Need help picking my next exotic pet… any ideas?

General
1

Hey everyone, I currently have chinchillas, mice, rabbits, sugar gliders, and two hamsters. I’ve also had guinea pigs, crested geckos, and rats before.

I’ve got an extra double critter nation cage, plus a 20, 10, 40, and 75-gallon tank, an extra x-pen, and large, medium, and small dog crates.

Thinking about adding a new pet or two but can’t decide. I’m considering micro squirrels, but I’d love any other ideas!

I work as an animal educator at a zoo, so I’m all about learning more about animals, and I’ll make sure to educate myself on anything suggested.

Looking for mammals mainly but open to reptiles (no birds please!)

Not too worried about the budget, but nothing overly pricey… I also live pretty rural so finding exotics can be a bit tough.

Any recommendations? Thanks!

2

What about African soft fur rats? They make great pets! And if you’re okay with reptiles, maybe a bearded dragon or even a monitor lizard would be interesting.

3

This is a great thread! Here’s a picture of my setup for my bearded dragon if you want to see what it’s like: [Image Link]

4

I’d be a bit more concerned about access to vet care in case anything goes wrong, especially since you’re out in a rural area.

5

Chan said:
I’d be a bit more concerned about access to vet care in case anything goes wrong, especially since you’re out in a rural area.

Good point! Luckily, we have an exotic vet about 45 minutes away who’s willing to take on pretty much anything, so I should be covered.

6

If you’re considering small pets for the critter nation cage, maybe think about Brazilian short-tailed opossums, degus, or acacia rats.

7

Have you thought about getting a hedgehog? They seem like they’d fit right into your setup!

8

How about a marmoset monkey or maybe a leopard gecko?

9

Dormice would be cute additions to your collection!

10

Just make sure whatever you choose is legal in your area. I have a woodchuck, and they’re amazing! They’re even litterbox trained, but finding the right cage was a challenge, so we ended up building one ourselves.

11

Maybe take a step back and focus on the pets you already have. It’s easy to start hoarding animals without realizing it.