Good pet for my little brother

**WolvesRawk** · 11-12-2006, 12:21 AM

My 12 year old brother's rabbit, Harmony, died a while back. We have many pets, but this rabbit was the first one he really loved. Its been about 6 months and he's finally ready for a new pet. We can't get another dog or cat, which is what he really wants, and we can't get a ferret because my dad can't stand their smell. He wants a small animal that can really interact with him. We're not sure of what to get him. Any suggestions? Does anyone know much about Chinchillas?

**CathyBogart** · 11-12-2006, 12:26 AM

I don't recommend chinchillas for most kids because they are very easily stressed animals. Most of them don't tolerate much handling, and they need a very quiet environment. Plus, the vast majority of them remain somewhat skittish throughout their very long lifetime and never seem to warm up to being handled. (I know there are exceptions, I said the majority)

I would recommend a pair of rats. You can't get much more smart, loving, and interactive in a small package than a rat.

**Danegirl2208** · 11-12-2006, 12:29 AM

Originally Posted by CathyBogart

I would recommend a pair of rats. You can't get much more smart, loving, and interactive in a small package than a rat.

i agree with you Cathy..rats make excellent pets, especially for children.

**Sevaede** · 11-12-2006, 02:37 AM

I would suggest rats or gerbils or even a guinea pig! All of mine have been really clean and friendly! Rats or gerbils are going to be more easily hand tamed than a guinea pig.

Ferrets smell... ?

**Misty_Pearl** · 11-12-2006, 05:36 AM

There is one drawback to rats. They don't live very long. The same with hamsters and gerbils. If the ferrets cage is kept clean and the ferret is kept with good ferret hygiene, the ferret will not smell the way everyone believes they smell. All animals have a smell of their own. My ferrets do not smell until thier cage blankies havn't been washed. However, I wouldn't recommend a ferret either. I've had ferrets since I was 16 (11 years of being a ferret momma) and they just have soooo many health problems.

A sugar glider would be an awesome pet, but there is mixed feelings on how much the gliders like to be handled. I personally have seen numerous gliders that love their human parents and there is shirts that have sewn on pockets and little bags to hang around the neck to pack them in. Another plus on sugar gliders is that they live 12-15 years.

Does he like reptiles? Leopard gecko's are awesome also. As are corn and rat snakes...