Choosing the Right Companion
Looking for a new pet? When choosing an animal to care for, there are several factors to consider, such as how much time you'll need to commit, the cost of setting up their habitat, regular maintenance. You probably know some pets are more difficult to tend to than others, but do you know which ones in particular? From iguanas to snails, here are 10 of the hardest pets to take care of and 10 easiest ones.
1. Snakes
Snakes are not only reserved for the brave and curious, they're also tricky to take care of. Depending on which species you have, they can be low-maintenance—they don't often need constant eyes on them—but they do require specific habitats, conditions, and food (frozen rodents)!.
2. Rabbits
Cute as they are, rabbits don't make great pets for first-time owners. They're delicate and need lots of care and attention, which isn't ideal for someone who's often away at work or school. Rabbits also need a lot of space, which means you'll have to rabbit-proof your home, and even then they can make a mess.
3. Tarantulas
Look away, arachnophobes! These spiders aren't your typical crawly creatures that might at most be as big as a quarter. Nope, tarantulas are as large as your hand.
While they're often seen as low-maintenance, they still require specific care, proper handling, and long-term commitment.
4. Large Birds
Large birds, like parrots, can be challenging to care for. They're also not for the faint of heart, or those with sensitive ears. Plus, because they generally live long—some over 50 years—you'll need to understand how to tend to them for a couple of decades.
5. Iguanas
One thing you'll need to know before deciding to get an iguana is that they can grow very large—up to seven feet long (tail included) and weighing around 20 pounds. They're also finicky to care for and may even become hostile if not treated properly.
6. Sugar Gliders
Don't underestimate sugar gliders—just because they're cute, doesn't mean they're an easy pet to own. They require specialized care and diets, and will need a lot of space to move around. They'll also need frequent handling to stay tame.
7. Ferrets
Ferrets are considered extremely high-maintenance pets because they require a lot of attention and care, and higher veterinarian bills. They may also bite if not trained out of it. You'll also need to let them out of their cage often so that they can move around.
8. Chinchillas
While chinchillas are sociable, they aren't particularly cuddly creatures and don't like being handled.
They're also nocturnal, meaning they're most active at night when you're sleeping, so you'll need to make sure you give them lots of space to jump, run, and hide.
9. Turtles
Turtles are relatively low-maintenance, but they still require special care, attention, and a personalized habitat. As they can live relatively long, they're a long-term commitment. Bathing turtles also requires a gentle hand, with a toothbrush and soap.
10. Toads & Frogs
Frogs and toads are also long-term commitments, and may even live up to 50 years old. You should also consider where you're adopting one from—it's unethical to capture wild ones and they may contain parasites. Along with a specialized habitat, they'll also need live bugs and insects, or mice.
Now that we've covered some of the hardest pets to take care of, let's jump into the easiest ones.
1. Hedgehogs
Surprisingly, while spiky, hedgehogs are relatively easy to care for. They will still need special treatment, such as a large, escape-proof cage, and space to run around. Keep in mind hedgehogs are nocturnal, which means they'll be awake when you're asleep.
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2. Hamsters
These cute, fluffy rodents love to stay active, so make sure there's a wheel and plenty of things to do and space to run around in their enclosure.
They also require gentle handling (so as to not spook them away) and regular cleaning.
3. Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs are also relatively easy to take care of. While they might sometimes be called high-maintenance—given their finicky behavior and habitat requirements—but they make great family pets. Make sure to give them lots of space to move around and clean their enclosures regularly.
4. Dogs
Dogs are a common pet that many like to keep around, but their popularity isn't just due to them being easy to care for. Because they're energetic, they'll need lots of activity and strolls at the park, but they're also cuddly, loyal, and extremely fun to play with.
5. Cats
Cats are typically deemed lower maintenance than dogs, and they're another popular companion to have at home. While they sometimes like to jump and run around, they often like keeping to themselves, curled up somewhere soft and safe.
6. Hermit Crabs
These little crabs are tiny, curious creatures. They thrive in humid environments, so it's important their terrarium has at least five gallons of space and is kept at 75-85°F (23-29°C) during the day and 65-75°F (18-24°C) at night. They're also extremely social, so make sure to get them a friend or two!
7. Guppies
The hardest part about caring for guppies is ensuring you have the proper enclosure for them to roam in. After that, they're relatively simple creatures to tend to. It's best to keep groups of them together as they're highly social. One tip: be careful not to overfeed them.
8. Sea Monkeys
Sea monkeys aren't the usual pets that you might adopt straight from the pet store. Instead, they're sold in hatching kits. A hybrid breed of brine shrimp, these little guys only need to be fed every five days and kept in a well-oxygenated tank.
9. Caterpillars
If you never had the experience of taking care of a caterpillar before, they're extremely easy to tend to. Just make sure you fill their enclosure with sticks, twigs, and leaves, and spray water regularly so they keep hydrated. Once they've transitioned into a butterfly, set them free!
10. Snails
Snails are inexpensive, low-maintenance, and make great pets for first-time owners. Set up a special terrarium for them to have enough space to hide, sleep, or move around. It's also important to handle these gentle creatures with careful hands.
