Why is there a Pocket Pet Page on Freds Fine Fowl?
Kids need to start somewhere in learning to care for animals of all sizes.
What better place to start off, than with a pocket pet...
Not every child can own a chicken, duck, goose, guinea, goat or larger animal.
I understand that this just isn't possible for many reasons, first and foremost being space and budget limitations.
When I was a child, around 10 years of age, I had gerbils.
I looked at rats, mice, hamsters, guinea pigs and rabbits...
The gerbil just appealed to me, those at the pet shop would run right up to you when the door/lid was open... and, they were listed as the most hygienic of all the rodent pets. (that would be a good selling point to my parents)
Did you also know that gerbils are the least likely to bite? It's true!
Before you turn your children loose on farm animals and greater responsibility, you may want to get pocket pets and use them to teach your child about animal care. Pocket pet ownership also allows you to observe your own child's behavior towards animals in their care. As well as the opportunity to learn if your child/children will be up to the task of caring for animals without neglecting them.
This page will be dedicated to gerbils...
their traits
habits
housing
feeding
behavior
and of course general care and handling (hopefully, by children).
There will be more later on, but for now, please view the videos posted here.
Housing your pet is step one
Pet cages should be kid friendly and including your child in the assembly and habitat selection process will prove valuable...
Ask your child what he/she thinks a gerbil will need?
A place to live
water
food
dust bath? Chickens need that and so do rodents...
And someone to look after them.
Every animal we own will have these requirements, let's get started!
I don't personally recommend small pet care for children under the age of 5.
I also don't recommend keeping the pet in a child's bedroom, but rather have your pocket pet habitats in a common area of the house. This way, your pet is accustomed to human activity and you will notice any neglect more quickly.
Keep habitats away from drafty or super sunny windows or doors. Avoid damp basements... though a finished basement with climate control would be great!
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