Rowan Pike
Small pets and exotics — rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, reptiles, aquariums
Albuquerque, NM
Rowan Pike writes the small-pet and exotic content for PawsGuides — rabbits, guinea pigs, parakeets, geckos, betta fish, the whole long tail of pets that don't get enough good information online. Rowan has kept some combination of fish, reptiles, and small mammals since childhood and has spent years correcting their own early misconceptions (and watching the internet spread the same ones). Their work is careful, detail-oriented, and protective of small animals that often suffer from outdated care information. Based in Albuquerque.
What Rowan covers
- Aquarium care (freshwater focus; saltwater referenced not deep-covered)
- Reptile husbandry (lighting, heating, diet — the stuff that goes wrong)
- Small mammals — rabbits, guinea pigs (much-misunderstood category)
- Bird care (smaller birds; pet shop budgies, cockatiels)
- Debunking widespread bad pet advice
Articles by Rowan
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Betta Fish Tank Size: Why 5 Gallons Is the Real Minimum
Betta fish can survive in a bowl—they shouldn't. Science-backed guidance on why 5 gallons heated and filtered is the real minimum for betta health and lifespan.
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Why Is My Fish Dying? Diagnosis, Action, and When It's Too Late
Your fish is showing signs of distress. This guide walks you through water quality checks, visible symptoms, and realistic next steps — most fish deaths are.