Geckos and kids/babies

[Chevalrose]

My husband and I are planning on starting a family soon. I've read a lot about how geckos aren't really good for a household with children under 10 or so (due to possible salmonella as well as for the safety of the gecko). What are everyone's thoughts? We are already on the fence about rehoming our gecko because I feel we don't have enough time for it (although I promise she is regularly checked by a vet and is quite healthy), and this factor might push us over the edge to actually do it. I just feel so bad, I've never given up an animal before. My husband's cousin is interested in taking her so at least she'd still be "in the family".

Thoguhts?

 

[acpart]

I think all small animals including hamsters/gerbils are supposed to be potential carriers of salmonella. There are also issues, as you probably know, with cat litter and toxoplasmosis. I feel that if a person is dedicated to the pet and maintains good handwashing, there will not be a problem (as long as no one in the family is immuno-compromised). I didn't start my gecko "habit" until my kids were older. However, I had a lot of other responsibilities for other things when the kids were really young (I had twins at 38 and have 3 kids in all). It's a big issue for people thinking about starting a family what they're going to do about the other things in their lives. Some people cut everything back, and some incorporate the kids into everything. There's no right answer. This is a big thing and sometimes you don't even know how you're going to feel until it really happens (like the new parents who swore they'd quit work/keep working when the baby comes and discover to their surprise that they want to do the opposite of what they'd planned). My main point is that in terms of hygiene and safety, it's fine, but there may be other issues like time and energy which will affect what you do.

Aliza

 

[stager]

I may be wrong but ive always heard only reptiles kept in very unclean conditions can carry salmonella.

 

[Superior Reptiles]

As long as the child washes his/her hands after touching the gecko then the salmonella shouldn't be an issue... Children can be a little rough with small pets like one time i tried to show my 3 year old cousin one of my geckos and he tried to slap it so ya