How Long Does a Pet Hedgehog Live? African Pygmy Lifespan
African pygmy hedgehogs live around 3–6 years on average across veterinary guides. Learn what the figures mean and how to plan for their care.
3 min read
Explore the journal
Exotic Pets
Discover their world before welcoming them into yours.
Explore our collection devoted to less familiar companion animals. Browse by animal to learn about the questions, responsibilities and care topics worth exploring.
Articles in Exotic Pets
Explore other categories
Are Canaries Loud? What to Expect in Your Home
Canaries make audible calls and, especially in males, sustained song. Hear the individual bird before choosing one, plan for a spacious, safe home, and treat a sudden drop in song alongside illness signs as a reason to call an avian vet.
3 min read
Can Pet Hedgehogs Eat Tomatoes? Safe Portions and Preparation
A pet African pygmy hedgehog can have a little plain ripe tomato as part of its mixed fruit and vegetables. Learn how to offer it, what to avoid, and why wild UK hedgehogs need different advice.
3 min read
Why Does My Parrot Bite My Feet? Triggers and What to Do
A parrot may bite a foot for several reasons. Use the moments before the bite to find a pattern, keep walking feet separate from the bird, and reward a safer place to perch.
4 min read
Can Parrots Swim? Water Risks and Safer Bathing
Do not expect a pet parrot to swim to safety in deep water. Learn how to offer a shallow bath or gentle mist, and when a wet bird needs an avian vet.
3 min read
Can Parrots Eat Lima Beans? Safe Preparation and Serving
Yes, pet parrots can have a little plain, fully cooked lima bean occasionally. Learn how to prepare dried, frozen and canned beans, and what to do if a bird eats them raw.
3 min read
Do Turtles Need a Heat Lamp? Indoor Terrapin Setup
Indoor pond terrapins need a warm, dry basking area, UVB light and correctly heated water. Learn how to position the lamp and check the temperatures safely.
4 min read
African Grey Parrot Care: Housing, Diet and Daily Routine
Set up safe flight space, plan a balanced diet and build a daily routine for a companion African grey. Know which changes call for an avian vet.
5 min read
Finches as Pets: Pros, Cons and Care Commitments
Finches are lively birds to watch, but they need companions, flight space and daily care. Weigh the benefits and commitments before bringing them home.
4 min read
African Grey Body Language: How to Read Common Signals
Read an African grey’s eyes, feathers, beak and posture together. Learn when to give your bird space and which changes call for an avian vet.
4 min read
How to Make Tap Water Safe for Turtles
Treat replacement tap water with a suitable dechlorinator before adding it to a freshwater turtle tank. Match the temperature and keep testing the tank water.
3 min read
Cloudy Turtle Tank Water: What to Check and How to Fix It
Cloudy water does not show whether your turtle’s tank is safe. Test ammonia and nitrite first, then remove waste, check the filter and make suitable partial water changes.
4 min read
How Do Budgies Sleep? Positions, Routine and Warning Signs
Budgies usually rest on a perch, sometimes on one foot with their head tucked into their feathers. Learn which changes to watch for and how to give a pet budgie a quiet night.
3 min read
Can Tortoises See in the Dark? Vision and Night-Time Care
Tortoises cannot see in complete darkness, and claims of exceptional night vision are unsupported. Learn what dim light means, whether a pet needs a night light and which eye changes need a vet.
3 min read
Can Turtles Drown? Risks, Prevention and What to Do
Yes. Turtles breathe air and can drown if they cannot reach the surface. Learn how to keep a pet aquatic turtle safe and what to do if it is unresponsive.
3 min read
Do Turtles Have Feelings? What Their Behaviour Can Tell You
Turtles can experience pain and stress, but a turtle approaching you does not prove affection. Learn what behaviour can and cannot tell you, and when to seek help.
4 min read
How Long Do Red-Eared Sliders Sleep? What Is Normal
Red-eared sliders usually rest at night, but there is no reliable single hour target for a pet turtle. Learn where they rest, how to set a day–night routine and which changes need a reptile vet.
3 min read
Do Tortoises Like Water? Drinking, Soaking and Swimming Safety
Tortoises need fresh water to drink and may use a shallow dish to bathe. Learn what is safe, why deep water is dangerous for many pet tortoises, and when to ask a reptile vet.
3 min read
Why Does My Tortoise Bite Me? Causes and What to Do
A pet tortoise may nip near food or during handling. Learn how to spot the trigger, reduce bites and care for a wound if its beak breaks your skin.
4 min read
Do Tortoises Get Lonely? Should Your Pet Have a Companion?
A tortoise kept alone is not automatically lonely. Learn when company may cause problems, what behaviour can tell you and when to seek veterinary advice.
3 min read
Red-Eared Slider Water Temperature: Hatchlings, Adults and Basking
For red-eared sliders, the water setting differs by age and from the warmer basking area. Learn the RSPCA guidance and how to check both temperatures.
3 min read
Early Signs of Shell Pyramiding in Tortoises: What to Check
Raised shell scutes can be a sign of abnormal growth. Learn which changes need a reptile-vet assessment and which additional symptoms need prompt care.
3 min read
Do Pet Hedgehogs Die Easily? Warning Signs and What to Do
A weak or listless pet hedgehog is not necessarily dying. Learn which changes call for an exotic-pet vet, when to seek emergency help, and what details to report.
3 min read
Can a Domestic Parrot Survive in the Wild?
A pet parrot may survive outdoors for a time, but it may struggle to live independently. Learn why release is unsafe, why Britain’s wild parakeets are different and what to do if your bird escapes.
3 min read
My Cockatiel Flew Away: Will It Come Back? What to Do Now
Your cockatiel may return or be found nearby. Search promptly, call with familiar sounds, put its cage in view and alert local vets and lost-pet groups.
4 min read
Do Parrots Like Car Rides? Safe Travel Tips for Pet Birds
Some parrots cope well with car journeys; others find them stressful or become sick. Learn how to prepare a carrier, travel safely and recognise when your bird needs a different plan.
3 min read
How Many Fish Can You Keep in a Freshwater Aquarium?
There is no safe fish-per-litre formula for every tank. Learn how to plan freshwater aquarium stocking around adult fish size, swimming space, a mature filter and water tests.
4 min read
How to Care for a North American Box Turtle
North American box turtles need a spacious land enclosure, suitable heat and humidity, UVB light, varied food and shallow water. Learn the essentials and a simple daily routine.
5 min read
What Is “Spoiled Pig Syndrome”? Pet Pig Behaviour Explained
“Spoiled pig syndrome” is an informal label, not a diagnosis. People may use it for a pet pig that persistently demands food, pushes or bites. Learn possible reasons and safer responses.
4 min read
What Does It Mean When a Pig Nudges You?
A pig’s nudge can be exploration, a request for food or interaction, or part of a concerning push. Learn how to read the context and respond safely.
4 min read
What Do Kunekune Pigs Eat? A Practical UK Feeding Guide
Kunekune pigs graze, but their diet must match pasture quality and their stage of life. Learn when to add pig feed, what produce is allowed and why kitchen scraps are off limits.
4 min read
How to Stop a Mini Pig from Squealing: Causes and Calm Responses
Reduce squealing by checking for pain, understanding the trigger and meeting your pig’s needs, with calm handling and reward-based training where appropriate.
5 min read
How Often Do Mini Pigs Poop? Toileting and Warning Signs
Understand your mini pig’s usual toileting pattern, the changes that need a vet, and how to manage toilet training and daily cleaning.
5 min read
How Long Can You Leave a Mini Pig Alone?
Plan time away around your mini pigs’ companionship, daily care and safe housing, with reliable cover for workdays and holidays.
6 min read
Dollar Turtles: Which Pet Turtles Stay Small?
Small turtles still need serious care. Compare adult sizes, understand the “dollar turtle” label and check housing, health and local rules before choosing one.
6 min read
Can Goats and Pigs Live Together? Housing and Feeding
Goats and pigs can share a property, but shared pens need careful planning. Learn about companions, separate feeding, fencing and shelter.
4 min read
Showing 34–36 of 36 articles