15 Unusual Small Pets for Kids to Own

Meet 15 unusual small pets that make excellent companions for kids.

It’s a fact: Kids love animals. And, yes, owning a pet can be beneficial to children when it comes to learning responsibility, but remember that each animal has unique characteristics and different needs that may only be appropriate for children of certain ages.

A small aquarium filled with freshwater fish is sufficient for a 2- or 3-year-old who can handle the daily feedings (and who has an adult willing to clean the tank), while the responsibility of managing an active ferret should be left for much older kids. Keeping all of this in mind, meet 15 unusual small pets that make excellent companions for kids.

Hamster

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Average Weight: 5.3 ounces

Lifespan: 1-3 years

Hamsters are one of the most popular starter pets parents buy for young children. The rodent can live indoors or outdoors and they are self-groomers, so bathing and brushing are not necessary. They need roomy cages with tunnels, a running wheel and plenty of bedding for nesting areas.

Hamsters can be easily held, but a child should use caution in handling them as these pets are active and can become nippy at times, especially the females who tend to be more aggressive.

What to Consider for This Small Pet

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If you are buying more than one hamster, it’s best to stick to same-sex groups.

Another thing to remember is that hamsters are nocturnal, which means they are most active at night (and quite noisy for their small size!). If the cage is kept in your child’s bedroom, consider moving it to a different room in the evenings for peace and quiet.

Rabbit

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Average Weight: 2.2-4.4 pounds

Lifespan: 8-12 years

Rabbits are another popular pet given to children, but parents need to be aware that they are demanding creatures who require patience and a lot of space. Aside from being absolutely adorable, rabbits are intelligent, sociable and inquisitive animals happiest in small groups. However, if you put mixed sexes together, it’s essential to have them neutered to avoid breeding.

Although they have distinct personalities, they tend to be shy and are not happy to be held for very long.

What to Consider for This Small Pet

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Their upkeep is more involved than other small pets since they are larger animals that require room to run. They are best kept in hutches or large pens that need weekly cleaning due to the amount of peeing and pooping they do. The good news, though, is that rabbits can be litter box trained!

They also require frequent brushing (depending on the length of fur) and nail trims. Be sure to give them plenty of grass hay, pellets, vegetables and wood chew toys to help keep their teeth trimmed. While they are friendly animals, an adult should supervise when a child is playing with a rabbit outside of the cage. If the animal has not been neutered, it may become aggressive, not to mention its reputation for chewing on everything such as wires, carpets and wood furniture.

Rats or Mice

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Average Weight: 12.3-23.9 ounces (rats); 0.4-1.4 ounces (mice)

Lifespan: 2-3 years (rats); 1-2 years (mice)

Although most people would cringe at the thought of owning a rat, they are actually laid-back, intelligent animals and totally kid-friendly. Known as the “dogs of the rodent world,” rats love to play and interact with humans.

Rats can be taught simple tricks such as retrieving objects or navigating their way through mazes. Give them cardboard toilet paper rolls or some string, and they will happily entertain themselves. Rats are also sociable creatures that thrive in pairs.

Mice, on the other hand, are a little trickier. They’re easy to pick up and carry, but they’re also extremely active and, like the hamster, prefer their independence.

What to Consider for This Small Pet

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Rats are surprisingly clean animals, but you will need to change their cage at least once a week, as their droppings tend to be rather pungent.

Mice are also self-sufficient rodents that require little care beyond feeding and cage cleaning. However, if you buy several mice at a time, do not house adult males together — they will bite if they’re stressed or frightened.

Lizards

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Average Weight: Up to 30 pounds (depending on the species)

Lifespan: 3-12 years

Lizards are a unique and exciting pet for children and come in a variety of species. Some of the more popular lizards to own include bearded dragons, chameleons, iguanas, green anoles, long-tailed grass lizards and leopard geckos.

Lizards are usually kept in terrariums equipped with heat and special lighting, (except for the leopard gecko, which does not require UV lights).

What to Consider for This Small Pet

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Dietary requirements vary with each species but consist mainly of leafy greens and fruits. Omnivorous lizards eat live prey, such as insects (if your child is squeamish about feeding bugs to a lizard, this is not the best choice for a pet). Supplements and mealworms for lizards are also available at most pet stores.

Although lizards are not “cuddly” pets, several species are sociable and easy to train. They’re also fun to watch and will fascinate children of all ages.

Guinea Pig

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Average Weight: 2.2 pounds

Lifespan: 4-7 years

Guinea pigs are in the same rodent family as hamsters, but they have a much sweeter disposition and are far more gentle when held. This makes them the perfect pet for young children since they are less likely to bite.

They enjoy living with other guinea pigs, but if they receive daily interaction outside of the cage with their owner, they will do just fine living alone.

What to Consider for This Small Pet

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Guinea pigs require a spacious cage that is large enough for them to run and hide. Since they love to eat, they need plenty of hay and fresh vegetables and will squeak loudly with excitement when they see or smell food.

They’re also known for being a bit messy — and like rabbits, they poop frequently poop — which means the cage will need to be cleaned at least weekly, if not more. Other requirements for guinea pigs include the occasional brushing, nail trimming and an endless supply of chew toys for their teeth.

African Pygmy Hedgehog

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Average Weight: 12-16 ounces

Lifespan: 5-7 years

A small mammal with a long snout, furry underbelly and protective spines on its back, the pygmy hedgehog can become quite friendly if bought at an early age from a breeder. These adorable yet challenging pets have unique needs that include a warm environment (75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit), a specially formulated diet and yearly checkups with a vet.

Although they are not the type of pet that can be cuddled, they are a joy to watch when exploring outside of the cage. These interactions will require adult supervision with young children, as this small mammal is surprisingly fast when it runs. For this reason, hedgehogs need a cage that allows space for running, climbing and hiding when it’s time to sleep.

What to Consider for This Small Pet

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Like many rodents, pygmy hedgehogs are nocturnal and enjoy exercising on a wheel at all hours of the night. Their diet consists mainly of food formulated specifically for them and supplemented with mealworms, fresh fruits and vegetables. Hedgehogs are prone to oral cancers and mites; therefore, it’s important to schedule annual visits with a veterinarian for prevention measures against the disease.

Plus, it’s illegal to own a pygmy hedgehog in some states, so be sure to do your research before purchasing one.

Canary

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Average Weight: 0.3-0.86 ounces

Lifespan: 5-15 years

The canary is a small type of finch that comes in a variety of beautiful colors. They make excellent beginner bird pets for children since they are low maintenance and have a cheerful disposition. They are also inexpensive and available at almost every pet store.

The canary enjoys the company of people but does not like to be handled too much. However, they can be trained to sit on a finger or a perch.

What to Consider for This Small Pet

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Canaries can live alone or with other types of birds, but never house a male with another male as they might become aggressive. The best cage for a canary is longer than it is wide so that the bird has room to fly.

Fresh water is required daily, along with a diet of mixed seeds, which can also be supplemented with greens and fruits. The canary enjoys bathing, so it’s best to supply a shallow dish of water three to four times per week in the cage.

Gerbil

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Average Weight: 1.8-3.5 ounces

Lifespan: 2-4 years

Gerbils are very friendly, smart creatures that love to play, making them ideal as a kid’s pet. They require a roomy cage and a diet of pellets, food blocks and supplemental seed mixes. Avoid housing gerbils in humid temperatures — this can cause severe respiratory issues.

They can be held, but adult supervision is necessary if a younger child is holding the pet, as the animal tends to be active and quick.

What to Consider for This Small Pet

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Gerbils are easy to care for since they groom themselves and will only need chew toys for trimming their teeth. They do, however, love to dig and may leave a messy cage.

Check before purchasing a gerbil, as ownership in some states is illegal.

Red-Eared Slider Turtle

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Average Weight: 8.5 ounces

Lifespan: 20-30 years

The red-eared slider is the most popular aquatic turtle people buy for their children due to its friendly nature and wide availability. They do well indoors or in an outdoor pond, as long as they are kept in warmer temperatures.

If you decide to keep the pet indoors, a good-sized tank is perfect, along with UV lighting and a proper water filtration system. They grow quite a bit and need space to roam since they are active.

What to Consider for This Small Pet

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The main staple of the turtle’s diet is special pellets, but this should also be supplemented with aquatic plants, leafy greens and the occasional cricket or some earthworms.

Bear in mind that turtles live a long time — some up to 50 years! — so make sure your child is ready for the long-term commitment.

Ferret

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Average Weight: 1.5-4.4 pounds

Lifespan: 5-10 years

Ferrets are very energetic, curious, intelligent animals. They need several hours a day outside of the cage for playtime, but make sure the room is “ferret-proofed” from dangerous things they might chew (like electric wires). Ferrets live fine on their own, but if you put two or more together, make sure the males are neutered.

They can easily be held, but they prefer to explore their surroundings. Their cage should be large and have plenty of toys inside, along with a sleep sack or hammock (which needs to be washed at least once a week).

What to Consider for This Small Pet

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This animal requires more time for grooming than most small pets. They require coat brushing, nail trimming, toothbrushing and regular bathing (they tend to get smelly if not frequently bathed).

Before buying a ferret, make sure your child is prepared to spend a lot of time with the pet to give it the playtime and frequent grooming it needs.

Corn Snake

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Average Weight: 2 pounds

Lifespan: 15-20 years

Corn snakes make interesting pets but are best suited for older children or young teens. This type of snake is low-key, easy to care for and quite tame if handled often.

Make sure you purchase your reptile from a reliable breeder to prevent owning a snake that may be prone to disease.

What to Consider for This Small Pet

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You’ll need a 20-gallon rectangular glass tank with a tight lid (to prevent escaping), plenty of branches inside for climbing and a box for the snake to hide in. Since the corn snake needs to be housed in temperatures of 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (never below 75 degrees), it is recommended that you provide an incandescent heat lamp to regulate the temperature.

The corn snake diet consists mainly of pre-killed frozen mice (thawed before feeding) and freshwater served daily.

Chinchilla

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Average Weight: 17.6-24.7 ounces

Lifespan: 8-15 years

Chinchillas are the longest living animals in the rodent family and are known for incredibly soft fur. They are very smart and agile, so it might be difficult for a young child to hold one. Adult supervision is highly recommended, especially when the animal is taken outside of the cage daily for some much-needed play. Make sure the room is “chinchilla-proofed” since they, like the ferret, will chew on everything, including electrical wires.

These nocturnal critters also love to run and jump, so a large, multi-level cage is recommended along with a running wheel, a hut for sleeping in and plenty of wood toys for chewing. (This is imperative to a chinchilla’s health, as their teeth are continuously growing and can become a serious problem if not filed down regularly by wood chewing).

What to Consider for This Small Pet

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The chinchilla’s diet is made up of hay and pellets, but they can have the occasional treat of a small apple slice (skinless) or a piece of carrot. A chinchilla needs to be housed in temperatures below 80 degrees Fahrenheit at all times and must never get wet. They bathe in a unique, formulized dust three times per week to keep their coat healthy, and it’s always fun to watch them roll around in the soft powder.

If a chinchilla becomes stressed, it will lose bits of fur in clumps or chew it off, especially around the tail area. Although the animal does not have an odor, their cage should be cleaned weekly due to the number of droppings they leave.

Freshwater Fish

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Average Weight: Depends on species

Lifespan: Depends on species

If you’re buying fish for your child, it’s best to start off with a 20-gallon aquarium tank and a small variety of freshwater fish, such as zebrafish, angelfish or different types of barb fish, that are low maintenance.

Although most parents are quick to buy goldfish for their young children, this is not the optimum choice since they produce a lot of waste and require frequent tank cleaning.

What to Consider for This Small Pet

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Before buying your fish, consider these important factors: How easily does it adapt to water conditions? Is it compatible with other species of fish? How large will the fish grow?

Lastly, avoid purchasing fish that are known to be aggressive, and never add too many fish at a time to a tank.

Sugar Glider

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Average Weight: 4.3 ounces

Lifespan: 10-15 years

Sugar Gliders, also nicknamed “Flying Squirrels,” are arboreal marsupials that are quick and capable of gliding long distances due to the soft membrane that stretches from their wrists to their ankles like a parachute, allowing them to float.

In their native homes of Australia and New Guinea, they can glide up to 165 feet in the air — cool!

What to Consider for This Small Pet

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A sugar glider will need a roomy cage with ample climbing spaces and a nesting box in captivity. They’re friendly creatures that enjoy living with other sugar gliders (a single male should only be housed with one or more females) and interacting with humans. They need frequent handling to become tamed, and once that has been achieved, they love to cuddle up in a pouch or shirt pocket.

The sugar glider diet consists mainly of specially formulated pellets and is supplemented with fresh fruits, vegetables and mealworms.

Sea Monkeys

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Average Weight: Less than an ounce

Lifespan: 2 years

By far the easiest beginner pet for children ages 2 to 5, sea monkeys are extremely low-maintenance aquatic brine shrimp. All that is needed to start a colony of them is a 1- to 10-gallon tank (including accessories such as rocks and plastic plants), water and a kit containing salt, water conditioner and the brine shrimp’s eggs.

Some of the sea monkeys will hatch quickly, while others may take days. A lot depends on how many eggs there are, the water temperature (which should be between 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit) and the size of the tank.

What to Consider for This Small Pet

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Special “growth food” is added on the fifth day, and then they will need to be fed every five days after.

Purified water is best, and the tank will need to be aerated at least once a week. Sea monkeys often reproduce, so keep this in mind when selecting this low-maintenance pet for your child.

Final Thoughts on Small Pet Ownership for Your Kid

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When shopping for a small pet to give your kid, there are certain things you will need to consider during your search: the animal’s lifespan, how much daily interaction it requires, the cost, compatibility with other pets and their grooming needs.

More importantly, ask yourself — is your child mature enough to handle the responsibility of a pet? Their commitment to the animal will involve daily feedings, weekly cage cleaning and, of course, time spent playing with the pet outside of its cage.

The Expenses

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Affordability should also factor into your decision on pet ownership — anything that goes beyond the actual cost of the pet. Take into consideration the size and cost of the cage you will need, the amount and expense of the food and, if needed, regular chew toys (for rodents), plus the cost of health checks with your vet.

If you own an exotic pet, such as a chinchilla, the vet bill can cost hundreds if X-rays and particular medications are involved.

The Reputation

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Make sure the animal you buy comes from a reputable source and is in good health at the time of purchase. Once you’ve decided which pet is best for your child, have the breeder or pet store owner show your child how to handle, feed and groom the animal.

There are also plenty of online resources to answer any questions you may have on the care of your particular pet.

Supervision

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Lastly, never leave a child under the age of seven unsupervised with a pet when handling it outside of the cage.

It’s important not to stress the pet in any way; otherwise, the animal could become frightened and end up biting or scratching your child — something none of us would ever want.