Avian & Exotic Pets

FAQs for Care of Exotic Pets

At Belle Forest Animal Hospital, our vets provide routine wellness and preventive care services for your avian and exotic pet. We can also see pets for medical or behavioral concerns.

• Wellness & Preventive Care

  Similar to cats and dogs, birds and other exotic pets benefit from regular veterinary care to help them live a lengthy, happy and healthy life. 

  Our vets are trained in the unique care, husbandry requirements, and veterinary treatment of these species. 

  During an initial wellness visit, our vet will thoroughly review your pet's housing, care, and nutrition. We will perform a complete physical exam. Health screening tests and vaccines will be discussed and recommended when needed. Our vet will discuss any health, behavior, or husbandry concerns with you and address any questions you may have. Recommendations will be tailored to the needs of your pet and their family.

• What can I expect at an exotic appointment?

  When you bring your exotic mammal in for a wellness exam, we will assess the overall health of your pet. We will perform a thorough physical examination, recommend the appropriate preventive care, and answer any questions you may have about your pet to help ensure their health and longevity.

• Sick Pet Appointments & Daytime Emergencies

  Birds and other exotic pets with health or behavior concerns can be seen by our vet. If possible, please call  (615) 662-1700 in advance to determine the availability of our veterinarian. While we do accept walk-in and work-in emergencies for exotic pets, there may be an additional fee if double appointment bookings occur.

• What is an exotic mammal?

  Exotic mammals are small animals including rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, hedgehogs, chinchillas, rats, mice, hamsters, and gerbils. Many exotic pets are prey species in the wild and consequently can be very good at hiding the signs of illness until it is quite advanced, which is why preventive veterinary care is so important.

• What is the avian species?

  The avian species involves any and all things in relation to birds. These small exotic animals have become popular pets for people seeking intelligent, affectionate companions with personalities to spare. 

  Many birds are prey species in the wild and may hide signs of illness as a defense mechanism against predators, making consistent, qualified preventive veterinary care critical to their health and well-being.

• What are reptiles?

  Reptiles are air-breathing vertebrates. Covered in special skin made of bony plates, hard scales, or a combination of both, they regularly shed an outer layer of skin. These can include iguanas, tortoises, lizards, turtles, snakes, and more.

  To give your pet reptile the best chance at a healthy life, habitat, and diet must be meticulously maintained. Preventive care is critical.

Exotics We Treat

Our team of vets provides dedicated veterinary care for many types of exotic pets, including:

Birds

Parrots, finches, canaries, and others.

Exotic Mammals

Ferrets, rabbits, pot-bellied pigs, guinea pigs, chinchillas, hamsters, gerbils, sugar gliders, hedgehogs, and others.

Reptiles & Amphibians

Lizards, turtles and tortoises, snakes, and others.