Most individuals like having an animal pet in their house. Standard pets such as dogs and cats may only sometimes be acceptable for a person’s lifestyle, mainly if you are a first-time owner.
It may be due to factors such as lack of availability to a backyard, the space of the apartment, phobias, noise limitations, or personal taste.
Although a few of the animals listed below are intriguing and make excellent pets, you should examine the regulations for these creatures and see whether you need permission to keep one in your state.
What Is an Exotic Pet?
An exotic animal is a creature that isn’t domesticated or rare. Various fish and birds are technically exotic (meaning they have not been domesticated or have altered minimally from their wild forebears).
Consequently, this list gives information on intriguing and unique creatures that are simple to care for as a beginner. Let’s dive in.
Exotic Pets
1. Hedgehogs
The hedgehog comes from the family Erinaceinae and is neither rodent nor similar to the porcupine. Hedgehogs are suitable for anyone who desires a pet yet has limited time or finances to dedicate to their maintenance and care.
A modest terrestrial enclosure is required for hedgehogs to play and run. They survive on an essential diet of insects and fruits, which may be readily available in your kitchen or garden. Unlike most smaller animals, hedgehogs are not friendly; hence it is not advised to put more than one in a cage.
2. Leopard Gecko
This unusual lizard stands out due to its unique spotted appearance and pleasant demeanor—leopard geckos like being touched and interacting with humans, unlike other lizards.
In addition, their living needs are not very stringent since they require a tiny tank and are fed commonly accessible insects from pet stores.
3. Skunks
Skunks are excellent pets if you deodorize them beforehand. Most pet owners are astonished to learn that skunks are rather lively and appreciate their independence; they should not be confined to kennels all day.
They like a vast area that allows them to exercise physically and mentally. Fruits, veggies, and dog food make up the skunk’s primary diet. Although most other skunks are vulnerable to rabies, not all state legislators approve of the animal as a pet, which is why it is illegal in certain places.
However, this does not imply that skunks intrinsically contain the virus; instead, they may readily get it from another rabid animal.
4. Chinchillas
Chinchillas are a species of unscented rodents that seem to be tidy, quiet, and desirable as pets for older kids and adults.
They are relatively easy to acquire and care for, provided you feed them appropriately. Chinchillas do not need much maintenance, and their “dust showers” are adorable.
While they may be loving, they could also be timid and dislike constant handling. In addition, they need a wide enclosure since their rear legs are so long that they can hop beyond six feet in height.
Nevertheless, they are crepuscular, which indicates that they are often more active around night or morning. As they are sensitive to heat, you must be mindful of their habitat if you plan to keep them as pets.
5. Quaker Parakeet
Considering their classification as an invasive species, if you can locate one in your region, these birds make excellent pets.
In certain places, it is unlawful and illegal to tame them without a license. It would help if you always researched the laws in your state before keeping them as pets.
Quaker parakeets are vibrant, intriguing birds who appreciate the human interaction and are simple to care for as a beginner. They may demand another bird if you cannot supply them with continual interaction.
6. Bearded Dragon
Bearded dragons, like leopard geckos, are simple to care for and highly sociable reptiles. These are lovely lizards for beginners since they tolerate youngsters who handle them appropriately. In addition, they do not reach a considerable size; therefore, you don’t require a vast enclosure.
7. Millipedes
Millipedes are the most peculiar pet option on this list since they need minimum space and are simple to maintain. The African giant millipede is the most popular species to be kept as a pet. It has a maximum length of 10 inches.
They are manageable and do not bite. Their nutritional needs consist of calcium supplements and fresh vegetables and fruits.
Nevertheless, they require an aquarium with high relative humidity and lighting and heating components, which are happily available at most pet supply shops.
Conclusion
Exotic pets do not attract everyone. Regardless of how much some individuals like possessing something unique that no one else has, others find it less appealing. However, before introducing an unusual animal into your house, you should extensively study the species and its optimal care.
Before introducing these creatures into your house, you must know their food, requirements, and natural environment. It’s also conceivable that you’ll have to get permission to own one in your area, or they could be illegal altogether.
