Except for cats and dogs, most popular pets in US

Besides cats and dogs, the third most popular pet in the US isn't precisely what one may imagine, despite the fact that you might assume a similarly cuddly and affectionate animal to take the position. These lesser-known but loved animal companions have carved out their own special niches in American homes and hearts. Among pets other than cats and dogs, these are the most popular ones in America:
Fish
Fish is the third most common type of pet in American households, with about 12% of them owning at least one. Owners find caring for fish to be a fun and easy activity, and they value them for their aesthetic appeal in home décor. 
Birds
Bird lovers, who make up about 6% of pet-owning families in the US, largely value their avian companions' entertaining presence and capacity to elicit thought-provoking discourse. According to Petcha, cockatiels and parrots are the most popular bird breeds among American pet owners.
Rabbits
According to the American Veterinary Association (AVMA), rabbits are the second most common speciality pet in homes, right after fish.
Poultry
In the United States, poultry, which includes chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese, is very popular. A sizable proportion of households have numerous poultry pets, according to AVMA data. 
Hamsters
According to AVMA figures from 2012, 887 out of every 1,000 households have hamsters. Given their small size and widespread availability in the majority of pet retailers across the United States, this is not surprising.
Guinea pigs
Guinea pigs continue to be a popular choice among pet owners while being slightly less prevalent than hamsters. Like hamsters, they are small and widely available, which undoubtedly contributes to their popularity.
Ferrets
According to the AVMA's 2012 research, 334 out of every 1,000 households have ferrets as pets. Again, this is consistent with their small size and widespread availability in most pet stores, which makes owning them rather logical.
Turtles
According to AVMA statistics, turtles are more popular than even snakes and lizards among specialized pets. Many pet lovers value their kind and placid nature despite their tough appearance.
Reptiles
In the United States, 4% of pet owners opt to keep reptiles as their company. A study by the American Pet Products Association found that millennials, who make up more than 50% of reptile owners in the US, are quite popular with reptiles.