When considering a new pet for your home, it’s important to consider the needs of both the animal and your family. For example,you might want to look into small pets for kids that are easier to care for than full-sized dogs or cats, if you have children. A hamster or gerbil is an excellent choice for children and adults who want an easy-to-handle pet with which they can bond. You can also choose from a wide range of other small animals like fancy mice and guinea pigs that make good starter pets for kids.
#1 Hamsters and Gerbils
Hamsters and gerbils are popular small pets for kids. Both are social, cute, and trainable but differ in their daily habits: hamsters are nocturnal and gerbils diurnal. This means you can keep them in different rooms at night and day with little interference from each other.
With their furry coats and tiny paws, Hamsters are adorable creatures that make great pets for younger children. They are also easy to care for and trainable, although you’ll need to be prepared to spend time with them daily, so they don’t get bored.
#2 Fancy Mice
Fancy mice may be the right choice if you are looking for small pets for kids that are both social and easy to care for. They can be kept in pairs, but they will not breed in captivity unless they have plenty of space and an active breeding program run by professionals. Mice are also good choices if your child has allergies or asthma, as they do not shed fur as cats or dogs do.
Mice need attention from their owners, so it’s best to keep them busy with toys and activities like running on wheels (available at most pet stores). Children must also understand how fragile these creatures can be—they shouldn’t pick up the mice without using tongs first!
#3 Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs are social animals, so they need to have other guinea pigs to interact with. They also need a lot of attention and care, making them good pets for older kids. Guinea pigs are spotless animals and are easy to litter train. They can be trained to use a litter box in just a few days!
The downside is that guinea pigs sometimes roll around on their backs, making them look dead when sleeping. Kids may find this fascinating (or terrifying), but it may scare younger children who don’t understand what’s happening.
Image by Petra from Pixabay#4 Rabbits
If you’re looking for a small pet that’s also social, consider rabbits. They are highly social animals who love to be with people. Some breeds are even litter trained and can use a litter box like cats! Rabbits need a lot of space, so make sure you have an appropriate cage before bringing one home.
Rabbits also need lots of exercises and should spend at least two hours outside their cages daily—ideally, more than that. A rabbit may be easier to care for than a cat or dog since it needs less attention during the day (if you’re at work) but will still require plenty of time to play with its owner and run around outside its cage at night). Be sure your rabbit’s habitat is large enough to have room to hop around and explore. Rabbits enjoy climbing on boxes or furniture when they’re out in their habitat!
Finally: just like other pets on this list (and humans), rabbits need a high-quality diet consisting primarily of hay (like alfalfa pellets) along with fresh vegetables such as broccoli stalks and carrots every once in a while too.)
#5 Betta Fish
Betta fish are one of the best small pets for kids because they are easy to care for and can live in a small tank. They don’t require a lot of space and can live quite happily in a small bowl, vase, or aquarium.
The key is to provide them with water that’s clean and free from toxins.
Because bettas are tropical fish, they need warm water (at least 75 degrees Fahrenheit), so keeping their tank at the proper temperature is important. Bettas have been known to live up to 10 years or more if they’re well cared for!
#6 Chinchillas
You should remember that chinchillas are nocturnal, meaning they sleep most of the day. Because of this, they need a lot of attention and shouldn’t be kept alone. They also require plenty of space: if you want to house one in your child’s room, you should get a cage at least 4 feet by 2 feet by 2 feet (1.2 by 0.6 m).
Your pet will need to eat hay or grass and some vegetables daily. You can use his food dish as an exercise wheel for him! A small glass bottle with water is also recommended for each chinchilla because they like bathing themselves often in cool water (make sure it doesn’t tip over!).
#7 Hedgehogs
The hedgehog is an excellent small pet for kids. These little creatures are cute, quiet, and relatively low-maintenance. They can be trained to use a litter box or will use their corner of the room if provided with something absorbent like straw or hay.
They don’t require much space in the home, and they’re generally good-natured housemates who do not bite unless they feel threatened. Hedgehogs are not recommended for children under eight because of their prickly nature. They may scare younger children.
Conclusion
The best small pets for kids can be easily handled and cared for and provide an opportunity for your child to bond with them. If you’re looking for a pet that will get along well with children, one of these would be perfect!