7 Pets That Thrive in Small Terrariums (and 5 That Need More Room)

Written By

Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Meet Mathew, Cat Dad and Animal Advocate! Mathew is the editor at PawDown, overseeing content strategy and quality. He's in charge of carefully curating the best pet stories, tips, and advice for you.

Terrarium
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If you’re searching for a pet and have limited space, a terrarium could be just what you need! These small habitats can be home to different creatures, giving them enough space to live happily and healthily. However, not every pet is a good fit for small spaces. Some need more room to move and flourish. In this article, we’ll look at seven pets that thrive in small terrariums and five that need more space to feel comfortable. Let’s explore the exciting world of keeping tiny pets!

1. Tarantulas

Tarantula Enclosure
BabyRuby18/Reddit

Tarantulas are fascinating spiders that do well in small, closed spaces. These creatures require minimal space, as their terrarium just needs to include the basics: a substrate for burrowing, a small water dish, and some humidity. Furthermore, tarantulas are low-maintenance pets that can go without food for long stretches, making them ideal for owners looking for an easy-care companion. Make sure to keep the terrarium secure to prevent any escapes, since these arachnids can move quickly! Their simple needs and beautiful appearance make them perfect for small terrariums and easy to care for in a compact environment.

2. Leopard Geckos

leopard geckos terrarium
101Ender3v2/Reddit

Leopard geckos are small reptiles that thrive in compact terrariums. These geckos are easy to care for and don’t need a lot of space to thrive. A 20-gallon tank works well for an adult, and they appreciate having spots to hide and climb. Be sure to add some rocks and small plants for them to enjoy. Additionally, leopard geckos are active at night, making them a fun and easy-going pet to have around your home. Their calm temperament, low-maintenance needs, and charming personalities make them ideal for small spaces. They’re perfect companions for anyone seeking a simple pet.

3. Betta Fish

Betta fish tank
chaice/Reddit

Betta fish are stunning and vibrant animals that do well in smaller tanks, perfect for anyone with limited space. They don’t require a huge aquarium, but it’s important to provide enough space for swimming and to prevent overcrowding. A five-gallon tank is typically enough for one Betta fish, plus a few plants to make the environment better. Moreover, Betta fish don’t need aeration because they can take in oxygen from the surface, making them simpler to care for in a smaller environment. Their bright colors and smooth movements create a calming atmosphere, ideal for apartments.

4. Snakes (Certain Species)

Ball python enclosure
dizzyav8r/Reddit

Some snakes need big spaces to live, but certain types, such as the ball python, can do well in smaller tanks. A 20-gallon tank works well for a young ball python, and as they get bigger, you can move them to a larger space. These snakes are easy to care for, needing just a temperature gradient for thermoregulation and a place to hide. Additionally, they require minimal handling, which makes them a great option for those with hectic schedules or limited living space. Ball pythons are a fantastic choice for low-maintenance, calm pets in small terrariums.

5. Hermit Crabs

Hermit crab tank
babyelephfant/Reddit

Hermit crabs are tiny, friendly animals that enjoy living in cozy, enclosed spaces. They don’t require much space, but it’s essential to give them everything they need: moist sand for burrowing, a small water dish, and a selection of shells to explore. Hermit crabs are simple to care for and thrive in a 10-gallon tank, making them ideal for a small terrarium. Furthermore, they are fun to observe as they glide between shells and engage with their surroundings. Their fun personality and easy care make them a favorite among pet owners looking for a compact yet engaging companion.

6. African Dwarf Frogs

african dwarf frog tank
ladylonglegs_/Reddit

African dwarf frogs are tiny water-loving pets that do well in a compact tank. They need little space to swim, but it’s important to maintain clean water and the right temperature. A 5-gallon tank works great for a couple of frogs. These frogs are a delight to observe, as they are quite lively and often swim around energetically. They thrive in communities and can easily live alongside other peaceful aquatic creatures, making them a great option for a small, low-maintenance pet. Their distinct look and actions make them a wonderful choice for any small aquarium or beginner pet owner.

7. Small Amphibians (Like Newts)

newt enclosure
The__Gentleman/Reddit

Small amphibians like newts do really well in tidy, compact terrariums. These creatures typically thrive in damp settings and can comfortably reside in a tank that holds 10 to 20 gallons. Make sure their habitat has both water and land, since they need both to thrive. Additionally, newts are simple to care for, provided their water stays clean and their temperature remains steady. Their gentle movements and interesting behaviors are a joy to observe! If you’re seeking a pet that’s easy to care for yet captivating, newts are a fantastic option for small terrariums, offering a unique pet experience.

8. Birds (Parrots and Larger Species)

parrot terrarium
Music1357/Reddit

Some smaller bird species, such as finches, can do well in smaller cages, but parrots and larger species require more space. Parrots are lively animals that need ample space to fly, stretch their wings, and climb around. A spacious aviary or a roomy indoor cage is essential for keeping them healthy and happy. Furthermore, they require space for enrichment, such as toys and areas to explore their environment. Birds are friendly and smart, so they thrive on interaction and activity. Giving them a bigger space ensures their well-being and provides room for stimulation.

9. Guinea Pigs

guinea pigs cage
ArtbyTMD/Reddit

Guinea pigs are friendly, social pets that need more space than a small terrarium can provide. These little rodents require at least 7.5 square feet of space to roam, play, and engage with their companions. They love to have cozy hideouts to retreat to and explore, making a larger area necessary for their well-being. Guinea pigs are happiest when living with other guinea pigs. A spacious enclosure allows them to express their natural behaviors, helping them stay active and healthy. Room to move, interact, and play is crucial for their overall happiness and well-being.

10. Rats

Rat enclosure
5fav5/Reddit

Rats are small, yet highly intelligent and social animals that require more space than a small terrarium can offer. They thrive in a spacious cage with multiple levels, tunnels, and plenty of enrichment activities to keep their curious minds engaged. A small, confined space doesn’t give them enough room to explore, and they need at least an hour outside their cage every day to interact with their owners. Rats are happiest when kept in groups, so providing a larger enclosure for multiple rats ensures they stay social and mentally stimulated, helping them thrive in their environment.

11. Hamsters

Dwarf Campbell’s Russian Hamster
Tetyana Kovyrina/Pexels

Hamsters are tiny creatures, yet they need a spacious cage to stay active and healthy. A small terrarium might look fine, but hamsters actually require enough space for running wheels, tunnels, and areas to burrow. Hamsters are lively creatures, particularly during the night, so they require ample space to roam freely. A 20-gallon tank is usually the smallest size recommended for most hamster species. Giving them extra space helps keep them healthy and happy. They love to chew on objects, so a bigger setup helps these important activities flourish. A larger cage supports all their natural behaviors.

12. Turtles

spotted turtle tank
KrokantGras/Reddit

Aquatic turtles require more space than what a small terrarium provides. These reptiles need spacious tanks that include both water and land areas to do well. They also require space to bask, swim, and explore. A small hatchling turtle can live in a smaller space, but as it grows, it will require a larger area to thrive. Moreover, turtles require good filtration systems to maintain clean water and prevent health problems. Giving them enough room to move and grow keeps them healthy and active, so it’s important to provide larger enclosures. Space is essential for their comfort and longevity.

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