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Ask HN: what's a good pet for the working programmer?

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Re: Ask HN: what's a good pet for the working programmer?

#61

Post by icey »

shard wrote: post #46
df wrote: post #22

I have a python named Sid. A beautiful and surprisingly affectionate critter. Low maintenance and a great conversation starter ... "my kids came back from school with it one day, they were all like: it followed us home Dad can we keep it!?"

My cornsnake fits the OP's description (well I think he's cute even if my wife doesn't), is smaller than a python when full grown (5' last I measured, about a half dollar diameter), learned 1 trick (which was one more than I expected), and is much lower maintenance than the dogs and cats (and even fish) I had previously.

Depends on the type of python. I have a ball python that's maybe 4 feet long and he's full grown. They live quite awhile as well - mine is 14 years old now and he doesn't seem to be any different than when he was 4.

Re: Ask HN: what's a good pet for the working programmer?

#63

Post by icey »

edw519 wrote: post #47

I'll tell you what I'll get, man--Two cats at the same time. Damn straight, man. I've always wanted to do that. I figure if I were a hacker, I could hook that up. Cats dig guys who can code.

A) Hilarious Office Space reference

B) When did you overtake nickb on the leaderboard? Congrats!

Re: Ask HN: what's a good pet for the working programmer?

#64

Post by jacquesm »

icey wrote: post #60
maxklein wrote: post #35

An African grey parrot. Then you can teach it to say things like: "Don't rewrite, refactor!" or "Should you REALLY be doing that?" They are expensive, but they are low maintanance and quite intelligent.

The thing to remember with a parrot is that it may be around for the rest of your life. They are seriously long-lived animals. It's quite a commitment if you aren't positive you want one.

Any animal is quite a commitment.

A guy I know bought two dogs because it seemed so 'nice', then he found out how much work it is to have two dogs (and how much it costs), so he ended up giving them away to some lady.

Some people make these decisions much too light and I'm quite happy that the OP takes it serious and is not going on the spur of the moment.

Dogs especially can get very attached to people, if you don't want to make a dog-life-long commitment then please don't get a dog.

Re: Ask HN: what's a good pet for the working programmer?

#65

Post by philf »

zacharypinter wrote: post #58
jawngee wrote: post #11

Cat for sure. Kittens need a lot of attention though, as do strays you've adopted. But they are the lowest maintenance of any pets. Dogs are great but are like having developmentally disabled children; they require a lot of attention, patience and forgiveness. And it is possible to find a cat with a lot of dog like qualities. I had an awesome cat who passed away unexpectedly a couple of years ago that was pretty much…

Cat's are definitely the best for low maintenance. I highly recommend Litter Robot ( http://www.litter-robot.com/ ). I've tried 3 other automatic litter boxes and this is the only one that doesn't make a mess of things. I can leave it alone for several weeks with no smell and then just swap the bag and add some litter. For an automatic water supply, I recommend the 360 Drinkwell ( http://www.amazon.com/Drinkwell-D360…

Honestly, the litter robot makes me think of what a toilet in the death star might look like.

Re: Ask HN: what's a good pet for the working programmer?

#66

Post by robotron »

axod wrote: post #39
tyrmored wrote: post #20

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Upvote for cat. Cats have the hacker nature, after all. :)

Going round neighbors houses 'hacking' meals by attacking bins causing racket all night? 'hacking' the toilet by simply doing it in neighbors gardens? 'hacking' their scratching urges by hacking random trees, railings, decking etc to bits in neighbors gardens? Do not like. :) I'd love to setup some automated webcam -> nerf gun system to automatically hit any cat in the head if they enter my property. Maybe a project…

I really don't want to get into an argument on the social capability of pets, but I feel you're way off the mark here. My cats are extremely social and love any human they meet almost as much as it seems they love me. Exceptions being the vet and people at a party. One of my cats is so social with humans that it can actually get annoying.

Re: Ask HN: what's a good pet for the working programmer?

#67

Post by robotron »

drp wrote: post #50
JustAGeek wrote: post #36

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Cat, agreed. However, if you leave it alone a lot and if it can't be let out, then you need two cats so there's always somebody to play with and the cat doesn't get bored causing it to develop odd behavior. As for the sex of the cat, I'd suggest tomcats. If female cats get in heat, it'll get quite annoying for both you and the cat and the only way out is sterilization. It's a routine operation, yet much more invasive…

Are you kidding? Unless you're a breeder it's socially irresponsible not to fix your pets.

Not to mention male cats spraying. Yeah, no male really wants to chop off another male's bits but it's better for all (human and cat) involved.

Re: Ask HN: what's a good pet for the working programmer?

#68

Post by robotron »

novum wrote: post #14

Hamsters are the best. I had several growing up. They're personable - you can "cage-train" them and they learn not to bite. They're hilarious when they roll around in their ball -- and remember to cover your stairs! They do the cutest thing with stuffing food into their cheeks. You can easily build elaborate living environments for them using cheap tubing. You do have to change their cage at least once a week, but it…

I've had several over the years but did get tired of losing them due to their short lifespans.

Re: Ask HN: what's a good pet for the working programmer?

#69

Post by robotron »

thechangelog wrote: post #15

If you're getting something small and furry, like a rat or rabbit or hamster, be sure to get two and give them some living space. If you're not able to give them a lot of time, at least let them socialize with their own kind. We had one rabbit, then two, and the difference in the original rabbit's (OR) personality after getting the second was unbelievable.

Please be careful when introducing two hamsters together. I have had them kill each other - it was sad and not very pretty. They were even siblings but had been separated then brought back together.

I suppose getting two at the same time that were living together at the pet store would be the best option. Make sure you know their gender first or you'll end up with more hamsters.

Re: Ask HN: what's a good pet for the working programmer?

#70

Post by axod »

robotron wrote: post #66
axod wrote: post #39

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Going round neighbors houses 'hacking' meals by attacking bins causing racket all night? 'hacking' the toilet by simply doing it in neighbors gardens? 'hacking' their scratching urges by hacking random trees, railings, decking etc to bits in neighbors gardens? Do not like. :) I'd love to setup some automated webcam -> nerf gun system to automatically hit any cat in the head if they enter my property. Maybe a project…

I really don't want to get into an argument on the social capability of pets, but I feel you're way off the mark here. My cats are extremely social and love any human they meet almost as much as it seems they love me. Exceptions being the vet and people at a party. One of my cats is so social with humans that it can actually get annoying.

Maybe I just live in a town with a lot of horrible cats that enjoy petty vandalism and loutish behavior. Maybe it's not the norm, but they do get on my nerves.
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