Sometimes, the non-typical animal can make the perfect addition to a home as a pet. Many types or pets are overlooked simply because they aren't as visible or as common in neighboring yards or houses. Most of these are smaller than an average dog or cat and require less budgetary demands for the upkeep. They still provide lively entertainment and cuddly rewards for the patient owner.
General Pros and Cons for all the Animals Listed Here
Pros
- Fairly to moderately inexpensive ranging from $75 to $200 in start-up costs.
- Entertaining to watch; visually appealing.
- Easy to house and maintain. Most require only weekly cage cleaning.
- Shorter life spans: 2-6 years, although some can live up to 10years.
- Other than fresh food and water daily, their maintenance is as much or as little as desired. (If a very tame pet is desired, be prepared to put forth the effort.)
Cons
- The smaller they are, the quicker they seem to be. They can be hard to catch if they get loose.
- Escape artists! Most will chew or claw through cardboard, this plastic and various other materials.
- Can't be let loose in a room with cords. Curiosity could electrocute the little guys.
- Shorter life spans can be hard on children.
- Some listed below bite more than others. Note that all animals can and will bite if frightened or threatened.
Guinea Pigs as Pets for Children
Guinea pigs are related to rabbits versus rodents. There can be allergy concerns with this animal so take that into consideration. There are also long-haired breeds that need to be steer cleared from if taking time to brush them daily is too much of a task. For further reading on guinea pigs, visit Guinea Pig Care and Facts.
Pros
- Social and have a squeak they use to talk with.
- Like to be held and brushed once tamed.
- Medium on the expense scale with $100-$200 start-up costs.
- Lap and hand-held size for children.
- Their size makes it easier for kids to handle.
Cons
They need 7.5 to 10.5 sq ft minimum per guinea pig for a cage space.
- Not outside animals. Very susceptible to the cold and must be kept inside and warm.
- Needs occasional exercise outside of the cage.
- Emotionally sensitive. They can literally be frightened to death.
- Takes time on the parent to tame them for the child.
Pros or Cons depending on view:
- They are social animals thus purchasing requires at least two up front.
- Life span of about six years.
- Not suitable with homes for cats. Iffy on homes with dogs.
Gerbils for Pets In the Home
These animals can be great to watch and their constant daytime activity gives the children something to see almost all day. They do take naps but otherwise stay busy with burrowing in their bedding, climbing through tubes, shredding paper or playing on a gerbil-safe wheel. The Twinsqueaks guide to gerbil care is very informative.
- Pros
- Easy to care and maintain.
- As they are desert creatures, they smell less than other rodents and drink little water and do not produce as much waste as other rodents.
- Cage only needs cleaning about every other week (or every 2 weeks).
- Most gerbils do not bite. If they smell food on the hand, they may or babies can but this habit is breakable.
- They are not nocturnal so their activities are easily observed on a normal sleep/wake cycle.
Cons
- Their size and speed can make them difficult to catch if they get loose, (and they will).
- Gerbil tails are much like lizards in the sense that they will break off if pulled on. Only difference is they do not grow back and this a very painful experience and permanent experience for the gerbil.
- Introducing later additions of gerbils is risky as they are territorial. Info on how to do this is found at peteducation.com.
Pros or Cons depending on View
- Gerbils need to be social so the purchase of at least two to start is essential.
- Gerbils life span is 2-4 years.
Hamster are Not the Best Pets for Small Children
While much like a gerbil, the hamsters needs and dietary requirements are a bit more stringent. Also, it is commonly noted through forums that hamster much more frequently bite even after being tamed. They too can be long or short hair so choose the best fit for the time available.
Pros
- Small and easy to care for.
- Social much like the above animals.
- Doesn't require a lot of time.
Cons
- Commonly sit in their food dish. Clean regularly.
- Watch their dietary needs. Read more on food for hamsters by Santosh Das at Suite101.
- They may bite more even after being tamed.
- Their cage can become rank quickly. Once a week cleaning a must.
Pros or Cons depending on View
- Hamsters need to be social so the purchase of at least two to start is essential.
- Life span is 1-5 years.
Rats as First Time Pets for Children
Rats can be great pets! They are not as shy as gerbils and guinea pigs and usually cope with smaller and younger children easier than the average small pet. They do have both pros and cons to ownership though. A wealth of information can be found by various authors here at Suite101. Try Mia Carter or Ian Dutton for further reading.
Pros
- Adapts to children.
- Not as shy as other animals.
- Most do not bite.
Cons
- They require more room. Floor space should be at minimum 24" long and 12" wide. There is no such thing as a space too big for a rat.
- Cage requires cleaning every few days to avoid smells.
Pros or Cons depending on View
- Rats can be solitary but prefer company. A cage large enough for one is large enough for two.
- Life span is 3-5 years.
Also, for further information on cages, read, The Top Three Best Rat Cages to Buy for Owners to Spoil the Pets.
Rabbits as Pets for Kids
For smaller or younger children, rabbits are not recommended as a good pet. While cute and fluffy, they have a way of being able to hurt their holder much like cats. Their pros are similar to that of the above mentioned animals. Cons are chewing on cords, sharp claws and the chance that they can kick and break their own back if held improperly.
Household Pets for Children and Family
Do the research and spend the time getting to know about the possible pet. The more time spent and the more knowledgeable before the purchases, the more likely the choice will be the right one and the happy one for a long time. Lead by example. Kids love to impulse buy. Show them what it takes to make responsible, committed decisions.
For further reading on choices of pets, read the following.
Pros and Cons of Reptiles, Birds and Exotic Pets for Children
Fish, Dogs & Cats as Pets for Young Kids and Parents
The Top Three Best Rat Cages to Buy for Owners to Spoil the Pets
First Pet for Kids: Debunk Myths and a Look at Facts for Parents
Cherisa D Hays - Writing is more than a pastime. It is a passion of the written word and how one person can make a difference in such a large, vast ...
Join the Conversation