General Information

Rocks are the perfect pet for people who have allergies or have a limited amount of time to care for one of the usual types of pets. Pet Rocks are also one of the few pets that can be safely trusted in the care of children. Other advantages are that they are relatively disease resistant and can thrive in almost any environment. Although people have kept Pet Rocks throughout history, they seemed to fall out of fashion after greedy profiteers sought to charge ridiculous prices for them in the late 1970s. I suggest you avoid falling into the trap of paying for overpriced “mutts” when you can find your own, high quality pet for free.

Selection and Purchase

Prior to getting your pet rock you need to determine how big of a pet you want. Pet rocks come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and colors. Be aware that while you can find pet rocks pretty much everywhere, it is illegal to take them out of parks or off of other peoples properties. Wild rocks need to remain in the wild. You can get good pet rocks from your own yard or places that are not parks, even a farmer might have a pile of rocks you can select your new pet from. Additionally you can buy very large pet rocks from quarries or landscaping and gardening centers. Most of the rocks you commonly find with be drab in color, you will have to usually have pay more for those with fancy colors or patterns.
When selecting your new pet, make sure you pick it up gently and flip it over to check for cracks, brush off any dirt and examine it. A crack is not a reason to discard this as your pet selection but be ware you may need to treat the little fella carefully or he may multiply into two pets.

You may get more exotic pet rocks from a specialty store, these are often referred to as “crystals”, “polished stones”, or even the highly prized “diamond”. As far as companionship goes, these more expensive pet rocks really are not that different from those you find along the road side or in a farmers field.

Housing

While they generally do well indoors or out, it is much safer for smaller rocks to be kept indoors only. Unlike many pets, Pet Rocks do not really require any special housing, unless you wish to do so. If you desire to have an elaborate set up you certainly may place your pet in an enclosure or aquarium. The wonderful thing about these pets is they get along with pretty much every other type of creature, so you could even have them with another pet, such as a fish, lizard, or even outdoors with your dog. When keeping your Pet Rock out of doors please note that rain water may over time effect your Pets mass and appearance. This is something that many careless Pet Rock owners do not concern themselves with because this process takes longer than most owners live. Please remember your Pet Rock had a life before you and will want one after you are long gone.
Pet rocks may be kept happily alone, in pairs, or in groups.

Feeding and Care

Your pet rock requires no feeding. If kept outdoors your little pet may find he is now home to lichens. Lichen is slow growing, and can be discouraged by yearly bathing of your pet rock. Bathing can be done in hot or cold water, rocks are not fussy. Many owners find lichen to be an attractive splash of color on their otherwise drab pet, it takes so long to grow, you may not even notice it.

Other Helpful Tips

I want to note that Pet Rocks are not “disposable” pets. If you can no longer care for your pet rock do not “throw” it away, in some places this may be illegal, especially if it hits something when thrown. Instead rehome it or return it to nature peacefully.
Many owners feel compelled to decorate their pets, you can do this with paints, as long as you have painted a coat of primer underneath, and may add a clear overcoat for protection.
If a person wants a slightly more challenging pet, you may move up to Hermit Crabs, Stick Insects or even Betta Fish.