Really? Exotic animals aren't good pets to have around under 5 kids?
By sedel1027
@sedel1027 (17846)
Cupertino, California
October 6, 2008 8:35am CST
Geeze. I guess some folks don't use their common sense anymore.
Hamsters, baby chicks, hedgehogs, turtles, lizards and a few other pets considered exotics carry germs that were not normally exposed to and thereby should be kept away from kids 5 and younger.
Some of the diseases that can be transmitted: salmonella, Hanta Virus, and giardia.
Here is the article that ran today.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,433022,00.html
You would think after all the salmonella scares with turtles, chicks and lizards and after people got sick from adopting hamsters awhile back, people would be more cautious when bringing home pets around little kids.
2 people like this
4 responses
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
6 Oct 08
Wow, that is news to me..I don't think we had hamsters when I was a kid, but we had a hamster when my kids were little..I also noticed the article didn't mention Guinea Pigs..I love Guinea Pigs and would love to have another one once our finances straighten out..But it did mention Hedge Hogs, now that I don't think would be a good pet, they are cute, but those quills..OUCH!!!
@lisa0502 (1724)
• Canada
8 Oct 08
I think that saying someone who owns these animals are stupid is a crock. I myself have owned tons of pets. Everything from yes turtles, hamsters, mice, gerbils, guinea pigs, hedgehogs, rabbits, chinchillas, chameleons, fish, birds, dogs and cats. I have 8 kids. Not one of my kids EVER got sick because of any of our pets. We are not stupid mind you and interactions were either limited or non existent in some cases. But if you are a responsible parent and pet owner then the two can live under the same roof with no problems. I have known of possible medical issues tied in with some pets and just took percautions. So to say that I am a stupid person for owning the pet is ridiculous. Don't put me in the same catagory as every one.
@stephcjh (38473)
• United States
6 Oct 08
Yes. It definitely looks like people would be more cautious because of that. We own a dog and a hamster but we are all grown up in my household. the youngest will be 17 years old. You have to be so careful these days.
@bellaofchaos (11538)
• United States
6 Oct 08
You would be surprised at the stupidity of some poeple. I have to say that if I'm bringing in a pet that is going to be a family member I'm going to research the interactions the pet is going to have with the family and children and the possible problems that there are going to be and then I weigh wether it's worth it. LOL! I have cats and a dog and nothing more .. I think I'll stick to simplicity.
