Top 10 Easiest Animals to Own
#10: Turtles
Sheldon and Amy weren’t wrong in thinking that a turtle is an easy pet to own. But there are still a few things to know. Turtles are water animals but also like to get out of the water and relax. So, you’ll need an enclosed environment that provides both options. Keep their swimming hole clean with good filtration and frequent water changes and use a heat lamp so they can bask in the “sun,” and your turtle should be happy and healthy. Also, be aware of the type of turtle you’re getting. Some, like the Greek tortoise can grow up to 12 inches long, while the Painted turtle generally maxes out at seven inches.
#9: Rabbits
Rabbits are one of the most popular household pets. With all that fur, it’s tempting to think of these cute critters as just like cats and treat them the same way. That would be a mistake. They eat differently, requiring an unlimited and constant supply of hay so that their gut is never empty. Besides that, rabbit pellets and some fresh veggies will make your Bugs a happy bunny. You can let them hop around the house for exercise but just make sure any small children don’t try to play too rough with them - as they will scratch and bite if threatened.
#8: Stick Insects
When it comes to pets, if you only think cute and cuddly, then stick insects aren’t for you. However, those of you not turned off by the creepy and crawly should most definitely consider stick insects as a pet. Though somewhat delicate to handle, they are otherwise quite easy to take care of. The hardest part of stick insect care is their housing. While it doesn’t have to be big, whatever you enclose them in needs to feel like their natural habitat - so proper humidity and plant environment is important. Branches from their favorite trees make a great meal and if you go on vacation, no worries, stick insects can be left alone for about a week.
#7: Birds
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When we say birds, we don’t mean all birds. Ostriches for example are big and mean, while bald eagles are illegal to own in the United States unless you are a certified master falconer. No, we’re talking about birds like canaries and lovebirds, to name a couple. Their cages don’t have to be huge and their diets are pretty easy to handle as well: they all like seeds and different birds also enjoy various fruits, veggies or nuts. Birds also don’t require a ton of attention, but if you’re getting one, we assume you’ll want to let it fly around a little and spend some time on your finger, shoulder or even your head.
#6: Snakes
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There’s nothing good about a whole lot of them on a plane, but in your home one snake can actually make for a great - and relatively easy - pet to own. Now, as anyone who has watched National Geographic documentaries knows, there are a wide variety of snakes out there. And not all of them make good, or easy, pets. Any snake large enough to devour Owen Wilson is obviously not one you’d want in your home. But a corn snake, for example, is a great starter snake due to it’s pretty docile demeanor, and the fact that they don’t grow to be too large.
#5: Cats
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Cats are the second most common household pet in America and when compared to dogs, which are number one, are generally much easier to own and care for. You don’t have to take them for walks - although you can if you so desire. You can also go to work and even go out afterwards without going home first to let it out. All you need is a litter box and the desire to give the cat some love and attention - when they want it, of course. And if the idea of constantly cleaning a litter box is causing you to reconsider, you can actually train your kitty to do their business in the toilet.
#4: Hamster
We’ve all tapped our feet to "The Hamsterdance Song" and been mesmerized by those YouTube hamster maze videos. But how easy is it to keep a hamster as a pet? Well, pretty easy actually. With hamsters, it’s important to have a proper cage and living environment for them, and this means keeping it clean! Hamsters can be nervous at first, but once tamed - which can take up to a couple weeks - they are generally loving and playful. Hamsters are also a good starter pet for children to teach them the responsibility of pet ownership. Although, be aware that with a life expectancy of only two to three years, it will also end up teaching kids about losing a pet as well.
#3: Goldfish
While not as easy to care for as a goldfish cracker, caring for an actual goldfish is pretty easy once the tank is set up properly. It’s a common misconception that goldfish can live in a small fishbowl, so you’ll need an actual tank with a water filter. After that, you just need to maintain the environment, do regular water changes and your goldfish could live for up to 20 years. Looking for an even more resilient fish? Go Betta. These guys also like a proper tank setup, although they can survive in a cup of water. That isn’t recommended, or very kind, but it does mean they can deal with imperfect conditions as you work on the proper set up.
#2: Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs don’t just make for good experiment subjects, they also make for good, and easy to own, pets. Get them a cage, some proper bedding and some food and you’re good to go. While generally pretty docile and child-friendly, guinea pigs don’t require a lot of attention and holding to remain active and healthy. This differs slightly from another easy pet, chinchillas, who actually don’t love being held that much. Both are good easy-to-own options, depending on what kind of interactions you are wanting to have with your new housemate.
#1: Sea-Monkeys
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These brine shrimp hybrids are well-known by the generation that read comic books in the 1960s and early 70s, as a pet you could grow yourself. Created in 1957 by Harold von Braunhut, the sea-monkeys are usually sold as little eggs that you add to water along with some specific nutrients and chemicals. Within a few days, you will have sea-monkeys. After that you really only have to feed them once a week and you’re good. Although many people back in the day ended up disappointed by the short lifespan of their sea-monkeys (not to mention the fact that they don’t look like monkeys), it is said that they can live for up to two years. Sounds like a your-mileage-may-vary situation.
