Questions that would be helpful if answered:
Why? Do you or your child own this pet? How much are the supplies and the pet itself?
2007-02-25 08:06:21 · 24 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Hamsters, gerbils, rabbits or guinea pigs are good 'starter pets' for children. I would recommend these pets because they are relatively inexpensive (£5-6 for a hamster to £20 for a rabbit) they take up little room, so can be kept in a bedroom (better for gerbils and hamsters, but if cleaned out regularly both rabbits and guinea pigs can be kept there too) I owned both rabbits and guinea pigs when I was 12, and my sister owned a hamster. all three were fantastic pets. Supplies are relatively inexpensive too (here guinea pigs are a little more expensive, as they require lots of Vitamin C so lots of fresh veggies.) Rabbits and guinea pigs do not naturally bite, so are nice for children to have, they are also very cute, which helps to encourage children to take care of their pets. They are also good pets for children because they are fairly low maintenence, and can easily be looked after by a parent if the child does get bored with their pet.
2007-02-26 01:41:30 · answer #1 · answered by Katie C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would go with a cat or a dog (not a terrier!). Terriers are a lot more responsibility because they are very hyper and energetic (which could be good or bad, depending on your child). Other than that, I might suggest something small like a guinea pig or chinchilla-- they're cute and really easy to take care of. Cost varies depending on if you want a purebred animal. Otherwise, you can easily find puppies or kittens for free. Guinea pigs and chinchillas typically don't cost much to take care of. Large dogs require more care and inside cats will need the whole litterbox ordeal. Good luck!! I would REALLY suggest an Akita dog-- they are extremely loyal don't need a lot of exercise. Here's a link for more info on this breed:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akita_Inu
2007-02-25 08:18:24 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A guinea pig! I am 20 and have had them my whole life. They hardly EVER bite, and have the sweetest cuddly personalities. Their life span is 3-4 years, but I have had one that lived to be about 8. So make sure that you have the time for the commitment. They require ALOT of attention and love, they are extremely social animals. Of course you need to have a cage, and clean it at least once a week. And if you wanna make sure that the piggie gets enough exercise and is healthy, you will need at least 7 sq. ft. for a cage. It is up to you to let it roam around the house, or in the yard, bc you should keep your eye on it. But they CAN be litter box trained. They are very clean animals, like a hamster, bc they are always grooming themselves. The only time it would ever require a bath is if it played in the mud. You should check out this web site, i found it a few weeks ago and LOVE it!
2007-02-25 08:18:23 · answer #3 · answered by pattihornke 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say to get a dog, preferrably a lab or a golden retreiver. Both of these dogs are playful and loyal. They are usually not agressive and will heed your commands. Make sure that the child is mature enough to handle the responsibilities that come with a dog; feeding, cleaning up messes, walking, and playing. Though these dogs are wonderful pets, you shouldn't get one if you live in an apartment or a house without much land. They need lots of space to run around in.
2007-02-25 08:17:10 · answer #4 · answered by Leahhh♫ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I really like rats, they live for only 3 years, so it wont be a long term cometment
I do own this pet, and i really love rats!
It cost me around 60.00 dollars to get his supplies (if u add up what i got over the years) And the do just fine in an aquariam tank! i keep mine in a 2 story cage, for more room!
this is all i can explain, here is a good breefing on them:
http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pets_ratcare
2007-02-25 08:13:11 · answer #5 · answered by Happy Days 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
id say a kitten is a good pet.. but if you want to have something different that not as many people have id go with something like a leopard gecko.. theyre beautiful.. are extremely friendly.. easy to care for, maybe $10 a month at most.. dont smell.. dont require constant care, not recommended but you could potentially leave one alone for two weeks and it would be just fine, if you had its habitat set up correctly.. and dont require much space, its cage can be put in a closet, on top of a dresser
it was one of my first pets and having one really taught me how to care for an animal without being overwhelming
2007-02-25 08:14:23 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, a puppy or a kitten would be good, depending on which one the child would enjoy more. I've had my dog ever since i was 2 and he's been a joy! Dogs are usually a couple hundred dollars, same for cats but it depends on where you get them at and what kinda of breed it is. The cost....well you have your vet bills and food bills, but that's about it. As to exactly how much I couldn't even begin to tell you.
2007-02-25 08:12:31 · answer #7 · answered by JC 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, I'm 11 and I have a hamster they teach your child to be responsible and they are cute with there stub tails, You should get who is better to tell you than an 11 year old right
2007-02-25 10:33:02 · answer #8 · answered by Kaylalious♥ 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think a hampster or a small sized dog...
Because they aren't the easiest to take care of, but they build resopnsiblity, and they are one of the pets that someone who is 12 could take care of.
2007-02-25 08:10:54 · answer #9 · answered by ♥Katie!(: 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well I own a Horse and i am 11 going on 12 but she will need riding lessons.Yes it is a lil pricy...
2007-02-25 08:15:38 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋