Best age for a pet?

[andrea81]

My little boy is 3 and he's recently been to a petting zoo and loved the guinie pigs (sorry 4 spelling) and rabbits. We have a dog, but the dog can get out of his way if needs be, but a small animal???

He was very gentle with the animals at the zoo, but any advise on how old is a good age to start, I want him to have apet becasue it helps them to have respect I think for living things! We have fish also, but he's not bothered about fish!

[YvonneM]

I would wait until he is older there is more to having a pet and petting it. A child should learn that pets have needs like feeding, keeping clean If you get a guinea pig now he will only be 6 or 7 when it dies this will be very traumatic for him. Wait until he is about 6 and then he take some of the responsibility for its welfare. I am glad your son is growing up with animals so many children miss out because their parents are too busy.

[andrea81]

Yes i do agree with you. I think he is too young at the moment, these pest are very small and I think that his job should be the care of the pet not just the enjoyment.

I'm just glad he hasn't asked for a goat as he helped feed one at the zoo!

[wolf63]

My little brother wants a goat - and he is 40 and lives in a city! Boys - they never grow up! I don't think my SIL would be too impressed - they kiddies would love it to bits.

Some of the smaller furry animals move very quickly, probably too fast for your son. I am always concerned that I would accidently flatten it.

My mother made me wait until I was 16 before allowing me to get a puppy. I had started begging for one when I was about 4.

[babybop6379]

We got our first pet for our daughter when she was 3 it was a hamster and although very friendly my daughter didnt understand her at the time and kept feeding her crisps! she lived till 3 and my daughter went through her dying but she was fine with it. We then got her a rabbit when she was 7 that died within the first week so then we went and got a replacement one from the same place and he has been fine but hes never liked being picked up! (nightmare) hes still with us but is unsociable as ever so we got her another hamster and this one is fine goes everywhere with my daughter she is 9 now and wants a guinea pig to go with all the animals we have too! It has given her respect for animals but its still my job to clean up after them! if you are going to get a rabbit try to get it as young as you can from a family not a breeder they will be more friendly hopefully good luck x

[amonty1144]

We are a household of dogs, so my son has always been around animals, when we had the farm we had 6 dogs, numerous farm cats, sheep and 2 ferrets. and chickens. When we moved he pestered for a pet, firstly it was chickens, then fish, then a rabbit and guines pig. He is 5 and very rarely pays attention to any of them, he goes through spells of interest but unless you're prepared to look after them yourself, I wouldn't bother.

[andrea81]

So given that I will wait a few more years. Is a rabbit better than a guinea pig for young children and also should I get two for company?

I know two means expence, but the last thing I want is a depressed rabbit. My dog was depressed after lossing his best friend when he was given up to the Dogs trust. After adopting him, he still is quite moody!

[B00]

May I recommend a rat when you get round to really thinking of getting a pet? They really are amazing little animals, very sociable and usually very friendly and clever.

[andrea81]

Yes I thought of a rat, they're very intelligent arnt they? My boy hasn't seen one up front so I think we'll have to have a practice run at a petting zoo first! Do they like company?

[B00]

by company do you mean human interaction or with another rat? If you mean humans, then yes definitely, mine used to sit on my shoulders each evening and eat maltesers, rolling them round in his little hands nibbling the chocolate off.

If you mean other animals or indeed another rat- i've honestly no idea, sorry.

[andrea81]

ok. Will be buying books on whatever we get as I have only ever owned dogs ans fish!

[petexpert]

i say 1 more year.

[petexpert]

get him apet on his fourth b-day!!!!!!!!!!!