Volenteering and Info

[Spaceman Spiff]

Alright, I've got a question for you guys.

I volenteer at my local Boys and Girls club, and they have a pet lovers night where people can bring in pets and talk about them.

Now when we do this, we have to include all the details possible, right down to the nitty gritty.

I plan on brinigng in my beloved hedgie (not to touch, only to look!) but what in particular should I stress to these kids? They would be no older than 12, I can't see them being any older.

Also, what other things to you think I should include in my spiel?

[Vincent]

The most important things I can think of are:
-they're not a pet for everyone. When I was little and saw a cute animal, anything from a hamster to a cockatiel, I wanted it, so you might want to mention that they're not exceptionally cuddly, and have some special needs (ie. heat, cage size, wheel, etc.)
-they don't actually eat commercial "hedgehog food". Everyone is always amazed when I say they eat cat food. :p
-the quills don't come off in your hand, and they're not related to porcupines. It's just such a common misconception.
Good luck! :)

[hemi_mygirl]

I make sure to stress to young kids that they aren't great pets for most people. Parents thank me for this one. I let them pet Hemi, but I warn that she may bite them. I tell how hard it can be to meet her needs - from heat, to bugs (little girls are usually turned off at this remark), to the fact that they don't do anything cool. I make sure to mention that they can't curl into a ball and keep rolling, nor do they eat chili dogs (is that what Sonic the Hedgehog ate?). That usually disenchants youngsters right there. I make sure to stress that they're a pretty boring pet, all look, and while I know this isn't true, it helps keep parents from rushing out and buying one for Christmas.

I make sure to always stress the costs associated, and make sure to bring up Hemi's brief stint with cancer and how much money I spent on just ONE vet check ($200+).

[Spaceman Spiff]

Right on, thanks guys.

Kepp em coming!

I know that I have had quite a few people surprised when I tell them mine eats cat food and bugs ect.

I'm always telling people that I'm really the only person who can handle her. Even my boyfriend (who's been around her for ages) can only hold her for a minute before she's snorting and popping.

[paris26]

I bring my hedgies and chins to quite a few educational groups with children of all ages. I talk about all the pro's and con's and apply that to the age group of children you are talking to.
I always ask how many of the kids get an allowance? Then I give them an example of a vet bill that I pay and ask how many weeks of allowance it would take to pay for it. I also talk about my increased heating bills in the winter, the time it takes to properly care for them, etc.

Most of the kids usually say that they are neat animals, but not for them.

Also, my number one rule for my animals when I'm doing these things is that only I WILL BE HOLDING THEM!! Just makes it easier and safer all around

[LunaMidnight]

Tell them they don't shoot their quills! :laugh: People always ask me that. Or they ask if she rolls around in a ball. Ooh, and we can't forget the poopy wheel!