>What is the appropriate age for a child to have a gerbil? Certainly I
>think 4 is too young, and 10 is probably fine, but I haven't decided
>where to draw the line in between.
>
>Opinions?
I START with the child should be ten. And take into consideration
if there are older or younger siblings in the family, especially younger.
Especially under six years old.
If there is an older sibling that will say 'yes I will make sure or help
out that the animal will be taken care of' (a parent can also do that)
and there are no really excitable children under six or so, then I
consider the maturity of the child/keeper in question.
(with parent there) there is a short interview, when I mention such
things as this animal will live (fill in blank for hamster or gerbil) or
more; did they realize that? That they will have to commit to having
it and caring for it for at least that long? That it may live longer
(and mention top end ages I've heard of). Then look to the parent
if *they* realized that this is a lengthy commitment... And that the
animal may bite them. And that it can hurt. Were they aware of that?
This is not a toy, it's a living thing, and it will need care; and not to
be played with like some other things.
Then a 'put the kid on the rug' and put the tub or tank with the
animal on the floor by them, and supervise some handling
training. With pillow in lap, sitting on floor, I see how the child
handles the animal, are they mature or too excited, etc. I usually
only go to this when I'm fairly certain that the child will be able
to care for the animal (mature enough, etc).
After this if it goes well, we finalize the adoption.
I have told parents (that are sitting there with the child or
children) that I don't think that this is a good idea at this
time...if I have indications during the interview and handling
(if that happens) that something isn't going to go well.
Parents that have come to me privately for an animal are
usually satisfied, happy, and relieved, if I decide that 'it's
not time yet'.
So. Several factors have to be weighed. I've successfully
placed animals with five year olds; and there are some
that were not placed with fourteen year olds.
On some older adoptions (child of fourteen to eighteen
years) I have deferred to parents, over 'may the child have
an animal UNDER YOUR ROOF' and backed them up.
(they know their child better, and can ban the animal and
can the objections at that time)
During that initial interview, I bring up things like vet
visits, going to get supplies, etc; and make sure that
the parent realizes that the animal may cost in time
and vet bills and running around. I did go through
some of this on the phone before they came over, but
I make sure to cover this again.
So. If you are careful and conscientous about 'interviewing'
before you place your animals, you can control what sort of
environment they move to...and the kind of care they will
receive.
Deb
Rebel's Rodent Ranch
