Help choosing a pet

[Dr Mike Oxgreen]

When I say "they love human interaction", the truth is they'll come running to you in the hope that you're going to give them a piece of broccoli, or a bit of ham, or a big fat wriggly mealworm*. Like all animals, they're stomachs with personality!

I occasionally used to feed mine a cod liver oil capsule, which they'd nibble open and lap up the contents. And you could actually feel the silkiness of their fur a couple of days later!



* Feeding them live giant mealworms is optional, but great fun!

[vinnie01]

Guinea Pigs do make good pets but you do have to invest some time with them. In terms of vet visits the are pretty hardy animals. As already suggested they love to be in pairs and this will actually make them more confident. We have 2 of them and in the evening they'll sleep on your lap or watch tv. Just dont rustle any plastic bags as it sets them off on a squeaking frenzy

[Tyre Tread]

vinnie01 said:

Just dont rustle any plastic bags as it sets them off on a squeaking frenzy

Or feed them after midnight or get them wet. Or am I thinking of soemthing else?

[durbster]

KrazyIvan said:

Chinchillas might be another option.

Not a great option - they live as long as dogs. Call me cynical but I doubt the OPs seven year old daughter is in a position to commit to this animal until she's in her mid-20s.

A mate got some rats for her kids and they were spot on. Cute, entertaining, and they don't hang around too long so it's not a huge commitment after the kids inevitably lose interest and you end up looking after them.

[vinnie01]

Tyre Tread said:

Or feed them after midnight or get them wet. Or am I thinking of soemthing else?

funnily enough we did have one that looked like a Mogwai

[Alex]

Another vote for rats. The best small animal pets by a long way.

My daughter had two a few years ago. Compared to gerbils/hamsters/guinea pigs, rats are intelligent, won't run away, can be trained, and do not mind being handled.