The Lowdown Of Choosing A Pet
As a child I had a number of pets, a Rabbit, Guinea pig, 4 Hamsters (not all at the same time), 1 Mouse, 2 Giant Snails, 15 Fish, 12 Stick Insects and 2.5 dogs (thats a story for the pub). My memories are as fluffy as some of the pets but now my children are here the reality of owning a family pet is slightly different. As the “grown up” you are the true keeper, the one that once the novelty has worn off will be feeding, washing, cleaning and inevitably paying that vets bill when poor little Smoky looks looks a bit peaky. So here are our top 6 family pets and the low down of what you can expect..
#1 Rabbits and Guinea pigs
How long do they live Rabbits can live up yo 9 years and Guinea Pigs between 5 and 7 years
Initial Equipment Hutch/run and bedding.
Ongoing Equipment Things to play with straw/bedding
Maintenance Regular cleaning out of the hutch, daily feeding
Feeding cost Moderate, mainly dry and fresh food
Insurance Available, shop around for the best deal
Suitable for Ages All ages, although be careful around small children
#2 Rodents (hamsters, gerbils, mice and rats)
How long do they live Between 2 and 3 years
Initial Equipment Cage, water bottle & play equipment so they don’t get bored
Ongoing Equipment Exercise ball (optional but great fun)
Maintenance Most rodents need their bedding replaced weekly and toilet area cleaned daily, they also need feeding daily
Feeding cost Moderate dry food some fresh
Insurance Available, shop around for the best deal
Suitable for Ages Over 4 years as smaller animals need some gentle handling
# 3 Chickens
How long do they live How long is a piece of string? The average life expectancy is 6-12 years.
Initial Equipment coop, run
Ongoing Equipment none
Maintenance Low, they need feeding and watering once a day. Coops will need regular cleaning and runs regular raking. One major advantage they’ll produce you eggs!
Feeding cost low, pellet food and they will eat pretty much anything you have as scraps.
Insurance Not needed.
Suitable for Ages All ages, perfect for small children and teenagers alike, choose a breed thats good for handling and you’ll be fine.
# 4 Fish
How long do they live How long is a piece of string? It depends on the type of fish. Goldfish can live up to 30 years!
Initial Equipment Tank, pump, gravel, decorations
Ongoing Equipment None
Maintenance Low, they need feeding once a day and slow release food is readily available for holidays. Tanks need cleaning and water replaced every 1-2 weeks
Feeding cost Varied, for goldfish and similar the cost is low
Insurance Not needed for cheap fish but optional for specialist fish
Suitable for Ages All ages, perfect for small children and teenagers alike
#5 Cats
How long do they live Up to 15 years
Initial Equipment Litter tray, collar, cat flap, food bowls, toys etc
Ongoing Equipment Toys, replacement articles
Maintenance Feeding 1-3 times a day, grooming suggested vets treatments like neutering and flea treatments
Feeding cost Varied depending on your preference
Insurance Suggested
Suitable for Ages All although be aware of young babies
#6 Dogs
How long do they live 10-17 years depending on the breed.
Initial Equipment Bed, collar, food bowls, lead, grooming equipment
Ongoing Equipment Leads, grooming equipment, toys etc.
Maintenance High digs need feeding 1-3 times day and regular walks for toilet needs and exercise
Feeding cost As with cats varied depending on preference
Insurance Suggested
Suitable for Ages All ages although beware of young children
To find out more visit Pets at Home who have some great information about each type of pet, they even run free workshops for kids.