Weird pets article from Forbes Magazine.
Wildlife
August 7, 2000
Forget Fido
By Kiri Blakeley
Yes, we know, dogs are man's best friend and cats curl up comfortably
in your lap. But have you considered the advantages of walking your
hedgehog Sylvester down the street? The fact that hedgehogs also eat
cockroaches is just gravy (which hedgehogs like, too). In this age of the
pet fashion statement, ownership of exotic critters is soaring. Here's a
guide to some of the more popular beasts on the furry fringe.
LLAMA
The good stuff: Sociable, clean, quiet, eat cheap (alfalfa or hay
preferred), happy to stay outside year-round.
The bad stuff: Need lots of room to roam; won't let you touch them
unless you train them carefully; need other llamas to play with or they
pout.
Keep in mind: Annual spring shearing.
Estimated number kept in small herds as pets: 17,000.
Cost: $100- $10,000.
CHINCHILLA
The good stuff: Incredibly soft; most people who are allergic to cats or
dogs are not allergic to them; less smelly than ferrets.
The bad stuff: Like moles, chinchillas hate loud noises and bright lights,
are susceptible to heat stroke, need regular dust baths.
Keep in mind: Overdoses of raisins can kill.
Estimated number: 80,000 households.
Cost: $50- $150.
HEDGEHOG
The good stuff: Really cool-looking (like small porcupines), eat roaches.
The bad stuff: Often vicious, hard to pet.
Keep in mind: Sharp quills.
Estimated number: 40,000 households.
Cost: $50- $200.
SUGAR GLIDER
(marsupial flying squirrel)
The good stuff: Friendly, intelligent, portable.
The bad stuff: Tendency to drown in toilets; require two hours of play
with owner every evening or they die of loneliness; confuse people with
trees and sink claws into flesh to attach themselves.
Keep in mind: When threatened make a loud noise like an electric pencil
sharpener.
Estimated number: 5,000-8,000 households.
Cost: $100- $300.
IGUANA
The good stuff: Friendly if socialized, quiet, solitary, weird tongue.
The bad stuff: Males can grow up to 6 feet and weigh up to 20 pounds;
commonly carry salmonella.
Keep in mind: Will "sneeze" out excess salts in the body; males in a
glass cage tend to attack their own reflection.
Estimated number: 705,000 households.
Cost: $15-$30 plus about $150- $200 in startup equipment.
© 2000 Forbes.com |
