Small pet to get my 2 year old

[mummysbigsmiles]

I want to get my daughter a small pet for her second birthday. Can anyone recommend any?

[BeaWheesht]

Well no not really, by all means get a pet if you want to and can look after it but there isn't reAlly 'a small pet' I'd recommend getting a 2 year old. What are you hoping she will get out of the relationship?

A goldfish?

[Meglet]

You don't buy pets as presents, and certanly not for a 2yr old.

And the only reason you every get a pet is because it's one you have always rather wanted, know how to care for and that you are prepared to do 100% of the care and cleaning.

[pornstache]

A big bouncy cute puppy?

[TooBusyByHalf]

A pony?

[mummysbigsmiles]

Sorry I forgot to say NO dogs haha

[NotGoodNotBad]

Nothing that she can handle, she's just too young. Small pets are fragile.

[PseudoBadger]

Robofish.
Furby.
Pull-along dog.
All these have something in common.

[lanbro]

I think 2 is too young for a pet of their own. My in-laws have 3 dogs, a cat and a tortoise, none of them hold my 2yo interest for very long! I am glad she gets used to animals being with them but won't consider getting her her own pet until about 8 when she can help out and take some responsibility for it!

[Theyaremysunshine]

Don't do it OP.

Please.

She'll be 2. She has no sense of responsibility or concern for the welfare of an animal.

Get a pet if YOU want one, but not for her, and not for her birthday. At best she'll be uninterested within a day, at worst she'll hurt it.

Go with a scooter. Much better all round!

[nldm1]

As long as you're completely aware that your child will only have a passing and occasional interest in the pet and that you will be the one who cares for it, I would reccomend guinnie pigs. They prefer same gender company to being alone so it's best to get a pair. Though they may occasionally nibble your clothing, they don't bite, are amusing and, if well handled, friendly.
Obviously not bomb proof, but more hardy than a hamster or fish.
Honestly though, you do have to bear in mind that any small pet you get will probably only last a few years, at best, and then you've got the hideous task of explaining mortality and comforting your 'berieved' child. Not a nice thing when they know and understand so little of the world :-(

[mummysbigsmiles]

I am fully aware that she is still very young and understand that it would purely be mine which I'm happy with. I was thinking maybe a hamster. I had one when I was 15 and weloved it.

[timefornumber4]

If it would purely be yours why is it her birthday present? why not get her something she can play with?

[JeanSeberg]

I think pornstache was being ironic OP.

[SoftSheen]

Hamsters have small delicate bones which could easily be broken by a two year old squeezing them. Hamsters also have sharp teeth and can give a nasty bite if provoked. So a bad idea, I am afraid.

I wouldn't get any pet unless you definitely want one yourself and are willing and able to take full responsibility for the whole of its lifetime. A two year old will need to be heavily supervised when interacting with any animal, for both their sakes.

[BeaWheesht]

Hamsters bite - hard. They also make loads of noise generally at night because they're nocturnal and are way too fragile to let a 2 year old hold.

[Wolfiefan]

No to a pet. Sponsor a rescue, make a sock puppet animal or get a pet rock.
A two year old will hurt a pet or be hurt by it. Such an awful idea.

[odyssey2001]

Hamsters make terrible pets. They sleep in the day, stink of wee and bite very hard. Plus they are too fast to be held. Being 15 is not the same as 2. Please listen to what everyone is saying.

[mummysbigsmiles]

Thanks for all the messages guys. I can safely say I won't be getting her any pets this birthday!!! Possibly a stuffed one will do! Haha

[Madratlady]

Nope pets for little children are a terrible idea! She wouldn't be old enough for any of the responsibility and even the kindest children can be rough and over excited at times. Glad you've decided against it for now.

[specialsubject]

also be aware that small rodents die fairly quickly. This can be viewed as a plus or minus of their ownership..

anyway, glad you are sticking to the stuffed variety.

[cdwales]

It is heartening to see such wise advice above! And when it involves animals it has to be advice not just sharing experiences as they are capable of suffering and we owe them a duty of care...

[EnlightenedOwl]

I cringe when I see posts like this. Animals are not "things" they are living beings. They are not presents. A small pet e.g hamster could be badly injured by a child. Glad you are swerving away from the idea.

[mummysbigsmiles]

@enlightenedowl

I am well aware pets are not things and I was also well aware that it would be me looking after it fully. It was just a overhead thought at first.

[mummysbigsmiles]

Thanks for everyone's advice! It, along with some research has certainly swayed my idea! :)