I'm wanting to get a pet, but I live in a rented house that has a no cat or dog policy. So, obviously whatever I get needs to have a cage, or at least wouldn't be bothered by staying in a cage most of the time. I would want something that isn't very messy, doesn't smell too bad, and preferably doesn't need expensive, hard to find food. I don't really want any kind of bird. My parents owned some before, and cleaning the cage was pretty nasty.
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12:02 AM
PFF
System Bot
Khw Member
Posts: 11139 From: South Weber, UT. U.S.A. Registered: Jun 2008
Rats are actually really good pets. Food is easy to come by and you can even feed them some of your table scraps. We had a rat named Shade, she was the sweetest thing. We could set her on the ground outside in the grass. She'd run maybe 4 feet away then turn around and come right back to us. They don't smell as long as you clean their cage once every week or two.
Another possible one would be a Corn Snake. They are kinda like a Garter Snake so you don't need any exotic equipment to care for them. You can use a heating pad like what you use on your back to keep their cage warm. Just keep it set on low. They don't smell, atleast ours hasn't that I've ever noticed. You can use one of the clear Rubbermaid type tubs with a snap on lid to keep it in, but drill about a 2 to 3 inch circle of small holes in one corner. They eat once a week and frozen mice are available at your chain pet stores. We pay $1.99 a week to feed ours. Best thing they shouldn't get over 4ish feet long. They are a realtively small snake compared to a Boa.
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12:16 AM
California Kid Member
Posts: 9541 From: Metro Detroit Area, Michigan Registered: Jul 2001
Raccoons, Kinkajous (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinkajou#As_pets), Chinchillas are like big hamsters, pretty cool... if they don't let you have a cat or a dog I say work around it with something less ordinary, but way cool.
I'm wanting to get a pet, but I live in a rented house that has a no cat or dog policy. So, obviously whatever I get needs to have a cage, or at least wouldn't be bothered by staying in a cage most of the time. I would want something that isn't very messy, doesn't smell too bad, and preferably doesn't need expensive, hard to find food. I don't really want any kind of bird. My parents owned some before, and cleaning the cage was pretty nasty.
Myself id just ask if i could pay a bigger deposit if i got a small cat that was fixed and declawed. Of cousre i wouldn't/couldn't live in a no-pet zone i would have them in tow while house shopping.
Ok, let me ask the unasked question... What's your budget, initial cost, monthly upkeep, etc? Another big concern is how much room are you going to be able to dedicate to an enclosure? Those are the determining factors in what you get. I've had all kinds of pets: Dogs, cats, rats, mice, hamsters, snakes(4 different species), lizards(3 different species), birds, cockroaches, millipedes, spiders and more that I've forgotten about. There are inexpensive variations of each type, and each type has it's high maintenance as well as it's low maintenance counterparts.
Ok, let me ask the unasked question... What's your budget, initial cost, monthly upkeep, etc? Another big concern is how much room are you going to be able to dedicate to an enclosure? Those are the determining factors in what you get. I've had all kinds of pets: Dogs, cats, rats, mice, hamsters, snakes(4 different species), lizards(3 different species), birds, cockroaches, millipedes, spiders and more that I've forgotten about. There are inexpensive variations of each type, and each type has it's high maintenance as well as it's low maintenance counterparts.
These are pretty low maintenance, and they don't eat much.
Rabbits aren't too bad, tho they dont live long.
[This message has been edited by User00013170 (edited 06-05-2010).]
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10:33 AM
84fiero123 Member
Posts: 29950 From: farmington, maine usa Registered: Oct 2004
Ok, let me ask the unasked question... What's your budget, initial cost, monthly upkeep, etc? Another big concern is how much room are you going to be able to dedicate to an enclosure? Those are the determining factors in what you get. I've had all kinds of pets: Dogs, cats, rats, mice, hamsters, snakes(4 different species), lizards(3 different species), birds, cockroaches, millipedes, spiders and more that I've forgotten about. There are inexpensive variations of each type, and each type has it's high maintenance as well as it's low maintenance counterparts.
Another question would be - what does he *want* from the pet. I like cats because they're pretty good companions who like to hang around with us, sit on our lap and so forth. They're also fascinating and entertaining to watch play and stuff. They interact with us. A snake might not, but he might not care.
I knew I would get some crazy ideas. California Kid, that one looks too expensive and probably is really needy.
As far as expense, I can handle an extra $100 per month without a problem. Dogs are relatively cheap. My parents have two small dogs and I don't think they even spend $100 on both per month, except for the occasional trip to the vet or kennel. I do, however, like dogs. They are fun if you want to play, or just lay back and relax, and are very much like a friend. I will take your suggestion, User00013170, and ask my landlord about a deposit. It would be cool to have something that isn't too common, though. I know some pets can get very expensive, especially exotic pets. Chinchillas look pretty neat. I've never seen one of those in person. I've heard that ferrets can have a smell to them that is hard to get rid of, but they are cool as well. Everyone I know that had a rabbit couldn't keep it alive for more than a couple years it seems, but that could just mean that they aren't very caring for it. I don't have a lot of room for an enclosure for an animal that would get real big, like an iguana or larger snake, but I can re-arrange some stuff to make room without a problem. I'm not good at judging tank size, but I'm thinking something around 70-80 gallon at most.
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02:21 PM
Rallaster Member
Posts: 9105 From: Indy southside, IN Registered: Jul 2009
Rabbits only have a normal life span of 3-4 years IIRC, rats and mice are the same way. $100/ month will support 90% of the smaller reptiles and a 70 gallon tank will support some of the larger mid-size reptiles as well. I'm naturally a reptile person, so I will try to steer you that way. Snakes aren't very good if you want an interactive pet. A lot of people don't see reptiles as friendly or compassionate, but if you spend enough time with them and handle them regularly, they can become that way. If you want a reptile, I can answer most of your questions and the ones I can't I can point you to where to get info.
Genets are expensive to get, but they are cheap to take care of. They can be litter-trained like a cat, and can eat cat food. Ferrets can be stinky, but most American domestic ferrets have their butt-gland-thing removed, so you should be okay if you go with that.
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03:02 PM
Khw Member
Posts: 11139 From: South Weber, UT. U.S.A. Registered: Jun 2008
/shrug, I guess it's all in how well taken care of they are. I had a rabbit that I got when I was 6. It passed away while I was attending Tech school in AZ at age 18. So she, Mink, lived for 12 years. A quick search on rabbit lifespan shows pet rabbits typical lifespan being 8 to as much as 14 years.
[This message has been edited by Khw (edited 06-05-2010).]
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04:15 PM
katore8105 Member
Posts: 1519 From: Upstate NY US Registered: Dec 2009
I personally have owned several Ferrets. I loved them while I had them but would not get another. I am waiting for a time when I can dedicate the necessary time to a large Dog. They need a lot of attention contrary to most Ferret owners belief. The do sleep a lot of the time. They can be very playful, and love to snoop around and steal things. I had one that would climb up the drawer handles in my kitchen counter and take the SS drain plug and hide it under the couch. They love plastic bags and sweet foods. All of the Ferrets I have owned were enticed by shoe soles. They would pull them from shoes and hide them somewhere. They also seem to really like soft rubber and spongy materials to chew on like many Ferret toys. The generally come from the pet store litter trained with a corner shaped pan but if you don't clean it every other day, they will chose another spot and break the training habit. They back up into corners to potty. I suggest bi weekly baths as they have a light oil that can smell a little if not washed. This oil is however much less pungent than that of a water hound and most dogs.
Most Ferrets in the US are sold by Marshal Farms and have a small tattoo on their right ear to prove it. All Marshal Farms Ferrets have their scent glands removed. If you decided to buy a Ferret, make sure it is a marshal farms Ferret. There is a common disease that Ferrets can carry and that tattoo means they are free of the disease and if they are exposed to non Marshal Farms ferrets that carries the disease from birth, the Marshal Farms Ferret will likely die. Also, if you were to buy one Ferret and ever intend on getting another, I would suggest getting a Male. Females have a tenancy to me more aggressive to each other. Though not all, when they find another Ferret they don't like, one will kill the other.
They sleep about 16 hours a day. waking for maybe 2 hours and returning to a dark warm corner to sleep if not placed back in their cage making them very difficult to locate. They will spend most of their time outside of the cage patrolling the deepest and darkest regions of your home. All small holes, chase ways, and cupboards should be secured appropriately. They generally have a very playful demeanor but have a very very short attention span. They live 5-9 years. Think of them like little Denis the Menaces with ADHD to the max and narcolepsy. They can be very fun. Mine would curl up and sleep with me in bed or while I sat and watched TV.
Like I said before, they do require attention. I suggest at least 2 hours a day outside of their cage though they don't necessarily need babysitting if your home is secure. Their is 3 tier cages that are ment for Ferrets and alike animals that I would suggest for around $100-$130. They should have the 1st set of shots when purchased and do require 2 boosters. They are generally low maintenance. I might suggest adopting a Ferret out of the paper or craigslist or buying one with all accessories as a lot of people find themselves bored with them and unable to clean a little pan. If adopting, I would suggest inspecting the owners home for poop in the corners of rooms ( a tell tail sign of being reverse litter trained ) and also try and see their demeanor. Neglected Ferrets can become slightly aggressive (nipping) but not vicious toward humans.
Summed up suggested care: 2 hours a day of un-caged play/roaming time Clean their litter pan every other day. bath in the kitchen sink once every 2 weeks. booster shots when young (relatively cheap) Food and water available 24/7 (a bag of Marshal Farms Ferret Food costs $20 that lasts about a month)
I just wanted to educate you the best I can to aid in your decision as you should do before any pet purchase to find pet compatibility.
Hope this helped!
[This message has been edited by katore8105 (edited 06-05-2010).]
Rabbits only have a normal life span of 3-4 years IIRC, rats and mice are the same way. $100/ month will support 90% of the smaller reptiles and a 70 gallon tank will support some of the larger mid-size reptiles as well. I'm naturally a reptile person, so I will try to steer you that way. Snakes aren't very good if you want an interactive pet. A lot of people don't see reptiles as friendly or compassionate, but if you spend enough time with them and handle them regularly, they can become that way. If you want a reptile, I can answer most of your questions and the ones I can't I can point you to where to get info.
We have an Anole that blinks at us when we spray its plants down about as much interaction as we get... Even tho rabbits don't live real long they are quiet, dont mind living in cages and easy to take care of.
A. Not on your no pets list, B. Can be house trained. C. Fairly inexpensive. D. Chick magnet. E. Extra income renting out to families. (you would actually just sell it with a liberal return policy, because every girl thinks they want one until the responsibility part kicks in)
Brad
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08:30 PM
TommyRocker Member
Posts: 2808 From: Woodstock, IL Registered: Dec 2009
Sugar Gliders make great pets, are relatively inexpensive(get 2 for 2-300 bucks) and are extremely easy to care for. They are very cool animals, fairly intelligent, and very friendly. Downside is you have to clean up after them because they have little or no control over their bowels. Another downside is that they really should be in pairs becasue they are very social and most people don't have time to keep them occupied enough. They live ~10 years.
Hedgehogs are another great option. They are friendly and intelligent, they won't stink up the joint like hamsters and ferrets, you can generally feed them small dry cat food, and....They are litter trainable like a cat. Basically, they are small and friendly and chicks love em, plus they go in a litter box. Best characteristics of dogs and cats, no? Really won't get much easier. Most pet hedgehogs are 5-6 inches long and live 4-6 years.
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08:30 PM
Khw Member
Posts: 11139 From: South Weber, UT. U.S.A. Registered: Jun 2008
Sugar Gliders make great pets, are relatively inexpensive(get 2 for 2-300 bucks) and are extremely easy to care for. They are very cool animals, fairly intelligent, and very friendly. Downside is you have to clean up after them because they have little or no control over their bowels. Another downside is that they really should be in pairs becasue they are very social and most people don't have time to keep them occupied enough. They live ~10 years.
Hedgehogs are another great option. They are friendly and intelligent, they won't stink up the joint like hamsters and ferrets, you can generally feed them small dry cat food, and....They are litter trainable like a cat. Basically, they are small and friendly and chicks love em, plus they go in a litter box. Best characteristics of dogs and cats, no? Really won't get much easier. Most pet hedgehogs are 5-6 inches long and live 4-6 years.
We've looked into both of those. Sugar Gliders are cute as heck but make some loud wierd noises. I'd really like to get a Hedgehog someday though. We plan on getting a Ferret when the kids are no longer here, but I think I would rather have a Hedgehog.
Well, I talked to my landlord and he says he doesn't want any pets running around the house, even if I pay an additional deposit. I guess he's had too many problems before, so he would rather not deal with it on a case by case basis. So, I guess it's either a caged pet or nothing.... or move. I know everything mentioned can stay in a cage indefinitely, but I wouldn't want to do that with some of these animals.
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10:16 PM
Eagle Kammback Member
Posts: 533 From: South Jersey Registered: Nov 2007
You can get some real cool fish and some that develop personalities. Not to mention the tanks with the fish swimming and bubbles going is a great stress reliever. I have a freshwater tank that has some angel fish, a pair of catfish and a black ghost knife fish. I have a 65 gallon right now and am hoping to get a 170 for downstairs because I want to get a couple of Clown Knife fish
The black ghost is by far a very cool fish to have. Toss in some guppies and she hunts them down using electrical impulses like sonar. They can swim forwards and backwards and usually within a few weeks can be fed by hand (I have frozen food she eats normally and the guppies are her weekly treats) and they like to be petted. Mine was purchased when she was about 2.5" long and now she's just over 6". When full grown she can get over 20" long and will eat goldfish.
For very colorful fish you can go saltwater. Then you can get all kinds of interesting fish like a lionfish, triggers, eels, etc.
Some good ideas here. My advice? Visit your local taxidermist, and see if he has anything that you can adopt. I'm sure that will fulfill just about all of your requirements.
Iguana or fish. A girl friend has an iguana thast got pretty big. It has the run of the house and she dont have any bugs. She even walks with it on a leash. I have another friend that live close to Cinncy that would be into the cage thing...she got me to go to a few fetish parties with her. The other day she even asked me to give her a birthday spanking when she turns 25 next week.
Originally posted by Fiero_Adam: cleaning the cage was pretty nasty.
Don't get an iguana then. Their poop (once they get large) is pretty nasty (mine was litterbox trained, so it wasn't a big deal)
Ferrets are awesome, but you do need to play with them, and they are a wee bit stinky. Whatever animal you get, remember that it is a commitment.
Right now, all we have are 'low maintenance' pets - Triops, Sea Monkeys, a Betta, and a shrimp in an ecosphere (those ecosphere are the easiest pets to take care of )
When he gets a bit older, we'll move onto mantids.
If food availability and poop is a concern, go for some desert animal that tries to conserve moisture (poop/pee less and less disgustingly).
Maybe get a uromastyx - a mild mannered, vegetarian lizard.
They don't get too large, and (the one's I've encountered) are friendly...
110%. Those are way easier to get in America, and loads of fun! I can't believe I didn't think of that.
