If you are a person who wants to acquire an exotic animal as a pet or has owned one before but looking forward to finding the best exotic pets that are easy to care for then this article is for you
We know that the quest for owning an exotic animal is on the rise thatâs why we have put together some of the best exotic animals
So, in this article, you will learn about exotic animals, tips to put into consideration before acquiring one, and their legalities
Ensure you read this article from start to finish before going out to get an exotic animal for a pet
Now, letâs get into the details
## What are exotic pets?
Exotic pets are animals that are relatively rare or odd to keep, or are often thought of as wild creatures rather than pets
They are animals that are not domestic animals such as dogs and cats and as such are uncommon
However, many of them have the qualities of domestic animals but are still considered exotic
Many birds and fish, which are technically exotic (not domesticated or barely changed from their wild origins), are not regarded as such
The definition varies by culture, geography, and time as animals become well-established in the world of animal fantasy, they may lose their exotic status
Letâs find out some tips you need to consider before getting an exotic animal
**You may also like to read about Emotional Support Animals (Everything You Need to Know
## Tips for choosing an exotic pet
When thinking about getting an exotic pet, itâs important to consider why you want one and how much care theyâll need
Buying an exotic pet has always been a sensitive matter, but there have been some occasions where everything has gone smoothly because a pet parent took the time to think things through before giving it a try
Here are some quick considerations to put in mind when selecting an exotic pet:
1. Do you have the necessary accommodations and equipment?
Your new pet will need enough space in your home to feel at ease, as well as a home that mimics their own natural habitat
Some pets, such as ferrets, are allowed to roam freely in your home with supervision, while others are not
Consider how big your pet will get and get a cage or tank that can accommodate him. Because some might need special equipment such as UV lighting
Depending on the species, if you adopt more than one of the same animals, they may require a larger home to share or separate homes
2. Are you aware of the dietary restrictions?
While other types of pets are ok with commercially packed and prepared food, exotic pets will require a daily mix of fresh food
Some even go as far as requiring live insects or mice as part of their first
It is important to note that exotic pets can only be fed prepared meat or fresh fruits and vegetables if they are offered human food
Many species are at risk from processed foods. Regardless of the type of pet you choose, you will need fresh water
3. Do you know the life span?
Pets require commitment, but some pets live longer than others thereby, needing a longer commitment
Cats and dogs, for example, live around the same amount of time as hermit crabs and chinchillas, however, some snakes and birds might live for fifty years or more
Itâs important to know the lifespan of the exotic pet you plan to get in order to be sure of how long they will stay with you
4. Is owning a pet legal in your city/state?
Exotic pets are becoming increasingly popular among Americans, and the list of legal exotic pets continues to
Find out if keeping the exotic pet you want is illegal because skipping this step could lead to heartbreak and legal problems
5. What are the veterinary expenses?
Find a veterinarian who specializes in the care of your petâs species by doing some research
Before adopting an exotic animal, it is necessary for you to seek the advice of a veterinarian
They may assist you in navigating local legislation, locating a trustworthy breeder for adoption, and ensuring that your new petâs environment is suitable
6. Are you aware of their Illnesses?
Itâs important to remember that exotic animals behave differently than domestic animals
The capacity of exotic pets to mask their pain is one of the most serious things to put into consideration
This is a natural defense mechanism that protects them from predators looking for vulnerable food
Itâs important for you to pay close attention to your petâs behavior to avoid missing any signs of disease
Your pet will stay in better form if you take him to the vet on a regular basis
7. What do you plan to do if you stay at work late or have to go on a vacation?
As other pets like cats and dogs will require pet sitting, have in mind that your exotic animal will require the same
When going on a quick weekend break or need to work late, keep in mind that your exotic pet will need attention
So, donât hesitate to hire a professional sitter to look after your exotic pet
Now you know the things to look out for when seeking to get an exotic pet letâs get to learn about some of them that are easy to care for
## Best Exotic Pets that are easy to care for
The reason these pets that we will be listed below are easy to take care of is due to their friendly nature and a low-maintenance lifestyle
They come with reasonable housing needs, fairly diet, moderate sizes, and pose lower house destruction than others
1. Hedgehog:
Hedgehogs are thorny mammals that belong to the Erinaceidae subfamily which are not rodents and do not relate to porcupines
They are commonly known as Hedgies and desire to be on the top of the list because they are the easiest to care for
While still being exotic, they are good pets that are usually silent and do not need much engagement to be content
Although the varieties sold in pet stores are slightly modified from their wild form, making them look domesticated
However, they are nocturnal meaning they get more active during the night slightly when getting close to the end of the day
They are not social and as such do not suffer from separation anxiety which makes them suitable for persons who travel
Hedgehogs are suitable for persons who do not want a long-lived pet because their life span is only 5-7 years
2. Leopard Gecko:
Geckos are exotic reptiles that have a friendly disposition with a distinctive spotted pattern, as a result, makes them stand out
They like to be in the company of people where necessarily other lizards will not like to be and they have a lifespan of 15 years
This exotic reptile does not really need many requirements when it comes to maintenance
Due to their small nature, they can thrive in small tanks that are as little as a 10-gallon vivarium tank
Also, they are easy to feed because most of their foods can be found in pet stores
3. Chipmunks:
Chipmunks are lively squirrel species that will require large space because of their size
They are actually not that easy to care for, but they are far more interesting than your ordinary hamster
In regards to their size, it is advisable to get a taller bird flying cage as well as a variety of enrichment options that encourages foraging
Recently, some breeders have been able to produceSiberian Chipmunks
4. Ball Pythons:
Snakes might not be considered exotic to some pet owners, but to others having a reptile is unheard of
Ball Pythons are generally docile and easy to maintain. However, one of the most challenging things is getting them to
Because they are fussy eaters and sometimes avoid eating on different occasions
They also have specific housing needs, such as adequate warming and basking area, as well as proper humidity
Their lifespan usually gets up to 30 years so, you might want to prepare for your lifelong pet. However, they are too expensive to maintain
5. Corn Snakes:
Corn Snakes are one of the friendliest serpent species because they are non-venomous
They have gentle personalities and are easy to handle as long as they donât get too big
When it comes to housing, a corn snake does not require much, however, you must ensure that your tank is safe and not easy for it to escape
Also, they are not that expensive to feed as they require rodents, usually frozen mice once a week for the young ones, then 10 to 14 days for the adult ones
6. Degu:
A degu is a little burrowing rodent that is prevalent in Chile and makes a wonderful companion
This little creature is an excellent napper, but once theyâve gotten used to your routine, theyâll come to see you, often wanting to play or receive belly rubs
They yearn for social engagement and physical activity and accept the company of one degu to be content
Also, a Degu can reside in the same style cage-like rats and ferrets use. Although they take a dust bath just like chinchillas
On the other hand, the Male Degus loves to fight thus, it is advisable to keep Degus ofseparately
7. Hermit crabs:
Hermit crab is another type of exotic pet that is cheap and easy to maintain. Because they are docile
Itâs not difficult to create an ideal habitat for them because they dwell on dry lands and donât need much daily maintenance
They make excellent apartment pets and they usually donât require large tanks. Thus, with the right care, they can live up to 15 years
A hermit crabâs disadvantage is that it is not a pet that will interact with you much, and because they are nocturnal, you wonât witness much activity in their tanks during the day
8. Chinchillas:
Chinchillas are a type of odorless rodents that are clean, quiet, and appealing to be kept as pets by adults and older children
They are not difficult to obtain and also not hard to look after as long as you feed them properly
Chinchillas donât require much grooming and give themselves odd âdust showers,â which are rather cute to observe
While they can be affectionate, they can also be shy and do not like being handled frequently
Also, they require a large cage because they have long hind limbs for leaping as they can jump over six feet in height
However, they are crepuscular, meaning they are usually more active at dusk or dawn
If you want to own them as a pet, you will need to be observant of their environment because they are allergic to heat
They have been bred and farmed for their velvety, dense fur and can live for 10-20 years
9. Ferrets:
Ferrets are yet another exotic pet that is becoming increasingly popular and quite easy to obtain
They have a playful and friendly nature, enjoy being around people, and love attention
Ferrets are adorable little creatures with a high level of intellect that are easy to care for and can be fed commercially prepared ferret food
However, they require a large cage with plenty of areas to roam and spread out, as well as time to explore and play outside the cage
Although they are illegal in some states, you might want to check the laws of your state before getting one
10. Skunks:
Skunks surprisingly are kept as pets by some individuals and as such actually make good pets
Despite their awfultheyâre adorable creatures which can be very playful as such, easily get attached and affectionate towards a person
However, a Male skunk may become aggressive as they mature, be sure to get them emasculated
Theyâre easy to take care of, usually come in different colors and you can keep them in a similar way as ferrets
11. Quaker Parakeets:
While parakeets are commonly kept as pets, the Quaker parakeet, also known as the monk parakeet, is not
Despite their status as an invasive species, these birds can make wonderful pets if you can find one in your area
Because in some states they do not allow it as itâs considered illegal and cannot only be allowed with a permit in order
Quaker parakeets are lively, fascinating birds who enjoy interacting with humans and are also easy to maintain
They might require the company of another bird if you canât provide them with constant companionship
12. Fennec Fox:
A fennec fox as an exotic animal is usually incredibly cute, if you are looking for an exotic pet that will not disappoint you
Usually, they are tiny but when fully grown, these foxes are around the size of a Chihuahua dog
These foxes are hard to come by and can be costly however, as demand grows, they may become more commonly available and much less expensive
They are social animals that demand a great deal of attention from people because they are. But it is not a pet you can take off its leash in public
However, they thrive when there are a large number of them to keep them so they can have regular company
Usually, they can be trained much like cats, although most owners prefer to keep them in a large cage rather than giving them freedom in a house
Nevertheless, they need to always give them regular time out of their kennel
13. Betta Fish:
Betta fish is a calm and slow-moving fish that does not require much space like other fish
Although, it is advisable to get the female betta if you would like more than one. But if you want the Male itâs best you put it alone because they tend to be aggressive with the same
Feeding them is not difficult as itâs done once a week and they require a 1-gallon aquarium
If properly cared for can live up to 3 to 5 years
14. Bearded Dragons:
Bearded dragons are recognized for being gentle and amiable, making them one of the simplest lizards to raise
Theyâre a great âstarterâ lizard for kids who have been taught how to care for them properly
Actually, they donâtto be as large as some lizards, and while they do require a large environment, they may be housed in a compact space, like an apartment
Bearded dragons are one of the most popular pet lizards, and they are legal in all but Hawaii
You will need to set up a place that has a high-temperature rate because baby bearded dragons require it
That said, they also need adequate lighting that provides both UVA and UVB radiation
Research has shown that reptiles pose a risk of carrying and transmitting salmonella and so do bearded dragons
In Order to prevent the risk of contracting
salmonella from your pet practice good hand washing after handling them
15. Hyacinth Macaws
The hyacinth macaw is a stunning parrot that would make a wonderful companion in the correct environment
These birds require a wide enclosure as well as daily interaction with their owners. Again, they are clever, yet when worried or lonely, they may be offensive
They can also live up to 60 years, so youâll need to prepare for the possibility that they will outlive you
Although macaws are lawful to own in most states, the Endangered Species Act regulates their transportation and trading in the United States
As much as they canvery large and imposing birds, they can be very affectionate towards humans
However, they are not for beginners who do not have prior bird expertise in taking care of one. Nevertheless, a Hyacinth Macaws can be a wonderful pet
## Work With a Skilled Veterinarian for your Exotic pet
While itâs your job to love and care for your pet as its owner, itâs important to make sure that your exotic animal has the right medical care to live long
This includes a veterinarian advising you on the proper diet for them, necessary vaccinations, and proper treatments when needed
**If youâd like to become a veterinarian to take care of animals, then check out one of these 10 Vet Schools In Tennessee and How To Enroll in Tennessee Veterinary Colleges**
## Conclusion
Exotic pets are not for everybody. As much as some people like the idea of owning something unusual that others donât have
However, before bringing an exotic animal into your home be sure to make proper research about the animal and how to best care for it
While some of these animals can be so easy for you to have as a pet, they have a very specific diet, needs, and habitat you need to be aware of before bringing them home
Itâs also possible that youâll need a permit to own one where you live, or they may not be legal at all
So, check with your landlord or homeownerâs association first, because even if they are legal, your home may still prohibit or restrict their ownership
## Frequently Asked Questions
**What is the easiest exotic pet to own
Hedgehogs are by far the easiest exotic animal to care for, making them ideal for someone who wants a pet but doesnât have a lot of time or resources toto their care. Hedgehogs need a modest terrestrial enclosure where they may run around and play
**What is the friendliest exotic pet
Leopard Geckos, bearded dragons, and Chipmunks are some of the friendliest exotic pets that love to be in the company of humans
Although personality differs and you might choose like them so, it all boils down to what you want
**What is the safest exotic pet to own
Fennec Fox is the safest because they have been bred to live like dogs and cats even though they are not fully domestic animals yet
**What is the best exotic pet
This will actually depend on your taste and choice of wild animals as a pet
Although most ferrets are easy to take care of as they do not need a lot of space and are easy to feed
## References
- Smallpets.ltoveoknow.com â Best Exotic Small Pets Youâll Want to Own
- Wikipedia.org â Exotic Pet
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