lizard

Exotic Pets for Apartment Living

We all love puppies and kitties, but if you’re one of those people who dare to be different, why not get exotic pets to love and cherish? If you live in a pet-friendly apartment, there’s no need to limit yourself because exotic pets can be great companions. Depending on the amount of space you have, and the time you are willing to dedicate to an animal, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Hedgehogs

If you grew up in the midst of the Sonic-era, there’s no better exotic pet for you than a hedgehog! These adorable little creatures are solitary animals, so you don’t need to purchase several to keep them happy. They can live in medium-sized cages, and will also do well if they are taken out for exercise. Hedgehogs eat both plants and meat, and they love snacking on crickets and other small insects. These guys are most active at night, though, so you will want to make sure that you can take them out to play later in the evening.

Sugar Gliders

Did you know that you can carry a sugar glider in your shirt pocket? Super active and playful, sugar gliders need large spaces where they can explore. If you live in an apartment with lofted ceilings, sugar gliders may be a great option. These animals act best if they are in same-sex pairs, and you’ll want to get a little guy when it is young. Older sugar gliders may be territorial and difficult to handle.

Reptiles

Lizards and other small reptiles are great exotic pets for apartments because they live within the confines of cages. Depending on the amount of space you have for a cage–and the budget you are working with–there are plenty of different species to choose from. While reptiles aren’t very socially active creatures, they are great for pet owners who are willing to clean and maintain a cage, but don’t want to pet-proof their entire apartment. While turtles and snakes are the best options for apartments, lizards, geckos and bearded dragons are great for first-time exotic pet owners.

Sharks

That’s right–you can have your very own shark! OK, it might not be the massive shark you are thinking of, but these small creatures are great additions to an aquarium. There are three different kinds of sharks that you can get for your apartment: Wobbegong (and we don’t mean the Wobbegong that can grow up to 10 feet), Bamboo shark and Epaulette. The most popular of them all is the Epaulette, which is sleek, fast-moving and sly, making it a very interesting pet to watch. The other two shark species are a bit slower. Wobbegong are super low maintenance and only need to be fed twice a week, while Bamboo sharks will need shrimp, fish and squid to stay healthy. No matter what kind of shark you get, you’ll want to make sure the aquarium is large enough for it to swim around and grow to its appropriate size.

Do you have an exotic pet? Tell us about it in the comments!

Moving?

Get connected with the best moving company!

like a boss!

Sign up to keep up with all the best…

Rent like a boss!

Sign up to keep up with all the best…