The song "How Much is That Doggie in the Window" a song Doris Day sang, I believe in the 1930's, and then sung by Patti Page. I remember my mother singing it to me when I was a child and then I sang it constantly to myself, along with Sweet Little Buttercup. Ahh...songs for children and the wonderful memories they bring back.
"How much is that doggie in the window?
The one with the waggly tail
How much is that doggie in the window?
I do hope that doggie is for sale"
The lyrics pretty much sum up impulse pet purchases and I don't care if it is a doggie with a waggly tail, a bird that talks, or a bowl of goldfishes you can't take for a walk.
As long as there are some people that don't understand the necessity of spaying and neutering (over population, abandonment, and health issues). Or, if you know nothing about the species you purchase on impulse, only to find out it acts or takes a lot of complicated care, you end up giving it to someone else, letting it suffer, or worst dumping it into the environment to "live in the wild."
Many pets and exotic pets will die out in the wild. Almost all will have an impact on the environment. I use to do quite a bit of volunteer and newspaper work out at the Cosumnes River Preserve near Galt, California. I read a species list one time and after the species it listed if it was native or non-native.
Almost all the non-native species that were not supposed to be there were introduced either unintentionally, or very intentionally. Every species of animal life or plant life has an effect on the environment, most often a detrimental effect, with long-term domino affects.
This gives exotic pet owners a bad name and this bad name isn't warranted. Some people will turn free, no free isn't the right word, free sounds pleasant, and this animal being turned loose will not have a pleasant existence. Each person that turns an animal loose into the environment is a tiny percentage compared to pet owners who take good care of their pets. It doesn't matter if it is a cat or a python, a dog or a rat, it is wrong.
Never buy a pet on impulse. If you see something you want, great. Go home and think it over. Research the animal. Think about your day to day schedule. Look at your living arrangements. Know how big the animal is going to get. Do you know if the animal will be six inches or eight feet when it is full-grown, that is a big difference! Should he or she have a cage? Some animals should never be caged, one example is the skunk. How big of cage does the animal need?
Does the animal have specific heat requirements? Should it have a very specific temperature range? Does it need a certain amount of humidity? How about UVB lighting?
YouTube video How to Care for a Pet Snake : Pet Snake Impulse Buying,
snake videoThis video is addressing non experienced snake people. It is meant only for people considering a first time purchase. Or, if you messed up badly the first time, better listen to it.
How much is all this equipment going to cost. Can you afford the equipment? How about the animal's food requirements, can you meet this animal's needs? Is there a supply of this animal's food easily purchasable nearby?
Do you have children? Do you have children that visit? Perhaps this is an animal that shouldn't be around children or vice-versa. Are you willing to commit to supervising the animal and children so that neither is injured, or worst, killed?
What if the animal should become ill? Does it need vaccinations? Should it be spayed or neutered? What would happen if it should get cancer, can you afford the animal's medical costs?
How long does this animal live. I am 55 years old. I would love to buy one more macaw or cockatoo (hand fed baby). But, I am not going to buy either of these animals. These animals can live to be 60 or more years old. At one time I knew my daughter would take good care of my animals if something should happen to me. Now that she has two children, nine months, and three-years old I can't expect her to take care of a bird that takes hours a day, to properly care for the animal. Especially, the highly important socialization aspect that affects many animals especially birds.
Introduction to Parrot Ownership buying a parrot on impulse, parrot video
seven things you should know before purchasing a parrot
Many animals have complex social needs; a bird is one example of these animals. If you don't spend the necessary time, high quality time, with these animals they will suffer and even perhaps die. All animals need your time. Are you willing to give your time?
In order for animals to stay healthy and live long and happy lives their living environments needs to be clean and sanitary, cages, equipment, everything to do with your pet. Are you willing to commit to the time involved to keep your pet healthy?
Getting an animal is no different from planning for a baby. Are you willing and able to do everything this animal will need?
Leave the doggie in the window if you are not able to give it 100% of its needs. Don't give exotic pet owners a bad name. We have politicians that do that job.
Exotic Pet Site Map - Exotic Pets from A to Z (will almost)
Amazon has a 24-hour cookie. So, if you follow my link today, and then decide to think about the purchase the link will expire in 24 hours. By all means think about your purchase but please go back through my link so that I get credit.
Easy to find, easy to order exotic pet suppliesDarling children's book Children Make Terrible Pets [Hardcover]
What's that saying? The devil made me do it. This was just plain cute. Pets Welcome Children Must Be Leashed Novelty 9"x12" Metal Aluminum Parking Sign
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