Are you looking for an exotic pet to share your apartment with? Today, our Mandeville vets share 15 of the best small exotic pet options that may fit your apartment lifestyle.
Most people love having an animal companion to share their home with. But, sometimes traditional pets such as cats and dogs might not be suitable for a person's lifestyle, especially if you live in an apartment. Other reasons a cat or dog may not be suitable include lack of access to a yard, allergies, a busy lifestyle or personal preference!
While some of the animals below are fascinating and great pets to have, you need to do your research on the requirements for these pets and find out if you need a permit to own one in your state.
Here are 12 small exotic pet ideas for apartment living.
Rabbits
Did you know there are approximately 50 breeds of rabbits that people can adopt? They are small and quiet exotic mammals that love to be cuddled, and keep their owners' company. They are also litter trained, so they don't need outdoor access. You can even provide your rabbit with exercise by letting them wander free around your home.
However, rabbits love to dig and chew, so make sure your apartment is bunny-proof and ensure they can't access any electrical cords.
Ferrets
Ferrets are very playful, quiet pets that will spend most of their day sleeping while you are gone. They also require a large cage, so they have enough space to play in.
You also need to be careful of their mischievous nature. Ensure your home is ferret-proof by making sure they can't escape and by blocking off potential hazardous hiding spots, such as the oven. You may require a permit to own one in your state.
Rats
These little critters are intelligent, friendly, and quiet! They could be great pets for apartment owners because they are small and can be tamed fairly easily. They also tend to enjoy sitting on their owner's lap or shoulders. Their cage only needs to be approximately 2 cubic feet per rat.
Because they spend most of their time sleeping during the day, they are most active at night. But if you want to spend time with this little pet, all you need to do is wake them.
Hamsters
Hamsters generally make good apartment pets because they don't need a lot of space. They are quiet, don't shed, and are relatively clean. People with allergies can typically be comfortable if they have a hamster in their home. They can also be tamed relatively easily if you handle them regularly.
Cage wise they require 2-cubic-feet of space as well as a hamster wheel, a place to hide, absorbent bedding, and food and water.
Leopard Geckos
Leopard geckos are one of the most popular pets among lizard owners because of their friendly nature and beautiful spotted pattern. You can also feed them easily with insects that are readily prepared at most pet stores. They also usually enjoy being handled and socializing with their human owners over other lizards.
They can be great for apartment dwellers because they don't generally need a big tank, 10 gallons is typically enough however, they do better in tanks that are 15 to 20 liters. And, while their tank has to be kept at a certain temperature they don't typically need a UVB lamp like other reptiles.
It's very important to wash your hands after handling leopard geckos because they can transmit salmonella to you.
Bearded Dragons
These reptiles have a reputation for being docile and friendly. They are even excellent lizards for beginners because they are easy to keep. While they do require an adequately sized habitat, they don't grow very big and can live comfortably in an apartment. And, yes bearded dragons are legal to own in most states!
However, they can also spread salmonella to owners who don't practice excellent handwashing habits. And, they require some effort when it comes to their feeding, including live insects and prepared fresh vegetables.
Hedge Hogs
These nocturnal, exotic mammals are quiet and good for people with allergies because they don't produce a lot of dander. They are also generally solitary and gentle in nature. And their cage only needs to be two feet by three feet.
However, you might require a permit to adopt this adorable critter.
Frogs
If you have a small apartment and want a pet to display and look at, a frog may be the perfect pet for you. They don't need a lot of space as most frogs only need a 10 or 20-gallon tank and are low maintenance, only needing to be fed a few times a week.
You do need to do your research on the pet frog you want, as there are many types to choose from, such as aquatic frogs, tree frogs, and sedentary frogs. Some male frogs also sing, but it usually isn't loud enough to disturb neighbors.
Hermit Crabs
These low-maintenance pets are perfect for apartment living because they make no noise and are hypoallergenic, making them a good choice for people with allergies. Hermit crabs can be interesting to watch as they move between shells, and if your tank is big enough, they can do well with another hermit crab tankmate.
The recommended tank size for this pet is 10 to 20 gallons.
Chinchillas
This small playful pet could be an excellent addition to your apartment as they are clean and fairly odor-free. If you gently handle them from a young age, they can form a close bond with you, and since they are nocturnal, chinchillas will spend most of the day sleeping.
The recommended home size for this little fella is at least two feet.
Millipedes
Millipedes are probably the oddest pet choice on this list, but they require minimal space and are relatively easy to take care of. The African giant millipede is the most common type of millipede, which can grow to be as large as 10 inches long. Even though you can't cuddle them, they can still be handled and don't bite! Their feeding requirements include calcium supplements, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
However, they do need an aquarium with high humidity, which will require heating and lighting elements, thankfully you can purchase these from most pet supply stores.
Tarantulas
Do you love spiders? If so, a tarantula could be the perfect pet for you! These quiet pets typically only need to be fed every other day, and their 10 to 20-gallon tank doesn't take up much space.
But, we don't recommend handling them because they have mildly toxic venom, and their bite can feel like a bee sting.