by Brenda Nelson

Created on: January 13, 2010   Last Updated: March 10, 2012

To have a top ten list of popular exotic pets you must first realize that technically all pets, other than cats, dogs, fish and livestock, are considered to be exotic pets in most areas. This list on the top ten exotic pets is in alphabetical order rather than by popularity, which tends to vary country to country.

1.  Anoles

Considered an entry level lizard, anoles are popular exotic pets. These are small pets, growing about 8 inches in length, and are great for people with allergies or who are not allowed a furry pet. Although some anoles will eat dead insects, most prefer live food, crickets being the most popular food. Anoles enjoy having a variety of things to climb on (vines, etc) in their vivarium. Proper heating and lighting is very important in the success of keeping any reptile, and anoles are no different.

2.  Betta Fish

Of all the fish kept in the pet trade, the colorful betta is one of the most popular. Often seen in tiny bowls, the male fish are so common and cheap that people don't seem to worry if they die, or are accidentally killed. At one time they were marketed with plants, their new owners told that the fish would eat off the roots of the plants. Betta fish are carnivores and many died after months of trying to live by eating plant roots. Betta fish need to have surface space as they gulp their air from the surface. A 2.5 gallon container is the smallest tank a betta should be housed in.  Bettas can not be kept together, males will even fight females when not in their breeding pattern.

3.  Budgies

These colorful birds are often one of the first feathered pets a bird enthusiast may get. Budgies can learn some human words with consistent training, and can be trained to sit on a persons finger or shoulder. Like most birds they can be messy and require a good deal of interaction to be kept happy. Sadly many budgie keepers do not provide enough flight space for these birds, keeping them in small cages rather than roomy aviaries.  Budgies, like most birds, are fairly intelligent, and love attention and companionship.

4.  Chickens

Although it can be debated if chickens are to be considered pets or livestock, the fact remains many people do keep them as pets with no intention of eating them. Chickens are an ideal pet because in addition to companionship (yes some breeds are very friendly) they provide eggs and if allowed to be free range in the yard, they eat bugs. The downfall is

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