7 Interesting and Unique Pets
Article by Rebecca Kimes
Copyright (c) 2009 Rebecca Kimes
Many people have chosen to share their life with a pet. Pets definitely add much to our lives, companionship, service and even entertainment. While most people think of dogs, cats or horses as pets there are many other unique and interesting animals that have made their way into the human household.
Here are 7 not-so common household pets.
Sugar glider
Sugar gliders are small, nocturnal marsupials. They are about 6 inches long with the tail adding another 6 inches. They weigh approximately 6 ounces. They can live up to 14 years in captivity.
Sugar gliders naturally live in tree tops and glide from tree to tree hunting at night. Therefore they need very large cages and do best in aviaries.
They are very social and can become quite bonded to their owners, sleeping comfortably in a pocket. Be prepared to feed live meal worms, crickets, wax worms, spiders, and moths as well as a variety of fruits and nuts.
Hedgehog
Hedgehogs are amazing little creatures ranging in size from 5-8 inches. They are native to Africa. Because they have become popular pets they are now available in a wide variety of colors.
Their backs are covered with rows of short prickly spines and their bellies are covered with soft fur. When threatened, they roll into a tight protective ball. They do best when kept by themselves.
Madagascar Hissing Cockroach
The Madagascar hissing cockroach or the hisser is one of the largest species of roaches reaching 2-3 inches at maturity. It is because of their unique hissing sound that they have become popular pets. Unlike most roaches they are wingless. They primarily each vegetation.
Emperor Scorpion
The emperor scorpion is very large reaching up to 6 inches at maturity and is native to tropical West Africa. Their venom isn