I've been About.com's Guide to Exotic Pets for eleven years, and what a fun ride it has been! I have learned so much about exotic pets in this time, and have tremendously enjoyed learning about your pets and being part of a community that has supported each other through the highs and lows of being exotic pet "parents." However, the time has come for me to move onto another stage in my life -- it has been a very difficult decision, and I'd like to thank everyone for their support over the years. I know soon a new exotic pet expert will join the other excellent pet Guides at About.com, and I look forward to being a regular visitor myself. I wish you and your pets all the best!

The other day at the pet store I was admiring the house geckos. They are small little lizards that have a propensity for hanging out on walls and ceilings of homes (not surprisingly, this is how they got their name!). As a side note, they have been a successful invasive species in many warm climates, mostly from hitchhiking on ships and other modes of transportation (though pet owners should never let these or any other pets go into the wild). Because of their small size and undemanding needs, they can make pretty good pets too - but unless you can find captive bred house geckos, you might want to think twice. Find out how to care for them in Common House Geckos.

The Degu (pronounced "Day-goo") is a fairly large rodent (10-12 inches including the tail) native to Chile. They are pretty new in the pet trade but they are quite good pets. They are very social, which means they should ideally live another degu, but their social nature makes them fairly easy to tame and handle too. Unlike some other rodents, they are not nocturnal, which makes them a bit easier to live with. With their friendly nature I imagine they will continue to increase in popularity as pets.
Also See: Choosing a Rodent Pet

Hamsters are definitely born to run. Did you know that hamsters have been reported to run as much as 8 km a night on their wheels? For this reason, it is very important to pick out a good wheel that is safe and comfortable, and also quiet (unless you like to be kept awake by a squeaking wheel during your hamster's nightly marathon). Run-About balls and other out-of-the-cage exercise wheels are also popular, but are not a substitute for a freely accessible wheel in the cage. Find out how to pick a wheel in "Choosing a Hamster Wheel."
If you are curious about just how far your hamster could run, you can measure your hamsters milage by getting a Wodent Wheel equipped with a "Wodometer" (yes, that is really what it is called!)
More About Hamsters: Hamster Care