What type of animal should I get my girls? Something easy to care for!!?

Question

My daughters are 6 and 11 and really want a pet. We are too busy to have a dog and not home much. I don't want a cat because of the litter box and I think my 6 year old is allergic to cats. They said fish are too boring and that birds are too noisy! Any ideas on a pet that they can hold and play with but is easy to care for and not too time consuming??

Answer 1

Two things come to mind right away.

1. Gerbils
They perfer to live in same sex pairs, so each of your girls could have one and they could share a cage.

They are small, and a pair will keep each other company.

They need about half hour to an hour a day outside the cage to keep them happy.

They don't have much of a smell, they are easy to feed, they are cheap to care for, and they are very fun to watch!! Especially a pair of them.

The down side to gerbils is that they are so active, they can be hard to hold. They get pretty wiggly. You can get a small animal play pen or use a hamster ball to keep them safe when outside the cage though.

2. Guinea pig

Guinea pigs are very calm and can be very easy for a child to hold.

They live longer than other rodents

They are larger, and can't get lost in your house as easily as a small rodent can.

A pair of females will help keep each other company, and you would need to provide them 1-2 hours a day outside the cage.

The down side is that they need their cage cleaned more often, they need a daily diet of unlimited amounts of hay,
1-2 cups of veggies, and pellets every day. So they are a little more time consuming.

Here are some guinea pig links
http://www.guinealynx.com/healthycavy.html
http://www.cavyspirit.com/care.htm

Here are some gerbil links
http://www.agsgerbils.org/Gerbil_Care_Handbook/
http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pets_gerbilcare

avoid rabbits, ferrets, chinchillas, and rats. Although they make great pets, they are not good for a busy house hold. They need far too much time and care for what you describe.

good luck

Answer 2

Stuffed or virtual. Sorry, but this does not sound like an ideal situation.

If your youngest is allergic to cats, she may also be allergic to rodents, birds, or reptiles.

All animals require time and attention. Some more than others. All make a mess, all have feces that need to be cleaned. They can all be stinky, and destructive.

Birds can be noisy, but so can guinea pigs. Anyone who's ever had a hamster on a squeeky wheel in the middle of the night wil tell you. Hamsters are nocturnal . Your kids aren't.

Smaller rodents like mice, gerbils, hamsters, rats can easily be lost - in the house or out.

Rabbits, ferrets and chinchillas also use litter pans. At least, you hope they use the pan.

Don't forget that almost all pets bite. And most pets will need veterinary care.

Finally - please remember - no child should ever be expected to assume full responsiblity for a living, breathing creature. You will need to supervise it's care, or do it yourself.

Answer 3

All animals need attention and not just a few hours aday. They require clean cages and fresh water daily and good food. The best rodent type of animal is a rat. It sounds like you are too busy to devote the time and energy it takes for a pet. How about an ant farm and then the ants won't care if you are there or not. Remember many animals have long life spans and it is not fair for them to be neglected when the newness wears out.

Answer 4

We've had both guinea pigs and rabbits. Personally, as the one who is ultimately responsible for the pets, I didn't like that the pigs were sooo messy. Sure, they were small and cute but I like our rabbits way better. They are way cleaner and so easy to litter box train. You give them a box (or two) and they'll use it.

A good book to get is "Your Rabbit - A Kid's Guide to Raising and Showing" by Nancy Searle. It is very popular. Of course, you don't to have your kid's show the rabbit but it has terrific info in any case.

Now what breed to get? Rabbits are like dogs in that different breeds are known for different physical characteristics and temperaments. Do your research. Check out the ARBA's website and look at the breed photos. They are links to that breed's national club website. There, you can learn more about each breed and even contact the club's secretary for a referral to a good breeder in your area (or go to your local animal shelter).

Top two recommended breeds for children because they are easier to handle and know for being friendly are Himilayans and Jersey Wooly rabbits.

Rabbits are most active at dawn and dusk when your girls will be home from school. Rabbits are very social and will bond with your family.

Also, in my experience...hamsters get boring fast and are more likely to bite. Rats are cool and friendly, but can be messy. Hermit crabs are cool and so are leopard geckos but then... I have a house full of little boys. :)

Answer 5

A small tank with some goldfish or guppies.
You can purchase kit tanks with everything included except the fish and food. This is a great start to teach them responsibility without spending alot of cash and burden. Also it is alot easier to find a new home for fish than a puppy or kitten (not to mention that the shelters already have to many homeless animals) .

I know you said that fish are to boring but if you get a kids tank, something with a cartoon character or lots of color, you might be surprised. Fish tanks are actually very calming to watch. If you add color and make it fun for them I think they might enjoy it. Let them each pick out a fish.

Answer 6

I think any animal is really time consuming since I have raised so many from rabbits to horses! I mean I think you should really think about this before getting a pet. Not that this helps your situation any! Just look up some possible choices on the net and such, do your homework and research to find out what pet is for you!

Answer 7

Guinea pigs are the perfect pet for busy families, you only have to clean the cage once a week and if you buy the feeders fill them once a week, give them a treat everyday, and they are friendly an happy little creatures. I have 15 of them so if you want one free let me know. But they are high fun low maintenance animals.

Answer 8

A hamster or guiena pig are great pets for children. They both require a minimal set up and are easy to clean. Plus you can take them both out to play with and let them run around the house in a hamster ball. Another plus is that they both can occupy themsevles by running in a hamster wheel, they don't need consent care. Oh and did I mention...their cute too.

Answer 9

Rats are really fun and all you need to do is clean their cage about once a week. You don't need to give them baths because they are very neat and constantly clean themselves. Their one of the smartest rodents and they can learn their name and a LOT of different tricks.

If you get one, I would buy a pair together at the same pet store so they wouldn't get lonely when your not home because their very social

Answer 10

I vote for the guinea pig. They are larger than hamsters/gerbils etc., and therefore better for kids to handle without hurting them. They are very cute, and will eat most raw vegetable leftovers you have in addition to their chow. They don't stink up their quarters as long as kept reasonably clean and can be left alone for quite awhile with adequate food and water.