Hi guys, I am about to start a new job and want to get a pet to help me learn responsibility and accountability. I’ve had two dogs in the past, but my mom took care of them more than I did. This time, I want the pet to be entirely mine. I’m thinking about getting a hamster, rabbit, or guinea pig, but I’m leaning toward a rabbit since I’ve had good experiences with them. What do you all think? Which one would be the best choice? Are there any important things I should know before getting one? What difficulties might I face with these pets? I’m open to other suggestions, but I’d love your thoughts on these specific animals.
There’s really no such thing as a starter pet. If someone tells you that a certain animal is easy to care for, they might not be telling the truth. Hamsters need large spaces filled with bedding and hides. With guinea pigs, you’ll need to get at least two since they are very social. Rabbits can have really high vet bills. If you want to learn responsibility, you might want to consider reading some animal care guides and checking more than one source for information. There are definitely ways to learn responsibility that don’t involve a living creature, like volunteering. Maybe consider getting a plant instead.
@FeatheredPal
I get what you’re saying about responsibility. I truly want to take care of a pet myself, just like my mom does. I understand that there aren’t any truly easy pets, but you know what I mean by that. A turtle is definitely easier to care for than a dog, right? I’ve been researching for years and have been asking for one of these animals for a long time, so I thought I’d reach out to a community that loves pets for their opinions. It’s just a simple question.
I’ll consider your advice and avoid major retailers for information. From what I’ve gathered, hamsters seem like a good option, and a rabbit would be a good choice if I have stable income. I appreciate your advice; I know you mean well. Sorry if I sound irritated; I haven’t slept in over 24 hours, so I might not be at my best. I’ve been helping with my dogs for a while, but not like my mom does, and I want to be fully responsible for a pet. I have plenty of resources to help me. Not everyone who wants a pet wants a plant, but I do appreciate the suggestion.
@Val
There wasn’t any bad intent in my reply. The truth is there are too many bad pet owners who don’t really know what they are getting into. Also, I disagree with your comparison between dogs and turtles. Sure, each breed requires different care, but both need a lot of attention. Dogs seem like they need more work because they require walks, grooming, and other care.
If you are considering getting a hamster, here’s some important info. Hamsters need at least 900 square inches of unbroken space. Their homes need to be cleaned often. They shouldn’t be in wire cages because it can be dangerous and they need around 8 inches of bedding to burrow in. They need hides and an appropriately sized wheel. Avoid buying any food, treats, or sand that has calcium. Hamster homes can get pricey, but there are affordable options. Look into bin cages and make hides from undyed cardboard. Bedding can be costly, and you should use unscented, dust-free paper bedding. Aspen bedding is cheap, but some hamsters don’t like it. Be cautious about the type of wood you use for toys and hides. You can scatter feed your hamster to keep them engaged. Syrian hamsters are the biggest type, but the same rules apply to smaller breeds. I hope this info helps!
You’re starting a job, and that’s a lot of responsibility. You should focus on that. Congrats on your new job and new place!
Of those options, I’d recommend getting a guinea pig. They are similar to rabbits in some ways (they need to eat a lot, should be in pairs, and do better in pens) but aren’t as complex as rabbits. It can be a good step towards your rabbit goals. From my experience with both, rabbits can be very demanding and require lots of space and attention. The previous comment is right; there’s no easy starter pet. You need to learn as much as you can about the animal before you get one (or two, in this case). Before getting any pet, I joined relevant forums and followed YouTube channels about them, along with checking ASPCA guidelines and other resources. Make sure to integrate them into your life before you actually get one, as they’ll require your time.
Animals can change your life, and you have to adjust your life around them. Too many people focus on what the pet can do for them. Instead, think about what you can do to give them the best life possible. We’re lucky to have pets, and if our home isn’t great for them, then maybe they shouldn’t be here.
Honestly, there’s no starter pet, just pets that are more complicated than others. You should really research and prepare for months before considering getting one.
I thought bugs were simple pets, but since I got isopod colonies, I’ve found out they can be complex too! The upkeep isn’t too hard, but there’s so much to learn, and that should be part of the joy. Don’t go into your relationship with a pet expecting something. Let it be neutral, and don’t put your wants onto it. Treat it like a living being and enjoy its presence. If you can’t enjoy it just for being itself, then maybe you shouldn’t get a pet. That’s how I see it! Good luck.
Rabbits are adorable, but I worry about how easily their stomachs can shut down.
I think a hamster could be a good choice since they don’t need friends (at least Syrian hamsters don’t), while guinea pigs do better in pairs. Plus, you can get creative decorating a hamster’s enclosure.
Are reptiles off the table too?
None of those pets are ideal first pets, especially guinea pigs. They need to be in pairs and do poorly alone. They require a minimum of 10…