which pet

[JustCallMeGrouchy]

I know dc would like a pet of some kind and am aware that a lot would likely end up for me to do .

As much as i love dogs am aware that we tend to go out to much not allday/night but certainly 3-4 hrs and since ds3 and me have moblity issues walking would not be fair and it would not be fair on one

thought of Cat but we live very close to level crossing and a busy road as well as foxes around( were out in country)

Rabbit

This was favourite but due to there being lots of wild rabbits in and out the garden to much risk of passing things on

Hamsters/gerbils had when ds1 and ds2 were younger but there not really pets can handle and enjoy due to noctunal lifestyle

have 4dc 3ds who are 17,14,5 and dd who is 8 ds3 has some sn but is very gentle etc all used to dogs as my mum had and know not to pull dogs aroound etc ad when the dogs were in bed knew not to be disturbed etc .So not worried frrom how they would handle pets

Any suggestions?

We are in a similar environment to yours - rural, level crossing within a minute of our house, busy road - and we have cats. They are now 3 years old (have had since kittens) and seem to manage fine.

If you were keen on a dog how about a rescue Greyhound? I think I am right in saying they don't need a lot of exercise and are happy lounging around :)

Rats, they are fantastic pets, very friendly and easy to care for.

Tulpe

trouble is amount of rabbits in horse field at the back .Would forever need to be getting them back.And yes would love dog but it would just not be fair on one .

Netto never considered Rats but there's a possiablity .are they active in the day at all,

I am also recommending rats lovely sociable creatures who are awake during the day. They love humans and will play with you, rarely ever bite. Hamsters nasty biting creatures who sleep during the day and run on their wheels all night.
Plus rats live quite a bit longer than hamsters.

Rats do make lovely pets, especially if you get them from a proper breeder. Try looking on the Fancy Rats forum for more info.

Guinea pigs. Really friendly if handled. Never bite or scratch and they are so cute when they squeak. You get to know what they are saying to each other as you get to know them (well, sort of). Lots of fun. We have 7.

Another vote for guinea pigs for all the reasons slippers says. They are very self sufficient too and don't need any injections doing.

Another voice for guinea-pigs here. We had hamsters when I was tiny, then piggies when I was about 11. DM's always said if she'd known how fab they were we'd have always had them. Got two now (no DCs though) and they're very sociable. The kids next door to my parents love helping out when DM and DF "babysit" the piggies for me.

They have real personalities, which is great for DCs to bond with them, e.g. one of mine is pretty placid and cuddly, the other one is more of an adventurer (although he still loves a snuggle!). They also "shout" when they want some attention/food etc (which is incredibly cute!).

You should get a eurycantha big and tough enough to handle very easy to care for ,May freak you out a little though.They do move slowly and dont fly .Youll have to google them.I have had guinea pigs and as squiggle says they great and I prefer them as a pet to a rabbit.sorry a eurycantha is a stick insect but larger than the usual.