Breed: Land Hermit Crabs (Coenobita variabilis) Temperament: social, non-responsive Cost: crabs $7-$30 (set up $100-$200) Lifespan: several months to years Maintenance: low, though higher than one may expect Recommended for: children over 10, apartments Activity...
‘Burke’s Backyard’, in conjunction with the RSPCA, completed an Australia-wide (all mainland states but not Tasmania) research project to compare the number of dogs of each breed surrendered to the RSPCA in 2003, with the 2003 registrations of births for that breed....
Breed: Children’s and Carpet Pythons Temperament: Not known to be aggressive. Non-venomous. Treat gently and with respect. Cost: $250 – $1000 Lifespan: 25-30 years Recommended for: Many kids, especially boys, love snakes. Not recommended for children under...
BREED: Giant Burrowing Cockroaches, Stick Insects COSTS: $5-$50 GROOMING: None. Stick insects go through 5
Breed: Ferret Temperament: playful, active, mischievous Lifespan: 6-10 years Maintenance: medium Recommended for: units, families with school aged children History Ferrets are a domesticated strain of Eurasian carnivorous weasel, closely related to the polecat. Some...
Breed: New Zealand Huntaway, New Zealand Header Temperament: intelligent, very trainable Cost: from $(NZ)250 Lifespan: 12-13 years Maintenance: low Recommended for: sheep stations History There are more sheep per head of human population in New Zealand than in any...
Breed: Guinea Pig (Cavy) Temperament: quiet and manageable Cost: $10-$45 Lifespan: up to 11 years, average 4-5 years Maintenance: medium Recommended for: families, small residences History Most people know them as guinea pigs although they are also often called cavies...
Breed: Mice Temperament: inquisitive and sociable Cost: low – medium Lifespan: 2-3 years Maintenance: $2.00 -$6.00 Recommended for: children over 5 years, apartments History Domesticated mice are descendants of the house mouse (Mus musculus). Although the wide...
Breed: Silkworms Temperament: lethargic & big eaters Cost: About $2 for 10 silkworms Lifespan: 2 months Recommended for: Children History Of all the animals man has domesticated there have only been two insects – bees and silkworms. The Chinese first...
Breed: Guppy (Poecilia reticulata) Temperament: Active Cost: $3 – $5 Lifespan: 12 months Recommended for: Beginners to experienced fish breeders Appearance: Adult guppies can be up to 6cm (2.4″) in length, although males are usually only 3.5cm (1.4″)...