If you’ve been thinking of getting a new pet either for yourself or your family, it is a good idea to start with a plan. As is the case with any other type of commitment you might want to make, the fact is that adopting a pet is a responsibility that you have to assume and understand before making your call.
For today’s article, we have prepared a list of three pets that might not make the best choice for all types of people. Let’s look at them together.
Hedgehogs
The problem with hedgehogs is that they have very specific temperature requirements. Any short amount of time outside the necessary temperature range can be lethal. On top of everything, these animals have particular dietary requirements that might make it difficult for owners to ensure that they are getting the right care.
Hedgehogs have to consume a lot of protein, and the worst thing about the foods that you can get online or offline is that they aren’t really that rich in protein. Ideally, you should feed your hedgehog meat, but since that’s pretty challenging, many owners opt for things like mealworms or crickets, which can ensure that the right nutrients are provided for the hedgehog even if they are just treats.
As for pathological issues, visits to the veterinarian have to occur regularly, because hedgehogs’ diseases can often go unnoticed. If you do start to notice some symptoms, it might already be too late.
Despite these so-called disadvantages, hedgehogs are sweet and cuddly once you get used to them.
Chinchillas
While some might argue that, in fact, taking care of a chinchilla is rather easy, there are some things you ought to keep in mind and ensure for the animal. The cage has to be cleaned with hot water at least once a week to get rid of all of the bacteria. Chinchillas have sensitive bodies, so improper lifting could inadvertently hurt the pet, and quite considerably.
Making sure that the health of the animal remains on par needs to be done with care. You have to ensure something to chew on because otherwise, the pet’s teeth will continue growing and they will hurt a lot. Chinchillas take dust baths. Part of taking care of such an animal can be a bit difficult because you need to know as much as you can about it so that you don’t make mistakes.
Chameleons
Unlike other reptiles, chameleons are quite fragile, so it is a good idea to avoid grabbing them from above. On top of that, they are thought of as one of the most difficult to maintain pet reptiles.
They are solitary, so you shouldn’t keep two in the same enclosure. Besides, cages for chameleons tend to cost quite a bit of money, and not just because of their initial price. You’ll also have to provide UVB lighting for a basking spot, as well as many other extras to ensure the comfort of the animal. Mesh cages are not good choices because you can’t control the humidity and the temperature properly. If the living environment of such a pet is too dry, he or she can develop a plethora of diseases, some of which can be lethal.