|
|
Post by lagunagamer on Apr 17, 2013 22:10:52 GMT -5
Hi all,
Im a college student in Laguna Beach, CA and I am looking for an exotic pet to rescue and to give a home to. Chinchilla is the main one I'm looking at of course, but I have also thought of Kinkajous and any other reasonable exotic pet. I know that there are a lot of people out there that don't care for some of these exotic pets and and I want be able to help at least one find its way back to a loving family. My only problem is that although I want to help these pets as much as possible , I cannot pay for these rescue pets because of my small amount of funds due to college. I will have enough to provide for them, I just can't purchase them. Im pretty sure rescue means to just provide a home for these poor critters, but just want to make sure I was clear. I also will not be able to drive or recieve the animal until I finish my spring semester ( May 15th). I know its a lot, but I so badly want to have a pet of my own and would appreciate any help in finding a loving pet in need.
- thank you
|
|
|
|
Post by molpie on Apr 18, 2013 0:53:22 GMT -5
Hi there. Glad you want to rescue, but I have to tell you that there is really no such thing as a "free" pet. Sure, you might find any number of pets - exotic or other - free for the taking on craigslist or anywhere else, but the fee you pay (or don't pay) to acquire whatever pet you get is only a drop in the bucket compared to what you will pay for an initial vet visit (really important, especially with rescue pets whose past may be unknown), and for the many many other things you'll have to pay for both up front and over time (cages alone for chinchillas can run you several hundred dollars).
You say you have money for ongoing care, but not to acquire the pet itself? I have to say, this doesn't seem to make much sense to me unless you have really underestimated the cost of keeping an animal like a chinchilla. IF you have, you might want to reconsider the pets you're looking at.
You said you want to rescue someone - an exotic pet in particular - because they need someone to help them. ANY animal could fit into this category, though. Visit your local shelter and you'll see (likely) pets of all shapes and sizes and types who have been discarded who need a good home. Some of them might fit your lifestyle and budget a bit better than chinchillas.
I had gerbils in college (and for many years after) and they can be fantastic pets. Full of character and spunk, and generally very healthy for most of their lives (less spent on vet care, typically). Less commitment - they don't live 20 years, but more like 3 or 4. Require much less cleaning and make WAY less mess.
I don't know what, exactly, you're looking for in a pet (what ARE you looking for?), but not knowing anything else, my humble suggestion would be gerbils.
Just my thoughts, for whatever they're worth to you.
Mo
|
|
|
|
Post by lagunagamer on Apr 18, 2013 1:56:37 GMT -5
my apologies, im was very unclear in my description and that was a fault on my part. When I said that I have enough to provide but not purchase, I was thinking along the lines of some exotic animals that are in the 600-3000 AND then put on top of that the expense for taking care of the animal. I am aware of the adoption fee that comes with adopting. I guess I was trying to say that all I hope to pay is the Adoption fee...now that I read what I previously wrote, I feel pretty stupid. I said that exotic is what i'm looking for, but honestly if its an animal that can be in a cage thats what what i'm looking for. I've had 3 dogs in my life already and wouldn't give up the chance to have another, but the fee for Cats and Dogs in apartments out here in Laguna beach is ridiculous and it hurts me not to get a dog( or cat) because of these fees. Im trying to limit my major expense for the animal to it's personal needs( food,vet,etc.) I guess for some reason I really wanted something "extreme" but to tell you the truth, I'm perfectly content with a chinchilla,gerbil, or hamster. Life in college is rough and all i want is a loving pet that I can spend my nights with while doing homework or just chilling out. something I can cuddle with and most importantly bond with. thank you for showing an interest.  |
|
|
|
Post by molpie on Apr 18, 2013 2:14:59 GMT -5
Ah. OK. Thanks for the clarification. SOOO glad you're asking questions and doing research before acquiring your pet - you're saving yourself and your potential pets a lot of heartache by doing so!
So you're looking for an animal that can be in a cage (apartment requirement, if not yours), and one that will cuddle? That is definitely NOT a chinchilla! They need "out time" every day, need a chinchilla-proofed room in which to do that, might very well destroy some part of that room anyhow (like the baseboards or the drywall - not a popular thing with landlords) and most will NOT cuddle. They look like they would be fantastic to cuddle, but mostly they'll bounce off of you or pause for a second or two on you before zooming off somewhere else - that's if they like you. lol.
Given what you wrote - mainly that you want a caged pet that will chill with you and cuddle - I'd change my recommendation. I'd suggest looking into rats - male rats in particular (who, for whatever reason, seem to be more inclined to cuddle than females, especially as they get older). Rats are about the most cuddly "Dog-like" critters of the caged rodents, I think - they're super smart, very personable, and yes, many LOOOOOOVE to cuddle. And yes, there's always tons of rats who need rescuing - desperately. Lifespan about 3 years. Tragically short, but maybe works out for a college-student type.
They're very social - with each other and with humans, generally, and I'd recommend two - ideally two that are already bonded and that you know get along with each other. Some say they go a bit nuts if they are kept alone. I wouldn't know. I've only had them in pairs.
I will warn you that males can smell - they're pretty musky, but not as bad as male mice. What do you think?
Mo
|
|
|
|
Post by lagunagamer on Apr 18, 2013 10:49:23 GMT -5
thank you guys, this helps. |
|
|
|
Post by booboo on Apr 19, 2013 15:14:48 GMT -5
|
|
