We all know and love animals; some of us even own them, but here are some animals that are not the usual house pets.
Opossum: Opossums aren’t that big; they are only about 2.5 feet and live for 2-4 years. If you want a cheap, rare pet, then this might be the one for you because you can get them for free. Opossums aren’t recommended just because they aren’t meant to be pets. Contrary to popular belief, they aren’t aggressive. They are peaceful creatures that love to climb and sleep, but they are difficult to manage. You should look into your state’s laws to make sure they are legal in your state.
Capybara: Capybaras are around 3-4 feet long and live for 4-10 years. Capybaras cost around $1,000. Capybaras are just giant guinea pigs; just like guinea pigs, they are smart and sociable animals. They weigh around 170 pounds. If you want to own a capybara, then you need to consider that they need a large amount of space, roughly 12-20 feet of space. They eat high-grain and should be eating high-quality grass. The hay at pet stores or large animal feed stores will not be enough for capybaras, so if you decide to own one, you will have to find a solution.
The Fennec Fox: Even if it is a wild animal, the fennec fox does make a wonderful house pet. They are smart, kind, and loyal, and can act like other typical house pets. On average, they cost around $2000-$2500, so they are more expensive than other animals. It is recommended for fennec foxes to be housed outside because they live outdoors and are more comfortable there.
Axolotl: Unlike other animals, axolotls aren’t social animals; they don’t need companions and should not be kept with other species, so if you want an axolotl to keep your lonely fish company, I would recommend a different animal. If you do decide to get multiple axolotls at the same time, you have to keep in mind that they do have cannibalistic tendencies, and if given the chance, they might attempt to eat each other. A baby axolotl costs around $30, and an adult axolotl costs around $100. They need a 15- to 20-gallon tank with a secure lid. You can leave the bottom of the tank bare, but it is not recommended due to it causing them stress.
Mini Pig: Mini pigs are smaller than the usual pig, as you can probably guess due to the name; they weigh around 75 to 150 pounds on average. Some people think that caring for a pig is the same as caring for a dog, but that isn’t at all the reality. Mini pigs are recommended to be kept outdoors with lots of space for them to go around freely. Mini pigs are curious animals; they like to dig and move around to explore, and that can be destructive. They cost around $1200 to $6500.
All in all, before you buy any pet, even if they are the most common, do your research; look into the breed and make sure it’s a good option for you.
