Chumley Posted November 28, 2006 Share Posted November 28, 2006 Sorry if this has been asked loads of times before, but I couldn't think of a search word. Mrs C and I would like a pet or two to liven the house up, but we have rather hectic lifestyles, both sometimes having to work away from home at short notice. Key criteria are : - easy to look after - capable of being left unattended for a couple of days at a time (obviously we will provide enough food, water, clean bedding etc) - happy being left to their own devices most of the time Obviously dogs are a non-starter. Cats at a push, but not ideal as we have a river at the back and at least one local cat has died after eating rat poison put down by the council. So probably something that can be kept indoors and will amuse itself if left alone. We would like a reptile of some sort, but I think they need daily attention? What about rodents? Would gerbils or hamsters or guinea pigs be happy in an empty house? Is it better if there are a few of them for company? Can you get timer devices to ensure fresh food and water over a short period? I would be grateful for any helpful comments, suggestions or advice. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strix Posted November 28, 2006 Share Posted November 28, 2006 Fish? I'm sure our reptile keeping members will innundate you with advice tomorrow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chumley Posted November 28, 2006 Author Share Posted November 28, 2006 Thanks Strix. Might get some fish for the dining room (in a tank I mean!) but we'd also like something you can handle and that can wander round the living room while we're in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strix Posted November 28, 2006 Share Posted November 28, 2006 Kids? Sorry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluesandtwos Posted November 28, 2006 Share Posted November 28, 2006 er, on the reptile front, most snakes are fairly low maintainance. feed once per week. fresh water daily, but not the end of the world if you miss a day. spot clean 1-2 times a week, thourough clean once a month. they dont annoy your neighbours, dont bark and wont go eating stuff by the river. you can handle them when you like except for 24 hrs after feeding and handling them is quite theraputic in a relaxing kind of way. downside? Can you stomach feeding defrosted dead mice to him/her?. royal pythons are placid animals, though can be fussy feeders. corn snakes are good, but do need regular handling to keep them freindly. Neither of these grows to over 6ft max. childrens and spotted pythons only grow to about 3ft. thats my bit of knowledge shared Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tess667 Posted November 28, 2006 Share Posted November 28, 2006 Our guinea pig, rats and mice are left if we visit Mr Tess's parents for a few days obviously with plenty of food and water and to date we have never had any problems Guinea Pigs do need a regular supply of vitamin C a they can't make their own but if you were concerned about fresh veg going off you can get dry food with it added and I think you can get something for their water too Hope this helps Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lotti Posted November 28, 2006 Share Posted November 28, 2006 Don't really know about which pets could be left, but I know you can get timed feeders, will have a look online later when I get back from uni. Personally I'd be uncomfortable with leaving any of my pets with nobody to come and check on them so do you not have family member/friend/neighbour who can call in and feed them and check they're still ok. We have left our cats when going on holiday and had someone come in to feed them and although the cats don't give a damn, it's very reassuring to know that they have been seen in/around the house every day and are ok. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carpetviper Posted November 28, 2006 Share Posted November 28, 2006 Not only are snakes low maintenance but If you spend time and effort on the vivarium they can look wonderfull in the front room. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluesandtwos Posted November 28, 2006 Share Posted November 28, 2006 well, as you have seen CV, the frog and snake accomodation makes excellent lounge furniture, and often more interesting to watch than the TV. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Solomon1 Posted November 28, 2006 Share Posted November 28, 2006 Rats..........hands down winners here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.