Picking a pet can be a complicated process. Instead of choosing a cat or dog, potential pet owners sometimes want something a little more exotic. Sometimes they want a pet that is not so big. The Animal Planet website composed a list of the top 10 small pets. Life span, traits and age of the primary pet caregiver were considered in making the list. If you are in the market for a new pet, here are some that might fit in well with your family.
10. Guinea pig – The Guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig. But it is described by Animal Planet as a “great starter pet.” They are perfect for any age pet owners, from preschoolers on up. For the record, Guinea pigs are from South America and they are rodents.
9. Hamster – They are cute and small. They are recommended for pet owners 8 and older. They do need a lot of attention and clean cages. Two potential drawbacks of the hamster: They are nocturnal and smelly. They will be active at night, unlike most children, and their cages need to be kept clean on a daily basis.
8. Gecko – The tiny lizards have a pretty long lifespan, up to 20 years. They are not intended for small children though. Animal Planet recommends caregivers be 10 years and older. Geckos are also nocturnal, so expect them to be a little noisy at night.
7. Rabbit – Rabbits are the perfect combination of cat and dog. They can be trained to take walks on leashes, but are also independent enough to be let loose in the backyard. They have a lifespan of five to 10 years. But they need lots of exercise. Active children, 8 years and older, are probably the best fit for rabbits.
6. Parrots – Parrots live a long time, some up to 80 years. They are colorful and playful. But Animal Planet does not recommend them for small children. In fact, the optimum age for parrot owners is teenagers and adults. Parrots need a lot of attention and a responsible pet owner.
5. Ferrets – Ferrets have a ton of personality, but they can be a little moody. They have a lifespan of five to eight years and they are recommended for pet owners 12 years and older. Ferrets can be very friendly pets, but they are also a little jumpy and are prone to bite if they feel threatened. Keep that in mind when introducing ferrets to strangers.
4. Betta fish – Not just any fish will do for some pet owners. The betta fish is the best choice if you want to go that
route. Betta fish are easy to care for and are recommended for any age pet owner. They only live for about three years though. Don’t get too attached.
3. Turtles – Turtles are great low-maintenance pets. They live for about 40 years. Unlike the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, they do not eat pizza. But their diets are pretty easy to maintain. Animal Planet recommends turtles for pet owners 10 years and older.
2. Chinchilla – They look like hamsters, but they have an advantage over their tiny counterparts. Chinchillas have no body order. They are very clean animals. They have a longer lifespan than hamsters too, up to 20 years. Chinchillas still need a lot of attention and are a best fit for pet owners 10 years and older.
1. Hermit crab – The hermit crab is curious and active. They like to explore. They like to dig. They like to climb. They are also the perfect pet for kids of all ages. Hermit crabs live up to 30 years. They even chirp.
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