• Behavior of Exotic Pets is the first book on the subject to be written by behavioral experts, all with a wealth of practical experience. Divided into species-specific chapters, the book explains the normal behavior for each group of animals, including reproduction, parenting, communication and social behavior. The book also addresses animals’ environmental needs based on their behavior to enable owners to provide better husbandry and avoid potential problems. Descriptions of common behavioral problems are included, with practical recommendations for their treatment or management.

    This text is essential for any veterinary professional who would like to improve their knowledge of exotic animal behavior. It also serves as a valuable reference for animal behaviorists, exotic animal veterinarians, veterinary students, and anyone caring for these animals in captivity.

    Key features:

    • The first and only book on exotic pet behavior written by behaviorists

    • Covers a wide range of exotic pet species

    • Discusses methods for treating and managing common behavioral problems

    • Offers practical advice on topics such as housing and handling of animals

    • Includes separate chapters on learning, welfare, and behavioral pharmacology

  • Contributors vii

    Foreword ix

    Acknowledgments xii

    Dedication xiii

    Chapter 1 Psittacines 1
    Lynn M. Seibert and Wailani Sung

    Chapter 2 Passerines 12
    Wailani Sung

    Chapter 3 Snakes 21
    Heather Mohan-Gibbons and Paul Raiti

    Chapter 4 Turtles, tortoises, and terrapins 33
    Heather Mohan-Gibbons and Terry Norton

    Chapter 5 Lizards 44
    Paul M. Gibbons and Heather Mohan-Gibbons

    Chapter 6 Ferrets 59
    Megan J. Bulloch and Valarie V. Tynes

    Chapter 7 Rabbits 69
    Sharon L. Crowell-Davis

    Chapter 8 Guinea pigs 78
    YeunShin Lee

    Chapter 9 The mouse 91
    Naomi Latham

    Chapter 10 Rats 104
    Anne Fullerton Hanson and Manuel Berdoy

    Chapter 11 Gerbils 117
    A. Dawn Faircloth Parker and Valarie V. Tynes

    Chapter 12 Hamsters 127
    Julia Albright and Ricardo de Matos

    Chapter 13 Chinchillas 138
    Jennifer L. Sobie

    Chapter 14 Prairie dogs 148
    Debra M. Shier

    Chapter 15 South American camelids 157
    Marcelo Alfredo Aba, Carolina Bianchi, and Verónica Cavilla

    Chapter 16 Hedgehogs 168
    Valarie V. Tynes

    Chapter 17 Sugar gliders 181
    Jennifer L. Sobie

    Chapter 18 From parrots to pigs to pythons: Universal principles and procedures of learning 190
    Susan G. Friedman and Lore I. Haug

    Chapter 19 Behavioral pharmacology in exotic pets 206
    Lynne M. Seibert

    Chapter 20 Welfare of exotic animals in captivity 215
    Paul E. Honess and Sarah E. Wolfensohn

    Index 225

  • Valarie V. Tynes DVM, Dipl. ACVB, is an Animal Behavior Consultant based in Texas. She gained her Board Certification from the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists in 2003 following a three year residency at the University of California Davis. She previously practiced small and exotic animal medicine for almost 15 years before specializing. Valarie frequently speaks at veterinary continuing education courses and writes for several different veterinary journals. Her particular area of interest is exotic animals.

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