What classifies an animal as an exotic animal? An exotic pet is a pet which is relatively rare or unusual to keep. The definition varies by culture, location. "Exotic" often refers to a species which is not native or indigenous to the owner's locale, and "pet" is a companion animal living with people.
The most obvious pro of having an exotic pet is that they are unusual and unique, so if you are interested, you might as well check the following list.
Fennec Fox
The fennec fox is a small crepuscular fox native to the Sahara Desert. They are wild animals but also considered good pets. People seem to believe that fennec foxes are cuddly, laid back, and cat-like animals, when actually fennecs are extremely energetic, independent, hyper, and cautious. Most owners cannot cuddle their fennecs and most fennecs don't enjoy being cuddled. They have sharp needle-like teeth and do not hesitate to use them when startled or simply want to be left alone.
Price: between $2500 - $3500 for one
Diet: dog food, cat food, vegetables, and fruit
Wallaby
A wallaby is a small or middle-sized macropod native to Australia and New Guinea. Many people confuse them with kangaroos. But they are much smaller. Kangaroo can reach two meters, while wallabys range from between 30 cm to just one meter. Their heights are reflected on the scales, with roos weighing in at up to 200lbs. Wallabies, by comparison, manage a modest maximum of just 52. If you want to keep them as pets, you just have to feed them regularly because if you don't, they can get aggressive. Pretty much like people.
Price: $1.000 - $4.000
Diet: fresh, chemical-free grass, sweetgrass, orchard grass, timothy hay, fresh green vegetables, fruits like apples and grapes
Capybara
Capybaras are semiaquatic mammals found throughout almost all countries of South America except Chile. They grow to be about 4-ft. long and weigh upwards of 170 lbs. Their fur doesn't smell because they don't have a thick undercoat like a dog or a cat. They are smart, sociable animals and relatively pleasant household pets that fare best in groups. The cute, giant rodents below are seen snuggling with even the most unlikely of cuddle buddies and will probably take your cuddles at anytime.
Price: $1,000 to $3,000 and you have to buy atleast two
Diet: 6 to 8 pounds of grass per day
Exotic Squirrels
The grey and fox squirrels are native rodents that are regulated under game laws but non-native squirrels such as the prevost’s squirrel, Guayaquil Squirrel, and Siberian chipmunk (which look very similar to New York’s native chipmunks) can be possessed. Relative to other rodents, squirrels can be challenging pets because of their energy and space requirements. And if you decide to keep one, remove your peppermint plants.
Price: about $100 to $350
Diet: walnuts, hickory nuts, white oak acorns, beechnuts, flowers
Coatimundi
This long-nosed South American relative of the raccoon should be legal according to the New York’s wild animal ordinance. The coatimundi is a relatively large animal with reasonable intelligence and capable dexterity. Some people opt to care for them as pets, but these wild animals are not ideal for most households. They become very aggressive when they are threatened and don't hesitate to use their sharp canine teeth and long claws.
Price: $500 to $1,500
Diet: fruits, berries, insects, birds, eggs, lizards, small mammals like mice and squirrels
What is on your opinion on having these exotic animals as pets?
This is original content from NewsBreak’s Creator Program. Join today to publish and share your own content.