The team at Star Milling Co. provides the best nutrition for our pet parents and their products, such as piglets. Although the wallabies can be house trained, they need to be fenced off safely with plenty of space to roam, not supervised. 4. 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. Pot-bellied pigs are highly intelligent animals whose silly and stylish personalities make for excellent pets. If you want a cute, cuddly pet, but aren't ready to commit to a pup, consider a rabbit instead. Does My Pet Secretly Resent Me for Being Home All the Time? They also don't mind being held and pet. Mama pigs even sing for their pigs! Hedgehogs are quiet and produce very little dander, making them the right pet for people with allergies. Easy to maintain and even easier to acquirethey can be found in most backyards! They can grow anywhere between eight to 24 inches, so they require a spacious tank or aquariumnot bowl. 40 Rare and Unique Exotic Pets. Because they are very active, some play time outside their cage is also highly recommended. Good Pets for Kids-These Are the Best Pets for Kids at Each Age, How Much White Maltese Dog Hypoallergenic ! They dont require too much spacea 15-to 20-gallon tank will do the trickand they feed on crickets, wax worms and meal worms. Fish are often "seen as low-maintenance pets" until people realize just how much work needs to be put into 2 Pugs. To cut your start-up costs, adopt a rescue hamster and pick up a second-hand cage on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. The traditionally small goldfish fishbowl doesn't provide enough oxygen and has been banned in several countries. These animals are a pet that requires little maintenance and space. Leopard geckos eat live insects and worms and only grow up 10 inches in length. If you're not against keeping spiders as pets, a tarantula might be a good addition to your family. Raising them up from a caterpillar, you just need a common plant to feed them, and sticks for them to wander around on, especially in the beginning stage of their life. Hermit crabs are a good choice for those who find themselves short on time to provide the care for a more high-maintenance pet. A leopard gecko is the perfect pet for any family or apartment-dwelling young adult. Goldfish are active all day and make the perfect viewing shelf pet that is absolutely low maintenance for any pet owner. Primarily nocturnal, they will not mind if you are away during the day. British shorthair cats, in particular, are a quite hands-off breed for those who want a furry friend who is not so needy, but also not a praying mantis. The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Best Pet Snakes To Have These spiny little animals need to be fed and cared for in the evening hours so make the perfect companion for night owls. They only grow to about six inches, so all you need is a cage big enough to give them some roaming room. If you want a pet that asserts their presence without taking too much out of you, parakeets are perfect. Talk about hands-off. It guarantees the same level of protein and vital nutrition that pigs want. Pigs are why pellets are the staple food of choice for pet pigs. Primary diet consists of hay, pellets, fruit, vegetables and Vitamin C supplements. But at the same time, she is quite funny, curious, and very interested when something new happens at home.". 17 Low-Maintenance Pets That Are Easy Juveniles need feedings three times a day, but adults can eat once daily. Goldfish: $1 to $40. Web1. Assassin snails, for example are not the best standalone pets, but they can add some diversity to your aquarium if you invest in fish or sea monkeys. That doesn't mean you don't deserve to bring an animal into your homeyou just have to find the right one. "Betta fish are stunning, really hardy, and you can have an awesome low-maintenance setup," Adams says. Just like rats, mice also have a bad rep, but when it comes to pets, these fuzzy creatures dont cause a lot havoc if theyre well-taken care of. 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. Their vision is surprisingly sharp and allows them to distinguish between people it will eventually learn who you are, so don't be surprised if a day comes when your fish swims over to ask for food when you're nearby. 3. A classic easy first pet, a goldfish is an animal that adds life and beauty to the room without requiring much attention, time or maintenance from its owners. Although the axolotl is known as a 'walking fish', it is not a fish, but an amphibian. 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. A hermit crab on its own goes for around $10, but you should budget between $50 and $175 for a tank and decorations. Evenly tempered, these guys get along with other cats, dogs and children. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings. Goldfish: $1 to $40. Butterflies are a pretty sight to see outside, but they're also a good insect for inside your home. When they are handled early, they become quite fluent and can form bonds with their owner. They eat live insects, which you can purchase at a pet store, as well as limited portions of fruits, vegetables and greens. They like the thrill of the chase and constricting their prey on their own. Fruit can be given occasionally as a treat. Unlike other animals, scorpions need a hotter tankanywhere from 80 degrees Fahrenheit at the coolest to 90 degrees at the warmest. Know which species you can keep in your town or city before bringing them home. 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. Many snakes are hesitant to accept thawed frozen mice. As a bonus, the average hen lays 276 eggs every year, according to a survey issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They are extremely vocal and can move through the air due to the thin skin stretch between their front and back legs. Lives up to three years. So, while fruits, vegetables, and healthy treats are great for rewarding your pork cub for good work, a salad is provided because unruly eaters can only eat their favorite bites as a result of their main meal. Then, take a look at these top ten interesting pets and see what you like. Male, The teeth of male pigs grow throughout their lives, much like hamster teeth, and require regular shaping by their veterinarian to keep them in top shape. Primary diet consists of hay, pellets, fruit, vegetables and Vitamin C supplements. From Spay. Best Exotic Pets for Small Spaces Adults grow to up to 4 inches plus a 4-inch tail. Goldfish are active all day and make the perfect viewing shelf pet that is absolutely low maintenance for any pet owner. 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 Some birds like macaws and Amazons are too loud, known for disrupting the neighbors. They can live longer depending on goldfish type, the size of the tank, and how often their water is Iguanas are some of the most prominent victims of inadequate care for their presence as cheap animals in chain pet stores. But many rat owners say the furry little animals are cuddly if handled often from a young age. ), so theyll need a spacious terrarium. Pet Guinea pigs and ferrets enjoy being held. These fish will need a tank filled with water, fish pellets and decoration inside the tank. Leopard geckos make a great pet for reptile enthusiasts. Bearded dragon When moved to a larger enclosure, ants require a nest area made of gypsum or concrete with tunnels in it, covered by a glass slate to keep the nest dark. They are naturally calm, friendly, friendly, and intelligent as well as timid! Their diet mostly consists of regular fish food, though theyre known to have a particular palate for frozen bloodworms. "I got a dwarf rabbit upon the insistent and repeated requests of my children to have an animal," he says. They dont require too much spacea 15-to 20-gallon tank will do the trickand they feed on crickets, wax worms and meal worms. Some breeds like the brown house snake or the California king snake even go two weeks without eating and some become friendlier the more they get used to being handled. This might sound traumatic to any big city dweller, but hear us out. 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. But what about the cost to buy this insect? 5. Some pets need less grooming and attention; many are simply cheaper to own than some of the more high-maintenance options. (Sellers may also try to upsell you to a giant kit.). Juveniles need feedings three times a day, but adults can eat once daily. 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. 5. Hermit Crabs: $535. Degu: $1020. Hissing cockroaches and some tarantulas make the starter insects pets because they lack rather modest and serious weapons such as stingers and terrifying venom. Many snakes are hesitant to accept thawed frozen mice. 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. 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). If youre not committed to having a pet for the long haul, their lifespanfrom caterpillar to fully formed butterflyis only six to eight months. The key to taking good care of a turtle is maintaining water temperature, keeping clean water, and feeding them consistentlywhich isn't a lot of work in terms of keeping pets. "And the truth is, we only walk him about 30 minutes a day, and play fetch or tug of war for about 10 minutes, and that's enough to keep him in shape." Conservatory garden worker Elliot Blacker, founder of Evopure, recommends stick insectsalso known as stick bugsas the perfect low-maintenance pet. 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. Being small creatures, crabs have low day-to-day food costs. Opt for a larger tank with a filtration system. A pet chipmunk may not play catch like Fido, but he can surprise you with simple tricks or use you as a perch. 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. Physical Characteristics: Small and furry mammals with long ears, short fluffy tails, and strong, large hind legs; coats can vary in color from whites to browns, grays, and black, and by fur length, from short to long. 12 Best Exotic Pets for Apartment Living. Axolotl: $1535. Adults grow to up to 12 inches. Scorpions only need to be fed every other day, and their diet consists of insects like crickets, small mealworms, and wax worms. Best price ! It may seem strange to keep insects or spiders as pets, but these are unique animals that are interesting to look at. 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. An iguana is the most popular pet lizard. While they are skittish, they can be tamed if handled regularly and hand-fed. Provided you have a backyard and space for a coop, chickens are a surprisingly easy choice. Although dogs are usually a lot more high-maintenance and costly than other pets, pugs are a fairly low-maintenance and economical choice. Pigs communicate in a range of very voices, squeals, oinks, and whines. 1. For the most part, they're just a pet you observeno need to take it for a daily walk. Another low-key pet! Their intelligence and bizarre personality make them an interesting and loving addition to their family. Adults grow to up to 4 inches plus a 4-inch tail. All Rights Reserved. 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. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Their tank needs to have enough room for them to be able to swim around and come up for air when needed. Agouti. So whether you're looking for something that makes sense for your kids, for your working parent lifestyle, or for the limitations of your apartment, these are the low-maintenance pets you should consider taking home. , And you'll need to remember that pet hermit crabs need water to drink, bathe, and replenish their shell water. You can make your own home for them with things around the house or buy a butterfly kit. As omnivorous, wild food consists of roots, vegetables, nuts, seeds, berries, eggs, and small insects. Primary diet consists of hay, pellets, fruit, vegetables and Vitamin C supplements. Chinchillas prefer warm temperatures, enjoy dust baths, and need a balanced feeding routine to have shoots and good quality grass straw. Although the venom of a pet tarantula is only mildly toxic (similar to a bee sting), you should not handle it. No, this isnt something out of Harry Potter, but actually a popular pet lizard. Hedgehogs are very quiet and low-maintenance pets. However, hedgehogs get a little nervous and roll into a ball when threatened or picked up. Leopard geckos are nocturnal meaning they're less active during the day and unlike other reptiles, don't require UV light bulbs, but do need an incandescent bulb and possibly a heat pad, depending on temperatures in your home or apartment. 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. They are naturally calm, friendly, friendly, and intelligent as well as timid! Other than that, you just need to clean your snails' terrarium at least once a week, spraying the walls with water and paper towels to clear mucus trails. Web1. If turtles and hermit crabs aren't your vibe, consider an even more low-maintenance aquatic animal: Sea-Monkeys! Smith Collection/Gado /Getty Images 13. At the minimum, these rodents need a cage that encompasses about 7-8 square feet. They are great for apartment living since they make no noise, are hypoallergenic, and low-maintenance. 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. 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. Male tarantulas grow from two to ten inches, and most species only live up to seven years long, according to the experts at Petco. They should be kept in a clear terrarium, and you can house multiple snails together, with one to two inches of soil, says Anne Woods with Pets on Mom. From perfect beaks to curly tails, tiny pot-bellied pigs have become a very favorite addition to the exotic pet scene. Kids are always mesmerized by Sea-Monkeys, making them the perfect pet; they'll just sit and stare at them for hours. They are also just as fun and loving as traditional pets like dogs and cats. Greyhounds can cost thousands of dollars to buy outright but many are now a popular rescue choice and can be adopted for free. The 20 Least Expensive Pets to Own They make remarkably easy pets probably one of the easiest in terms of maintenance. 5. Small Pets That Could Be Right Blacker says they can live off a "diet of blackberries, oak, rose, and ivy.". Ferret makes excellent pets for owners who take the time to bond with them. Green Iguana: $1525. Greyhounds can cost thousands of dollars to buy outright but many are now a popular rescue choice and can be adopted for free. Hamsters are relatively small, being only 5 to 7 inches long. A plant qualifies as a pet if it hunts and eats animals, right? 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. In addition to mice, Dumerils Boas like to eat small rabbits and fowl. They of course need and deserve the same amount of TLC youd give Fido, but these animals can be left to their own devices without (too many) worries. Dr. Bryant is a Veterinary Review Board Member for The Spruce Pets. It 2. Leopard geckos have a lifespan of about 20 years and can easily cohabitate with each other. Budgerigar: $1035. 5. 5 Perfect Pets for Kids with Allergies. Leopard geckos have a lifespan of about 20 years and can easily cohabitate with each other. 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. They can thrive in 10-gallon tanks or terrariums as long as they're set up correctly. Gerbil. 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. Occasional vet visits run more than $50. Best Pet Snakes To Have All they need is a cage, fresh water (which can be distributed with a drinking bottle on the side of the cage), hamster food (alongside small pieces of fruits and veggies), and a hamster wheel for them to play and exercise on. The 20 Least Expensive Pets to Own 21 Best Pets For Kids (By Age Range Kids will love feeding them, but because goldfish have such short memories, they tend to overeat if youre not careful. Prehensile-Tailed Porcupine. "I must say I'm quite pleased with the rabbit. They're all relatively easy to care for, as most cheap pets are, but will provide years of affection and camaraderie. Cages should be large and airy and owners should expect to put up with some noise. The good news is that pot-bellied pigs make great house pets. xhr.open('POST', 'https://www.google-analytics.com/collect', true); Pet 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. Hedgehogs. 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. They cheat along the ground but are also expert mountaineers. Most are social animals that want to keep you company. 13 Cheap Pets That Are Easy to Take Care Of. These small rodents typically live for five or six years and only need the basics to survive: a cage, bedding, food, and water. Monkeys are exciting, but a significant downside is they need a lot of mental stimulation and exercise. Diet for Pet | When Should You Consider a New Diet? Owning a pet can be one of life's greatest joys and comforts but the cost of a furry companion can add up. Betta Fish: $5 to $25. Due to their small size, they are easier to control than many other parrot species. With their pincers and a venomous stinger, it doesn't take an expert to see that scorpions make for a look-but-don't-touch kind of pet for most so also one of the best choices for pet owners who don't want a lot of affection or have time to give it. Most allergy sufferers can live comfortably with a hamster in the house. Hamsters are easy to tame with regular handling. However, they can entertain themselves when you are not around to play, leading to some mischief and problems if they are not supervised. They tend to be easily tamed and often like to hang out on people's shoulders or laps. African Dwarf Frogs They appreciate out-of-cage time to socialize, explore, and play. However, they do require a diet of chinchilla-specific food, which can be bought at a local pet store. 1. The domesticated Budgerigar is the most popular of all pet bird species, according to BirdLife International. "For hygienic purposes, one simple tank wash a month should do the trick as well. A white spotted hermit crab crawls along the sand. The quintessential low-maintenance "pet" if ever there was one. Lizard species that are good for beginners include leopard geckos, crested geckos, house geckos, bearded dragons, and anoles. Dik Dik. Budgerigar. All that, alongside the small size of pugs, make them one of the most low-maintenance dog breeds. All you need is some fruit and vegetables to feed them and a tank that gets an adequate amount of moisture. Join half a million readers enjoying Newsweek's free newsletters. Importantly, hermit crabs require a few different sized shells during their lifetime and enough sand to bury into when they molt, according to the Hermit Crab Association. Riley Children's Health at Indiana University. To cut your start-up costs, adopt a rescue hamster and pick up a second-hand cage on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. They also don't require a lot of water but will need to have a bit of it around. Hedgehogs are not social. With gentle handling from a young age, they can bond closely with you. They make excellent apartment dwellers because they sleep most of the day while the owner is away for the day. They are also intelligent, and their playful antics are fun to watch. Leopard geckos tend to be the most commonly available pet geckos, but house geckos Cheapest Pets They dont require too much spacea 15-to 20-gallon tank will do the trickand they feed on crickets, wax worms and meal worms. 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. Bearded dragon Top 13 Best Pets To Have At Home Or In An Apartment. 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. Physical Characteristics: Hairy bodies with long, hairy legs; two visible fangs; most are brown, although some varieties are cobalt blue, black with white stripes, or multicolored. WebGuinea Pig. Can you imagine an easier pet to care for than a snail? Another low-key pet! They need human contact (especially when young), plenty of space, and various foods, including seeds, fruits, and vegetables. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. It 2. Cool Pets to Have in Your Room -Top 10 Coolest Pets Physical Characteristics: Two bulging eyes; strong, long, webbed hind feet used for leaping and swimming; smooth or slimy skin; colors are varied. Some male frogs sing, so they'renot a completely quiet pet, but the sound is not loud enough to offend the neighbors. Its no accident that their good names have become almost synonymous with eating something. Consider a smaller turtle that grows up to nine or twelve inches at most, like a painted turtle, if you're looking for the kind you can put in a regular-sized terrarium. Amazon Tree Boa The Amazon tree boa is a stunning snake with a need to climb! "For starters, they require little to no work, as they only need to be fed once or twice a week," she says. For instance, a painted turtle can live up to 30 years. Still on the search for the perfect small amphibian? They are naturally calm, friendly, friendly, and intelligent as well as timid! Cheapest Low-Maintenance Pets 10 Cheap Exotic Pets - PetHelpful. 3. Degu: $1020. Their cage needs are not too demanding: about 2 cubic feet per rat. Snakes probably are not the first animal that comes to mind when considering a pet but they are surprisingly easy to maintain and can make great companions, if not conversation-starters. 1. Rare and Unique Exotic Pets Kids will love feeding them, but because goldfish have such short memories, they tend to overeat if youre not careful. Gerbil. That works, too, as their care, cost, and temperament are similar. Prehensile-Tailed Porcupine. Hedgehogs. Youll want to keep their habitat on the warmer side, along with a shallow saltwater dish where they can soak in. Whether you want to own an exotic animal or something more common, there are more pets available than ever before. Binturong. Ask a Pediatrician: How Do I Know If My Child Is Ready for Kindergarten? While everyone knows what a porcupine is, many have not seen or heard of the funny-looking, tree-dwelling, 2. Primates often fulfill their enrichment requirements by destroying property or wreaking havoc in your house. Once you set them up with the appropriate heat, light and humidity, bearded dragons make for easy pets. Ants live in colonies and setting up a colony enclosure, called a formicarium, is probably the most challenging part of ant ownership. They don't require much space, so a Betta tank in the five- to 10-gallon range is an appropriate size and can be decorated on the cheap with rocks and one good hiding place. Stephen Johnson contributed to this story. 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. However, that's usually because people pick the wrong kinds of fish. Fruits, vegetables, and cat or dog food are young, healthy, in a good mood, and perfect. Small Pets Here's a list of economically friendly pets that won't break the bank. 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. 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. This British Shorthair Cat can groom and wash itself and moults far less than other cats. 1. This popular parrot makes a great choice for those who live in small spaces. Owners can easily rest with complete nutritional assurance on every meal their piggy enjoys. And they do feed on live insects such as crickets, mealworms, super worms and roaches, so trips to the pet store will belively. Axolotl: $1535. They eat a varied diet of fruit, vegetables and grains. 40 Rare and Unique Exotic Pets. Best pets to have at home or in an apartment Prehensile-Tailed Porcupine. 67 Cool Animals You Can Own as Pets Forget the myth of pigs being dirty and dumb. House an individual in a 10- to 20-gallon tank.