It is going to be a long summer, and children are already picking up their hobbies. However, the hot weather is a matter of concern for parents. Here is some solace for them. Holidays are not all about outdoor play. These days, children are very much interested in keeping small pets. As the vacation has begun, there is a considerable rise in sales in shops where they sell pets and aquariums.
“Guppies, betta fish (Siamese fighting fish), and love birds are mostly sold,” a seller says. The film Guppy has contributed much to the popularity of the fish. It is a small fish and can be easily taken care of in an aquarium. “The price of guppies range from Rs 20 to Rs 300 and are easily available in pet shops,” says a fish breeder from Angamaly.
Keeping pets is beneficial for kids as well as it can develop certain qualities in them. The hobby is really helpful in the children’s emotional development and they will grow up to be caring persons. Keeping pets can also help the children suffering from the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as it encourages them to concentrate and also to develop a responsible nature.
Lovebirds are the other best-selling pets in the market as a pair is available at prices between Rs 300 and Rs 400. These birds are small and active, and children like them. Fishes and birds always fascinate both adults and children. Many who started keeping fish as a hobby have turned it into their means of livelihood. “I was fascinated by fish from a very young age. I have been successful breeding them for the past three years,” says Alex, a guppy breeder from Angamaly.
“I started fish keeping as a hobby and now it is my passion. I love to spend time with the fish. It also helps me earn some pocket money as I can sell the fish to shops,” says Alias, who has just completed SSLC exams. He has many breeds of guppies and betta fish, and is making some money from it. “It is better to spend time with pets rather than spending time on the mobile phone,” he quips.
Keeping pets also helps one have a fresh mind, prevent depression and strokes. Pets keep us socialised and make us comfortable. They can discourage children from using the mobile phone. Most of the children these days are addicted to mobile phone games.
