Ideas please

[Maz]

I don't think he'd be interested in volunteering actually. He has a busy life and just wants a pet of his own at home really. I'd better get off the dog topic or I'll get emotional!

It's good hamsters are such amazing pets! I think all he needs is a pet to bond with - that's what makes it your pet isn't it?

 

[elusive]

Have you thought about food for stick insects? They do eat a lot, most will eat bramble or privet leaves (though not all species) we had a privet hedge when I was a kid & used that, whatever it is you need a really plentiful pesticide free (preferably picked away from roads) supply, if you depend on brambles I’m not sure what you do in winter.
Also I think some but not all species are parthenogenetic so you could end up with quite a lot of them.

A couple of other things mentioned, pygmy hedgehogs, so appealing but hard to keep I think the RSPCA recommend they shouldn’t be kept as pets although that might have changed now.
Tortoises are a lovely idea too but you need to think about the next generation that can take care of them as they live such a long time!

 

[Maz]

Thank you. No privet hedges round here. I did read what sort of branches and leaves they need and assume would have to buy some. Yes I read that some can self reproduce and you should clear away any eggs you find.

The Pygmy hedgehog thing seems to have varying views - I looked into it once before. Like reptiles, they do need the right environment and diet. I kind of like that idea myself as it’s a handleable pet.

I think tortoises were ruled out.

 

[Maz]

I think it was this article I read - and in a way it sounds similar to hamsters - apart from the temperature requirements. Good breeders and bad breeders, people not knowing how to look after them properly. I think they would be better giving clear welfare guidelines of what they need rather than saying they are difficult to look after. There is an owners club and they seem hugely popular.

They need a vivarium. Waking hours sound similar to Syrian hamsters - evening and night time.

The RSPCA continues to be a bit vague on appropriate housing for hamsters!

Should we keep pygmy hedgehogs as pets? - BBC News

The RSPCA says they are the "latest craze" - but should pygmy hedgehogs be kept as pets?

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[Maz]

I think all exotic pets can be a concern though - reptiles have special needs as well. I must admit, the hedgehogs do appeal for a non allergenic pet.

 

[elusive]

I love the idea of a hedgehog too, couldn’t agree more about exotic pets they all need special care & quite a bit of research, just like hams I guess the more you learn the more you realise there is to learn!

I would look into the food for stick insects, it might get pretty pricey if you need to buy it, it has to be fresh so you may be paying quite a bit for delivery on top of the cost of the leaves or branches & I would also check that there’s going to be a reliable supply in winter, I just had a quick google & there do seem to be a fair number of sellers for things like bramble leaves or branches but I doubt those would be available in winter.

 

[Maz]

Yes those are big considerations before jumping into anything. Don’t have bramble or privet here - plenty of hawthorn and elder - I wonder what people do in winter then.

Apparently you can get an evergreen variety of bramble. Pot grown plants maybe in the garden.

 

[elusive]

I don’t know what people do in winter if they don’t have privet, no doubt there’s something on google! I don’t know or remember much about them.
Evergreen bramble would be very handy but I don’t think they’re that commonly grown although some might be available.

 

[Maz]

I was just reading about it and there was mentio of freezing bramble branches or using evergreen ones.

 

[Riven]

One thing to note about hedgies is that they have fur on their tums and self anoint which may cause a reaction. Also you'll need to see if you have a hedgehog savvy vet nearby.

I do think that you may have a problem though Maz. If he lost interest in a hamster quite quickly it's likely that he'll lose interest in the new pet quickly too.

Volunteering would be his best option as there's quite the variety. Even if it's for a couple of hours a week.

I do think that whatever animal he chooses, you'll end up sole caring for.

Has he thought of any potential animals he'd want?

 

[Maz]

Yes I wondered that too - I might end up looking after it. I wouldn't say he lost interest in hamsters so much as grew out of them maybe. He had seen friends with other pets. We get stuck thinking about potential animals that aren't a cat or dog. From what I've read it seems rare for people to have allergy problems with hedgehogs, but some people get a bit of skin reaction if spiked by the spines.

I've put it on back burner for now until the next conversation as other things are going on too

Veering towards stick insect maybe

 

[Jain]

I think he would love a ferret they are so playful and can live indoors if you are not put off by their individual aroma

 

[Maz]

Aroma?! I know exactly what you mean though Jain - it could be fun if well trained. Might have another chat about it all at the week-end. I'm still thinking about the donkeys - they need homes.

 

[Daisy]

In a similar vein to stick insects are mantises. They might be easier to feed year-round than stick insects as they can eat insects from a pet shop.

 

[Daisy]

Would he consider a tarantula? I think some types can be handled and aren't too hard to keep. But they're not for everyone of course! I couldn't have a tarantula myself.

Sugar gliders might also be a possibility?

 

[Maz]

Thank you Daisy. Sugar gliders have been mentioned- I’d like to meet some and check Im not allergic to those. It would also be chance for us to all see what they’re like rather than just reading about it. I think there is a breeder in my area. Tarantulas would be a no no!

 

[Emx93]

How about a tortoise?

 

[Maz]

Is that your tortoise Em? . I like he idea actually.

 

[Emx93]

Is that your tortoise Em? . I like he idea actually.

Yes that's pebble when he was teeny lol they make amazing pets! Pebble is a Herman's tortoise and has a great personality

 

[Maz]

Do tell more! I’d like to know all about Pebble and his lifestyle . How often do you see him?