"For starters, they require little to no work, as they only need to be fed once or twice a week," she says. 4. Plus, their diet consists of small pellet or powdered food. Local laws also might prohibit certain exotic animals. (Sellers may also try to upsell you to a giant kit.). Leopard and house geckos are among the best choices for reptile pets, especially for beginners. Budgerigar. These strange-looking creatures are relatively inexpensive and can be maintained in an aquarium that does not require any heating or specific filtration. 40 Rare and Unique Exotic Pets. Adults grow to up to 12 inches. Since most chipmunks dont accumulate significant fat during the fall, they rely on these cached foods in the winter. WebGuinea Pig. Not the type to help you save on car insurance, but the type to make long-term, easy-to-care-for pets. WebGuinea Pig. Hamsters Image Credit: Lichtpuenktchen, Pixabay Hamsters are one of the small pets that many people would think of immediately when asked to name a low-maintenance pet. Most kids end up having hamsters as childhood pets because they're more low-maintenance than other animals. To cut your start-up costs, adopt a rescue hamster and pick up a second-hand cage on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Physical Characteristics: Short tails, stubby legs, and small ears; color variations include black, grey, brown, white, yellow, red, or a mixture of several colors. Still, praying mantises are cool to look at, it's fun to watch them feed, and, on the list of easiest pets, they rank right up there. They spend most of their time sleeping or laying still and require infrequent feeding. It guarantees the same level of protein and vital nutrition that pigs want. As a bonus, they can live harmoniously with docile fishlike a bettaif you want more than one kind of pet. Some male frogs sing, so they'renot a completely quiet pet, but the sound is not loud enough to offend the neighbors. Pets Misleading name aside, hermit crabs actually enjoy company and will thank you if you provide them with a playmate. Smith Collection/Gado /Getty Images 13. Behind this cotton will be the ant queen and her offspring. This crawly creature only grows three to eight inches long and lives anywhere from two to six years, according to the pros at Petco. Goats are low maintenance and eat grass, hay, grain and pellet feed. Adults grow to up to 12 inches. Ferret makes excellent pets for owners who take the time to bond with them. Small Pets That Could Be Right Adults grow to up to 4 inches plus a 4-inch tail. The catch? Pygmy goats are curious and love to explore, play and socialize. Degu: $1020. These dont necessarily add to the dynamic of your home, but its nice to know theyre there. Most allergy sufferers can live comfortably with a hamster in the house. Hamsters are easy to tame with regular handling. While everyone knows what a porcupine is, many have not seen or heard of the funny-looking, tree-dwelling, 2. 4. 3. Daily food fees are minimal, but fish need a proper tank and setup costs about $100. As a bonus, the average hen lays 276 eggs every year, according to a survey issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Green Iguana: $1525. A drawback is that there are some parts of the U.S. where they are illegal or require permits; check yourstate laws on exotic pets before you adopt one. Although they make excellent pets for beginners, Bearded Dragons have specialized diets composed of fruit, vegetables, and insects. Pet goats can easily adapt to any environment but do need a yard. Leopard geckos have a lifespan of about 20 years and can easily cohabitate with each other. The little creatures need lighting in their enclosure, a moist shelter for shedding and a warm place to call home. Let's face it, dogs aren't ever really low-maintenance pets. Goldfish: $1 to $40. Mmm. Check out this selection of 21 low-maintenance pets that are oh-so-easy to take care of. Join half a million readers enjoying Newsweek's free newsletters. All you need is some fruit and vegetables to feed them and a tank that gets an adequate amount of moisture. 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. You will need to make sure your home is ferret-proofed to prevent escapes or unsafe hiding spots (like in the oven). A Budgerigar perched on a branch in Queensland, Australia. When it comes to fueling your pork adventures, its important to provide a healthy diet. They can live longer depending on goldfish type, the size of the tank, and how often their water is Can you imagine an easier pet to care for than a snail? These funny jokes will help you turn your frown upside-down. They make excellent apartment dwellers because they sleep most of the day while the owner is away for the day. Fruit can be given occasionally as a treat. Also, the question about Can rabbits eat bok choy arises from another one as can, [] How Much Home Cooked Food to Feed Dog [], [] to give their animals wholesome food. Top 13 Best Pets To Have At Home Or In An Apartment. Provided you have a backyard and space for a coop, chickens are a surprisingly easy choice. They like the thrill of the chase and constricting their prey on their own. Although they make excellent pets for beginners, Bearded Dragons have specialized diets composed of fruit, vegetables, and insects. As with other animals, it's important that you conduct thorough research and talk to appropriate experts before you adopt a low-maintenance pet because these little guys are just as worthy of all the love you can give. Anole This cool lizard boasts a colorful neck pouch and is a great choice for novice reptile pet parents. This popular parrot makes a great choice for those who live in small spaces. Best Exotic Pets for Small Spaces Degu: $1020. Small Pets That Could Be Right The praying mantis is great for people who don't want to make a fuzzy, emotional connection with their new pet. Many snakes are hesitant to accept thawed frozen mice. Crabs are social creatures so it's a good idea to keep more than one. ". Axolotl: $1535. In addition to food and water maintenance, make sure you provide enough toys for these interactive little mammals to play with. They are skilled at playing the whistle and can often be taught to play the whistle. Another low-key pet! Goldfish are active all day and make the perfect viewing shelf pet that is absolutely low maintenance for any pet owner. Although the axolotl is known as a 'walking fish', it is not a fish, but an amphibian. } ); Leopard and house geckos are among the best choices for reptile pets, especially for beginners. They can thrive in 10-gallon tanks or terrariums as long as they're set up correctly. The animals themselves are inexpensive, and it's fun to buy young ones and watch as they grow. Spotted Genet. The 21 Most Low-Maintenance Pets You Can Own 1 Betta fish. They are in the rodent family and eat an omnivorous diet. Hermit crabs are the quintessential low-maintenance pets since the sand at the bottom of their tanks only needs to be changed three times a yearweekly scooping is recommended, however. These rodents cost between $25 and $50, and a proper habitat adds about $75 to the initial cost. Let's face it, dogs aren't ever really low-maintenance pets. Excluding the costs of a cage, toys (canaries can get bored and require entertainment), and unforeseen veterinary visits, you can expect to pay about $120 per year for food and miscellaneous supplies. Hamsters Image Credit: Lichtpuenktchen, Pixabay Hamsters are one of the small pets that many people would think of immediately when asked to name a low-maintenance pet. Hamsters are relatively small, being only 5 to 7 inches long. Male tarantulas grow from two to ten inches, and most species only live up to seven years long, according to the experts at Petco. Pet ants can be kept in a simple glass test tube until the colony is big enough to be moved to an enclosure with a nest and an "outdoor" compartment where the ants can feed, keepinginsects.com advises. They also don't mind being held and pet. Physical Characteristics: Pointed snout, small rounded ears, a body-length scaly tail; color variations include brown, black, tan, gray, and albino. Their tank needs to have enough room for them to be able to swim around and come up for air when needed. Snake. A hedgehog is not related to porcupines or not a rodent, they are in a sub-family known as insectivore. They can grow anywhere between eight to 24 inches, so they require a spacious tank or aquariumnot bowl. They eat live insects, which you can purchase at a pet store, as well as limited portions of fruits, vegetables and greens. Axolotl: $1535. Best pets to have at home or in an apartment 40 Rare and Unique Exotic Pets. However, they are social animals are typically require the company of another guinea pig. Gerbil. Agouti. How to Pet Proof Your Home in 10 Easy Steps. A handle, Tame Hedgehog will unroll fairly quickly and reduce its quills for some quality bonding time. ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb, Pets aren't limited to furry creatures or fish. But not always. They require hardly any maintenance, and only need to be fed growth food every five to seven days. The quintessential low-maintenance "pet" if ever there was one. Reptiles like smaller lizards and snakes are not as social as mammals, but they can be good for small spaces. Cool These animals also require a moist hideout to aid their shedding, a water bowl, and a second hideout for when they're feeling self-conscious. Fruits, vegetables, and cat or dog food are young, healthy, in a good mood, and perfect. Budgerigar: $1035. Web1. Adults grow to up to 4 inches plus a 4-inch tail. All that, alongside the small size of pugs, make them one of the most low-maintenance dog breeds. The most popular is probably the corn snake because it's a fairly docile snake, and they don't grow that largetwo to five feet in length at most. WebGuinea Pig. High-quality pot-bellied pork food should closely reflect the natural food of an animal. So, you have a fifth grader who is finally learning about metamorphosis, what better way to show them the process than to get some caterpillars for the home. Pet goats require little to no grooming however they can be destructive to fences and gardens and can call loudly, which neighbours may find a nuisance, British animal charity the RSPCA warns. As omnivorous, wild food consists of roots, vegetables, nuts, seeds, berries, eggs, and small insects. Ferret makes excellent pets for owners who take the time to bond with them. From perfect beaks to curly tails, tiny pot-bellied pigs have become a very favorite addition to the exotic pet scene. Hedgehogs are quiet and produce very little dander, making them the right pet for people with allergies. They appreciate out-of-cage time to socialize, explore, and play. Kids can take them out of their cages to gently play with them every once in a while, but as long as they have the basic necessities, they're happy. Cheap Exotic Pets-Legal Cheapest Top 10 Affordable List. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. 1. Good Pets for Kids-These Are the Best Pets for Kids at Each Age, How Much White Maltese Dog Hypoallergenic ! Evenly tempered, these guys get along with other cats, dogs and children. A hedgehog is not related to porcupines or not a rodent, they are in a sub-family known as insectivore. Males and females are less picky than goldfish, and aside from a need to change the water in the bowl and daily feeding, these make for lo- maintenance pets that don't interfere with your time. They like to chillax in a tropical habitat and love to eat crickets and worms. 5. 17 Low-Maintenance Pets That Are Easy 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 Although mini-pot-bellied pigs are much smaller than their corral, a small pig could easily weigh more than 100 pounds! There are several types of pet frogs: aquatic frogs (African clawed frogs), semi-aquatic frogs (oriental fire-bellied toads), tree frogs (American green tree frogs), and large but sedentary frogs (Pacman frogs). Kids can learn a lot from their metamorphosis since they are born as caterpillars, and they only have a complete lifespanincluding the metamorphosisof six to eight months. If the lifespan of a turtle intimidates you, go with a hermit crab instead! Top 13 Best Pets To Have At Home Or In An Apartment. They are also low-maintenance pets, only eating a few times a week. Feeding the bottle to your baby will create a close bond between the owner and the animal. Whether you want to own an exotic animal or something more common, there are more pets available than ever before. A 15- to 20-gallon tank can easily hold two to three leopard geckos, and they have a normal diet of crickets, wax worms, and mealworms. Although dogs are usually a lot more high-maintenance and costly than other pets, pugs are a fairly low-maintenance and economical choice. Their diet mostly consists of regular fish food, though theyre known to have a particular palate for frozen bloodworms. Garden snails have also been known to be low-maintenance pets. Betta Fish: $5 to $25. Low Maintenance Pets Owners can easily rest with complete nutritional assurance on every meal their piggy enjoys. Mice do not require a lot of space or a large cage. Still on the search for the perfect small amphibian? All they need for a home is a small tank "at least twice as wide and three times as tall" as their body. They may look intimidating, but hermit crabs are actually super chill once they get acquainted to their environments though they will snip if they feel threatened, so a soft touch is key when handling them. Their short, smooth, glossy coat needs minimal maintenance and their smaller size means they don't require hours of walking a day, the American Kennel Club says. Best Exotic Pets for Small Spaces Also, be careful not to move the ant farm once ants have built their tunnels, as it might cause a collapse, which could kill or injure the ants. Cheap Exotic Pets Seeing as most praying mantises are taken from the yard outside the home and brought in, there's usually no cost at all! 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 Iguanas are some of the most prominent victims of inadequate care for their presence as cheap animals in chain pet stores. Thus, making a hedgehog seems to be not a subject to the separation anxiety, but this pet is fitting for those who travel. Many snakes are hesitant to accept thawed frozen mice. With proper care, iguanas are great companions. 3. Guinea pigs, rabbits, and ferrets love to cuddle with humans. Cool Pets to Have in Your Room -Top 10 Coolest Pets Betta Fish: $5 to $25. If you're looking for a low-maintenance fish, go betta. They cheat along the ground but are also expert mountaineers. 5. Pet ownership is wonderful, but many people don't have the space or budget for a larger, more expensive furry friend. Goldfish are active all day and make the perfect viewing shelf pet that is absolutely low maintenance for any pet owner. Rats require a wire cage, bedding and toys. Best Exotic Pets for Small Spaces Degus can be found for around $25 to $40 each from a shelter and around $80 to $100 each from a breeder. A classic easy first pet, a goldfish is an animal that adds life and beauty to the room without requiring much attention, time or Leopard Geckos: $20 to $70. Generally, pets that require a large enclosure and outside-of-cage time like parrots need a space more extensive than a small apartment for free-flying. If you're not against keeping spiders as pets, a tarantula might be a good addition to your family. Everyone Practices Cancel Culture | Opinion, Deplatforming Free Speech is Dangerous | Opinion. Know which species you can keep in your town or city before bringing them home. Bettas often puff up and display their colors when startled or feeling frisky. These were not considered true hibernators, but studies have shown that East Chipmunks body temperature is thirty-five to forty-one degrees Celsius (95 to 105.8 degrees Fahrenheit) during activity and 5-7 degrees Celsius (41-44.6 degrees Fahrenheit) topper a true difference. Juveniles need feedings three times a day, but adults can eat once daily. Similarly, pets like pot-bellied pigs might be naturally inclined to burrow and damage a rental property. Pet stores will typically sell canaries for about $100 to $150; breeders often sell for less. 10 Cheap Exotic Pets - PetHelpful. You only need to feed your turtle four to five times a week, and most turtles generally eat insects, fish, and dark, leafy greens. Your email address will not be published. These guys are great if you need a pet to bring some zen into the space. Snakes species which are easy to own include the corn snake, California kingsnake, rosy boa, gopher snake, and ball python. Pig Dirty This idea cant stay far from the truth. They only grow an average of one-and-a-half inches and live up to five years, according to the pros at Petco. Being active and playful requires a variety of toys to keep them busy, especially chewing gum. Lizard species that are good for beginners include leopard geckos, crested geckos, house geckos, bearded dragons, and anoles. Thus, making a hedgehog seems to be not a subject to the separation anxiety, but this pet is fitting for those who travel. , And you'll need to remember that pet hermit crabs need water to drink, bathe, and replenish their shell water. Primarily nocturnal, they will not mind if you are away during the day. African Dwarf Frogs His short hair doesn't need any trimming," JP says. The one thing to remember about these creatures is that they need to be kept in a dark part of your room, away from sunlight. In addition to mice, Dumerils Boas like to eat small rabbits and fowl. Pot-bellied pigs are highly intelligent animals whose silly and stylish personalities make for excellent pets. The 20 Least Expensive Pets to Own. They are extremely vocal and can move through the air due to the thin skin stretch between their front and back legs. Ants live in colonies and setting up a colony enclosure, called a formicarium, is probably the most challenging part of ant ownership. Our list of the cheapest pets some of whom just require food and water includes animals such as insects, reptiles, freshwater fish, and even a crustacean. Another low-key pet! You'll pay about $15-20 for the hamster, another $20-50 for a cage, $7-8 for an exercise ball, $10 for the first bag of food and another $10 for the first bag of shavings. Stephen Johnson contributed to this story. However, they do require a diet of chinchilla-specific food, which can be bought at a local pet store. Not only are they super adorable, but hamsters are also cost effective and even down for cuddles, should you feel compelled. Cheap Exotic Pets Best Pet Snakes To Have They require a cage with soft bedding. However, they can entertain themselves when you are not around to play, leading to some mischief and problems if they are not supervised. Greyhounds can cost thousands of dollars to buy outright but many are now a popular rescue choice and can be adopted for free. All you need to do, according to Allie Layos of Wide Open Pets, is keep a temperature of somewhere between 60 to 70 degrees, cover the ants at night, give them sufficient water with either a damp cotton ball or a few drops, and provide foods like small pieces of fruits and vegetables. What makes guinea pigs the perfect low-maintenance pet is that they are plenty active without needing much from their owner. Hamsters are relatively small, being only 5 to 7 inches long. However, they can entertain themselves when you are not around to play, leading to some mischief and problems if they are not supervised. Anoles can live more than five years and grow up to 8 inches long. There are nearly 50 breeds of rabbits that people like to keep as a pet. Kids will love feeding them, but because goldfish have such short memories, they tend to overeat if youre not careful. Leopard geckos have a lifespan of about 20 years and can easily cohabitate with each other. It 2. You will need to buy a spacious cage (wire, not aquarium), as well as plenty of toys, bedding, a box to nest and hide in, a water bottle, quality food, a carrier for safe transport to the vet, as well as budgeting for vaccinations and neutering. Another reason many owners are surprised by the size. They make a "wheek" sound as a vocalization, but it is not loud enough to disturb neighbors in an apartment setting. (But they can also be left to their own devices.) A pet chipmunk may not play catch like Fido, but he can surprise you with simple tricks or use you as a perch. The best part about this pet is that most butterfly species feed on just a mixture of sugar and water. Leopard geckos eat live insects and worms and only grow up 10 inches in length. Opt for a larger tank with a filtration system. Pigs communicate in a range of very voices, squeals, oinks, and whines. Gilles Ventejol, founder of Animal Patient, recommends rabbits as a pet owner, despite being a specialist in cat and dog health. Expect to pay less than $30 to raise and keep your butterflies. House an individual in a 10- to 20-gallon tank. A hedgehog is not related to porcupines or not a rodent, they are in a sub-family known as insectivore. They dont require too much spacea 15-to 20-gallon tank will do the trickand they feed on crickets, wax worms and meal worms. 10 Cheap Exotic Pets - PetHelpful. Low-Maintenance Pets Lifespan, Chinchillas as Pet How Long do Chinchillas Live as Good Pets, Crested Gecko Tank Size and Setup ! Leopard geckos tend to be the most commonly available pet geckos, but house geckos They are also quiet and require little space and attention. The traditionally small goldfish fishbowl doesn't provide enough oxygen and has been banned in several countries. Unlike dogs, you don't need to worry about giving a cat lots of exercise and because they are so independent, cats can be left alone for extended periods of time provided they are left with food and water. These crabs can be kept in a humid, five gallon-terrarium. Anole This cool lizard boasts a colorful neck pouch and is a great choice for novice reptile pet parents. Ferrets, hands down, are the most sociable small pets. Aquatic turtles may be okay to keep in an apartment as babies, but they can grow very large and may require a tank that is at least 120 gallons, which can be a drain on space. Sea monkeys only need to be fed every five to seven days and outside of ensuring that their tank is in great conditions, you dont have to worry about them. Many snakes are hesitant to accept thawed frozen mice. 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. This one is probably an easy pick for the kids. "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.". This popular parrot makes a Scorpion. } If you want a cute, cuddly pet, but aren't ready to commit to a pup, consider a rabbit instead. 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. After buying a multilevel cage ($50 to $150) and some other supplies ($100), you can expect to pay between $65 and $125 yearly on food for each degu (guinea pig food works fine), depending on its appetite. Younger children may enjoy them, but the small creatures can be injured easily if play gets rough, so they're not the best choice for families with preschoolers or younger children. A scorpion crawls along the ground at the Scorpion Kingdom laboratory and farm in Egypt's Western Desert. These small rodents typically live for five or six years and only require a cage, some bedding, food, and water. Let's face it, dogs aren't ever really low-maintenance pets. An iguana is the most popular pet lizard. The fur is reddish-brown and is broken by five brownish brown stripes running down the length of the body. Temperatures of 80 to 85 degrees can be maintained using a tank heater or a heat lamp. Although the wallabies can be house trained, they need to be fenced off safely with plenty of space to roam, not supervised. Different species are found in environments determined by large rocks, boulders, and cliffs up to 3,900 meters (12,800 feet) above sea level. Their tank should be equipped with a hygrometer to ensure adequate humidity levels of at least 75 percent. The 21 Most Low-Maintenance Pets You Can Own, I got a dwarf rabbit upon the insistent and repeated requests of my children to have an animal," he says. Mice also require a well-ventilated cage, some toys, but can eat any food suitable for humans. Cats are notoriously independent. Low Maintenance Pets Chickens are omnivores and eat anything from fruits, vegetables, grains and even food scraps. xhr.setRequestHeader('Content-Type', 'text/plain;charset=UTF-8'); Although some tropical fish can cost thousands of dollars, other less expensive options include the goldfish and betta fish. Also, since they are natural predators, it may take some time to make friends with other animals in the house. Unless won at the county fair, these animals can cost anywhere from $1 (sometimes they're considered food for other animals, rather than pets) to $40 or more. These spiny little animals need to be fed and cared for in the evening hours so make the perfect companion for night owls. 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. Physical Characteristics: Small, stout bodies with no tail, a large head with large and alert eyes, strong, short legs with four toes on their front feet and three on the back, all with sharp claws; color variations include black, beige, chocolate, cream, cinnamon, gold, lemon, lilac, red, silver, and white, Fernando Trabanco Fotografa / Getty Images. However, their curiosity sometimes leads to their mischief, and they can even be destructive. However, hedgehogs get a little nervous and roll into a ball when threatened or picked up. Speaking of which, food is the only catch with this strange pet: Praying mantises eat live insects, which can cost about $100 per year, while the creatures themselvestypically cost around $25 each, and you can buy eggs and nymphs for much less. Lives 5 to 8 years. That works, too, as their care, cost, and temperament are similar. Their cage needs are not too demanding: about 2 cubic feet per rat. They are naturally calm, friendly, friendly, and intelligent as well as timid!