-
-
Ad Space
(728 x 90)
Best for ages five and up, when kids can safely handle them.
Before you commit Know your rodents: Hamsters, guinea pigs and gerbils may all look the same to you, but each has a very different nature. Guinea pigs are gentle and have a relatively long life span, and they’ll whistle for your child when they’re happy; hamsters, on the other hand, may bite (hard), die young (at around two or three) and make a racket at night. Rabbits are beyond adorable, but most don’t like being picked up. A surprisingly congenial choice: white rats. They’re among the most social and easily trained of the pocket pets, says Doug Poindexter, president of the World Wide Pet Industry Association.
And what animal could be more at home in New York than a rat? With all pocket pets, be prepared for some squirmy escape artistry.
After you commit You and your kids should spend at least 15 minutes a day playing with your animal. Pocket pets that are rarely handled never become comfortable with humans, and are much more likely to bite your child.
