Taking care of a pet is a challenge, but it’s well worth the effort for animal lovers. Having a furry companion greet you when you get home from work or snuggle with you on the couch while you’re watching TV is priceless. Pets improve our happiness and well-being and keep us entertained.
A pet cat or dog is a typical sight in many homes, but some people prefer a more unique pet. From reptiles to arachnids, there are many species of animals that people keep as pets. Exotic pets aren’t for everyone. Some people squirm at the thought of keeping an eight-legged creature in their home, while others simply don’t have the time or money to care for an exotic pet’s needs. However, if you’re interested in getting an exotic pet or want to learn more about them, here are a few different exotic pets that many people enjoy having in their homes.
1. Rhinoceros Iguana
The Rhinoceros iguana is a unique-looking reptile that gets its name from the horn-like protrusion on the nose of the males. Their green, blue, gray, and brown color patterns help them to blend in with their natural habitat. These special creatures are an endangered species, and only captive-bred iguanas are legal to own as pets.
Setting up a suitable enclosure is key to keeping your iguana happy and healthy. You will have to keep their enclosure somewhat humid and provide them with a water bowl that they can soak in. They also require branches for climbing and heat lamps to keep the temperature warm enough. They eat mainly leafy greens and some fruits and vegetables. Occasionally they eat small bugs, but their diet is mostly herbivorous.
Rhinoceros iguanas are rare pets and can live for up to 20 years. However, you should use caution when handling them, as they have a strong bite. Most rhinoceros iguanas are pretty docile, but it’s always best to be on the safe side.
2. Chinchillas
Chinchillas are adorable rodents beloved for their soft fluffy coat of fur. They make beautiful pets, but require some special care to keep them healthy and thriving. Chinchillas are nocturnal, so they need a quiet place to sleep during the day and will be quite active at night. They tend to be quite docile, especially if they’ve been accustomed to handling from an early age.
When preparing an enclosure for a pet chinchilla, keep in mind that their thick fur makes them prone to overheating. Choose a place with cool temperatures that never rise above 80 degrees Fahrenheit. A large cage with multiple levels and plenty of ventilation is ideal for a chinchilla. Chinchillas need plenty of exercise, so you would do well to put an exercise wheel in their cage and allow them to explore outside of their cage every day. Paper bedding is best for lining their cage, as wood shavings can be harmful to a chinchilla’s respiratory tract.
Chinchillas mainly eat grass hay. You can also supplement hay with pellet chinchilla food. Consult with a vet to decide on the right quantity. Chinchillas can be cute and entertaining pets. They’re small and quiet during the day. But it may take time for them to get used to handling, and don’t expect them to be as friendly as a dog or cat. And some may not enjoy that they are active at night.
3. Mexican Red-Knee Tarantula
If you would love to have a creepy, crawly pet, the Mexican red-knee tarantula might be a good choice. They’re docile and easy to care for. They can be brown, red, and black, and get their name from the red markings on their legs. Females are slightly larger than males and live longer, although both genders can live for several years in captivity.
Mexican red-knee tarantulas are from warm habitats, so make sure to create a suitable environment for their habitat. Keep the temperature between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and 60 to 70% humidity. Use a terrarium or aquarium for their enclosure. A thick layer of soil and moss for their substrate will allow them to burrow. A 20-gallon tank should be sufficient for housing a tarantula.
Mexican red-knee tarantulas eat large bugs like crickets and cockroaches. Feed them live insects, and occasionally small mice or lizards. They only require feeding once or twice a week.
Mexican red-knee tarantulas can be good pets since their easy to take care of and rarely bite. If you would love to own a tarantula, a Mexican red-knee may be the perfect pet for you.
While there are plenty of cat and dog people in the world, some people like more exotic animals. Whether you prefer reptiles, fluffy rodents, or hairy tarantulas, there’s an exotic pet for everyone. Just be sure that you will have the time and money to take excellent care of any pet you may bring into your home.
