Which pet to get

Unless your child has experienced the loss of a family member or friend, the experience will undoubtedly be upsetting, though it can also provide the opportunity for an important life lesson. While guinea pigs are in the same rodent family as hamsters, their demeanor couldn't be more different.

These rodents are gentle and have a sweet disposition, which makes them less likely to bite. Plus, they can be sociable, which means they won't mind being handled—as long as they're held properly—and they won't mind if young kids want to interact with them. These cuddly creatures are ideal for a kid who is just learning to take care of a pet because a guinea pig is less likely to get frustrated with its young caretaker. Consider getting another guinea pig as a companion, however, so they won't get lonely.

Guinea pigs have a longer life span —around five to seven years—than hamsters do, and they require more time and effort because of their bigger appetite for lots of hay and vegetables. This appetite can make guinea pigs messier than other small mammals, so you might have to clean their cage more frequently as well.

Quesenberry says. It's easy to feed gerbils because they have a standard diet similar to that of rats and hamsters: rodent pellets and food blocks, along with some supplemental seed mixes. Gerbils are not usually aggressive, so they can also be held, but they are very fast, so it won't be easy to hold them for long.

This quickness means a lot of activity in the cage, which could pique your child's curiosity. Gerbils are more sensitive to their environment than other small animals, however, and humidity can give them respiratory and fur problems. If you are concerned that your environment might be too humid for a gerbil, consult a veterinarian.

A rat might not be the first pet on your list, but "they make some of the best pets for small children," says Dr. They make ideal pets if you want your child to develop a strong bond with a pet , because they're interactive and able to learn tricks, such as retrieving objects and navigating mazes or obstacle courses.

Since rats enjoy interacting with people and things, providing a number of toys and accessories, from ropes to paper-towel rolls, will keep them happy and occupied.

Rats are also easy to care for and require a standard rodent diet of food blocks. However, like gerbils, rats have a short lifespan ranging from two to three years. You can consider these popular small pets for kids as long as there's adult supervision. Like guinea pigs, rabbits are good for younger kids because they usually have a gentle and sociable nature. While larger breeds can be especially gentle, Dr.

Quesenberry advises that all rabbits should be spayed or neutered to prevent any aggression and to prevent uterine cancer in females. This is especially important if you want to keep more than one rabbit in the same space. A good diet and keeping on eye on their health are also key. All these aspects will ensure you have happy rats that are the perfect starter pets for kids.

Birds are beautiful, majestic and delightful creatures. The key to keeping them as pets is choosing the right one. For instance, macaws make for popular pets but can live up to 60 years! Just make sure you do your research before selecting which bird you want!

Snakes are another reptile that makes it to the top of our list. Fascinating creatures, they can become quite tame with regular handling from a young age. No doubt you may know some people who are a little scared of snakes, but pick the right breed and there is no doubt they make for gentle and interesting pets for kids. Snakes can be more of a long-term commitment than other pets, as some species live up to 20 years. Quiet, cute and easy to clean up after — tortoises are low-maintenance pets for kids.

The main point to consider with tortoises is their diet. They need a large variety of food, with particular attention paid to the amount of roughage they consume. Besides this, some species have voracious appetites, so be prepared for buying and prepping a fair amount of food. Hibernation needs should be taken into account also. Again, make sure you research the specific breed you want before making a purchase!

This might seem a little too low-maintenance for some but if you want to start off small, sea monkeys can be the ideal pets for kids. Great for youngsters between 2 and 5, you can have all the fun of watching these creatures but without quite so much hassle. Sea monkeys only need to be fed every 5 to 7 days, and if the water gets too cloudy you can reduce the amount of food you give them.

Pets take work, but can be one of the most rewarding activities on the planet! And remember, if you opt for a dog as your new four-legged friend, be sure to check out our absolutely paw-some range of dog-friendly holidays, featuring hotels and cottages suitable for all breeds and budgets! In her third blog instalment, Princess Katalin zu Windischgraetz, discusses how the health and well-being of a pet is an important factor when designing her unique range of pet beds.

Top 13 Low-maintenance Pets for Kids. Rabbits Rabbits are a very popular starter pet for families. Remember, though, pet ownership is also serious business.

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