Best Pets for Small Children
91Pets for Kids
As a child of parents who aren't real big pet lovers, on the exception of dogs, had a hard time convincing my them to let me bring home anything but dogs.
Maybe you don't want to bring home a dog for your five year old. Very understandable. I mean dogs are big responsibility and the entire house must be ready for the commitment.
So, what is another pet you can get your animal loving child that won't put the marjority of the responsibility on you?
Easy. I can think of a few.
But, remember that all pets call for responsibility, and you can't just leave a young child solely in control. Make sure to remind the child to clean the cage or feed the pet.
I've listed very basic information about a few pets that are great child's pets. It's up to you to determine which is best for your child. Do plenty of research and buy a book before you make your final decision.
Hamsters
Hamster are usually sold to unsuspecting parents as a "great pet for kids." Well, although partly true, this isn't 100% accurate.
Hamsters are small so they do take up less space than most other pets, but because they are small, they can be injured easily. In the small hands of children, hamsters can be easily dropped or squeezed.
And, being nocturnal, they may be less inviting to play with and interact for small children who want to play during the day. Hamsters are most interactive at night.
Plus, hamsters take a little longer to socialize than other animals. This means that they can be nippy for a while, so you have to consider if your child gets bit will he want to play with the hamster again? Or will you be finding a new home for Hammy?
Once socialized, hamsters can make friendly pets, but it's the socializing that's the key.
Remember that you will need to monitor all playtimes, so that the hamster doesn't end up free roaming your house.
Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs are a small pet that most people don't think about for kids, but when compared to hamsters, guinea pigs are perfect pets for children.
They are a medium sized small, pet, which means if dropped from a five- year old's hand, he will take the hit a little better than a hamster. Guinea pigs aren't as fragile as hamsters, so you don't have to worry about the child hurting the guinea pig unless he's literally throwing it around.
Guinea pigs to require a larger cage than a hamster, but nothing elaborate, which makes cleaning so much easier. You don't have to worry about all the little tubes and wheels. Just a house, food bowls, and a water bowl. Nothing fancy.
As per temperament, guinea pigs are even tempered. It doesn't take nearly the socializing to make a fun- to- be- around guinea pig.
Remember that with guinea pigs, you'll need to supplement their diet with oranges and other calcium- rich fruits and vegetables in addition to calcium drops with their water bowl.
Although, guinea pigs require a little more care, they are by far better pets for smaller children.
Fancy Rats
Pet rats make great pets, regardless what you may be thinking. They are docile, social, and just plain sweet.
Rats do better in larger cages with at least one cage mate, so make sure that you have the room for a medium sized cage.
Don't think, "Are you serious not one but two!" Two rats won't be any more trouble than one. It's actually easier.
Pet rats are easy to socialize and fun to train. Like the guinea pig, the fancy rat will bite seldom, and unlike the hamster, they aren't as fragile.
If you're thinking "if they're good pets like guinea pigs, why not just get a guinea pig?" Well, rats bond much better to humans than guinea pigs do. Yes, guinea pigs are socialable, rats bond to you not just interact with you.
Leopard Geckos
If you want to go the reptile route, leopard geckos make great pets. The only thing you want to consider is with small children, you will have to be there during any interaction with the gecko.
Leopard geckos are relatively small, but they are very docile.
Just remember not to tug on the geckos tail because it will come off. Although, the tail will grow back, it will grow back in a bulbous shape.
The one thing that may make a leopard gecko not so interesting for children is that they are nocturnal, meaning the child won't be able to see the gecko's behaviors during the day.
But, in terms of reptiles, leopard geckos are by far a better pet for small children than an iguana.
Bearded Dragons
Again, with the reptile route, maybe you want something a little bigger than a leopard gecko. Maybe a bearded dragon will do. The only complication is that they require large enclosures.
Bearded dragons can reach an average of 18" to 24" in length.
For the most part they are very docile reptiles, but that is not always the case. You will prefer to get a bearded dragon as a younger reptile, especially if you have small children.
Although, they don't bite frequently, when they do, a bearded dragon bite my cause a little damage to a small child's finger. More than likely not a break, but an abrasion, nonetheless.
Bearded dragons require a more complicated enclosure and diet than leopard geckos, so make sure that you do your research before bringing one home.
Pets
When you are deciding which pet to get your younger child. Ask the child what he would like. Maybe he can help determine what you bring home.
Do remember that just because it's your child's pet, it's also your responsibility to make sure that the child is taking care of the animal properly.
Caring for Pets
- Help Caring for Pet Reptiles
Here are some tips for caring for leopard geckos, African fat tail geckos, crested geckos, bearded dragons, and ball pythons, as well as other sources of pet reptile information. - Caring for Small Animals: Hamsters, Mice, Rats, & Chinchillas
As the title suggests, this is a great resource of information for hamsters, mice, rats, and chinchillas.
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Comments
Guinea pigs are wonderful pets, I think often times overlooked. Our little "Cuddles" has been so lovey and friendly for over 5 years now, and still going strong. She's a sweet delight!
Stacie, I've seen pet rats and cats live in the same home happily. Socializing between the two is the key, but yes, cats can be sneaky and find ways into the cage. Ha.
Kat, I do agree that guinea pigs are overlooked as pets for kids. I had 2 when I was younger. They were definitely interesting. Most people assume- pet for kid=hamster. Not really the case.
Don't forget that hamsters are also nocturnal what makes them less attractive for small kids. I would suggest a cat. Why? Because a cat actually teaches kids "good" behaviour, it tells them when handled inproperly. Ok, kiddie might get a few, superficial, scratches, but it also learns how to handle a pet responsible, oh, and for the more "scientific-minded" and a bit older kid >6years Giant African Land Snails (Achatina fulica) might be an unusual alternative, less sociable but great too watch. Or a ferret, or, ok, I better stop here, sorry,... SY
Sybille- I was trying t o stay away from dogs and cats with this on. I don't think tha ferrets are great with younger kids. They require more responsibility than a hamster or guinea pig combined. They're more along the line of dogs and cats.
I had many rodent pets as a child (and many feeder mice that our class pet snake had rejected), including hamsters and rats and mice, but my favorite was our guinea pig. We had her for YEARS (not sure exactly how long), but I loved her so much... She actually looked a lot like the one you posted a pic of! I had always wanted a dog (and eventually got one), but she was a great surrogate in the mean time. I would one day like to have one again. Great hub, sorry for the ramble! :)
This is a great hub! I've got to say, I have had (and loved!) all of these critters, but the rats are by far the most intelligent. We had one that actually knew his name and would come when you called him! They can be taught tricks too, like using a cheerio tied to a string to teach them to roll over. Gotta love 'em!
I totally agree it is so important to have a pet that a small person can handle and learn to take care of.I too have had rats, cats, dogs, rabbits, fish,chickens,ducks, turkeys even and what fun we've had..Even hatched quail eggs and got to watch them born..they hung around for months before finally taking off..Great hub G-Ma :o)
I love Leopard Geckos!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
The Guinea Pig is so cute!!! great hub, very useful.
i had a guinea pig before he was nice, but on the 1st day he bit me and took a whole layer of skin off of my thumb!
i now have four hamsters and think they are one of the best to have!also they really don't mind the fall!=>
RATS RULE!!
I think that it's terribly unfair that rats get passed over all the time. I've had many different kinds of pets, and I can say that rats are wonderful. They really want to be around you. They think people are fun, and they are curious and intelligent. I would say rats all the way. But - I also think that for a child between 8 - 12 a budgie (parakeet) or cockatiel are also great.
i dont know what to get what do uthink i should get and i dont want to get a dog or a cat :p
What are your interests? You can basically go for small animal (hamster, mouse, gerbil, rat, rabbit, ferret, guinea pig, chinchilla, etc), fish, bird, or reptile.
My daughter is now 1 and i want to get her a pet i have been thinking about a turtle or a gecko. Do you think that these are good choices.. what other options do i have.
At 1 year old, whatever pet you opt to get your daughter will depeng on what YOU want to take care of. At one year old, your daughter will probably geta lot of stimulation out of a tropical fish tank, but it reality, it's really all in what you have the time and patience to take care of.
yeah, the age of a child is a big factor to consider. thanks for the insight : )
I still prefer the small dogs because they live longer. The speration anxiety over losing an animal came be traumatic to a child.
We had hamsters and they were great. We even had one that lived for five years. We kept him in the kitchen so he didn't keep us up at night.
However we always preferred the small dogs and the cats.
what about mice? They are very socialble and bond quickly. They are very hardy too. Though nocturnal, they dont mind being picked up in the daytime to play. Ive had many mice. tThey dont always live long, but their great pets. (And yes, Im a kid.)
Mice can be very bitey, and don't make great pets for younger children who can be rough.
its going to be my birthday and i dont know what pet to get and not a dog or cat. something for my bedroom
i was thinking about getting a beardie but im not sure there are a few things that put me off but i really would like to get one are they worth it ?
Bearded dragons require work, but if you are ready and prepared to do the work, they are great pets.
I think that one of the best aspects of having pets for your children is that it helps them to love and appreciate abimals and become more caring as they become adults. One pet I would NOT recommend would be turltes. They look rally cute when they are tiny but they soon grow out of that faze and many children will soon find they have lost interest in them which is a shame.
Before getting reptiles or amphibians for small children, please be aware of the risks envolved with salmonella. The CDC estimates that 74,000 people get sick every year from amphibians and reptiles. Children under 5 are especially at risk from what can be a serious and even fatal baterial infection. It is estimated that 90% of reptiles carry salmonella naturally.
We have a hamster that is very very tolerant to children.
Elapidae you are correct in the salmonella is a risk, but with captive bred reptiles the risk is not as severe, especially if you wash your hands before and after handling reptiles.
petmeds hamsters can be ok with children, but they really aren't the best pet for younger children. they can be very nippy.
My daughter has loved her guinea pig pets. They are wonderful for children - they are so much fun and have unique personalities! Each one has his own special "language" that he uses to interact with you.
Even the dog gets along with our guinea pigs. My biggest caution is to make sure your children learn to wash their hands before petting or picking up the animal, because they will nibble fingers if they smell food on them, and this experience can cause a child to think the guinea pig is trying to bite when he's really just looking for a snack.
Ahhh...I remember my first pet inthe USA...a beautiful BD.Now I have rats,monitors,iguanas,and hard to keep animals.BDs do need space.I should have detailed my oown hub a little more.Thanks for commenting them Whitney.
I am very sad because my hamster "Hammy" died today (4/25/09). I need a new pet but not a dog or a cat because i allready have 1 of each!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :-(
I'm sorry to hear about your loss. Make sure to do youre research before getting a new pet so that you can ensure a happy, healthy pet.
I am looking to get a new pet. not a dog or a cat cause i have 2 dogs and 3 cats!! something small maybe somekind of bird or rodent of somekind?? we also have lots of kids and other pets so something that would work in that kind of situation!
Sounds like you have a full house with the dogs, cats, and other animals.
yes well my family has lots of time energy and room for any animal that might need saved! we love all of our pets and give each of them there own persinal time!
i'm 10 and i was goin to git a turtle but thay carry dissesies so to this day i want guinea pigs
All animals carry diseases.
hi im looking to get a pet but my mum dosent like most animals so i wanted to get a parakeet but it makes to much noise.what to do?
Whatever pet anybody, whether adult or child, is thinking of getting I strongly recommend you do your research first. As a child I had, at some point, rabbits, guinea pigs, gerbils, rats, mice, hamsters, jirds, snakes and fish and I went on to do a qualification in small animal care. It is not something to be taken lightly and a lot of thought should be put into it. I strongly recommend that NO ONE buys a pet solely for a child because it will ultimately be the responsibility of the whole family to ensure it is cared for adequately. I would just like to make a few points:
1) Guinea Pigs do not handle falls better than hamsters. In fact falling can be very dangerous for a Guinea Pig. No young child should handle ANY animal without adult supervision.
2) Guinea Pigs, and indeed the majority of pets, require a little more than simply a cage, food bowl and water. They need hiding places and something to stimulate them. Just like us, animals can become bored. It is also unfair to keep Guines Pigs alone. They too like comany.
I strongly recommend Guinea Pigs and rats because they are very interesting to keep and, with a little bit of responsible supervision, make brilliant pets for children. Guinea Pigs are funny to watch and will shout at you when they believe it is meal time. Rats are extremely intelligent. I once watched mine piling the contents of their house on top of the other so they could climb up it and reach the top of the cage!
Enjoy your pets but please THINK carefully before taking one on. Remember, a pet is for life not just a birthday or christmas present and they are definately NOT for show until you get bored of them.
my sister and i are looking for a pet since our hamsters recently died. another hamster is not another option... moms orders and we looked at ferrets...no. we have two dogs that are used for hunting-- but one of them is good with small pets and the other just leaves em alone. so do any of you guys have an idea?
requirements:
no red eyes
no stink
small;can be in a cage
no high maintenance
good with dogs
no expenses (vet etc.)
Ferrets will have vet expenses. They are high maintenance, have high odor even after they stink glands have been removed, they are not always 100% litter trained, their poo smells God-awful, and they are not good with dogs (on average). Ferrets are not a good option for your requirements.
Rats are small but need medium to large cages.
Gerbils are similar to hamsters.
Mice are similar to hamsters.
Guinea pigs may be an option for you. They need medium sized cages, but will generally leave the dogs alone. Have low odor as long as cage is clean. Do no require vet unless sick, but that will be the case with any animal. Requires regular food and bedding changes, which will cost money to replace when low or empty. Do research on caring for them; you may find they may fit better than a ferret.
No matter what you should never leave the dogs alone with any other animal, not because of their breed or use to the family, but because you can't trust any dog alone by itself with small rodent-type pets.
dogs are still more attractive to young kids i had a hamster and they stink horribley and my daughter ended up giving it to our cousins cause she got bored with it rats eeewww lizards arent bad but u cant do anything with them oh and guine pigs are a larger version of hamsters now i have a ten year old daughter who we got a dog and she loved her so much she coudlnt be seperated
Great information! My 5 year old really wants a pet, but she is allergic to cats & dogs. We are considering a fish or iguana. I'll read your links on caring for pets.
Iguana's aren't the best pet for kids. They get rather large and be quite aggressive as adults.
Stacie Naczelnik says:
2 years ago
I had a fabulous pet rat when I was in high school. She was so sweet. The only problem was that I was always afraid my equally fabulous cat would find a way into my rat's cage.