating them and they should be offered fresh alternatives to supplement the pellets. 

Good vegetables to offer include dark green leafy veg like spinach and cabbage or broccoli.  Offer these vegetables cooked or raw to see what your bird prefers.  You can try other vegetables like carrots, green beans, peppers, corn or cucumber. 

They also enjoy fruit and get many of their vitamins and minerals from it. Good fruit to offer can include: kiwi, pineapple, berries, apples, grapes, peaches, bananas and oranges. Don’t let them eat the pith or seeds as these can be toxic. 

You can also offer your parrot pasta and brown rice (cooked).

As parrots need plenty of calcium you should make sure that they always have access to a cuttlefish bone in their cage, which they will enjoy nibbling on. 

Never feed your parrot: avocado, apple seeds, chocolate, rhubarb or onions, and don’t give them any lactose products (like cheese).