Imagine this: you come home one evening after a long day, ready to unwind, but as you step inside, you notice your exotic pet’s enclosure is open and empty. Panic sets in. How do you handle the escape of your unusual or uncommon pet? Whether you own a Sugar Glider, Fennec Fox, or a Chinchilla, the escape of any pet can be a nerve-racking experience. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to handle the situation calmly and effectively.
Stay Calm and Assess
First and foremost, remain calm. Panicking won’t help you think clearly or solve the issue at hand. Take deep breaths and remember that there are systematic steps you can take to retrieve your pet safely.
Start by quickly assessing the area. Check the immediate vicinity around the enclosure. Many pets like to find a nearby place to hide and feel safe. Look behind furniture, inside boxes, and other small, dark spaces. Exotic and uncommon pets like to seek places that mimic their natural habitats, so think about where they would instinctively go.
Close Off Potential Escape Routes
Before you begin searching extensively, ensure that the pet cannot escape the room or the house. Close all doors and windows to limit the area that your pet can roam. If your pet is small, like a reptile or small mammal, put towels at the base of doors to block potential exit paths under gaps.
Understand Your Pet’s Behavior
Knowing your pet’s behavior is crucial. Different species have unique preferences and behaviors.
– Nocturnal Pets: For example, if your pet is nocturnal like a Sugar Glider or a Hedgehog, they are more likely to be active and move around during the night. Turn off the lights and listen for any movement during their active hours.
– Aquatic Pets: For pets like an Axolotl, it’s not just unusual but improbable for them to escape their tank unless there’s been an accident with the setup. Check the area immediately around their tank first.
– Climbers and Flyers: For climbers like certain lizards or exotic birds, look upwards as well as downwards. They may perch on curtain rods or lamp fixtures.
Use Food and Familiar Scents
Luring your pet with food is one of the most effective ways to retrieve them. Place their favorite treats and some water nearby in quiet spots. For instance, if you have a Fennec Fox, use a small piece of their favorite meat or a special snack that they enjoy. For an exotic bird, a bowl of their preferred seeds might do the trick.
Given time, curiosity and hunger will often bring them out of hiding. It’s a good idea to use some of their bedding or a familiar smelly toy near the food to reassure them.
Set Up Traps Strategically
Setting humane traps can be extremely effective. Use a live trap appropriate to the size of your pet and bait it with their favorite food. Place these traps in corners and along walls since many small mammals and reptiles travel along edges.
With birds, however, setting a “trap” might mean creating an inviting indoor aviary zone, with perches, food, and water readily available.
Enlist Help
Don’t hesitate to seek help if needed. Sometimes a fresh pair of eyes can spot something you missed. Have someone familiar with your pet assist in searching, particularly in tricky or high spaces. If your pet is dangerous or unusual (some exotic animals can have venomous traits or sharp claws), it’s even more critical to have a knowledgeable person assist.
Conduct a Thorough Search
If the initial quick search doesn’t yield results, you’ll need to conduct a thorough, room-by-room search. Start by isolating and thoroughly examining one room before moving to the next, ensuring that the pet cannot move between rooms. Look inside drawers, closets, under furniture, in appliances, and other potential hiding spots.
Secure the Enclosure and Prevent Future Escapes
Once you find your pet, it’s important to understand how the escape happened to prevent future occurrences. Examine the enclosure carefully for weaknesses or possible escape points. Also consider whether any gaps could be due to wear or improper fastening. Reinforce or replace parts as necessary to ensure security.
Reassure Your Pet
An escape can be traumatizing for your pet. Spend some time reassuring them and providing comfort once they are back in their enclosure. This might involve gentle handling, petting, and speaking softly if that helps them feel secure and reduces their stress.
Conclusion
Owning an exotic or uncommon pet comes with unique challenges, and dealing with an escape is one of them. By staying calm, understanding your pet’s behavior, and methodically covering all bases, you’ll maximize your chances of a safe and quick recovery.
Remember, the key is preparation. Regular checks of the enclosure, knowing your pet’s habits, and having a plan all contribute to a secure environment. And if an escape does happen, you’ll be ready to act swiftly and efficiently. Happy pet parenting!
