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Exotic Pets™

Exotic Pets™

By: Tracie Hotchner
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The show for people interested in pets that slither, hop, creep, fly or swim: from bunnies to iguanas, parrots to ferrets, snakes to tortoises. Information on the physical requirements of these exotic pets and how to manage the often challenging environment and correct diet essential to their welfare.

Co-hosted by Dr. Doug Mader, author of "The Vet at Noah's Ark: Stories of Survival from an Inner-City Animal Hospital,"who is a world-renowned specialist on exotic animals, author of four major veterinary textbooks on reptile and amphibians, and a passionate educator.

Early episodes of this show were co-hosted by Dr. Karen Rosenthal, Director of Exotic Animal Medicine at several institutions of higher learning.

© 2026 Exotic Pets™
Episodes
  • A Spiky Ball of Love — the African Pygmy Hedgie

    A Spiky Ball of Love — the African Pygmy Hedgie
    Feb 16 2026

    #348: Dr. Dan Johnson explains the appeal of African pygmy hedgehogs, noting their quiet nature, small size, low maintenance, lack of odor. He recommends scattering hedgehog kibble in a tray with ping-pong balls and other objects for foraging enrichment — along with small pieces of every imaginable fruit or vegetable.
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    18 mins
  • Amazing Creatures in the Briny Deep

    Amazing Creatures in the Briny Deep
    Feb 9 2026

    #347: Cara Giaimo tells the story of many fascinating creatures in the sea, along with glorious illustrations of them, in her precious little book “Leaving the Ocean was a Mistake: Life Lessons from Sixty Sea Creatures” including the Vampire Squid, the Sea Mouse and the Blobfish.

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    29 mins
  • Rabbits, Rabbits Everywhere!

    Rabbits, Rabbits Everywhere!
    Feb 2 2026

    #346: Dr Dan Johnson sees more rabbits than any other untraditional pet at his Avian and Exotic Clinic in Raleigh, North Carolina — and sees many every day, mostly for digestive problems caused by not feeding the right timothy hay.
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    18 mins
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