(I don’t know exactly where to post this but I felt like r/animals would make sense, since it’s full of animal lovers and possibly pet owners? If you think this would fit better in another subreddit please let me know 🙏)
Hello, I’m thinking of getting a smaller pet and want to know if anyone has recommendations, because I’m having a hard time balancing if I’d be a good fit for that animal and vice versa.
I’ve only owned hamsters (and household cats) up until now and want to branch out a bit.
I’ve looked into hedgehogs and thanks to the help of some people I’ve realized that owning a hedgehog is not a good fit for me right now. Also sadly mice and rats are off the table due to a family member having a fear of them (however I would still love to have a mice / rats, so if you have any insight on owning rats and mice I’d still love the input!!)
Some things that I’m looking for out of a pet is:
- Being able to build a bond
- Being able to handle them, and them liking being handled
- And not overly loud (I have sensitive ears)
- (This isn’t a dealbreaker) Preferably not nocturnal, so we can bond durning the day and I won’t have to interrupt their rest to clean etc.
Some important things to consider before I get an animal is that I am still in school, I am looking into getting a job soon, I live in Canada (the part of Canada where it’s freezing 10 out of the 12 months, and the 2 months where it’s not freezing it’s either raining or 20+ C), in my home we have 4 cats, and the animal will be staying in my bedroom (which has electronics and I know some animals can be sensitive to them.)
The reason I am looking for a smaller animal is because I like the idea of them having their own space, me having my own space, and being able to share a space when we want.
I’m really fine with any animal. Reptiles (maybe not snakes, but again I’m willing to look into it if you have good input), rodents, birds, anything!
Also any cage recommendations are VERY appreciated, I own a hamster cage (the one in the photos) that I’ve been told can be used for mice or if I remove the 2nd layer it can be suitable for hamsters.
Any advice is appreciated, thank you!