• Deconceptualist@lemm.ee
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    10 months ago

    Here’s my assessment:

    1. Ferrets are fun, high-energy “stinky slinkies”. They require all those mammalian things like frequent food and water and space and toys and companionship. They need fairly active babysitting if you’re away from home for more than a weekend.

    2. Parakeets are the most delicate creature here. They can’t be handled like the others and need a perch and cuttlebone, some temperature control, and even good quality air.

    3. Pigs are smart and though I’d love a little beer buddy, as others have said they never stay little. Older pigs can need a lot of space and simulation and companionship or they can become very irritable and destructive.

    4. Bearded dragons are pretty easy going and great pets. Like any lizard they need good temperature control but otherwise they don’t require a ton of space and not nearly as frequent food and stimulation as a mammal. But they’re easier to interact with and less delicate than birds. Clear winner.

    For those who like this topic, check out Clint’s Reptiles on YouTube. He’s a biologist with episodes on “Is X the best pet for you?” and has already covered all of these (as well as far more exotic things like spiders and cobras).

    https://youtube.com/@ClintsReptiles?si=90-4ztCzDmiO2SHs

  • TwoBeeSan@lemmy.world
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    10 months ago

    Pig all day every day.

    I don’t care if it gets to be 200 pounds, those animals are smart and clean.

    • numberfour002@lemmy.world
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      10 months ago

      The birb is an Eclectus parrot. I’ve got a totally different perspective and opinion than some of the other comments you received. And that opinion is: They make terrible pets and are not really suited for the general public.

      The basics of their care (food, water, shelter, medical treatment, cleaning, maintenance) are all pretty reasonable to accommodate.

      Their psychological needs are a whole order of magnitude harder to provide, and can almost rival the time, attention, and energy needed for a young child. Depending on the age of the bird you adopt, you could be signing up for 20 - 30+ years of commitment to an animal that may ultimately not form a bond with you, is much more intelligent than a cat or dog in a lot of ways, and can pretty easily make your life nearly as miserable as its own. If they aren’t happy, they will make sure that you aren’t happy either, but keeping them happy can be a job in and of itself.

      Now if you have experience with keeping similar birds in captivity, are well-educated on how much goes into their care, have lots of disposable income, and are fully prepared for the good and the bad, then you might do alright with one. But, if you’re looking at them to be a “pet”, then this is not a good option for you.

    • BurnedDonut@ani.social
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      10 months ago

      I look after two of these adorable birs when I was a teenager. They are usually alright. I don’t remember anything bad about them or high maintenance care. You just need to be careful about handling them and their environment not to stress them to much. Only bad thing is their bite. They can rip your fingers off if you make them angry. I remember mines were breaking up the cage’s metal bars just because they were bored. Other than that they are very clever and fun pets to have.

    • JJROKCZ@lemmy.world
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      10 months ago

      Gotta be prepared and committed, many parrot species have lifespans as long as humans. This isn’t a 10 year pet like a dog or cat

    • Equinox@lemmy.world
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      10 months ago

      My wife and I have a Moluccan cockatoo and an Indian ringneck.

      Think of parrots as very demanding, often destructive, toddlers that never grow up and have no “inside voice.” They will make you thank whatever god you follow that you can get subtitles on your television.

  • ArbitraryValue@sh.itjust.works
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    10 months ago

    Ferrets are exotic? They’re actually completely domesticated and easy to take care of. They’re also a great combination of playful and low maintenance (especially when you have two and they can play with each other). I recommend them highly to anyone who doesn’t have much of a sense of smell.

    • pixxelkick@lemmy.world
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      10 months ago

      Ferrets are not completely domesticated, and are indeed classified as exotic. It’s extremely difficult to insure them (in many plaves impossible), it’s primarily exotic specialized vets that can help with them, and though they are extremely friendly and fun, they are at best “half” domesticated. They are also banned in many countries and states.

      Source: I have four ferrets and love them, but I also know exactly how putting your hand near a young ferret plays out every single time, and it takes months of training to get them to stop wanting to draw blood <3

    • balderdash@lemmy.zipOP
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      10 months ago

      I actually really wanted a ferret but I was advised that you should get more than one so that they have each other for company.

      • ArbitraryValue@sh.itjust.works
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        10 months ago

        I had one for a while and he seemed pretty happy, but I think he was even happier later with a friend. I think if you’re getting a ferret for the first time, you’re better off getting just one because it’s easier to re-home one rather than two if ferrets turn out not to be the right pet for you, but if you like the ferret then you might want to get a second one.

  • spittingimage@lemmy.world
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    10 months ago

    I choose the bearded dragon. I’ve heard they need a terrarium with a heat lamp and sand floor, but they’re chill little dudes and you can give them the run of the house. Make sure they get plenty of variety of vegetables along with their food pellets and help with stuck shed from time to time and it’s all good.

    • mysoulishome@lemmy.world
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      10 months ago

      Beardie is for sure best choice for the easiest pet. Parrots can outlive you and some need a lot of attention or bond with one person and hate everyone else…can be difficult behavior wise. Ferret is probably the 2nd easiest after beardie, I would think. I really want a pig but they don’t stay small, housing can be complicated…

  • Elaine@lemm.ee
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    10 months ago

    None. IMHO animals species that are not domesticated should stay in the wild.

      • Neato@ttrpg.network
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        10 months ago

        Unfortunately there are no “small” pigs. They are babies. And they grow into giant hogs. Which is not an animal most people are prepared to keep. So I’d veto a pig on those grounds.

  • Jo Miran@lemmy.ml
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    10 months ago

    Had top right. Her name was Kika. I adopted her out because with my work schedule she spent too much time alone.

  • Count Regal Inkwell@pawb.social
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    10 months ago

    Ferret. Not something you can get in my country and they are cute noodles

    Plus just like me they are prone to horrible digestive issues!

  • Smokeydope@lemmy.world
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    10 months ago

    I love my beardie dragon Lizzy, she is one of the best companions i’ve ever kept super easy to take care of.

  • Varyk@sh.itjust.works
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    10 months ago

    I want the little weasel guy. Pigs grow up. I don’t like how birds sound or act, too fidgety.

    I could do the lizard too, since I feel like all those weasels are super high maintenance? I guess lizards need high heat though.

    But I want the weasel guy. I can easily watch him run around and climb things all day, and then take a nap.