Vet reveals 5 animals he would never have as a pet

A British vet has revealed five species he wouldn’t want as pets – and explained the reasons why.

Content creator @ben.the.vet shared the list in a video on TikTok, where he has more than 208,000 followers.

In the videohe noted that listing these animals might seem like he doesn’t like them.

However, he noted that it’s more the case that the veterinary profession “exposes you to all the pitfalls that come with having certain pets, but also to the rewarding side of things.”

The vet named the main pet he didn’t want to get and said, “Number one: parrots.”

‘Firstly, having a parrot means you never have to have a non-stick pan again. No joke, when the pan is heated, the coating releases a gas that can be fatal to parrots.’

He added that he has “no doubt” that the birds “could be very rewarding pets,” and that it would be “cool to have an animal that can talk to you.”

However, he continued: ‘I think, however, that it is extremely difficult to provide sufficient space and stimulation for a species that would normally have the freedom to fly and explore a very rainforest habitat.

“A bored parrot can easily become a stressed parrot, which manifests itself in destructive behavior, which is very vocal and abnormal behavior… that’s just not for me.”

Continuing, he said, “Number two for me is the mouse. Although they can live longer if they are well cared for and lucky, the average mouse only lives one to two years.

“I’ve had many guinea pigs over the years, and you become very attached to them.”

He added that it’s hard enough to “say goodbye after four or five years,” but that developing a bond and losing a pet after a year is too short a time frame for him.

The third pet Ben mentioned may surprise some: rabbits. But he explained why they are often not suitable pets.

According to Ben, some animals are never suitable as pets, and those are monkeys

He said: ‘Contrary to popular belief, rabbits are not great pets for children. It is a prey species and therefore very timid by nature.

‘They don’t always like to be held and they are very vulnerable. They kick and they fall from your arms from a height to the ground.

“It’s not unheard of for them to break limbs and even their spines.”

He added that they have strict needs in terms of their diet, cleaning schedule and socialization.

According to Ben: ‘TThey are also quite vulnerable to intestinal blockage and dental problems, which can lead to unexpected vet bills.

“They can be great pets if you invest the time, but too many people let them cage up and forget about them.”

The fourth animal Ben mentions is one he has talked about before and is very passionate about because it is not suitable as a pet: monkeys.

He said: ‘Number four is some kind of monkey. Now you might be thinking “why is he talking about monkeys? Nobody has a monkey as a pet”.

‘In fact, there are an estimated 5,000 primates kept as pets in Britain.’

He added: ‘I mentioned in another video how I volunteered at a wildlife charity in Ecuador a few years ago.

Many baby monkeys who became pets were snatched after their mothers were shot so people could trade the young offspring

“Many of the monkeys that were there were baby monkeys whose mothers had been shot and the baby snatched with the intention of being sold as pets to people who just want monkeys as pets because they’re cute.”

Speaking of monkeys, he concluded: ‘A monkey is an extremely intelligent, wild animal, nWith a domesticated species, such as dogs or cats… it is extremely difficult to deal with their complexities in your home. Do not do it.’

As for the last animal he didn’t want as a pet, Ben said, “Finally, ferrets are number five.

‘They are cheeky, funny and entertaining pets, but it is an acquired taste. They really stink and if they cling to your hand they will give you nasty bites.

‘They are very intelligent…(and) need a lot of interaction and a lot of space. That’s really not for everyone.’