The Best Low-Noise Exotic Pets for Apartment Dwellers

Living in an apartment often means considering noise levels when choosing a pet. While dogs and parrots can be vocal, several exotic pets are quiet, easy to care for, and well-suited for apartment living. Here’s a guide to some of the best quiet exotic pets and what you need to know before bringing one home.

1. Chinchillas

Noise Level: Very quiet 

Lifespan: 10-20 years 

Care Needs:

• Require a large, well-ventilated cage with multiple levels
• Need dust baths to maintain fur health
• Thrive in cool environments and require temperature control
• Social animals that do best with a companion

2. Hedgehogs

Noise Level: Mostly silent, occasional snuffling sounds.

Lifespan: 3-7 years 

Care Needs:

• Solitary animals that don’t require a cage mate
• Need a spacious enclosure with a wheel for exercise
• Require a diet of high-protein cat food or specialized hedgehog food
• Nocturnal, so they are most active at night

3. Geckos (Leopard & Crested Geckos)

Noise Level: Silent, except for occasional chirps. 

Lifespan: 10-20 years.

Care Needs:

• Require a terrarium with proper humidity and heat
• Eat a diet of insects or commercial gecko food
• Easy to handle but prefer minimal stress
• They do not need much space, making them ideal for apartments

4. Ball Pythons

Noise Level: Completely silent 

Lifespan: 20-30 years 

Care Needs:

• Require a secure terrarium with heating elements
• Need a diet of frozen-thawed rodents
• Low maintenance with feeding required only once a week
• Non-aggressive and easy to handle

5. Betta Fish

Noise Level: Completely silent 

Lifespan: 2-5 years 

Care Needs:

• Need a filtered tank of at least 5 gallons
• Solitary fish that do not require companions
• Eat a diet of high-protein fish pellets or frozen food
• Easy to care for with regular water changes

6. Tarantulas

Noise Level: Completely silent 

Lifespan: 5-30 years (depending on species)

 Care Needs:

• Require a small terrarium with proper humidity
• Eat live insects, such as crickets or mealworms
• Very low-maintenance, only needing feeding a few times per week
• Best for observation rather than handling

7. Axolotls

Noise Level: Completely silent 

Lifespan: 10-15 years 

Care Needs:

• Require a cool, well-filtered aquarium
• Eat a diet of pellets, worms, and frozen foods
• Sensitive to water quality, so regular maintenance is essential
• It is fascinating to watch but should not be handled often

8. Hermit Crabs

Noise Level: Nearly silent, occasional shell movement sounds. 

Lifespan: 10-30 years 

Care Needs:

• Require an adequately humidified tank with sand for burrowing
• They need multiple shells to switch as they grow
• Eat a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and commercial crab food
• Social creatures that do best in groups

9. Sugar Gliders

Noise Level: Mostly quiet, may make small chirps at night.

Lifespan: 10-15 years 

Care Needs:

• Need a tall cage with branches for climbing
• Nocturnal and require nighttime interaction
• Thrive on a diet of fresh fruits, protein, and specialized pellets
• Highly social and do best with a companion

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an exotic pet that won’t disturb your neighbors, these options provide fascinating companionship while maintaining a quiet environment. Always check your apartment’s pet policy before bringing home an exotic animal, and ensure you can meet their specific care requirements for a happy and healthy pet.