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How to Find an Exotic Vet in the UK
Exotic

How to Find an Exotic Vet in the UK

Finding an exotic vet starts with checking that a practice treats your pet’s exact species, as birds, reptiles, fish and small mammals can need very different care. Use the RCVS Find a Vet service, then phone the practice to ask about species experience, emergency cover, fees and referral options. Your local vet is usually the first person to contact, while referral hospitals can help with complex cases. Before an appointment, gather your pet’s records, ask for travel advice and request clear cost estimates. If your pet is ill or injured, phone a vet straight away.

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230 articles
  • The Complete Guide to Keeping Porcelain Crabs
    Exotic

    The Complete Guide to Keeping Porcelain Crabs

    Porcelain Crabs are small, peaceful marine animals that look like crabs but are related to squat lobsters. They need a mature reef aquarium of at least 60 litres, with clean, stable saltwater, plenty of live rock, safe hiding places and moderate to strong water flow. They feed by fanning tiny food from the water, so they need regular meals of plankton and fine reef foods. They are safe with corals and peaceful fish, but aggressive tank mates can harm them. With steady care, good food and safe places to moult, they can live for two to four years.

  • Reticulated Python: The World’s Longest Snake
    Exotic

    Reticulated Python: The World’s Longest Snake

    The Reticulated Python is the world’s longest snake and needs expert, long-term care. Native to Southeast Asia, it is a strong, clever constrictor that can grow 4 to 6 metres long. Adults need very large, locked housing, warm temperatures, high humidity, large water bowls and sturdy furnishings. They eat rodents, rabbits or large poultry at suitable intervals, and must never be overfed. Large snakes should only be handled by experienced people, with more than one person present. With proper care, they can live for 20 to 30 years, but they are not suitable for beginners.

  • The Complete Guide to Keeping Emerald Crabs
    Exotic

    The Complete Guide to Keeping Emerald Crabs

    Emerald Crabs are small, green marine crabs from the Caribbean that can help control some nuisance algae in reef tanks. They need a mature saltwater aquarium with stable water, live rock, hiding places and regular food when algae is limited. They are usually peaceful, but hungry or larger crabs may nip corals or eat small tank mates. Keep one crab in a suitably sized tank, feed it after dark, and give it space to hide while it moults.

  • How to Manage Mould in a Species-Housing Terrarium
    Exotic

    How to Manage Mould in a Species-Housing Terrarium

    Mould in a terrarium with live animals can cause serious health problems, especially for amphibians, humid-climate reptiles and sensitive invertebrates. Remove mouldy food, substrate and decor carefully, avoid household chemicals, and move the animal to a safe enclosure if growth is widespread or smells musty. Long-term control comes from proper airflow, damp rather than soaked substrate, prompt food removal, regular checks of hides and decor, and active springtails and isopods in bioactive setups. Watch for breathing problems, low appetite, tiredness or skin changes, and correct poor conditions quickly.

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