Can You Please Help Us Choose a Pet?

[katydidthat]

My son wants something cuddly.  Not a fish, not a bird (although I would like a bird).

We live in a tiny teeny 2 BR unit ... it is not big enough for a cat or a dog.  

It would be nice if it could like happily in a large bird cage ... as I have one.  

NOT MICE OR RATS.  

TVMIA

[everything*that*i*ever*wanted]

The metal hutches get too hot in summer and too cold in winter. With cords etc limit their access to them as much as possible with physical barriers eg:block off access to get behind wall / tv units. Otherwise there is coiling that you can get to protect wiring and also keep it tidy, it is similar to the plastic binding in plastic spiral bound booklets. You can get it from Bunnings.

The best idea to prevent them chewing things you don't want chewed...give them PLENTY of alternatives. You can get wood chews for them that are infused with flavours they love...ours prefer the carrot shaped / flavoured ones. You also need to get them a salt lick wheel, they need the minerals.

I recommend a mini lop / dwarf but don't get a mohair as you will have to trim them during summer. For litter I also use the one made from recycled paper. It is called Breeder's Choice. It doesn't produce dust like the clay ones do.

[lyndal1838]

You do not want a ferret, believe me.  They smell and they can be vicious little beasts...and did I mention they smell?

[spotweldersfriend]

Echidna?

[patchoo78]

Bella, I really find it difficult to deal with smells ... I have a very sensitive nose ... and the unit is soooooooooooo very tiny.  

Monsters, yes, I have a balcony, but that's my *space* ... I go out there to watch the rainbow lorikeets, and smell the fresh mown grass and do art stuff.  It also has big gaps at ground level where cats could get out.  

Amalan, I'll check out ferrets, and thank you 🙂

Yep, Sprinkles ... and while I'm feeling very "precious" and picky here, I'd rather choose a pet that is going to fit in and belong here, rather than choose one that is not going to be a good mix and has to be taken back.  

I'd love a budgie ... but my son has just read the thread and comes down in favour of a rabbit ... 

We need to talk a little more ... 

Does anyone know anything about dwarf rabbits?  

Katy if you do get a Ferret and it's a female, you have to get it de-sexed. If a female ferret goes into heat and doesn't find a mate she will secrete high levels of estrogen and if this hormone stays in the blood for a prolonged period of time, it will cause a progressive depression of  bone marrow that results in a severe, life threatening a-plastic anemia which is fatal.

If you get a male, you should get it de-sexed as well, or he will spray and it won't smell very nice, you can also get their anal glands removed at the same time, which will stop them from smelling 

[katydidthat]

Thank you all 🙂

Still deciding ... but have just seen some cute guinea pigs ... 

Echidnas aren't cuddly, are they?  😉

Ferrets are now off the list ... 

Do guinea pigs have any faults?

Do they eat cords? 

How big do they get?  

[sandym3369]

They don't grow very big . Great pets but if you pick them up by the tail their eyes fall out. 

[cat_mioux]

Katy you mentioned you were "allergic" to poo/pee smells ....

I'm afraid all living creatures poop and pee and yes it smells. Not as bad as human poop/pee but even little birds poop and you have to clean the bottom of their cage.

An elderly kitty wouldn't need much room but you'll still have to supply at least one litter tray (some cats prefer two) and if you don't want it (the tray) to smell you have to do what I do and that's clean the tray every day. I go through $10 worth of crystal litter a week for 3 cats.

But the disadvantage of an elderly kitty would mean vet bills eventually as you start to have to deal with health issues.

A rabbit poops and pees. A guinea pig poops and pees.

Looking after a pet is a great way to teach kids responsibility and compassion but they are also hard work. They don't just sit there looking cute.

[flashie*]

Here is a fact sheet for guinea pigs.

http://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/factsheets/Others/Guinea-Pigs/1933

I have had guinea pigs for 10 years now...............and my grand children have them as pets too.

One plus is they rarely bite............in fact I have never been bitten ever.

One down side............I do not think they are toilet trainable.

They are prolific breeders if you have a male and female.........desexing is possible but you are looking at about $160 for a male.

You can have two males together but it is only recommended if they grow up together.

I do not think they are smelly if you clean their cages regularly.

You can bath them if you think they need it.

There are many local guinea pig clubs............just google them in your area.

And if you choose to they can been shown.............many young children do this in our area.

[katydidthat]

I want to thank you all again ... because collectively you have helped us decide.  

I just had a chat to my son (who is 15 by the way).  He really wants a cat or a dog.  A rabbit or a guinea pig would be a substitute ... not as good.  So, I asked him if he would be happy if we got the pet of his choice when we move back to Brisbane next year.  He answered immediately that that would be his preference.  And, I agreed to live in a house with a yard.  

He then asked about having a dinosaur.  Megalosaurus??? :^O

I think we're both a bit relieved about this solution.  I looked up to see how much space guinea pigs need and it's quite a bit when you only have 61 m2, between two people, with beds, and dining tables, and chairs, and computer desks, and a coffee table and just STUFF.  

Soooooooooooo, while I'd have done it if he had his heart set on a pet here and now ... I don't think it would have worked ... 

Thanks again for your thoughts, your time, your insights and the valuable information you provided that did help me decide ... 

Katy

[sprinklespowerpuff]

You're welcome Katy. Glad we could lob in with our own little snippets to help you. Enjoy the rest of your Easter.