6 unusual animals that make great pets for kids

Leopard geckos are very docile and easily handled, even by small children. Photo: 123rf.com

If you are a parent with a child who loves animals, you are likely considering which pet will fit best into your household.

While dogs and cats are by far the most popular, you may be looking for a more low-maintenance, unusual pet. While not as popular, exotic pets can still make great companions for your kids.

Exotic pets are some of the most beautiful and unique species, but certain species are better than others when it comes to young keepers.

When considering which species you want, you also have to think of the local exotic pet laws.

Many exotic species need some sort of licence to purchase in Malaysia while others are outright banned. While this can limit your options, there is still a wide variety of kid-friendly, exotic pets available.

1. Leopard Gecko

Leopard Geckos are one of the best reptiles for kids and they are also easily available for purchase. These geckos are very docile and easily handled even by small children.

Though this species is native to the arid Middle East, Malaysia has great temperatures for these geckos and they won’t require a lot of time or money.

Their care is relatively easy once you set the correct temperatures and humidit.Their diet consists mainly of small insects like crickets, roaches or mealworms.

Leopard Geckos are one of the legal species that don’t need a special permit to own.

2. Ball Python

If lizards aren’t what you are looking for, snakes are a great unusual pet.

Ball Pythons are also one of the most popular pet species that are great with kids. This species is calm, easily handled and rarely aggressive.

If they do feel threatened, they will often choose to hide and ball themselves up instead of bite.

Their care needs are easy, and only need to be fed very infrequently. This is perfect for kids because they still get the responsibility of a pet, but it isn’t as involved as having a dog or cat.

Ball Pythons also have many interesting colors and patterns that are fascinating to look at for adults and kids alike.

They are a fairly large snake, reaching between 3-6 feet (0.9m to 1.8m) long.

A licence is required to own this species.

3. Corn Snake

The Corn Snake is a low-maintenance pet. Photo: 123rf.com

If you have your heart set on a snake but don’t want something that gets as big as a Ball Python, a Corn Snake is a great alternative.

Just like Ball Pythons, they have low care needs and don’t need to be fed frequently as adults.

They are very docile and perfect for kids to handle.

As for restrictions, you do not need a special exotic pet licence to own a Corn Snake. This makes them much easier to purchase and find in pet shops than Ball Pythons.

4. Bearded Dragon

The Bearded Dragon will happily spend time with and be handled by their owners. Photo: The Star/Filepic

The Bearded Dragon is another lizard that is very popular with beginner keepers.

They are generally very personable and will happily spend time with and be handled by their owners. This is great for kids who want to interact with their pet frequently.

Their simple husbandry and diet of insects, vegetables and fruits mean that their care needs are cheap and easy.

Large males of this species have been known to be aggressive during breeding season, so many keepers with young kids prefer female Beardies over males.

Another benefit of this species is that they do not require a special licence to own.

5. Western Hognose

This is a snake species that is popular with beginners. While they are feistier than Corn Snakes and Ball Pythons, they are all bark and no bite.

With consistent handling, they can be very docile and are known for rarely biting as a defence mechanism. Instead, they will choose to try to scare you away and even play dead when stressed or threatened.

Once tamed down, this species is relatively small, hardy and perfect for younger keepers. Since they are small in size, only reaching around 3 feet in length, they won’t require as large an enclosure as some of the other species on this list.

Their husbandry is easy and just like the other snakes on this list, their diet is straightforward and low maintenance. It is beloved by many keepers. Keeping this species does not require any special permit.

6. White's Tree Frog

If reptiles are not your thing, amphibians also make great unusual pets for kids.

The White's Tree Frog is one of the best frog options for beginner keepers as they are large, beautiful and very easily handled.

Since they are considered “lazy”, they are easily caught within their enclosure and very laid-back when it comes to handling.

While amphibians have higher humidity needs, Malaysia is actually the perfect environment to keep these frogs though they will still require very specific temperature and humidity.

These frogs are low maintenance, and you will not need a licence to keep this species.

Conclusion

If you were unsure that an unusual pet was right for your household, we hope this article gave you some insight on what you can expect from exotic pets. While such pets may be less well-known, they can still be a great addition to the family and be the new, low-maintenance best friend that your child needs.

Not only are these species perfect for kids, they are also readily available and legal to own. Now the only choice you have left to make is which one will you be bringing home.