Creepy Crawly Pets

Tarantulas, rats, lizards, and even an animal called an axolotl can be pets.  Chris Stockner, a teacher at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry Life Science Laboratory, told me about creepy crawly pets.  Chris has been keeping bugs and reptiles since he was a kid.

Chris explained much of what people think about “creepy” animals is not true. People think cockroaches carry lots of diseases, but they carry very few.  Lots of people think snakes are slimy, but they’re not.

Most people think being bitten by a tarantula is deadly. Most tarantulas bite as part of hunting their food. Tarantula’s food is very small, not at all the size of a person. The do not bite from fear. Chris explained a tarantula bite feels like being stung by a bee— not good but not dangerous, unless you’re allergic.

Insects are becoming more popular as pets. Insects are easy to keep and safe. Although some insects can sting, few have venom that is a danger. Many insects can be cared for by children. Most insects are not strong enough to force open an mistakenly unlatched cage top.

An example of an insect pet is the Vietnamese walking stick. (Baculum extradentatum) Four-to five inches long, walking sticks eat only leaves. Active at night, they stay still during the day. Some walking sticks look similar to a preying mantis to fool the animals that would eat them. For more information on Vietnamese walking sticks, go to http://www.insecthobbyist.com

“Rats,” Chris explains, “can be good pets for young kids.” They’re interesting and they very rarely bite. Rats’ size and appearance depends on the breed of rat.  Rats’ hair can be wavy or long and silky.  Their ears can be large or small.  Rats live from 2-5 years, and can be neutered.  Rats(Rattus norvegicus) eat a diet of fruit, vegetables, and rat pellets.  They need exercise and things to gnaw to keep their teeth short.

Watch the rats at Chris’ museum at Rat Cam
For more information about rats as pets, contact the American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association

Reptiles
Chris says when people get a snake or lizard as a pet, they need to be cautious. Reptiles, the group snakes and lizards belong to, require more care, than insects or rats.  At first, people enjoy the novelty, but lizards live 20-30 years and tortoises for 60-100 years.  When you acquire a reptile, you may be acquiring a pet for your children and grandchildren.

Reptiles suitable as pets include corn snakes and Bearded Dragons. 

The Inland Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps) grows up to 20 inches long and can weigh one pound.  The Bearded Dragon is active in the morning and late afternoon.  The dragons can be handled gently, with support under belly.  Dragons are curious.

Dragons need a 50 gallon reptile tank with a lid, full spectrum lights and temperature control. Dragons eat worms and insects, fruits and flowers.  They require places to lie under the lights and hiding areas. They need branches and logs for climbing, and plenty of water to drink.  For more information about reptiles as pets try Kingsnake.com

Visit your local museum or zoo or find a local “herpetology” club to talk with people who know more about these fascinating animals.