Many apartment dwellers find small rodents and reptiles to make ideal pets. For those who have young children and love these wonderful animals it is a perfect way to introduce them to pets.
Boys and girls love to feed animals and getting them to learn with a pet rat or snake is so much fun. They are taught how to support the body of the snake and learn that they are not slimy or dangerous. Feed the snake after the children are asleep if parents are not ready to let expose them to snake feeding.
Rats are intelligent, soft and cuddly. They love to sit on shoulders and lean against the neck. Their friendly soft chatter is very soothing. They are easily fed and a great way to introduce feeding animals to young children.
Degus are small, Chilean rodents related to the chinchilla. They are very friendly, very soft and easy to feed. The cage must be screened for excrement flying and exercise wheels provided because they run equivalent to six miles a day. They talk softly and loved to be held and are another good pet to introduce to young children.
Turtles are fun. A small aquarium and some turtle food and there is a pet that the entire family can enjoy.
A frog is an educational pet. Tadpoles can be purchased at the pet store and kept in a small aquarium. The children can watch them develop into frogs. After they are grown and there are too many frogs, call your Humane Society or Zoo to find out where to release them.
There are many veterinarians that specialize in exotic pets who would be glad to advise you on a choice for your family and guide you through your experience.
About the author:
Merrill Baum is a certified animal acupressure therapist, a former breeder of Great Danes, a former horse midwife, a pet care specialist in farm and pet services, a volunteer rehabilitator at the Wisconsin Humane Society, wildlife department, an e...
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