by Christine Cameron

Created on: January 24, 2008

The word "critter" always makes me think of Ellie Mae on "The Beverly Hillbillies". Critter is generally used to refer to any animal that is not a cat or dog, more of the odd pet if you will.

1.) Guinea Pig - children 5 and up (with adult supervision)

This is the best beginner pet for both ease of care and diet needs. While every pet is a huge responsibility and should not be taken lightly, guinea pigs require the least attention and offer a great deal of pleasure.

Guinea pigs eat a basic diet of pellets and timothy hay or alfalfa. Many pet owners give their guinea pig scraps from the garden, this is a great treat but stay away from wet food in general. Guinea pigs eat a very basic, dry diet.

Guinea pigs are a great pet for families with children of all different ages. Young children should always be closely monitored with any animal, but a well handled guinea pig is not as likely to bite as a hamster. Guinea pigs can also be put in a "walking ball" so they can maneuver safely around the house (and entertain the whole family).

2.) Hamster - children 10 and up (with adult supervision)

For many children a hamster is their first experience in pet ownership. It often does not turn out well. Hamsters are great pets for older children, but not highly recommended for the very young.

While a hamster is fun to watch, children want to touch. Hamsters are notorious biters, they are not vicious, just very protective. Hamsters are also nocturnal by nature, so they tend to be very grumpy when young children want to play. A well handled hamster will learn to trust people and even get to know its owner's scent. An older child should still be monitored by an adult during the introduction process.

Hamsters too require a very basic diet and cage enclosure, making them a fun and relatively easy pet to own.

3.) Rabbit - children 10 and up (with adult supervision)

Rabbits make great pets for the whole family to enjoy. With cross-breeding of new dwarf breeds, space is becoming less of an issue. Toys (like the giant rolling ball) and play pen areas have recently come on to the pet market to enhance the bunny play experience.

Rabbit diets are very simple, ask any gardener. A pet rabbit does require a daily supply of timothy hay and pellet food, and again stay away from wet foods of any kind.

Children of all ages can enjoy a pet rabbit and assist in the care. Small children should always be monitored. While bunnies don't usually bite, they have extremely sharp claws.

4.) Ferret - children 14 and

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