Many pet owners want to give their furry friends the best life possible. While dogs and cats are the most popular choices for pets, there are also a wide variety of other animals that people can bring into their homes. Here is a list of six unusual pets you should consider adopting if you’re looking for something to add excitement to your life.
African-Spurred Tortoise
We start this list of unusual pets with the African-spurred tortoise. It is a tortoise species that can live up to 40 years. It is the largest tortoise in the world and can grow up to 20 inches long. They are herbivorous, eating grasses and flowers. These animals also enjoy being outside in their natural habitat. This makes them ideal pets for those who want a reptile but don’t have an outdoor area where they can live.
White Tree Frog
White Tree Frogs are native to Australia and you can keep them as pets. Unusual pets that is. They are small, slim frogs that grow up to 7 inches long and live for an average of 20 years. You should keep Tree Frogs should in a terrarium with room to climb and jump, as they will readily do so if given the opportunity (and plenty of insects).
Pygmy Goat
Pygmy goats are smaller than regular goats, and you can train them to walk on a leash. They are very social and like to spend time with people. While they can be friendly towards children, it is not recommended that a pygmy goat be kept as a pet for young children. The child may not understand how much work is involved in caring for them. Pygmy goats must be fed grain, hay, and fresh water daily to keep them healthy and happy.
Capybara
The capybara is a semi-aquatic mammal native to South America and the largest living rodent in the world. And they are the cutest unusual pets ever! Capybaras are social animals, and they live in groups of 10–20 individuals, with some males forming a harem around one female. Because of their size and strength, capybaras can be dangerous if not handled properly. They have sharp teeth that can cause serious injury; however, they are generally peaceful and docile animals that make great pets for experienced owners.
Ferret
Ferrets are very intelligent and social animals, but they’re not rodents. You can train them to do tricks, such as ringing a bell when they want to go out of their cage or play with you. Ferrets also need regular exercise and attention—they are not self-sufficient pets like most cats or dogs. If your schedule is too hectic for taking care of a ferret, you may want to consider adopting one that’s already trained and well-behaved instead of buying a young one that needs training yourself. Because they’re so interactive and playful, ferrets require lots of time from their owners. And other family members, who will help keep an eye on them when you’re away from home every day at work or school. Ferrets love to explore new places in your home—so make sure it’s safe for them before letting them out!
Pot-Bellied Pig
A pot-bellied pig is a domestic pig that has been bred to have an unusually short, stout body. Its name comes from its tendency to carry its weight forward on its abdomen rather than on its higher hind legs, as other breeds do. Pot-bellied pigs typically weigh between 100 and 350 pounds as adults. They are often kept as pets because of their friendly nature, intelligence, and relatively low maintenance requirements.
Pot-bellied pigs can grow up to be extremely large. So large that they cannot be kept indoors in some areas of the United States. Unless the owner builds a special pen for them or obtains a permit from the city or county in question. Most owners keep their pigs outdoors with access to fresh air and sunshine. However, if you choose this route, you must provide shelter for your pet during inclement weather (such as rainstorms) so it doesn’t get wet or chilly while waiting outside all day.
Conclusion
While it may seem strange to have a pet that’s not a dog, cat, or fish, many other species can make the perfect addition to your family. Some of these unusual pets may be more challenging than others, but with proper care and training, they can all make great pets!