considering a pet for 8 year old. Suggestions, pros/cons, etc.

[Anonymous]

We are considering an animal for our family, particularly 8 year old daughter. We are specifically thinking of a mouse, hamster or gerbil, but other small animals along these lines are also possibilities. I think we've ruled out guinea pigs because of their smell.

Can you help me consider what is possible/the best fit for our family? Interested in feeding, cleaning, smell/allergens (I tend to be a little allergic), lifespan, etc. There's probably other things I'm not considering. I seem to remember for instance that gerbils are is nocturnal for instance- not sure if that would have a huge impact for daughter?

[Anonymous]

a rock, serously they will be done with it in a weeek and you are stuck doing all the work or try a hermit crab.

[Anonymous]

Okay...

[Anonymous]

A small breed dog.

[Anonymous]

Cat!

[Anonymous]

Hamsters are also nocturnal. You won't want to keep them in the bedroom because they will noisy while your child is sleeping. Hamsters are also nippy.

[Anonymous]

Whatever you get, please get 2 of them. Rodents are social and need to have a friend in with them. They will be happier and therefore you will be too.

[Anonymous]

Hamsters also have short lifespans, usually 1-3 years.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Whatever you get, please get 2 of them. Rodents are social and need to have a friend in with them. They will be happier and therefore you will be too.

This does not appy to non-dwarf hamsters.

[Anonymous]

OP, think of it as a pet for your 8 year old for the first 2 days, and then a pet for you for the rest of the animal's life. Make this decision carefully.

[Anonymous]

Beta fish.

[Anonymous]

All rodents smell if their cages aren't cleaned at least weekly, bedding replaced, and wiped/bathed regularly.

[Anonymous]

Just get her one of those 25 cent goldfish at Petsmart that die within a few days. She will be bored with a pet after a week (personal experience here) and do you really want to have to take care of a hamster or guinea pig or gerbil the next three years yourself?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Whatever you get, please get 2 of them. Rodents are social and need to have a friend in with them. They will be happier and therefore you will be too.

Make sure they are the same sex!

OP, has your kid been asking for a pet?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, think of it as a pet for your 8 year old for the first 2 days, and then a pet for you for the rest of the animal's life. Make this decision carefully.

Absolutely! DS had been asking for a dog. We got a cat.