I don't want to jump on the bashing bandwagon- but from personal experience, I would say don't do it. a few years ago I got a niece a twelve gallon filtered fish tank, taught her how to stock it, cycle it, etc, offered to help, and it was still a disaster. Even with a lot of thought and good intentions pets aren't really an appropriate gift. I'm sure these are good kids, but giving a pet is imposing your interests on someone else, and that's not fair to the animal. Even if the parents say it is okay to give that gift that doesn't mean that they will have the interest or time to care for it properly.That said, I'm not sure why you would need the help of a breeder. If you have a locally owned pet store in your area what they offer are usually breeder culls- nice healthy fish, but not show quality. That woudl be a good thing to check out. And on the filtration thing- I always keep bettas with a filter but if you are diligent about maintenance it's not totally necessary. But I can tell you that my longest lived bettas were in gently filtered tanks with a heat source. You might want to consider a new set up for yours. Good luck with everything.
Betta breeders in N. Illinois??
- Thread starter ridab
- Start date
I think it is a great oppertunity for the kids!!!!
If it is there wedding, I think it would be nice to have bettas
And, Its better then a jar of bubbles! LOL
Good luck finding some!!!
Didn't see that one coming. I'll add it to the "Daayda list". This list is getting verrry long.
Wow...def wasn't expecting that response...but that might be my fault as I haven't explained properly.
Regardless, I understand all of your concerns completely. While some of your reactions were a tad melodramatic...actually more than a tad... I still know where you're coming from. I understand fully that living creatures are not toys and never intended them to be so.
Since I am either related to the parents or close friends w/whoever I was planning on giving the fish to; I am more than confident that the fish would be taken care of. I have already discussed this gift with the parents, not because I feared the fish would be neglected - these are all good kids; but because I didn't want the parents to be burdened as they would have to help the children feed/clean/care for the fish. Furthermore, None of the children are under the age of 8 and a child of 8 or older, with help from their parents, can surely care for a single betta fish. Lastly, if children can receive puppies or birds or any other animal that requires equal or more care and time, I can't fathom why a child shouldn't receive a fish as a pet. Some of these kids have actually seen/helped me care for my own betta and have shown interest in having one.
I do have a betta fish right now, I've had it for 7 months and I myself got it as a gift so I see no problem in doing the same if I know the fish will be cared for. He's got a nice round 3 gallon bowl and is very happy w/me. And if you guys are saying a filtered tank is required for one betta fish; that's the first time I've read that and I've been on betta info pages all day...so I'm def not taking that advice.
The question about my fish's tank was completely irrelevant but I answered it anyways because I'm not a rude person...unlike the person who posed the question.
As for the MightyQueenPixie...i'm not surprised your fish live better (and probably more peacefully) than you do as you lack basic social interaction skills... with humans at least.
Everyone else, thanks for replying
Well....I must admit....bettas dont actually require a filter..well...what I mean is... they wont die without one...but still...they live better with one and all fish deserve one..they deserve to live the best and without a filter they cannot live the best.
I think it is a great oppertunity for the kids!!!!
If it is there wedding, I think it would be nice to have bettas
And, Its better then a jar of bubbles
Good luck finding some!!!
Didnt exactly see that one acoming either....Yes it would be better than a jar of bubbles...but...there are always boxes for chocolates...everyone knows kids love those! and adults do too! Go buy a ton of boxes of chocolates...instead of endangering the lives of the bettas...I know you want to give the kids a responsibility and you talked to their parents...but a lot of times parents leave it to the kids, often forget to remind the kids, and kids are often more busy playing outside with their friends...for the bettas safety... AT LEAST, AT LEAST, AT LEAST dont give bettas to kids under the age of maybe 11. I had a betta when I was...probably maybe 5 years old? I would kiss it against the glass everyday and loved him soo much but off course...he had a filtered tank. If you decide to give kids under the age 11 a betta...save the kid some greif and get a filter so the fish lives as long as possible. Its a great experience full of responsibily for the kids and a great learning experience for them but...if your going to do it...pllease buy the filtered tanks too or have the parents commit to buying a filtered tank because thats really the only thing I am concered about! The kids might be too busy playing or doing something else to clean the fishes tank a few times a week, trust me please, I know. go ahead and buy the fish...BUT buy some cheap 2 gallon tanks and some little filters to go with it. Spend the extra 30 bucks...please!!!
Thanks and I hope you understand
I did my best to help the fish :huh:
Fun and teaches you responsibilty...yes...but little kids could easily forget to clean an unfiltered betta tank when busy playing with toys or friends outside or something...what I am trying to say is kids think they have better things to do. I wouldnt have a problem with it...if she bought some tiny filters to go along with the fish too! Thats my ONE and only concern!Thats OK that you all feel that wayI just know, that IMO, there is nothing like a fish for comfort, fun and a step up in responsabillty
Yeah...but I still think some little $5 to go with the fish would be a really good idea. :huh: *siggh* or maybe thats just my opinion:huh:
