| Tired
of hearing your child whine
about wanting a pet? All parents
seem to have this problem at one
time or another. Many children
want a pet, and it’s a perfect
way to teach children
responsibility. If you’ve
decided to give your children
the opportunity to have a pet of
their own, you just have to
figure out which pet is the
right pet! There are a few
smaller, easier to care for
animals that make great first
pets. These are typically a bit
more affordable than bigger
animals such as dogs or cats.
However, with any pet, the
owner’s personality affects the
decision.
Gerbils
make great pets for smaller
children, as they are active
during the day and are extremely
curious and friendly. Gerbils
are actually desert animals.
They are very clean animals,
which makes cleaning up after
them a lot simpler. For a young
child’s first pet, these are
perfect! Gerbils are very social
animals, so a pair is definitely
the way to go with these
animals. However, be sure they
are not mates, otherwise you’d
better be prepared to take care
of lots of little gerbils! A
large aquarium-style tank with a
deep layer of wood shavings
makes for a perfect home for
these little creatures, as they
love to tunnel and dig. To keep
them (as well as your child)
entertained, tunnel-type toys
are great! Gerbil food is
relatively inexpensive and can
be purchased at any pet store.
They also enjoy the occasional
bit of lettuce or cheese.
Gerbils usually live up to three
years.
Guinea
pigs are good first pets, as
they don’t scratch and can be
gently handled. Like gerbils,
they’re social creatures, so a
pair is preferred. Guinea pigs
are very timid, so they need
lots of places to hide in their
cage. An aquarium-style tank
works well for guinea pigs as
well, as long as they have a
grazing area and places to
burrow. Guinea pigs need a daily
diet that his high in fiber and
vitamin C. Guinea pigs live up
to six years.
Most
people aren’t entirely keen on
the idea of keeping mice, but if
you’re looking to get one as a
first pet, you should keep in
mind that, like the others, they
are social. Two to three female
mice are the best way to go as
males tend to fight and produce
a much stronger smell. Cages
must be cleaned two to three
times a week. A wire-mesh cage
works best for mice, as they
need a well-ventilated living
space, with tunnels and other
toys. Mice need a lot of things
to gnaw on, such as dog
biscuits.
Though
they generally have a shorter
life span than gerbils or guinea
pigs, mice are by far the
highest maintenance. However,
any of these pets are perfect
for a child’s first pet, and
what better way to give your
child a lesson in
responsibility?
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