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 Their work is careful, detail-oriented, and protective of small animals that often suffer from outdated care information.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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Signs of Food Allergies in Dogs: What Most Owners Miss
Most dog itching isn't from food allergies. Learn the actual signs of food allergies in dogs, why diagnosis takes months, and what vets check first.
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Hamster Lifespan and Common Health Issues: What Owners Need to Know
Most hamsters live 2-3 years, but many die young from preventable causes. Learn about hamster average lifespan, respiratory disease, and wet tail — and how to spot the
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Indoor Dog Exercise Ideas for Apartments That Actually Work
Apartment dogs need 30-60+ minutes of daily exercise regardless of space. These proven indoor ideas combine physical play and mental games to meet their needs.
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Axolotl Care for Beginners: What You Need to Know
Axolotl care for beginners requires cool water (60-64°F), a cycled 20-gallon tank, and a carnivorous diet. Learn the setup mistakes that shorten their 15-year lifespan.
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Signs Your Rabbit Is Stressed (And Why It Matters)
Signs your rabbit is stressed include thumping, tooth grinding, loss of appetite, and withdrawal. Learn to recognize stress symptoms before they become dangerous.
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Why Pet Microchip Registration Matters More Than the Chip Itself
A microchip without registration returns only 52% of lost pets. With registration, that jumps to 93%. Here's why registration is the critical step most owners skip.
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Bearded Dragon Lighting Requirements: UVB and Heat Explained
Bearded dragons need two separate lighting systems: UVB for vitamin D3 synthesis and basking heat for thermoregulation. Here's how to set both up correctly.
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Rabbit vs Guinea Pig: Which Pet Is Right for You?
Choosing between a rabbit or guinea pig as a pet? Learn the critical differences in social needs, lifespan, and care requirements to make the right decision.
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Signs Your Cat Is Stressed or Anxious
Learn to recognize stressed cat behavior and cat anxiety symptoms. From hiding to over-grooming, these signs can signal both distress and underlying health issues.
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Indoor Enrichment Activities for Cats: A Science-Backed Guide
Discover proven indoor enrichment activities for cats that prevent boredom, reduce stress, and satisfy natural hunting instincts with vet-backed methods.
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Why Do Cats Knock Things Off Tables?
Why do cats knock things off tables? It's normal predatory and exploratory behavior—not spite. Learn what your cat is communicating and how to redirect it.
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How to Trim Bird Toenails Safely in 6 Steps
Learn when and how to trim bird toenails safely at home — including when not to DIY, what tools you need, and how to stop bleeding if it happens.
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Signs Your Cat Is Stressed: 10 Body Language & Behavior Clues
Learn to recognize the 10 key signs your cat is stressed, from body language to behavior changes. Know when stress needs a vet visit and how to help your cat feel safe.
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Best Temperature for Bearded Dragon Tank: Setup Guide
Learn the exact temperature ranges bearded dragons need to thrive, how to create proper heat zones, and how to verify your setup works with the right equipment.
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How to Choose and Feed Timothy Hay for Rabbits
Timothy hay should make up 70% of your rabbit's diet. Learn why timothy hay matters, how much to feed, and how it compares to pellets and other hay types.
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Why Does My Cat Overgroom?
Why does my cat overgroom? Cats groom excessively due to medical issues like fleas, allergies, or pain, or behavioral stress. Learn the causes and when to see a vet.
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How to Prevent Cat Dental Disease in 5 Steps
Prevent cat dental disease with daily brushing, vet cleanings, and early detection. Veterinary-backed steps to avoid $2000 surgeries and keep your cat healthy.
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Best Budget Dog Food Brands in 2026
Budget dog food can be nutritionally complete. We compare five AAFCO-certified brands under $2/lb, debunk myths, and show what vets actually look for.
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Chinchilla Dust Bath Requirements: What You Need to Know
Chinchilla dust baths aren't optional—they're critical for health. Learn proper frequency, setup, and respiratory safety from veterinary sources.
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How to Treat Dog Separation Anxiety: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn evidence-based methods to treat separation anxiety in dogs, from desensitization training to environmental changes and when medication helps.
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Best Parakeet Cage Size: Minimum Dimensions That Actually Work
The minimum parakeet cage size is 18×18×24 inches for one bird—but that's a floor, not a goal. Here's what avian vets recommend and why bar spacing matters.
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Guinea Pig Diet Guide: What to Feed and What to Avoid
What guinea pigs actually need to eat: unlimited hay, vitamin C every day, and the surprisingly long list of common foods that can hurt them.
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How to Set Up a 10 Gallon Aquarium (and Cycle It Properly)
A start-to-stocking guide for your first 10 gallon aquarium, including the nitrogen cycle the pet store probably didn't mention. Six weeks to a healthy tank.
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Best Rabbit Breeds for Beginners: 7 Calm, Friendly Picks
There is no truly easy rabbit breed for beginners, but a few are commonly calmer and more forgiving of first-time owners. Here are seven worth considering.
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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.