children and pets!!

[petes_dragon]

Hi everyone, long time to Q!!

Does anyone know what the right age is for a child to have his first pet hamster?

My son is almost 4 and is DESPERATE for a pet and we thought that a hamster would be the best way to go - but is he too young?

(I've also put this in A&N)

Thanks in Advance

A xXx

[Pea Pod]

http://www.hamsters.co.uk/hamster_pet.htm Morning petes dragon we always were surrounded by pets of varying types when the children were young and hamsters are a great first pet for children.I`ve put the link up because not all are suitable for small children.xx.

[bonbon28]

My son is 5 and we recently got him a hamster and he adores it. He loves the responsibilty and feeds and cleans him out (with my help). I don't think there is a 'right age' as long as you think your son would be Ok with the hamster.

[harleybobs]

Hi, I know that people will go eeehhh but a pet rat is the best thing, hamsaters can bite sometimes for no reason where as a rat will very rearly bite plus they are more easy to handle for a little child.
Hope this helps !!

[netibiza]

Don't forget that a hampster is a nocturnal animal and therefore wouldn't make much of a daytime plaything.

[david2941]

Hamsters need a lot of attention sllep alot and can be a handfull also dont live for long Get a gold fish or two need fed ones a day great to look at and need little looking after good first pet ...