Gerbils make excellent pets but they don't stay still on your hand to be
petted. They are also too fast for a child to catch. For a four year
old, a guinea pig would be better. Guinea pigs would sit on the child's
lap while the child sits on the floor. They are also easier to hold and
are more responsive to the child. Guinea pigs will squeal whistle and
make noises when they hear you coming or the refrigerator door open for
vegetables.
See -
http://www.petsofparis.com/petstore/pages/pig.htm
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Gary's web pages -
http://home.talkcity.com/StudioDr/go5
