101 replies to this topic

[gone lol]

I REALLY REALLY REALLY want a pet for during the day. My sister, mom and dad aren't sure we have the time, space or money. I figured I would ask through Hamster Hideout what's the best pet for us. We have some requirements:

*It has to be awake during the day, or like a rat, able to be trained to be awake during the day. It at least needs to be awake 3:00, because that's when I get home from school.

*My mom and dad work, and my sister and I go to school, so it can't need to much attention.It needs to be able to cope without seeing people all day, but still be really nice.

*You need to be able to bond with it.

*It can't take up to much space.It can't be any larger than a guinea pig. Preferably smaller, but can't be any larger. We would prefer the cage to be horizontal, but vertical is fine to.

*Can't be fish.We've killed every aquatic creature we've owned at some point, but are successful with cats.

*It needs to be fairly cheep. My dad has a bad job, that's why my mom works. She only works 3 days a week, except for subbing at schools sometimes. Then, she only gets about $10 an hour.It can't be, like, dog expensive. Maybe about $210 every two months , not counting the first two months when you get the cage, pet itself and toys.

*Don't freak about the cats. They're outdoors cats and live in the laundry room.

*My sister wants a guinea pig. My dad will NOT let us have a snake. If a guinea pig is OKAY, put that down.Birds, lizards and gerbils are also stuff that might be a choice.


Thanks! I really want a daytime pet!!!! Please comment what would be the best pet for us!!!!

I have some questions, too;
•Do guinea pigs need friends?
•Are mice nocturnal?
•Are mice cuddly?
•How much of the yearly expenses do heating bills take up for cold-blooded animals?
•Are gerbils nocturnal?
•Are gerbils cuddly?
•Do gerbils need friends?
•How expensive are bird vet fees?
•How long do birds live?

Thanks!

Edited by HamsterLover78, 06 February 2015 - 12:14 PM.

[KKM]

I'm a bit confused- you want to be able to interact during the day when you'll be gone? You'll need to give specifics to your budget and space requirements.

[gone lol]

Sorry. Urm... I'll edit that.

[KKM]

Sorry. Urm... I'll edit that.

No, that's not enough. What is your budget for initial supplies, annual costs, and a vet fund? Also, how much space for a CAGE do you have? (In feet, vertical and horizontal)

[gone lol]

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[autumn21]

You seem to be quite limited to the pets you can actually own, I'd personally say fish, but as they aren't an option, I'm unsure.

Just as a general question, have you looked into animals such as Gerbils, Rats, Mice, Reptiles, etc? 

[Emma&Chester]

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You really do need to be specific with costs, though. You say "cheap" - truth be told, no animal is cheap. You *need* to be able to take them to a vet - if that's not a possibility, then I don't see how an animal is suitable for you right now.

To add: If you're looking for a "cheap" pet - rats are 100% out of the question. It also eliminates most reptiles too (heating costs, initial set up, etc etc). The heating bills won't be huge, certainly something for your parents to consider though.

Edited by Emma&Chester, 01 February 2015 - 07:51 AM.

[gone lol]

LOL!!!!! Okay.... my sister wants... my mom wants...

[gone lol]

You really do need to be specific with costs, though. You say "cheap" - truth be told, no animal is cheap. You *need* to be able to take them to a vet - if that's not a possibility, then I don't see how an animal is suitable for you right now.

To add: If you're looking for a "cheap" pet - rats are 100% out of the question. It also eliminates most reptiles too (heating costs, initial set up, etc etc). The heating bills won't be huge, certainly something for your parents to consider though.

OK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Well, we have two cats, so anything the cost of a cat or cheaper is A-OK, pricewise. Yes, we can take the pet to the vet. We do, after all, have two cats and a hamster.  Costs, well, I'll change up the rules a bit,

[Emma&Chester]

LOL!!!!! Okay.... my sister wants... my mom wants...

Rats and guinea pigs are not cheap - theyre FAR from it. You also can't have "a" guinea pig - you *need* at least two and a large cage (10.5 square FEET - not inches). They're not cheap to maintain either.

What exactly is your budget?

ETA: I have cats - I actually find my guinea pigs are MORE expensive than my cats to feed. They need unlimited hay, daily veggies, etc. and all that can get expensive. For three pigs, I easily spend €30-€40 per month on food alone.

Edited by Emma&Chester, 01 February 2015 - 07:58 AM.

[autumn21]

Just bringing this up, you put in birds. I would not suggest them for someone as  you, as you state you don't have much funds, etc. I've owned a parakeet (budgie) and a Cockatiel (whom I still own), and I can promise you they are all around working pets. They are very expensive, especially in the area of vets where it's hard to find a veterinary practice that deals with Birds (It took me ages to find an avian vet). If you want a bird that you can interact with, such as an intelligent as a parrot (yes Cockatiels can be classed as parrots), then you cannot keep them in their cage all day. They are curious and smart, not to be cooped up. An hour out of the cage won't do at all. You have to watch out for predators, make sure your room is bird proof (yes, there's such a thing), and also have to deal with the mess. Charles goes to the toilet all around my house, I literally have to carry around tissue paper with me to clean it all up- it's not nice at all. Toys for them can be expensive, and large cages definitely can (depending on where you get them from). You need a suitable sized cage, even if they aren't in there for long, etc. Also, just to mention, they aren't entirely cuddle animals. They fly when spooked (at least my two did and the ones I've pet sat), and the most I get out of all of mine is that they'll let me pat their heads and they sit on my shoulder. There's certain rooms you can't take them into (kitchen, bathroom, etc), and you just generally have to be cautious. 

[gone lol]

Rats and guinea pigs are not cheap - theyre FAR from it. You also can't have "a" guinea pig - you *need* at least two and a large cage (10.5 square FEET - not inches). They're not cheap to maintain either.

What exactly is your budget?

ETA: I have cats - I actually find my guinea pigs are MORE expensive than my cats to feed. They need unlimited hay, daily veggies, etc. and all that can get expensive. For three pigs, I easily spend €30-€40 per month on food alone.

 

*Sigh....* I think about... $210 dollars a year, not including the first year when you need to get the pet and the cage and the toys and the first time stuff.

Just bringing this up, you put in birds. I would not suggest them for someone as  you, as you state you don't have much funds, etc. I've owned a parakeet (budgie) and a Cockatiel (whom I still own), and I can promise you they are all around working pets. They are very expensive, especially in the area of vets where it's hard to find a veterinary practice that deals with Birds (It took me ages to find an avian vet). If you want a bird that you can interact with, such as an intelligent as a parrot (yes Cockatiels can be classed as parrots), then you cannot keep them in their cage all day. They are curious and smart, not to be cooped up. An hour out of the cage won't do at all. You have to watch out for predators, make sure your room is bird proof (yes, there's such a thing), and also have to deal with the mess. Charles goes to the toilet all around my house, I literally have to carry around tissue paper with me to clean it all up- it's not nice at all. Toys for them can be expensive, and large cages definitely can (depending on where you get them from). You need a suitable sized cage, even if they aren't in there for long, etc. Also, just to mention, they aren't entirely cuddle animals. They fly when spooked (at least my two did and the ones I've pet sat), and the most I get out of all of mine is that they'll let me pat their heads and they sit on my shoulder. There's certain rooms you can't take them into (kitchen, bathroom, etc), and you just generally have to be cautious. 

I do want to take it out sometimes... well, maybe not too cheap... just not as expensive as a dog...

[~Forrest]

Hermit crabs?

[autumn21]

*Sigh....* I think about... $210 dollars a year, not including the first year when you need to get the pet and the cage and the toys and the first time stuff.

I do want to take it out sometimes... well, maybe not too cheap... just not as expensive as a dog...

 

Unfortunately, it's not sometimes with a bird. Charles is a free range Cockatiel, he gets out all day and makes a huge mess. You have to keep him entertained, etc. My Budgie was more laid back, but still sat outside of her cage all day and had toys (in fact, a home built perch playground) to play with. You will definitely need to let them out for at least a few hours a day at most. They are expensive pets, I find it hard to find cheap bird accessories personally. You might as well be getting a dog if you dedicate yourself to a bird- that's my own opinion though. Not to mention, depending on what type you get, they live for absolutely years. 15-20yrs for Cockatiels I've heard. To be honest, in short terms, are high maintenance. 

Edited by WildestRose, 01 February 2015 - 08:05 AM.

[gone lol]

Hermit crabs?

LOL!!!

 

Unfortunately, it's not sometimes with a bird. Charles is a free range Cockatiel, he gets out all day and makes a huge mess. You have to keep him entertained, etc. My Budgie was more laid back, but still sat outside of her cage all day and had toys (in fact, a home built perch playground) to play with. You will definitely need to let them out for at least a few hours a day at most. They are expensive pets, I find it hard to find cheap bird accessories personally. You might as well be getting a dog if you dedicate yourself to a bird- that's my own opinion though. Not to mention, depending on what type you get, they live for absolutely years. 15-20yrs for Cockatiels I've heard. 

My sister's friend has a parakeet named Eliot... he comes out over once a day, knows how to say hello, and sits on her desk well she does her homeworks. if a bird, somethin like that would be nice.