5 replies to this topic

[MochiTheHammy]

Oh gosh, Sorry I've been posting about non hamster stuff so much,  at this point HH is the only forum I trust, Anyways, My mom doesn't think small pets need much care and only thinks dogs & cats are "worthy" of the vet, I pay for the hamster bills myself since it isnt very expensive and I can afford if any major problem occurs,but my brother recently got obsesed with hedgehogs he is only 10 and has a very little sum of money he isn't good at saving up but desperatly wants one he doesn't know how to care for one and certainly can't pay the bills,  he doesn't even have enough to buy a habitat, food, or any other things a hedgehog needs, heck he doesnt have enough to adopt one! He was very rough with my past hamster  and kicked his cage when he was mad at me, (That was horrible and I had to do drastic things for him to stop ) my mom is fine with him owning one if he can get the money. My brother asked if he could loan some from me and pay me back with birthday & christmas money etc. I refused but he will probably manage to convince my mom to pay for it and end up killing the poor thing! If gets it  I will end up being stuck with doing the research and caring for it! I don't know how to convince them otherwise! (excuse my spelling im in a rush ) Any ideas?

[Alessia]

Hedgehogs are incredibly prone to many illnesses, unless you are willing to pay extremely expensive vet bills (if you can even find an exotic vet who deals with hedgehogs) I would maybe consider something else, I am not saying your brother shouldn’t get one but they can get agitated easily and are prone to much more illnesses then many rodents. Considering how you described your brother and how he took out his anger on the animal. I think he should wait till he’s a little bit older to take on such responsibilities.

 

 

Also many children often loose interest in an animal after a short period of time, so this might be something that is just going to pass. Of course this may not be something that’s going to pass, but regardless you need to discuss this matter with your parents. A lot of points to bring up are who will be taking care of this animal, who will be monitoring your brother with this animal when he is interacting with it, ect.

 

 

I can’t make the decision for you but I do not think a hedgehog is a first time animal or a “beginner” animal, if your brother still wants an animal I suggest maybe starting off with something like a betta fish (not that they are beginner animals) but don’t require as much care as a for instance a hedgehog.

[Lillias]

I would compile a cost list of everything the hedgehog needs (cage, bedding, food) for a lifetime and hand the list to your parents. Even without vet care, hedgehogs cost more than hamsters. Be sure to mention to mention that they eat bugs, if you think your parents are squeamish.

 

10-year-olds don't have a full concept of money and responsibilities yet, so it's not the most productive idea to argue with your brother. Don't loan him money though (that's not fair to you and will inevitably cause sibling tensions when he takes a long time to repay you, if he ever does).

[MochiTheHammy]

Hedgehogs are incredibly prone to many illnesses, unless you are willing to pay extremely expensive vet bills (if you can even find an exotic vet who deals with hedgehogs) I would maybe consider something else, I am not saying your brother shouldn’t get one but they can get agitated easily and are prone to much more illnesses then many rodents. Considering how you described your brother and how he took out his anger on the animal. I think he should wait till he’s a little bit older to take on such responsibilities.

 

 

Also many children often loose interest in an animal after a short period of time, so this might be something that is just going to pass. Of course this may not be something that’s going to pass, but regardless you need to discuss this matter with your parents. A lot of points to bring up are who will be taking care of this animal, who will be monitoring your brother with this animal when he is interacting with it, ect.

 

 

I can’t make the decision for you but I do not think a hedgehog is a first time animal or a “beginner” animal, if your brother still wants an animal I suggest maybe starting off with something like a betta fish (not that they are beginner animals) but don’t require as much care as a for instance a hedgehog.

 

Thank you, I told my parents about the beta fish idea and she came home with a goldfish instead, he named it Sushi  If he can keep that alive once he knows how and is able to he might be able to a get a hedgehog 

I would compile a cost list of everything the hedgehog needs (cage, bedding, food) for a lifetime and hand the list to your parents. Even without vet care, hedgehogs cost more than hamsters. Be sure to mention to mention that they eat bugs, if you think your parents are squeamish.

 

10-year-olds don't have a full concept of money and responsibilities yet, so it's not the most productive idea to argue with your brother. Don't loan him money though (that's not fair to you and will inevitably cause sibling tensions when he takes a long time to repay you, if he ever does).

My brother is grossed out when I feed pipsqueak mealworms so after hearing hedgehogs need bugs I don't think he wants one anymore, 

[Robin~]

It may also be worth it to point this out to your mom. It’d be very responsible of you to tell her ahead of time what your brother’s idea is and how you know he (and the family) won’t be able to handle it. Just keep it calm and upfront, don’t try to make it sound like tattling.

Maybe instead of getting a new pet your brother can help out with caring for your hamster? I know it’s not quite the same as having your own pet but it’s at least something.

[Lillias]

 

My brother is grossed out when I feed pipsqueak mealworms so after hearing hedgehogs need bugs I don't think he wants one anymore, 

Oh, good.