If you don’t have much time, space, or money for a large pet (such as a dog) you might be reluctant to welcome an animal into your home. However, there are various low maintenance, affordable animals and reptiles that will not require much of your attention.
If you want to give in to your child’s wants without giving up much of your day to care for an animal’s needs, read about the four low maintenance pets your children will love.
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Guinea Pigs
Small children tend to love guinea pigs, as they are social animals who love human interaction. You also will be pleased to learn that they will not require much of your time or attention - they live quite comfortably in a cage with straw and fresh water, but do want to be in pairs.
Plus, you can guarantee your kids will be delighted when holding a guinea pig, as they often squeak with excitement during human contact. They will also kick their heels and jump in the air when they are happy.
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Tree Frogs
Your children will love watching a tree frog change color, jump about and camouflage themselves. The low maintenance pet is also a light feeder, as the mature frogs will eat between two to three times per week, and they love to munch on brown crickets, locusts, and hoppers, which will fascinate your son or daughter.
Plus, with good care, they will have a lifespan of five years and will likely require minimal vet appointments, which is why they make good starter pets for kids. However, you would be wise to keep them in a communal living space rather than a bedroom as tree frogs are active jumpers at night.
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Rabbits
Rabbits are more than happy with a cozy hutch, plenty of space to run around and a choice of fresh vegetables and hay. While they don’t depend on human contact, they will love to spend time with their owners. They can be great pets for your kids, as they are cute, low maintenance animals that can live for between 8 to 12 years.
Great low-maintenance rabbits can include:
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Dwarf Hotot
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Harlequin
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Havana
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Mini Rex
You also can choose to keep the rabbits inside, or you can allow them to roam in a secured garden. If you do want to keep them indoors, you will need to hide away cables and remove poisonous plants from your home.
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Goldfish
Goldfish are not only inexpensive, but they will not demand much of your time. If you change their water regularly and ensure they are well-fed, they could live happily in a tank for up to a decade. However, you must avoid overfeeding the pet to ensure they remain in good health, which can expand their lifespan. Your kids will also love to personalize a goldfish bowl with various colorful accessories.
So, if you are looking for a low-cost, low-maintenance pet that your children will adore, the above options are unlikely to disappoint.
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