Pet rodents rank as the third most popular among all pets in families with children, after dogs and cats. Understanding the behaviors and needs of this category of pet will help you decide if a rodent is the right pet for your child.
Gerbils, hamsters, mice and domestic fantasies, rats and guinea pigs are the most popular rodents that pose for children. Several times the teacher will have one or more of the little creatures at a pet class. Some things to keep in mind for each of these animals:
Gerbils live 1 to 3 years, can be housed with same-sex gerbils in an area of 2-4 square feet and are easy to collect and manage on a regular basis. Hamsters live 1 to 3 years and are smaller than gerbils. If not managed on a regular basis can become defensive and tend to bite. They need a source of fresh water, daily food and shavings from the cage to dig and to absorb urine. These chips need to be changed at least once a week or more often if you smell. Age of the child, it may not be a task that can be done independently. Gerbils and hamsters also need an exercise ball or wheel to play with when left alone for long periods of time.
Mice live nicely, but never in a small cage, especially one which has an evidence of any hole. These small creatures can be very good at escaping if they get even half a chance. Their needs are fresh water, food and dry and clean bedding. Mice tend to be social and are happier if there are two or more females housed together. Males tend to fight and a pair of males and females would reproduce more often than the needs of the average pet owner. Mice are nocturnal for most of their antics and are active in the evening or night. They do not make a good pet for small children because they are fast and can easily escape the grip of a young child.
Rats make very entertaining pets. They live from 2 to 4 years, are very social, like human socialization and can be trained to do tricks. They need regular treatment and longer companionship than other rodents listed. Responsible teenagers who love the challenge of taming and training a pet rat can be just the ticket. They need a small and safe space, fresh water, bedding and daily food.
Guinea pigs are the largest rodents in this case, although some professionals do not consider the guinea pig a rodent. These creatures are gentle in nature. They are bigger than other rodents, making them easier to hold and handle. Guinea pigs rarely bite. They enjoy the company of a same sex cage-mate. The diet of the guinea pig is difficult to manage. It includes fresh hay or pellets, fresh vegetables and a source of drinking water. The bedding will also require a change at least once a week.
Consider buying a rodent from a reliable pet store or breeder. This ensures that your pet is healthy, disease-free and gender you prefer. Owner of a good pet store can give you advice on how to treat the animal in a safe for pets and children. Ownership costs include the rodent cage, bedding, food, water bottles autonomous, veterinary expenses if an animal gets sick and any additional vitamins or minerals that may be recommended. It is also a good idea to have an exercise wheel or ball appropriate for the size of your pet to keep them distracted.
Rodents can be enjoyable to watch, easy to handle and keep around children safely. A soft little rodent may be the perfect pet for your child.