Weird But Wonderful Pets

Have you ever wanted to own a “different” pet? Do you want something other than a cat or dog? Well how about one of these weird but wonderful pets!

Australian Tarantula

  • live for anywhere from 5-25 years
  • don’t require much space
  • only need to be fed once or twice a week
  • unique and interesting
  • venomous – although their bite is not deadly to humans it will cause pain
  • won’t interact with humans  

Mexican Walking Fish (Axolotl)

    • live for 12-15 years
    • anti-social, happy/prefer to live solitary lives
    • suitable for teenagers
    • low maintenance

 

Frill Neck Lizards

  • live for 10-15 years
  • high maintenance, require misting and daily cage cleaning
  • they do like human attention
  • can be handled, although they may bite.
  • not suitable for young children
  • require a permit

Stick Insects

  • live for 6-12 months
  • suitable for all ages
  • can be handled
  • low maintenance and only require a small enclosure

 

Miniature Goats

    • live for 12-15 years
    • can be trained, like a dog, toileting, to lead, play fetch, go on car rides
    • smart, affectionate and playful
    • they will eat anything, including rubbish, plants, clothes, everything!
    • herd animals so 2 or more is best
    • are livestock so check with local council first  

 

Stag Beetles

  • live for 12-18 months
  • need to be kept separately  
  • can be handled
  • low maintenance and only require a small enclosure
  • suitable for all ages

Ferrets

  • live for 6-10 years
  • very social and friendly, love interacting with animals
  • mischievous and like to escape
  • need a large cage inside but require a lot of exercise and should be let out a few times a day.
  • can nip and need to be trained not to
  • medium maintenance as they require exercise, grooming, litter cleaned and training
  • suitable for school aged children

Before purchasing a pet you need to check if there any restrictions on owning that animal and if any special licenses or permits are required. Reptiles will require a special Reptile Keepers Permit from National Parks & Wildlife Service. Livestock or farm animals may not be allowed in certain areas and you will need to check with your local council.

 

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Author: Bec

From a very young age Bec has always had a great love and appreciation for all animals. Bec is a qualified Veterinary Nurse and also has a Bachelor in Applied Science Animal Studies with special interest in Wildlife and Recreational Animals. Her studies have been put to good use working in various animal industries including small and large animal veterinary clinics, horse studs and the family cattle property. Horses have played an important part in her life, living on a horse stud and caring for horses throughout breeding, foaling, spelling, racing and retirement. Bec is the proud mum of two gorgeous girls, a beautiful Cocker Spaniel, a cheeky cockatiel, chickens and many horses including a naughty little pony.