Geckos enjoy eating live crickets and worms, and weekly food expenses run from $5 to $10, depending on the size of your gecko. Ferret makes excellent pets for owners who take the time to bond with them. The fur is reddish-brown and is broken by five brownish brown stripes running down the length of the body. These animals are a pet that requires little maintenance and space. They dont require too much spacea 15-to 20-gallon tank will do the trickand they feed on crickets, wax worms and meal worms. They are naturally calm, friendly, friendly, and intelligent as well as timid! They only require 30% to 40% humidity, but as diurnal reptiles, they need at least 12 hours of sunlight and a heated basking area set at Pet goats can easily adapt to any environment but do need a yard. The eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus) is the largest deciduous forest in eastern North America. They have prominent eyes and ears, hairy tails s, and good claws. Anoles can live more than five years and grow up to 8 inches long. Juveniles need feedings three times a day, but adults can eat once daily. Chinchillas are nocturnal animals, but they make beautiful pets because they are low maintenance, quiet and odorless, with beautiful soft fur. Stephen Johnson contributed to this story. Cheapism may earn a commission if you buy through a link on our site. Kids will love feeding them, but because goldfish have such short memories, they tend to overeat if youre not careful. But if you do want to bring a precious pooch into your family, consider a more low-maintenance breed. Pet ants can be kept in a simple glass test tube until the colony is big enough to be moved to an enclosure with a nest and an "outdoor" compartment where the ants can feed, keepinginsects.com advises. This popular parrot makes a Scorpion. Iguanas are some of the most prominent victims of inadequate care for their presence as cheap animals in chain pet stores. According to Lianne McLeod, DVM, with The Spruce Pets,their bodies only grow from one inch to six inches, and in captivity, they only have a life expectancy of up to one year. They eat a varied diet of fruit, vegetables and grains. The good news is that pot-bellied pigs make great house pets. As with other animals, it's important that you conduct thorough research and talk to appropriate experts before you adopt a low-maintenance pet because these little guys are just as worthy of all the love you can give. Although dogs are usually a lot more high-maintenance and costly than other pets, pugs are a fairly low-maintenance and economical choice. Degus can be found for around $25 to $40 each from a shelter and around $80 to $100 each from a breeder. Snakes are not everybody's cup of tea, but they do make for an easy-to-care for pet. Similarly, pets like pot-bellied pigs might be naturally inclined to burrow and damage a rental property. Fish are often "seen as low-maintenance pets" until people realize just how much work needs to be put into 2 Pugs. They are in the rodent family and eat an omnivorous diet. Similar to a stick bug, if you're looking for a low-maintenance insect, think about a praying mantis. They make remarkably easy pets probably one of the easiest in terms of maintenance. Other than that, you just need to clean your snails' terrarium at least once a week, spraying the walls with water and paper towels to clear mucus trails. Your email address will not be published. They like to chillax in a tropical habitat and love to eat crickets and worms. They are in the rodent family and eat an omnivorous diet. With an adult scorpion, you only have to feed it every other day, and their diet consists of insects like crickets, small mealworms, and wax worms. They require a wire cage, bedding, toys and eat a varied diet of fruit, vegetables and grains. The one thing you really need to remember about scorpions is the temperature of their environment. Just like rats, mice also have a bad rep, but when it comes to pets, these fuzzy creatures dont cause a lot havoc if theyre well-taken care of. Physical Characteristics: Large, black eyes and bushy tails; luxuriously soft; silver, yellow-gray, bluish-gray, white, beige and black fur. Ferret makes excellent pets for owners who take the time to bond with them. Since most chipmunks dont accumulate significant fat during the fall, they rely on these cached foods in the winter. All that, alongside the small size of pugs, make them one of the most low-maintenance dog breeds. A thriving ant colony seen inside a formicarium enclosure. Betta fish, also known as Siamese fighting fish, should live alone and usually live for three to five years. Unlike many other lizards and reptiles, the leopard gecko is a friendly and sociable choice for a pet. As a bonus, they can live harmoniously with docile fishlike a bettaif you want more than one kind of pet. At the minimum, these rodents need a cage that encompasses about 7-8 square feet. They are also quiet and require little space and attention. Hedgehogs. They like the thrill of the chase and constricting their prey on their own. These rodents cost between $25 and $50, and a proper habitat adds about $75 to the initial cost. 3. Betta fish usually sell for $5 to $25, with the less-colorful females cheaper; rare patterns can command as much as $50. In Captivity For in The Wild, Box Turtle Food | Guide | Chain | Chart List, Norwegian Forest Cat vs Maine Coon | Size and Price | Black Grey Orange White. They fill their cheekbones with seeds and nuts and take them to a borough where they are stored for later use. Degu: $1020. Unless won at the county fair, these animals can cost anywhere from $1 (sometimes they're considered food for other animals, rather than pets) to $40 or more. And their life span is roughly two years, which is also an ideal length. To cut your start-up costs, adopt a rescue hamster and pick up a second-hand cage on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Though they eat pellet food, hermit crabs can also ingest bits of your leftovers, just be careful not to give them anything with garlic, onion or citrus. Adults grow to up to 4 inches plus a 4-inch tail. There are nearly 50 breeds of rabbits that people like to keep as a pet. Kids can learn a lot from their metamorphosis since they are born as caterpillars, and they only have a complete lifespanincluding the metamorphosisof six to eight months. They are skilled at playing the whistle and can often be taught to play the whistle. Learn more about the anole 2. They may look intimidating, but hermit crabs are actually super chill once they get acquainted to their environments though they will snip if they feel threatened, so a soft touch is key when handling them. They also don't require a lot of water but will need to have a bit of it around. Water should be changed every week or two. In addition to food and water maintenance, make sure you provide enough toys for these interactive little mammals to play with. You will need to make sure your home is ferret-proofed to prevent escapes or unsafe hiding spots (like in the oven). But what about the cost to buy this insect? Bestlifeonline.com is part of the Meredith Health Group. Raising them up from a caterpillar, you just need a common plant to feed them, and sticks for them to wander around on, especially in the beginning stage of their life. Lives 5 to 8 years. Goldfish swim in a tank as part of an art exhibition 'Art Aquarium' in Tokyo. Some pets need less grooming and attention; many are simply cheaper to own than some of the more high-maintenance options. Seeing as most praying mantises are taken from the yard outside the home and brought in, there's usually no cost at all! Although they make excellent pets for beginners, Bearded Dragons have specialized diets composed of fruit, vegetables, and insects. So whether you're looking for something that makes sense for your kids, for your working parent lifestyle, or for the limitations of your apartment, these are the low-maintenance pets you should consider taking home. As McLeod explained to The Spruce Pets, they have a docile nature that makes them easy to get along with and play with, but they also don't need a lot in terms of care. However, they can be very active and are nocturnal. These guys are great if you need a pet to bring some zen into the space. Their small size and relatively easy care make them perfect for smallerhomes. The one thing to remember about these creatures is that they need to be kept in a dark part of your room, away from sunlight. (Painted shells are controversial there's a risk of using a toxic material that will hurt the crab.) Pigs are why pellets are the staple food of choice for pet pigs. Physical Characteristics: Outer shell; 10 jointed legs, the front two are of different sizes; large left claw is used for defense; smaller right claw scoops food and water. Once you set them up with the appropriate heat, light and humidity, bearded dragons make for easy pets. Guinea pigs, rabbits, and ferrets love to cuddle with humans. 1. Juveniles need feedings three times a day, but adults can eat once daily. Although the axolotl is known as a 'walking fish', it is not a fish, but an amphibian. The key to taking good care of a turtle is maintaining water temperature, keeping clean water, and feeding them consistentlywhich isn't a lot of work in terms of keeping pets. Anole This cool lizard boasts a colorful neck pouch and is a great choice for novice reptile pet parents. "Betta fish are stunning, really hardy, and you can have an awesome low-maintenance setup," Adams says. Our list of the cheapest pets some of whom just require food and water includes animals such as insects, reptiles, freshwater fish, and even a crustacean. These were not considered true hibernators, but studies have shown that East Chipmunks body temperature is thirty-five to forty-one degrees Celsius (95 to 105.8 degrees Fahrenheit) during activity and 5-7 degrees Celsius (41-44.6 degrees Fahrenheit) topper a true difference. Goldfish tend to be messy, so make sure you're cleaning their living spaces frequently. Their enclosures are also a manageable size. They're typically gentle and generally solitary. Best price ! if( 'moc.enilnoefiltseb' !== location.hostname.split('').reverse().join('') ) { Monthly food, bedding, and hay can cost up to $35 a month, although the outlay can be minimized and made easy by feeding the animal leftover veggies from the dinner table. WebGuinea Pig. They dont require too much spacea 15-to 20-gallon tank will do the trickand they feed on crickets, wax worms and meal worms. The 21 Most Low-Maintenance Pets You Can Own 1 Betta fish. Hamsters Image Credit: Lichtpuenktchen, Pixabay Hamsters are one of the small pets that many people would think of immediately when asked to name a low-maintenance pet. These fish will need a tank filled with water, fish pellets and decoration inside the tank. Primates often fulfill their enrichment requirements by destroying property or wreaking havoc in your house. Mice also require a well-ventilated cage, some toys, but can eat any food suitable for humans. And in terms of diet, they have a variety of foods they eat: fruit flies, smaller mantids, moths, house flies, and the occasional cricket or mealworm if your mantid is larger. That works, too, as their care, cost, and temperament are similar. There's one catch: They do best in pairs because they're extremely social critters. They should be kept in a clear terrarium, and you can house multiple snails together, with one to two inches of soil, says Anne Woods with Pets on Mom. From the initial purchase to the cost of food, vet bills, grooming and the ongoing expense of care, having a pet often puts a dent in your personal finances. Male tarantulas grow from two to ten inches, and most species only live up to seven years long, according to the experts at Petco. Hermit crabs sometimes move between shells at night, so buy several shells and let them choose their daily outfit. Whether you want to own an exotic animal or something more common, there are more pets available than ever before. Different species are found in environments determined by large rocks, boulders, and cliffs up to 3,900 meters (12,800 feet) above sea level. Thus, making a hedgehog seems to be not a subject to the separation anxiety, but this pet is fitting for those who travel. Let's face it, dogs aren't ever really low-maintenance pets. The very essence of a turtle is to be cool, calm and collected, and maintaining them is just as easy. As with other reptiles, green anoles require special heating, lighting and humidity in their living environments, so make sure you're well-informed before taking these babies on. Pet ownership is wonderful, but many people don't have the space or budget for a larger, more expensive furry friend. Their size requirements are just one of the reasons why they make great pets for small spaces. Physical Characteristics: Two bulging eyes; strong, long, webbed hind feet used for leaping and swimming; smooth or slimy skin; colors are varied. Once they have all that, they don't need much else. Also, be careful not to move the ant farm once ants have built their tunnels, as it might cause a collapse, which could kill or injure the ants. A white spotted hermit crab crawls along the sand. The vet expenditures are minimal, and she eats basically hay and stale bread with sometimes a carrot or an apple. If you want a cute, cuddly pet, but aren't ready to commit to a pup, consider a rabbit instead. Don't forget about the geckos! British shorthair cats, in particular, are a quite hands-off breed for those who want a furry friend who is not so needy, but also not a praying mantis. Easy to maintain and even easier to acquirethey can be found in most backyards! xhr.open('POST', 'https://www.google-analytics.com/collect', true); Pig Dirty This idea cant stay far from the truth. Adults grow to up to 12 inches. Many frog species don't need much space, so they are an ideal choice for small apartments. They only grow to about six inches, so all you need is a cage big enough to give them some roaming room. Greyhounds can cost thousands of dollars to buy outright but many are now a popular rescue choice and can be adopted for free. Hermit Crabs: Less Than $10. Cats are notoriously independent. They can easily adapt to any environment but do need a yard. The praying mantis is great for people who don't want to make a fuzzy, emotional connection with their new pet. It is of the utmost importance that if youre going to buy a snake, you do so from a reputable vendor so as to avoid any issues, legal or health wise. They are not too fussy when it comes to sharing space and can get along with your other little sea creatures. But when you have roommates, kids in the family or work long hours, caring for a pet is not easy. They are also intelligent, and their playful antics are fun to watch. They live in an aquarium, where the water quality should be checked at least once a week and changed every two to four weeks. Browse through 12 types of exotic pets and why they are suitable for apartments, condominiums, and other small living spaces. } Budgerigar. Ask a Pediatrician: How Do I Know If My Child Is Ready for Kindergarten? The corn snake is fairly docile, only grows two to five feet in length and primarily eats small rodents. They only require 30% to 40% humidity, but as diurnal reptiles, they need at least 12 hours of sunlight and a heated basking area set at Leopard geckos are nocturnal meaning they're less active during the day and unlike other reptiles, don't require UV light bulbs, but do need an incandescent bulb and possibly a heat pad, depending on temperatures in your home or apartment. While everyone knows what a porcupine is, many have not seen or heard of the funny-looking, tree-dwelling, 2. 1. Cheap Exotic Pets-Legal Cheapest Top 10 Affordable List. And they do feed on live insects such as crickets, mealworms, super worms and roaches, so trips to the pet store will belively. The domesticated Budgerigar is the most popular of all pet bird species, according to BirdLife International. 1. Once they've outgrown one shell you'll need to buy their next, larger shell a small cost. Local laws also might prohibit certain exotic animals. She has worked with airlines and the Centers for Disease Control to improve pet travel through veterinary oversight. Belly Robbs is the heart path of a pot-bellied pig. Lianne McLeod, DVM, is a small animal and exotic pet expert with over a decade of experience writing about veterinary care. Their habitat needs to be frequently changed, but other than that, make sure they get some exercise outside their cage and youre good to go. Rats will likely sleep most of the day if you leave the house. Although they may be a larger dog, they are a low energy breed and don't require excessive amounts of exercise or food requirements. Temperatures of 80 to 85 degrees can be maintained using a tank heater or a heat lamp. Their opportunistic nature means that many pet cubs will choose what they want to produce when they throw away the rest of the food. African Dwarf Frogs And while cleaning their space and providing fresh water is essential, turtles actually dont need to be fed every day. You'll pay about $15-20 for the hamster, another $20-50 for a cage, $7-8 for an exercise ball, $10 for the first bag of food and another $10 for the first bag of shavings. Behind this cotton will be the ant queen and her offspring. Hermit crabs are interesting to watch; they move from one shell to another. Gerbil. Although most taxonomies chipmunks acknowledge a single lineage of Tamias, some species are separated into Tamiya, utopias, and species. The 20 Least Expensive Pets to Own. Lives 5 to 8 years. In fact, the American Kennel Club says the breed is "perfectly happy to lounge around the house all day". Gallery:The Most Expensive Pets Money Can Buy, Note: Cheapism does not accept or publish guest blog posts. Hamsters are relatively small, being only 5 to 7 inches long. They are naturally calm, friendly, friendly, and intelligent as well as timid! The 21 Most Low-Maintenance Pets You Can Own 1 Betta fish. They only grow an average of one-and-a-half inches and live up to five years, according to the pros at Petco. Additionally, fats are crucial for keeping a healthy neural [], Top 10 Coolest Pets List: Cool Pets to Have in Your Room. Agouti. Like praying mantises, scorpions eat live insects, so plan on spending about $100 per year on crickets. 4. A hedgehog is not related to porcupines or not a rodent, they are in a sub-family known as insectivore. Budgerigar: $1035. Leopard and house geckos are among the best choices for reptile pets, especially for beginners. by Shahinur | Sep 12, 2021 | Pets | 0 comments. Chipmunks are not low-maintenance pets, but they are great companions. WebHermit crabs are one of those small pets that are not very common, but nevertheless quite well mannered, insanely cheap, and make for great pets. There are plenty of types of turtles out there to consider for a petapproximately 270 to be exact, according to PetMD. As omnivorous, wild food consists of roots, vegetables, nuts, seeds, berries, eggs, and small insects. In addition to mice, Dumerils Boas like to eat small rabbits and fowl. For the most part, hamsters do well on their own. "I must say I'm quite pleased with the rabbit. You will need to bunny-proof your home by making sure there are no exposed cords and only allowing the rabbit to roam in carpet or rug-free rooms. They are also able to keep active on their own if provided with enough toys and other items for stimulation. document.addEventListener( 'DOMContentLoaded', function() { When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. In terms of diet, turtles are easy, as they "don't need to be fed every day." "We've never taken him into a dog groomer. However, if you choose to get a tortoise you must be diligent about their diets as some species require a fair amount of vegetables, while certain breeds of turtles eat meat. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. If you want a pet that asserts their presence without taking too much out of you, parakeets are perfect. Fish are often "seen as low-maintenance pets" until people realize just how much work needs to be put into 2 Pugs. Spotted Genet. Hedgehogs are not social. Physical Characteristics: Short tails, stubby legs, and small ears; color variations include black, grey, brown, white, yellow, red, or a mixture of several colors. 4. Mmm. Getting a pet is a simple way to add a different dynamic to your home. Goats are low maintenance and eat grass, hay, grain and pellet feed. It may seem strange to keep insects or spiders as pets, but these are unique animals that are interesting to look at. Axolotl: $1535. But please note, it is illegal to own a hedgehog as a pet in some jurisdictions in the U.S. such as New York City. Dr. Nelva Bryant, DVM, is a highly accomplished veterinarian with three decades of professional experience in animal welfare, public health, and zoonotic diseases.