Pet Goddess

No matter what type of pet you choose for your kids, the first order of business is to discuss responsibility and care of the pet.  Too often, some kids get too rough with their pets which results in an unwelcome bite.  

Although fish are easy to maintain, dogs, cats, hamsters, gerbils, and guinea pigs will be handled by the kids on a frequent basis.   

Teaching them the proper way to interact with these pets not only provides a fun experience, but affords kids the opportunity to learn about different breeds, species, and characteristics which can later encourage them to learn more about nature in general, and responsibility in caring for living things.

Posted January 5, 2009 Comments(0)

Parakeets/Parrots There are a wide variety of parakeet and parrot species which may be suitable for kids.  Parrots, especially, can provide hours of enjoyment since most of them are highly intelligent and can be taught words or phrases by the kids. 

It is important to note, however, that some parrots available today have been illegally caught and traded.  Acquiring a young parrot from a breeder may be more suitable since it can be trained more easily.  Parrots can be costly; a steel cage and numerous toys would be needed to prevent the parrots from becoming bored.  Food, water and bath dishes are required as well.  

The other problem is the beak—a parrot can crack nuts with it, so just think what it can do to a child’s finger if you are not careful. A safer choice is the smaller parakeet, but as with all birds, it is important to ascertain if they are healthy, show any idiosyncrasies that may signal a problem, and have been properly cared for by the breeder.

Posted January 3, 2009 Comments(0)

Hamsters, Guinea Pigs, Gerbils 

These members of the rodent family are inexpensive to purchase,  and quite cute, but the incidentals such as cages, food, and toys may be a bit costly.   

They can provide hours of fun for kids, but the main drawbacks are chewing and gnawing, and not being able to put males in the same cage with one another.   

They also have a short lifespan.  They require low maintenance as compared with a dog or cat, or dealing with the fish in a tank, but their cages should be cleaned regularly.  

Note: Gerbils have large incisors which means they tend to bite, so its important to provide them with baby carrots or other vegetables since they love to chew on just about anything. Hamsters and guinea pigs tend to be a bit less lively.

Posted January 1, 2009 Comments(0)