Although their average lifespan is 12 to 18 years, some senior pigs have reached their early 20s! The best part about this pet is that most butterfly species feed on just a mixture of sugar and water. According to Lianne McLeod, DVM, with The Spruce Pets,their bodies only grow from one inch to six inches, and in captivity, they only have a life expectancy of up to one year. They only grow an average of one-and-a-half inches and live up to five years, according to the pros at Petco. However, they can entertain themselves when you are not around to play, leading to some mischief and problems if they are not supervised. That works, too, as their care, cost, and temperament are similar. These clean and cuddly rodents also require at least an hour of daily exercise out of their cage, in a rat-proofed room (think removing plants that may be toxic), so this also has to be taken into account when making the approximately 2.5-year commitment, which is the usual lifespan of these animals. Required fields are marked *. They are social and do best when placed with other hermit crabs if their tank is spacious enough. They only require 30% to 40% humidity, but as diurnal reptiles, they need at least 12 hours of sunlight and a heated basking area set at Pets Their small size and relatively easy care make them perfect for smallerhomes. Lianne McLeod, DVM, is a small animal and exotic pet expert with over a decade of experience writing about veterinary care. However, they need much attention and care, including the right temperature, humidity, and lighting. Hamsters are small and low-maintenance and can entertain themselves with a wheel or other toys. Unlike other animals, scorpions need a hotter tankanywhere from 80 degrees Fahrenheit at the coolest to 90 degrees at the warmest. They like to chillax in a tropical habitat and love to eat crickets and worms. Another low-key pet! WebHermit crabs are one of those small pets that are not very common, but nevertheless quite well mannered, insanely cheap, and make for great pets. She lives free in the flat and reaches her cage for drinking, relieving herself, or sleeping. This popular parrot makes a Scorpion. A rat doesn't seem like the most cuddly choice, but if handled from a young age they can make very affable companions. Kids will love feeding them, but because goldfish have such short memories, they tend to overeat if youre not careful. 40 Rare and Unique Exotic Pets. It may seem strange to keep insects or spiders as pets, but these are unique animals that are interesting to look at. Best pets to have at home or in an apartment Unlike turtles, tortoises need more room to roam, so be sure to invest in a spacious pen. Hermit crabs are a good choice for those who find themselves short on time to provide the care for a more high-maintenance pet. But please note, it is illegal to own a hedgehog as a pet in some jurisdictions in the U.S. such as New York City. Physical Characteristics: Large, black eyes and bushy tails; luxuriously soft; silver, yellow-gray, bluish-gray, white, beige and black fur. 21 Best Pets For Kids (By Age Range 4. Lives up to three years. Juveniles need feedings three times a day, but adults can eat once daily. Bearded dragon Gerbil. They dont require too much spacea 15-to 20-gallon tank will do the trickand they feed on crickets, wax worms and meal worms. They require a cage with soft bedding. Marketed somewhat nonsensically as the worlds only instant pets, Sea-Monkeys is the brand name for a type of brine shrimp that issold in novelty kits, usually to children. Cheapest Low-Maintenance Pets Youll want to keep their habitat on the warmer side, along with a shallow saltwater dish where they can soak in. Not only that, but these reptiles can live up to 20 years or more as pets, so they're perfect if you're not looking to say goodbye to your animal too soon. But when you have roommates, kids in the family or work long hours, caring for a pet is not easy. However, they can be very active and are nocturnal. Pigs are opportunistic omnivores which means they like snacks! Hedgehogs are very quiet and low-maintenance pets. The fur is reddish-brown and is broken by five brownish brown stripes running down the length of the body. Spotted Genet. Spotted Genet. They only require 30% to 40% humidity, but as diurnal reptiles, they need at least 12 hours of sunlight and a heated basking area set at Your email address will not be published. They also don't mind being held and pet. Their intelligence and bizarre personality make them an interesting and loving addition to their family. This one is probably an easy pick for the kids. They are also quiet, fastidious self groomers, and they are relatively easy to care for. However, hedgehogs get a little nervous and roll into a ball when threatened or picked up. Although they make excellent pets for beginners, Bearded Dragons have specialized diets composed of fruit, vegetables, and insects. The domesticated Budgerigar is the most popular of all pet bird species, according to BirdLife International. Choosing a rat as a pet might seem like a gamble. Read our, 8 Best Talking Bird Species to Keep as Pets, 11 Easiest Fish to Take Care Of For Beginners, These 7 Birds Make the Best Pets for Kids, 10 Best Tarantula Species to Keep as Pets. Gerbil. Exotic pets are often compact, quiet, and don't require outdoor space, making them ideal pets for apartment living since they don't bother nearby neighbors or damage your home. Juveniles need feedings three times a day, but adults can eat once daily. However, they can entertain themselves when you are not around to play, leading to some mischief and problems if they are not supervised. How to Pet Proof Your Home in 10 Easy Steps. [] Rabbits Eat Celery Leaves? Best price ! Another reason many owners are surprised by the size. "And once your tank is ready, you only need to feed them once a dayor get an automatic fish feederand replace 15 percent of the water each week.". These rodents cost between $25 and $50, and a proper habitat adds about $75 to the initial cost. Prehensile-Tailed Porcupine. These dont necessarily add to the dynamic of your home, but its nice to know theyre there. To cut your start-up costs, adopt a rescue hamster and pick up a second-hand cage on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Binturong. Hermit crabs are interesting to watch; they move from one shell to another. Lives 5 to 8 years. Let's face it, dogs aren't ever really low-maintenance pets. Low-Maintenance Pets Chipmunk (Tamias species) is a large internal cheekbone used for food transport. Ferret makes excellent pets for owners who take the time to bond with them. They like to chillax in a tropical habitat and love to eat crickets and worms. Cheapism may earn a commission if you buy through a link on our site. Hedgehogs are amazing little animals that make interesting pets. They need a lot of love, attention, and affection. Bestlifeonline.com is part of the Meredith Health Group. Many snakes are hesitant to accept thawed frozen mice. Pets Although the axolotl is known as a 'walking fish', it is not a fish, but an amphibian. They don't need much cage spacea 15- to 20-gallon tank should doso they're a good option if you don't have room for an elaborate vivarium setup. Thanks to their day-to-day ease of care and, among male canaries, their trademark singing, canaries have been one of the most popular types of pets for more than 500 years not nearly as long as dogs, but 500 years is pretty impressive. These animals, among the easiest of their species to own, live for about eight to 15 years and are relatively inexpensive compared with other popular pet birds such as parrots. Pet Many snakes are hesitant to accept thawed frozen mice. Due to their small size, they are easier to control than many other parrot species. Hermit Crabs: Less Than $10. These guys live for four to five years and relish the companionship of a fellow cavy (another name for a guinea pig) in their space. Know which species you can keep in your town or city before bringing them home. Rare and Unique Exotic Pets They like to chillax in a tropical habitat and love to eat crickets and worms. This British Shorthair Cat can groom and wash itself and moults far less than other cats. A thriving ant colony seen inside a formicarium enclosure. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Fish are often "seen as low-maintenance pets" until people realize just how much work needs to be put into 2 Pugs. Another low-key pet! However, they do require a diet of chinchilla-specific food, which can be bought at a local pet store. They can thrive in 10-gallon tanks or terrariums as long as they're set up correctly. Kids will love feeding them, but because goldfish have such short memories, they tend to overeat if youre not careful. Cheapest Low-Maintenance Pets 4. They eat live insects, which you can purchase at a pet store, as well as limited portions of fruits, vegetables and greens. Expect to pay less than $30 to raise and keep your butterflies. Leopard geckos have a lifespan of about 20 years and can easily cohabitate with each other. Talk about hands-off. Small, furry, adventurous, and cuddly, guinea pigs are an excellent match for preteens. Budgerigar: $1035. With an ant farm, the ants do most of the work. The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. However, if you choose to get a tortoise you must be diligent about their diets as some species require a fair amount of vegetables, while certain breeds of turtles eat meat. They're not "generally a lap cat" but will stay close by, and can get along with both dogs and children. Although some tropical fish can cost thousands of dollars, other less expensive options include the goldfish and betta fish. From perfect beaks to curly tails, tiny pot-bellied pigs have become a very favorite addition to the exotic pet scene. These funny jokes will help you turn your frown upside-down. Easy to maintain and even easier to acquirethey can be found in most backyards! WebGuinea Pig. Emily has been a proofreader and editor at a variety of online media outlets over the past decade and has reviewed more than 200 articles for The Spruce Pets for factual accuracy. Lizard species that are good for beginners include leopard geckos, crested geckos, house geckos, bearded dragons, and anoles. However, they are social animals are typically require the company of another guinea pig. However, they can entertain themselves when you are not around to play, leading to some mischief and problems if they are not supervised. Best pets to have at home or in an apartment In addition, they need a large terrarium with pure water, fruits, and vegetables every day. Cheapest Low-Maintenance Pets Their small, twig-like size makes them easy to home in small spaces like "small glass containers" or "cages around 12 inches tall," and their dietary habits are not intense either. Their diet consists of small bits of apples, carrots, and cucumbers with chalk, egg shells, or cuttlefish bone for calcium to "strengthen your snails' shells." They need a lot of love, attention, and affection. Local laws also might prohibit certain exotic animals. They make a "wheek" sound as a vocalization, but it is not loud enough to disturb neighbors in an apartment setting. Anoles can live more than five years and grow up to 8 inches long. Height is not critical; they don't tend to climb, so it does not need to be taller than a foot or 18 inches. 1. 17 Low-Maintenance Pets That Are Easy Opt for a larger tank with a filtration system. They are in the rodent family and eat an omnivorous diet. As a bonus, they can live harmoniously with docile fishlike a bettaif you want more than one kind of pet. This crawly creature only grows three to eight inches long and lives anywhere from two to six years, according to the pros at Petco. They can live longer depending on goldfish type, the size of the tank, and how often their water is She received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and a Master of Science in Plant Biology from Ohio University. Web1. Smith Collection/Gado /Getty Images 13. Leopard geckos tend to be the most commonly available pet geckos, but house geckos Adults grow to up to 12 inches. They can live longer depending on goldfish type, the size of the tank, and how often their water is Tarantulas just need a suitable terrarium to roam around in, and they eat live insects like crickets, mealworms, super worms, and roaches. by Shahinur | Sep 12, 2021 | Pets | 0 comments. Guinea pigs, rabbits, and ferrets love to cuddle with humans. A second small, popular, and inexpensive fish to consider, Bettas (also known as Siamese fighting fish) are aggressive by nature and need to be kept in isolation. "For hygienic purposes, one simple tank wash a month should do the trick as well. If youre a fan of spiders, a pet tarantula can be a fascinating addition to your home. 5. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Physical Characteristics: Two bulging eyes; strong, long, webbed hind feet used for leaping and swimming; smooth or slimy skin; colors are varied. Although the wallabies can be house trained, they need to be fenced off safely with plenty of space to roam, not supervised. Agouti. Primary diet consists of hay, pellets, fruit, vegetables and Vitamin C supplements. A leopard gecko is the perfect pet for any family or apartment-dwelling young adult. These fuzzballs often whistle, purr, and squeal to express emotions, which makes them one of the best choices for people who like to know their pets are happy. 10 Cheap Exotic Pets - PetHelpful. Hermit Crabs: Less Than $10. African Dwarf Frogs Not for the faint of heart, but snakes can make for very easy pets to have around the house. But not always. They are also just as fun and loving as traditional pets like dogs and cats. Tarantulas are quiet and typically only need a 10- to 20-gallon aquarium to thrive. According to John Virata with Reptiles magazine, good beginner pet snakes include the corn snake, California kingsnake, rosy boa, gopher snake, and ball python. Budgerigar. Although they make excellent pets for beginners, Bearded Dragons have specialized diets composed of fruit, vegetables, and insects. According to the pros at Pet Helpful, African dwarf frogs are aquatic amphibians which means they live underwater, so making sure theyre living in clean, filtered water is paramount. Hamsters are relatively small, being only 5 to 7 inches long.