Would it be responsible to get a 2 1/2 year old a Guinea Pig?

[Taverner]

Or would that be a bad idea?

[AlCzervik]

1. Oh we have one and we love him. We adopted one before from my daughter's

school and at the time he was 5 and we had him until he was 9 and then he passed away. they are the best pets and very easy to care for---plus they don't smell.

[MissB]

2. Great idea.

If it is a stuffed guinea pig.

If it is your child, you be the judge. If it isn't your child, then it is a bat-shit crazy idea.

[AlCzervik]

3. why is it a crazy idea?

[MissB]

4. Assuming you aren't the parent?

You'd be foisting an animal on a family. The child isn't going to be taking care of the pet. At that age, it takes constant reminders to the child to be careful with small animals- they tend to squeeze them rather than hold them.

If it is your own child, then you know whether it is a good choice or not, based on the child.

[gollygee]

5. If you are the parent and you're aware that it's your responsibility

and not the child's, I suppose it's ok.

If you are not the parent, or if you are the parent but are not planning on being soley responsible for its care, then it's a bad idea.

[TallahasseeGrannie]

6. Well, most two year olds squeeze

rather than pet. So personally I'd wait until 3 or 4?

Now, a gerbil that they can watch maybe?

[purr]

7. It all depends on your child.. I know I wouldnt get my 4 yr old one.

Hes just not 'mature' enough for one. Besides, I couldnt trust him to keep the door shut because of the cats.