The Best Pets Not Dogs or Cats for Any Home

If you're looking for a pet that's a little unconventional, you're in luck. Many people have found joy in owning birds, and for good reason. Some birds, like parrots, can live up to 80 years with proper care.

Living in a small space is no barrier to owning a pet. Many birds are quiet and won't disturb neighbors, making them a great choice for apartment dwellers. In fact, some birds, like canaries, are known for their soothing songs.

If you're concerned about allergies, you'll be happy to know that many birds are hypoallergenic. This means they produce fewer allergens than dogs or cats, making them a great choice for those with allergies. I've seen firsthand how happy owning a bird can make someone, it's truly a rewarding experience.

Intriguing read: Can Dogs Have Allergies to Cats

Many people keep birds as pets, with over 7 million households in the US owning a bird.

Bird owners often report that their pets are very social and require a lot of attention.

In fact, some bird species are known to form strong bonds with their owners, with some even learning to mimic their owners' voices.

Some popular bird species kept as pets include parrots, cockatiels, and canaries.

These birds are known for their vibrant colors and ability to learn tricks and songs.

Many bird owners also appreciate the low-maintenance aspect of caring for a bird, as they require less space and exercise compared to dogs or cats.

However, birds still need regular social interaction and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and stress.

Some owners even report that their birds are so intelligent that they can recognize themselves in a mirror, a rare cognitive ability shared by only a few other animal species.

Miniature pigs are a popular choice for small pet owners, but they require a lot of space and care. Pigs are very smart and easily bond with people, making them a great pet for those willing to put in the effort.

Guinea pigs are another great option for those who love small furry animals. They are gentle and easy to care for, but they do require daily human attention and thrive in pairs since they are herd animals. Their diet consists of hay, fresh veggies, and pellets.

If you're looking for a pet that's low maintenance, parakeets might be the way to go. They need a lot of room to climb and fly, but they're relatively easy to care for and love to interact with humans. With the right toys and attention, a parakeet can even learn to talk!

Discover more: Animals Dogs and Cats

Guinea pigs are great pets as long as you've got the time to invest in them. They need to play with you and are social animals that will get lonely when solitary.

Guinea pigs are in the same family as hamsters but have an even gentler disposition and are less likely to bite. They need stimulation and attention, however, so if you think your kid will lose interest quickly, they might not be the best choice for you.

Guinea pigs require daily human attention and thrive if they have a second guinea pig buddy since they are herd animals. Their diet consists of hay, fresh veggies, and pellets.

Guinea pigs can live up to 10 years, so make sure everyone in the home is on the same page before taking on this commitment.

Chinchillas are friendly and gentle animals, but they can bite if not socialized properly.

They have silklike fur and are relatively low maintenance pets, requiring regular cage cleaning to prevent odor buildup.

Chinchillas can live up to 20 years, making them a long-term companion.

Their droppings may take several days to emit a smell, but frequent cage cleaning can keep odor at bay.

These large rodents are surprisingly easy to litter box train, making them a great choice for busy pet owners.

Parakeets make wonderful pets with their colorful plumage and cheerful chatter.

A parakeet needs plenty of room to climb and fly, so choose a cage with ample horizontal measurements.

They fly horizontally, so a spacious cage is a must.

You'll also need to keep your small bird's little brain stimulated with toys.

Plenty of time out of the cage is also essential for your parakeet's happiness.

Your kid can teach your feathered friend to talk, and you'll never be bored with a parakeet as a pet.

Amy Salinas, a 51-year-old from Wisconsin, overcame her fear of spiders by keeping tarantulas as pets. She now has 1,000 of them at home and loves their unique and unpredictable nature.

Tarantulas are a great learning experience, especially for someone with severe ADHD, as Amy Salinas notes. They require constant care and breeding, which keeps her brain happy.

Lisa Steele, a 58-year-old from Maine, also found joy in raising unconventional pets - chickens. She discovered their distinct personalities and enjoyed spending time with them outside, watching them forage for bugs and worms.

Raising chickens is a rewarding experience, as Steele says, providing not just eggs but also companionship. They can be considered pets with benefits, as they require care and interaction.

Leopard Geckos are calm reptiles that make great pets for kids, especially since they're easy to handle.

They're nocturnal, which means they're more active at night, so be prepared for some evening excitement.

Their calm nature is a big plus, as it makes them a great choice for families with young children.

Leopard Geckos are also relatively low maintenance, as they don't require a moist environment like some other types of geckos do.

They have a decent lifespan of 6-10 years, which is a good thing since you'll have plenty of time to bond with them.

As a tarantula owner, you might be wondering what it takes to care for these eight-legged creatures. Amy Salinas, a tarantula enthusiast from Wisconsin, has over 1,000 tarantulas in her home and has been breeding and selling them since 2016.

Tarantulas require a specialized habitat that provides them with access to fresh fruits, vegetables, and constant water. You'll also need to invest in a terrarium or enclosure that can maintain a specific temperature and humidity level.

Some tarantulas need to eat live crickets, which can be a fun and rewarding experience for owners. Amy Salinas notes that tarantulas can be a great learning journey, especially for those with ADHD, as they require constant attention and care.

Before bringing home a tarantula, it's essential to consider their life span, which can range from 10 to 30 years or more. This means you'll need to make provisions for their care when you're no longer able to provide it.

Here are some key considerations for tarantula owners:

Tarantulas can be a great option for those who want a low-maintenance pet, but it's essential to remember that they still require regular care and attention. With the right setup and dedication, you can create a happy and healthy environment for your tarantulas.

Raising chickens can be a surprisingly enjoyable experience, as Lisa Steele discovered when she got her first flock in 2009. She found that caring for the chickens brought a sense of responsibility and connection to the animals.

Their personalities shine through, with Steele describing her chickens as "divas, puppy dogs, mean girls, you name it!" This unique dynamic makes interacting with chickens a fascinating experience.

For Steele, the joys of chicken-keeping go beyond just collecting eggs. She loves spending time outside watching her chickens forage for bugs and worms, and even enjoys simply sitting with them in the sun.

You can give chickens a similar experience by naming them as chicks, feeding them, and making sure they're warm enough and eating properly. This attention to detail is what makes the bond between chicken and owner special.

In many ways, chickens can be considered pets with benefits, as Steele points out. They provide a unique opportunity for connection and care, and their eggs are just the icing on the cake.

Check this out: Chicken Broth for Dogs Pets at Home

Sugar gliders are a small marsupial in the possum family, averaging just 6 inches in length. They have soft gray fur and a black dorsal stripe.

They are an exotic pet that has been quickly gaining in popularity over the past 10 years. Their special needs are not difficult to meet, making them a very rewarding experience for owners.

Before bringing a pet into your home, it's essential to consider your health and how it may be affected by having a pet. Consulting both a veterinarian and your personal medical doctor is crucial to ensure there are no health risks, such as allergies or contagious diseases.

If you have certain medical conditions, like chemotherapy or steroids, you may be more susceptible to animal diseases like salmonellosis, which are often seen in pet reptiles. However, it doesn't mean you can't have a pet; you just need to consult your veterinarian to learn how to properly house and keep pets to minimize health risks.

Consider the life span of the pet you're interested in. Some pets, like birds, can outlive their owners, so it's crucial to make provisions for their care when you're no longer able to do so.

The type of pet you choose will also determine the level of care required. For example, dogs need regular veterinary checkups, daily walks, and grooming, while lizards may require live crickets as food.

Here are some key aspects of pet care to consider:

Finally, think about how you'll care for your pet when you're not around. Do you travel frequently? Consider arranging for pet care in advance, such as boarding facilities or pet-sitting options.