small pets

Fun with Guinea Pigs

By sarajean on 7/12/09 8:56pm
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If your young child has been begging for a dog or a cat, why not start out with a guinea pig? It’s furry and loveable enough to be a better companion than fish, yet easier to care for—and often gentler—than dogs and cats. Then, once he or she has a knack for caring for the little guy, a graduation to a bigger pet could be granted. Just remember that as the parent, you will continue to be the primary caregiver—which means you’ve got to supervise your child in caring for his or her new friend.

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Furry, Funny, Friendly Ferrets

By sarajean on 6/28/09 9:17pm
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If you’re looking for a fun, active pet that’s fairly easy to care for, a ferret is an excellent choice. We’ve had several ferrets over the years, and they were definitely among my favorite pets. Even older ferrets can be excitable, curious creatures that will never cease entertaining you—or themselves.

Ferrets are cousins of the weasel family; they are also related to skunks and otters, which makes their unique, musky scent unsurprising. Domestic mammals, ferrets are long and furry critters that come in a range of colors, from white to brown to black to mixed colors. They weight less than five pounds and can live up to ten years.

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Hamsters: A Great First Pet

By sarajean on 5/24/09 10:49pm
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A Fun First PetA Fun First PetSoft, adorable, and typically active enough to be entertaining but not annoying (with the exception of some late-night wheel riders), hamsters make an excellent first pet. They are simple to care for, and can provide a child with some important lessons about life, as well as prepare him or her for caring for a larger pet down the road.

“Fancy” or “teddy bear” hamsters, which are actually Syrian or Golden Hamsters, are the most common variety kept as pets. Though usually brown, the Syrian hamster can be a variety of colors, and some have long hair that needs to be cared for. Generally very gentle and curious, they are quite hardy animals who can eat a variety of foods. Syrian hamsters need larger cages, as they are a good-sized species that need room to run and play. They live up to three years.

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