So the kids want a pet, mmm not really a problem I hear you say, what qualities do you want in this pet.
Well that’s a doddle they want something that is not.
1. Going to make a lot of mess, good point guess who will be cleaning up after it.
2. A creature that is friendly, you don’t want the kids getting injured do you.
3. Something that will be trained fairly simply.
That has ticked a few boxes for you, will I get them a dog, lots of work here and everyone loves dogs, nah I don’t have the time to take it for walks it would not be fair on the animal.
A cat yes a friendly enough animal, the only thing is cats do what cats want to do.
A bird, oh I don’t know if I fancy the thought of having something that is caged up.
Well how about this one then, I can almost see you now recoiling away in shock and horror.
Get the kids a rat better still get two rats.
A rat the man has gone barmy stinking vermin I don’t want my children playing with a rat.
You are miles of the mark pet rats are nothing like the average sewer rat, they groom themselves several times a day, ( as do sewer rats ).
Pet rats have been bred in captivity for around 150 years, they are extremely intelligent.
My grandsons rat comes to him when he calls its name, unlike hamsters and pet mice a rat will rarely if ever bite.
Our Toms pet would be perfectly content sitting on his knee or shoulder all day long.
In the wild rats live in large social groups, so it would be unfair to keep one of these animals on its own.
They become strongly attached to their human owners.
If a rats partner dies, it has been known for them to fall into a similar state to depression.
There is not any hardship involved in keeping rats as pets, but I like to see them in a big as possible cage, they are not permanently confined here the kids will see to that.
Give it a try what is stopping you, I bet it is only your prejudices against them, rats get a lot of bad press but they can be delightful creatures to keep.
A lot of elderly folk who could not manage to look after a larger animal, would find a rat or two ideal pets to care for.
Of course you could always go for the nice big friendly dog, but remember even if it is raining or snowing the dog needs exercise folks.