Hamsters are small and low-maintenance and can entertain themselves with a wheel or other toys. A hedgehog is not related to porcupines or not a rodent, they are in a sub-family known as insectivore. Other than that, you just need to clean your snails' terrarium at least once a week, spraying the walls with water and paper towels to clear mucus trails. Like other pets allowed to roam in your home, make sure there are no exposed wires or toxic plants and protect wooden fixtures. Youll want to keep their habitat on the warmer side, along with a shallow saltwater dish where they can soak in. "Betta fish are stunning, really hardy, and you can have an awesome low-maintenance setup," Adams says. Different species are found in environments determined by large rocks, boulders, and cliffs up to 3,900 meters (12,800 feet) above sea level. They like the thrill of the chase and constricting their prey on their own. Great for beginner pet parents. 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. Speaking of which, food is the only catch with this strange pet: Praying mantises eat live insects, which can cost about $100 per year, while the creatures themselvestypically cost around $25 each, and you can buy eggs and nymphs for much less. Opt for a larger tank with a filtration system. They are quiet, clean, low maintenance, and don't shed. Budgerigar: $1035. Leopard geckos have a lifespan of about 20 years and can easily cohabitate with each other. They are in the rodent family and eat an omnivorous diet. Prehensile-Tailed Porcupine. Binturong. The 20 Least Expensive Pets to Own They are most active at night but will wake for interaction during the day. 5 Perfect Pets for Kids with Allergies. Mmm. But one thing to note is that turtles can live for a while. Juveniles need feedings three times a day, but adults can eat once daily. Like most rodents, they really just need a large, active cage lined with nesting. Hermit crabs are interesting to watch; they move from one shell to another. They are low maintenance, only need food every other day or so, and do not mind if you are not around much. This is a characteristic children will love. Pet Fish are often "seen as low-maintenance pets" until people realize just how much work needs to be put into 2 Pugs. Let's face it, dogs aren't ever really low-maintenance pets. Low-Maintenance Pets Lianne McLeod, DVM, is a small animal and exotic pet expert with over a decade of experience writing about veterinary care. 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. The one thing you really need to remember about scorpions is the temperature of their environment. 1. On the contrary, pothole Pigs (PBPs) are intelligent, easy to train, affectionate, curious, playful, clean, odor-free, and allergen-free. Pet Exotic pets are often compact, quiet, and don't require outdoor space, making them ideal pets for apartment living since they don't bother nearby neighbors or damage your home. WebGuinea Pig. It is of the utmost importance that if youre going to buy a snake, you do so from a reputable vendor so as to avoid any issues, legal or health wise. Cats are notoriously independent. As omnivorous, wild food consists of roots, vegetables, nuts, seeds, berries, eggs, and small insects. Anole This cool lizard boasts a colorful neck pouch and is a great choice for novice reptile pet parents. In addition, they need a large terrarium with pure water, fruits, and vegetables every day. Male, The teeth of male pigs grow throughout their lives, much like hamster teeth, and require regular shaping by their veterinarian to keep them in top shape. A hermit crab on its own goes for around $10, but you should budget between $50 and $175 for a tank and decorations. The African dwarf frog may be the pet for you! This might sound traumatic to any big city dweller, but hear us out. In addition, cockatiels have a reputation as gentle and unpretentious birds who enjoy petting and keeping. Cheapest Low-Maintenance Pets The ideal tank size for most frogs is a 10-gallon or 20-gallon tank. Can you imagine an easier pet to care for than a snail? Thus, making a hedgehog seems to be not a subject to the separation anxiety, but this pet is fitting for those who travel. Dr. Bryant is a Veterinary Review Board Member for The Spruce Pets. 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. They don't need much cage spacea 15- to 20-gallon tank should doso they're a good option if you don't have room for an elaborate vivarium setup. The good news is that pot-bellied pigs make great house pets. Top 13 Best Pets To Have At Home Or In An Apartment. 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. 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. But not always. Leopard geckos tend to be the most commonly available pet geckos, but house geckos Pets Snake. This crawly creature only grows three to eight inches long and lives anywhere from two to six years, according to the pros at Petco. Adults grow to up to 4 inches plus a 4-inch tail. Cheap Exotic Pets They eat a varied diet of fruit, vegetables and grains. Anoles can live more than five years and grow up to 8 inches long. Low Maintenance Pets They fill their cheekbones with seeds and nuts and take them to a borough where they are stored for later use. The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Agouti. Green Iguana: $1525. Norway rats are the most common species of pet rat, and they only live two to three years, and grow nine to eleven inches long. They dont require too much spacea 15-to 20-gallon tank will do the trickand they feed on crickets, wax worms and meal worms. Their cage needs are not too demanding: about 2 cubic feet per rat. African dwarf frogs dont need much human interaction, so its advisable to get several in a tank. Amazon Tree Boa The Amazon tree boa is a stunning snake with a need to climb! Your email address will not be published. At the minimum, these rodents need a cage that encompasses about 7-8 square feet. She lives free in the flat and reaches her cage for drinking, relieving herself, or sleeping. 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. Small Pets That Could Be Right Fruits, vegetables, and cat or dog food are young, healthy, in a good mood, and perfect. From Spay. And while cleaning their space and providing fresh water is essential, turtles actually dont need to be fed every day. When they are handled early, they become quite fluent and can form bonds with their owner. Most kids end up having hamsters as childhood pets because they're more low-maintenance than other animals. The domesticated Budgerigar is the most popular of all pet bird species, according to BirdLife International. 3. Youll want to keep their habitat on the warmer side, along with a shallow saltwater dish where they can soak in. Cheapest Low-Maintenance Pets They require a cage with soft bedding. Goats are low maintenance and eat grass, hay, grain and pellet feed. 13 Cheap Pets That Are Easy to Take Care Of. Sea monkeys live up to two years and only need to be fed once a week. A second small, popular, and inexpensive fish to consider, Bettas (also known as Siamese fighting fish) are aggressive by nature and need to be kept in isolation. Mice do not require a lot of space or a large cage. Can Bearded Dragons Eat Spinach-Watermelon-Blueberries-Cucumbers-Celery-Lettuce? Geckos enjoy eating live crickets and worms, and weekly food expenses run from $5 to $10, depending on the size of your gecko. Whether you want to own an exotic animal or something more common, there are more pets available than ever before. 1. Hermit Crabs: Less Than $10. Their size requirements are just one of the reasons why they make great pets for small spaces. Another reason many owners are surprised by the size. They are social and do best when placed with other hermit crabs if their tank is spacious enough. These tiny kangaroos from below create a unique pet. Its no accident that their good names have become almost synonymous with eating something. It is the size of a medium to large breed of dog. She lives free in the flat and reaches her cage for drinking, relieving herself, or sleeping. Diet for Pet | When Should You Consider a New Diet? Small Pets Misleading name aside, hermit crabs actually enjoy company and will thank you if you provide them with a playmate. Leopard and house geckos are among the best choices for reptile pets, especially for beginners. Pet 3. Low-Maintenance Pets Whether you want to own an exotic animal or something more common, there are more pets available than ever before. Height is not critical; they don't tend to climb, so it does not need to be taller than a foot or 18 inches. Chinchillas are small rodents with playful personalities. The leopard gecko is a surprisingly friendly and sociable choice for a pet. But what about the cost to buy this insect? When it comes to fueling your pork adventures, its important to provide a healthy diet. Smith Collection/Gado /Getty Images 13. "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." Degus can be found for around $25 to $40 each from a shelter and around $80 to $100 each from a breeder. 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. High Because of their high intelligence, pot-sand pigs respond very well to clicker training. Juveniles need feedings three times a day, but adults can eat once daily. Expect to pay less than $30 to raise and keep your butterflies. They are also just as fun and loving as traditional pets like dogs and cats. This British Shorthair Cat can groom and wash itself and moults far less than other cats. Spotted Genet. Leopard geckos are nocturnal meaning they're less active during the day and unlike other reptiles, don't require UV light bulbs, but do need an incandescent bulb and possibly a heat pad, depending on temperatures in your home or apartment. Feeding the bottle to your baby will create a close bond between the owner and the animal. Dr. Nelva Bryant, DVM, is a highly accomplished veterinarian with three decades of professional experience in animal welfare, public health, and zoonotic diseases. This popular parrot makes a Scorpion. They appreciate out-of-cage time to socialize, explore, and play. Conservatory garden worker Elliot Blacker, founder of Evopure, recommends stick insectsalso known as stick bugsas the perfect low-maintenance pet. Just make sure you teach your kids not to jostle them around as they dont fancy too much human interaction. In most common species, the body length is 8 to 16 cm say (3.1 to 6.3 inches), and the tail length is 6 to 14 cm say (2.4 to 5.5 inches). These animals also require a moist hideout to aid their shedding, a water bowl, and a second hideout for when they're feeling self-conscious. Hedgehogs. Fish are often "seen as low-maintenance pets" until people realize just how much work needs to be put into 2 Pugs. Also, since they are natural predators, it may take some time to make friends with other animals in the house. Green Iguana: $1525. 40 Rare and Unique Exotic Pets. Supplies for having a pet rat can add up to $100 and more, depending on how thrifty and industrious you want to be. Cheapism may earn a commission if you buy through a link on our site. 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. They can live longer depending on goldfish type, the size of the tank, and how often their water is They dont require too much spacea 15-to 20-gallon tank will do the trickand they feed on crickets, wax worms and meal worms. However, if you choose to get a tortoise you must be diligent about their diets as some species require a fair amount of vegetables, while certain breeds of turtles eat meat. However, they can be very active and are nocturnal. Greyhounds can cost thousands of dollars to buy outright but many are now a popular rescue choice and can be adopted for free. Rabbits are a suitable option for apartment living since they can be litter-box trained, groom themselves, and are relatively quiet. Learn more about the anole 2. Goldfish tend to be messy, so make sure you're cleaning their living spaces frequently. You'll pay about $15-20 for the hamster, another $20-50 for a cage, $7-8 for an exercise ball, $10 for the first bag of food and another $10 for the first bag of shavings. They like to chillax in a tropical habitat and love to eat crickets and worms. A Budgerigar perched on a branch in Queensland, Australia. (But they can also be left to their own devices.) They like to chillax in a tropical habitat and love to eat crickets and worms. Pets 4. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and a Master of Science in Plant Biology from Ohio University. Guinea pigs and ferrets enjoy being held. Goldfish are active all day and make the perfect viewing shelf pet that is absolutely low maintenance for any pet owner. Although the venom of a pet tarantula is only mildly toxic (similar to a bee sting), you should not handle it. Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet. And in terms of diet, they have a variety of foods they eat: fruit flies, smaller mantids, moths, house flies, and the occasional cricket or mealworm if your mantid is larger. 21 Best Pets For Kids (By Age Range Remember, while pets are kid-friendly, your kids should be properly supervised when handling them. But many rat owners say the furry little animals are cuddly if handled often from a young age. If you still want something cute and cuddly you can hold, get a guinea pig. Budgerigar. Butterflies are one of the few pets you canorder from Amazon(well, in caterpillar form at least; and talk about low maintenance you don't even have to leave the house to bring one home). They can live longer depending on goldfish type, the size of the tank, and how often their water is Bearded dragon Their short, smooth, glossy coat needs minimal maintenance and their smaller size means they don't require hours of walking a day, the American Kennel Club says. All a hamster needs is a 2-cubic-feet cage equipped with an exercise wheel, items to chew, absorbent bedding, a hiding spot, food, and water. According to Pet Smart, hermit crabs really only live for 10 years at most, and only grow up to 6 inches long. 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. Web1. To cut your start-up costs, adopt a rescue hamster and pick up a second-hand cage on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. While everyone knows what a porcupine is, many have not seen or heard of the funny-looking, tree-dwelling, 2. Garden snails have also been known to be low-maintenance pets. They need a lot of love, attention, and affection. Hedgehogs are amazing little animals that make interesting pets. Pets Their diet mostly consists of regular fish food, though theyre known to have a particular palate for frozen bloodworms. However, they can entertain themselves when you are not around to play, leading to some mischief and problems if they are not supervised. With an ant farm, the ants do most of the work. No-pet apartment leases usually allow hamsters, and they are an ideal apartment pet since they do not require a lot of space. Hermit Crabs: $535. 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. 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). Their intelligence and bizarre personality make them an interesting and loving addition to their family. Cool Ask a Pediatrician: How Do I Know If My Child Is Ready for Kindergarten? Ants live in colonies and setting up a colony enclosure, called a formicarium, is probably the most challenging part of ant ownership. They don't need much cage spacea 15- to 20-gallon tank should doso they're a good option if you don't have room for an elaborate vivarium setup. Examples of animals that you can have as pets include Bearded Dragons, Budgies, Asian Palm Civet, Chacoan Maras, and Garden Eels. Spotted Genet. Talk about hands-off. For instance, a painted turtle can live up to 30 years. Let's face it, dogs aren't ever really low-maintenance pets. Agouti. Choosing a rat as a pet might seem like a gamble. 17 Low-Maintenance Pets That Are Easy Small Pets Anole This cool lizard boasts a colorful neck pouch and is a great choice for novice reptile pet parents. Bearded dragon They need a lot of love, attention, and affection. The 20 Least Expensive Pets to Own. These zingers are to-the-point and easy to remember. Small Pets That Could Be Right Read our, 8 Best Talking Bird Species to Keep as Pets, 11 Easiest Fish to Take Care Of For Beginners, These 7 Birds Make the Best Pets for Kids, 10 Best Tarantula Species to Keep as Pets. Pet goats can easily adapt to any environment but do need a yard. They can live longer depending on goldfish type, the size of the tank, and how often their water is However, their curiosity sometimes leads to their mischief, and they can even be destructive. Local laws also might prohibit certain exotic animals. To cut your start-up costs, adopt a rescue hamster and pick up a second-hand cage on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. They like the thrill of the chase and constricting their prey on their own. Lives up to three years. Unlike dogs, you don't need to worry about giving a cat lots of exercise and because they are so independent, cats can be left alone for extended periods of time provided they are left with food and water. Gerbil. Exotic pets are often compact, quiet, and don't require outdoor space, making them ideal pets for apartment living since they don't bother nearby neighbors or damage your home. 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. As a bonus, they can live harmoniously with docile fishlike a bettaif you want more than one kind of pet. Small, furry, adventurous, and cuddly, guinea pigs are an excellent match for preteens. It guarantees the same level of protein and vital nutrition that pigs want. They only grow an average of one-and-a-half inches and live up to five years, according to the pros at Petco. In addition to mice, Dumerils Boas like to eat small rabbits and fowl. From perfect beaks to curly tails, tiny pot-bellied pigs have become a very favorite addition to the exotic pet scene. Eastern chipmunk is an alternative with two gray-brown stripes and two white stripes. Web1. Hermit Crabs: $535. What makes guinea pigs the perfect low-maintenance pet is that they are plenty active without needing much from their owner. But at the same time, she is quite funny, curious, and very interested when something new happens at home.". They only grow to about six inches, so all you need is a cage big enough to give them some roaming room. Though they eat pellet food, hermit crabs can also ingest bits of your leftovers, just be careful not to give them anything with garlic, onion or citrus. Once they have all that, they don't need much else. A scorpion crawls along the ground at the Scorpion Kingdom laboratory and farm in Egypt's Western Desert. Unlike many other lizards and reptiles, the leopard gecko is a friendly and sociable choice for a pet. As a team, they are an environmentally versatile race. Pet stores will typically sell canaries for about $100 to $150; breeders often sell for less. Just pour a packet containing salt, conditioner, and brine shrimp eggs into a tank of water, and wait a few days for the little crustaceans to hatch. Males and females are less picky than goldfish, and aside from a need to change the water in the bowl and daily feeding, these make for lo- maintenance pets that don't interfere with your time. Additionally, fats are crucial for keeping a healthy neural [], Top 10 Coolest Pets List: Cool Pets to Have in Your Room. 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. The 20 Least Expensive Pets to Own. They can grow anywhere between eight to 24 inches, so they require a spacious tank or aquariumnot bowl. Added bonus: You only need sticks for them to move around on and they feed on common plants. 10 Cheap Exotic Pets - PetHelpful. 4 Low-Maintenance Rodent Pets 1. So before you decide or take the decision to bring one into your home, make sure you research caring for a potty pig. They require a wire cage, bedding, toys and eat a varied diet of fruit, vegetables and grains. Here's a list of economically friendly pets that won't break the bank. More of a hamster person? As a bonus, the average hen lays 276 eggs every year, according to a survey issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Primates often fulfill their enrichment requirements by destroying property or wreaking havoc in your house. 1. Pygmy goats are curious and love to explore, play and socialize. Snake species that do not require large enclosures include corn snakes, king snakes, milk snakes,and ball pythons. 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. 5. A classic easy first pet, a goldfish is an animal that adds life and beauty to the room without requiring much attention, time or Leopard Geckos: $20 to $70. While everyone knows what a porcupine is, many have not seen or heard of the funny-looking, tree-dwelling, 2. If the lifespan of a turtle intimidates you, go with a hermit crab instead! They also don't require a lot of water but will need to have a bit of it around. 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. These animals, among the easiest of their species to own, live for about eight to 15 years and are relatively inexpensive compared with other popular pet birds such as parrots. If stick bugs and praying mantises are not satisfying your child's pet needs, you can always go bigger (and creepier) with a scorpion. Lives up to three years. These crabs can be kept in a humid, five gallon-terrarium. Parakeets must be fed daily, however. 4. Temperatures of 80 to 85 degrees can be maintained using a tank heater or a heat lamp. Amazon Tree Boa The Amazon tree boa is a stunning snake with a need to climb! Join half a million readers enjoying Newsweek's free newsletters. The call of the chipmunk is a sharp scream or chipping. But when you have roommates, kids in the family or work long hours, caring for a pet is not easy. Although a slightly more niche option for insect enthusiasts, ants can be an intriguing pet to own. Low Maintenance Pets High-quality pot-bellied pork food should closely reflect the natural food of an animal. 10 Cheap Exotic Pets - PetHelpful. Degus, which come from Chile and are a type of rodent similar to a guinea pig, make surprisingly easy pets when socialized from a young age. Required fields are marked *. Many frog species don't need much space, so they are an ideal choice for small apartments. The little creatures need lighting in their enclosure, a moist shelter for shedding and a warm place to call home. Fruit can be given occasionally as a treat. Great for beginner pet parents. The vet expenditures are minimal, and she eats basically hay and stale bread with sometimes a carrot or an apple. 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 Both young and older children love them, they need virtually none of your time, and, unlike dogs, cats, and most of the other creatures on this list, don't require a pet-sitter when you leave town. However, that's usually because people pick the wrong kinds of fish. Once thats all sorted out, however, snakes are generally easy-peasy lemon squeezy. Tarantulas are quiet and typically only need a 10- to 20-gallon aquarium to thrive. 40 Rare and Unique Exotic Pets. That works, too, as their care, cost, and temperament are similar. Small Pets That Could Be Right And since their hair isn't as long as other cats', they only need to be brushed two to three times a week to get rid of loose hair. 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. An iguana is the most popular pet lizard. 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. Kids can take them out of their cages to gently play with them every once in a while, but as long as they have the basic necessities, they're happy. Hedgehogs. They can easily adapt to any environment but do need a yard. They make no noise and are relatively easy to care for. Their tank should be equipped with a hygrometer to ensure adequate humidity levels of at least 75 percent. The team at Star Milling Co. provides the best nutrition for our pet parents and their products, such as piglets. If you're looking for a low-maintenance fish, go betta. 1. The small animals are very quiet and low-maintenance pets. However, when you're a busy person, it's just not possible to spend every waking moment looking after a pet. ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb, Pets aren't limited to furry creatures or fish. The fur is reddish-brown and is broken by five brownish brown stripes running down the length of the body. These are fairly low maintenance, a diet consisting mostly of insects. If you are looking for a pet to look at and display, then this is the right choice for you. Assassin snails, for example are not the best standalone pets, but they can add some diversity to your aquarium if you invest in fish or sea monkeys. Best price ! Betta fish, also known as Siamese fighting fish, should live alone and usually live for three to five years. These rodents cost between $25 and $50, and a proper habitat adds about $75 to the initial cost. Exotic pets are often compact, quiet, and don't require outdoor space, making them ideal pets for apartment living since they don't bother nearby neighbors or damage your home.