Five Exotic Pet Types to Keep You Amused

When you hear the words “exotic pets?” what do you think of? Maybe an expensive beast which is hard to manage and maintain. This is not entirely correct. An exotic pet is a rare and unusual animal kept as a pet which is not normally thought of as a pet. So basically anything other than a dog, cat or livestock. In fact it covers a whole range of smaller, family friendly pets. So what are they? This article covers examples of five exotic pet types to keep you amused.

1. Rodents

There is a range of nice pet options amongst the rodent family. People often cringe at the thought of owning a rodent, but they are relatively easy to keep, do not take up much space and can be very affectionate if handled properly.

a. The Guinea Pig

The Guinea Pig is a great rodent pet, especially for a responsible older child who is capable of looking after it. They are at a size which makes them easier for children to handle however they do bite if frightened, otherwise they behave well. Guinea Pigs are fairly inexpensive only needing a simple cage, clean fresh bedding and food. They like eating fresh fruits and vegetables which the family is already eating. It is important for these pets to get a daily dose of vitamin C, found in fruits and vegetables, as they are prone to getting scurvy.

b. Other rodents

Other rodents such as rats, mice, hamsters and gerbils can provide a good pet choice but they each have their own benefits and drawbacks to consider.For example rats are intelligent and can bond with consistent, careful handling but may creep some family members out; some rodents are best kept on their own whilst others like to be in pairs. It is just a matter of doing some research to find the best fit for you.

2. Birds

Small birds like the finch and parakeet are good choices for a pet. They are a little more fragile than rodents and require some maintenance including a daily clean out of their cage with fresh food and water and sometimes can be impossible to tame down.

They are better suited for the older child and above age group and those who prefer to watch a pet rather than cuddle and pat a pet.

3. Lizards and Snakes

These are not very affectionate or interactive but are interesting to watch. They do need a specialized diet eg if you are thinking about adopting a snake make sure you know its food requirements. Also they could be expensive as they need extensive habitats; the larger the reptile or amphibian the larger the cage and hence more work.

4. Fish

If you are looking for a low maintenance pet, then fish are probably the best option. They are beautiful to watch as they swim around their tank. And you can add accessories to a tank of which there are a huge range to choose from. It is curious to see how the fish respond to each new addition of another fish or accessory.

After the initial expense and set up of the tank then the only real maintenance and expense is the fish food. You feed the fish as directed on the fish food you buy. It is usually daily but you can feed them with a weekly feeding tablet. If cost is an issue you can always purchase a tank and accessories second hand.

5. Hermit Crab or Madagascar Hissing Cockroach

Now, these two creatures are truly low maintenance. They do not require handling or a lot of human interaction, need a small space and won't worry too much if ignored for days. And you thought fish were low maintenance!

Well, here you have it, five example types of exotic pet types to keep you amused and there are plenty more “fish in the sea” so to speak.. A smaller option might be great if you live in an apartment or a pet requiring more space could be an option if you live in the country. So what is it to be?