this post was submitted on 18 Jul 2023
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Asklemmy
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Guinea pig maybe (perhaps a larger breed) although you might still be allergic). I find rabbits aren't really that interested in playing but don't know about guinea pigs. If fur is totally out, maybe something like an iguana (but the only one i know of is jubjub on the simpsons). I think this would depend where you live as well. Birds like budgies could be good but the only experience I have is of friends pets, and they stank.
FYI all of the animals you listed are effectively exotic pets, and difficult to very difficult to care for. Most vets won't/can't see them, they have highly specialized diets/needs. They have enclosures that require constant cleaning. They are not good first pets. Birds can also live for VERY long times (budgies are on the lower end of the spectrum for birds, but parrots can live more than 50 years)
Guinea pigs and rabbits are not really exotic and are standard in the UK. Guinea pigs can be amazingly affectionate if they spend enough time around you and get loads of treats.
While I concede your general point on the practicalities of responsible pet ownership and exotic pets, I imagine that what you are saying about vets be fairly region specific. Indoor birds are the 3rd most popular pet in the UK... albeit with only 3% of households as cats and dogs dominate here. There are 2 vets that service birds within 2 miles of me and one is an exotic specialist. Location was not specified so I suggested some of the more common options if the most popular ones are not suitable.
https://worldanimalfoundation.org/advocate/most-popular-pets-in-uk/#:~:text=in%20the%20UK.-,Dogs%20Are%20the%20Most%20Popular%20Pet%20in%20the%20UK%2C%20Owned,have%20at%20least%20one%20dog.
I mean, that’s great but that’s not the norm everywhere. Yes, there will be vets who can look at them. I’m in a big city so you can definitely find them, but it doesn’t mean they are taking new patients, or that your specific animal is going to be something they know how to deal with. You even said one of the two near you IS an exotic pet vet.
That also doesn’t change their diets, social structures, cleaning requirements, etc. since so many few people have those animals (3% according to you) it’ll be harder to find accurate info about care. Look at how many bunnies get adopted for Easter and then get abandoned because, surprise, they are WAY more work than people knew.