Suggestions for pet for a 5yr old?

[Smotzer]

At 5yrs old I was still too far interested in collecting rocks. Oddly enough still am. Have you tried that!? Good rock never gets old, and only requires minimal watering, and can be handled till your blue in the face.

 

[Arachnoenthusiast]

I will be providing/supervising the care for whatever we get.

 

[Jess S]

My friend was telling me the other day about these kits you can buy called "Grow your Own Sea Monkeys" or "Aqua Dragons". They are marketed for kids +3yrs and are little aquariums where you add water and the eggs provided, which then hatch.

Probably not what @Arachnoenthusiast wants as I guess you're looking for something slightly larger for your little girl, but still thought I'd mention in case someone else finds it useful

 

[Arachnoenthusiast]

I wonder how many here would be as interested and knowledgeable in various creatures as they are if they had been told they were too young, couldn't have a pet they wanted, etc. When they were young. She is fascinated with all manner of animals and I'm choosing to nurture that in her.

 

[Smotzer]

She is fascinated with all manner of animals and I'm choosing to nurture that in her.

If you took my comment poorly in anyway I apologize for that, I was just making a joke more about myself. I personally think its great that your trying to find something for her.

 

[DomGom TheFather]

Hissers for the win.

 

[schmiggle]

My friend was telling me the other day about these kits you can buy called "Grow your Own Sea Monkeys" or "Aqua Dragons". They are marketed for kids +3yrs and are little aquariums where you add water and the eggs provided, which then hatch.

Probably not what @Arachnoenthusiast wants as I guess you're looking for something slightly larger for your little girl, but still thought I'd mention in case someone else finds it useful

Had these as a kid, we had no idea how to care for them so the tank got gross. When they started to die the babysitter suggested we switch out the water; she helped us do so, but we forgot to dechlorinate it, so they all quickly died. I think if you don't do that they should make a great pet.

 

[Arachnoenthusiast]

If you took my comment poorly in anyway I apologize for that, I was just making a joke more about myself. I personally think its great that your trying to find something for her.

No offense taken. I totally understand that folks may be worried when they see I'm getting a 5yr old a pet. I promise I'll be involved.

 

[DomGom TheFather]

What little girl wouldn't want a box like this to call her own?

 

[Arachnoenthusiast]

What little girl wouldn't want a box like this to call her own?
View attachment 366859

They are definitely in the running, she's looking at this right now saying she wants those haha

 

[DomGom TheFather]

They are definitely in the running, she's looking at this right now saying she wants those haha

They're less work than a hamster and they smell better too.
Plus, she can hold a new one every day.

 

[vicareux]

Damn,DomGom,if you don't convice them to get a hisser colony,you're gonna convince me,they are amazing

 

[Jess S]

And if one escapes, you will probably find it 6 months later - still alive!!!

 

[Reezelbeezelbug]

Isopods. Lots of colors and patterns to choose from. Great for handling and watching. Or a blue death feigning beetle. Super simple care and fun to watch and hold.

 

[basin79]

I wonder how many here would be as interested and knowledgeable in various creatures as they are if they had been told they were too young, couldn't have a pet they wanted, etc. When they were young. She is fascinated with all manner of animals and I'm choosing to nurture that in her.

Here's 1 and although not a pet per say are intresting due to their life stages.

Meal/Morioworms. Yes to state they're pets is a bit much but they're hardy and because they go through metamorphosis I think a 5 year old would be fascinated with them.

Seeing a worm change into a beetle never gets old.

 

[jamie2112]

I saw this video from Clint's Reptiles a little while ago.

 

[DomGom TheFather]

I saw this video from Clint's Reptiles a little while ago.

This guy's eyes scare the hell out of me.

 

[XxSpiderQueenxX]

I would say an ant colony (with a queen). you can catch your own queen and raise the colony from the start, or purchase a colony from somewhere within your state (illegal to ship across state lines). ants are very fun, there are many species that cant bite and are large enough to pick up one i guess (camponotus). very very active animals, there will always be ants running around for your to see. if you invest in a formicarium you will be able to see directly into the nest. for information on ants i would recommend going over to formiculture.com, you might also be able to purchase ant colonies over there.

 

[schmiggle]

there are many species that cant bite and are large enough to pick up one i guess (camponotus)

I assure you, Camponotus can and will bite. Those soldiers aren't decorative.

Ants seem difficult as a first pet for a five year old, IMO, though they'd be very interesting to watch.

 

[XxSpiderQueenxX]

I assure you, Camponotus can and will bite. Those soldiers aren't decorative.

Ants seem difficult as a first pet for a five year old, IMO, though they'd be very interesting to watch.

oh i didnt know that! lol
but honestly ants are pretty easy. just feed them proteins and sugars every few days and they are good. though, hissing cockroaches are much easier