My daughter is 8 years old and would like a pet of her own to take care of. She's very responsible and helps with the family pets now. We have a russian tortoise, 2 cats, a dog and a rabbit. I'm looking for a begginer pet,something that's friendly and fairly easy to care for.
She likes fuzzy and scaled animals.
2007-06-05 07:06:10 · 17 answers · asked by Eva 4 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
I work at a privately owned pet store (All Pets Club) and I deal with this question nearly every day.
I wouldnt recommend a hamster because they are biters. It takes a lot of time and patience to tame them and even at that point, they need to be handled daily to remain completely tame. They also dont provide the affection that an 8 year old would expect from a pet.
Gerbils are a bit better but they are very hyperactive and easy to lose. But they are much less likely to bite.
Mice are even better but they are very small and fragile and easy to lose. On the positive side, they are affectionate and smart and enjoy riding around on shoulders and can be a fun little pet for an 8 year old. Its best to have at least 2 because they are social animals.
As far as the small furry pets go, my #1 is the rat. Many people squirm when I say this, but they are by far the smartest and most affectionate of the small pets. I have had all of the above and handle these animals daily and rats are by far the most enjoyable. At home, my two boy rats come running to the door of the cage when I get home to greet me. They love to give kisses and like to ride around in my hoodie or the kangaroo pouch of my sweatshirt. They run about my desk while Im doing homework and I give them treats which they've learned to beg for. They know their names and come when called. They are the cleanest of the rodents, spending most of their time grooming, but they can be bathed with pet shampoo when they get dirty.
I have one regular beige rat and a siamese dumbo. I strongly prefer the dumbos as they seem to have a more outgoing personality but that could only be my personal experience. They are also much cuter in my opinion and have less of that "scary" look if you dont like rats. Whenever I have people over and they are wary of my boys, I always take my dumbo out and within 10 minutes I have their minds changed. In the store, I often cary the baby rats around on my shoulder. They love to hide under my hair at the back of my neck. (can you tell I like rats?) The same with the mice, it is best to keep them in pairs. They are much happier this way. The bigger the cage the better. I have a marchioro rat cage that measures about 3 feet by 2 feet and about 2 feet tall. It is perfect for two full grown rats. I wish I could go bigger but I have a tendancy to spoil my pets and I simply have no more room!
Guinea pigs are another good childs pet, but its fatal if they are dropped accidentally and require a bit more handling because they tend to be shy.
As far as the scaleys go, crested and fat tailed geckos are really great. They arent bitey like many of the other gecko species are. Cresteds are definately my favorite lizard. They are curious and will often lick your hand to taste the salt or what you last ate. They just look very cool and have a calm and gentle demeanor to them. They can jump very well so be careful. These guys require a bit more care than other beginner pets. The temperature and humidity must be watched closely.
Bearded dragons are one of the easiest to take care of and they are very docile and like to hang out over your shoulder as they get bigger. They need to be handled daily as well. As they get older and they arent handled at all, I have heard of them becoming agressive but this is still very rare. You dont have to worry about humidity with these guys. You just need a couple different laps and watch the temperature.
If you like snakes, The western hognose is my top pick. They are a bit pricey, but they only grow to 2 feet long and can be kept in a 10 - 20 gallon tank. They are very docile, I have never been bitten nor ever heard of anyone being bit by these snakes, and they are very neat looking with a cute upturned nose. Same with the bearded dragon - lamps and temerature. One of the easiest snakes to care for.
I currently have 3 ferrets, 2 rats, and a cat. Ive owned just about every pet there is in the fuzzy department and when it comes to a nice small pet that will be loving and affectionate as well as being easy to care for and clean.....Rats win.
2007-06-05 07:35:41 · answer #1 · answered by lanaii_the_wolf 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
As long as your cousin isn't too rough or hyperactive around it, it should be fine. My brother has 4 leopard gecko lizards and he breeds them; they're very friendly! We actually say they're like mini dogs haha, they sit on our hands and come to the glass of their vivarium when we're near. Some can be a little fast at first, but once they get to know you, they slow down. I'm not a big reptile fan but I absolutely love my brothers geckos! I'm not sure if all geckos are as friendly and tame as ours, but I've never heard any complaints, and even the babies he breeds will climb on to his hand within a few days! I think the only other reptile I'd suggest for an 8 year old, is a tortoise.
2016-04-01 03:47:17 · answer #2 · answered by Norine 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well a bearded dragon is probably the best. they are really friendly and dont bite. you can hold them and bathe them and even feed them(well that is if you like holding super worms and crickets) you can also hold them and i love watching mine(chombo) running around on the floor. he loves it and he isnt scared of my dog or cat. it was really funny before when i got him out and he jumed on my dog. any way they can cost alot though so if you want a less expensive animal i would advise a chinese dwarf hamster. they are friendly, fluffy, not aggressive, they come out quite alot and they a re really cute. they dont do much work at all. not being big headed but this is probably trhe best answer. i know alot about animals because i have
a dog, a cat, a bearded dragon, a snake, a fish, 2 hamsters, a rabbit, 2 guinea pigs and 2 gerbils. good luck
2007-06-05 07:16:44 · answer #3 · answered by sarah 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Get a pair of same sexed gerbils or guinea pigs. Both are social creatures and should be kept in pairs- buy from a breeder or rescue to ensure you don't get a boy and a girl, or a pregnant gril, which often happens in pet shops.Gerbils are easier to care for and take up less room, but g. pigs are more personable. Either way, be aware YOU will most likely end up caring for them in the long run.
2007-06-05 07:10:31 · answer #4 · answered by magy 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Hamsters are such a great "starter pet" for young kids. They are loveable and fun, and they teach kids responsibility, but it's not as hard to take care of them as, say, a dog. The one drawback is that hamsters are sort of known as the disposable lighters of the pet community. Just when your daughter gets really attached to this hamster, he'll probably die. They only live for one or two years usually. But, death is part of the life cycle, and maybe it would ultimately be a good experience for her. Anyway, I loved my hamster when I was a kid.
2007-06-05 07:19:23 · answer #5 · answered by fizzygurrl1980 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
HOw about a hamster? Maybe a mouse. Why not put her in charge of the rabbit? They are soft and cuddly. Fuzzy and scaled do not go together. Can't think of any animal that is both fuzzy and scaled. How about a small aquarium with a couple of fish?
2007-06-05 07:11:18 · answer #6 · answered by kingsley 6 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Something not too small and not too big. A guinea pig would be good. I had one when I was about 3. Loved him. Hope your daughter has a good time with her pet!
2007-06-05 09:35:15 · answer #7 · answered by I like Tommy Shaw 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You answered the question yourself. Since your 8-year old daughter is responsible and helpful, it seems she should have the pet SHE wants. (Don't you love your Russian Tortoise!? We have one, Julia, and love her! She pretends to read books.) I went through a similar situation with my son years ago - he chose a Doberman ( a dog I was VERY leery about) - but it worked out and I don't regret it at all. Good Luck!
2007-06-05 07:28:00 · answer #8 · answered by hiztreebuff 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
A dwarf hamster is a very good beginners pet. They are fun to play with and easy to care for. If you get two of them just make sure that they are either both male or both female. Otherwise they will multiply like crazy!
2007-06-05 07:54:17 · answer #9 · answered by Daniel 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
How about a pet Rat. I have heard they make great first time pets!! Good luck
2007-06-05 07:09:33 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋