They spend most of their time sleeping or laying still and require infrequent feeding. Betta Fish: $5 to $25. Like other pets allowed to roam in your home, make sure there are no exposed wires or toxic plants and protect wooden fixtures. Hermit Crabs: $535. Our list of the cheapest pets some of whom just require food and water includes animals such as insects, reptiles, freshwater fish, and even a crustacean. 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. This popular parrot makes a great choice for those who live in small spaces. Thus, making a hedgehog seems to be not a subject to the separation anxiety, but this pet is fitting for those who travel. They appreciate out-of-cage time to socialize, explore, and play. Rats (the ones that dont live in the subway tracks) are small, affectionate and easy to take care of since all you need is a well-ventilated cage, some toys and appropriate food. Seeing as most praying mantises are taken from the yard outside the home and brought in, there's usually no cost at all! Like most rodents, they really just need a large, active cage lined with nesting. The 21 Most Low-Maintenance Pets You Can Own 1 Betta fish. These tiny kangaroos from below create a unique pet. She lives free in the flat and reaches her cage for drinking, relieving herself, or sleeping. Physical Characteristics: Short tails, stubby legs, and small ears; color variations include black, grey, brown, white, yellow, red, or a mixture of several colors. Exotic pets are often compact, quiet, and don't require outdoor space, making them ideal pets for apartment living since they don't bother nearby neighbors or damage your home. Both young and older children love them, they need virtually none of your time, and, unlike dogs, cats, and most of the other creatures on this list, don't require a pet-sitter when you leave town. Unlike many other lizards and reptiles, the leopard gecko is a friendly and sociable choice for a pet. Here's a list of economically friendly pets that won't break the bank. Kids will love feeding them, but because goldfish have such short memories, they tend to overeat if youre not careful. Another low-key pet! Some birds like macaws and Amazons are too loud, known for disrupting the neighbors. However, they do require a diet of chinchilla-specific food, which can be bought at a local pet store. Goldfish: $1 to $40. But what about the cost to buy this insect? It is of the utmost importance that if youre going to buy a snake, you do so from a reputable vendor so as to avoid any issues, legal or health wise. Ferrets, hands down, are the most sociable small pets. Choosing a rat as a pet might seem like a gamble. Thus, making a hedgehog seems to be not a subject to the separation anxiety, but this pet is fitting for those who travel. Male tarantulas grow from two to ten inches, and most species only live up to seven years long, according to the experts at Petco. However, it is important to consider commitment before jumping into piggy paternity. Binturong. Everyone Practices Cancel Culture | Opinion, Deplatforming Free Speech is Dangerous | Opinion. Snakes probably are not the first animal that comes to mind when considering a pet but they are surprisingly easy to maintain and can make great companions, if not conversation-starters. Pot-bellied pigs are highly intelligent animals whose silly and stylish personalities make for excellent pets. They are also intelligent, and their playful antics are fun to watch. Oh, and theyre pretty to look at. You can make your own home for them with things around the house or buy a butterfly kit. Water should be changed every week or two. This might sound traumatic to any big city dweller, but hear us out. Many people allow their rabbits to roam free in their homes, which is a good way for them to get exercise. You don't have to settle on a tank-living, aquatic animal just because you want a low-maintenance pet, however. Physical Characteristics: Two bulging eyes; strong, long, webbed hind feet used for leaping and swimming; smooth or slimy skin; colors are varied. More of a hamster person? There are plenty of types of turtles out there to consider for a petapproximately 270 to be exact, according to PetMD. Goldfish: $1 to $40. 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. Eastern chipmunk is an alternative with two gray-brown stripes and two white stripes. According to Vet Street, these cats are pretty easygoing. 1. While the idea of rats draws forth troubling images of sewers and dirty corners, pet rats are anything but dirty animals. Goats are low maintenance and eat grass, hay, grain and pellet feed. The glass test tube should be filled with sugar water capped with cotton wool. What makes guinea pigs the perfect low-maintenance pet is that they are plenty active without needing much from their owner. These dont necessarily add to the dynamic of your home, but its nice to know theyre there. Betta fish, also known as Siamese fighting fish, should live alone and usually live for three to five years. Lizard species that are good for beginners include leopard geckos, crested geckos, house geckos, bearded dragons, and anoles. 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. Lifespan, Chinchillas as Pet How Long do Chinchillas Live as Good Pets, Crested Gecko Tank Size and Setup ! While showing your pet some love with occasional table scraps wont hurt them, owners need to maintain a high-quality, nutritious diet for their breakfast monsters. var xhr = new XMLHttpRequest(); And in terms of diet, they have a variety of foods they eat: fruit flies, smaller mantids, moths, house flies, and the occasional cricket or mealworm if your mantid is larger. The one thing to remember about these creatures is that they need to be kept in a dark part of your room, away from sunlight. 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. Spotted Genet. These crabs can be kept in a humid, five gallon-terrarium. Consider adding one of these small creatures to your home as your family's new (and easiest) pet. Talk about hands-off. But one thing to note is that turtles can live for a while. For small children or those looking for a beginners pet, a pack of sea monkeys could be the perfect first pet. Getting a pet is a simple way to add a different dynamic to your home. A Budgerigar perched on a branch in Queensland, Australia. ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb, Pets aren't limited to furry creatures or fish. Many snakes are hesitant to accept thawed frozen mice. They make no noise and are relatively easy to care for. "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.". xhr.setRequestHeader('Content-Type', 'text/plain;charset=UTF-8'); A classic easy first pet, a goldfish is an animal that adds life and beauty to the room without requiring much attention, time or maintenance from its owners. Hamsters are small and low-maintenance and can entertain themselves with a wheel or other toys. This popular parrot makes a Scorpion. However, hedgehogs get a little nervous and roll into a ball when threatened or picked up. They eat a varied diet of fruit, vegetables and grains. Goldfish swim in a tank as part of an art exhibition 'Art Aquarium' in Tokyo. Thanks to their day-to-day ease of care and, among male canaries, their trademark singing, canaries have been one of the most popular types of pets for more than 500 years not nearly as long as dogs, but 500 years is pretty impressive. To cut your start-up costs, adopt a rescue hamster and pick up a second-hand cage on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. They like the thrill of the chase and constricting their prey on their own. These little guys are the quintessential pick for people who want to have something to look at without having to constantly interact. The best age to dry and neutral pot-pigs in months. If stick bugs and praying mantises are not satisfying your child's pet needs, you can always go bigger (and creepier) with a scorpion. Most allergy sufferers can live comfortably with a hamster in the house. Hamsters are easy to tame with regular handling. These funny jokes will help you turn your frown upside-down. Check out this selection of 21 low-maintenance pets that are oh-so-easy to take care of. Gilles Ventejol, founder of Animal Patient, recommends rabbits as a pet owner, despite being a specialist in cat and dog health. Fish are often "seen as low-maintenance pets" until people realize just how much work needs to be put into them, says Christopher Adams, founder of ModestFish. From the initial purchase to the cost of food, vet bills, grooming and the ongoing expense of care, having a pet often puts a dent in your personal finances. These low-maintenance pets are perfect for kids, working parents, and apartment dwellers. They make excellent apartment dwellers because they sleep most of the day while the owner is away for the day. You'll pay about $15-20 for the hamster, another $20-50 for a cage, $7-8 for an exercise ball, $10 for the first bag of food and another $10 for the first bag of shavings. Hamsters are small and low-maintenance and can entertain themselves with a wheel or other toys. 12 Best Exotic Pets for Apartment Living. Betta Fish: $5 to $25. They are in the rodent family and eat an omnivorous diet. 1. Fruit can be given occasionally as a treat. They are also just as fun and loving as traditional pets like dogs and cats. Leopard geckos make a great pet for reptile enthusiasts. 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. Leopard geckos have a lifespan of about 20 years and can easily cohabitate with each other. Adults grow to up to 12 inches. Behind this cotton will be the ant queen and her offspring. Adults grow to up to 4 inches plus a 4-inch tail. Breeds like the African sideneck or the eastern box dont grow beyond a foot long, so they can stay happy and healthy in a well-appointed terrarium. However, domesticated and bottle-fed wallabies are gentle and humble animals that can be accompanied by great affection. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Agouti. Hermit crabs are interesting to watch; they move from one shell to another. Cue: low-maintenance pets. 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 Marketed somewhat nonsensically as the worlds only instant pets, Sea-Monkeys is the brand name for a type of brine shrimp that issold in novelty kits, usually to children. They need a lot of love, attention, and affection. Cool Pets to Have in Your Room: Are you thinking of getting an exotic or different kind of pet? Lianne McLeod, DVM, is a small animal and exotic pet expert with over a decade of experience writing about veterinary care. 4. To cut your start-up costs, adopt a rescue hamster and pick up a second-hand cage on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Pygmy goats are curious and love to explore, play and socialize. 3. Rest assured, this insect, whose females kill and eat malesafter or during sex, won't provide that. In addition to mice, Dumerils Boas like to eat small rabbits and fowl. It 2. The 21 Most Low-Maintenance Pets You Can Own 1 Betta fish. Binturong. Exotic pets are often compact, quiet, and don't require outdoor space, making them ideal pets for apartment living since they don't bother nearby neighbors or damage your home. A hermit crab on its own goes for around $10, but you should budget between $50 and $175 for a tank and decorations. Goldfish can live for more than 20 years, have a memory span of at least three months, and can be taught to perform tricks. Just pour a packet containing salt, conditioner, and brine shrimp eggs into a tank of water, and wait a few days for the little crustaceans to hatch. However, their curiosity sometimes leads to their mischief, and they can even be destructive. Blacker says they can live off a "diet of blackberries, oak, rose, and ivy.". High-quality pot-bellied pork food should closely reflect the natural food of an animal. Chinchillas are nocturnal animals, but they make beautiful pets because they are low maintenance, quiet and odorless, with beautiful soft fur. Pet ownership is wonderful, but many people don't have the space or budget for a larger, more expensive furry friend. The best part about this pet is that most butterfly species feed on just a mixture of sugar and water. Hamsters are relatively small, being only 5 to 7 inches long. Hamsters aren't the only easy-to-care for rodents you can consider for your home. Budgerigar: $1035. Some breeds like the brown house snake or the California king snake even go two weeks without eating and some become friendlier the more they get used to being handled. 13 Cheap Pets That Are Easy to Take Care Of. The small animals are very quiet and low-maintenance pets. 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. Juveniles need feedings three times a day, but adults can eat once daily. If you still want something cute and cuddly you can hold, get a guinea pig. Axolotl: $1535. Gerbil. Degu: $1020. However, they can entertain themselves when you are not around to play, leading to some mischief and problems if they are not supervised. Raising butterflies is fairly easy and requires little space and time, though most kits guarantee only that some of the few caterpillars they send will reach maturity, so you'll need to consider the cost of more than one. The quintessential low-maintenance "pet" if ever there was one. Exotic pets can be beautiful, unique, and some can be trained to do tricks, talk, or retrieve items for you. They also don't require a lot of water but will need to have a bit of it around. 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. 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. With proper care, iguanas are great companions. Male, The teeth of male pigs grow throughout their lives, much like hamster teeth, and require regular shaping by their veterinarian to keep them in top shape. Obtaining ants is as easy as buying an ant colony or a fertilized queen ant, or collecting one from nature. They are extremely vocal and can move through the air due to the thin skin stretch between their front and back legs. Great for beginner pet parents. 13 Cheap Pets That Are Easy to Take Care Of. Much like turtles, tortoises are mostly noise-free and stay out of the way. Let's face it, dogs aren't ever really low-maintenance pets. Occasional vet visits run more than $50. Smith Collection/Gado /Getty Images 13. Not only are they colorful and beautiful to look at, but they are also perfect for smaller spaces since they dont require large aquariums. Kids will love feeding them, but because goldfish have such short memories, they tend to overeat if youre not careful. All you need in terms of a home is a terrarium with at least five gallons of space that is out of direct sunlight, lined with "two to three inches of washed aquarium gravel or fine reptile bark bedding." Opt for a larger tank with a filtration system. Mmm. They are also just as fun and loving as traditional pets like dogs and cats. Primary diet consists of hay, pellets, fruit, vegetables and Vitamin C supplements. Their vision is surprisingly sharp and allows them to distinguish between people it will eventually learn who you are, so don't be surprised if a day comes when your fish swims over to ask for food when you're nearby. But if you do want to bring a precious pooch into your family, consider a more low-maintenance breed. They also don't mind being held and pet. This crawly creature only grows three to eight inches long and lives anywhere from two to six years, according to the pros at Petco. WebGuinea Pig. 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 small rodents typically live for five or six years and only require a cage, some bedding, food, and water. Hermit Crabs: Less Than $10. Just like rats, mice also have a bad rep, but when it comes to pets, these fuzzy creatures dont cause a lot havoc if theyre well-taken care of. Misleading name aside, hermit crabs actually enjoy company and will thank you if you provide them with a playmate. Smith Collection/Gado /Getty Images 13. In terms of diet, corn snakes primarily eat rodents and can also find a tasty treat within a quail egg. Most are social animals that want to keep you company. The very essence of a turtle is to be cool, calm and collected, and maintaining them is just as easy. They are in the rodent family and eat an omnivorous diet. if( navigator.sendBeacon ) { 5. Since most chipmunks dont accumulate significant fat during the fall, they rely on these cached foods in the winter. Whether you want to own an exotic animal or something more common, there are more pets available than ever before. Pot-bellied pigs come in four main colors; Solid black, pink. by Shahinur | Sep 12, 2021 | Pets | 0 comments. Iguanas are some of the most prominent victims of inadequate care for their presence as cheap animals in chain pet stores. Similar to a stick bug, if you're looking for a low-maintenance insect, think about a praying mantis. Leopard geckos tend to be the most commonly available pet geckos, but house geckos 5. Pet stores will typically sell canaries for about $100 to $150; breeders often sell for less. Spotted Genet. They fill their cheekbones with seeds and nuts and take them to a borough where they are stored for later use. Adults grow to up to 12 inches. These reptiles are also known to be well-tempered, so you can even put them on a leash and take them out for a walk if you can handle the incoming stares. They like to chillax in a tropical habitat and love to eat crickets and worms. Kids can learn a lot from their metamorphosis since they are born as caterpillars, and they only have a complete lifespanincluding the metamorphosisof six to eight months. Greyhounds can cost thousands of dollars to buy outright but many are now a popular rescue choice and can be adopted for free. Guinea pigs crave socialization and are typically easy to handle. But many rat owners say the furry little animals are cuddly if handled often from a young age. Lives 5 to 8 years. These fuzzballs often whistle, purr, and squeal to express emotions, which makes them one of the best choices for people who like to know their pets are happy. Exotic pets are often compact, quiet, and don't require outdoor space, making them ideal pets for apartment living since they don't bother nearby neighbors or damage your home. In addition, they need a large terrarium with pure water, fruits, and vegetables every day. These bad boys only require that you keep them in a dark area of the house, away from any sunlightbecauseof course. Snakes species which are easy to own include the corn snake, California kingsnake, rosy boa, gopher snake, and ball python. The domesticated Budgerigar is the most popular of all pet bird species, according to BirdLife International. They are naturally calm, friendly, friendly, and intelligent as well as timid! They should be kept in a clear terrarium, and you can house multiple snails together, with one to two inches of soil, says Anne Woods with Pets on Mom. They are also quiet and require little space and attention. Leopard geckos have a lifespan of about 20 years and can easily cohabitate with each other. Good Pets for Kids-These Are the Best Pets for Kids at Each Age, How Much White Maltese Dog Hypoallergenic ! You will need to bunny-proof your home by making sure there are no exposed cords and only allowing the rabbit to roam in carpet or rug-free rooms. Additionally, fats are crucial for keeping a healthy neural [], Top 10 Coolest Pets List: Cool Pets to Have in Your Room. Hedgehogs are not social. The 20 Least Expensive Pets to Own. These strange-looking creatures are relatively inexpensive and can be maintained in an aquarium that does not require any heating or specific filtration. 5 Perfect Pets for Kids with Allergies. This British Shorthair Cat can groom and wash itself and moults far less than other cats. An iguana is the most popular pet lizard. Bestlifeonline.com is part of the Meredith Health Group. Not only are they super adorable, but hamsters are also cost effective and even down for cuddles, should you feel compelled. A thriving ant colony seen inside a formicarium enclosure. For instance, a painted turtle can live up to 30 years. A plant qualifies as a pet if it hunts and eats animals, right? Anole This cool lizard boasts a colorful neck pouch and is a great choice for novice reptile pet parents. These fish will need a tank filled with water, fish pellets and decoration inside the tank. They are also just as fun and loving as traditional pets like dogs and cats. Tarantulas are quiet and typically only need a 10- to 20-gallon aquarium to thrive. They are skilled at playing the whistle and can often be taught to play the whistle. 12 Best Exotic Pets for Apartment Living. Daily food fees are minimal, but fish need a proper tank and setup costs about $100. Rats will likely sleep most of the day if you leave the house. They can thrive in 10-gallon tanks or terrariums as long as they're set up correctly. African Dwarf Frogs Pigs communicate in a range of very voices, squeals, oinks, and whines. Exotic pets are often compact, quiet, and don't require outdoor space, making them ideal pets for apartment living since they don't bother nearby neighbors or damage your home. 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. Rabbits are a suitable option for apartment living since they can be litter-box trained, groom themselves, and are relatively quiet. Although they make excellent pets for beginners, Bearded Dragons have specialized diets composed of fruit, vegetables, and insects. Ferret makes excellent pets for owners who take the time to bond with them. 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. However, they can be very active and are nocturnal. Owners can easily rest with complete nutritional assurance on every meal their piggy enjoys. Web1. Sidenote: Male betta fish should be kept alone since they tend to get territorial with each other, but the ladies can cohabitate. They require a cage with soft bedding. Browse through 12 types of exotic pets and why they are suitable for apartments, condominiums, and other small living spaces. Chipmunks are not low-maintenance pets, but they are great companions. These rodents cost between $25 and $50, and a proper habitat adds about $75 to the initial cost. Another low-key pet! Kids are always mesmerized by Sea-Monkeys, making them the perfect pet; they'll just sit and stare at them for hours. Im About to Have My First GrandchildWhat Gear Do I Actually Need to Invest In So She Can Visit? Not usually a typical choice for a household pet, the scorpion only grows three to eight inches long and lives anywhere from two to six years, making it a perfect choice for those with little space who don't desire a furry companion. These animals, among the easiest of their species to own, live for about eight to 15 years and are relatively inexpensive compared with other popular pet birds such as parrots. Simple! Garden snails have also been known to be low-maintenance pets. It is the size of a medium to large breed of dog. Let's face it, dogs aren't ever really low-maintenance pets. They are also quiet, fastidious self groomers, and they are relatively easy to care for. Guinea pigs and ferrets enjoy being held. Fruit can be given occasionally as a treat. xhr.open('POST', 'https://www.google-analytics.com/collect', true); Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. Agouti. In terms of diet, turtles are easy, as they "don't need to be fed every day." "For hygienic purposes, one simple tank wash a month should do the trick as well. Hamsters are relatively small, being only 5 to 7 inches long. Goldfish are active all day and make the perfect viewing shelf pet that is absolutely low maintenance for any pet owner. The going price for leopard geckos ranges from $20 to $70; a beginning terrarium setup generally costs between $100 and $200. These animals are a pet that requires little maintenance and space. Their tank needs to have enough room for them to be able to swim around and come up for air when needed. Snake species that do not require large enclosures include corn snakes, king snakes, milk snakes,and ball pythons. The 21 Most Low-Maintenance Pets You Can Own 1 Betta fish. Norway rats are the most common species of pet rat, and they only live two to three years, and grow nine to eleven inches long. Unlike other animals, scorpions need a hotter tankanywhere from 80 degrees Fahrenheit at the coolest to 90 degrees at the warmest. Although they make excellent pets for beginners, Bearded Dragons have specialized diets composed of fruit, vegetables, and insects. Although a slightly more niche option for insect enthusiasts, ants can be an intriguing pet to own. With gentle handling from a young age, they can bond closely with you. Top 13 Best Pets To Have At Home Or In An Apartment. They are quiet creatures but also like to hide and get into mischief. They are most active at night but will wake for interaction during the day. In addition to mice, Dumerils Boas like to eat small rabbits and fowl. Different species are found in environments determined by large rocks, boulders, and cliffs up to 3,900 meters (12,800 feet) above sea level. Owning a pet can be one of life's greatest joys and comforts but the cost of a furry companion can add up. Kids can take them out of their cages to gently play with them every once in a while, but as long as they have the basic necessities, they're happy. They are nocturnal, so if you are not home during the day, they will not miss you much. 40 Rare and Unique Exotic Pets. All that, alongside the small size of pugs, make them one of the most low-maintenance dog breeds. They are also just as fun and loving as traditional pets like dogs and cats. According to Laurie Hess, DVM, with Vet Street, they actually groom themselves and organize their food into neat piles, making them one of the neatest pets you can own. The good news is that pot-bellied pigs make great house pets. It 2. Ferret makes excellent pets for owners who take the time to bond with them. They're all relatively easy to care for, as most cheap pets are, but will provide years of affection and camaraderie. They can grow anywhere between eight to 24 inches, so they require a spacious tank or aquariumnot bowl. 1. Chipmunk (Tamias species) is a large internal cheekbone used for food transport. Pet goats can easily adapt to any environment but do need a yard. However, that's usually because people pick the wrong kinds of fish.