Conventional ideas about pets can be shattered. Just find out what kind of pets people in different countries keep. We'll tell you about them.
Crickets in China
No Chinese market would be complete without a section selling live crickets in special cages. The Chinese believe this insect brings good luck, health, and longevity to the home.
The history of their breeding goes back over a thousand years. Since ancient times, crickets have been regarded as sacred creatures, and caring for them was considered a noble occupation.
In modern China, there's even a special breed of scientists dedicated to the in-depth study of these insects. The reason for this lies in the singing abilities of these unusual creatures.
The chirping of a cricket is a delight for the Chinese. A cricket cage is even placed near a baby to lull them to sleep. There are over 65 species of singing crickets, each with its own distinctive singing pattern.
Another reason for the popularity of these pets is the fighting. Fighting crickets are much larger and louder than regular crickets. Only males participate in competitions.
First, the owners irritate them with a straw, then put them in a box with the "opponent." The one who gets scared and runs away is considered the loser. The winners of the competition go to an annual tournament in the capital. The owners of the most successful crickets can make a fortune betting on them.
Mongooses in India
Many of us remember the cartoon "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi," in which a mongoose saves his friends from an evil cobra. In India, this fairy tale has become reality. Residents of this country die every year from the bites of venomous snakes. But no one fights against these reptiles, as they are considered sacred.
Mongooses were the solution. These animals are excellent hunters, capable of taking down even the largest snake species. They're also quite easy to tame: just feed them a couple of times, and they'll consider you their master.
Mongooses are widespread not only in India but also in other countries of East Asia and Africa. There, they perform the same functions—killing snakes and small rodents. These pets are especially valuable to Hindus and are considered sacred in some parts of the country.
Domestic skunks in the United States
Unlike the previous pets, skunks are kept not for any specific purpose, but simply because they are cute and fluffy. They are quite trainable, and some people even manage to use them as guard dogs.
Owners train skunks to use their foul-smelling weapons against burglars and thieves. However, this isn't their primary function, so most owners remove the glands responsible for producing the distinctive scent.
These small predators are very similar to dogs in their intelligence and loyalty. That's why Americans looking for something new often buy skunks instead of puppies.
Kabutomushi in Japan
This subspecies of insects is the largest and most powerful of the rhinoceros beetles. It has a fairly dense exoskeleton, sharp horns, and spines. Males are naturally prone to fighting over females, making them particularly aggressive competitors.
You can purchase a beetle at specialized stores or online. The price depends on the size and number of competitions won. Some Japanese have become rich solely from beetle fights: the record bet was over $10,000.
Kabutomushi are also a favorite among Japanese children. Parents can purchase such a unique gift for their child's birthday.
Domestic boa constrictors in Brazil
Brazil is an exotic country with a hot climate and tropical forests. It is home to dangerous wildlife, including many venomous snakes. Some species are capable of killing a person with a single bite.
Reptiles often leave their natural habitats in search of food and head for human settlements. Tired of the sudden appearance of predators in their homes, Brazilians have found a solution: boa constrictors.
They are also predatory animals, but pose no danger to humans, as they are neither venomous nor aggressive. They feed primarily on rodents, insects, and small snakes. The boa constrictor's large size can intimidate smaller reptiles, so they prefer to avoid homes where it lives.
Another advantage of this unusual pet is that it is an excellent hunter of mice and rats. This quality provides a double benefit to its owner.
