My Pet World: Looking for something different? These exotics are good choices
Whoever said dogs and cats should have a monopoly on our affections and the chance to share our homes? For those who like to be different, here are three ideas for unconventional pets -- all of which are also good choices for people with allergies. (Then again, so are fish!)
CORN SNAKES
If there's a snake that's downright domestic, this is it. Breeders maintain that they breed these 5-foot-long reptiles for temperament, as well as for their designer colors, such as blood red, tangerine, butter and caramel, snow, and Creamsicle. In fact, these gentle snakes tolerate -- and some might argue -- even enjoy being handled.
Herpetologist R.D. Bartlett, who's written 45 books on reptiles and amphibians, including "Corn Snakes" (Barron's Educational Series, 1999), says "They're large enough to impress friends, but don't have the needs of massive snakes."
Home is a 35- to 55-gallon tank, but do offer a hiding place (a shoebox will suffice). Cage temperature should range from 72 to 85 degrees. Corn snakes don't require daily baths or an ultraviolet light, but a heat lamp and/or under glass heating pad (which adheres to the tank) is important.
Corn snakes eat frozen thawed rodents (available at many pet stores and online) once every 10 to 14 days, but adults can go longer without a meal. While these snakes occur naturally in the U.S., captive-born animals are far better pets, and likely healthier, living 15 years. Corn snakes typically run $50 to $150, though those with rare color morphs can cost more.
No snake is a recommended pet for young children.
AFRICAN HEDGEHOGS
African hedgehogs are mostly active overnight, pitter-pattering around their enclosures, and going round and round on their wheels. They're not the greatest pets for light sleepers. Otherwise, hedgehogs are quiet -- though not silent, sometimes sounding like they're muttering under their breath.
These small animals (about the size of a baseball), have quills, long noses and short claws. Most are brownish. They run $90 to $250, but those in fancy colors can be more.
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