Children Want Pets

They only stink if their cages are cleaned regularly, they are great first pets. They really have no more germs then you or I.

First off, I think starting small would have been buying a couple of fishes. Just to get him used to feeding them, cleaning the bowl, and having that extra company. But hamsters are still an okay first pet. They smell, but they aren't TOO bad. I don't think they carry any bad germs- as long as you wash them. :). But you can always look it up on Google- just type in "hamster care instructions" and then you should be all set. Otherwise, I hope your son enjoys!

Relax, Hamsters really are not that bad. I had one when I was a child and as long as the cage is clean, then they do not smell. Get the cedar bedding and it will help with the smell if you still have issues.

Regarding germs. Any animal will have some germs that go along with them. Look, from experience, hamsters are the best little animal you could have got. My parents would make me help clean the cage and make sure he had food and water. Also, you may want to get one of those roll around ball things so they get some exercise :) I loved my little hamster and I am sure he will love his.

Just an FYI, if they bite it does not draw blood or hurt. So that is a little side note for your worries!

You are the mom, it is your decision. Personally I think animals belong outside, and mostly in the wild. I am especially concerned about healthcare workers having pets also, because my husband got a nasty bug once from a surgeon who had a pet cat. As if surgery isn't bad enough! I understand the therapeutic effect pets can have on people, so think: does your child really need a pet from your standpoint? Is he suffering without one? Is there something that can be cured with more snuggle time and attention from his parents?

There are other pets that are useful to humans and can be kept outside in a moderately sized pen such as chickens, goats and lambs. If your son just wants the excitement of having an animal around this might be a route to take if you have a large back-yard. A fish and frog pond could be lots of fun too. See how he reacts to these different ideas.

I had hamsters and gerbils as a child and several of my children's friends had them at very young ages. As has been stated, if the cage is cleaned weekly and there are proper guidelines in place, then there shouldn't be a problem.

Make sure the hamster gets held daily for at least fifteen minutes as this will make them more friendly and less likely to startle when a hand comes in to get them. When startled, they may bite, so you want to prevent this from the start by regular interaction with the pet.

Also, the rule about the hamster cannot be taken out without parental supervision is excellent! That way you can ensure the pet is treated with care and the children will learn a valuable lesson in responsible pet care and ownership from you.

Good luck!!!!

Children benefit in many ways from having pets. They really learn responsibility. I think it's silly to think of pets as only for the outside...that's so silly! We've had all different sort of pets, including hamsters. The more often you clean the cage, the less germs...but they aren't germy. Although I would not share a plate of food with one, they are fine...to be worried about germs is just paranoia. I have so many fond memories of pets as a child. I don't have many memories about how clean or dirty the house was...but I do remember my mother could be a real pain in the behind about her clean house...I've found there is a nice balance that can be achieved that is considerate to all in a house, not just one person's preference. Truthfully, I feel so sorry for children whose parents won't let them have pets because I know how much they are missing out on. Currently one of our pets is a guinea pig. His name is Disco and he stays in my 7 year old daughter's room. They are great buddies. She has a carry cage and so takes him along for errands now and then. We all like to take turns holding him and petting him if we are watching a movie and my daughter loves to take him outside to play when the weather is nice. He's a very sweet guinea pig...he's worth all his poop...my daughter really loves him!

I had hamsters growing up and loved them. Hopefully you got the same sex or you'll have babies. They aren't too bad but will poop and pee when out. But there are little play yards or balls you can get them and if the cage is big enough they don't need to come out all that often. The last ones I had where Dwarf hamsters and I kept them in an aquarium take. They had their exercise wheel and seemed very happy to spend most of their lives in a cage. Oh, I added this after I read other notes. If you talk to someone at the pet shop they'll probably tell you that hamsters little feet are sensetive to the ceder chips and just plain wood or something else will be better for him They normally only last a couple of years, so have fun

I've had many hamsters in my life and they are very harmless. They can smell if you don't change the sawdust regularly, but I'd give that job to your son. Pets teach so much responsibility and kids love them so much, it's a great thing for them. The best thing about hamsters is they don't live more than a couple of years so you won't have it when your kid goes to college like you would if you got him a kitten! Good Luck!

My son is 7. We got him a hamster when he was 6. It has been a great first pet. He is responsible to check its food each day, and empty and refill its water bottle every day. The cage does not smell because him and his father clean it once a week. They take it all apart and wipe it down with clorox wipes and change all the bedding. The only rule on germs is each time you handle the hamster or its cage you wash your hands. My son learned that very fast and we never have to remind him. He is also not allowed to get the hamster out of the cage on his own, since we don't want the hamster to escape of course! He has enjoyed having the hamster, and he likes having his own pet. We live in an apartment where having a cat or dog is not an option--so a hamster is just right!

My husbands cousin and her children also have a hamster. Her three kids are 9, 5, and 2. They have had their hamster for over a year, so having a hamster with a toddler in the house was never a problem for them, if that gives you any peace of mind!

My sister had hamsters growing up. Use cedar and clean the cage regularly, and they shouldn't smell. They have all kinds of rolling balls and other great "toys" you can put them in to play outside the cage, the kids will love it. They are fragile, so handle them with care. Pets are a great way to teach kids responsibility and how to take care of things. Have them help clean the cage, feed them, water them, etc. If your worried about the germs, where rubber gloves while cleaning the cage and handling them, get some for the kids to where too. Since they don't go in and out of the house alot and climb around on furniture and stuff, they can't easily get germs. The only places they can get germs is from you guys and a dirty cage, keeping the cage clean will limit that. Who knows, maybe when they see how muchwork it takes, they won't wat them anymore.