| Tired of hearing your child whine about wanting a | | | | purchased at any pet store. They also enjoy the |
| pet? All parents seem to have this problem at | | | | occasional bit of lettuce or cheese. Gerbils usually |
| one time or another. Many children want a pet, | | | | live up to three years. |
| and it's a perfect way to teach children | | | | Guinea pigs are good first pets, as they don't |
| responsibility. If you've decided to give your | | | | scratch and can be gently handled. Like gerbils, |
| children the opportunity to have a pet of their | | | | they're social creatures, so a pair is preferred. |
| own, you just have to figure out which pet is the | | | | Guinea pigs are very timid, so they need lots of |
| right pet! There are a few smaller, easier to care | | | | places to hide in their cage. An aquarium-style |
| for animals that make great first pets. These are | | | | tank works well for guinea pigs as well, as long as |
| typically a bit more affordable than bigger animals | | | | they have a grazing area and places to burrow. |
| such as dogs or cats. However, with any pet, the | | | | Guinea pigs need a daily diet that his high in fiber |
| owner's personality affects the decision. | | | | and vitamin C. Guinea pigs live up to six years. |
| Gerbils make great pets for smaller children, as | | | | Most people aren't entirely keen on the idea of |
| they are active during the day and are extremely | | | | keeping mice, but if you're looking to get one as a |
| curious and friendly. Gerbils are actually desert | | | | first pet, you should keep in mind that, like the |
| animals. They are very clean animals, which | | | | others, they are social. Two to three female mice |
| makes cleaning up after them a lot simpler. For a | | | | are the best way to go as males tend to fight |
| young child's first pet, these are perfect! Gerbils | | | | and produce a much stronger smell. Cages must |
| are very social animals, so a pair is definitely the | | | | be cleaned two to three times a week. A |
| way to go with these animals. However, be sure | | | | wire-mesh cage works best for mice, as they |
| they are not mates, otherwise you'd better be | | | | need a well-ventilated living space, with tunnels |
| prepared to take care of lots of little gerbils! A | | | | and other toys. Mice need a lot of things to gnaw |
| large aquarium-style tank with a deep layer of | | | | on, such as dog biscuits. |
| wood shavings makes for a perfect home for | | | | Though they generally have a shorter life span |
| these little creatures, as they love to tunnel and | | | | than gerbils or guinea pigs, mice are by far the |
| dig. To keep them (as well as your child) | | | | highest maintenance. However, any of these pets |
| entertained, tunnel-type toys are great! Gerbil | | | | are perfect for a child's first pet, and what better |
| food is relatively inexpensive and can be | | | | way to give your child a lesson in responsibility? |