Are you turned off by the obnoxiously cute puppy that your neighbor flaunts every day? Does the thought of a cuddly kitty cat want to make you puke? Is your goldfish unknowingly on its way to your frying pan? If you are a person who is turned off by the traditional animals people take into their homes then it sounds like you might want to consider getting yourself one of the more exotic pets available. Some may be more difficult to clean, and maybe even be a little bit dangerous, but if that's your speed, I have found some you might be interested in making a part of your happy family.
Hermit Crabs
They're not cute, they're not cuddly, but somebody said they can be a pet. And now one of these exotic pets can be yours! A hermit crab is a decapod crustacean and, contrary to popular belief, is not closely related to the traditional crab. While most crabs do not thrive well outside of saltwater and away from large crab populations, these special hermit crabs can function quite well in your home.
You will need a 10-gallon glass aquarium (affectionately known as a crabitat) for your new crab's home. In addition, you will need to make sure to keep the water temperature no lower than 72 degrees but still not too hot because they will die. And it is also important to keep humidity at 70 percent or higher. In the bottom of the aquarium, you will need to create a comfy substrate for the crab to sit on, which can be done by using sand and coconut fiber. And it also is good to provide your little friend with some friends of his own, including his very own kind: hermit crabs. If you can give him a clan of three or four playmates he will be very happy.
One precaution to owning one of these exotic pets is that, apparently they can lose a leg or claw. This is not your doing, but is instead a defense technique they use to escape a predator. It also sometimes happens when one is injured or sick, and in this case, it might occur after the shock of being transported from the pet store to your home. But doesn't despair, a healthy crab that is not sick have the ability to fully regenerate a new leg or claw within a reasonable period of time.
Geckos
Okay, so if you weren't familiar with the gecko before, I'm sure you are now after the interesting critter was made famous through the popular Geiko Insurance commercials. Just from seeing these exotic pets on TV you can tell that they're not very adorable as they are a part of the lizard family. But then again, cute isn't what you're looking for, right? So, again, these interesting pets are probably right up your alley!
Despite their unglamorous looks, geckos are relatively easy to care for. For their home, you'll want to give them a 10 x 10 plastic or glass cage that you pad with paper towels or newspaper. Provide water for them in a shallow bowl that will not spill. And use a 6" wide plastic container for a hide box that you will then mist daily. If you give him these, plus the other essentials that he requires, you will be guaranteed to have a happy lizard.
The gecko is not much different than the hermit crab in that it loses a body part as a defense mechanism. In the case of the gecko, you should avoid grab his tail, for he will "drop" it, or let it fall off, to avoid being inhibited by a predator. However, also like the hermit crab, if you do accidentally intimidate a gecko into losing his tail, it will grow back in a reasonable timeframe - sometimes even in a different color or pattern.
Capuchin Monkeys
Unlike the last two exotic pets, capuchin monkeys are pretty darn cute - and pricey (averaging around $4,500). Found in Central America and South America, these little monkeys make pretty fun little pets - partially due to their love of snuggling with their owner. They're not big on hunting like their larger counterparts; instead wanting the love and affection of the cute little puppy (did I dare say that?).
These small creatures are extremely smart, which makes them great for more than just the entertainment of playing fetch or chasing yarn; even the babies are capable of using tools, solving problems and even running the microwave and opening bottles. Their diet consists of fruits, seeds, nuts, buds and even insects, bird eggs and spiders - they can also eat small vertebrate.
Caring for a capuchin monkey is not much different than caring for a human child - you will have to create a caged environment similar to a crib or playpen that ensures that your quick-thinking little friend won't get out and stir up trouble. They love taking baths, so you can make bath time just as fun as you would with a child, with lots of toys and games. But aside from the fun, it is important to understand that a monkey is a primate and may never fully acclimate to living in a home. Sometimes they can be unpredictable and impulsive, so you must always prepare in the back of your mind for a possible attack. But until then, you can enjoy your cuddly capuchin, and even dress him or her up, if you so please - just don't let anyone know I suggested it.
Finding your own exotic pets can be as easy as calling around to stores in your area and asking questions. Also, there are plenty of online resources that will not only help you find your new little friend, but also assist you in day-to-day care. Before you venture out into the land of exotic pets, be sure to do your research on veterinarians as well as any supplies you will need to create their unique habitat. But after the work is done, you can bring you new pet home and create the home it's been dreaming of.
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