Is this the pet for me?

[Themadhatter]

Heya guys, Im Trevor. 16 years old in Glendale Arizona. I currently keep 2 Ball Pythons, 2 Leaopard Geckos, a Bearded dragon, and a daucshund.
After having all these repitllian friends of mine for close to three years now, Ive decided that I wanted to start searching for something with a little bit more of a personality, something I can play and have fun with. My dog has these qualities, but she doesnt seem to like me much, as shes much more of a Mommas girl.
I saw some ferrets today in Petco, while picking up some crickets/mice, and they really sparked my interest. I'm thinking, "Hey, theres a pet I can play with, a great personality, and doesnt grow too large!" But after doing some more research on them, I decided that I didnt want to get involved with their medical/smell issues. I then hunted something similar. I came accross a Chinchilla. Nahh, too rabbit-like.
Then I came accross these forums, and read all I could on these things. So far, Theyre sounding wonderful. The only thing I can think of that may be a problem, is them making noise at night. Anyway, this post is getting too large as it is, so I'll get to the point.
I'm basically just looking for a pet of my own that I can play/have fun with. Not too large, not too difficult. Any info or suggestions would deffinetley be thanked!

[phoenix feather]

You should get a guinea pig. They have a great personality and don't get to big. Also they aren't that expensive.

[andreaS15]

Not too large, not too difficult. Any info or suggestions would deffinetley be thanked!

With the research i have done on these little guys, I can tell you right now, If you're looking for a pet that's "not too difficult" or an easy keeper, this is not the pet for you.
That's why I've decided againt them even for myself. Though they are great little pets, they are alot of work, need alot of bonding and special feed you have to make and cannot buy in a store.

I would say guinea pig or ferret. You mentioned medical problems, none of my many friends with ferrets ever had any costley problems witht here pets. And as for smell, well ya, but you get there scent glands removed, and if you have a female they don't have as strong of a "ferret" smell. Also you can bath them (carefully), so as long as they are kept clean they don't smell.
I plan on getting a ferret once i've done with gerbils (may be a while.. lol)

Good Luck!

[Themadhatter]

Understandable, thanks! Yeah, I wanted a ferret until I read about the cancer/viral problems they tend to get. Maybe I read off of a wack-o site, but apparently they get sick very frequently, and downfall in health. Not sure if thats really true, but thats what I read from numerous sites. Other than that, they seem like perfect pets!
Guinea Pig? Ehhh, too rodent style for me. I dont know much about them other than they're giant hampsters. Not too much into thar. I like the whole concept of a pet with a playful type of personality, like a ferret! . Yeah, ferrets are looking much better to have, but eh.. It just seems like I'd constantly be worried about its health.

[andreaS15]

Maybe post in the ferret section about health related problems. My one friend has owned 5 ferrets and not one had a health problem. I have a few other friends with ferrets and them to nothing.
I mean accidents and health issues can arize in any pet for sure, but as for ferrets being prone to something i have never experianced it.
proper nutrition is key to the health of any pet, well and good breeding too.

In think if you want a fun pet you can play with, take palces, and that's always goofing around and being entertaining, a Ferrets a great pet (i'm also not one for Guinea Pig myself, to bouring for me... lol).
I'd suggest gerbils, but if your not a rodent person they they may not be a pet for you. I love them though, they are smart, playful and don't stink like hamsters.

[Themadhatter]

Heh, thanks! Ill post in there, for sure. Thats exactly what I want, something I can laugh with. How do you laugh with a reptile? Good question. Interesting yes, they just lack a bit.
I had a gerbil when I was in like 3rd grade, and I got frustrated with it because he wouldnt let me hold him the first day I got home :P. I cant remember what they're like now, but Ill look it up. Thanks =)