[huggl]

good for small kids-don't say hamster, gerbil...

[foxygoldcleo]

For kids over 5, I would recommend a hand-fed cockatiel. I have one. She is so sweet and loving. The more attention you show her, the more she learns. The kids will have to be gentle with the bird, but that is true with any small animal. Cockatiels are easy to care for and you don't have to walk them.

[pandora_293]

Personally, I think a Cat is the best small pet for a child. I was given a cat when I was 6years old and it taught me a lot of things in life...I learnt how to care for it, feed it, clean it and I learnt about 'unconditional love'I have heaps of animals now and I am a responsible pet owner due to the lessons I learnt with caring for 'Sooty' my first pet! I will never forget her! Good luck!!!!!

[rachel b the hamster girl]

hamster but i would recommend dwarf becus they are really easy to clean up after

[GailtheGuineaPg]

How about a guinea pig? They loved being held and wheek affectionately when they are. All that they require is having their cage cleaned once a week, guinea pig pellets, hay, veggies, lots of LOVE, and water. They rarely bite, unless they are literally being poked and prodded in all the wrong places. I've had my two for about 8-9 months now, and they've never bitten me, or anyone who handles them. They're not fussy like hamsters who squirm around when being held. They aren't escape artists either so it's very easy to look after.If you're considering getting a guinea pig, look at the links i've attached. They're the best of the best.































www.guineapigcages.com

[ABC Gerbils]

A pair of guinea pigs are nice. Believe it or not big male rats are too! My five year old nephew by-passes all of the other animals in the house and heads right for the rats; his mom turns white at the sight of them but he is nuts for the rats - they will cuddle and play with cat toys and are very gentle.Both of these (guinea pigs or rats) though require a large housing setup that needs daily spot cleaning and a weekly scrub down. (They are much higher maintence than gerbils -- a pair lives in a 10 gallon tank and needs to be cleaned out every two weeks). My rats are in a five foot cage -- and still beg to come out constantly.So, the parent must have interest in the pets too (really they should be the adults pet primarily) and be willing to keep the animals' cage clean.It is probably obvious, but small children need to be supervised at all times when handling the small animals. Any animal that is squeezed, dropped or screeched at coud bite.

[Katt]

Rats are wonderful pets. They love to be held and interact with the family. they are friendly, clean and fun. Thier care is minimal and they can even be potty trained. Just remember as with any small animal be very carful of how tight the animal is being 'hugged' my neice 'hugged' her bunny to death when she was like 3 or 4

[Denise J]

Get a rat. Even better, get 2. They are much happier with a companion of their own kind, they are very cuddly and sweet, and make GREAT pets. Believe it or not!!! and they don't bite. I kept rats for a few years and I let them out to play often but they only bit me once, and that is when I grabbed it by it's tail cause she was running away into the depths of my bedsheets lol. I still miss them. You won't mind the tail if you understand what loving pets they can make.

[pbbteddy]

definatly a guinea pig. do research be prepared to take to the vets if nessesary...