Pros: Quiet, clean.
Cons: Less interactive than rabbits and rats. Don't like to be cuddled unless well-socialized. Chews things. More active at night.
BIRD
(Recommended for kids: parakeet, cockatiel
Activity level: 2-3
Parental involvement needed: 3
Good for ages: 14 and up
Kid's daily commitment: Food and water should always be available. Clean cage liner weekly or more. Clean and disinfect cage and perches regularly. Closely observe health, including state of stools and feathers, because birds hide illness well. Daily interaction important for proper socialization.
Initial cost: $20-$100+ for bird alone; $100-350 for other start-up costs.
Yearly upkeep cost: $200-$400 (food, nail trims)
They eat: Fresh pellets, plus fresh fruits and vegetables.
Life expectancy: 10+ years for finches, cockatoos and canaries; 40-60 years for macaws and parrots.
Pros: Interactive. Many species can be taught to talk.
Cons: Messy and noisy.
RABBIT
Activity level: 2-3
Parental involvement needed: 2-3
Good for ages: 5 and up (though not so young as primary caretakers)
Kid's daily commitment: Food and water daily. Clean habitat and change bedding one to two times per week. One to two hours of play per day.
Initial cost: $25-$75 for the rabbit alone; $325 for other start-up costs (spay/neuter, cage, litter box)
Cons: Less interactive than rabbits and rats. Don't like to be cuddled unless well-socialized. Chews things. More active at night.
(Recommended for kids: parakeet, cockatiel
Activity level: 2-3
Parental involvement needed: 3
Good for ages: 14 and up
Kid's daily commitment: Food and water should always be available. Clean cage liner weekly or more. Clean and disinfect cage and perches regularly. Closely observe health, including state of stools and feathers, because birds hide illness well. Daily interaction important for proper socialization.
Initial cost: $20-$100+ for bird alone; $100-350 for other start-up costs.
Yearly upkeep cost: $200-$400 (food, nail trims)
They eat: Fresh pellets, plus fresh fruits and vegetables.
Life expectancy: 10+ years for finches, cockatoos and canaries; 40-60 years for macaws and parrots.
Pros: Interactive. Many species can be taught to talk.
Cons: Messy and noisy.
RABBIT
Activity level: 2-3
Parental involvement needed: 2-3
Good for ages: 5 and up (though not so young as primary caretakers)
Kid's daily commitment: Food and water daily. Clean habitat and change bedding one to two times per week. One to two hours of play per day.
Initial cost: $25-$75 for the rabbit alone; $325 for other start-up costs (spay/neuter, cage, litter box)
