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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to think fish in my five-year-old’s room could be manageable?

79 replies

Fisharefriendsnotfood1 · 22/08/2026 14:56

I'm considering getting my 5yo some fish for in their bedroom (higher up on top of their drawers) as they have been asking for a while.

I'm not under any illusions that it'll be anyone but me who actually cares for said fish. But I just wondered people's experiences?

We do have pets already, some of which that do require regular clean outs and maintenance so I'm not adverse to that sort of thing but ideally I'd like it to be as stress free and as simple as possible to not add anything considerable onto my weekly chores 😅

Am I totally deluded that this could be a simple enough pet for our household? Google tells me to steer clear of the typical gold fish as they produce a lot of waste and to go with something like a small group of minnow instead?

OP posts:
Lomonald · 22/08/2026 14:59

ScarlettSarah · 22/08/2026 14:57

What are your other pets? Wouldn't get fish if you have cats!!

We had a full aquarium and a cat.

Fisharefriendsnotfood1 · 22/08/2026 14:58

ScarlettSarah · 22/08/2026 14:57

What are your other pets? Wouldn't get fish if you have cats!!

Should have specified! No, there are no cats.

We have dogs and some other outdoor animals like chickens (hence being used to the regular cleaning and maintenance aspect of animals!)

OP posts:
Lomonald · 22/08/2026 14:58

I would put them in the livingroom so there is no temptation to bother them.

ScarlettSarah · 22/08/2026 14:57

What are your other pets? Wouldn't get fish if you have cats!!

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