If I had the space, I’d want the pig.
Ferret, I choose you!
Here’s my assessment:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
when you say cuttlebone, is it the same as from a cuttlefish? if so, is it like a chewtoy for the bird?
Yep, it’s the internal shell of a cuttlefish. It provides some calcium for the bits they eat, and helps the bird polish their beaks. Plus they get a little bit of stimulation and exercise pecking at it.
Just a nitpick, that bird is not a parakeet. It’s a female eclectus parrot.
There are a number of parakeet species so referring to a bird as a parakeet isn’t specific. The most common parrot kept as pets are budgerigars, or budgies. Which is the one I think you were referring to.
Parrots being a special interest of mine I had to drop this on impulse.
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I have a cockatoo I inherited and it taught me birds should not be pets.
Amen, brother. I LOVE parrots. I WANT to have them as screaming, demanding, insanely destructive friends, but it feels cruel to force them to live with humans. They care about their mates and their flock and humans are bad, inattentive partners for parrots.
If a human insists on avian friends, I’d suggest a small set of chickens outside in the yard. They are very domesticated, not endangered, and can rely on one another for most their socializing needs. You can even put them in diapers for visits in the house. Before considering, beware that all kinds of predators want to eat your pet chickens.
Ducks and geese are probably fine but require a pond outdoors. And, you know, outdoors.
Some people nearby have a turkey, I guess that’s an option too.
Pig all day every day.
I don’t care if it gets to be 200 pounds, those animals are smart and clean.
Dwarf pigs exist, like kunekune of League of Pigs fame.
I don’t think it is okay to call them that, even if they are police. AFAIK the preferred term is little people?
You got me I guess.
