5 of the most unusual pets

This story was originally titled "Unusual Pets" in the September 2008 issue. Subscribe to Canadian Living today and never miss an issue!

A growing number of Canadians are adding unusual animals to the family menagerie, notably hedgehogs, chinchillas, degus, ferrets and red-eared sliders. But each comes with its own set of quirks. Dr. Don Benoit, a veterinarian at the Fairview Animal Hospital in Halifax, specializes in "pocket pets," and he says it's important to be an informed pet owner. Benoit recommends learning as much as you can about your pet of choice before you bring one home. Here's a primer to get you started.

Red-eared sliders
Semiaquatic turtles that live on land and in water. They are a high-maintenance pet, requiring a lot of work due to their housing and the precautions needed to avoid transmission of salmonella, which occurs naturally in their stool.

Pros: Quiet; long life span.

Cons: Can be expensive (special equipment, housing, etc.); can bite; strict cleaning required to prevent disease.

Food: Commercial turtle pellets; fresh plant matter and aquatic plants like water ferns; raw vegetables; freshwater snails, crickets or earthworms as treats.

Housing: Large aquarium (40 to 120 gallon); heat lamp; water filter; water heater.

Possible medical issues: Parasites; "soft shell" (metabolic bone disease); respiratory tract infections.

Life expectancy: Twenty to 40 years.

Benoit says: Cleanliness is key. "There's a lot of work involved in keeping their environment as safe as possible, so there's a lot of cleaning and a lot of water changes."

Hedgehogs
Pint-size mammals known for their roly-poly, quill-covered bodies, as well as their gentle disposition, intelligence (they can navigate mazes with ease) and quiet nature.

Pros: Can be litter trained; no natural odour; nondestructive (won't chew furniture, cords, etc.).

Cons: Do not like to share cages – separate housing per hedgehog required; can become obese.

Food: Mealworms, commercial hedgehog food or good-quality (dry) cat, kitten or ferret food; treats of fresh fruit or vegetables.

Housing: Large cage or aquarium (minimum 91- by 61-centimetre base area); pine or aspen shavings; small box for "hiding."

Exercise: A hedgehog wheel and toys, along with playtime with its owner, will suffice.

Possible medical issues: Wobbly hedgehog syndrome, a degenerative neurological disease; cancer; obesity.

Life expectancy: Four to seven years.

Benoit says: Beware of mites. "Mites are probably the number 1 reason I see hedgehogs." Mites themselves are microscopic, but watch for dandruff-like flakes on your hedgehog or loss of quills (bald patches).

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