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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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17leftfeet · 24/11/2013 07:25

Rats make lovely pets and I would much prefer a childminder with a rat to a childminder with a dog

caramelwaffle · 24/11/2013 07:31

Like 17, I'd prefer a childminder to have pet rats rather than dogs.

Original poster
goldie81 · 24/11/2013 07:32

Thank you. I'm hoping that will be the general opinion.

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Moreisnnogedag · 24/11/2013 07:37

Wouldn't bother me. I'd just want reassurance that the poor thing isn't going to be manhandled by all and sundry.

notnagging · 24/11/2013 07:40

My kids childminder had one. I hated it. They loved it & taught them not to have any fears around them.

heronsfly · 24/11/2013 07:43

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

silkknickers · 24/11/2013 07:44

I'd be happy with it.

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.

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)

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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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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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.

Avondale · 24/11/2013 08:02

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

QuietNinjaTardis · 24/11/2013 08:10

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

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 ;-) )

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.

GeeinItLaldy · 24/11/2013 08:20

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

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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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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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?

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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