Great Small Animals To Get For Your Child

Don't have enough room for a large pet? Don't be concerned. Your toddler will still enjoy a variety of pleasant, palm-sized selections. The greatest little pets for kids are listed here.

There are numerous alternatives to cats and dogs when it comes to adding a pet to your home. Many soft and fuzzy creatures are smaller, simpler to care for, less expensive, and require less attention. Small animals are an excellent choice for children over the age of five.

You should conduct the same amount of study when selecting a tiny animal for your family as you would when selecting a larger animal. That's because, while some of the most popular little pets, such as hamsters and guinea pigs, may appear similar, their requirements and interactions with people are vastly different.

Consider these six possibilities for the greatest tiny pet for your child, some classic and others unique. Also, bear in mind that each pet has its own set of demands and qualities before welcoming them into your house.

 

Hamsters

This traditional tiny pet is simple to look after and can even be trained to use litter. However, tiny breeds (particularly females) of hamsters can be violent. Some hamsters are difficult to manage as a result of this. Obtaining a bigger breed like the Syrian hamster, which is more likely to adjust to living in the house.

A hamster should be housed in a large cage with tunnels and nesting spaces for sleeping, yet one that is easy to clean. Hamsters live for roughly three years on average, so think about how often your child will want to engage with it. These years may seem long if you believe they'll lose interest in caring for the hamster, but they may also seem too short if the pet dies, exposing your youngster to death for the first time. Unless your kid has lost a family member or friend, the experience will definitely be sad, but it may also present a chance for a valuable life lesson. "It might be depressing, but it can also be a way to convey the concept that everything dies," Dr. Graham explains. "As your child goes through the process, you may be there."

 

Guinea Pigs

While guinea pigs and hamsters are both rodents, their personalities are vastly different. Because these rodents are mild and sweet-natured, they are less inclined to bite. They're also friendly, so they don't mind being handled (as long as it's done properly) and don't mind if small children want to engage with them.

Because guinea pigs are less prone to become frustrated with their young caretaker, they are great for a child who is just starting to care for a pet. However, if they get lonely, consider obtaining another guinea pig as a buddy.

Guinea pigs have a longer life expectancy than hamsters, ranging from five to seven years, and they demand more time and effort due to their larger hunger for hay and vegetables. Because of their voracious appetites, guinea pigs can be more messy than other tiny animals, so you may need to clean their cage more regularly.

 

Gerbils

"Gerbils are simple to care for, but they aren't really hands-on," explains Dr. Quesenberry. "They're good for youngsters who don't want to become too engaged," says the author. Gerbils, unlike hamsters and guinea pigs, have a limited lifetime of around two years. Gerbils have a conventional diet comparable to rats and hamsters, consisting of rodent pellets and food blocks, as well as certain additional seed mixes.

Gerbils are not normally hostile, so they can be handled, but they are incredibly swift, so holding them for lengthy periods of time will be difficult. This rapidity indicates that there is a lot of movement in the cage, which may stimulate your child's interest. Gerbils, on the other hand, are more sensitive to their surroundings than other tiny animals, and dampness can cause respiratory and hair issues. Consult a veterinarian if you are concerned that your atmosphere is too humid for a gerbil.

 

Rabbits

These popular little pets are suitable for children as long as they are supervised by an adult. Rabbits, like guinea pigs, are suitable for younger children because of their gentle and social disposition. While bigger breeds can be exceptionally kind, Dr. Quesenberry recommends spaying or neutering all rabbits to avoid any hostility (and to prevent uterine cancer in females). If you wish to maintain more than one rabbit in the same place, this is extremely crucial.

A rabbit's lifespan is between 8 and 12 years. They're very easy to care for and can be litter-trained. Dr. Quesenberry emphasizes the need of a healthy and happy diet for the animal, which includes grass hay, rabbit pellets, and veggies.

 

Chinchillas

Chinchillas are a more exotic alternative for children who like to observe rather than interact with their pets. Chinchillas, despite their kind nature, may be quite nimble and swift, and they may not be suitable for small children who aren't able to handle them, according to Dr. Quesenberry. Chinchilla pellets and hay are required, with vegetables as a reward.

Chinchillas, unlike their small-pet cousins, should be given a dust bath rather than a water bath. Purchase chinchilla dust (which is particularly made to resemble the dust found in their natural environment) and place it in a strong bowl or deep dish, or buy a dust home. A dust bath should be provided to a chinchilla two to three times a week, outside of its cage; the cage should be tiered so it can climb up and down.

Chinchillas have a substantially longer lifetime than guinea pigs and other rodents, ranging from 12 to 15 years.

 

Hedgehogs

These spiny creatures aren't the most cuddly of pets, but they're adorable, sociable, and have a five- to seven-year lifetime. Hedgehogs will become sociable with your child if they are handled while they are young. One disadvantage is that you may wind up spending more money on their care.

"Hedgehogs require more attention and are more prone to health issues than other tiny pets," Dr. Quesenberry explains. "Hedgehogs have a higher illness incidence and can get mouth cancer and mites, so your vet expenditures may be a little more."

Hedgehogs, being omnivores, require a particular diet that includes vegetables and a specific protein-rich meal. Cat food can sometimes meet the criterion, but you should check your veterinarian first. If you're thinking of obtaining a hedgehog as a pet, make sure to check your state regulations first—owning these little creatures is banned in several areas.