Services Offered

Exotic Rodentry offers freelance education, consultancy and practical support informed by extensive experience in animal keeping, zoological collections, pet retail, animal science education and specialist husbandry.

Our work is particularly suited to projects involving exotic, unusual or less commonly kept species. Support can be tailored to private keepers, animal-care businesses, educational organisations, zoological collections, local authorities and other professional institutions.

Animal Education and Talks

Engaging and informative educational sessions can be developed for a wide range of audiences, from beginners and hobbyists to students and animal-care professionals.

Topics may include:

• Exotic-animal care and husbandry

• Rodent biology, behaviour and welfare

• Unusual species in private keeping

• Responsible animal ownership

• Enclosure design and environmental provision

• Captive-animal management

• Animal welfare and ethical decision-making

• Careers within animal care and related industries

Sessions can be adapted to suit schools, colleges, universities, animal-care organisations, clubs, societies and professional training events.

Lecturing and Training

Freelance lecturing, teaching and staff training may be available for organisations requiring specialist knowledge in animal science, zoo biology and animal husbandry.

Support may include:

• Guest lectures

• Classroom or online teaching

• Practical workshops

• Staff development sessions

• Course content support

• Assessment or learning-resource development

• Specialist sessions on exotic or non-traditional species

The content and level of each session can be tailored to the qualifications, experience and learning objectives of the audience.

Husbandry and Welfare Consultancy

Consultancy is available for individuals and organisations seeking informed, practical guidance on the care and management of animals.

This may include:

• Review of existing husbandry practices

• Species-specific care guidance

• Feeding and nutrition considerations

• Social grouping and behavioural needs

• Environmental enrichment

• Temperature, humidity and lighting requirements

• Record-keeping and routine monitoring

• Welfare reviews and improvement planning

Recommendations are based on the species involved, the available facilities, current evidence and practical experience.

Enclosure Planning and Environmental Provision

Appropriate enclosure design is central to animal welfare. Exotic Rodentry can provide practical input into the planning, review or improvement of animal accommodation.

Support may cover:

• Enclosure size and layout

• Substrates and furnishings

• Shelter, climbing and digging opportunities

• Temperature and humidity control

• Lighting and ventilation

• Hygiene and maintenance

• Environmental enrichment

• Safe separation and containment

• Observation and keeper access

The aim is to create environments that are safe, manageable and suited to the behavioural and biological needs of the animals.

Licensing and Regulatory Support

Exotic Rodentry has contributed to projects involving the Dangerous Wild Animals Act, Local Authority Inspection of Animal Establishments and the zoo licensing process.

Support may be available in areas such as:

• Preparation for licensing inspections

• Review of facilities and husbandry arrangements

• Record-keeping and documentation

• Species inventories

• Welfare and management procedures

• Risk assessments

• Emergency planning

• Identification of areas requiring improvement

• Practical interpretation of inspection requirements

This service is intended to support preparation and good practice. Final decisions remain with the relevant licensing authority, veterinary inspector or other appointed professional.

Zoological and Animal-Care Projects

Consultancy and project support may be available to zoological collections, animal-care businesses, educational establishments and other organisations.

Projects may include:

• Husbandry reviews

• Collection planning

• Research support

• Species information and care documentation

• Animal-management procedures

• Educational content

• Staff training

• Welfare improvement projects

• Development of practical policies and protocols

Each project is considered individually and can be adapted to the organisation’s objectives, timescale and resources.

Specialist Advice for Private Keepers

Private keepers may also require support when researching, acquiring or caring for unusual species.

Advice may include:

• Suitability assessments before acquiring an animal

• Understanding long-term care requirements

• Enclosure preparation

• Husbandry reviews

• Welfare and behaviour concerns

• Planning for breeding or social management

• Identifying appropriate areas for further research

Advice is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. Health concerns should always be referred to a suitably qualified veterinary surgeon.

Research and Written Content

Research and written-content support may be available for animal-related projects.

This can include:

• Species care guides

• Educational resources

• Husbandry documents

• Training materials

• Website or publication content

• Research summaries

• Practical policies and procedures

• Project reports

Material can be written for public, student or professional audiences, depending on the intended use.

Bespoke Support

Not every animal-related project fits neatly into a standard service.

Where the subject involves unusual species, captive-animal management, education, welfare, husbandry or licensing, please contact us to discuss the project. We will assess whether our experience is suitable and provide a clear outline of the support available.

Make an Enquiry

To discuss education, consultancy, training or project support, please contact Exotic Rodentry with:

• A brief description of the project

• The species or animal group involved

• The type of support required

• Your preferred timescale

• Your location, where an on-site visit may be required

Services are subject to availability and will be agreed according to the scope and requirements of each project.