What pets for allergic children?

[Notquitegrownup]

OK following on from my recent thread re ds2's excema and kittens, what pets do others recommend for allergic kids? I'm guessing that guinea pigs who live in the garden and who get an occasional cuddle are probably our best bet, but would welcome other suggestions . . . DS1 does not suffer from allergies and is desparate for a 'proper pet' (we have fish already)

Thank you.

[penmack]

i know they may not be seen as proper pets but stick insects might be a good idea. i know its a bit out there but what about a hairless variety of dog like the mexican hairless?

[lucyellensmum]

what about some sort of reptile, my friends son has a chameleon, he is really cute. Also, corn snakes are quite easy to look after, once the initial set up is paid out, i guess about 1-2 hundred, but would be more for a dog.

[birdsong]

chickens

[Albert]

Actually before I read your posting, only the title, I was thinking definately not guinea pigs or cats. If DS reacts to kittens he will probably react to guinea pigs too. I am highly allergic to both of them but stangely nothing else. I am asthmatic though not excema not sure if it would make a difference. How about a rabbit (I had one and was fine) or a hamster?

[carol3]

I'm allergic to most animal fur and also feathers.
Rabbit's being the worse, When I was a kid we had two poodles as they have wool and don't shead fur.
We have 2 miniture chinese hamsters now which don't set me off, but then they don't have much fur .