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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To give a 9 year old boy a stick insect as a present (in a jar, not free)

106 replies

pingu2209 · 02/02/2013 13:27

From my son as the boy's birthday present.

I really thought the boy would like it, but other mum's looked aghast!

OP posts:
Pandemoniaa · 02/02/2013 13:28

My heart would have sunk. But perhaps other people would be delighted if their dc received a living creature for a present. It is an unusual choice though.

wednesdaygirl · 02/02/2013 13:29

Depends id like it but stuff like that creeps people out

5madthings · 02/02/2013 13:29

Umm i wouldnt mind but i would check with mum of the bday boy tbh.

trixymalixy · 02/02/2013 13:29

I would have been aghast as well. YABU.

TandB · 02/02/2013 13:30

You really should have asked first. You have no idea what the mother's views are on keeping pets, or whether they've tried having pets before and it hasn't worked out. Someone in the family could be frightened of insects.

They'll also now have to fork out for somewhere for it to live.

I think it was a bit of a daft idea, to be honest. No better than handing over a goldfish in a plastic bag, which someone once did to my youngest SiL who then had to go and buy a tank for it.

Catsu · 02/02/2013 13:30

You can't give a pet as a present! The boy probably did love it but the parents probably don't!
Even stick insects need spraying with water every day and a suitable tank to live in. If the family are away most weekend or something then they will have to be constantly asking people to look after the stick insect!
We had one, we are not pet people, we found it a pain

toomuch2young · 02/02/2013 13:30

As its a living thing and will need feeding, it would be sensible to check with the parents first. They love privet to eat, I had a couple as a child and very easy first pet.
I'd imagine a 9 year old boy would be pleased with it.

gordyslovesheep · 02/02/2013 13:30

you don't give animal to other peoples kids without asking surely?

YABU

MissyMooandherBeaverofSteel · 02/02/2013 13:31

Living creatures aren't presents. Its a big responsibility having a pet.

attheendoftheday · 02/02/2013 13:32

I don't think you should be giving living creatures as presents, particularly without prior discussion with the parents!

You're expecting the parents to take responsibility and the expense of an unplanned for pet.

Also, a jar doesn't sound like a suitable home for a stick insect (though I am not an expert).

Original poster
pingu2209 · 02/02/2013 13:32

Stick insects live in glass jars and eat hedgerow that has been dunked in water so it is a bit damp, so they aren't expensive.

However, I didn't think about people not liking insects. I was only thinking about the boy.

The mum did take it well, it was more other parents' reactions than the birthday boys' parents.

OP posts:
HoHoHoNoYouDont · 02/02/2013 13:32

YABU

northcountrygirl · 02/02/2013 13:32

Yabu
I would be absolutely furious at such an irresponsible present and given it straight back. Nothing against stick insects as such but we already have enough pets that fall to me to look after.

Pandemoniaa · 02/02/2013 13:33

The mum did take it well

Not that well if her initial reaction was to look aghast, surely?

toomuch2young · 02/02/2013 13:33

But they shouldn't live in a jar for long! They need a tank!

Pandemoniaa · 02/02/2013 13:34

Sorry, was completely mislead by the aberrant apostrophe there. I now realise that it was the other mums who looked aghast. Not that I blame them.

readysteady · 02/02/2013 13:34

Totally irresponsible it's a living animal not a toy! What you are just planning on giving the boy a tropical bug in a jam jar with no thought to its own unique Environmental requirements? it will just die in its jam jar! what Sort of lesson are you giving your children and indeed this boy if you think this is acceptable! Are you trying to be funny?

MrsKeithRichards · 02/02/2013 13:34

I shudder when I think of stick insects, I think it's crazy to give one as a present.

Panzee · 02/02/2013 13:35

I would hate that. I think pets in jars/cages is cruel.

DuckMeInTheGrass · 02/02/2013 13:37

We got a kit for them once. Where you send off for eggs.

DS was delighted.

I hid it ... then charity shopped it a few
months later.

I would have cried if it was a live one!

YABU sorry. It would be horrible!

tabulahrasa · 02/02/2013 13:38

I'd be furious if someone did that - I have no idea what the care needs of a stick insect are, children aren't responsible enough to have sole care of a living creature which means I'm forced to have a pet insect I didn't want, I really hate things with lots of legs and I have cats that would gladly eat it if they saw it.

Floralnomad · 02/02/2013 13:40

I'm fairly sure that you shouldn't keep them in a jar ! YABVU .

Pourquoimoi · 02/02/2013 13:41

DS2 is 9 this month, I would be very unimpressed to be presented with a stick insect. Ignoring the fact I can't stand insects, what a weird present to give without checking with the mum.

Sorry but YWBVU and a little odd.

Fairylea · 02/02/2013 13:43

Poor stick insect! :(

No I don't think that was ok at all.

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