Are Hedgehogs Good Pets For Kids
As a hedgehog breeder my opinion is a firm no as negative points hedgehogs are exotic pets that have a lot of care requirements they are more expensive than say a rat hamster or bunny would be.
Are hedgehogs good pets for kids. In my eyes yes and no. Despite some difficulties having a hedgehog as a pet is wonderful. Still hedgehogs are quieter than most pets and rarely make any noise. Most north american pet hedgehogs typically called african pygmy hedgehogs were bredfrom african species and are considered domesticated.
To rate whether hedgehogs are good as pets we only look at 3 primary factors. Before buying a hedgehog ask yourself if you ll make a good pet owner. And don t forget any vet bills that come up. We vote yes but remember every hedgehog and kid is different so each pet experience will be unique.
Hedgehogs are not hamsters or guinea pigs. The hedgehog can be an expensive pet that requires a cage and proper food throughout its lifetime. However if your child is very young busy with sports and school or will soon be moving away to college are you as the parent guardian prepared to help raise the hedgehog. They have quills that hurt when they poke you.
These little animals can make terrific companions when housed and fed appropriately and their popularity appears to be increasing. Kids aged 10 12 years and up that can understand rules know the importance of handling the hedgehog properly and can dedicate themselves to protecting the well being of their pet. With a hedgehog you can t go wrong. They ll need to know the rules for handling and caring for your hedgehog.
However it s not really the quills that make them a bad choice for kids. Hamsters guinea pigs and mice all. If you have young children always make sure you re ready to supervise. Are hedgehogs really good pets.
Yes in the fact that they teach responsibility and commitment and with patience and time develop a bond with their owner. However generally speaking i would not recommend hedgehogs as pets for children. See these tips for buying a pet hedgehog if you re ready to take the next step. 1 cost and running cost of hedgehogs.
Back to the aforementioned question i could talk about my love for hedgehogs all day and get sidetracked easily do hedgehogs make good pets for kids. Never buy a hedgehog that. Cost maintenance and handling. Don t be alarmed hedgehogs are perfectly suitable pets for kids older kids.
Of course every child is different. It s the fact that they are not social creatures. The dream every momma has is for her child s pet to be odorless. Adorable apartment friendly and affectionate hedgehogs make loving and gentle pets.
They might be okay for some older kids or teenagers but i would still recommend going with another type of pet. Wild hedgehogs have been living in africa forever but only in recent years have they been kept as pets. Learn more about my daughter s pet hedgehog skittles by following their fun together on instagram.