Now, don’t get it twisted, who doesn’t love dogs and cats? They’re furry, cute, easily domesticated and they become part of your family. You can’t go wrong with either of the two, but you have to admit, after a while, they get a bit boring. Exotic pets are extravagant, interesting and for some people, they can develop into quite a hobby. If you’ve ever felt like you wanted a pet that was out of the ordinary, then perhaps it’s time you take the plunge and buy one or more of the following options.
Fluffy foxes!
Foxes can be domesticated but it’s tough to do this in some countries where this hasn’t been done in a long time. Many countries allow foxes to be pets but you must be wary of a few things. Foxes in the home will still have the same needs as those out in the wild. They’ll want fresh raw meat, a nice dark hole or haven to crawl under and they’ll need plenty of space to roam. There are quite a few choices for foxes but the main types are the classic red fox, arctic fox, kit fox, and swift fox. They all have different personalities and needs.
As you’ve probably read in many children’s books, foxes love chickens. They also eat rabbits, rodents, various birds, and even frogs. You need to supply your pet fox with this type of food. However, many foxes will also eat scraps from dustbins and this includes things like beef, lamb, chicken, and fruits as well. Foxes are omnivores so you need to supply your fox with a balanced diet but be prepared to handle raw meat and whole dead animals that the fox will love to eat.
Small, flexible and energetic
If you want a lively pet that is small and always in a playful mood, you may want to check out the lovable ferret. Ferrets make for very interesting pets because they are easily domesticated and they love to have tight-knit social groups. This makes them perfect for a household. It’s also vital to understand ferrets are not rodents. They’re not prone to being aggressive or seek to bite strangers. They’re very inquisitive and they love to sniff around and see what’s going on around them. They are originally part of the vermin class and many ferret hunting traditions are still ongoing.
However, they are very easily home-trained and they love getting up to mischief. Ferrets are very trusting and they will allow humans to see and touch their newly born litters. A ferret can weigh anywhere between 0.7 to 2kg. Ferrets can grow quite long, up to 38cm. They have a lifespan of around 5 to 10 years. This would make an excellent pet for a child or teenager, as well as just a funny little furry friend to have around the family home. They’re very flexible and energetic, so make their home like a miniature jungle gym, where your ferret can explore, get a workout, and enjoy playing.
The iconic exotic pet
There’s nothing quite like a fish tank full of exotic fish, that makes a home look luxurious and cultured. African cichlid fish is a family of vibrant, multi-colored and multi-pattern fish that hails from Africa but can be found in South America as well. Some of them are found in deep waters but many are found in shallow depths of up to about 1,000 feet. Many of them are found in exotic lakes where they can be fished for as pets or for food. Take one look at them and you’ll realize why they’re so popular. The cichlid fish is slightly aggressive. They are omnivores, carnivores, and herbivores so bear that in mind when you select your fish.
You will need an exotic African cichlid tank for these types of fish, so they feel at home. Tank sizes can vary from 55 gallons all the way to 175+ gallons. You should change up to 50% of the water every week, so be mindful of the amount of maintenance you need to do to keep the fish happy and healthy. The water temperature needs to be between 76 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. As you can imagine, you will want to save as much money as you can regarding maintenance. So rather than buying a synthetic holey rock which fades after 2-3 years, look at the Texas holey rock all-natural stone product.
A playful bird
For someone who is looking to buy their first exotic pet, you might be a little hesitant. Exotic pets are a niche, you have to take the time to learn more about them than you would a pet dog, cat, or gerbil. So if you would like to play it safe for your first buy, how about a parrot? Parrots and macaws are a great choice because they’re large enough for most homes. You can get the smaller cockatoos if you wish or perhaps a lovebird. Any one of these parrots is a good first buy because they don’t need much looking after.
The general weight is about 0.5 to 1.5kg. They have surprisingly long lifespans, depending on the type. Some like the grey parrot can live between 40 to 60 years in captivity. However, some like the budgerigar only last between 5 to 10 years. They are very easy to feed as they eat grains and fruits. They will need to be let out of their cages every day and allowed to stretch their wings in the house or in the garden. Parrots do like to socialize, so you should spend a good 1-2 hours with them a day. They can become frustrated without some kind of play, so buying toys is essential for their living standard.
Exotic pets are incredibly interesting and fun but they do require you to do a lot of research in order to know what makes them tick. Make sure you invest in their home, toys, and feed as it’s not quite the same as a pet dog or cat.
