Black Bear Hamster
Commonly people will get their children small pets to start out with. This might not be the best route as these small furry friends will have delicate bodies that are easily damaged. They also scare more easily than a larger pet so some are prone to biting or scratching. That being said, small pets can be the perfect companions for some owners. Quiet households with older, mature children can be loving homes for all sorts of tiny buddies!
Hamsters ~ Escape artists that can nibble sometimes; ham-hams are quite the popular pet choice. While they do not have a long life span they can be a rewarding responsibility for some children.
Gerbils ~ Very much like the hamster but with long tails. These pets can get stinky if their cages do not get changed often.
Love Birds ~ Pretty hued, sweet birds that chirp moderately. They can learn to speak & sing too!
Turtles ~ these little guys are not as slow as the cartoons make them out to be! Get a couple of them & watch them race. Turds are low maintenance pets that require a tank, light, water & some store bought food. Perfect for a busy owner & household. Remember that no pet is “set & forget” though! The turtles & all of our friends require quality time.
Chinchillas ~ Agile, hopping creatures with the softest fur ever! Their diet is strict & the bones are fragile so this is a pet for an older, more experienced person.
Blue Diamond Chinchilla
Guinea Pigs ~ Kind of like taking care of a giant hamster. Cuddly, sweet & a bit less nibble-y than the hams. They require a larger tank/cage & have larger poops to deal with though!
Bunnies ~ Run around lots & poop with every hop! They need a large cage to hop around in even though they are a smaller animal.
Degus ~ Closely related to the Chinchilla. They look like the Chin’s darker, smaller cousin & have a less strict diet regimen.. Easy to pet, hold & take care of.
Beta Fish ~ Easiest Pet Ever! Keep them solitary in still water & away from mirrors. Perfect starter pet for any level owner. If you can’t handle a Beta than reconsider being a pet parent haha!
Hermit Crab ~ Another simple, low maintenance pet. They drink from wet sponges. Very interesting creatures to watch that would be perfect for a younger child.
Frogs ~ HUGE poops compared to their bodies. Need a habitat that they can keep wet in because they breathe thru the skin. Common frogs & toads eat cat food, dog food & insects. Exotic frogs are inexpensive & fun pets. Better suited for older children because they can hop away quickly!
Hedgehog bath!
Hedgehogs ~ These adorable balls of fun have quills instead of fur! They love to splash around in baths in the sink & are so cute. A bit expensive & it is an exotic pet so they require some extra care.
Ferrets ~ These pets can be smelly because of their glands. They also require a large cage with lots of ledges & ramps to play on. Ferrets love to cuddle & nap!
Dumbo Rats ~ Super cute trainable rat. Very friendly & sweet; people train them to sit on their shoulders.
Sugar Gliders ~ Loud but loveable pets that are trainable. They can learn to stay in your pocket! Sugar Gliders require lots of attention & love & get clingy so be prepared for a long time responsibility & friend.
Please comment with any other awesome critters you consider a top small pet.
Top Fifteen Small Pets
Ferrets are high maintenance! They form life long bonds with their cage mates or their people. They need active play and social time. If you aren't ready to get on the floor and play for a few hours every day, clean a litter box daily or a cage two or 3 times a week, and handle higher than normal vet bills, don't get a ferret. If you're okay with all that, they are fun loving, adorable, loveable pets.
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