For my little siblings?

[Crimson_Craze]

My siblings are Rochelle (8), Louie(6), Andrew(3) and Mason(18 months) we want to get them a pet, but it has to be small and easy to take care of, our foster parents have agreed but it has to be small and it has to live in a cage. My siblings really want a pet, but I don't know what will be best to get them.

Any Ideas?

[Peppermint Tea.♥]

Something like a hamster might be good, but they are nocturnal so if the cage was in a bedroom it would most likely keep you up at night. Also, they can easily be injured by small children.

How big can the cage be? Guineapigs are good and friendly, but they should be kept in pairs because they get lonely and they need a decent sized cage or a hutch.

Again, a rabbit would need more of a hutch than a cage.

Mice can be kept in a cage, and they're small, but not everyone like mice.

Rats are good pets, which bond to humans, but two rats are better than one, and the same as with mice not all people like to keep them as pets. However, pet rats do not carry the plague, it's only wild rats which carry diseases. Rats are very clean animals.

I hope that helps. If you have any other questions I'd be happy to answer.

[Crimson_Craze]

the cage size doesn't matter as long as it stays in my room...

[Peppermint Tea.♥]

A guinea pig might be nice. Is there a garden? Because they like being out on grass sometimes. It's not necessary, though. And they can be kept in doors very happily. I keep guineapigs so I know quite a bit.

Have you got any preferences that you could ask your foster parents about? Is there any animal you know you want?

[Crimson_Craze]

There is a garden, but only the little ones are allowed out there, my siblings wanted a dog or kitten, but thats hard to keep in my room and I can't keep it in a cage or tank. I did suggest a goldfish because its easy for them to look after but Mason said he wanted to beable to hold the animal.

[Peppermint Tea.♥]

I would say piggie or hamster, then, although you'd have to find out more about each animal and ask your foster parents what they think.

[Crimson_Craze]

My foster parents don't care they said as long as it don't bother them

[Nicole!]

I think a guinea pig would be a good choice, they are friendly and quiet and make good pets for young children

[Heartlines.]

You can also get a snake.. They aren't too bad. We had one.
Maybe a turtle! Turtles are low maintenance and are nice, and are slow so they can't run away!

[Angel]

Originally Posted by Glitter

Maybe a turtle! Turtles are low maintenance and are nice, and are slow so they can't run away! :D

Oh, turtles are so nice! I've had two before and they were very docile compared to my hamster and cat.

Just be sure that you will be able to look after said pet. :)

[volleyballchick751]

The only thing with turtles is they can carry salmonella and you would have to make sure the little ones wash their hands after handling it.

[Peppermint Tea.♥]

Another thing to add about guinea pigs is that they are quite quiet (they do squeak but they shouldn't keep you up at night), they sleep during the night so they'll be awake when your siblings want to play with them and they are more robust than hamsters and smaller rodents.

If you choose to keep one animal instead of a pair, regardless of whatever creature, you will need to give them a lot of attention to stop them from getting lonely.

[Crimson_Craze]

Thanx for all these, I'm thinking either a turtle or guinea pig.

[Peppermint Tea.♥]

You're welcome, let us know what you decide on.

[Power Cosmic]

Eep, I have to interject and say that a turtle is a terrible idea for such young children. A lot of people think they're 'easy' to take care of, but they're not, they require an exactly fitted out enclosure, regular water changes, a varied and nutritionally efficient diet, daily feeding and cleaning and the big one; they can live for 80 years, ie. potentially longer than you. Do you think your siblings will be able to look after the turtle for their entire lives? Do you think they'll want to?
And I know you hear of them living only 5 or something...that's usually just since people have no idea how to take care of them. Also, rabbits too need a lot of care, more than such young children could feasibly provide. They're another animal that are seen as a 'children's pet' which makes a lot of people who know better cringe at the thought.
I have to say a snake would be a bit too much for children too, since each species has very specific requirements.
A small rodent would be a good idea I'm thinking a rat or hamster would probably be best, since they don't live too long either, so it's not a long-term decision, which you probably shouldn't inflict on kids.

Also, even with rodents, make sure your siblings know what they're doing, and what to and what not to do and how to properly care for them.

[JustDanielle]

I think Guinea pig, I love the name Rochelle by the way, <3. I wish that was my name! (:

[Porcelain Child]

Get a dog.. They are great company.. But its has to be in a cage, how about a hamster or a rabbit.. I have both, i feel a rabbit is better cos they play more and are awake during the day..

[Bean]

I'm going to agree with Janos here. Both turtles and rabbits are by no means ideal pets for children, despite what it may seem.

When properly cared for, rabbits can live in excess of 8 years, a good proportion of those living to 10. They suffer greatly if left in a hutch in the garden, as most unfortunately do. They are sensitive to heat and cold. They need a large, safe, preferably indoor enclosure, with plenty of room to excersise. They need 2-3 hours of playtime a day; they're intelligent creatures and will become depressed if left in a little cage with nothing to do all day. They need a nutritionally balanced diet, they need specialised vet care.

Contrary to popular belief, few rabbits will put up with being held and cuddled. They are incredibly delicate animals, and are easily harmed if picked up incorrectly, as young children often do.

Rabbits are not cheap or easy animals for young children to take care of. If you get a rabbit, it will require much help from adults, or it will very likely end up suffering.

[Verità]

When I was younger, I had a guinea pig, and I loved her to bits. They are really sweet animals with a great attitude, and she never once bit me (which I cannot say for my hamsters). Everyone I know who has owned a guinea pig has absolutely adored them. Also, I would stay away from hamsters, rats, etc, because from my personal experience I typically found them to be quite the escape artists. And it's not fun having to lure a hamster out from under your fridge at 2 in the morning.

Let us know what you decide on, and definitely post pictures.

[Nomatophobia]

I would say get a guinea pig. Have you made the decision on what to get yet?

[i_know_the_dark_side]

We are going to the pet store on the weekend, I'm also thinking a guinea pig