Taking into consideration cleanliness, non aggression, social behaviors, etc. Would prefer no ferrets or exotic type animals (chinchillas, sugar gliders, etc)
Best small pet for a 10 year old girl?
11/07/2011
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OF all those, guinea pigs and rabbits are the most social. The others are really just . . . there. Rabbits live a little longer than guinea pigs, but they also require a larger cage.
11/07/2011
We bought my daughter a hamster for Christmas one year. After a week (like most kids) she lost interest and he became ours to deal with. With a rabbit, depending on finances latter on down the road (and how big he gets) worst case scenario you can always have rabbit stew. I love rabbits but you have to have 3-4 good size ones to make a meal (depending on how many people are there).
11/07/2011
They are the most interactive for kids.
11/07/2011
Quote:
Rats need a bigger cage then some animals, AND they really do better in Male/Female or Female/Female pairs then alone. They are SOCIAL. But of all those little critters, they are the SMARTEST, most interactive and unlike hamsters and gerbils, whose only "job in life" is trying to run away, a RAT will play and interact with you....like a little dog, sometimes. VERY bright (just have to get past the ugly tail). Nature was smart in making SQUIRRELS. She gave those RATS a fuzzy tail!!!!
Originally posted by
Ash1141
Taking into consideration cleanliness, non aggression, social behaviors, etc. Would prefer no ferrets or exotic type animals (chinchillas, sugar gliders, etc)
11/07/2011
No matter WHAT pet you get a ten year old...it better be one YOU enjoy, since his/her care of it will end in a week or two (don't fool yourself into thinking your kid will be different then the sixty billion who came before them). Thus YOU will be caring for this pet. Be ready. That IS reality...fact, simple cold truth.
11/07/2011
All of these have short lifespans and will break your kid's heart. Rabbits have the longest of the bunch. With excellent care and neutering, a rabbit might last as long as ten years (ordinarily, it's more like five).
For interactivity instead of just sitting there or endlessly trying to escape, rabbits and rats are both the best.
Rabbits will require a large cage, even house rabbits. House rabbits are difficult to potty-train and will have accidents every so often anyway, so a large cage is a necessity.
For interactivity instead of just sitting there or endlessly trying to escape, rabbits and rats are both the best.
Rabbits will require a large cage, even house rabbits. House rabbits are difficult to potty-train and will have accidents every so often anyway, so a large cage is a necessity.
11/07/2011
I have to buck the trend and go with a dog. I think every child who is able should have a dog. They not only make good companions, but they help protect your house (if you get a big enough one, I wouldn't bring a dog smaller than a Lab into the house)
BUT, they do require a lot of responsibility, that you will have to share with the child, as NO 10 year old will be able to be 100% responsible for any animal. They may forget to feed them, forget to clean their cages (and animals like rats, mice, rabbits, hamsters etc really smell when their cages aren't cleaned every day or so.) A Golden Retriever or a chocolate or black lab is a good "Starter Dog" because they make good pets and usually want to please their owners. But, don't get one unless you can dedicate at least a few hours a day to training, learning and care.
For the animals above, rabbits live the longest. Yes. But, the males smell terrible (we've had rabbits and have a male now, and he's sweet, but damn he smells) and the other animals require a lot of care and responsibility. We had a a hamster get out of his cage, fall into a vent and end up getting killed by the fan on the furnace. It was SO sad. Your child will have to make sure the animal is safe, has the right food in the proper quantities, is kept clean etc.
I wouldn't recommend a gerbil because they sleep all day and don't play until night. If they are kept in your child's room, they will keep her awake with playing, eating, drinking and squeaking all night.
Good luck.
BUT, they do require a lot of responsibility, that you will have to share with the child, as NO 10 year old will be able to be 100% responsible for any animal. They may forget to feed them, forget to clean their cages (and animals like rats, mice, rabbits, hamsters etc really smell when their cages aren't cleaned every day or so.) A Golden Retriever or a chocolate or black lab is a good "Starter Dog" because they make good pets and usually want to please their owners. But, don't get one unless you can dedicate at least a few hours a day to training, learning and care.
For the animals above, rabbits live the longest. Yes. But, the males smell terrible (we've had rabbits and have a male now, and he's sweet, but damn he smells) and the other animals require a lot of care and responsibility. We had a a hamster get out of his cage, fall into a vent and end up getting killed by the fan on the furnace. It was SO sad. Your child will have to make sure the animal is safe, has the right food in the proper quantities, is kept clean etc.
I wouldn't recommend a gerbil because they sleep all day and don't play until night. If they are kept in your child's room, they will keep her awake with playing, eating, drinking and squeaking all night.
Good luck.
11/07/2011
My family had a house rabbit for most of my childhood, and I think they make wonderful pets. They're smart enough to housetrain, and can be very wsweet and affectionate.
11/07/2011
Try a Budgie. They love to play with toys, are fun to watch, they generally stay in one spot (a cage), make cute noises, and are easy to clean after. (Especially since the make very small poops, lol!)
Another idea could be a rabbit, but it's been so long since i had one that i don't remember how to properly care for them.
As for rats/mice/hamsters, they can require a bit of care, especially in cage cleaning. They also tend to smell pretty bad if not properly cleaned up after. Also if they get out, they can run off and hide. Once had a friend who lost her hamster in the house one time and they never found it.
Another idea could be a rabbit, but it's been so long since i had one that i don't remember how to properly care for them.
As for rats/mice/hamsters, they can require a bit of care, especially in cage cleaning. They also tend to smell pretty bad if not properly cleaned up after. Also if they get out, they can run off and hide. Once had a friend who lost her hamster in the house one time and they never found it.
11/07/2011
I am a former rabbit breeder and I have to say that what you need to get depends upon your child and what they want from a pet.
I love rabbits - we have a bedroom bunny who sleeps with us and most folks don't realize that they can be litter box trained. However, they can and do chew on cords and will chew on walls sometimes if they get bored (if they're not caged) - so its important that they have toys they can chew on. They love to have a box of dirt or sand they can dig in and they love to have old phonebooks, etc. to shred.
A rabbit can be a great pet if you like an animal that will sit with you while you watch tv or take a nap with you . Their poops are small round pellets that don't stink (unlike cats and dogs).
There are certain breeds I would recommend over others and you would do best to get from someone who raises rabbits in a home environment. A flemish giant would be great but they can get to be huge (my largest is 19 pounds) and usually live around 5 years. Polish rabbits are very small and very easy to handle and they are often considered a good "first" rabbit for a child.
If you do get a rabbit, you will have lots of support at link - a free rabbit forum where you will learn about how to care for a rabbit and get cage ideas, etc. etc.
Although I am pro-rabbits in general, I am not sure that a rabbit is the best pet for a child. Many times children want a pet they can run with and play fetch with, etc. etc. In that case - a dog is good.
Good luck with whatever you decide -if you do decide to go with a rabbit and have more questions - feel free to message me with any questions.
I love rabbits - we have a bedroom bunny who sleeps with us and most folks don't realize that they can be litter box trained. However, they can and do chew on cords and will chew on walls sometimes if they get bored (if they're not caged) - so its important that they have toys they can chew on. They love to have a box of dirt or sand they can dig in and they love to have old phonebooks, etc. to shred.
A rabbit can be a great pet if you like an animal that will sit with you while you watch tv or take a nap with you . Their poops are small round pellets that don't stink (unlike cats and dogs).
There are certain breeds I would recommend over others and you would do best to get from someone who raises rabbits in a home environment. A flemish giant would be great but they can get to be huge (my largest is 19 pounds) and usually live around 5 years. Polish rabbits are very small and very easy to handle and they are often considered a good "first" rabbit for a child.
If you do get a rabbit, you will have lots of support at link - a free rabbit forum where you will learn about how to care for a rabbit and get cage ideas, etc. etc.
Although I am pro-rabbits in general, I am not sure that a rabbit is the best pet for a child. Many times children want a pet they can run with and play fetch with, etc. etc. In that case - a dog is good.
Good luck with whatever you decide -if you do decide to go with a rabbit and have more questions - feel free to message me with any questions.
11/07/2011
Quote:
Your rabbit shouldn't smell. He could need to have his scent glands cleaned out - they're near his anus and sometimes they will build up stuff. I've never had to do it but you can google it and see how to do it - it only takes a few moments and some q-tips to wipe the junk away.
Originally posted by
P'Gell
I have to buck the trend and go with a dog. I think every child who is able should have a dog. They not only make good companions, but they help protect your house (if you get a big enough one, I wouldn't bring a dog smaller than a Lab into the
...
more
I have to buck the trend and go with a dog. I think every child who is able should have a dog. They not only make good companions, but they help protect your house (if you get a big enough one, I wouldn't bring a dog smaller than a Lab into the house)
BUT, they do require a lot of responsibility, that you will have to share with the child, as NO 10 year old will be able to be 100% responsible for any animal. They may forget to feed them, forget to clean their cages (and animals like rats, mice, rabbits, hamsters etc really smell when their cages aren't cleaned every day or so.) A Golden Retriever or a chocolate or black lab is a good "Starter Dog" because they make good pets and usually want to please their owners. But, don't get one unless you can dedicate at least a few hours a day to training, learning and care.
For the animals above, rabbits live the longest. Yes. But, the males smell terrible (we've had rabbits and have a male now, and he's sweet, but damn he smells) and the other animals require a lot of care and responsibility. We had a a hamster get out of his cage, fall into a vent and end up getting killed by the fan on the furnace. It was SO sad. Your child will have to make sure the animal is safe, has the right food in the proper quantities, is kept clean etc.
I wouldn't recommend a gerbil because they sleep all day and don't play until night. If they are kept in your child's room, they will keep her awake with playing, eating, drinking and squeaking all night.
Good luck. less
BUT, they do require a lot of responsibility, that you will have to share with the child, as NO 10 year old will be able to be 100% responsible for any animal. They may forget to feed them, forget to clean their cages (and animals like rats, mice, rabbits, hamsters etc really smell when their cages aren't cleaned every day or so.) A Golden Retriever or a chocolate or black lab is a good "Starter Dog" because they make good pets and usually want to please their owners. But, don't get one unless you can dedicate at least a few hours a day to training, learning and care.
For the animals above, rabbits live the longest. Yes. But, the males smell terrible (we've had rabbits and have a male now, and he's sweet, but damn he smells) and the other animals require a lot of care and responsibility. We had a a hamster get out of his cage, fall into a vent and end up getting killed by the fan on the furnace. It was SO sad. Your child will have to make sure the animal is safe, has the right food in the proper quantities, is kept clean etc.
I wouldn't recommend a gerbil because they sleep all day and don't play until night. If they are kept in your child's room, they will keep her awake with playing, eating, drinking and squeaking all night.
Good luck. less
Your rabbit could also be "horny" and sending out that odor to want to mate but they usually do that when there is a female around.
11/07/2011
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Get him fixed. I've rescued rabbits for years and they don't smell, even males, or happy "potty accident" (unless there is a health issue) when they are NEUTERED. They just use a litter pan, they don't spray and they don't get hormonal.
Originally posted by
Hot 'N Sexy TexasMama
Your rabbit shouldn't smell. He could need to have his scent glands cleaned out - they're near his anus and sometimes they will build up stuff. I've never had to do it but you can google it and see how to do it - it only takes a few
...
more
Your rabbit shouldn't smell. He could need to have his scent glands cleaned out - they're near his anus and sometimes they will build up stuff. I've never had to do it but you can google it and see how to do it - it only takes a few moments and some q-tips to wipe the junk away.
Your rabbit could also be "horny" and sending out that odor to want to mate but they usually do that when there is a female around. less
Your rabbit could also be "horny" and sending out that odor to want to mate but they usually do that when there is a female around. less
Simple.
As for the question, I would recommend a rat if you don't want to make a long term commitment, yet want a friendly, fun, and interesting pet. Don't get one from a pet store selling them as feeders unless it's fairly young: these rats tend not to receive any social training and are scared of people (they may not ever bite you, but it takes a long time to get them to trust you, if ever). Try to find a reputable breeder of rats if you want a healthy, well-adjusted individual. Heck, I've even adopted them from the animal shelter and I've never found a "bad apple".
Hamsters, on the other hand, are nonsocial animals. They live alone in the wild and view other animals, including other hamster, as a threat. These are the most likely to bite you and, even if they don't, never really WANT your attention. They will just "deal with it".
Rats are social animals and are curious, inquisitive creatures. If properly adjusted to humans, they will look forward to seeing you and will want to spend time with you playing games and exploring.
11/07/2011
I own a rabbit. Got him neutered when he wouldn't leave my leg alone. It took care of the horrible urine smell too!
11/07/2011
I would say rat, guinea pig or rabbit. You'll still have to supervise her during handling, but those are the easiest on the list to handle and the most social. My first pet was a guinea pig, and I still have fond memories of her!
11/07/2011
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Rabbit is a good one, but I think you should start with a beta fish. They can live in a 1 gal tank, then you can see how well she is with taking care of that before getting a bigger pet like rabbit or hamster.
Originally posted by
Ash1141
Taking into consideration cleanliness, non aggression, social behaviors, etc. Would prefer no ferrets or exotic type animals (chinchillas, sugar gliders, etc)
11/07/2011
Female rats are sweet, affectionate, and have a personality. From this list I've had rats, gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs and a bunny but I was the most attached to Jewel and Baby, my two rats. The other animals were either unfriendly or had so little personality. For a ten year old girl, give her two female rats. Make sure you have two rats otherwise they get lonely and depressed.
11/07/2011
None of these. I was really happy when we got our first cat when I was 8. I think they make for the best pets.
11/07/2011
I've never owned a guinea pig, although I had a friend that did and she said they are the friendliest! I have owned a hamster and have done research on rabbits. Rabbits don't seem to be the best choice as a pet for a ten year old girl. Children may not fully understand how to handle the rabbit and the primary caretaker would be you. Rabbits also tend to have a longer lifespan than, say, a rat or a hamster. This is something to keep in mind since she'll be going away to college in eight years or so.
It may be a good idea for your family to go down to your local animal shelter and see for yourself what sort of animals work and don't work. You should get a pet that works for ALL of you, including yourself! You're likely to end up with all the responsibilities. While I did vote for the guinea pig, I think an older cat (or even a dog!) would be best as a family pet.
It may be a good idea for your family to go down to your local animal shelter and see for yourself what sort of animals work and don't work. You should get a pet that works for ALL of you, including yourself! You're likely to end up with all the responsibilities. While I did vote for the guinea pig, I think an older cat (or even a dog!) would be best as a family pet.
11/07/2011
Quote:
Thank you. He's been to the Vet. She picked him up and said, "Oh, I can smell you are a boy bunny!" He said it was his sex glands and that surgery to remove them would be not only expensive but that rabbits don't do well under anesthesia (which is one reason they don't like to neuter or spay them, instead choosing to keep them separated.) It IS worse in the spring, when mating season happens, and girl bunnies outside the window would gather near his window when he was upstairs. I guess he's a real lady pleaser, or would be.
Originally posted by
Hot 'N Sexy TexasMama
Your rabbit shouldn't smell. He could need to have his scent glands cleaned out - they're near his anus and sometimes they will build up stuff. I've never had to do it but you can google it and see how to do it - it only takes a few
...
more
Your rabbit shouldn't smell. He could need to have his scent glands cleaned out - they're near his anus and sometimes they will build up stuff. I've never had to do it but you can google it and see how to do it - it only takes a few moments and some q-tips to wipe the junk away.
Your rabbit could also be "horny" and sending out that odor to want to mate but they usually do that when there is a female around. less
Your rabbit could also be "horny" and sending out that odor to want to mate but they usually do that when there is a female around. less
The Vet didn't think there was anything wrong with him, just a "boy bunny" smell. I have a VERY sensitive sense of smell, having migraines so I am more sensitive to it than other people.
11/07/2011
i do not recommend rabbits at all for children. they're often recommended for kids but they are higher maintenance than dogs and cats both. they end up living shorter lives sometimes because the amount of care needed to keep them healthy and happy is not known to many pet owners.
i would recommend a cat. they're so self-sufficient and you won't have to worry about neglect in the cage, etc. just change their water, add food daily, provide scratching post and cat bed, and change their litter every couple of days. and lots and lots of love!
the local shelter is the best place to adopt any animal, in my experience. around here you get an animal thats' already spayed for around $40, with their shots, plus a bag of food, and the animal is microchipped. you also get the first vet visit free.
i would recommend a cat. they're so self-sufficient and you won't have to worry about neglect in the cage, etc. just change their water, add food daily, provide scratching post and cat bed, and change their litter every couple of days. and lots and lots of love!
the local shelter is the best place to adopt any animal, in my experience. around here you get an animal thats' already spayed for around $40, with their shots, plus a bag of food, and the animal is microchipped. you also get the first vet visit free.
11/07/2011
Quote:
Originally posted by
melissa1973
We bought my daughter a hamster for Christmas one year. After a week (like most kids) she lost interest and he became ours to deal with. With a rabbit, depending on finances latter on down the road (and how big he gets) worst case scenario you can
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more
We bought my daughter a hamster for Christmas one year. After a week (like most kids) she lost interest and he became ours to deal with. With a rabbit, depending on finances latter on down the road (and how big he gets) worst case scenario you can always have rabbit stew. I love rabbits but you have to have 3-4 good size ones to make a meal (depending on how many people are there).
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11/07/2011
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rabbits life span can be up to 15 years, just the same as cats. ordinarily, it should be about 12 for many breeds.
Originally posted by
Eucaly
All of these have short lifespans and will break your kid's heart. Rabbits have the longest of the bunch. With excellent care and neutering, a rabbit might last as long as ten years (ordinarily, it's more like five).
For interactivity ... more
For interactivity ... more
All of these have short lifespans and will break your kid's heart. Rabbits have the longest of the bunch. With excellent care and neutering, a rabbit might last as long as ten years (ordinarily, it's more like five).
For interactivity instead of just sitting there or endlessly trying to escape, rabbits and rats are both the best.
Rabbits will require a large cage, even house rabbits. House rabbits are difficult to potty-train and will have accidents every so often anyway, so a large cage is a necessity. less
For interactivity instead of just sitting there or endlessly trying to escape, rabbits and rats are both the best.
Rabbits will require a large cage, even house rabbits. House rabbits are difficult to potty-train and will have accidents every so often anyway, so a large cage is a necessity. less
they should have a cage at least twice the length of their running-span, and be let out daily.
i so highly recommend a cat. they're so easy going and low maintenance. and they take care of themselves.
11/07/2011
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Is that so? All the rabbit rescues here highly recommend spaying and neutering and won't adopt out rabbits unless those conditions are met.
Originally posted by
P'Gell
Thank you. He's been to the Vet. She picked him up and said, "Oh, I can smell you are a boy bunny!" He said it was his sex glands and that surgery to remove them would be not only expensive but that rabbits don't do well under
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more
Thank you. He's been to the Vet. She picked him up and said, "Oh, I can smell you are a boy bunny!" He said it was his sex glands and that surgery to remove them would be not only expensive but that rabbits don't do well under anesthesia (which is one reason they don't like to neuter or spay them, instead choosing to keep them separated.) It IS worse in the spring, when mating season happens, and girl bunnies outside the window would gather near his window when he was upstairs. I guess he's a real lady pleaser, or would be.
The Vet didn't think there was anything wrong with him, just a "boy bunny" smell. I have a VERY sensitive sense of smell, having migraines so I am more sensitive to it than other people. less
The Vet didn't think there was anything wrong with him, just a "boy bunny" smell. I have a VERY sensitive sense of smell, having migraines so I am more sensitive to it than other people. less
11/07/2011
I am most definitely a rat lover. Rats are so social and affectionate. Once they get to know you, they love to play and cuddle. To me, owning rats is like owning pint sized dogs. It's fun to teach them tricks as well.
11/07/2011
I prefer dogs, really. But I second what people say about cats. They are really self sufficient and can be affectionate. My parents got me a rag doll, who was horribly sweet and playful. Unfortunately, both my dad and I turned out to be super allergic which was no fun at all. My heard really lies with dogs though. They're much better companions than any of these.
That said, of the list, I'd probably go with a rabbit.
That said, of the list, I'd probably go with a rabbit.
11/07/2011
I'd go with rat. I've had several over the years & they are definitely the smartest & friendliest of the small animal/rodent category.
11/07/2011
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Oh I loved my hamster, and I was 9 to 12 until it died of old age. I was taking great care of it, and I think it really liked me. I've heard they bond well too, and it makes sense. When it was still a baby, I spent a lot of time with it, letting it sleep on me, and I never had a behavior problem with it. It eventually started to sleep at night, even if they are supposed to be nocturnal. Maybe I was one of the very lucky ones to have a special hamster.
Originally posted by
Ash1141
Taking into consideration cleanliness, non aggression, social behaviors, etc. Would prefer no ferrets or exotic type animals (chinchillas, sugar gliders, etc)
11/07/2011
I've had several rabbits neutered - not a problem for them at all as long as you have a rabbit-savvy vet who knows how to do it right.
11/07/2011
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