Emily Estep is a biologist and fact checker focused on environmental sciences. Leopard geckos eat live insects and worms and only grow up 10 inches in length. Hamsters are relatively small, being only 5 to 7 inches long. Crabs are social creatures so it's a good idea to keep more than one. Anole This cool lizard boasts a colorful neck pouch and is a great choice for novice reptile pet parents. Sea monkeys only need to be fed every five to seven days and outside of ensuring that their tank is in great conditions, you dont have to worry about them. 2022 Galvanized Media. 4. Iguanas are some of the most prominent victims of inadequate care for their presence as cheap animals in chain pet stores. According to John Virata with Reptiles magazine, good beginner pet snakes include the corn snake, California kingsnake, rosy boa, gopher snake, and ball python. The corn snake is fairly docile, only grows two to five feet in length and primarily eats small rodents. They're easy to care for perhaps the most low-maintenance "pet" on this list and need only a terrarium for living quarters, and a heating pad, totaling about $75. They are also able to keep active on their own if provided with enough toys and other items for stimulation. Just like rats, mice also have a bad rep, but when it comes to pets, these fuzzy creatures dont cause a lot havoc if theyre well-taken care of. Snake. Another reason many owners are surprised by the size. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. 4. Fruit can be given occasionally as a treat. A white spotted hermit crab crawls along the sand. 100 Irish Baby Names That We're Totally Going to Steal, 12 Pet Memorial Gifts to Give After the Loss of a BFF (Best Furry Friend), Parents: Activating Your Yes-Brain Will Be Your Tantrum Reducer Superpower. This popular parrot makes a Scorpion. Perhaps the cutest low-maintenance pet you can own is the chinchilla. Hedgehogs are not social. As McLeod explained to The Spruce Pets, they have a docile nature that makes them easy to get along with and play with, but they also don't need a lot in terms of care. A pet chipmunk may not play catch like Fido, but he can surprise you with simple tricks or use you as a perch. They like to chillax in a tropical habitat and love to eat crickets and worms. Great for beginner pet parents. Juveniles need feedings three times a day, but adults can eat once daily. Supplies for having a pet rat can add up to $100 and more, depending on how thrifty and industrious you want to be. Thus, making a hedgehog seems to be not a subject to the separation anxiety, but this pet is fitting for those who travel. Hamsters aren't the only easy-to-care for rodents you can consider for your home. Conservatory garden worker Elliot Blacker, founder of Evopure, recommends stick insectsalso known as stick bugsas the perfect low-maintenance pet. Cats also groom and wash themselves and the British Shorthair is particularly easy as it has an undemanding personality, easygoing temperament and molts far less than other cats, Cattime.com recommends. Raising them up from a caterpillar, you just need a common plant to feed them, and sticks for them to wander around on, especially in the beginning stage of their life. These were not considered true hibernators, but studies have shown that East Chipmunks body temperature is thirty-five to forty-one degrees Celsius (95 to 105.8 degrees Fahrenheit) during activity and 5-7 degrees Celsius (41-44.6 degrees Fahrenheit) topper a true difference. Chipmunks are not low-maintenance pets, but they are great companions. Thanks to their day-to-day ease of care and, among male canaries, their trademark singing, canaries have been one of the most popular types of pets for more than 500 years not nearly as long as dogs, but 500 years is pretty impressive. Fish are often "seen as low-maintenance pets" until people realize just how much work needs to be put into 2 Pugs. Greyhounds can cost thousands of dollars to buy outright but many are now a popular rescue choice and can be adopted for free. Lives up to three years. The most popular is probably the corn snake because it's a fairly docile snake, and they don't grow that largetwo to five feet in length at most. Lives 5 to 8 years. Their tank should be equipped with a hygrometer to ensure adequate humidity levels of at least 75 percent. Betta Fish: $5 to $25. Talk about hands-off. There are several types of pet frogs: aquatic frogs (African clawed frogs), semi-aquatic frogs (oriental fire-bellied toads), tree frogs (American green tree frogs), and large but sedentary frogs (Pacman frogs). "And once your tank is ready, you only need to feed them once a dayor get an automatic fish feederand replace 15 percent of the water each week.". And their life span is roughly two years, which is also an ideal length. "I must say I'm quite pleased with the rabbit. High-quality pot-bellied pork food should closely reflect the natural food of an animal. Gerbil. Hermit Crabs: Less Than $10. Younger children may enjoy them, but the small creatures can be injured easily if play gets rough, so they're not the best choice for families with preschoolers or younger children. They are skilled at playing the whistle and can often be taught to play the whistle. 5. Guppies also make for great pet fish. Chinchillas are small rodents with playful personalities. WebHermit crabs are one of those small pets that are not very common, but nevertheless quite well mannered, insanely cheap, and make for great pets. Blacker says they can live off a "diet of blackberries, oak, rose, and ivy.". Venus fly traps are unique in that they have a special mechanism that's able to close rapidly on insects unlucky enough to land on their lobes. They fill their cheekbones with seeds and nuts and take them to a borough where they are stored for later use. Hermit crabs are the quintessential low-maintenance pets since the sand at the bottom of their tanks only needs to be changed three times a yearweekly scooping is recommended, however. Water should be changed every week or two. Raising butterflies is fairly easy and requires little space and time, though most kits guarantee only that some of the few caterpillars they send will reach maturity, so you'll need to consider the cost of more than one. Agouti. Pot-bellied pigs are highly intelligent animals whose silly and stylish personalities make for excellent pets. Binturong. In Captivity For in The Wild, Box Turtle Food | Guide | Chain | Chart List, Norwegian Forest Cat vs Maine Coon | Size and Price | Black Grey Orange White. To cut your start-up costs, adopt a rescue hamster and pick up a second-hand cage on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Pull out these PG jokes anytime you need a wholesome laugh. Hens can provide a household with 250 fresh eggs every year and can live up to 10 years. At the minimum, these rodents need a cage that encompasses about 7-8 square feet. Hamsters are small and low-maintenance and can entertain themselves with a wheel or other toys. Like most rodents, they really just need a large, active cage lined with nesting. Pygmy goats are curious and love to explore, play and socialize. Prehensile-Tailed Porcupine. They can thrive in 10-gallon tanks or terrariums as long as they're set up correctly. 10 Cheap Exotic Pets - PetHelpful. However, it is important to consider commitment before jumping into piggy paternity. They tend to be easily tamed and often like to hang out on people's shoulders or laps. They eat a varied diet of fruit, vegetables and grains. They require a cage with soft bedding. She lives free in the flat and reaches her cage for drinking, relieving herself, or sleeping. Some pets need less grooming and attention; many are simply cheaper to own than some of the more high-maintenance options. Hermit crabs are interesting to watch; they move from one shell to another. What makes guinea pigs the perfect low-maintenance pet is that they are plenty active without needing much from their owner. Im About to Have My First GrandchildWhat Gear Do I Actually Need to Invest In So She Can Visit? They make good apartment dwellers since they are clean and relatively odor-free. Prehensile-Tailed Porcupine. Getting a pet is a simple way to add a different dynamic to your home. 1. These bad boys only require that you keep them in a dark area of the house, away from any sunlightbecauseof course. Most are social animals that want to keep you company. Its no accident that their good names have become almost synonymous with eating something. Physical Characteristics: Small, stout bodies with no tail, a large head with large and alert eyes, strong, short legs with four toes on their front feet and three on the back, all with sharp claws; color variations include black, beige, chocolate, cream, cinnamon, gold, lemon, lilac, red, silver, and white, Fernando Trabanco Fotografa / Getty Images. Another low-key pet! The domesticated Budgerigar is the most popular of all pet bird species, according to BirdLife International. These guys are great if you need a pet to bring some zen into the space. Although mini-pot-bellied pigs are much smaller than their corral, a small pig could easily weigh more than 100 pounds! They need a lot of love, attention, and affection. (Painted shells are controversial there's a risk of using a toxic material that will hurt the crab.) The domesticated Budgerigar is the most popular of all pet bird species, according to BirdLife International. Leopard geckos tend to be the most commonly available pet geckos, but house geckos Unlike many other lizards and reptiles, the leopard gecko is a friendly and sociable choice for a pet. Ferret makes excellent pets for owners who take the time to bond with them. The small animals are very quiet and low-maintenance pets. They are enchanting, cheap, and low maintenance. Evenly tempered, these guys get along with other cats, dogs and children. A thriving ant colony seen inside a formicarium enclosure. Physical Characteristics: Common variations include white, sable, cinnamon, and chocolate-colored slinky bodies with white foreheads, muzzles, and throats; black feet, Photography by Peter A. Kemmer / Getty Images. Axolotl: $1535. These zingers are to-the-point and easy to remember. Join half a million readers enjoying Newsweek's free newsletters. However, their curiosity sometimes leads to their mischief, and they can even be destructive. These guys live for four to five years and relish the companionship of a fellow cavy (another name for a guinea pig) in their space. Although they make excellent pets for beginners, Bearded Dragons have specialized diets composed of fruit, vegetables, and insects. A Budgerigar perched on a branch in Queensland, Australia. "I must say I'm quite pleased with the rabbit. Still, praying mantises are cool to look at, it's fun to watch them feed, and, on the list of easiest pets, they rank right up there. (Sellers may also try to upsell you to a giant kit.). Our list of the cheapest pets some of whom just require food and water includes animals such as insects, reptiles, freshwater fish, and even a crustacean. Cool pets to have in California - IPS FAM, Natural Rat Control | Shield your Home from Rats, Professional Dog Grooming Equipment for Sale, How Much Home Cooked Food to Feed Dog Vets w/ Pets. xhr.setRequestHeader('Content-Type', 'text/plain;charset=UTF-8'); Lianne McLeod, DVM, is a small animal and exotic pet expert with over a decade of experience writing about veterinary care. When it comes to fueling your pork adventures, its important to provide a healthy diet. Some breeds like the brown house snake or the California king snake even go two weeks without eating and some become friendlier the more they get used to being handled. 3. Youll want to keep their habitat on the warmer side, along with a shallow saltwater dish where they can soak in. Goldfish: $1 to $40. Bettas often puff up and display their colors when startled or feeling frisky. Not only are they super adorable, but hamsters are also cost effective and even down for cuddles, should you feel compelled. It is the size of a medium to large breed of dog. "And the truth is, we only walk him about 30 minutes a day, and play fetch or tug of war for about 10 minutes, and that's enough to keep him in shape." Hermit crabs are a good choice for those who find themselves short on time to provide the care for a more high-maintenance pet. 5. No-pet apartment leases usually allow hamsters, and they are an ideal apartment pet since they do not require a lot of space. Being active and playful requires a variety of toys to keep them busy, especially chewing gum. All you need in terms of a home is a terrarium with at least five gallons of space that is out of direct sunlight, lined with "two to three inches of washed aquarium gravel or fine reptile bark bedding." That doesn't mean you don't deserve to bring an animal into your homeyou just have to find the right one. They are also intelligent, and their playful antics are fun to watch. The 21 Most Low-Maintenance Pets You Can Own 1 Betta fish. Their tank needs to have enough room for them to be able to swim around and come up for air when needed. Seeing as most praying mantises are taken from the yard outside the home and brought in, there's usually no cost at all! They make remarkably easy pets probably one of the easiest in terms of maintenance. The 20 Least Expensive Pets to Own. The 21 Most Low-Maintenance Pets You Can Own 1 Betta fish. So, while fruits, vegetables, and healthy treats are great for rewarding your pork cub for good work, a salad is provided because unruly eaters can only eat their favorite bites as a result of their main meal. Web1. You will need to buy a spacious cage (wire, not aquarium), as well as plenty of toys, bedding, a box to nest and hide in, a water bottle, quality food, a carrier for safe transport to the vet, as well as budgeting for vaccinations and neutering. ". They need a lot of love, attention, and affection. Also, be careful not to move the ant farm once ants have built their tunnels, as it might cause a collapse, which could kill or injure the ants. They like the thrill of the chase and constricting their prey on their own. Their habitat needs to be frequently changed, but other than that, make sure they get some exercise outside their cage and youre good to go. Then, take a look at these top ten interesting pets and see what you like. These fish will need a tank filled with water, fish pellets and decoration inside the tank. Hamsters Image Credit: Lichtpuenktchen, Pixabay Hamsters are one of the small pets that many people would think of immediately when asked to name a low-maintenance pet. A plant qualifies as a pet if it hunts and eats animals, right? They are naturally calm, friendly, friendly, and intelligent as well as timid! Hermit crabsare alow-commitment pet. 4 Low-Maintenance Rodent Pets 1. In terms of diet, turtles are easy, as they "don't need to be fed every day." If youre one of those cool, ballsy people without arachnophobia, treat yourself to a pet tarantula. And while cleaning their space and providing fresh water is essential, turtles actually dont need to be fed every day. Bestlifeonline.com is part of the Meredith Health Group. If you still want something cute and cuddly you can hold, get a guinea pig. Pet goats can easily adapt to any environment but do need a yard. Hermit Crabs: Less Than $10. The best age to dry and neutral pot-pigs in months. 12 Best Exotic Pets for Apartment Living. They are also quiet and require little space and attention. Budgerigar. Agouti. Simple! These dont necessarily add to the dynamic of your home, but its nice to know theyre there. But not always. No need for constant trips to the groomers! These small rodents typically live for five or six years and only require a cage, some bedding, food, and water. 5. Many frog species don't need much space, so they are an ideal choice for small apartments. So whether you're looking for something that makes sense for your kids, for your working parent lifestyle, or for the limitations of your apartment, these are the low-maintenance pets you should consider taking home. Fish are often "seen as low-maintenance pets" until people realize just how much work needs to be put into 2 Pugs. In addition to mice, Dumerils Boas like to eat small rabbits and fowl. Degu: $1020. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings. Lives 5 to 8 years. Different species are found in environments determined by large rocks, boulders, and cliffs up to 3,900 meters (12,800 feet) above sea level. As a team, they are an environmentally versatile race. 1. Examples of animals that you can have as pets include Bearded Dragons, Budgies, Asian Palm Civet, Chacoan Maras, and Garden Eels. They appreciate out-of-cage time to socialize, explore, and play. In fact, the American Kennel Club says the breed is "perfectly happy to lounge around the house all day". Snake species that do not require large enclosures include corn snakes, king snakes, milk snakes,and ball pythons. 5 Perfect Pets for Kids with Allergies. It 2. They only require 30% to 40% humidity, but as diurnal reptiles, they need at least 12 hours of sunlight and a heated basking area set at Hamsters are relatively small, being only 5 to 7 inches long. Similar to a stick bug, if you're looking for a low-maintenance insect, think about a praying mantis. Physical Characteristics: Two bulging eyes; strong, long, webbed hind feet used for leaping and swimming; smooth or slimy skin; colors are varied. However, keeping ants is a cool, interesting way for young children to feel like they "own pets," without parents having to feel like they need to spend a lot of time "taking care" of said pets. Unlike turtles, tortoises need more room to roam, so be sure to invest in a spacious pen. A leopard gecko is the perfect pet for any family or apartment-dwelling young adult. The ideal tank size for most frogs is a 10-gallon or 20-gallon tank. They may look intimidating, but hermit crabs are actually super chill once they get acquainted to their environments though they will snip if they feel threatened, so a soft touch is key when handling them. They are naturally calm, friendly, friendly, and intelligent as well as timid! Budgerigar. 4 Low-Maintenance Rodent Pets 1. Like praying mantises, scorpions eat live insects, so plan on spending about $100 per year on crickets. The very essence of a turtle is to be cool, calm and collected, and maintaining them is just as easy. Great for beginner pet parents. So, you have a fifth grader who is finally learning about metamorphosis, what better way to show them the process than to get some caterpillars for the home. If the lifespan of a turtle intimidates you, go with a hermit crab instead! xhr.send(payload); Physical Characteristics: Small and furry mammals with long ears, short fluffy tails, and strong, large hind legs; coats can vary in color from whites to browns, grays, and black, and by fur length, from short to long. Once thats all sorted out, however, snakes are generally easy-peasy lemon squeezy. Provided you have a backyard and space for a coop, chickens are a surprisingly easy choice. Degu: $1020. Ferrets love to play with humans and each other. They can easily adapt to any environment but do need a yard. 5. 10 Cheap Exotic Pets - PetHelpful. A Hedgehog is seen at the San Francisco Zoo. Adults grow to up to 4 inches plus a 4-inch tail. Unless won at the county fair, these animals can cost anywhere from $1 (sometimes they're considered food for other animals, rather than pets) to $40 or more. Lizard species that are good for beginners include leopard geckos, crested geckos, house geckos, bearded dragons, and anoles. Physical Characteristics: Short tails, stubby legs, and small ears; color variations include black, grey, brown, white, yellow, red, or a mixture of several colors. These crabs can be kept in a humid, five gallon-terrarium. Cats are notoriously independent. However, they can entertain themselves when you are not around to play, leading to some mischief and problems if they are not supervised. Their opportunistic nature means that many pet cubs will choose what they want to produce when they throw away the rest of the food. Chinchillas are nocturnal animals, but they make beautiful pets because they are low maintenance, quiet and odorless, with beautiful soft fur. When it comes to welcoming pets into your family, every pet needs to be cared for and loved. This British Shorthair Cat can groom and wash itself and moults far less than other cats. Goldfish are active all day and make the perfect viewing shelf pet that is absolutely low maintenance for any pet owner. However, when you're a busy person, it's just not possible to spend every waking moment looking after a pet. They dont require too much spacea 15-to 20-gallon tank will do the trickand they feed on crickets, wax worms and meal worms. Opt for a larger tank with a filtration system. Riley Children's Health at Indiana University. These crabs can be kept in a humid, five gallon-terrarium. A classic easy first pet, a goldfish is an animal that adds life and beauty to the room without requiring much attention, time or maintenance from its owners. As with other animals, it's important that you conduct thorough research and talk to appropriate experts before you adopt a low-maintenance pet because these little guys are just as worthy of all the love you can give. Snakes probably are not the first animal that comes to mind when considering a pet but they are surprisingly easy to maintain and can make great companions, if not conversation-starters. Due to their small size, they are easier to control than many other parrot species. Also, the question about Can rabbits eat bok choy arises from another one as can, [] How Much Home Cooked Food to Feed Dog [], [] to give their animals wholesome food. Cats are certainly not the cheapest option but for those who love felines, the British Shorthair is a low-maintenance and cheaper alternative. You don't have to settle on a tank-living, aquatic animal just because you want a low-maintenance pet, however.