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I just want a new pet

6K views 82 replies 26 participants last post by  Curlyfatbottom 
#1 ·
Whats a cheap pet?
 
#80 · (Edited)
Exactly. My 10 dollar rats have cost me over 300 dolalrs.. and I haven't even needed the vet much.

Edit:: Gosh I didnt even see that there was a second page. haha

Edit again: Wow okay I really didnt see there were 5 pages, my comment is so pointless now tha tI read it HAHA Sorry bout that! i am glad you decided on a cute bridy, I have always kinda wanted one myself.
 
#11 ·
Maybe it's just me, but I think plants are a good alternative. I have 4 that I've all given names to - Edgar, Portia, Picard, and Wesley :p
 
#14 ·
Or a Marimo! Some people keep them as plant-pet hybrids.
 
#15 ·
It really bugs me when people are demeaning to my passion for animals. of course no pets gonna be a one time investment but there are pets that are lower cost than others. I think some people need to stop taking themselves so seriously and show a little humility. I never look into getting a new pet with the "wrong attitude". I simply gave up on the idea of owning goldfish because they are very expensive to keep happy and healthy but I still want a companion so I want to know what might be a bit cheaper. Many of you are very helpful when answering my questions but I am greatly offended by the way you assume I am some ignorant animal abuser.
 
#17 ·
I don't think anyone meant to be demeaning, and I'm sorry if I came across that way.
It makes more sense now that you mention the goldfish. If you had said "cheaper than a goldfish" instead of just "cheap", it would have been easier to understand what you were looking for.
Sorry!
 
#20 ·
Thank you. I can see now where the miss-communication happened. I did mean cheaper than goldfish :)
 
#18 ·
Well, you might think about using more description when posting because unfortunately many folks on this forum are rather sensitive to the idea that betta's are considered "cheap" by much of the world, and are therefore disposable. And your original post gave no indication of a passion for anything other than saving money.

I've had two pet rats in my life and after paying a couple dollars for the rat I then had HUNDREDS invested in their care in the form of a home, litter, toys, food, and vet visits (yep, I took them to the vet when they got sick). They are wonderful critters, but many are prone to upper respiratory illness, oh, and cancer. Both of mine died from cancer. :(

Every animal has it's positives and negatives, and there are lots of inexpensive pets available these days from hamsters, gerbils, and guinea pigs, to fish, birds, etc. You might have better luck going to your local pet store and seeing what's available then posting to ask folks opinions.
 
#19 ·
Yeah, apparently I won't be asking for opinions on this forum anymore because people like to give rude and assuming responses.
 
#25 ·
Sea Monkeys. 5-15 bucks for everything you need :)

But seriously, if you can't have mice, I doubt you can have snakes, but they really are fascinating, and for the right ones, inexpensive. A used setup on Craigslist can run as low as 50 bucks and a snake can be about the same. You said 100-200 dollars, and that's what you're looking at with a common snake.
 
#27 ·
I love snakes! I don't think the bf's mom likes em though....plus they require a few power sources and my betta is already hooked up to a few so I dont want to use up too much energy, ya know?
 
#28 ·
If I was going for a bird, I'd definitely agree with getting some sort of parrot. I love the way canaries sing and quails do the funny walk, but a well-handled, well-socialised parrot is so much fun. I love cockatiels for how cheeky they are. I'd also consider rainbow lorrikeets, but I don't know if they are available in the US, being an Australian native.
 
#33 ·
I wasn't trying to be rude, but like others said, when one hears cheap, it brings up negative connotations. I've just seen so many examples of people either buying a cheap "tiny tank" for a betta. Or getting a cat and then just feed it. They don't take it to the vet, or get it fixed, or even keep it safe inside.

I was taught that if you can't take care of a pet, don't have one. My intention wasn't to be mean, I just didn't know if you would be willing to provide proper care when I saw "cheap".

As for advice beyond a fish or a cat, I can't help, the only pets I've ever owned.
 
#34 ·
Yeah, the word "cheap" kind of sets off alarm bells, whether we mean for it to or not, hahaha
 
#37 ·
I'm gonna think about it some more, but I think a budgie would be a nice little friend for me. They seem very affectionate and smart.
 
#38 ·
I'd say parakeet/budgie for something friendly and cheapish. They live a decent amount of time, but not crazy long like some bigger parrots.
Most mammals require spaying/neutering, except rodents (though it's nice to neuter boy rats lol) which can be expensive depending where you are. Rabbits and guinea pigs are a bad idea, I'd place their care costs closer to a dog or cat than a hamster, though set up, you'd do better with a large play pen (like for dogs) and a tarp than a tiny "rabbit" cage.
 
#39 ·
Yeah I agree. I have been wanting guinea pigs but I cant afford to care for them exeptionally right now. I want a budgie :)
 
#43 ·
Just checking in and saw things got a little heated. We all okay here now? *anxious*

Hermit or fiddler crabs or frogs if you want to stick with aquatic animals. Otherwise, sorry, I'm no help. All I've ever had are cats, fish, and a very long-lived rabbit who I turned out to be allergic to. Loved him a lot though.

As for birds, Fin, if you are thinking seriously of a bird, definitely ask Copperarabian any and all questions. She is one of the most knowledgeable bird people around. :)
 
#47 ·
I had parakeets before, we would have them fly inside and were trained to land one your finger when you put it up. I remember having them land on my shoulder. Not sure about budgies. If you are looking for something cuddley or affectionate stay away from most aqautic animals as many can be injured by you touching them, like frogs or fish. I would say small mammals or birds. I know that one dwarf hamster can be housed in a ten gallon aqaurium that has a screen top. Just get some chews, a hide or two, and low climbing toys and substrate. They would be in your price range like most small mammals.

Guinea pigs require more room than others, I think 6 square feet or something like that.
 
#48 ·
I already have a hamster and he does not make a good companion :/.....And I have a betta but I don't touch him lol...But I think a budgie would be nice
 
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