The word “pet” often brings to mind cats and dogs, or perhaps the odd rabbit or hamster. A quick visit to almost any pet store serves as a reminder that there are many weird and wonderful creatures for us to consider. Some can prove to be surprisingly fun companions and others very challenging and unusual specimens.
Sugar Glider
The name “Sugar Glider” stems from these small possum’s love for sweet food. Many can live for up to fifteen years. They can glide through the air thanks to the furry membrane that spans between their wrists and ankles. These pocket-sized pets are incredibly sociable. Sugar Gliders thrive on companionship and need a large cage and adequate provisions. They have strong gripping toes and are known for being happy to spend time in their owner’s pockets due to their tiny size. Even adult Sugar Gliders can sit in the palm of a hand and can comfortably grasp a single finger or thumb.
Snakes
For many people snakes are the thing of nightmares, but thousands of pet lovers consider them beautiful. Temperaments vary between snake breeds so buyers should do their research before buying one. Ball pythons and corn snakes are good beginner snakes. In contrast, the Burmese python is best suited to experienced homes. It is also important to consider some snakes can live for 20 years. Some have special requirements, and others are highly volatile or venomous. Owners can buy many of these snakes in pet stores, but breeders offer assurances in temperament and health. Most Taylor and Blair injury lawyers in Vancouver will tell you wild-caught snakes often make a poor choice of pet as they are nearly impossible to tame. Constrictors and poisonous snakes are not recommended as pets at all.
Pygmy Goat
These miniature goats were introduced to the US initially from West Africa. Their sweet nature has led to them being a somewhat unusual choice as a pet. Pygmy goats can make wonderful companions and are becoming a popular choice for petting zoos. It should be considered that these affectionate goats can live up to 18 years and require space and suitable nutrition and sheltered enclosures. Like their full-sized counterparts, they require regular maintenance including hoof trimming.
Fennec Fox
Originating in South Africa, this small fox is a nocturnal hunter known for having ears larger than their heads. Unlike most foxes these large eared desert-dwellers can make rather sweet house pets. They are known for being monogamous and families often stay together. The males are highly protective of their females, especially during pregnancy. It is the choice of many breeders to remove kits from their mothers and hand-rear them to make them tamer for prospective buyers. They are one of only 2 species of fox considered suitable as a house pet, along with the Russian Silver Fox.
Hermit Crab
A hermit crab can be a great friend. Many owners consider them for their interesting behavior. These crabs shed their skin periodically as they grow. Hermit crabs are famous for using the shells of other creatures to protect their soft bellies. They are also able to make some strange croaking sounds and have been known to hold onto their old shells until they are completely happy with their newly acquired one. Some owners like to offer them ornamental or painted shells to enjoy and makes them an interesting and rather beautiful choice of pet for many people.
There are some who might argue that a wild or exotic pet is better off living in their native environments, and that captivity is cruel. While it is certainly understandable to question the ownership of dangerous animals and their personal well-being, the distinction between wild pets and exotic pets seems important. With adequate space, nutrition and care, many exotic pets lead happy, healthy and, more importantly, safe lives with their human companions.
