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Small pets

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Original poster

Would a mouse/mice make a good pet for a 6 year old?

20 replies

BornToFolk · 17/12/2013 19:34

So, DS has been watching too much "Pet School" and has been pestering me for a pet.
I've always said no to a cat or a dog on the basis that they are too much work and responsibility, so he's now trying it on for a mouse...

Do mice make good pets? I've had hamsters in the past but dislike them due to their nocturnal nature (and the bloody racket they make chewing on the bars ) Are mice any better?

OP posts:

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 17/12/2013 21:56

Like most rodenty animals mice like to be in pairs.

I bought two male mice when I was about 16. They STINK - I had to take them back.
I got two females.
One was pg, we ended up with 6 mouselets.
One escaped the day before we took the babies back. He lived for a month in the kitchen cupboard until we caught him (and he bit me )

The girls escaped one weekend and had a jolly in my bedroom (I was away) my mum had to help me catch them.

My dad built a huge three storey mouse-house. They were noisy at 3am on their wheels.

One developed a tumour when she was about 2yo and had to be PTS.

They are lovely, funny, entertaining but very fast and agile. Some people can't get over the tails.

My DD wanted a pet when she was 9yo (a hamster originally but I'm not keen) . We got guinea-pigs

stargirl1701 · 17/12/2013 21:57

A rat - or two - may be a better option.

sonlypuppyfat · 17/12/2013 22:00

I second the stinky mice. Don't do it they do smell vile.

123rd · 17/12/2013 22:03

I would agree with getting guinea pigs. They are great with children. Very calm, if handled regularly but they like to be kept in pairs. Also they are not nocturnal so you do get to see them during the day

saintmerryweather · 17/12/2013 22:05

mice might be a bit delicate even for a careful 6year old. they do move very fast and if ds makes a grab for one it coukd really injure it. id say rats or guinea pigs

nicky2512 · 17/12/2013 22:10

Agree with above, mice possibly a bit too fragile for a little person to hold. My kids are 7 and 11 and we have had guinea pigs and a rabbit. Guinea pigs are easily tamed and bigger and easier to hold. Our bunny is fantastic (I started a thread earlier about how great he is!) but they do need a lot more space and a lot of time.

lljkk · 17/12/2013 22:15

DD had fancy mice from about age 7-9; easily my favourites of all rodent pets (admitedly I have poor sense of smell!).

imho, Okay with an older gentle 6yo; parent will have to clean them out & check on them daily (I starvd pets to death when I was 9 :( ).

Original poster

BornToFolk · 18/12/2013 10:52

Thanks! I'm starting to think that a rabbit or guinea pig might be a better option (especially if mice really are pongy!)

Do rabbits and guinea pigs prefer to be inside, or out? We have a conservatory so I'm hoping any pet could live in there. It's a decent one, so not draughty and there is a radiator (though I don't normally turn it on) We do have a garden too though.

Quite excited at the prospect of a pet now!

OP posts:

spottydottystripes · 18/12/2013 10:59

I've kept all the small furries over the years and would personally not have rabbits for children. The vast majority don't like being cuddled and picked up, and they have very sharp claws (my arms are scarred!) Plus they end up being expensive once you've factored in neutering, vaccinations, huge hutch and run combo (they need a big hutch and either a big run or the opportunity to free range in a secure garden each day), hay etc. I would always always either get guinea pigs or rats, and my fave are rats. If you get guineas, I'd try and keep them in the house if you've got room - they like being indoors and it's much easier for children to look after and take an interest in an indoor pet. But don't discount rats - honestly, they love people and will let children handle them without biting. Very clever and learn tricks too.

FernieB · 20/12/2013 06:35

Guinea pigs need to be in pairs as do rabbits. A conservatory will probably be too cold on winter nights and too hot in the summer. They couldn't be in there all the time but could have a play in there.

Both guineas and rabbits need a lot of space and time for exercise especially rabbits. The hay gets everywhere and they need a lot of cleaning out (my pigs are cleaned out daily). You also need to think about who will look after them when you go away as they can't be left in cages/hutches. You would need someone to come in and stay for a couple of hours to clean them out and supervise their exercise. Or you could put them into small animal boarding.

I'm not trying to put you off but think you should know what's required before you get a pet. I have 2 pigs and a rabbit (all rescues) and they take up a fair amount of time - my DDs do very little except cuddle them which rabbits don't usually like. Also rabbits chew everything which you should be aware of if you want them indoors.

Have a read of a few threads on here and you'll get an idea of what's involved.

Weegiemum · 20/12/2013 06:44

We have both guineas and a rabbit.

Our rabbit is house trained, and free-ranges in the house and the back garden which is secure. He lets me and dd1 catch him and snuggle but has no truck with dh, ds or dd2. Rabbits are not really good pets for small children. Our rabbit (Mr Speedy MacReadie is his name) happily sleeps on the end of dd1's bed!

We have 6 guinea girls (because we're soft and a friend was allergic so we took 4 of them on top of my 2 lovely girls!). They're awesome pets for children. Awake in the day, easily handled and very vocal, lots of purring and chittering and wheeking! I've had guineas pretty much constantly since I was 5, I bred them for a while. Keep a hand under their bum when handling and feed them lots of parsley and spinach - they'll love you forever!

VivaLeBeaver · 20/12/2013 06:53

Guinea pigs are more interactive for a small child. They will tolerate been picked up more than rabbits.

Dd also used to have rats which I think are better than mice. Again you an pick them up.

WidowWadman · 20/12/2013 06:58

I'd go for (at least two) rats - not as smelly as mice, a bit more robust, and just lovely.

DippityDoo · 20/12/2013 07:12

Definitely not mice - too small, smelly, and fast.
Hamster - only a Syrian one, others are too delicate and fast.
Rabbit or guineapig - either, but rabbits ane not bothered about being cuddled or stroked. Both are chunky enough to be picked up and held. Both will quickly learn that coming up to you equals food.
Personally I would get a guineapig. They talk to you as soon as they see you which is lovely. They are quick to become friendly. If they do 'escape' in the house whilst being held you will easily catch them again (unlike smal rodents).

Top tip for handling - buy a plastic under bed box. Small child sits inside it. Guineapig can run arourd or be held but can not escape. (rabbits jump out easily though).

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 20/12/2013 12:39

Check though that your DS isn't allergic to small furies though....and what to do if he is.
Would you be prepared to do all the cleaning and handling?

DD and I have had our boars for two years, no problems.
But we have a 6 month old Rex boy now and weirdly, she seems to be allergic to his fur

She's fine with the older smooth boar.

I'll miss DD if I have to rehome her

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 20/12/2013 12:40

small furies should read furries

though GP3 can be a stroppy little toad sometimes

Original poster

BornToFolk · 20/12/2013 18:16

Some good advice thanks! I'm definitely leaning towards a guinea pig (or two), or perhaps rats.

I need to know the full ins and outs of caring for a small furry though, and if I have any doubts at all, I won't get one.

OP posts:

FernieB · 20/12/2013 23:43

Definitely 2 guineas not just one - they are social creatures and need company of their own kind.

Ask any questions on here and everyone will be happy to help.

MrsGrasshead · 20/12/2013 23:45

DD wanted a mouse. We couldn't find one so ended up getting a Syrian hamster. Hamster doesn't get up til 10pm some days. I'd go for a guinea pig in hindsight.

AHardDaysWrite · 21/12/2013 09:59

Yes, either guineas or rats must live in pairs. Both will need the biggest cage you can find - search online (or ask here for DIY versions) as most pet shop cages are too small. Also, either get them from a rescue or find a breeder - don't buy from pets at home, which get their pets from pet factory farms where they are bred in dire conditions and aren't used to being handled. Pets from a breeder will be healthier and much more friendly as they will have been handled regularly.

Also think about who will look after them if you go on holiday.

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