What pet to get?

[VenetoResident]

We have said that DS2 can have a pet when we move house (to soften the blow - he has wanted one for a long time).

He wants something he can stroke and play with.

I'm not sure if we'll have lots of garden space (but we'll definitely have some). I think DS2 would be open to a pet in his bedroom but it would have to be non-smelly.

Any thoughts on the easiest pet maintenance wise? I'd like to still be able to go away on holiday for a week or a weekend. He has asthma and some allergies.

if you would consider a reptile, then what about a corn snake? After the initial set up they are pretty cheap to keep, and don't require a lot of maintenance. You can read more about them here
www.joshsfrogs.com/catalog/blog/2012/12/caring-for-corn-snakes/
they do have a long lifespan (10-15 yrs) and you could always look at adopting one rather than buying.

If he would prefer a more typical furry pet, what about gerbils? You would need to clean their cage often to stop them smelling though.

What about a cat? As for smell, that immediately excludes hamsters, guinea pigs and rabbits. They stink to high heaven and their cages need constant cleaning. Not to mention many of them aren't that friendly with children. Personally, I think any caged animal is a massive pita. My children had them when they were young and it was a nightmare, and I say this as an animal lover. Love them all, but not as pets.

Rats. They are a much better pet than a hamster - sociable, intelligent. They need to be kept in groups though. Only smelly if you don't change their bedding. Honestly, they are a fabulous pet.

@sleepismysuperpower1 - a reptile wouldn't bother me. Have asked DS2 what he thinks! I suspect he wants furry....

@Aquamarine1029 - DH is massively anti-cat. It's the pooing in other people's gardens. He hates finding cat poo in our garden.

@Mustbetimeforachange - a friend has mentioned rats before. How big is a 'group'? Will do some more research. Are they likely to get lost in the bedroom or do they like to be petted?

The idea of a 🐍 went down well until he found out what they eat....

He's now researching snakes that don't eat furry things...

I had a hamster as a child and loved it, devastating when it died though

A friend of mine has a chameleon and it was really cool!

My son wants a gecko.

We have 3 rats @VenetoResident, although 2 may be ok, I'm not sure. No they don't get lost and they love to be petted. Honestly, we've had hamsters, rabbits & guinea pigs and rats are far and away the most rewarding. They love to sit on your shoulder & chatter in your ear. You should be able to get rescues. We also have a snake, but you know what they eat...

What about a bearded dragon? They eat vegetables, fruits and insects. They're very laid back lizards - will often just sit on a shoulder or on a table next to you.

I'm really liking the reptile idea!

Bearded Dragons are a good "starter lizard" but do research them carefully and source one carefully as well - they're prone to bone density problems. They will get a decent size and be fairly sociable.

Guinea pigs are lovey

Bearded Dragons are awesome. My teenage son comes home from school each day, changes out of his uniform and puts the lizard on his shoulder. (Well until Covid...)
They are such funny but chilled out creatures. Initial set up can be expensive and they probably cost about £8 per week in live food and supplements.
We also have hamsters, rabbits a tortoise and a leopard gecko but the beardie is my favourite!

If he's happy for non fluffy agree a bearded dragon would be a good choice - can live in his room and won't smell if cleaned. I'd avoid rodents.

It sounds like a reptile would suit him well ( I would be wary with guinea pigs if he has allergies . My DD developed allergies to our 3rd guinea and worse with our 6th one . Nt hay , it was their coats . The other pigs -fine)

We have no piggies now but two cats .
Again allergy risk and mine don't pooh outside they come into the house to use the tray then saunter out with a "Ya might want to clean that , yeah" look.
But they are family pets , they own everything in our house .

If I had to choose something non furred , I'd love a tortoise but I know there's the ethics to consider . I think they need to be UK bred not imports . And they'll outlive everyone .

Bearded dragon sounds ace !

Rabbits don't have to smell! They litter train themselves and keep themselves very clean, you just have to keep their cages and litter trays clean!

Cats are the easiest. Clean, independent but nice to stroke and will chase after toys etc. Rabbits and guinea pigs you have to muck out and rabbits chew through wires.

I have guinea pigs and they're great in many ways but I wouldn't recommend with asthma. They make me wheeze.
I think gerbils are the most interesting and least pungent small rodent. My DH would love to have a rat but we have several cats so I don't think it's a good idea! I'm also concerned about potential allergens with rats.
Do you know anyone who has either rats or bearded dragons so he could find out if they bother his allergies?

I would have said guinea pigs but they can be a little dusty. If that was something you could control with low dust jay and regular vacuuming etc, I think they are brilliant pets. Full of love, funny to watch, rarely bit, love cuddles.

Guinea pigs don't have to smell, keep them on bath mats with old towels underneath, spot clean daily & change mats & towels every 3 days. Put hay in a basket, 80% of their diet should be hay, plus pellets & veg. Piggies eat their poo, it is to do with their digestion, everything needs to go through twice. Look at piggie pages on Facebook, Mason's Cavies is an excellent group & you will get loads of information on caring for them.

My rabbits don’t smell. I have two, brother and sister. They go in their run during the day and live in the second bedroom at night and during the winter. They are clean animals and are litter trained.
However, they are not good children’s pets. They aren’t that cuddly, they will tolerate it for a while then start scrabbling to be let down.
My buns are my first and I love their little funny personalities.

Bearded dragons are a nice choice for a child with allergies. They also come in different morphs so are pretty and they are friendly and happy to sit on you. Visit a reptile shop, they often will board them for you if you go away.

Cats are a nice easy pet and if you keep a litter tray they won’t poop outside. But...allergies.

Tortoise!