Best Pets for Kids

Favourite Rodents

The most commonly kept small rodents are hamsters, gerbils, rats and mice. Gerbils have very little odour, followed by hamsters and rats, and mice have the strongest smell. Even though they might smell somewhat, captive-bred small rodents tend to be many generations removed from their wild ancestors and are unlikely to be carrying dangerous diseases or parasites. Nevertheless, you should practice good hygiene and wash your hands after handling the pet or cleaning the cage. You should teach your children from an early age that they shouldn’t put their hands in their mouth until they are washed.

No Biting

Within reason, small rodents tend to be gentle animals who, with some initial taming, do not bite readily. While gerbils and rats seldom bite, well-socialised mice and hamsters can also be gentle, but do tend to be nippier initially.

As a parent, you should teach your children that no rodent enjoys being held tightly and they should pick the pet up by gently cupping him in their hands. Be aware that frightened rodents can jump unexpectedly, and a fall from a height could be fatal. To prevent this, the young owners should be encouraged to initially play with their pets while sitting on the floor.

Two’s Company

Rats, mice and gerbils are social animals and will do much better if kept with a companion. It can be tricky to introduce adults to one another, so the ideal is to allow several juveniles to grow up together. Hamsters are happy alone and Syrian (golden) hamsters will fight each other viciously.

 SHOP FOR YOUR SMALL FRIEND

Source: contentUtrust