7 Best Small Animal Pets For Children
Soft and furry rabbits are available in many breeds, with more than 60 rabbit breeds recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association. The large selection of rabbit breeds and availability make rabbits a popular children’s pet. Holland Lops, Dutch and Polish are some of the popular bunny breeds, and larger bunny breeds like the Flemish Giant tend to be more tolerant of handling. Although life spans vary, rabbits generally live for about 10 years, which means getting a pet rabbit is a significant commitment. If a child is 10 when a young bunny joins the family, he or she will likely be a high school graduate or beyond for the bunny’s senior years. Rabbits are social animals that generally do best when paired or grouped with other rabbits, but be sure that all rabbits are neutered or spayed to avoid unintended breeding. Rabbits generally do not like to be held or picked up; incorrect handling can result in a rabbit’s nails scratching a child, or a rabbit’s back or legs being injured or broken. Since rabbits groom themselves, shorthaired breeds usually don’t need owners to do much beyond a weekly brushing and spot-cleaning of fur. Rabbits do require regular nail trims, especially if they do not have access to appropriate digging opportunities, and they must have items to chew on in addition to hay to keep their teeth trimmed. Rabbits with maloccluded teeth might need regular tooth trims done by a veterinarian. Long-haired rabbit breeds usually require daily brushing. Rabbits can be litter-trained. Special note: Rabbits absolutely must eat hay, so a rabbit won’t be a good fit if anyone in the house is allergic to hay. Lifetime Commitment: High Needs A Companion: High Likes To Be Held: Low Grooming: Low for shorthaired breeds; high for longhaired breeds,Some small animal pets are more kid-friendly than others. The success or failure of getting a “pocket pet” for a child depends on the choice made by you or your child of which small animal pet to get. Life span, interactions, grooming needs and etc. all combine to make each pet species unique. According to the American Pet Products Association 2011-2012 survey, the top eight small pets are rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, mice/rats, gerbils, chinchillas and ferrets. Here’s a quick review of each species’ child-friendly pet potential.










