How do they interact with you?

[JSimko]

For those of you with something other than birds, dogs, and cats.
I want to know what you have and how they interact with you. Also do you feel they are great companions or just alright? And are they what you expected before you got them.

[Love Bird B]

Hi Jason,

My iguana was mistaken for a cat a few times by the way he always sat on the back of the sofa and stretched out.

I used to love to hug him with my face pressed up against his head and he'd just close his eyes. I also kissed him constantly. I could never kiss him enough and I always told him that.

He knew that when he went to the bathroom, I would open his cage door to clean his cage. He used this tactic when he wanted to come out of his cage. I'd be dressed and ready to leave for work and he would start to rattle his cage to get my attention and then he'd go to the bathroom. I was often late for work, LOL. I sometimes called in sick because I was having so much fun with him, I didn't want to leave. We had a game where he'd sit up on the couch and I'd go over so he could jump and climb up to sit on my neck. Then he'd jump back on the couch so he could climb on me again for more fun. My iguana was native to South America where they live in trees, so he naturally loved climbing.

Was he what I expected him to be like? He was a lot more.

[Jenny]

I've had many animals besides parrots, dogs, or cats. I had one mouse who was the sweetest thing ever- light brown with red eyes. He was the tamest little guy and loved to be out with me. I even made him a play area by the birds so he could be out with them. I thought he was wonderful-despite the drawback that I was constantly cleaning up after his messes- and when I had to memorize poems and stuff for school I'd practice reciting them to him! To me my mouse was terrific. I had a rat who was just as great. I've also had ducks which I raised from babies, and they were sweet and great too. When we were outside doing work, one imparticular would follow us around! He was so cute. And then I've had a small baby turtle which I had found outside and kept for awhile, and I didn't interact much with him but loved seeing him swim around in the aquarium I had set up for him! Not really a "companion" but great anyway. And then I've had rabbits... I love them too! I know I never intereacted with them as much as I shoudl have, but all were very sweet and friendly, and yes, great companions. I've also had some little anole lizards when I was younger which I loved watching run around in their glass cage. Again much different than having a dog, cat, or bird, but very fun. I've had other pets, but all have been beyond my expectations.

[JSimko]

Wow Barb,

I had no idea that iguanas were that intelligent. I always new reptiles had intelligence, but had no idea how smart they were. How long do they normally live?

Jenny- What was it like to have ducks. Are they smart and demanding like the parrots can be, or are they more mellow? Did they learn ways of getting attention? I someday will get another baby finch that I will raise to be a companion, and possibly ducks or something like that.

[Jenny]

I thought having ducks was great! Yes they are very smart, though not as demanding as a parrot. Both are just very different types of birds, and of course ducks are usually outdoor pets so clean up isn't so bad! I'd say they're overall very calm and sweet, at least, mine were! To get attention one of our younger ducks would walk back and forth in his pen whenever we were near, so of course we would walk over and talk to him nad let him out! I don't have ducks anymore, but my neighbor just got two "farm ducks", both of which are very tame and loving and enjoy being with their two kids.

[angelsview]

jsimko, hi i'm new here i run a kind of hobby farm in australia,i keep; ponies,cattle,goats,sheep,pigs,chickens,ducks,gees e,red rump parrots,budgies,guinea fowl,tropical fish,maremma livestock protection dogs,staffy's,mini foxies, and one cat. NOW that's hard to remember,i hope i've not forgotten anyone,,and i love to take care of them,they all have there different personalities and additudes some good, some we just work around.a fair percent of the animals i keep were rescued from people who live in the city or just on too small a block to support a farm animal have no idea for example- that a goat (female)comes into season every 21 days and will bleat the most of this time(3days)and should not be keep alone as they are a herd animal and would bleat for the owners company every day.so most of my animals have a particular problem that comes from there previous owners, i have a sheep who thinks it is a goat, a goat that thinks it is a sheep and a goat and a duck that think they are dogs.sorry about rambling on i could go on and on!

[Love Bird B]

Hi Jason,

I think a lot of animals are more intelligent than what people give them credit for, but I don't have to explain that to you. ;) I think iguanas have a lifespan of about 20 years. I had hoped mine would live forever. Well, he does in my heart and mind.

Ducks are neat. I love the way they smell, -like down. When I smell a down feathered object it reminds me of how I'd rather be smelling live ducks.