Pets and plants can be pretty equal for a lot of people. Taking care of an exotic plant can be as much maintenance as an exotic pet. Allergies come into play a lot as well some people would rather have a room full of plants than full of sanctuaries due to allergies or even preference. Some of your classmates might even go home to a snake or Venus flytrap that both take up their personal space.
Caleb Dedrick, a senior at Weedsport has an exotic pet of his own. The story goes that his little sister had gotten a python snake for her birthday, and Caleb always wanted one and was pretty jealous of her. Then, a little over two years ago, someone was giving away a yellow python, referred to as ‘banana colored’ by Caleb, the snake wasn’t newly born but it satisfied Caleb enough, and the snake has grown almost 2x its length.
The banana-like snake’s name is ‘Houdini’ and takes up a glass cage next to Caleb’s bed. The snake eats a diet of small rats, not frozen, and depending on the size of the rat, the snake only eats every few days.
A little over a year ago Caleb brought the snake to school and if you were lucky enough, like Mrs. Monell, you could touch or even hold it.
To follow in Caleb’s steps as a freshman Toby Kintzele has two exotic pets of his own. Almost three years ago Toby was at a pet store that sold feeder pets, specifically rats. For years and years Toby has done his research on getting rats and plans to have many in the future as well. One feeder rat in particular was hairless and the owner let Toby take it home for a couple bucks and he was happy. The rat was tiny, only fitting the small of your palm.
Toby would describe the rats as “pocket puppies” for they’re jumpy personalities and small skills they can build. Rats really aren’t supposed to be alone and it was obvious after a while that he needed a friend. Going back to the same shop a little grey fur rat was there that time. He soon became Apollo, both rats are named after the Greek gods. They both share a brotherly bond and share one cage in the corner of Toby’s room. He has a routine almost every night to let them crawl around in his room, they sometimes get into stuff or greet any friends who come over.
Artie, Apollo, and Houdini are all examples of pets that don’t require the same standards of a dog or cat. Maintenance varies but someone who likes to travel should look into something low maintenance like a spider or some types of reptiles. Someone who prefers little attention with animals could look into a hamster, gerbil, bird, or fish. No matter what type of person you are, the variety of pets can fulfill it.
Some wild animals can be domesticated like a racoon or ferret, they come as great pets but depending on where you are they tend to be illegal or unnegotiated. Rescues are common so always be on the lookout to foster an animal in need, there are more than just dogs and cats.
