10 of the most popular pets in the US that aren't cats or dogs

Fish are the third most popular pet in the United States, with nearly 12% of American households owning at least one. Owners say they make attractive home decor, as well as that maintaining fish, is a fun and easy hobby.

Certain breeds are more popular than others. Saltwater fish are less common than freshwater, perhaps because the cost of maintaining freshwater fish tends to be much lower on average, according to Aquarium Architecture.

Found in 6% of pet-owning households nationwide, bird owners mainly enjoy their pets because they are fun to watch and are an interesting conversation piece. According to Petcha, cockatiels and parrots are the two most popular breeds amongst American owners.

After fish, rabbits are the second most common specialty pet among households, according to the American Veterinarian Association. 

Poultry — generally chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese — are a popular choice around the US. They're more popular than hamsters and guinea pigs. Plus, according to AVMA's calculations, a lot of households own multiple poultry pets. Can you say chicken coop?

According to AVMA's 2012 calculations, 887 out of 1,000 households own a hamster. This not surprising since they're small in size and can affordably found in most pet stores in the US. 

Slightly less popular than hamsters, guinea pigs are a popular choice. Like hamsters, their small size and accessibility likely make them a top pick. 

According to the AVMA's 2012 calculations, an estimated 334 out of every 1,000 households owns a ferret. Again, makes sense due to their size and their availability in most pet stores. 

Turtles are one of the most popular specialty pets, according to AVMA's calculations. They're even more popular than snakes and lizards. Despite their tough exterior, many pet owners find them to be sweet and docile. 

About 4% of pet owners in the US keep reptiles at home. Like bird owners, those with reptiles feel that their pets are fun to talk about. A survey by the American Pet Products Association shows that reptiles are particularly popular with millennials, who own more than 50% of the reptiles in the US.

Horses may not be as common as you think, likely because of the price it takes to maintain them. At a minimum, one horse can cost an owner anywhere from $2,500 - $3,600 a year—enough that they might be better off jumping on the bandwagon and keeping fish instead.

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