Just like taste in cars, clothes and colors, taste in pets varies over a broad range. While a dictionary may define a pet as a "domesticated animal kept for pleasure rather than utility", people are much more flexible, referring to everything from house plants to sea shell collections as "pets". Remember the "pet rock" craze?
But even staying close to the dictionary definition, you still have plenty of choices. Anything from a snake to a guinea pig to a Siberian Husky can make a fine pet, depending on individual needs, preferences and living situations.
Before selecting a pet be sure to do a little research. Find out how large the animal will grow, what its dietary and nutritional needs are and if there's a veterinarian in your area capable of treating the animal (this can be a major issue if you select a very exotic animal for a pet). Google a search for the kind of pet you are considering and, if need be, go to the library to see pictures and get more information. Consider the potential health care issues including preventative vaccines, potential parasites, warning signs of nutritional problems, training issues, disease conditions common in breeds, and common behavior problems.
How about a pig for a pet? Local ordinances permitting, a pig can make a great pet since they are clean and intelligent and very trainable. Just keep in mind that even the Pygmy varieties of pigs can be as large as a large dog.
Don't have room for a pig then how about a rabbit? A bunny can be a fun pet. I know of a family who raised a bunny with their dog and cat. The rabbit was house-trained to the cat's litter box and served as playmate and bunk mate to the dog. Rabbits do require special food, rabbit food, and they need much more crude fiber in the diet than most other pet species.
Tropical fish can be an exciting, entertaining and even profitable hobby. You only need some simple aquarium equipment to enjoy these beautiful and graceful creatures. Graceful and colorful Siamese Fighting Fish (Beta splendeus) are easy to raise and easy to keep. Just be sure that you do not freely house two males together in the same tank!
The list goes on and on and each species has books to help guide you with care and feeding.
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2 comments:
My daughter is interested in the new "tea cup" pigs. Have you heard about them? What are your thoughts? I am worried that they will live longer than our guinea pig (currently age 7)
Dian from Atlanta
I don't have any information at this time. My concern would be longevity and importantly the need to have a veterinarian who is versed on the vaccinations, deworming, etc for the pig.
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