Are stick insects good pets for a five year-old?

1. 80

   Moon Daisyposted 12 years ago

   Are stick insects good pets for a five year-old?
   
   I want to buy a pet for my daughter (and me too!) and like the idea of stick insects.  She was fascinated with them when we went to an insect centre last year.  Not sure what they would be like as pets though.

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2. 71

   Kris Heeterposted 12 years ago

   I remember playing with those as a kid.  Not sure how they would do as a pet.
   
   I also remember we had a praying mantis as a short term "pet" - she was pregnant and we ended up keeping her in a large aquarium in my 4th grad science class until the babies appeared and then we let them all loose.  It was probably one of my most memorable science class experiences.

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3. 60

   Anil and Honeyposted 12 years ago

   some times our pets behaves like a friend or a wife, because they wishes love.

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4. 66

   davenmidtownposted 12 years ago

   Stick insects are usually invasive...and while docile they do make good pets. The problem with Stick insects is that they are usually A sexual and when you change their litter... you throw out viable eggs that then hatch and begin an invasion. I would not buy a stick insect as a pet.  When free of their cages or as an invasive species they devastate plants and are difficult to eradicate without pesticides.  Hermit crabs make better pets if the child is responsible.

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5. 80

   Moon Daisyposted 12 years ago

   Thank you for all of your answers.  That does sound like an interesting science class Kris, praying mantises are fascinating.  I saw one once on holiday.  It was on our porch and it was huge!
   
   Davenmidtown, thanks for the interesting information.  I didn't know anything about them being invasive.  If we get them I will have to be very careful of how I dispose of their droppings.  ... And I love the idea of having hermit crabs for pets!
   
   Thank you for your comment Anil and Honey.  Pets can be good company and we grow fond of them.

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6. 95

   Melissa A Smithposted 12 years ago

   How about a giant millipede or Hercules beetle? I think it's good to nurture your child's interest in bugs and to respect them.

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