Weird Pets.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLI, Issue 12, 16 September 1908, Page 36

Weird Pets.

Reptiles and weird amphibious creatures are coming rapidly into favour as domestic pets in England. Among reptiles the popular pet is the tortoise, which has obvious merits. The initial cost of a baby tortoise is sixpence. It devours snails, is good tempered and unobstrusive, needs no care or attention, and usually survives its owner. Its one failing is a passion for lettuce, sweet peas, and other garden delicacies. It is estimated that between 30,000 and 40,000 tortoises arrive in England annually, many of which are being hawked from door to door in the suburbs of Landon.

A large number of harmless snakes are now sold as pets, and, strangely enough, the majority of purchasers are women. The demand for small monkeys such as marmosets is on the decrease owing to the great care which these animals require during the winter. There is, however, a growing interest in aquariums, and a naturalist in New Oxford Street, London, is doing a brisk business in newts, water-beetles, waterspiders, and rare fishes. In the bird world the Indian mynah is becoming a great favourite, and 'hundreds of these splendid talkers are being imported annually. The mynah, when trained, is a far clearer talker than a parrot, and rarely screeches. These birdo range in price from £2 to £6, according to their ages and abilities.