small exotic pets
Pets come in a variety of sizes, and this also applies to exotic animals. Small pets are attractive for many reasons. They often fit comfortably in small homes (including apartments), their size makes them cheaper to feed, and they are safer when it comes to potential harm (especially true for alternative pets). (unless extremely toxic).
Traits that make exotic pets suitable for indoor keeping
- size: Enclosures should be small enough to fit in a standard home, and smaller animals tend to have less demanding space requirements.
- odor: Most pets have at least some odor, but indoor pets shouldn’t have an extremely strong odor.
- Energy level: If an animal’s energy needs are not met in its enclosure, it should be relatively well-behaved and less destructive when released outside.
unique indoor pets
Definitions of exotic pets vary, but the most comprehensive definition is dogs, cats, and any animal that is not traditionally domesticated. This means that exotic pets can be fish, snakes, birds and brown bears.
Very common animals that are considered exotic, mostly by veterinarians, include rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, ferrets, and slightly more unique animals such as sugar gliders and hedgehogs. However, few people know that in some states, certain animals that are smaller but a bit more difficult to keep can be kept as pets.
Most people associate these animals with zoo animals, or those that “belong in the wild,” but captive-bred animals, like all animals, can be fine with the right owners. Become a pet. Here are some animals that are “smaller versions” of the more popular larger animals.
1. Fennec Fox
Exotic pets are not “wild” if they are raised by humans. A socialized animal usually does not behave like an animal that has lived in natural conditions. This is why nature centers take in young wildlife and later state that they cannot be released because they are “too accustomed to humans”.
Young carnivores like foxes must learn how to hunt on their own and avoid predators. Foxes are popular animals and many species exist in our backyards. These native foxes are illegal in most states, but exotic foxes such as fennec foxes, bat-eared foxes, and blue foxes are not only smaller, but tend to be legal in a few more states. These mackerel foxes smell less than North America’s iconic red foxes. It can easily live indoors, provided it has a spacious enclosure.
2. Kyonshika
White-tailed deer are one of the most commonly adopted and confiscated animals. The story always seems the same. An abandoned fawn was found and its mother was hit by a car. A kind and well-meaning couple decides to keep it and it either becomes their captive pet or is released to roam freely. The animal is dearly loved. Despite the benefits of this situation for both species, animal control is called upon by ‘anonymous’ neighbors, and animals are sometimes euthanized in front of distraught owners.
Unfortunately, keeping native deer is illegal in most states. The Chinese deer is a small Asian deer that can live indoors as well as pot-bellied pigs (outdoor enclosures are easier to keep). These deer are affectionate and playful and reach the height of a medium-sized dog. However, they are still deer and cannot be expected to behave like common farm animals.
3. Palawan Porcupine
These Asian porcupines are relatively large, but much smaller than other species commonly available in the pet trade, such as the African crested porcupine, one of the world’s largest rodents, and the North American porcupine. Porcupines are notorious among zookeepers for their foul odor. The porcupine is said to be similar to the human BO. These Philippine porcupines do not have a continuous odor, the only thing that smells is feces and urine, and he defecates only 2-3 times a day (compared to guinea pigs, this is nothing).
4. Spotted Genette
The spotted genet is a small carnivore that resembles a cat. Most exotic cats are about the size of a Labrador or about the size of a domestic cat, strong-willed, and difficult to keep, so they need an outdoor enclosure to shelter in.
Junettes are indeed finicky animals and require an experienced hand to keep properly as pets, but depending on their spray potential (not all species spray) and tolerance to light musk, Most can be kept indoors. Genettes come in a variety of sizes, but most reach the size of a standard domestic cat and have much longer tails. There are a few genets as big as ferrets, but they are becoming rarer.
5. Marmoset
When it comes to monkeys, none are much smaller than marmosets and tamarins. These tiny primates are also called “fingers monkeys” because they are about the size of a mouse. However, the challenges of keeping primates mentally and physically healthy are only marginally mitigated in smaller animals.
It doesn’t need to be as big as a capuchin cage, but it still needs a spacious enclosure, and the bigger the better. Daily continuous reinforcement and pairing with multiple individuals is required if possible. If you are thinking of owning a monkey, the most important issues to consider are the monkey’s care and longevity, the difficulty of finding proper veterinary care, and their rapidly increasing ban as pets.
6. Alacaris
Toucan and Aracari are essentially “little toucans” and can easily be kept as indoor birds. A great “novice toucan” is the green racari, said to be easier to care for than other racari and the larger and more recognizable toucans (usually the keel-billed toucan and the toco toucan). All they need is an affordable flight cage (for small birds), fresh fruit feed, and regular cleaning (they eat very dirty stuff).
7. Four-Eyed Opossum
You may be familiar with the large opossum, native to North America, with its striking white face and long bare tail. Occasionally, they are seen trudging through the backyards of suburban homes, and sadly, they are also seen killed in car accidents due to their not-so-quick temperament.
However, these are attractive animals that are illegal in most states. Brazilian opossums are a relatively popular exotic pet and are even legal in many states. In addition to these, there are lesser-known and rare opossum species such as the four-eyed opossum and the South American water opossum. These animals are like smaller versions of the great North American marsupials and can be kept in large aquariums or spacious mouse pens.
This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. It is not a substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescribing or formal, individualized advice from a veterinarian. Animals showing signs or symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.
© 2018 Melissa Smith
comment
fern 19 April 28, 2020:
Where can I get care sheets and tips for my Palawan Porcupine?
peter June 17, 2019:
. I have searched extensively on the internet and cannot find an answer to this question, so I would appreciate it if you could give me his face.
Melissa A. Smith (Author) From New York, January 7, 2018:
BellatheBall: For every penny that someone takes advantage of that failed argument, you can buy another exotic pet. You are definitely wrong and that is a fact. Domestic cats can, have, and will continue to live outside with little or no assistance. They are very successful, proliferate and influence real wildlife populations. didn’t you know that? It’s common sense. Ever heard of wild horses? They are descended from domestic horses. Australia also has wild donkeys.
But guess what? Many exotic pets raised by humans cannot survive in the wild without human assistance. In many cases, the environment is not suitable, but they are raised by humans, so they lack the survival skills that life in the wild affords. Domestic cats have invaded every state in the United States. They are better at surviving in the wild than most exotic pets.
Still think I’m misunderstood? Did you notice that I’ve been writing about this for years?
berate ball January 7, 2018:
I am not “wrong”. you are misunderstood Humans who live close to nature sometimes adopt orphaned animals and raise them to get used to living with humans. This does not make it a “domesticated” animal.
Domestic animals are animals that cannot survive without human care and assistance. This also; sheep, cows, dogs, domestic cats, horses, llamas, donkeys, etc.
Capturing wild animals and keeping them as pets is unfair to animals and is usually done out of human selfishness. This is what it means to “deliberately” keep a wild pet.
Wild animals belong in the wild, where they can end their lives as nature intended. Livestock are with humans because they are a source of well-being and a necessity for survival.
Melissa A. Smith (Author) From New York, January 7, 2018:
BellatheBall: A lot of people think so. they are all wrong. There is no clear line between what you think is livestock and what is not.
Melissa A. Smith (Author) From New York, January 7, 2018:
Giovanni Carlo: There are 3 animals on this list. The porcupine in the photo is mine.
Melissa A. Smith (Author) From New York, January 7, 2018:
KS Lane: Thank you, no problem
Anna January 7, 2018:
good
berate ball January 6, 2018:
I believe that wild animals should remain wild and not intentionally kept as pets.
It’s unfair to animals. That’s why we have livestock.
Giovanni Carlo From Prok Salanay Tawagan Norte Labangan Zamboan del Sur, January 6, 2018:
Do you have these animals in your home?Veneto cats are similar to the stray cats here
KS lane From Melbourne, Australia, January 6, 2018:
Oh they are all so cute, especially the little fox! I never thought that such an animal would be kept as a pet. thank you for teaching me!
Alexander James Gugkenberger From Maryland, USA, January 5, 2018:
Fennec foxes are really cute! ! !