Great alternative pets
Jun 25 '00
A good number of people in this world miss out on the benefits of pet ownership because they have too many concerns regarding dogs and cats, the most common sorts of pets. Either they suffer allergies, have insufficient space or time, are worried about care and messiness, or simply are not attracted to these species. The benefits of pet ownership, however, companionship, education, and improvement of your home environment to name just a few, should not be thrown away if these are your concerns. There are a great many wonderful pets out there you can choose from besides the most obvious two species.
Small mammals
This category includes ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, rats, mice, hamsters, and other little furry critters. Smaller animals require less space than cats and dogs and yet can offer just as much interaction. Prices can range from one to two dollars for a mouse to hundreds of dollars for more exotic mammals such as chinchillas.
For safest care small mammals should be kept in adequately sized hutches or cages and let out only when they are able to be watched carefully. The initial investment of housing for a small mammal runs on average from around $10 to several hundred dollars, depending on the size, material used, and decorative value. Once this initial cost is covered, however, feeding and upkeep are relatively inexpensive. Most small mammals can be fed from your pantry, with individual dietary guidelines for each species followed. Most small mammals can be cared for with basic understanding of the species to begin with and are great introductory pets. Most veterinarians who treat dogs and cats can also treat small mammals.
Small mammals will need daily feeding and should have their cages cleaned every other day or so, depending on the substrate they are housed in. Some people with allergies to cats will also react to small mammals. Small mammals are in general friendly if handled properly, but some species may bite if defensive. This is particularly true of hamsters and I do not recommend that anyone purchase a hamster as a pet to be handled by a child as they tend to be quite moody at times and unpredictable.
Birds
Birds are available in a variety of sizes and colors and are amongst the most attractive pets. Like small mammals, birds do not have huge space requirements, but offer a great deal of interaction and beauty. Prices can range from $10 for small birds such as finches to several hundred dollars for exotic or specially trained birds such as minas or falconing birds.
Birds should be kept in special habitats such as aviary cages or perches for larger birds. These habitats should allow open air flow and room for the bird to exercise. Aviary habitats can cost from $20 to thousands of dollars. Upkeep for birds is a bit more than for most other pets, as they must be regularly examined, provided with calcium or chewing blocks, toys, nesting materials, and other items depending on the species. Diets can range from prepared seed mixes to fresh meat for carnivorous birds such as raptors. Special knowledge is required for bird handling, feeding, breeding, and care. Birds should be taken to a veterinarian that specializes in avian care.
Birds require daily feeding and regular examination. Their habitats should be kept very clean and changed at least once a day. A very small percentage of people will have allergic reactions to birds, particularly if they are molting. Birds tend to be defensive if not handled properly and may cause injury to the handler or themselves. Birds are generally not a good starter pet or pet for small children.
Fish and amphibians.
Fish come in many shapes, sizes, and colors, as do amphibians such as frogs, newts, and certain turtles. These species provide a great deal of beauty to your environment and have minimal space requirements, although interaction will be limited. Prices can range from one to two dollars for common goldfish to thousands of dollars for exotic species.
Fish and amphibians must be kept in aquariums or bowls with adequate oxygen exchange. Prices can range from $5 for basic bowls to thousands of dollars for custom or built-in aquariums. Of primary consideration in selecting an aquarium or bowl are adequate space for the fish or amphibian to swim and sufficient oxygen exchange, either provided by using a pump or by making sure the water surface is large enough to allow oxidation of the full volume of water. Amphibians will also require a 'standing' surface where they can rest out of the water. Upkeep for fish is very low cost, while amphibian diets may run a little more if you include such things as pinkies (newborn mice) or insects and grubs in their diet. An investment in knowledge is required to keep your fish or amphibian healthy. Fish and amphibians should be treated by a veterinarian specializing in aquatic animals.
Fish and amphibians require feeding every day or every other day depending on the species, as well as attention to their living conditions. Aquariums and bowls should be cleaned regularly, every week to every month depending on the set-up and size of the tank. Aquatic pets are wonderful for people with allergies since there is no dander, the most common source of allergic reactions. Fish and amphibians should be handled only when necessary as too much contact can be detrimental to their health. Some amphibian diseases are transmittable to humans, therefore hand washing is required after any handling. A few species are poisonous. Common fish such as betas or goldfish make excellent and attractive starter pets or pets for children, although adult supervision of feeding and care is strongly recommended.
Reptiles
Snakes, lizards, and turtles are often overlooked as pets, but are a wonderful and exotic alternative pet, undeserving of their frightening reputation in society. Due to the difficulty involved in breeding these animals, they are more expensive, with a few species available for as little as $25 for a young animal but most ranging from $100 to thousands of dollars for large or exotic animals. Most reptiles are long-lived pets, however, and can provide companionship for a lifetime.
Reptiles should be kept in terrariums, habitats that are designed to mimic the environment the animal is adapted to, or for some species, outdoor enclosures. Terrariums range in price from around $50 for small set-ups to thousands of dollars for large or custom habitats. Upkeep for reptiles can be expensive and will include proper lighting and heating bulbs (heat rocks and pads are not recommended for reptiles as many species can suffer injury on them) and specialized diets, which may include preformulated diets and/or live prey (mice, rats, insects, and grubs). Specialized knowledge is required for reptile care. Reptiles should be seen by a veterinarian specializing in herpetology.
Turtles and lizards generally require daily feeding, while snakes are usually fed one to two times a month. Lizards and snakes will shed as they grow, and sheddings and waste should be removed from the habitat regularly, with the habitat being cleaned once a week to once a month depending on the size and the species. Reptiles are wonderful for people with allergies as, again, there is no dander to worry about. Handling and temperament vary from species to species, with a few species being venomous. Hand-washing after handling is required. The best starter pets for reptiles are Russian tortoises, bearded dragons, and ball pythons, all three of these being hearty and gentle examples of their kind. Any one of these would make an excellent pet for a child.
Invertebrates
While crabs, spiders, and insects are often completely overlooked as pets, they can be entertaining, beautiful, and environment improving to those looking for fairly low-maintainance pets. Most invertebrates are fairly inexpensive, ranging from $5-20, although a few exotic species can be expensive.
Invertebrates need to be kept in terrariums, but with less space required, most can be kept in inexpensive models that will run about $50 for a complete set-up. Some invertebrates will have special lighting or heating needs depending on the species. Diets can run from pantry goodies to specialized formulas or live prey. Some knowledge is required for proper care and handling of invertebrates. Finding a veterinarian to care for your invertebrate may be impossible, although you may be able to get help from marine biologists or entomologists if you live near a university.
Invertebrates require some care, with feeding schedules ranging from every other day to once a week in most cases, and very little habitat maintenance, mostly to remove molts as the animal grows. Some people may have allergies to crabs or spiders such as tarantulas if they handle them. Handling should be done only when needed so as not to damage the invertebrate. Some species are poisonous. Good starter pets in invertebrates are hermit crabs, walking sticks, and manti. With adult supervision these make great pets for children.
Hopefully this has been informative for those interested in alternative pets and trying to decide on how to go about selecting the right pet for you. Remember to always research the species you intend to purchase for specific care and handling instructions, and make sure you buy from a reputable pet shop that will provide a refund or exchange should your pet not work out. Pets are not toys, they are living creatures that can enrich the lives of those that care for them.
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QueenLyssa
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Member: Lyssa Jaraba
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