Leopard geckos have a lifespan of about 20 years and can easily cohabitate with each other. To cut your start-up costs, adopt a rescue hamster and pick up a second-hand cage on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Easy to maintain and even easier to acquirethey can be found in most backyards! They of course need and deserve the same amount of TLC youd give Fido, but these animals can be left to their own devices without (too many) worries. In addition to mice, Dumerils Boas like to eat small rabbits and fowl. } Obtaining ants is as easy as buying an ant colony or a fertilized queen ant, or collecting one from nature. Stephen Johnson contributed to this story. To cut your start-up costs, adopt a rescue hamster and pick up a second-hand cage on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. 12 Best Exotic Pets for Apartment Living. The 21 Most Low-Maintenance Pets You Can Own, I got a dwarf rabbit upon the insistent and repeated requests of my children to have an animal," he says. Cheapism may earn a commission if you buy through a link on our site. This popular parrot makes a Scorpion. This popular parrot makes a great choice for those who live in small spaces. Low Maintenance Pets African dwarf frogs dont need much human interaction, so its advisable to get several in a tank. Guppies also make for great pet fish. Occasional vet visits run more than $50. They can live longer depending on goldfish type, the size of the tank, and how often their water is The vet expenditures are minimal, and she eats basically hay and stale bread with sometimes a carrot or an apple. They are in the rodent family and eat an omnivorous diet. They are not too fussy when it comes to sharing space and can get along with your other little sea creatures. Axolotl: $1535. If you're not ready to give up your dreams of having a cat, consider a more low-maintenance cat breed like a British Shorthair. Pet Kids are always mesmerized by Sea-Monkeys, making them the perfect pet; they'll just sit and stare at them for hours. She lives free in the flat and reaches her cage for drinking, relieving herself, or sleeping. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. It may seem strange to keep insects or spiders as pets, but these are unique animals that are interesting to look at. Physical Characteristics: Hairy bodies with long, hairy legs; two visible fangs; most are brown, although some varieties are cobalt blue, black with white stripes, or multicolored. However, the Budgerigar is a social bird and often requires company as well as a supply of new toys, branches, or other items to chew. Leopard and house geckos are among the best choices for reptile pets, especially for beginners. Youll want to keep their habitat on the warmer side, along with a shallow saltwater dish where they can soak in. But what about the cost to buy this insect? A Guinea Pig roams amongst the leaves at Grant's Farm in St. Louis, Missouri. Local laws also might prohibit certain exotic animals. Green Iguana: $1525. A 15- to 20-gallon tank can easily hold two to three leopard geckos, and they have a normal diet of crickets, wax worms, and mealworms. document.addEventListener( 'DOMContentLoaded', function() { Great for beginner pet parents. Betta Fish: $5 to $25. Their cage needs are not too demanding: about 2 cubic feet per rat. According to the pros at Pet Helpful, African dwarf frogs are aquatic amphibians which means they live underwater, so making sure theyre living in clean, filtered water is paramount. They make no noise and are relatively easy to care for. Budgerigar: $1035. Physical Characteristics: Outer shell; 10 jointed legs, the front two are of different sizes; large left claw is used for defense; smaller right claw scoops food and water. Lives up to three years. While the idea of rats draws forth troubling images of sewers and dirty corners, pet rats are anything but dirty animals. They are most active at night but will wake for interaction during the day. Budgerigar: $1035. The small animals are very quiet and low-maintenance pets. Best Pet Snakes To Have Some male frogs sing, so they'renot a completely quiet pet, but the sound is not loud enough to offend the neighbors. Garden snails have also been known to be low-maintenance pets. However, they do require a diet of chinchilla-specific food, which can be bought at a local pet store. They like the thrill of the chase and constricting their prey on their own. However, hedgehogs get a little nervous and roll into a ball when threatened or picked up. The corn snake is fairly docile, only grows two to five feet in length and primarily eats small rodents. Feeding the bottle to your baby will create a close bond between the owner and the animal. These clean and cuddly rodents also require at least an hour of daily exercise out of their cage, in a rat-proofed room (think removing plants that may be toxic), so this also has to be taken into account when making the approximately 2.5-year commitment, which is the usual lifespan of these animals. 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. A second liter, usually small, is often produced in the long summer region. Just make sure you teach your kids not to jostle them around as they dont fancy too much human interaction. His short hair doesn't need any trimming," JP says. They are naturally calm, friendly, friendly, and intelligent as well as timid! They need an aquarium with a half foot thick layer of sand and some stones on top for them to climb and play with. The best part about this pet is that most butterfly species feed on just a mixture of sugar and water. Kids will love feeding them, but because goldfish have such short memories, they tend to overeat if youre not careful. 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. Some birds like macaws and Amazons are too loud, known for disrupting the neighbors. 3. Know which species you can keep in your town or city before bringing them home. Hedgehogs are not social. They require hardly any maintenance, and only need to be fed growth food every five to seven days. Monthly food, bedding, and hay can cost up to $35 a month, although the outlay can be minimized and made easy by feeding the animal leftover veggies from the dinner table. 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 like to chillax in a tropical habitat and love to eat crickets and worms. Like betta fish, goldfish are a sight for sore eyes and they come in many varieties so you'll be spoiled for choice. Smith Collection/Gado /Getty Images 13. They can live longer depending on goldfish type, the size of the tank, and how often their water is Evenly tempered, these guys get along with other cats, dogs and children. So, overall, they're inexpensive, low-maintenance and getting one is certainly not a big commitment.". A thriving ant colony seen inside a formicarium enclosure. Belly Robbs is the heart path of a pot-bellied pig. Pygmy goats are curious and love to explore, play and socialize. Agouti. Many snakes are hesitant to accept thawed frozen mice. Although some tropical fish can cost thousands of dollars, other less expensive options include the goldfish and betta fish. Small Pets That Could Be Right They are in the rodent family and eat an omnivorous diet. If you want a cute, cuddly pet, but aren't ready to commit to a pup, consider a rabbit instead. "We've never taken him into a dog groomer. 4. Whether you want to own an exotic animal or something more common, there are more pets available than ever before. These are fairly low maintenance, a diet consisting mostly of insects. A pug stands in the exhibition hall on the final day of the annual Crufts dog show in Birmingham, England. 12 Best Exotic Pets for Apartment Living. Betta fish, also known as Siamese fighting fish, should live alone and usually live for three to five years. These animals are a pet that requires little maintenance and space. The eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus) is the largest deciduous forest in eastern North America. They are also just as fun and loving as traditional pets like dogs and cats. Pot-bellied pigs come in four main colors; Solid black, pink. 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 These crabs can be kept in a humid, five gallon-terrarium. xhr.open('POST', 'https://www.google-analytics.com/collect', true); The 20 Least Expensive Pets to Own. Unlike turtles, tortoises need more room to roam, so be sure to invest in a spacious pen. With their pincers and a venomous stinger, it doesn't take an expert to see that scorpions make for a look-but-don't-touch kind of pet for most so also one of the best choices for pet owners who don't want a lot of affection or have time to give it. Once they have all that, they don't need much else. Sidenote: Male betta fish should be kept alone since they tend to get territorial with each other, but the ladies can cohabitate. Physical Characteristics: Pointed snout, small rounded ears, a body-length scaly tail; color variations include brown, black, tan, gray, and albino. Let's face it, dogs aren't ever really low-maintenance pets. Chickens are omnivores and eat anything from fruits, vegetables, grains and even food scraps. A leopard gecko is the perfect pet for any family or apartment-dwelling young adult. Snakes are not everybody's cup of tea, but they do make for an easy-to-care for pet. 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. You only need to feed your turtle four to five times a week, and most turtles generally eat insects, fish, and dark, leafy greens. Although they make excellent pets for beginners, Bearded Dragons have specialized diets composed of fruit, vegetables, and insects. With an ant farm, the ants do most of the work. 3. 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. Small Pets Greyhounds can cost thousands of dollars to buy outright but many are now a popular rescue choice and can be adopted for free. If you're not against keeping spiders as pets, a tarantula might be a good addition to your family. If you're looking for a new companion and aren't in the market for a dog, or even if you already have a dog and are considering another pet, its a good idea to consider a low-maintenance pet. Anoles can live more than five years and grow up to 8 inches long. 1. 4. Iguanas are some of the most prominent victims of inadequate care for their presence as cheap animals in chain pet stores. These dont necessarily add to the dynamic of your home, but its nice to know theyre there. Green Iguana: $1525. } 1. navigator.sendBeacon('https://www.google-analytics.com/collect', payload); ), so theyll need a spacious terrarium. Hamsters are small and low-maintenance and can entertain themselves with a wheel or other toys. After buying a multilevel cage ($50 to $150) and some other supplies ($100), you can expect to pay between $65 and $125 yearly on food for each degu (guinea pig food works fine), depending on its appetite. Hamsters aren't the only easy-to-care for rodents you can consider for your home. This is a characteristic children will love. Budgerigar. } ); From Spay. As McLeod wrote for The Spruce Pets, these adorable creatures actually prefer not to be held that much, so if you're looking for a pet you can keep at arm's length but still love, this may be the one for you. if( 'moc.enilnoefiltseb' !== location.hostname.split('').reverse().join('') ) { 13 Cheap Pets That Are Easy to Take Care Of. He recommends buying a five-gallon aquarium kit, which is a perfect size for betta fish. Agouti. 10 Cheap Exotic Pets - PetHelpful. Spotted Genet. Pigs are why pellets are the staple food of choice for pet pigs. Mama pigs even sing for their pigs! Gerbil. These guys are great if you need a pet to bring some zen into the space. The 20 Least Expensive Pets to Own Like most rodents, they really just need a large, active cage lined with nesting. They are nocturnal, so if you are not home during the day, they will not miss you much. Much like turtles, tortoises are mostly noise-free and stay out of the way. Smith Collection/Gado /Getty Images 13. Although the axolotl is known as a 'walking fish', it is not a fish, but an amphibian. They dont require too much spacea 15-to 20-gallon tank will do the trickand they feed on crickets, wax worms and meal worms. Chipmunks are not low-maintenance pets, but they are great companions. Guinea pigs and ferrets enjoy being held. Let's face it, dogs aren't ever really low-maintenance pets. Cheap Exotic Pets-Legal Cheapest Top 10 Affordable List. They have prominent eyes and ears, hairy tails s, and good claws. Cue: low-maintenance pets. 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. Many people allow their rabbits to roam free in their homes, which is a good way for them to get exercise. All you need is some fruit and vegetables to feed them and a tank that gets an adequate amount of moisture. It 2. "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.". Ferret makes excellent pets for owners who take the time to bond with them. Also, before buying a foreign pet, make sure the pet is legal wherever you live. Primarily nocturnal, they will not mind if you are away during the day. Kids will love feeding them, but because goldfish have such short memories, they tend to overeat if youre not careful. After, all you'll need to do is change the water every once in a while and feed them the growth food that comes with most kits, which typically cost between $8 and $20. They cheat along the ground but are also expert mountaineers. Betta fish usually sell for $5 to $25, with the less-colorful females cheaper; rare patterns can command as much as $50. Budgerigar: $1035. 17 Low-Maintenance Pets That Are Easy It 2. These zingers are to-the-point and easy to remember. Fish are often "seen as low-maintenance pets" until people realize just how much work needs to be put into 2 Pugs. 4 Low-Maintenance Rodent Pets 1. 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. A pet chipmunk may not play catch like Fido, but he can surprise you with simple tricks or use you as a perch. 67 Cool Animals You Can Own as Pets 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. That works, too, as their care, cost, and temperament are similar. Hedgehogs. Not the type to help you save on car insurance, but the type to make long-term, easy-to-care-for pets. While they are skittish, they can be tamed if handled regularly and hand-fed. , And you'll need to remember that pet hermit crabs need water to drink, bathe, and replenish their shell water. Mmm. On the contrary, pothole Pigs (PBPs) are intelligent, easy to train, affectionate, curious, playful, clean, odor-free, and allergen-free. Small, furry, adventurous, and cuddly, guinea pigs are an excellent match for preteens. British shorthair cats, in particular, are a quite hands-off breed for those who want a furry friend who is not so needy, but also not a praying mantis. In addition, cockatiels have a reputation as gentle and unpretentious birds who enjoy petting and keeping. Anole This cool lizard boasts a colorful neck pouch and is a great choice for novice reptile pet parents. The quintessential low-maintenance "pet" if ever there was one. How to Pet Proof Your Home in 10 Easy Steps. Leopard geckos tend to be the most commonly available pet geckos, but house geckos Also, since they are natural predators, it may take some time to make friends with other animals in the house. 40 Rare and Unique Exotic Pets. xhr.setRequestHeader('Content-Type', 'text/plain;charset=UTF-8'); But many rat owners say the furry little animals are cuddly if handled often from a young age. An important thing to consider is that while a single rat may be cheap, these intelligent and social animals absolutely need to have a same-sex buddy to avoid loneliness and depression. At the minimum, these rodents need a cage that encompasses about 7-8 square feet. Physical Characteristics: Short tails, stubby legs, and small ears; color variations include black, grey, brown, white, yellow, red, or a mixture of several colors. 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. 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. If youre a fan of spiders, a pet tarantula can be a fascinating addition to your home. 4. 4. Hermit crabsare alow-commitment pet. } else { var xhr = new XMLHttpRequest(); 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. Length: 1 inch to 24 inches (smaller lizard species); up to 6 feet (common pet snakes), Weight: 0.5 ounce to 1 pound (smaller lizards); 1 to 5 pounds (common pet snakes), Physical Characteristics: Cold-blooded; scales instead of skin; come in a variety of colors. Best Exotic Pets for Small Spaces Can you imagine an easier pet to care for than a snail? In terms of food, their diet consists of bloodworms, brine shrimp, and frozen mysis shrimp. "I must say I'm quite pleased with the rabbit. 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. It is the size of a medium to large breed of dog. 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. You will need to make sure your home is ferret-proofed to prevent escapes or unsafe hiding spots (like in the oven). Although their average lifespan is 12 to 18 years, some senior pigs have reached their early 20s!