should i say yes

[piggybaker]

I am in a bit of a dilemma, my son Charlie wants to have a guinea pigs in his room, He is very sensible he is 5 1/2 .

he is constantly helping me with my gang outside, filling up the water bottles, cleaning and refilling food bowls, and feeding them with greens in the morning,(he only does this at the weekend because of time) but Obviously i am going to be doing the lion share of things, but should i allow him to feel like they are his responsibility.


Also having them in his room, I just don't know what to do, the dogs not allowed upstairs, so should i extend this to guineas, I know they are different but they are still animals.

 

[baby-wilson]

hmm... i have the guineas in my room... you should make an agreement that he has to a list of things that are on the agreement or else the piggies go back outside? My mum did this too and it works...

 

[michellemuffin]

good idea if your child is brought up animal friendly as all 5 of mine are then he must stick to certain rules and have respect for the piggy, I'm not too keen unless a child has shown maturity beyond thier years which your son seems to be doing then do it but as said you are in control at all times, one slip or I'm fed up with cleaning etc then hes out for good, good luck

 

[kellyandpiggies]

Totally agree with Michelle. Why not do it on a trial basis - a week? Then make your judgement on that? Good luck with whatever you decide! O0

 

[chinakit]

If Charlie knows to treat animals gently and with respect, then I would go for it!

 

[KimmiesGuineas]

What everybody has said, I agree with. If he's responsible and gentle it should be fine. Make up an agreement and if he doesn't keep up his end of the bargain then out they go.

Kimmie

 

[Jillybean]

Agree with everyone else (just make sure he puts a towel on his bed when he gets them out, otherwise you'll be cleaning pees and poos up all the time! :

 

[daftscotslass]

Agree with everyone else (just make sure he puts a towel on his bed when he gets them out, otherwise you'll be cleaning pees and poos up all the time! :

I agree with most things said above but definitely do not think he should take them out unsupervised. Small hands can easily drop fat pigs!

 

[Jillybean]

Good point.

 

[piggybaker]

Agree with everyone else (just make sure he puts a towel on his bed when he gets them out, otherwise you'll be cleaning pees and poos up all the time! :

I agree with most things said above but definitely do not think he should take them out unsupervised. Small hands can easily drop fat pigs!

Yes that would be a no no as i also have a 3 year old that will learn if she see Charlie picking them up, But Amy isn't allowed in charlies room(he has a baby gate on his room so he has some space) so this is why it would always be supervised, ONLY mummy touches the cage.

But i think i will mull this over I want to but, well you know! its a big step :-\