Page 17 2025 Animal Stories Lincoln Daily News February 2025 “Food and Diet,” Paige K Parsons says, “hay should comprise 85% of an adult rabbit’s diet” because it is “essential to a rabbit’s good health, providing roughage, which reduces the danger of hairballs and other blockages and helps grind down their constantly growing teeth to prevent overgrowth.” Reptile’s dietary needs depend on their species. For example, “Reptile Diet Plans: Tips for Balanced Nutrition and Health,” Mutasim Sweileh says, “carnivores, like some lizards and snakes, thrive on protein-packed foods like crickets or mice.” Additionally, Sweileh says, “herbivores, such as tortoises, need leafy greens and fibrous veggies [and] omnivores enjoy both; think insects and fruits for a balanced mix.” An amphibian diet consists mostly of worms and live insects like crickets. However, to prevent disease, you need to supplement their diet to provide them with vitamins and minerals. A guide on what frogs eat says you can supplement their diets in “one of two ways.” One way to supplement the diet is “by gutloading live insects with nutrients before offering them as nourishment – ensuring these predators get all the protein and minerals they need without extra fillers.” The other way is dusting which requires “coating feeder insects with nutritional supplements before feeding them to your frog.” To dust insects, “place insects in a container with a small amount of supplement powder and give it a quick shake to coat.” Like any pets, exotic pets need socialization. It is important to understand the natural behavior of these animals when figuring out their socialization needs. Some enjoy interacting with humans, while others prefer little contact with humans. Some pets do better and feel safer in pairs or groups. Providing enrichment activities is another way to help with socializing a pet. The article “Exotic Pet Care: A Comprehensive Guide for Unique Pets” offers ideas for activities to stimulate different species. With birds, try to “offer a variety of toys, perches, and foraging activities.” For reptiles, “create hiding spots, climbing structures, and interactive feeding methods.” For small mammals like gerbils and guinea pigs, “use tunnels, wheels, and puzzle feeders.” As the Comprehensive Guide to caring for exotic pets says, “Caring for an exotic pet is a unique, fun, and rewarding experience— but inadequate preparation and planning can result in heartbreaking consequences.” Before getting an exotic pet, do your research and follow guidelines for care so your pet has a healthy and happy life with you. Photos provided by Green Prairie Animal Hospital [Angela Reiners] Continued --
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