Behavior of Exotic Pets

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

Auteur
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.

Résumé
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

Contenu

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