Parrots are the most popular domestic bird and for good reason. They are quite inexpensive, and a ten gallon tank should be enough for a couple of these cute little rodents. Rats are the ideal small pets if you want your child to develop a strong bond with his/her first pet, as rats are extremely sociable and intelligent. If you have a child with allergies, a bunny might be a great option. One of these seven small pets might be your best bet. Little dogs or small dog breeds are the ideal pet canines for children since they are easy to take care and are very affectionate pets. They do not require a lot of attention and can be fed commercial pellets available from the pet store. However, they usually prefer the company of others, so you will need to be prepared to have multiple birds. | 6380 A good pet reptile, especially one for kids, should be docile and hardy enough that it can withstand handling, have simple care requirements, and live through a few beginner mistakes. However, not all small breeds are suitable for a family with children. After all, some pets need massive amounts of care and attention, while others prefer to be left alone. Choose the one that suits you best. Because of their nature, chinchillas aren’t recommended for children, although they may be suitable for older teenagers. Also, buying one hamster is sufficient as they don’t need partners due to their solitary nature. They can be held and cuddled with but be careful not to harm the little creatures as they are rather delicate. Another downside, of course, to owning fish is their short lifespan. If you’re living in small quarters or want to get a “starter pet” that your child can take care of, bigger is definitely not better. Some downsides of rabbits are the potential health repercussions. Like gerbils, though, a rat’s life span is generally its main downfall (besides the negative stigma of owning a rodent). For most kids, they are better as … Rabbits require a lot of daily exercise to stay healthy and their food comprises commercial food pellets and some occasional fruits and vegetables. They are more ideal for (pre) teenagers or adults because little kids my treat them to rough. They are extremely cute, cuddly and like to socialize with their owners and other guinea pigs. Perfect Pets for Kids. If you have a child with allergies, a bunny might be a great option. They are very sociable and have a tendency to mimic the sounds they hear, so you might be careful with those slang words around your parrot, don’t want the kids to learn those, eh? However, you do not have to work your head around all that because we did the research for you, and are proud to present this list of the ten most adorable, friendly creatures that you can raise at home. Gerbils enjoy being observed and taken care of, but they don’t require as much medical attention as a hedgehog or as much overall attention as say, a dog. Ferrets are another small pet better suited to older children (they’re not always happy being held in … The best part about guinea pigs is without a doubt their innate, sweet disposition. If you think the benefits of owning a hedgehog outweigh the downsides, then the hedgehog could be the right pet for your family. They don’t mind being handled and they can even be cuddly, like a puppy. Hedgehogs will mostly eat cat or kitten food, but occasional supplements such as eggs, crickets, fruits and vegetables, cooked meats are also required. Small Pets For Kids. They need companionship for a pet just like them, so all of these costs will need to be doubled. They have a great memory for a creature which is so small, and will survive on food pellets that you can find at the pet store. Sea monkeys or brine shrimp make perfect introductory pets for your child. They can be handled a lot, are very calm and cute as well. Hermit crabs are omnivorous scavengers and you will need to serve them some fruit or vegetable bits alongside their daily food, but make sure you wash those fruits and vegetables with de-chlorinated water before serving them to the crab. Also, they are nocturnal so they will not be awake for most of the day. However, if this happens to you, you could look at it as an opportunity to open up a dialogue about death and grief with your child. Dr. Quesenberry said, “Hedgehogs require more care and are prone to more health problems than other small pets. Ferrets are okay with handling and will not bite unless treated in a rough way or harmed. Fish are one of the smallest, most hands-off pets you can own. A hamster is a lot like a gerbil in that it makes a great first pet that’s small and easy to take care of. Alibaba.com offers 8,158 small pets for kids products. They come in a range of sizes and colors from plain green to species that look like a modern art painting. They might nip and get aggressive, so be wary of that. Gerbils come in many varieties and the best part about them is that they are odorless and remain quite clean. We’d recommend you begin with a 20-gallon tank and start your collection with freshwater fish. Gerbils are easy to feed and don’t tend to be aggressive. Female rabbits are also particularly susceptible to uterine cancer, so spaying is important for that reason as well. If you have younger children, beware; you may want to store the fish food in a high-up place in order to prevent accidental spillages from happening. These tiny creatures are quite social and come of out of hiding during the evenings. Apart from feeding them flakes and cleaning their tanks every now and again, the care and effort is relatively minimal. For a small pet they can live for a long time: between eight and 12 years. Hamsters are fun and active pets. Gerbils are group animals and are generally kept in groups of two to four. (Nothing against toddlers, but they’re kind of known for overfeeding fish!). Rats tend to live for only two to three years, so again, that could be difficult depending on your child’s age. They have a life span of 5-10 years and are great as a “starter pet”, suitable for children of any age group. The best cat breeds for kids have an easy-going personality, have a high tolerance, and aren’t easily spooked by loud noises. According to research out of Michigan State University, the primary lessons that come with pet ownership are responsibility, trust, and compassion. Crabs don’t like to smell the same food twice in a row and you must serve them something different every time, like fish now and maybe some fruits next time. If you plan on getting your child a dog, you need to know the best small dogs for kids that are suitable for them. There are plenty of reasons why you’d want to get a pet even if your space isn’t conducive to a cat or dog. These birds are flock animals and tend to do better when they’re in a group, says Dr. Mackey. If you are planing to get a pet for your kid who is aged under 10, you might want to consider an option that doesn’t get aggressive if handled roughly, as kids aged between 7 to 10 years old tend to be active and might handle the pet in some manner that it finds uncomfortable, resulting in harm to the child and pet. Not to mention that they are super cute and furry as well. And while they require attention daily, they are still low maintenance pets for kids compared with dogs and cats. That’s also something to consider when choosing a hamster for your family. Chinchilla male are best kept in pairs of two and female can be kept in solitary. Some people opt to keep their rabbit in a cage outdoors (at least during the warmer months) or allow their rabbit to live indoors in a cage. They are probably the most domesticated species of rodent on the planet and can build a very deep bond with their owners, and have a lifespan of 7 to 10 years. They also have zero body odor and even their droppings do not emit a smell until days. The chinchilla is fairly large at about 12 inches long for an adult, the females are larger than the males. If you are buying a chinchilla for your children, consider their average lifespan of 15 years. However, these tiny creatures are solitary and get frightened easily by sudden movements and loud noises. You can usually find these ready to grow in a kit with instructions that are easy for a young child to follow, and maybe even read and do on their own. Plus, when it comes to children, the feeding of fish is a great way to teach responsibility and to delegate age-appropriate tasks to kids. However, you do need to let them out of their cages on a daily basis and play with them, also they have a fairly weak digestive system hence proper supervision is required to ensure they don’t fall sick. These pets are not that great for little kids since they are so tiny and fragile, and they can be easily hurt. In addition to that, young kids are able to learn about bereavement and grief, loyalty, respect, and patience when they have pets that they call their own. They will play with you all day and are very cuddly once they get around three years old. They definitely require more attention than a rat or hamster as they are not very comfortable with being crammed in a cage all day, whenever you are at home you should let it out and play with it, or let the kids play with it. They can live for up to 30 years and don’t require a lot of exercising or attention. Chinchillas come in a variety of colors, from serene white to charcoal black. Take your pick amongst the best small dogs for kids on this list. The parrot lives for very long periods, some species may live as long as 80 years or more. When it comes to kids and pets, guinea pets have a lot of advantages. The ferret is an animal which once let out of it’s cage will run around your house to inspect every nook and cranny, so you need to make sure that someone responsible is around when the ferret gets out of its cage. Kids have always been fascinated by pets, especially the cute, furry ones and hamsters fit the bill perfectly. Owning a pet hedgehog is legal in most states in the U.S., except for California, Pennsylvania, Hawai’i, Georgia, and the Five Boroughs of New York City, according to Hamor Hollow Hedgehogs. However, they have a rather short lifespan of only 2.5-3 years, so be prepared to explain the concept of death to your kid if they get too attached to the little creature. Rats tend to not nip, like hamsters might, and they’re also incredibly smart. Other than that, it’s important to consult a veterinarian to see if your climate is habitable for a gerbil. Rabbits can be an excellent choice of a small pet, especially because bunnies can be hypoallergenic. Mice or rats are not for everybody, but for some children — and families — these can be good options. Make an informed choice based on your preference and practicality, and your kid will have a companion they have so looked forward to. Want to enjoy the benefits of pet ownership without the commitment of owning a dog or cat? Small lizards are low maintenance pets … Rabbits come in a variety of sizes and some species require daily brushing to keep their coats clean. However, it is not recommended to add an exercise wheel to its cage as it could damage the guinea pigs legs and it’s back. We have pet birds, rodents and rabbits and all of these cuddly animals have different behavioral characteristics and requirements in terms of space and food. 1 / 7 Photo: iStockphoto. Best pets for kids. Have a rat as a pet and it might be your child’s first experience with death, but again, it can also be used as an important opportunity to teach a child about grief and death. Hedgehogs are really cute small animals who need very little attention, but mind you- if you don’t socialize often with your hedgehog or pet it, the hedgehog could turn into a biter, which might pose problems later. Mice are very quick and agile; they also tend to be skittish, so they are more difficult for kids to handle. Whereas hamsters tend to nip and get aggressive, guinea pigs are friendly and relatively easy going, making them a smart choice for a young, first time pet owner. Some wonderful first pet ideas for kids include: 1. How to Train Small Dogs to Be Around Kids If you’ve got kiddos and your heart set on a small breed, Dr. Melissa Bain of the University of California-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine advises strong socialization and positive training methods for the pup to instill good behavior early. Another small pet suggestion is a flying squirrel. However, hamsters can be much more aggressive than gerbils. Resources and References: Healthline, Caring for Kids. Losing a pet is … Give them a large cage lined with newspaper, plenty of hay to chew on, fresh water and pelleted guinea pig food, and they’re happy little creatures. Selecting the small pet that's right for your home is no small feat. Pets are great at keeping you company as well as helping your kids learn about the concept of responsibility, and caring. Like hamsters, chinchillas are nocturnal animals and so might not be the best animal for small children who go to bed early. Chinchillas are not very comfortable with being cuddled, so let them run up to you inside. Even the parents agree to their kids’ choice, as these animals are tiny and cute. Rabbits are extremely cute, cuddly and intelligent pets with a playful nature. However, a rabbit must be considered in the long term. A group of female mice will usually live together happily and be quite entertaining with their play. As with all dogs, kids should be taught to be gentle with Cairns, but this breed will typically forgive accidental bumps from children. ), How to Dispose of Dog Poop With Zero Waste. Hamsters are small, furry, inquisitive mammals that children will love to pet. According to Angie’s List, some of the best starter fish include betta fish, goldfish, guppies, and tetra fish. Rabbits can become aggressive, so spaying or neutering is crucial to reduce the risk of aggression. In an interview with Parents, Dr. Quesenberry explained that hedgehogs — while cute, affable, and small enough for young hands to hold — tend to require a lot of veterinary care. Being shelled creatures they need calcium, so some cuttlebones need to be dropped into their aquarium every once in a while. They’re not the most well-known type of pet in comparison to fish and other animals, but also because owning a hedgehog as a pet is not legal in every state. They are social animals and can be kept in couples or groups of 3 to 4. Guinea pigs are more light tempered than hamsters and are less likely to bite, however require more maintenance as they need regular exercise, their food comprises of commercially available pellets as well as hay and occasional vegetables and fruits. If you haven’t grown up with Bull Mastiffs your whole life, something tinier — and therefore easier to deal with, at least in some aspects — might be the best option for your kids’ first pet. But it is important to recognize that pet ownership is serious business no matter how big or small the pet is. They are considered one of the best small pets for children. They have a great memory for a creature which is so small, and will survive on food pellets that you can find at the pet store. For the parents, the advantage of keeping hamsters is that these animals being tiny, require less space. Rats can make their way through mazes and obstacle courses, and they are perhaps one of the only small pets on this list that can actually be trained. But, if your child has never been introduced to a pet before, picking the right starter pet can be a bit difficult. By Jennifer Merrill | Submitted On February 22, 2010. They are for those people who require a more “advanced” pet. 5 Best Pets for Kids. In fact their fur coat is so velvety that the best thing about getting your new pet will be holding it. These creatures require careful maintenance but it should not take much of your time. However they are not recommended for small children as the rabbit does not like to be handled roughly and gets startled easily by the quick movements of a little kid. Rabbits can be an excellent choice of a small pet, especially because bunnies can be hypoallergenic. 7 Small Pets That Could Be Right for You. Also, unlike hamsters, gerbils are not nocturnal. Children can definitely handle feeding, providing water, and even walking bunnies on a leash, but adult supervision is key. The larger breeds, such as the Syrian hamster are much better if you want your children to handle them, as the larger breeds are not as delicate and are quite docile and well mannered. Some of the most popular small pets, such as hamsters and guinea pigs, might look similar but are very different in terms of their needs and how … They too, like hamsters happen to have a short lifespan of only 3 to 4 years, so be prepared for that. Hedgehogs can be social little pets that provide emotional support and can make children happy. Sea monkeys. German Shepherds and Huskies aren’t for everyone and even some cats can get big. I have two and I absolutely love them! According to the American Pet Products Association 2011-2012 survey, the top eight small pets are rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, mice/rats, gerbils, chinchillas and ferrets. They have a longer lifespan than other small pets – 12 to 15 years. Also, Not many vets know how to treat flying squirrels so you have to learn on your own with them. Caring for hedgehogs can also give a child a sense of purpose and responsibility, however, there are also potential disadvantages to owning a hedgehog. One of the things that makes sugar gliders good pets for children is their lifespan. Mice are quite easy to care for and do not need a large home. They make great small pets but they aren't for everyone. Canaries and finches are ideal pets for kids because they don’t have to be handled a lot. The Cutest Kids and Animals Compilation 2019 Pt. On the bright side of things, hamsters are entertaining and often enjoy running through tunnels, running on wheels, and sleeping — all activities a child might be fascinated by. Canaries “can be a little skittish. Guinea Pigs. Small lizard will be an interesting pet actually and are cute and small, these reptiles are starter pets and are ideal to kids who are aged ten and above, among which the bearded dragon or leopard gecko are most popular. They also have a longer lifespan than most small pets, at around 8-10 years. All that aside, they are very good for older kids and can be quite docile and sociable if you interact regularly with them. They are also quite independent and can keep themselves entertained for long periods. It is more of a calm, peaceful animal and is not exactly the kind of creature you can cuddle with or pet. Guinea pigs are relatively easy pets for kids to care for. They are great but small pets for older kids though as the rabbit is a rather peaceful and calm animal with a very soft coat of fur. Not all homes are ideal environments for big pets. Guinea pigs are more like gerbils in personality. Small pets for kids are easier to look after and your child can also learn to handle them the right way. However, they too have a short lifespan ranging from two to three years. Make sure your pet’s habitat is escape-proof. They have a great memory for a creature which is so small, and will survive on food pellets that you can find at the pet store. Their cage needs regular cleaning and they need regular socializing otherwise they will bite your fingers off, as they don’t like being handled by strangers. Children can definitely handle feeding, providing water, and even walking bunnies on a leash, but adult supervision is key. Also known as cavies, guinea pigs are generally friendly, easy to handle and not as skittish as other small rodents. Pet retailers sell portable enclosures in which your guinea pig can explore the indoor or outdoor environment, and you can even add in little boxes in the Guinea pigs cage for it to play hide and seek. They like food such as nuts and salty crackers. Parrots are also extremely active during the day and can be quite loud, they might go on screaming for several minutes until they get attention. 1. Here’s a quick review of each species’ child-friendly pet potential. If you are not ready to maintain a dog or cat quite yet, or if you don’t have the required space in your home for a larger pet, don’t worry-there are plenty of tiny and adorable little animals out there that you can bring home. Handle with care: small pets can be wigglers and may be injured if they’re dropped. 1 Funny Pet VideosThanks For Watching ! Small dog breeds have longer lifespans than the larger ones. Also, you do need serve some de-chlorinated fresh water and salt water, each in separate bowls. The hamster is a rather solitary and self-entertaining animal so your kids don’t need to exercise it as long as there are tunnels, boxes or exercise wheels in its cage. Hermit crabs are one of those small pets that are not very common, but nevertheless quite well mannered, insanely cheap, and make for great pets. Pets require regular care and an ongoing financial commitment. Top 10 Small Pets That Could Be Right for Your Kids, Dog Behaviors – 10 Things Your Dog Does and What It Means, 10 Things You Must Teach Your Puppy Before They Are A Year Old, How to Introduce Your Dog to Your Other Pets, Top 10 curiosities about cats in the ancient Egypt, Most Beautiful Butterflies: Top 10 Fascinating and Unusual Butterflies, Top 20 Most Beautiful Faces in the World 2021, Top 15 Most Beautiful Girls in the world 2020, Top 10 Most Beautiful Women in the world 2021. 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