-
-
Ad Space
(728 x 90)
Best for ages Ten and up, says Dr. Hohenhaus, because that’s when kids can understand the importance of hand washing. (The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises you to wait till age five.) Reptiles and amphibians often carry salmonella, and little kids are especially vulnerable. Even animals labeled “salmonella-free” at pet stores are risky, say experts, since they can test negative one day but positive the next. (Baby chicks can also carry salmonella, so don’t let your older kid bring one home from school if she has a sibling under five.)
Before you commit Reptiles are fun to feed crickets to, but they’re not all that social. “Leopard is interesting and pretty, but not very interactive,” says Christenberry of his son Declan’s gecko. “Let’s just say it’s not the same experience as a cat. Though he does shed his skin, which is cool.”
After you commit If you do bring a reptile or amphibian home, be vigilant about making sure your child washes his hands with soap after touching his pet, and don’t clean the cage in the kitchen sink.
