1. They like the thrill of the chase and constricting their prey on their own. Goldfish are active all day and make the perfect viewing shelf pet that is absolutely low maintenance for any pet owner. Pygmy goats are curious and love to explore, play and socialize. Browse through 12 types of exotic pets and why they are suitable for apartments, condominiums, and other small living spaces. You will need to make sure your home is ferret-proofed to prevent escapes or unsafe hiding spots (like in the oven). This might sound traumatic to any big city dweller, but hear us out. Their diet mostly consists of regular fish food, though theyre known to have a particular palate for frozen bloodworms. Guinea pigs crave socialization and are typically easy to handle. Although mini-pot-bellied pigs are much smaller than their corral, a small pig could easily weigh more than 100 pounds! ". With gentle handling from a young age, they can bond closely with you. 4 Low-Maintenance Rodent Pets 1. Though they eat pellet food, hermit crabs can also ingest bits of your leftovers, just be careful not to give them anything with garlic, onion or citrus. 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. Top 13 Best Pets To Have At Home Or In An Apartment. Unlike many other lizards and reptiles, the leopard gecko is a friendly and sociable choice for a pet. 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. According to John Virata with Reptiles magazine, good beginner pet snakes include the corn snake, California kingsnake, rosy boa, gopher snake, and ball python. They can grow anywhere between eight to 24 inches, so they require a spacious tank or aquariumnot bowl. These rodents cost between $25 and $50, and a proper habitat adds about $75 to the initial cost. 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. Their size requirements are just one of the reasons why they make great pets for small spaces. However, only some know the exact components of a nutritious diet for cats, [] are a vital part of an unique pets weight-reduction plan. You don't have to settle on a tank-living, aquatic animal just because you want a low-maintenance pet, however. Obtaining ants is as easy as buying an ant colony or a fertilized queen ant, or collecting one from nature. Pig Dirty This idea cant stay far from the truth. Hedgehogs are very quiet and low-maintenance pets. Spotted Genet. Whether you want to own an exotic animal or something more common, there are more pets available than ever before. Although some tropical fish can cost thousands of dollars, other less expensive options include the goldfish and betta fish. Goldfish swim in a tank as part of an art exhibition 'Art Aquarium' in Tokyo. 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. In terms of diet, turtles are easy, as they "don't need to be fed every day." Cue: low-maintenance pets. Dik Dik. Budgerigar: $1035. If youre one of those cool, ballsy people without arachnophobia, treat yourself to a pet tarantula. Their small size and relatively easy care make them perfect for smallerhomes. Ferret makes excellent pets for owners who take the time to bond with them. Stephen Johnson contributed to this story. If you're looking for a low-maintenance fish, go betta. Daily food fees are minimal, but fish need a proper tank and setup costs about $100. WebGuinea Pig. Everyone Practices Cancel Culture | Opinion, Deplatforming Free Speech is Dangerous | Opinion. document.addEventListener( 'DOMContentLoaded', function() { Breeds like the African sideneck or the eastern box dont grow beyond a foot long, so they can stay happy and healthy in a well-appointed terrarium. In addition to mice, Dumerils Boas like to eat small rabbits and fowl. A pet chipmunk may not play catch like Fido, but he can surprise you with simple tricks or use you as a perch. 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. Dik Dik. High Because of their high intelligence, pot-sand pigs respond very well to clicker training. The one thing you really need to remember about scorpions is the temperature of their environment. Degu: $1020. These low-maintenance pets are perfect for kids, working parents, and apartment dwellers. A leopard gecko is the perfect pet for any family or apartment-dwelling young adult. Ferret makes excellent pets for owners who take the time to bond with them. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Gallery:The Most Expensive Pets Money Can Buy, Note: Cheapism does not accept or publish guest blog posts. They need human contact (especially when young), plenty of space, and various foods, including seeds, fruits, and vegetables. Degu: $1020. As a bonus, the average hen lays 276 eggs every year, according to a survey issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. A Budgerigar perched on a branch in Queensland, Australia. Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet. Different species are found in environments determined by large rocks, boulders, and cliffs up to 3,900 meters (12,800 feet) above sea level. No, this isnt something out of Harry Potter, but actually a popular pet lizard. As McLeod wrote for The Spruce Pets, these adorable creatures actually prefer not to be held that much, so if you're looking for a pet you can keep at arm's length but still love, this may be the one for you. They are also quiet and require little space and attention. Iguanas are some of the most prominent victims of inadequate care for their presence as cheap animals in chain pet stores. It 2. Leopard geckos make a great pet for reptile enthusiasts. JP, owner of beloved Instagram pug Aji, says that pugs are one of the easiest dog breeds to own. They're all relatively easy to care for, as most cheap pets are, but will provide years of affection and camaraderie. Kids are always mesmerized by Sea-Monkeys, making them the perfect pet; they'll just sit and stare at them for hours. Gerbil. They are also low-maintenance pets, only eating a few times a week. A white spotted hermit crab crawls along the sand. Kids will love feeding them, but because goldfish have such short memories, they tend to overeat if youre not careful. But if you do want to bring a precious pooch into your family, consider a more low-maintenance breed. Garden snails have also been known to be low-maintenance pets. Juveniles need feedings three times a day, but adults can eat once daily. Diet for Pet | When Should You Consider a New Diet? In fact, the American Kennel Club says the breed is "perfectly happy to lounge around the house all day". Behind this cotton will be the ant queen and her offspring. The team at Star Milling Co. provides the best nutrition for our pet parents and their products, such as piglets. Two to eight (rarely) young babies are born in the spring or summer after about a month of gestation. In addition, cockatiels have a reputation as gentle and unpretentious birds who enjoy petting and keeping. 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. Another low-key pet! Then, take a look at these top ten interesting pets and see what you like. Being active and playful requires a variety of toys to keep them busy, especially chewing gum. They only grow to about six inches, so all you need is a cage big enough to give them some roaming room. They need an aquarium with a half foot thick layer of sand and some stones on top for them to climb and play with. The corn snake is fairly docile, only grows two to five feet in length and primarily eats small rodents. Green Iguana: $1525. However, they do require a diet of chinchilla-specific food, which can be bought at a local pet store. Leopard geckos have a lifespan of about 20 years and can easily cohabitate with each other. Hermit Crabs: $535. Feeding the bottle to your baby will create a close bond between the owner and the animal. They can live longer depending on goldfish type, the size of the tank, and how often their water is 3. It 2. 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. 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. 1. According to the Entomologists' Society, the main requirements these critters need are a secure enclosure that can be maintained at an appropriate humidity and temperature of around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. 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. His short hair doesn't need any trimming," JP says. They are naturally calm, friendly, friendly, and intelligent as well as timid! Because they are very active, some play time outside their cage is also highly recommended. 12 Best Exotic Pets for Apartment Living. Chipmunks are not low-maintenance pets, but they are great companions. Thus, making a hedgehog seems to be not a subject to the separation anxiety, but this pet is fitting for those who travel. 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. 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. Most allergy sufferers can live comfortably with a hamster in the house. Hamsters are easy to tame with regular handling. Physical Characteristics: Large, black eyes and bushy tails; luxuriously soft; silver, yellow-gray, bluish-gray, white, beige and black fur. Hamsters are relatively small, being only 5 to 7 inches long. 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. 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. Sidenote: Male betta fish should be kept alone since they tend to get territorial with each other, but the ladies can cohabitate. If the lifespan of a turtle intimidates you, go with a hermit crab instead! Green Iguana: $1525. The small animals are very quiet and low-maintenance pets. Additionally, fats are crucial for keeping a healthy neural [], Top 10 Coolest Pets List: Cool Pets to Have in Your Room. 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. With an ant farm, the ants do most of the work. And since their hair isn't as long as other cats', they only need to be brushed two to three times a week to get rid of loose hair. Forget the myth of pigs being dirty and dumb. Dont worry, if youre not into crawlies, theyll turn into beautiful butterflies in a week. Length: 9 to 11 inches, plus a tail of 7 to 9 inches, Physical Characteristics: Slender bodied with a pointed head, large eyes, and prominent, thinly furred ears; colors variations include brown, black, tan, gray, white, Siamese, blue, silver black, silver fawn, lilac, cinnamon, black-eyed white, cinnamon pearl, lynx, silver agouti, silver lilac, and blaze. 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. Also, since they are natural predators, it may take some time to make friends with other animals in the house. They eat live insects, which you can purchase at a pet store, as well as limited portions of fruits, vegetables and greens. Although the axolotl is known as a 'walking fish', it is not a fish, but an amphibian. Rats will likely sleep most of the day if you leave the house. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. However, domesticated and bottle-fed wallabies are gentle and humble animals that can be accompanied by great affection. Anoles can live more than five years and grow up to 8 inches long. Amazon Tree Boa The Amazon tree boa is a stunning snake with a need to climb! Amazon Tree Boa The Amazon tree boa is a stunning snake with a need to climb! And in terms of diet, they have a variety of foods they eat: fruit flies, smaller mantids, moths, house flies, and the occasional cricket or mealworm if your mantid is larger. Although dogs are usually a lot more high-maintenance and costly than other pets, pugs are a fairly low-maintenance and economical choice. They require a wire cage, bedding, toys and eat a varied diet of fruit, vegetables and grains. Riley Children's Health at Indiana University. Binturong. These bad boys only require that you keep them in a dark area of the house, away from any sunlightbecauseof course. Many frog species don't need much space, so they are an ideal choice for small apartments. Hedgehogs. A hedgehog is not related to porcupines or not a rodent, they are in a sub-family known as insectivore. Physical Characteristics: Short tails, stubby legs, and small ears; color variations include black, grey, brown, white, yellow, red, or a mixture of several colors. However, they can entertain themselves when you are not around to play, leading to some mischief and problems if they are not supervised. Web1. This popular parrot makes a Scorpion. From perfect beaks to curly tails, tiny pot-bellied pigs have become a very favorite addition to the exotic pet scene. 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. Belly Robbs is the heart path of a pot-bellied pig. "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." Mice also require a well-ventilated cage, some toys, but can eat any food suitable for humans. Conservatory garden worker Elliot Blacker, founder of Evopure, recommends stick insectsalso known as stick bugsas the perfect low-maintenance pet. After, all you'll need to do is change the water every once in a while and feed them the growth food that comes with most kits, which typically cost between $8 and $20. The African dwarf frog may be the pet for you! They dont require too much spacea 15-to 20-gallon tank will do the trickand they feed on crickets, wax worms and meal worms. For the most part, they're just a pet you observeno need to take it for a daily walk. 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. Water should be changed every week or two. An iguana is the most popular pet lizard. All a hamster needs is a 2-cubic-feet cage equipped with an exercise wheel, items to chew, absorbent bedding, a hiding spot, food, and water. 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. Rest assured, this insect, whose females kill and eat malesafter or during sex, won't provide that. Hermit Crabs: Less Than $10. A Hedgehog is seen at the San Francisco Zoo. This British Shorthair Cat can groom and wash itself and moults far less than other cats. Another reason many owners are surprised by the size. They are in the rodent family and eat an omnivorous diet. That works, too, as their care, cost, and temperament are similar. However, hedgehogs get a little nervous and roll into a ball when threatened or picked up. 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. Its no accident that their good names have become almost synonymous with eating something. Evenly tempered, these guys get along with other cats, dogs and children. Provided you have a backyard and space for a coop, chickens are a surprisingly easy choice. Fish are often "seen as low-maintenance pets" until people realize just how much work needs to be put into them, says Christopher Adams, founder of ModestFish. These crabs can be kept in a humid, five gallon-terrarium. When it comes to fueling your pork adventures, its important to provide a healthy diet. Primary diet consists of hay, pellets, fruit, vegetables and Vitamin C supplements. They are also intelligent, and their playful antics are fun to watch. Chinchillas are nocturnal animals, but they make beautiful pets because they are low maintenance, quiet and odorless, with beautiful soft fur. 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. Male tarantulas grow from two to ten inches, and most species only live up to seven years long, according to the experts at Petco. The 21 Most Low-Maintenance Pets You Can Own 1 Betta fish. Leopard geckos have a lifespan of about 20 years and can easily cohabitate with each other. The domesticated Budgerigar is the most popular of all pet bird species, according to BirdLife International. After caring for animals in her veterinarian practice, Lianne went on to study biology and research water quality and chronic disease at theUniversity of Saskatchewan. Cheapism may earn a commission if you buy through a link on our site. One drawback to keeping rabbits is that they like to chew and dig. Bearded dragon "I got a dwarf rabbit upon the insistent and repeated requests of my children to have an animal," he says. The animals themselves are inexpensive, and it's fun to buy young ones and watch as they grow. Lianne McLeod, DVM, is a small animal and exotic pet expert with over a decade of experience writing about veterinary care. They are naturally calm, friendly, friendly, and intelligent as well as timid! 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. "For starters, they require little to no work, as they only need to be fed once or twice a week," she says. Gerbil. They are social and do best when placed with other hermit crabs if their tank is spacious enough. They dont require too much spacea 15-to 20-gallon tank will do the trickand they feed on crickets, wax worms and meal worms. That means sweet little piglets are friends for life. 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." Hamsters aren't the only easy-to-care for rodents you can consider for your home. However, they are social animals are typically require the company of another guinea pig. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. 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. A hermit crab on its own goes for around $10, but you should budget between $50 and $175 for a tank and decorations. Top 13 Best Pets To Have At Home Or In An Apartment. 1. But not always. Tarantulas just need a suitable terrarium to roam around in, and they eat live insects like crickets, mealworms, super worms, and roaches. Some birds like macaws and Amazons are too loud, known for disrupting the neighbors. Prehensile-Tailed Porcupine. The domesticated Budgerigar is the most popular of all pet bird species, according to BirdLife International. 1. With an adult scorpion, you only have to feed it every other day, and their diet consists of insects like crickets, small mealworms, and wax worms. Unlike other animals, scorpions need a hotter tankanywhere from 80 degrees Fahrenheit at the coolest to 90 degrees at the warmest. To accommodate their playful nature, provide them with a large cage. They like the thrill of the chase and constricting their prey on their own. These fish will need a tank filled with water, fish pellets and decoration inside the tank. Being small creatures, crabs have low day-to-day food costs. They are great for apartment living since they make no noise, are hypoallergenic, and low-maintenance. If you want a pet that asserts their presence without taking too much out of you, parakeets are perfect. Physical Characteristics: Outer shell; 10 jointed legs, the front two are of different sizes; large left claw is used for defense; smaller right claw scoops food and water. [] Rabbits Eat Celery Leaves? if( 'moc.enilnoefiltseb' !== location.hostname.split('').reverse().join('') ) { Perhaps the cutest low-maintenance pet you can own is the chinchilla. 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. That doesn't mean you don't deserve to bring an animal into your homeyou just have to find the right one. Gilles Ventejol, founder of Animal Patient, recommends rabbits as a pet owner, despite being a specialist in cat and dog health. } These are fairly low maintenance, a diet consisting mostly of insects. A scorpion crawls along the ground at the Scorpion Kingdom laboratory and farm in Egypt's Western Desert. 1. 1. Cats are notoriously independent. As McLeod explained to The Spruce Pets, they have a docile nature that makes them easy to get along with and play with, but they also don't need a lot in terms of care. Hermit Crabs: $535. This popular parrot makes a great choice for those who live in small spaces. Learn more about the anole 2. Agouti. "For hygienic purposes, one simple tank wash a month should do the trick as well. 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 you're looking for a new companion and aren't in the market for a dog, or even if you already have a dog and are considering another pet, its a good idea to consider a low-maintenance pet. Mama pigs even sing for their pigs! Both young and older children love them, they need virtually none of your time, and, unlike dogs, cats, and most of the other creatures on this list, don't require a pet-sitter when you leave town. 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. (Sellers may also try to upsell you to a giant kit.). But many rat owners say the furry little animals are cuddly if handled often from a young age. 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. Goldfish are active all day and make the perfect viewing shelf pet that is absolutely low maintenance for any pet owner. They are extremely vocal and can move through the air due to the thin skin stretch between their front and back legs. Parakeets must be fed daily, however. 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. Hamsters are relatively small, being only 5 to 7 inches long. They live in an aquarium, where the water quality should be checked at least once a week and changed every two to four weeks. Your content goes here. Not usually a typical choice for a household pet, the scorpion only grows three to eight inches long and lives anywhere from two to six years, making it a perfect choice for those with little space who don't desire a furry companion. Lives up to three years. Goldfish tend to be messy, so make sure you're cleaning their living spaces frequently. African Dwarf Frogs Not for the faint of heart, but snakes can make for very easy pets to have around the house. , And you'll need to remember that pet hermit crabs need water to drink, bathe, and replenish their shell water. Budgerigar: $1035. Youll want to keep their habitat on the warmer side, along with a shallow saltwater dish where they can soak in. 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. Backyards are ideal when exercising and playing, while daily or regular walks are allowed, so your older baby is ready to kiss and sleep during dinner. 5. She lives free in the flat and reaches her cage for drinking, relieving herself, or sleeping. Chinchillas prefer warm temperatures, enjoy dust baths, and need a balanced feeding routine to have shoots and good quality grass straw. Length: 1 inch to 24 inches (smaller lizard species); up to 6 feet (common pet snakes), Weight: 0.5 ounce to 1 pound (smaller lizards); 1 to 5 pounds (common pet snakes), Physical Characteristics: Cold-blooded; scales instead of skin; come in a variety of colors. ), so theyll need a spacious terrarium. According to Vet Street, these cats are pretty easygoing. Top 13 Best Pets To Have At Home Or In An Apartment. The glass test tube should be filled with sugar water capped with cotton wool. Tarantulas can grow to be about ten inches (ahhh! To cut your start-up costs, adopt a rescue hamster and pick up a second-hand cage on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Lizard species that are good for beginners include leopard geckos, crested geckos, house geckos, bearded dragons, and anoles. 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. } ); Primary diet consists of hay, pellets, fruit, vegetables and Vitamin C supplements. And they do feed on live insects such as crickets, mealworms, super worms and roaches, so trips to the pet store will belively. Budgerigar. Seeing as most praying mantises are taken from the yard outside the home and brought in, there's usually no cost at all! A corn snake is displayed in a vivarium in Sasali natural life park in Izmir. Great for beginner pet parents. 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. Betta fish usually sell for $5 to $25, with the less-colorful females cheaper; rare patterns can command as much as $50. 3. Some pets need less grooming and attention; many are simply cheaper to own than some of the more high-maintenance options. Height is not critical; they don't tend to climb, so it does not need to be taller than a foot or 18 inches.