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If you are looking for a non-traditional pet, here are five animals that may be suitable replacements for your family pet:
1. Bearded Dragons – These lizards are docile and easy to care for, making them a great option for first-time reptile owners.
2. Hedgehogs – These adorable creatures are low maintenance and can be easily trained to be handled.
3. Sugar Gliders – These small marsupials are social animals and can bond with their owners like a pet dog or cat.
4. Axolotls – These unique amphibians have a cute appearance and are relatively easy to care for.
5. Ferrets – These playful animals are full of energy and can be trained to do tricks, making them a fun addition to any household.
Wild Animals
The sika deer (Cervus nippon), also known as the spotted deer or Japanese deer, is native to East Asia. Afla/Getty Images
Are you tired of the typical family pet, like a dog or cat? Do you want something more exotic and exciting? While some people have successfully adopted wild animals as pets, many others have had negative experiences. So, which animals would make the best pets? Scientists from the Wageningen University and Research Centre in the Netherlands recently conducted a study to answer this question. Their findings, published in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science, may surprise you.
The researchers evaluated a list of 90 possible mammals based on nine criteria, including adult size, activity level, need for shelter, and cleanliness. They excluded production animals like cows and horses, as well as dogs and cats. The top five mammals deemed most suitable to live with humans are:
В В В 1. Sika deer (Cervus nippon)
В В В 2. Agile wallaby (Macropus agilis)
В В В 3. Tamar wallaby (Macropus eugenii)
В В В 4. Llama (Lama glama)
В В В 5. Asian palm civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus)
It’s important to note that the scientists aren’t necessarily recommending that people adopt these animals as pets. Rather, they created a framework to assess the suitability of mammals under the Dutch Animal Act. Lead researcher Dr. Paul Koene explains that the study’s goal was to work within the definition of “suitable” in the Dutch law that mandates general care requirements for animals.
According to the Dutch study, an agile wallaby (Macropus agilis) could make a good pet.
Jochen Schlenker/Robert Harding/Getty Images
While the framework was designed for the Netherlands, it could be adapted for other countries. The researchers are currently analyzing a larger inventory of 270 mammals and may investigate the suitability of birds and reptiles as well.
Despite the growing popularity of collecting virtual creatures through Pokemon Go, the discovery of a puppy buried with care in a Natufian grave in Israel dating back 12,000 years ago remains the earliest proof of the human-pet bond.
FAQ
1. What animals can replace a family pet?
There are many animals that can replace a family pet, but it all depends on your preferences. Among the most popular choices are rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, and birds.
2. Are rabbits suitable as family pets?
Yes, rabbits are great family pets. They are gentle, social, and can be trained to use a litter box. They also don’t require as much attention as dogs or cats, making them a good choice for busy families.
3. What about guinea pigs?
Guinea pigs are also good family pets. They are friendly, easy to care for, and enjoy human interaction. They also have a longer lifespan than other small pets, living up to 7 years.
4. Can hamsters be good family pets?
Hamsters can make good family pets, but they require more care than rabbits or guinea pigs. They are nocturnal and need plenty of exercise, so a large cage and a wheel are necessary. They can also be nippy, so they may not be the best choice for families with young children.
5. Are rats suitable as family pets?
Rats can make great family pets. They are social, intelligent, and can even be trained to do tricks. They also don’t require as much space as other small pets and have a lifespan of up to 3 years.
6. What about birds?
Birds can also be great family pets, but they require a lot of attention and care. They need a spacious cage, fresh food and water, and plenty of toys to keep them entertained. Some popular choices for family birds are parakeets and cockatiels.
7. Can reptiles replace a family pet?
Reptiles can be good pets, but they are not suitable as family pets. They require specialized care and can carry diseases that are harmful to humans. They also don’t have the same social and interactive qualities as other pets.
8. What should I consider before getting a new pet?
Before getting a new pet, you should consider your lifestyle, living situation, and budget. You should also research the specific needs of the animal and make sure you have the time and resources to provide proper care.
9. What are some common mistakes people make when getting a new pet?
Some common mistakes people make when getting a new pet include not researching the specific needs of the animal, not providing enough space or exercise, and not budgeting for the cost of food and veterinary care. It’s important to be prepared and informed before bringing a new pet into your home.
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