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

Explanation should include identification of exotic animals commonly kept as pets (e.g., rodents, rabbits, reptiles, birds, fish) and, for each species,

- identification of physical characteristics of breeds and normal anatomical variations
- dietary and habitat requirements
- environmental enrichment needs and methods
- natural behaviors (including those that may mask signs of illness)
- common health/disease issues and preventive practices (e.g., checking for malocclusion, trimming overgrown nails/beaks, providing dust baths)
- appropriate sanitation methods for housing and equipment based on species-specific pathogen risks.

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?