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Original poster

Opinions please on if your childminder got a pet rat

30 replies

goldie81 · 24/11/2013 07:21

Just that really. My son would really love one. Well in fact he'd prob prefer a dog but that wouldn't work. But what are people's opinions? I know they get a bad press but rats are very friendly etc.
would having a rat stop you using a minder even if ensured in cage upstairs etc?
Thanks

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cece · 24/11/2013 18:46

No different than having any other pet imo.

Alexa007 · 24/11/2013 14:32

Sorry to say it would definitely put me off and I wouldn't want my kid touching it. But I don't like rodents full stop.

OutragedFromLeeds · 24/11/2013 14:12

I can't see anyone objecting to you having a pet in a cage upstairs. Would you even be required to tell them?

Letting the mindees handle/interact with them might put some parents off, but as long as you ask and respect their choice I can't see it being a problem.

It wouldn't bother me.

Tanith · 24/11/2013 14:08

Rats make excellent pets: very intelligent and friendly. You will need more than one, though, and they do have different temperaments - some are more happy to be handled than others.
You will also need to clean them out very regularly, especially if they're in the house with you. Clean animals though they are, they can be very smelly very quickly and I think that could be more off-putting, to be honest.

A friend of mine used to keep them - you could really tell when they needed cleaning out!

kslatts · 24/11/2013 13:55

I'd be fine with it, we had 2 lovely rats when I was a child and they were lovely.

Original poster
goldie81 · 24/11/2013 13:42

Yes that's what I'm hoping. We had 2lovely guineas that got got by the fox :( it's just the whole thing of a rat- people see them as vermin. ESP as they're kept in house as opposed to outside like the guineas

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CaroBeaner · 24/11/2013 13:38

I would prefer a pet that lived constrained in a cage rather than a free range pet like a cat or dog.

If you get a parent with a phobia couldn't the cage just be put somewhere non-accessible during 'minding' hours?

HSMMaCM · 24/11/2013 13:31

I have rabbits which the children help look after, but one of the parents says they are just like rats. She is happy for her son to interact with them, as long as she never sees them.

We previously had a hamster who was a terrible biter, so was kept away from the children.

I have heard rats are great pets.

KissesBreakingWave · 24/11/2013 11:02

Rats are excellent pets. And you don't even need to have them out of the cage for the kids to interact. Give the kids monkey nuts that they can jam in the bars of the cage in odd positions and at odd angles for the rats to climb after. It's a game the rats and kids love.

Blondeshavemorefun · 24/11/2013 09:57

Wouldn't bother me - tho some may not like it - but you can keep a rat in a cage upstairs if need be

You can't do that with a dog - well you can but RSPCA may be round lol

Rats are meant to be very sociable and clean so sure kids would love to play with them under strict supervision

pinkmagic1 · 24/11/2013 08:36

Rats make excellent pets for children, so much better than hamsters, gerbils etc. I definitely wouldn't have an issue and would much sooner choose a childminder with rats than a dog.

ipswichwitch · 24/11/2013 08:25

Rats are fabulous pets (I've had several) and way more child friendly than bastard hamsters (having been bitten many times by our hamsters). I've been thinking about getting them for DS when he's a bit older.

Original poster
goldie81 · 24/11/2013 08:22

Thanks time2 - yes been researching and all says to get in pairs.
Yes if risk assess etc then should be ok- but am slightly concerned about people like Avon who have phobias

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GeeinItLaldy · 24/11/2013 08:20

Wouldn't bother me either...unless DD came home asking for one too! Grin

monkeyfacegrace · 24/11/2013 08:20

Rats are awesome pets, much cleaner than other rodents too.

But you must get a pair. Single ratty is unbelievably cruel.

Time2Nap · 24/11/2013 08:16

It wouldn't bother me and I don't particularly like rats (but wouldn't want to pass that on to my child). I think its good for children to look after pets.

Slightly of subject but please don't just get 1 as rats, ferrets, guinea pigs and many other small furries are happiest leaving in groups of 2 or more (just get same sex ;-) )

QuietNinjaTardis · 24/11/2013 08:10

Rats are fab pets. Wouldn't bother me at all.

Avondale · 24/11/2013 08:02

It would put me off for sure but I'm quite phobic about them!

fieldfare · 24/11/2013 07:54

As long as you risk assess it and teach the children how to handle it properly and kindly etc then I don't see a problem. Just make sure that you have a Pet Policy and the parents all sign off on it.

Original poster
goldie81 · 24/11/2013 07:51

Missmarple- I def thought that a lot wouldn't like but then if parents didn't like then I would just have to make sure that rat wasn't out with mindees etc. But if parents were cool then it could be a really lovely learning experience for all

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Original poster
goldie81 · 24/11/2013 07:49

Ooooo- sounding more promising. I know it would make my son so happy & would be a happy compromise between dog and no pet at all.

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saintlyjimjams · 24/11/2013 07:49

Wouldn't give a monkeys. Would be quite happy for the children to play with it (might not be fair on the rat though maybe)

MissMarplesBloomers · 24/11/2013 07:45

Yuk no....but if it was kept out of the way & not seen or handled by the mindees then not a problem.

silkknickers · 24/11/2013 07:44

I'd be happy with it.

heronsfly · 24/11/2013 07:43

I would like it, they are lovely pets and much more friendly than hamsters Grin