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.