Behavior of Exotic Pets

Description

Behavior of Exotic Pets is the first book on the subject to be written by behavioral experts, all with a wealth of practical experience. The book is divided into chapters devoted to particular species or groups of species commonly kept as exotic pets. The normal behavior for each group of animals is explained, including reproduction, parenting, communication and social behavior. The animals' environmental needs based on their behavior are covered to enable owners to provide better husbandry and avoid potential behavioral 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 in order to provide enhanced treatment of their clients’ pets. It also serves as a valuable reference for animal behaviorists, veterinary students and anyone caring for these animals in captivity.

Key features:

• Covers the full range of exotic pets, including some that aren't covered in any other texts, highlighting what is unique to each individual species.
• Practical consideration is given to issues like housing and handling of animals.
• Separate chapters on learning, welfare and behavioral pharmacology are also included, all with practical applications for those treating or caring for exotic pets.

Table of Contents

Contributors.
Foreword.
Acknowledgments.
Dedication.

Chapter 1 Psittacines (Lynn M. Seibert and Wailani Sung).
Chapter 2 Passerines (Wailani Sung).
Chapter 3 Snakes (Heather Mohan-Gibbons and Paul Raiti).
Chapter 4 Turtles, tortoises, and terrapins (Heather Mohan-Gibbons and Terry Norton).
Chapter 5 Lizards (Paul M. Gibbons and Heather Mohan-Gibbons).
Chapter 6 Ferrets (Megan J. Bulloch and Valarie V. Tynes).
Chapter 7 Rabbits (Sharon L. Crowell-Davis).
Chapter 8 Guinea pigs (YeunShin Lee).
Chapter 9 The mouse (Naomi Latham).
Chapter 10 Rats (Anne Fullerton Hanson and Manuel Berdoy).
Chapter 11 Gerbils (A. Dawn Faircloth Parker and Valarie V. Tynes).
Chapter 12 Hamsters (Julia Albright and Ricardo de Matos).
Chapter 13 Chinchillas (Jennifer L. Sobie).
Chapter 14 Prairie dogs (Debra M. Shier).
Chapter 15 South American camelids (Marcelo Alfredo Aba, Carolina Bianchi, and Verónica Cavilla).
Chapter 16 Hedgehogs (Valarie V. Tynes).
Chapter 17 Sugar gliders (Jennifer L. Sobie).
Chapter 18 From parrots to pigs to pythons: Universal principles and procedures of learning (Susan G. Friedman and Lore I. Haug).
Chapter 19 Behavioral pharmacology in exotic pets (Lynne M. Seibert).
Chapter 20 Welfare of exotic animals in captivity (Paul E. Honess and Sarah E. Wolfensohn).

Index.

Author Information

Valarie V. Tynes 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.