What age should someone be to own an exotic pet (chinchilla, hedgie, etc.)

[addicted2chins]

I think maturity has a big part to do with it. I mean, a ninteen year old can own a chinchilla but be the most irresponsible owner in the world. Then there could be the fifteen year old who is really responsible...so the younger owner is the best owner.

[Loves2LoveChins]

Personally my life did not settle down until I was in my 20's. Before that I was in college and wayyyy too busy to give them the proper amount of attention and care they needed. My social life was also booming.


There are however circumstances where younger individuals do make good owners but IMO the general population is not ready until they have established careers and have their own place and are done with their "partying" days.

[Zabby]

I think financial stability has a lot to do with it too, linked with how mature you are also with money. Exotics are not cheap, and vet bills are especially expensive. I would vote 20+: 25 seems a bit too old considering there are plenty of mature people with steady jobs before then and 13 isn't nearly old enough. Your life changes far too much in your teenage years and parents are still taking care of most of the bills. It could also be said though that several older adults are not mature or responsible with money. "It depends."

[Toto]

I disagree that you "should" be any age to own an animal. It really depends on your maturity and your ability to judge how much is too much and make sure that your animals don't suffer because of it. I'm sixteen and I do go out with friends a lot but I know that I make time for my pets everyday, and I know that if I'm not there to feed them in the morning or whatnot that my parents will do it willingly and I'll be there to check on them in the evening. Plus, my mom enjoys the pets too. I've basically had a steady "income" since I was twelve and that now I have a real job that pays well I can pay for everything (when I was younger my mom payed for most vet bills, now I pay for them myself). I also think that if your a child, you NEED a supportive adult who'll be willing to pay for things if the need arises and who'll be willing to do little chores and give your pets some love if you're sleeping at a friends house or going to be gone for some other reason. I also think that as a kid you need an attention span that is equal to/longer the life span of your pet.

[neekobandit]

I agree with Toto- you shouldn't have to be a certain age to own an animal, it's all about maturity and responsibility.

I am 18, my chins get a good quality pellet, hay, they both have tons of toys and big cages, ChinSpins, I have invested way over $1000 in them. I have a job, I am going to college, and they are still spoiled and I believe receiving the best care possible. I have money set aside for a vet visit. I am the only one that takes care of my chinchillas...I do not ask for money or help. I am paying for my college, I am paying half on bills, groceries, etc.

[pricklesnquills]

I voted that maturity is what matters. I mean that to a degree, I don't that anyone under 11/12 should even be allowed to have an exotic pet no matter how mature they are. I'm 14 & I have 3 hedgies. I pay for everything. I also breed them. Some people don't like me for breeding them, but I truly care about them & I'm VERY passionate about my hedgies. I acctually have had many adults come to me for advice.

So over all, I think maturity/responsibility is what really matters!

[Vincent]

Maturity, maturity, maturity. And I don't think it's restricted to exotic animals. All animals have specific needs that have to be met, whether it's a chinchilla or a kitten, and it takes a responsible person to do that. :)

[Nancy]

I think maturity and financial stability are the most important. Many children can make wonderful caretakers of the pet and do all the cleaning and feeding and in every way be their pet except for paying the bills. Very few kids under 16 can afford a $500+ vet bill and usually not even the monthly expenses of an exotic pet. As long as the parents are supportive and have no hesitation about paying all the animals expenses, then some 10+year olds could be considered old enough for the day to day care of the animal.

Actually I feel that in many ways, a responsible 10 year old with supportive parents could make a better owner than a college student or someone that is just out on their own with limited financial resources and school and a job to take up their time.

[iayla]

I just wanted to agree that its maturity that matters and knowing your responsible for that pet, no matter if its a chin, dog, cat or fish. My daughter is only 7yrs old and she has her own chinchilla. But financially _I_ am the one responsible for it. She has also gotten 2 other pets from friends (AFTER getting her chinchilla) and she does a great job of filling the water bottles & food dishes without being asked, and spending time with each of them. She cleans her hamster's cage, and helps with the chinchilla's cage. I clean the guinea pig's cage simply because its set up too high for her to reach the bottom of the pan comfortably (it sits on a stand to make it easier to feed, water, and get him out of his cage). She is also homeschooled so she is home every day to spend time with them. Although I think she would still have time if she went to public school, and would still do a great job.

[varybarry]

I agree with everyone else that it's not necessarily age that has to do with owning a pet. It's the maturity of the owner that is the biggest factor.