SKILL.md
417 lines · 2,659 words
Exotic Pet Specialist
When to Use
Use this skill when:
User asks about exotic pet specialist
User needs guidance on exotic pet specialist topics
User wants a structured approach to exotic pet specialist
Search the docs, videos, blog, apps, teams, skills and release notes.
At a glance
What it is
Exotic pet care guide covering reptiles, birds, small mammals, and amphibians with habitat setup requirements, temperature and humidity control, species-specific diets, health indicators, common illnesses, handling techniques, enrichment ideas, and veterinary care guidance for non-traditional companion animals.
A skill is a written procedure a bot loads when a job calls for it. This one is a single file, SKILL.md, and the whole file is on this page.
The whole file, exactly as it downloads. Read it before you rely on it.
SKILL.md
417 lines · 2,659 words
Use this skill when:
User asks about exotic pet specialist
User needs guidance on exotic pet specialist topics
User wants a structured approach to exotic pet specialist
Exotic pet care guide covering reptiles, birds, small mammals, and amphibians with habitat setup requirements, temperature and humidity control, species-specific diets, health indicators, common illnesses, handling techniques, enrichment ideas, and veterinary care guidance for non-traditional companion animals.
Nothing. It ships with Murage, which is open source. Your bots run on the AI plan you already have.
Yes. Open it in Settings → Skills to read, edit or duplicate it. Skill Guard scans it again after every edit.
Download the app, connect the AI you already pay for, and tell your Chief of Staff what needs doing. Plan on about ten minutes from install to a working team.
No account needed · Runs on the AI plan you already pay for
Paste it into your agent's instructions (CLAUDE.md, AGENTS.md or a custom GPT), or add it to a bot in Murage.
Ask Ember for the bot, then switch the skill on in its settings.
Step 1
Send your Chief of Staff this message. It proposes the bot and its role first, and creates it when you say go.
Send this to Ember
“Create a bot that uses the Exotic Pet Specialist skill, and show me the plan first.”
You're done when your Chief proposes the bot and its role, and the bot appears in your sidebar once you say go.
Step 2
You're done when you see the bot’s skills and the library.
Step 3
You're done when the skill shows as on for that bot.
Step 4
You're done when the bot takes the job and opens the skill when it needs it.
Prefer to do it yourself? Choose + in the sidebar, then New Bot.Read the full guide to skills and Skill Guard
What it teaches a bot, what it covers, and the whole file to read.
What it covers
When to Use
Questions to Ask First
Reptile Care
Bird Care
Small Mammal Care
Finding an Exotic Veterinarian
Enrichment Ideas by Species Type
Common Mistakes by New Exotic Pet Owners
Output Format
Example
Edge Cases
Request requires professional consultation beyond educational guidance
User needs emergency assistance
What species do you have or are considering? (Be as specific as possible: species name, not just "lizard" or "bird")
Is this a new pet or an existing one? (Researching before purchase / Just acquired / Have had for a while)
What is your concern? (Habitat setup / Diet / Health issue / Behavior / General care)
What is your current enclosure setup? (Size, heating, lighting, substrate)
What are you currently feeding? (Specific foods and frequency)
Have you noticed any changes in behavior, eating, or appearance?
Do you have access to an exotic animal veterinarian?
What is your experience level with exotic pets? (First exotic pet / Some experience / Experienced keeper)
What is your climate? (Important for heating/cooling considerations)
What is your budget for setup and ongoing care?
| Species | Enclosure Size (min) | Temp (Basking/Cool) | Humidity | Diet | Lifespan | Beginner Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leopard Gecko | 20 gal long | 88-92F / 75-80F | 30-40% | Insects | 15-20 yr | Excellent |
| Bearded Dragon | 40 gal (adult 75+) | 100-110F / 80-85F | 30-40% | Omni (insects + veg) | 10-15 yr | Excellent |
| Ball Python | 40 gal (adult) | 88-92F / 76-80F | 50-60% | Rodents | 20-30 yr | Good |
| Corn Snake | 30-40 gal (adult) | 85-88F / 75-80F | 40-50% | Rodents | 15-20 yr | Excellent |
| Crested Gecko | 18x18x24 (vertical) | 72-80F / 65-75F | 60-80% | CGD + insects | 15-20 yr | Excellent |
| Blue Tongue Skink | 40-75 gal | 95-100F / 75-80F | 40-60% | Omni (protein + veg) | 15-20 yr | Good |
| Red-Eared Slider | 75+ gal (aquatic) | 85-90F basking / 75-80F water | N/A (aquatic) | Omni | 20-40 yr | Moderate |
HEATING (Critical - reptiles are ectothermic):
- Create a THERMAL GRADIENT (warm end and cool end)
- Basking spot: Overhead heat lamp or ceramic heat emitter
- Ambient heat: Under-tank heater (UTH) with thermostat
- ALWAYS use a thermostat (prevents overheating and burns)
- Measure temps with digital thermometer at both ends
- Night temps can drop 5-10F (species dependent)
LIGHTING:
UVB Requirements:
- Desert species (bearded dragon): High UVB (10-12%)
- Forest species (crested gecko, ball python): Low/No UVB (2-5% or none)
- Diurnal species: 10-12 hours of light per day cycle
- Nocturnal species: Light cycle for day/night rhythm, minimal UVB
- Replace UVB bulbs every 6-12 months (output degrades before visible light fades)
- Never place UVB through glass or plastic (blocks UV rays)
SUBSTRATE OPTIONS BY SPECIES:
| Substrate | Good For | Avoid For |
|-----------|----------|-----------|
| Paper towel | Any (quarantine, babies) | Long-term display |
| Reptile carpet | Leopard geckos, bearded dragons | Snakes (claws catch) |
| Coconut fiber | Tropical species | Desert species |
| Cypress mulch | Ball pythons, blue tongue skinks | Desert species |
| Tile | Bearded dragons, leopard geckos | Arboreal species |
| Bioactive soil mix | Most species (advanced) | New keepers |
| Avoid: Cedar, pine (toxic), loose calcium sand (impaction risk) |
HUMIDITY CONTROL:
- Hygrometer (digital) in enclosure at all times
- Misting: Manual or automatic misting system
- Water bowl size affects ambient humidity
- Damp moss hide for shedding support
- Ventilation: Balance humidity retention with air flow
- Too dry: Stuck shed, respiratory issues
- Too wet: Scale rot, respiratory infectionsHEALTHY SIGNS:
- Alert, responsive to environment
- Clear, bright eyes (no swelling or discharge)
- Clean nostrils (no bubbles or mucus)
- Smooth, intact skin/scales (clean sheds)
- Regular appetite appropriate for species
- Normal posture and movement
- Regular, well-formed feces
- Healthy body weight (no visible spine or hip bones in most species)
WARNING SIGNS (See exotic vet):
- Mouth breathing or wheezing (respiratory infection)
- Bubbles from nose or mouth
- Swollen eyes, mouth, or joints
- Retained shed (especially around toes, tail tip, eyes)
- Lethargy beyond normal brumation
- Loss of appetite lasting more than 2-3 weeks (non-brumation)
- Soft jaw or kinked spine (metabolic bone disease)
- Discolored or foul-smelling skin patches (scale rot)
- Weight loss, visible bones
- Straining to defecate or pass eggs
- Twitching, tremors, or star-gazing (neurological signs)
EMERGENCY (Exotic vet immediately):
- Prolapse (tissue protruding from vent)
- Egg binding (straining female, lethargic)
- Trauma (burns, bite wounds, falls)
- Seizures
- Complete food refusal for extended period with weight loss| Species | Cage Size (min) | Noise Level | Lifespan | Talking Ability | Social Needs | Beginner Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budgerigar (Budgie) | 18x18x18 | Low-Mod | 5-10 yr | Moderate | Moderate | Excellent |
| Cockatiel | 24x18x24 | Moderate | 15-25 yr | Moderate | High | Excellent |
| Conure (Green Cheek) | 24x24x30 | Mod-High | 20-30 yr | Low | Very High | Good |
| African Grey | 36x24x48 | Moderate | 40-60 yr | Exceptional | Very High | Advanced |
| Cockatoo | 36x24x48+ | Very High | 40-70 yr | Moderate | Extremely High | Advanced |
| Lovebird | 24x18x24 | Moderate | 10-15 yr | Low | High (pairs) | Good |
| Finch/Canary | 24x18x18 | Low | 5-10 yr | None/Song | Low-Mod | Excellent |
CAGE SETUP:
- Biggest cage you can afford (wider is better than taller for most species)
- Bar spacing appropriate to species size (prevents head entrapment)
- Multiple perches of varying diameter and texture (natural wood branches ideal)
- Food and water dishes (stainless steel, multiple locations)
- Toys: Foraging, chewing, preening, puzzle toys (rotate weekly)
- Cage liner: Paper towels or newspaper (changed daily)
- Placement: Eye level, against a wall (security), near family activity
- Away from kitchen (fumes are deadly), drafts, direct sunlight
BIRD DIET FOUNDATION:
| Food Type | Percentage | Examples |
|-----------|-----------|----------|
| Pellets (formulated) | 50-70% | Species-appropriate pelleted diet |
| Fresh vegetables | 20-30% | Dark leafy greens, carrots, peppers, broccoli |
| Fresh fruits | 5-10% | Berries, apple, banana, mango (treats) |
| Seeds/nuts | 5-10% | As treats/foraging, not staple diet |
| Grains/legumes | Occasional | Cooked quinoa, lentils, brown rice |
TOXIC FOODS FOR BIRDS (never feed):
- Avocado (fatal)
- Chocolate (fatal)
- Caffeine (fatal)
- Alcohol (fatal)
- Onion and garlic
- Apple seeds and fruit pits
- High-salt or high-sugar human foods
HOUSEHOLD DANGERS FOR BIRDS:
- Non-stick cookware fumes (PTFE/Teflon - FATAL even from another room)
- Scented candles, air fresheners, incense
- Cleaning chemical fumes
- Ceiling fans
- Open windows/doors
- Other pets (cats, dogs)
- Open water (toilet, pots of water)
- Mirrors and windows (collision risk)HEALTHY BIRD:
- Active, vocal, engaged with environment
- Bright, clear eyes
- Clean, smooth feathers (preening is normal)
- Good appetite
- Firm perching grip
- Droppings: Green/brown feces + white urates + clear liquid
WARNING SIGNS (See avian vet):
- Fluffed up and sitting on cage bottom
- Decreased or absent vocalizations
- Loss of appetite
- Tail bobbing (respiratory distress)
- Discharge from eyes or nares (nostrils)
- Sneezing frequently
- Change in droppings (color, consistency, frequency)
- Feather plucking or bald patches
- Swollen or crusty beak or feet
- Limping or favoring a foot
- Weight loss (weigh weekly with gram scale)
CRITICAL NOTE ABOUT BIRDS:
Birds mask illness as a survival instinct. By the time a bird
looks sick to you, it may have been ill for days or weeks.
Any change in behavior warrants close monitoring and likely
a vet visit. Establishing a baseline by weighing your bird
weekly is one of the best early detection methods.| Species | Enclosure Type | Diet | Lifespan | Social | Handling | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rabbit | Large pen/room | Hay, vegetables, pellets | 8-12 yr | Pairs ideal | Gentle, ground-level | Dawn/dusk |
| Guinea Pig | Large open pen | Hay, vegetables, pellets + vitamin C | 5-7 yr | Pairs or groups | Gentle, social | Daytime |
| Hamster (Syrian) | 40+ gal / 600+ sq in | Seed mix, vegetables, protein | 2-3 yr | Solitary only | Evening handling | Nocturnal |
| Rat | Multi-level cage | Lab blocks, fresh foods | 2-3 yr | Same-sex pairs/groups | Very social, trainable | Nocturnal |
| Ferret | Large multi-level | High-protein kibble or raw | 6-10 yr | Pairs or groups | Very social, playful | Crepuscular |
| Chinchilla | Multi-level tall cage | Hay, pellets, limited treats | 10-20 yr | Pairs (bonded) | Gentle, flighty | Nocturnal |
| Hedgehog | 2x4 ft minimum | Insectivore diet, cat food | 4-7 yr | Solitary | Patient handling | Nocturnal |
RABBITS AND GUINEA PIGS:
- Unlimited timothy hay (80%+ of diet; essential for dental and GI health)
- Fresh vegetables daily (1 cup per 2 lbs body weight for rabbits)
- Guinea pigs REQUIRE vitamin C supplementation (cannot synthesize it)
- Limited pellets (1/4 cup per 5 lbs for adult rabbits)
- Fresh water always available (bowl or bottle)
- Exercise space: Minimum 4 hours free-roaming daily (rabbit-proofed area)
- Litter trainable (rabbits especially)
- Never house rabbits and guinea pigs together
HAMSTERS AND RATS:
- Hamsters are SOLITARY (Syrian hamsters WILL fight to the death)
- Rats are extremely social and must NEVER be kept alone
- Deep bedding for burrowing (paper-based, aspen; never cedar or pine)
- Wheel: Solid-surface (wire wheels cause bumblefoot and injuries)
Hamster: 8-12 inch diameter
Rat: 12+ inch diameter
- Enrichment: Tubes, hides, climbing structures, foraging opportunities
- Rats are highly trainable and bond closely with owners
FERRETS:
- Ferret-proofed room for play time (minimum 4 hours daily)
- High-protein, high-fat diet (obligate carnivores)
- Litter trainable (with patience)
- Annual vet visits including adrenal and insulinoma screening
- Descenting and spaying/neutering typically done before purchase
TEMPERATURE SENSITIVITY:
- Rabbits: Heat stress above 80F (can be fatal); prefer 60-70F
- Chinchillas: MUST stay below 75F (heat stroke risk); prefer 60-70F
- Guinea pigs: Comfortable 65-75F
- Rats: Comfortable 65-75F; sensitive to drafts and ammonia
- Hedgehogs: MUST stay above 72F (can attempt hibernation, which is fatal)HOW TO FIND A QUALIFIED EXOTIC VET:
1. Search ARAV (Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians) directory
2. Search AAV (Association of Avian Veterinarians) directory
3. Ask local herpetological or aviculture societies
4. Look for "exotic animal" or "avian and exotic" specialties
5. Call and ask: "Does your vet have experience with [specific species]?"
WHAT TO LOOK FOR:
- Board certification or extensive exotic animal training
- Exotic-appropriate equipment (small anesthesia, endoscopy)
- Willing to educate you about species-specific needs
- Does not recommend dog/cat protocols for exotics
WELLNESS EXAM SCHEDULE:
- New pet: Within first week of acquisition
- Annual exam: Minimum once per year
- Senior animals: Twice yearly
- Any change in behavior or appearance: Promptly
WHAT TO BRING TO THE VET:
[ ] Recent photos of enclosure setup
[ ] Diet log (what and how much you feed)
[ ] Fresh fecal sample (within 12 hours)
[ ] Behavioral notes (any changes)
[ ] Temperature and humidity readings from enclosure
[ ] Transport in secure, temperature-appropriate carrierREPTILES:
- Rearrange enclosure decor periodically
- Scatter-feed insects (hunt instead of bowl-feed)
- Offer different climbing branches and hides
- Supervised outdoor time in secure enclosure (warm weather, shade available)
- Different textured substrates to explore
BIRDS:
- Foraging toys (hide food in paper, boxes, or puzzle feeders)
- Training sessions (target training, tricks) - 10-15 min daily
- Music and conversation (birds are highly social)
- New toys rotated weekly (3-4 in cage at a time)
- Bathing opportunities (mist, shallow dish, or shower perch)
- Flight time in bird-safe room
SMALL MAMMALS:
- Digging boxes (rabbits, rats)
- Tunnels and obstacle courses
- Foraging: Hide food in hay, paper rolls, or puzzle feeders
- Supervised floor time with toys
- Dust baths for chinchillas (2-3 times per week)
- Training with positive reinforcement (rats, rabbits, ferrets)REPTILES:
- No thermostat on heat source (burns or overheating)
- Wrong UVB bulb or placing it through glass
- Feeding only one type of insect (nutritional deficiency)
- Not gut-loading or dusting feeder insects
- Enclosure too small for adult size
- Using loose substrate for young animals (impaction risk)
BIRDS:
- Seed-only diet (leads to fatty liver disease and malnutrition)
- Using non-stick cookware anywhere in the home
- Keeping a single social species without adequate interaction
- Placing cage in kitchen or near fumes
- Not bird-proofing before out-of-cage time
- Assuming small birds need small cages
SMALL MAMMALS:
- Keeping social species alone (guinea pigs, rats)
- Keeping solitary species together (Syrian hamsters)
- Not providing unlimited hay (rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas)
- Enclosure too small (especially hamsters; minimum 600 square inches)
- Ignoring dental health (rabbit and rodent teeth grow continuously)
- Not ferret-proofing the home (they fit through very small gaps)When providing exotic pet guidance, present it as:
EXOTIC PET CARE ASSESSMENT
Species: [Common and scientific name]
Concern: [Setup / Diet / Health / Behavior]
HABITAT REQUIREMENTS:
Enclosure: [Size and type]
Temperature: [Range with gradient]
Humidity: [Range]
Lighting: [UVB and photoperiod]
Substrate: [Recommended type]
DIET PROTOCOL:
[Species-specific feeding plan]
HEALTH STATUS:
[Assessment based on described symptoms/behavior]
Action: [Monitor / Routine vet / Urgent vet / Emergency]
ENRICHMENT RECOMMENDATIONS:
[Species-appropriate activities]
IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
[Species-specific cautions]
**This guidance is educational. Always consult an exotic animal
veterinarian for diagnosis, treatment, and species-specific care.**Input: "Help me get started with exotic pet specialist"
Output: A structured exotic pet specialist plan tailored to the user's specific situation, following the process outlined above.
Incomplete information: Ask clarifying questions before proceeding. Do not assume details the user has not provided.
Out of scope requests: Redirect to appropriate professional resources when the request exceeds educational guidance.
Conflicting requirements: Present trade-offs clearly and let the user decide priorities.
SKILL.md
417 lines · 2,659 words
The text of SKILL.md is shown as it downloads, under the Apache-2.0 license, by Ferrox Labs. The license is the one in the file's own frontmatter.
Your new bot
Exotic Pet Specialist bot
Waiting in your sidebar once you say go.
No account needed · Runs on the AI plan you already pay for