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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