All birds from little canaries to large birds of prey need very specific care. Even within the home, there are certain things that can pose a significant threat their health and well-being. Some are more obvious, like ceiling fans or electrical wires, but some others – such as poor-quality air, anti-stick kitchenware, or inappropriate toys – can also be detrimental.

Reptiles, including lizards, tortoises, snakes, and many others, are often native to much warmer climates than we have here in the UK. Many species will need to be kept in specialist, temperature-controlled vivariums to ensure that they remain healthy. They also require specific and unique diets, so make sure that you are aware of their nutritional needs and habits too. 

Small mammals, from Syrian hamsters to Sugar gliders, will all have their own behavioural patterns, dietary needs and set of possible medical conditions to which they might be particularly susceptible. The majority of these animals also have very specific nutritional requirements that need to be met for them to thrive as a pet.

At the Parkvets hospital in Sidcup, we have a dedicated exotics ward with multiple vivariums of varying sizes, bird kennels, and a variety of housing options for our small mammal patients. We have specialist equipment and materials for treating any exotic pets that may need our care including, not limited to:

We are a Silver-level Rabbit Friendly Practice, as awarded by the Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund (RWAF), with the aim to achieve Gold-level in coming years.

Veterinary surgeon Dr Sam Mak has a passion for exotics and is currently working towards completing his Postgraduate Certficate in Exotic Animal Practice. He is dedicated to caring for all exotic species including birds, reptiles, small mammals, and other non-traditional pets, and is specifically interested in soft tissue surgery. Prior to joining Parkvets, he has undertaken placements in a variety of zoo and wildlife programmes across the UK, Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore.

At the hospital, he is mainly supported by our RVN Kiana whom has completed additional certificates in reptile, amphibian, and avian nursing, and is currently completing another which focuses on small mammals. She has previously undertaken an exotic and wildlife nursing internship at ZSL London Zoo and is particularly interested in exotic animal anaesthesia and emergency care.

Did you know that some exotic pets can also be microchipped? A surprising number of tortoises find themselves lost in the summertime, after managing to wander off from their sunny garden. Luckily, a microchip can help reunite you with your pet should this ever happen.

A microchip is a very small piece of technology – roughly the same size as a grain of rice – which is inserted within the tortoise’s loose skin near the back leg. The chip carries a unique code which can be read using a specialist scanner. When entered into a national database of domestic pets, this code will bring up your contact details and identify you as the owner.

The computerised database can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This means that no matter when your pet might wander a little too far from home, the relevant animal authorities will be able to scan them and get in touch with you straight away.

The specialist microchip scanners that reveal your pet’s code, and subsequently your contact details, are only held by specific authorities including all veterinary practices, rescue shelters and animal welfare charities such as the RSPCA.

The microchipping procedure is very quick, lasting only a few seconds, and can be carried out almost painlessly. Many pets are not even aware that it has happened. Your pet can be chipped during a routine consultation, or during a surgical procedure if you let us know in advance.

It’s a small price to pay for the knowledge that your pet can be traced and returned to you in the event that they ever go missing. In the unfortunate event that your pet has gone missing, Parkvets will do their very best to help during this difficult time. We will take advantage of social media to help spread the word and keep a log of your pet’s details at all Parkvets practice locations.

For more information about microchipping, or to book an appointment for your pet, please call us on 0208 300 8111.