When people talk about their favorite pets, they typically discuss the usual suspects: dogs, cats, and perhaps fish or even a snake if they're particularly adventurous. But there are so many other options out there. If you think outside the box, you'll find a number of awesome animals that actually make great pets. Here are five potential pets you may have overlooked.
Chickens
It may be surprising to hear, but you don't have to live on a big farm to have chickens. They will obviously need some space to run around, but even in an urban area there's a chance you'll have access to enough land to host a handful of chickens, and it'll definitely be possible in the suburbs. It doesn't cost all that much to feed them either, as they'll eat a lot of the bugs and pests in your yard, as well as leftovers bread crusts, vegetable peels, and a lot of stuff you would otherwise throw out. In addition to the chickens taking care of all of your lawn pests, they also provide you with fresh eggs on a regular basis, which is a nice perk to get from your pet.
Parrots
If you want a pet to whom you never have to say goodbye, get a parrot; these guys can live upwards of 80 years, giving you a companion for life. If you give them a fairly large cage and plenty of fresh fruit and water, they'll be happy birds and eventually develop a fond affection for you. Parrots are also colorful creatures, both in terms of their feathers and their ability to mimic the sounds and voices they hear. If you think you'd like a bird as a pet, consider getting a parrot.
Ferrets
If you think you can handle a creature that's as frenetic as it is fury, consider a ferret. These guys are high-energy animals a majority of the time, which can make them loads of fun. At times, ferrets can be temperamental, but if you can train them to stay calm most of the time, they can become a wonderful pet whose curiosity and activity will always keep you entertained.
Chinchillas
This is definitely an animal you never thought of as a potential pet, which is probably because it's technically a rodent. However, these South American creatures are so adorable and soft that once you hold one in your hands you'll never want to put it down. Chinchillas can grow up to 80 hairs from a single follicle, so it'd be almost impossible to find a pet with softer fur. They're also low maintenance animals that don't need a ton of space or food. Perhaps most importantly, they have no body odor, so the smells that you have with other parts are almost non-existent with chinchillas. If you want a pet that's cute and cuddly, consider getting a chinchilla.
Potbellied Pig
Potbellied pigs are different from the pigs you'll find on a farm that grow up to become bacon; these are smaller pigs that are smart, clean, and easy to train. These pigs are actually a lot like dogs in that you need to give them a good diet and regular exercise to stay healthy, and you can take them for walks on a leash. Of course, they do crave attention, so if you don't mind making your pet the epicenter of your world, a potbellied pig may be a good fit.