What pets for little ones?

**Oppro** · 03-02-2010, 06:07pm

DD is coming up for 4 & I think I'd like her to have a pet soon, help teach her about life cycles, responsibility, animal kindness, how to handle animals etc.

What are good pets for younger ones?

Just seen a couple of degus on freecycles & have emailed asking for more info but any other recs?

**Solitaire** · 03-02-2010, 06:09pm

Guineas

I've heard that degus don't make very good pets, despite being sold by lots of pet shops now - it was on some TV program with a vet advising people to steer clear.

**Em29** · 03-02-2010, 06:11pm

Guinea Pigs without a doubt. I will be getting some for Ella in a year or so. All the others seem to just snuff it for no reason. If you want an indoor pet then female rats, if you can get past the tails they are lovely, all other rodents can be a bit nippy in my experience.

But that is just my opinion

**sersha** · 03-02-2010, 06:20pm

Another vote for a guinea pig. Rabbits apparently make fairly lousy pets for small children according to my vet sister!

**Mrs B** · 03-02-2010, 06:23pm

Virtual ones all the way here!

Sol's nursery keeps giant African snails, they're pretty easy to look after!

**BJMac** · 03-02-2010, 06:41pm

Originally Posted by Em29

If you want an indoor pet then female rats, if you can get past the tails they are lovely,

Urgh :shuddershuddershudder:

Sorry, just my opinion, but urgh!!!!!!!!!

**Booh** · 03-02-2010, 06:49pm

Another guinea pig household here - Ii do have rabbits but they are far too small for the LO's to hold, and they are dwarf rabbits!

Micah · 03-02-2010, 07:29pm

Gerbils are fab, mainly because they are desert rats, so don't pee very much, which means they don't need quite as much cleaning and don't smell.

However- they are very fast for little ones, although generally very friendly little things.

I'd say if you have the space rabbits....