View Full Version : pet for a child
my grandmother watches this little girl (who turns 7 in october) and her dad wants to get her a pet for her birthday.
she loves coming over and holding my snakes and lizards, which her dad does NOT like, which is sad cause shes very mature and i think she could easily care for a corn snake with just a little bit of help. i suggested leopard geckos but my grandmother said she highly doubts her dad will buy that many crickets and mealworms.
he really wants her to get something like a hampster or gerbil but she doesn't like them, though she does like rats which i hear make great pets but guess what, he hates them.
sooo i thought about hedgehogs, very cool looking little creatures that i think all 3 of them will like and enjoy. i read about their basic care and it seems like they can care for it. but i have never had one myself and i dont like to go by just written words, i want to hear from some one with experience!
if any one here who has had or does have a hedgehog can you tell me if you think this is a good or bad idea?
if this is a bad idea, please suggest some more pets, thanks!
I've owned two in the past...and both of them were somewhat temperamental. With mine I had to work hard to gain their trust, and they were great little animals...as long as I handled them daily...I went on a 3 day vacation with my family a few times and each time I sort of had to tame them down again which I found rather odd...I think for a 7 year old they are not a wise choice...but this is only my opinion.
TexasAggie04
09-08-04, 08:29 PM
Guinnea pigs
no way on the guinea pigs, my friend that knows all about small mammals sais they need alot of care and attention which it most likley wont get at this house, a once a day handling of a hedge hog is much more likely to happen.
herpslave
09-08-04, 08:34 PM
Get a leopard gecko, adult leo, Adult beardie, Or a corn snake. Adult beardies only need 8 crickets a week 15 max, and they eat alot of vegetables, greens, and fruits as there main diet. Adult leos do not require crickets every day nor mealworms.
Maybey 8 crickets is all they need every other day. mealworms are not that expensive, here they are only a dollar or 1.50 for 300 mealworms. Btw mealworms live for months if kept on a mediocre diet of bran and a vegetable source of moisture.
Snakes are good, they feed on mice, pinkies, rats ect... Or garter snakes, they eat fish, can be trained on pinkies but with vitamin supplements.
damzookeeper
09-08-04, 08:42 PM
I"ve owned them in the past and have another now. Funny thing is that when my daughter was 2 ( the first time we had some) she loved them and there was one female that she handled contantly. But this time around at age 9 she is afraid to handle the new one because she doesn't want to get picked. So, I wouldn't really recommend them for this little girl. Her father probably wouldn't like it if it turned out to be a popper or shy hedgie which many are. They are wonderful, awesome pets but seriously her father doesn't sound like the kind of owner for these guys. I would take a rat over a hamster any day, those buggers bite all the time! Rats are much more docile and smart. lol
But I would say go with TexasAggie and get a guinea pig. My daughter also had one of those. They can be quite vocal though so if that would bother the father that too would be a problem. Ours learnt the sound of the refridgorator and would squeel with delight every time it opened because she thought carrots or greens where coming her way. lol. We called it the fridge alarm. :)
He could also go with a female bunny. Males spray so I'd stay away from them, but a female dwarf rabbit would make a great pet, they can be housed in a large guinea pig cage and are pretty easy to care for. Another great pet would be a cockatiel. My daughter loves our bird. If you get a hand raised tiel at a young age they can be very pleasing as a pet. They love attention and will sit on your shoulder and eat from your hands and give you kisses. :) Great pets. We have two tiels.
Hope she gets her pet and the father doesn't change his mind afterwards.
damzookeeper
09-08-04, 08:45 PM
oh, and if you want to go the herp way, you could always suggest a mali uro. Get an adult or older juvie and they can be fed on a diet of mostly salad.
Sorry about the gp suggestion, I posted before I saw your second post on the no go for gp's.
TexasAggie04
09-08-04, 08:53 PM
I hear female cockatiels don't talk, and that would be nice if noise is a bother. That might be bologna though, I have never had one.
I got my son a snow corn for his 7th birthday...
He always loved looking at my snakes.. so I got one for him.. he loves it.. he takes care of it under my guidence... he is learning allot :)
damzookeeper
09-08-04, 09:27 PM
Originally posted by TexasAggie04
I hear female cockatiels don't talk, and that would be nice if noise is a bother. That might be bologna though, I have never had one.
Well, most females are much quiter than males, and they seldem to never actually talk. But they can make lots of wistles and noises. I wish someone would tell my females they weren't supposed to be loud. lol, but then we have 6 all together and having a flock is much different than having one. One alone is usually fairly quite. Flocks like to yell at each other to make sure they are still in hearing distance. :)
My 9 year old daughter also has her own snake. She has a milk snake. Not my first choice, I would have went with a corn. But she wanted the milk so she got it on condition she cleans and cares for it (exception of feeding, I do that) She is awesome with her snake and for a milk snake it is pretty calm with her. More with her than with me. lol.
I male sand boa would be great too, if it was well established, they only get about 15 inches long where a corn gets about 48. Just a thought.
Derrick
09-08-04, 09:57 PM
I would definatly say no to the hedgehog idea.
1) as said they can be termpermental and they bite hard
2) being poked by thier quills while not painful can cause irratation similar to the itchy ness after a cat scratch and its pretty much unavoidable when handling.
3) they are prone to tumors(cancer) and growths mines already had to have 1 removed to the sum of 160$
4)they benafit from a running wheel. which has to be a solid type due to thier long legs. promlem: they run all nigh and urinate and crap in the wheel which dries and has to be scrubbed daily.
check out http://hedgehogcentral.com/ and the yahoo hedgehog help group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hedgehog_help/ (you have to become a member)
It's too bad she can't have a snake because my daughter has been looking after her own since she was 5, they are a no brainer.. But she will no longer handle the hedgehog.
just buy her a corn snake and who cares what her dad thinks
damzookeeper
09-09-04, 04:55 AM
Originally posted by Enter
just buy her a corn snake and who cares what her dad thinks
I think she was saying that it was her dad that was looking to buy the pet for the girls birthday.
I'd say go with a snake as well, but if he doesn't like snakes I still think a Mali would be the next step to try and persuade him.
Aren't hedgehogs insectivores? Wasn't this the problem with leos? Cornsnakes are (in my opinion) the best low-maintenance pets for kids. I dont have a lot of experience with small mammals, but they are smelly, require daily care, and live short lives (leading to earlier heartache for young owners). Bearded dragons and leoepard geckos are awesome pets too. Mammals suck. ;)
rg
lisa marie
09-09-04, 08:10 AM
I think the rat is the best idea, but of course dad doesn't like that. Rats make wonderful pets!! So....he doesn't like herps or rats. Maybe he needs to be a little more open minded?
This child's father doesn't have to LIKE reptiles as pets, but he should respect and nurture his daughter's interests in them.
The pluses of owning reptiles:
1.) Many are small, require very little space for housing.
2.) Are hypoallergenic; many people with allergies to cats and dogs find reptiles non-offensive to their bodies.
3.) Are easier to care for.
4.) Eat less, and less often than mammals.
5.) Are easily handled... many leos, beardies and snakes are docile and suitable for occassional handling by children, under supervision, of course.
6.) Live longer than most gerbils, rats and mice. Many reptiles have the same life expectancy of cats or dogs, if not more.
It's a shame that this girl's father wants to push his own 'wants' in front of hers. Personally, I think a nice tortoise would fit into this situation. Many people who dislike reptiles in general often are open to turtles and tortoises. Tortoises also eat primarily vegetation, and easily cared for. A tortoise can become a lifelong friend if cared for properly.
Please update us and let us know what they decide on...
P.S. Didn't read above replies, so I apologize if I've repeated anything...
NewLineReptile
09-09-04, 10:25 AM
Ferret They are nice pets.
As for the ones that say get her the snake.....I would be sure to ge somthing the father would agree with as the child is only turning 7 years old. And it would probably be the father caring for this pet as a 7 year old can forget all about the pet as somthing new catches their eye.
Brandon
Another point... make sure you consult with the father before purchasing anything... you want to make sure he approves the gift, and will be able to provide it with all the neccessary items the new pet will require.
I love ferrets, but they stink, and get into everything!! =)
damzookeeper
09-09-04, 01:45 PM
Not all Ferrets STINK, but they do still have a skunky smell to them even when operated it just isn't as foul. Our little girl is a doll but not all ferrets are friendly too, they have to be taught at a young age not to bite or they will grow up to be biters. And yes, they are very hyper and get into everything. Ferrets are also very high mantainence. They need to be cleaned at least every 3 days and they need their nails clipped often or they can scratch rather deep. Not perposely but being so active when you try to hold them they just want to move. Ferrets sleep about 18 hours a day so when they are awake they make up for it. lol. They also need a large cage with a litter in it and lots of toys and out time. Our ferret has her own room with patio doors so we can watch her when she is out. She is an awesome pet but I couldn't see my 9 year old caring for her soley.
Oh, and when they poo it stinks! only for a little while but if your in the same room you know! lol. That is why the frequent cleaning of the litter.
If he wants to go mammal I'd go with a rat (I know he doesn't like them but if you get them small enough they are cute and you can get used of them rather quickly) or a baby cockateil. Teils are awesome pets too, if they are alone they usually dont make much noise and can come out for play. My guys stay on top of their cage from about 9:30 am till 9pm and they rarely ever come off on their own. They have everything they need right there, perches to play on food, water, latters to climb, and toys to play with. Setting up a nice bird cage is a bit costly though but so is a cage for any herp that needs uvb.
I also like chinchillas but I wouldn't recomend these as pets for younger children eithor as they can be really nervous animals.
Please let us know what he decides. Too bad the dad wasn't more open minded about rats or snakes, they make excellent pets.
newtosnakes
09-10-04, 10:18 AM
Its really ashame he doesnt like rats! They make awesome pets! I just love my girls!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v420/JessicaJarrell/IsabelDanniandFaith.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v420/JessicaJarrell/ratties.jpg
Beautiful rats!! Cute photo...
I like 'Teils too, but about them being noisy... My mom owns a female named Cookie, and she is the noisiest bird I know... she's completely alone, but loves to coo, scream and screech. She is spoiled, so we all assume her racket is just begging for attention... She is NOT quiet at all!! LOL
Like I said previously, I think a cute box turtle, or a smaller species of tortoise would work well in this situation, considering all the factors...
I hope this girl and her father can come to terms and compromise on a pet they'll both enjoy... =)
thanks for your suggestions and ideas every one. the hedgie idea is out, i dont know too much about them but it doesn't seem like much of a child's pet any more. i still think the best pet for her would be a corn snake but i'm really gonna have to talk to her dad about that-see, he doesn't know any thing at all about snakes, if i can just talk to him and teach him some things i hope he'll feel a little better about them.
i was thinking about an adult leopard gecko though. they eat alot less than babies and are probably easier to handle (my baby is still really jumpy, even tried to bite me the other night).
but theres also the fact that her father is VERY busy, always gone in other parts of the country doing big business things and she is busy too, goes to school, does alot of after school activities and more. i think maybe she should get something really simple at first like a little newt so all she'd really have to do is clean and feed it's little home.
if she doesn't take care of it well, i know she needs a while before she should get into any thing else, if she does, then thats great, maybe she could get the snake or the lizzard or whatever.
Perhaps you should re-think a gift idea for your young friend... It seems like the animal won't be going to a very experienced home, and as much as I'd hate to say it, many kids get bored once a pet loses it's 'newness'. Just a thought...
Also, that last comment you made gave me the idea that you don't really care what happens to the animal after it leaves your custody...
"if she doesn't take care of it well, i know she needs a while before she should get into any thing else, if she does, then thats great"
actually i care more about the pet she gets than her, i am much more of an animal person than a people person (just throwing out things to prove my point) i dont eat animals and i do not tolerate any abuse towards animals.
after i said "if she doesn't take care of it well" i think i should have added i'll ask for her to give it to me because i'll tell her it might die and i'll take care of it for her.
no matter what animal she gets i want to go to her house more often and see how its doing, help her clean it and feed it if she needs help.
if her father doesn't help her i'll talk to him about that and ask him to do something else for it.
the animals are more important to me than any thing else in the world.
I appreciate your thoughts, and you seem sincere, but I am also wondering why you seem to be 'pushing' this gift on this girl and her father.
If he is a single father (and it sounds like he is) this could be one more straw on the camel's back, so to speak. He's probably got enough stresses and worries.
Maybe you could just buy an animal and keep it at YOUR place, so the girl has benefit of owning the pet SHE prefers without actually having to move it into her father's house. That way you can also supervise her with the animal, and show her how to care for it. You can also make sure the animal eats, stays warm and healthy...
beanersmysav
09-11-04, 11:37 AM
I'm not too sure how much of a pet this is for younger people but I find it takes less care then my any of my other pets except for my Armadillo Lizard, and thats a Crested Gecko. If feeding is going to be a possible problem like its said in previous post they eat a very little amount of crickets, my male eats about 4-5 everyother day, and loves his baby food/crested gecko good mix which they need very little of. In my oppinion as far as maintenence goes Cresties are very easy to care for. All I do is change the substrate three times weekly since I use paper towels, and give him his new food and water. They dont like to be held a whole lot but if occasional handeling and fun to watch pet is what she wants this is a good idea, besides their adorable.
However Beardies are great pets for kids I'm teaching my 3 old sister to care for lizards when she comes over, and so far she's managed to hold my two beardies and my brothers beardie perfectly. She knows all the do's and dont's and follows them all the time when she has one of them but for some reason when she free roams she feels the need to bring a dog in the room and that bothers me a bit but she learned that lesson finally too.
Also Blue Tongues are great I know of a 10 yr old whos caring for a 2 yr old Skink and requires very little assistance other than reaching some of the foods that are out of distance. They are also pretty docile.
Leopard geckos again, good choice.
But if her dad is strict about all this stuff I guess like someone above said a Turtle or Tortoise would be a great pet, and although in my oppinion boring now, when i was her age I loved my Hermit Crabs especially the different shell possibilties so possibly throw that idea their way.
Glad to help if i did
JP
he is a single father so yeah, that does make things little worse. i'm not really tyring to push things, i just thought a pet would be really good for her sence shes very mature and loves animals (well she does have fish but i thought something she could actually hold would be better)
she does love my pets and i let her play with most of them when she comes over, thing is she doesn't come over often at all.
i think what i'll do is tell her father to rethink the whole idea of geting her a pet unless she would actually like something really simple to care for (like a hermit crab). i still wish he would let her get a corn snake or a rat because she seems like she'd do great with one.
herpslave
09-18-04, 07:37 PM
As it goes, alot of parents have restrictions on herps and other animals and will not change there minds... It is not cruel, it's just there house...
A box turtle is a very long living fun pet/slow pet. But box turtles require a large area to roam, humidity, they eat lots i have heard, and alot of uv lights
herpslave
09-18-04, 07:39 PM
Originally posted by newtosnakes
Its really ashame he doesnt like rats! They make awesome pets! I just love my girls!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v420/JessicaJarrell/IsabelDanniandFaith.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v420/JessicaJarrell/ratties.jpg
Those are very cute.
zero&stich
09-20-04, 08:13 PM
Maybe I'm too late? How about Chinchillahs??
My thoughts: I'd nix the 'tiels and the ferret idea. Both require tons of attension. Ferrets are no different then ownin a puppy and they keep that engery into adulthood. Tiels or any bird really requires time, effort, lots of maintence and good base knowlege just like herps. You cannot go out an buy a bird with no workin knowlege. The animal wouldnt be very healthy. And the bigger facter. ALL birds have a tremendous lifespan and some can easily outlive a single person. Your typical finches will live a good 10-14 yrs believe it or not if cared for properaly. I dont believe the Father would want an animal older than him! LOL!! Since he sounds a bit picky with pet options.
Maybe also suggest havin the daughter and the FAther just talkin and writing down names of the animals they both agree on and single out ones they would want to care for on the list and purchase a book on the animal to read first. ;)
Good luck
Jess
TexasAggie04
09-20-04, 09:05 PM
How about an afrock? ;)
Originally posted by Samba
Personally, I think a nice tortoise would fit into this situation. Many people who dislike reptiles in general often are open to turtles and tortoises. Tortoises also eat primarily vegetation, and easily cared for. A tortoise can become a lifelong friend if cared for properly.
I would definitely have to disagree with that one. While they are soooooo cute and just a joy to keep, they are animals with an incredible lifespan, easily outliving their owners with the proper care. The choice to own one should be a carefully made decision by the person who will be caring for it for the rest of their life - and to make that decision one must be mature and have an idea what they intend to do with their life, and that a tortoise fits in to that.
maybe if you talked to the dad about getting her a snake or somthing like that and offered to help them out if they needed anything and gave them your number.Told him all of the good things about them and about their care.I presonally would recommend a corn snake for her i had one when i was 5!
Linds, I was about this young girl's age when I got my first turtle, a RES (I know they aren't good beginners, but I learned a lot from her). I still have my Bo, and she's probably at least 13 + years or so old.
A lifelong companion was listed as a pro on my post. I believe the poster said this girl is very mature for her age, and capable of maintaining the pet. While I personally believe that an animal should never be given as a gift, if this girl wants a reptile most of her choices are going to be relatively long-lived; (Unless she gets an anole... or something along that nature). I was just trying to come up with a compromise - a reptile that's a little more acceptable.
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