Unusual Apartment Pets
Having a pet can brighten up any apartment. However, if your landlord won’t allow a cat or dog, you may need to think outside the box. Apartments.com has assembled a list of some of the best untraditional pets that can make your apartment a much livelier place. Before getting an exotic pet, you need to check local regulations to see which varieties are allowed in the home. It would probably be best to check with your building management before getting one of these pets, even though your lease may forbid only cats and dogs, your landlord can easily claim your security deposit if one of these exotic friends has its way in your apartment.
Sugar Gliders
Looking for a cute, friendly pet that needs your undivided attention? Sugar gliders are marsupials native to Australia, New Guinea and Indonesia. They are accustomed to living in trees in family groups and will carry their social tendencies into your apartment. You will need to have a good amount of time to devote to spending with your sugar glider or else consider getting two so that they can keep each other company. Lonely sugar gliders may stop eating and die, so make sure you are willing to make a commitment to this animal before adopting them. The gliders weigh 95-160 grams and are primarily gray with black stripes. They are nocturnal and have excellent night vision. When sexual maturity is reached (about 1 year), the male develops a large scent gland on the top of his head. Insects, nectar, fruit and vegetables are the most common sugar glider meals. Gliders will live for 10-15 years in captivity.
Hermit Crabs
For those who want a pet that is a bit less high-maintenance, the hermit crab is a great choice. These little pets can climb, dig and walk on your shirt. Fill a fish tank with gravel, shells of various sizes and water and food dishes that are shallow enough for your crab to get to. You will need to give your crab water and food daily. Commercial food is available at pet stores or you can prepare it yourself by cutting up a fresh supply (every 24 hours) of fruit and vegetables. You will also need to sprinkle your crab with lukewarm water daily in order to keep him from drying out. About once a month you need to clean out the tank in order to keep you crab’s home safe and healthy. Hermit crabs lose their exoskeleton at uneven intervals. Many people think their crab has died as it will become dormant for about two weeks. Continue to water him daily and he will be fine. Hermit crabs love to play so allow them to climb on you as often as possible.
Pot-Bellied Pigs
They’re affectionate, extremely intelligent, readily trained, playful, clean and relatively quiet. Pigs can be trained just as easily or possibly easier, than dogs, and many people think they are a great alternative. The downside of having a pig as a pet is that the intelligence of this animal requires stimulation and he/she can get destructive if bored. You will need to have the patience to train your pet and teach it to respect you. As you might expect, pigs are relentless in their search for food and so you must keep all food locked up and put away. You’ll also need to provide an area for your pig to “root,” an instinctual need to dig with their noses. A small patch of dirt outside will be necessary unless you don’t mind your pig overturning items in your home. Your pet will require a high quality food, regular vaccinations, hoof and tusk trims and to be spayed or neutered. Pigs will live an average of 12-18 years, so be sure this is a commitment you want to make. More and more abandoned pigs are ending up in shelters because owners cannot handle their porky friends.
Ferrets
These pets are growing in popularity because of their playful demeanors and their domestic nature. It is best to have a pair of these because they can get very mischievous when bored. A ferret owner needs to realize exactly how mischievous these animals can be, including their ability to hide under sofas and in dark corners. Ferrets need a high-protein diet of either high quality cat food or a food designed especially for them. They can be trained to use a litter pan like cats and to stop gnawing on things like dogs. Although they have a reputation for being biters, they are no more likely to bite than a cat or dog is. Ferrets live for six to eight years and are susceptible to disease, so trips to the veterinarian may be necessary in the same frequency as more traditional pets.Â
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