Animals that you can bring home for your child’s first pet.
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko
Pets are a great way to teach children responsibility and several different animals make good first pets for kids. The ideal first pet for a child should be easy to care for, not require too much exercise, and be small enough to handle easily. Here are some animals that make good first pets for children.
Fish
Fish are great first pets for children because they are easy to care for and don’t require much exercise. Goldfish, bettas, and guppies are all good choices for kids. When looking for a fish for a child, avoid aggressive species or requiring special care. Species like piranhas, electric eels, and some types of sharks are not good choices for kids.
Once you have brought the fish, inform your child about daily feeding and keeping the fishbowl clean. If your fish are in a tank or aquarium, sulfur pellets can be used to remove the impurities from the water. Just be sure to not add too many at once as this can be harmful to the fish.
Rabbits
Rabbits make great first pets for kids since they’re gentle, can be litter box trained, and are relatively low maintenance. If you’re considering getting a rabbit for your child, you should know that rabbits require a lot of exercise, so you’ll need to ensure they have enough space to run around. They also like to chew on things, so providing them with plenty of chew toys and bunny-proof your home is important.
Rabbits are also social creatures, so it’s best to get two of them. That way, they can keep each other company while your kid is at school. Also, remember that rabbits have a lifespan of around ten years, so they’re a long-term commitment. But if you’re looking for a pet your child can grow up with, a rabbit is a great choice!
Hamsters
Hamsters are small, low-maintenance, and relatively easy to take care of. They are also very active and playful and make great first pets for children. When looking after a hamster, providing them with a large cage or enclosure is important, as they like to move around and explore. They also need plenty of food and water and a few toys to keep them entertained.
It would be best if you taught your kid how to handle the hamster gently, as they are delicate creatures. It is also important to clean the cage regularly, as hamsters can be susceptible to health problems if their environment is not clean.
Chinchillas
Chinchillas are another small, low-maintenance pet that is easy to take care of. They are very active and playful and love to explore their surroundings. Like hamsters, they need a large cage or enclosure, plenty of food and water, and a few toys to keep them entertained.
Chinchillas are also very clean animals, and their cage should be cleaned regularly to prevent health problems.
Gerbils
Gerbils are a great first pet for kids since they’re very active and playful, which can be a lot of fun for kids to watch. Gerbils are also relatively long-lived, so they can be a pet that your child can enjoy for many years.
Crested gecko
Crested geckos are small, docile, and low-maintenance pets making them great for kids who aren’t ready for a more high-energy pet. Crested geckos are also very easy to care for and can live for ten years or more. If you’re considering a crested gecko for your child’s first pet, you should know that they need a large cage with plenty of hiding places and climbable surfaces.
Bearded dragon
Bearded dragons make great first pets for kids as they’re friendly and docile and relatively easy to care for. Plus, they’re very active and love to play, which can be a lot of fun for kids to watch. If you’re considering a bearded dragon for your child’s first pet, you should know that they need a basking spot for heat and UVB light, and they’ll need regular food, water, and clean bedding. The best way to keep a bearded dragon healthy and happy is to take them to the vet for regular check-ups.
Conclusion
There are a variety of animals that make great first pets for kids. It’s important to consider your child’s age, personality, and level of responsibility when choosing a pet. But, with the proper care, any of these animals can make a great addition to your family.