Pocket Pets

If space in your home is an issue but you still want some animal company, here are three ideas for pets which don't take up too much room, that you may like to consider.

Chihuahua
The smallest of all dogs rapidly spread around the world in the early 1800s. The breed is unmistakable, weighing less than 2kg, with a large domed head, prominent eyes and large ears. Chihuahuas are often intolerant of strangers but they are bright, alert and intelligent dogs within the family circle who will defend their territory with force beyond their size. Grooming is minimal but they do appreciate warmth in the winter. An ideal house dog for the older person, though most tolerate children quite well.

Hermit crabs
An unusual crab that literally carries its own home wherever it goes- the body is adapted to anchor within a shell. Spare shells are essential when they moult. Management is simple: a glass tank, the base lined with coarse gravel or grit; a bowl with fresh water and a bowl with salt water. Hermit crabs feed on vegetables and fruit with a pellet or flake supplement available at pet stores. It is essential not to overfeed them and to maintain a humid environment needed because crabs breathe through gills. In the wild hermit crabs spend most of their time above the shoreline but wander down to the sea every few days for a bath:

Children's python
Don't be put off by the thought of a snake, these are delightful pets. You'll need to purchase your reptile from a breeder and obtain a licence to keep it. It's also worth seeking advice from the local herpetological society to set up the vivarium (snake enclosure): A ply structure 1 m long and 50cm wide and tall with a glass front is ideal. Two lights placed at opposite ends of the enclosure are needed to provide infra-red heat at 26-28 degrees Celsius and the correct range of ultraviolet light. This allows the snake to move in and out of the heat. Cover the base with a natural substrate like desert sand or use a recycled paper type cat litter.  A shallow water container will help with shedding when your python grows into new skin. Food is important. Use only thawed frozen mice from pet shops with Pet Industry Association of Australia (PIRA) accreditation. Feeding live prey can teach your pet to strike and worse still, pass on internal parasites.