What Is The Odd Pet Out?

The Odd Pet Out started as a local group on Facebook that had one simple task, to educate people about Odd Pets and their care.

There is a plethora of information on common household pets like cats and dogs, but what information is provided about exotic pets is either very vague, or wrong altogether. Our objective is to change that.

How We Have Grown

Starting as a simple group dedicated to educating people about the correct care of exotic pets, we have since grown into a network of fosters all over the East coast that takes in animals in dire situations and provides them refuge.

We are not the standard rescue in the fact that the animals that are turned over into our care are never “adopted out”. In most cases, we are a temporary home until a rescue who can provide better care is found. However, our network has also fostered and rehabbed rescues and wildlife rehabilitation centers.

Now, as you can see, we are also expanding our knowledge base and not only allowing others to help inform but providing as much accurate information as we can.

How Are We Funded?

To put it simply, we aren’t. Our fosters that take in animals in emergency situations pay for supplies with money out of their own pocket or money from ours. We do not accept cash donations, we do however accept supplies and have an Amazon Wishlist so you can rest assured every penny goes to the animals in need.

Why Do We Do It?

Too many exotic animals are sold for cheap prices without proper knowledge of their care. Pet stores especially have a bad habit of selling tiny little “kits” for animals that aren’t sufficient to hold them even short term, much less as they grow.

While we wish every pet would be properly researched before purchase, we provide a safe haven when the work gets too daunting or owners can no longer care for them.

What We Hope To Accomplish

While we aim for the education and proper care of every Odd Pet, we know this is an unrealistic expectation. We provide resources and immediate care for animals all over the United States. Working closely with rehab centers and rescues, we aim for no pet to be ignored or put out.

Providing education and a resource for pet owners and potential pet owners in these situations has drastically reduced the amount of Odd Pets that were “set free”, given away to unsuitable homes, or forced to live in inadequate conditions due to improper education.

We Are Still Growing

While we have spread all over Ohio and surrounding states, we hope that by the end of 2022 to have family fosters in all states!

How To Become A Foster For The Odd Pet Out?

The Odd Pet Out only accepts family fosters, meaning we only accept fosters that will house the pet in their home and give them attention and proper care (as if they were part of your family).

There are many reasons for this, but the main one is, most Odd Pets require special attention and a shelter setting can greatly increase the risk of aggression or health problems.

We completely understand that in situations with an already aggressive animal, they won't be held. We still require a home setting for proper care and in hopes, they will adjust to a home and family environment.

Our form is listed at the bottom of this page, if you would like to be a foster please fill out this information and give us any information you feel will help us to fit you with an amazing Odd Foster Baby!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdiEANjqz6pNbHrP0Lydb0zANNAwYMWDCPr2lKYmhvYUf0xsg/viewform?usp=sf_link

Thank you!

-The Odd Pet Out

Photo by Ameya Adam on Unsplash

Guinea Pig Care Sheet

Average Lifespan: 6–7 years
Full Grown Size: 8–10 inches
Minimum Enclosure Size: About 7 Sq. Feet per Guinea Pig
Enclosure Size Needed When Full Grown: 36” L x 32” W x 18” H

Introduction to Guinea Pigs (Cavies)

Guinea Pigs can be a great family pet with the proper care and handling. They are social animals which is why we recommend daily interaction to ensure bad habits are not developed and they remain tame and lovable.

Their care is easy when compared to most Odd Pets (exotics), as they are easy to handle, don’t need extra large enclosures, and have a fairly easy-to-maintain diet. As with any social animal, they do need regular interaction and socialization to remain a loving family pet, but with these awesome Odd Pets the reward is high and care is fairly easy!

How To Determine Gender

Male guinea pigs tend to be slightly larger than females and generally have a taller crest on their heads.

You can also physically examine guinea pigs by calmly positioning them on their back. The male guinea pigs usually have a readily identified scrotal area and testicles. Females generally have a depression in their genital area that reveals a Y-shape. If it is hard to see due to swelling or age, you can typically apply light pressure just above the area and the scrotum will protrude if it is a male.

Should They Be Housed Alone?

Adult Guinea Pigs should be kept alone if they were raised in isolation, but they can be housed in same-sex pairs if they are at a young age or have been raised with their cage mates. Always use caution when introducing guinea pigs for the first time.

Different species should never be housed together for many reasons. Rabbits and Guinea Pigs are very alike in many ways but should never be housed together due to a bacteria that each of them carries in their respiratory tracts naturally, but it can cause illness to animals outside of its own species.

*Remember they breed at a very early age and very rapidly, so it is never a good idea to keep opposite genders together if they are uncastrated.

Healthy Diet

A well-balanced diet is very important to keep your pet healthy.

• Your pet should always have access to clean, fresh water that is changed at least once a day.
• A high-quality pelleted food formulated for guinea pigs should be offered daily in limited quantities.
• A guinea pig should also have unlimited amounts of clean timothy hay, orchard grass, oat hay, or meadow hay. (Alfalfa hay is only good for pregnant, malnourished, or young guineas due to its higher amounts of calcium, fat, and protein).
• Fresh vegetables and fruits can be given as a daily snack but should not consist of more than 10% of their diet.
• Guinea pigs do not produce their own Vitamin C. 30 to 50 mg of vitamin C should be provided to your pig a day, it is easy to do this by providing pelleted food, or fruits and vegetables that are high in Vitamin C, or you can purchase supplements to add to their food as well.

Proper Enclosure Description

You should have a proper-sized enclosure that provides around 7.5 sq. ft per guinea pig. Place the enclosure in a place that is away from drafts and direct sunlight. The temperature of the average home is fine for guinea pigs as long as those temperatures don’t exceed 80 degrees F. Guinea pigs are likely to overheat at higher temperatures so it is always best to use caution.

Here is a brief list of some essentials you need for your guinea pig;

• Paper-based Bedding- paper-based is highly recommended due to the bedding being easily digested if accidentally injected. They also help to absorb waste which makes them easier to clean and reduces smells.
• Staples of a healthy diet (Listed above)
• A hide for each guinea pig- We recommend wood, cardboard, or other edible materials due to the fact that your pig will chew on it from time to time.
• Food Bowl- Best to be ceramic or one that hooks onto the cage to prevent it from being tipped over.
• Water Bottle- Refilled with fresh water once a day. We recommend glass water bottles for cleaning and longevity.
• Hay Box- will keep the hay off the ground and keep it from being soiled on, while still giving your guinea full-time access.
• Wood & Mineral Chews- Keeps your guinea busy and gives them a way to successfully keep their teeth healthy.
• Toys & Treats- In an attempt to keep your pet from getting bored and restless, toys provide entertainment, but we also recommend using them to bond with your pet.
• Soft Brush- This should be used to keep your pet’s hair healthy and free from tangles. It will also limit the amount of hair that is ingested during natural cleaning. (Not needed for hairless)
• Nail clippers- Should be used about once a month to keep your cavies' nails at a healthy length and reduce the chances of injury.

Things to avoid;

• Cedar-based products- contain oils that can irritate your pet’s skin and respiratory tract.
• Chocolate
• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Sugar and High-Fat Treats

Signs The Pet Is Healthy

• Active and alert
• Eating and drinking
• No discharge in the eyes, nose, or mouth
• Walks normally
• Not dropping food or making odd jaw movements when eating

Signs The Pet Is Unhealthy

• Weight loss
• Hair loss or patches of hair missing
• Skin lesions or scabs
• Dirty rear-end
• Distressed or labored breathing for a long period
• Drooling
• Discolored or overgrown teeth
• Lethargy or not reacting to touch or noises

Things You Should Keep In Mind When Getting A Guinea Pig

Guinea pigs are great pets, even for families! It is important to remember that they need time to adjust, so even the sweetest guinea pigs can be skittish at first. It is also important to remember that while they are great family pets, small children should always be monitored around small pets to ensure the safety of the child and the animal.

Cavies are easy to care for and very rewarding pets that show compassion and admiration towards their owners! Guinea pigs are very overbred and continue to be sold without proper education and information to provide them the life they deserve. For this reason, we request checking out some rescues and considering adoption before buying. Most of the ones in rescues are only skittish because they have not been in a stable environment and have just as much love to give as one bought from a pet store or breeder.

Please let us know if we missed anything important in the comments! As the sight develops we will be adding more information and more in-depth care sheets as well. If you would like to contribute please see our “About” page where you will find the form for our care sheets and our email address, we would love to hear feedback!

Photo by Amjith S on Unsplash

Rat Care Sheet

Average Lifespan: 2–3 years (The oldest pet rat lived to be 7)
Full Grown Size: 9–11 inches (Not including tail)
Minimum Enclosure Size: About 2 Sq. Feet per Rat
Enclosure Size Needed When Full Grown: 29” x 15” x 18”

Introduction to Pet Rats

Rats carry a bad reputation around them but are actually very intelligent and clean animals. Being very trainable and social they are very loyal to their owners. They have been known to show affection, be potty trained, and learn a number of tricks.

Rats can suffer from mental illness and obesity if not given proper stimulation, exercise, and attention!

How To Determine Gender

You can tell a rat’s gender at any age. Even newborn rats! Mature males are substantially larger than female rats. It is also fairly simple for the most part to look under the tail of the rat; you will either see testicles on a male, or you won't on a female.

Another way to tell is to lay a rat on its stomach and gently hold up its tale; male rats have a much longer space between the urethra and anus, this is noticeable from the time they are born.

Should They Be Housed Alone?

Rats are highly social animals and usually live in large groups called a pack or swarm. Due to them being very social animals, they need regular engagement and affection. Keep this in mind when purchasing a pet rat.

Rats do better in trios, allowing them to create a social network and helping to avoid bullying or aggression. For the mental health of your pet, rats should be kept in pairs or groups, unless the rat gets attention many times a day from its owners.

Healthy Diet

A well-balanced diet is very important to keep your rat healthy. Rats are omnivores, so they like a variety of foods and need a good variety to keep them healthy.

• Your pet should always have access to clean, freshwater that is changed at least once a day.
• A high-quality pelleted food formulated for rats should be offered regularly.
• A rat will occasionally nibble on meat.
• Fresh vegetables and fruits can be given daily and should make up a majority of the rat’s diet.
• Rats loved nuts; such as almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts, and more. They can be offered as a treat to provide a good source of protein to their diet as well.

Proper Enclosure/ Setup Description

The ideal enclosure for your pet rat will include multiple levels for climbing, a warm nest box, and lots of toys to keep your rat preoccupied. Wired cages are better because they provide good ventilation and temperature control. Rats have a sensitive respiratory system and can develop breathing problems and even lung infections from not having proper ventilation.

Bedding on the cage floor should be non-toxic wood chips or paper-based. Cedar and pine chips are toxic to pet rats, so avoid these and things like sawdust and other dusty materials. Wire floors should be covered with paper or cloth so they have something solid to walk on.

Toys are extremely important. Not just for entertainment, but rats’ teeth never stop growing, so wood and chew toys should be provided so your pet can keep their teeth at a healthy length.

Signs The Pet Is Healthy

When getting a pet rat you should pay attention to these things to ensure your new pet is healthy;

-Breathing should not be labored and rats should not struggle to breathe. Pay attention to whether or not there is rattling, wheezing, or other signs of congestion because respiratory infections are very common in pet rats.

-The rats’ eyes should be bright and free from discharge. Things like a building eye or bloody tears are signs of underlying health issues.

-Your rat’s coat should be full and shiny. Scratching and bald spots can be a sign of parasites.

-Your rat’s teeth should not be overgrown, misaligned, or chipped. The gums of a rat should not be red or swollen.

-A rat’s nose should be clean and free of mucus.

Things You Should Keep In Mind When Getting A Pet Rat

Rats are very social animals and can also get sick or depressed if left alone for long periods. Exercise and stimulation will also help with behavior problems and help you bond with your pet.

Obesity is common in rats if they are not given proper cages or exercise.

Rats are very clean and trainable pets. Many people even train their rats to have free time in a rat-proof room of their home; this helps with mental stimulation and exercise because rats love to explore!

Photo by Alexandr Gusev on Unsplash

Hamster Care Sheet

Curious, adorable, and huge personalities!

Average Lifespan: 2–3 years (Oldest Hamster lived to be 7 and was a Teddy Bear Hamster)
Full Grown Size: Varies by Species
Minimum Enclosure Size: About 2 Sq. Feet per Hamster

Introduction to Hamsters

Hamsters are little creatures with big attitudes. Loved for their adorable face and active lifestyle, these pets are often purchased not knowing how to properly care for them. One of the biggest complaints of new owners is that hamsters are nocturnal, so they are most active at night. This means that you don’t get to see your hamster playing as much as you would like and at night they are pretty noisy, which can disrupt your sleep.

Hamsters require gentle handling and need to be held often so they stay social and get used to their owners.

How To Determine Gender

The best way to determine gender is to look at the distance between the genital openings and the anus; on a female this area will be much shorter than on a male. Males usually develop noticeable testicles after about 4 weeks old. Female hamsters also develop noticeable nipples around this time.

Should They Be Housed Alone?

Whether they should be housed alone depends entirely on the breed of hamster. For instance; -Teddy bear hamsters can be aggressive to their own kind and should be kept alone.

-Chinese and Dwarf Winter White Russian hamsters can be kept in same-sex groups or pairs as long as they are introduced at an early age.

Healthy Diet

A well-balanced diet is very important to keep your hamster healthy. Hamsters are omnivores, so they like a variety of foods and need a good variety to keep them healthy.

• Your pet should always have access to clean, fresh water that is changed at least once a day.
• A high-quality pelleted food formulated for hamsters should be offered regularly.
• It is a good idea to always offer Timothy hay.
• Small amounts of fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs can be offered once a day.
• Occasional treats such as; nuts, boiled eggs, mealworms, and more can be offered but not in excess.

Proper Enclosure/ Setup Description

Hamsters love big cages with lots of things to do. For a hamster, you will need a big cage with a solid floor. A water bottle with a metal spout should be used in the lue of a bow. A medium-sized food bowl should be placed in the cage, just make sure it is shallow enough for your hamster to crawl out of it.

You should buy a hamster house or nest box for your hamster to hide, hoard food, and feel safe. Chew toys are also mandatory as the hamster will need a way to keep its teeth filed down. Also, a wheel or ball is needed because hamsters need lots of exercise to stay healthy.

Cover wired floors to prevent injury and increase the comfort and stability of your pet. The bottom of the cage should be filled with Aspen shavings or paper bedding. Avoid cedar or pine shavings! The substrate should be between 3 and 6 inches deep to provide your hamster room to burrow.

Signs The Pet Is Healthy

When getting a pet hamster you should pay attention to these things to ensure your new pet is healthy;

-The hamsters’ eyes should be bright and free from discharge.

-Your rat’s coat should be full and shiny. The ur around the nose and eyes should be dry and free of staining.

-Your hamster’s teeth should not be overgrown, misaligned, or chipped. The gums of a rat should not be red or swollen.

-You should not be able to hear the hamsters breathing; look for signs of congestion like wheezing.

-Hamsters should be inquisitive and never lethargic.

Things You Should Keep In Mind When Getting A Hamster

Hamsters do not like water, so to help them keep themselves clean, a sand bath should be offered at least once a week.

Some hamsters do not like to be held and are not a good pet for children, They are fragile, small, and fast. When frightened they may nip.

Make sure to research your hamsters’ breed specifically for temperament.

Photo by Doina Gavrilov on Unsplash