My brother and I grew up with a bunch of these animals (not the raccoon monkey or chicken, obviously, and not some of the more expensive ones, like hedgehogs), and never had a problem, and I'm sure he and I weren't up on the whole hand-washing thing as kids. Most of our reptiles were ones that he caught, anyway--turtles, frogs, lizards. And of course, he had some pet store staples--a ball python, corn snakes, a billion types of geckos and water dragons. And back in the 80s and 90s, most of the pet shops were REALLY not that regulated--god knows where they acquired these animals. I suppose we're lucky we never has salmonella.
I handled all kinds of redents-rats, mice, and the cuter, fuzzier kinds--hamsters, ferrets, gerbils, guinea pigs, and I got bit all the time, but still, nothing happened.
I don't know what's going on these days. Are kids that much more delicate? Between all these allergies (peanuts, dairy, wheat) and the overprotectiveness of parents regarding food, we're going to have such a delicate generation.
Don't get me wrong--I think parents should be educated about any animal they bring into their house. I just know that when I grew up, there were none of the precaustions in place that there are now (and I'm only 26, it's not like it was that long ago!) I know that, thnaks to a hrdier generation and less paranoid parents, I never used antibacterial anything, never got sick, and handled most animals. I even picked up an injured pigeon once, to get him out of the street, and couldn't wash my hands until I got home. Nothing happened. Now, I have my own 2 year old, and I'm doing my damndest to give him a kick butt immune system. One day, I fully expect a household of critters (it's sort of a family tradition), and figured he'd learn to be safe around animals the same way I did--learn to watch their signals, respect their boundaries, and back off if they're getting upset or overstimulated. If you don't, you'll get bit, and you'll have to learn.
ANother note to parents--just read up on some nontraditional pets. They all have their pros and cons. Find a reputable pet store that has paperwork on where these animals came from and their health. It's probably not safe to pick up animals out on the street, like i did.
Also, unless your child is at least 12, don't get a pet FOR them. Young kids don't understand responsibility, and it's not fair for the poor animal to get neglected or given away (or, even worse, "let go"--NEVER release a domestic animal outside!!!! Find a shelter, give it to a pet store, SOMETHING!). If your kid wants a pet, only say yes if you're willing to make it a family pet and will accept some of the responsibility. Maybe your kid will surprise you and take on all the work. Most of the time, they lose interest.
ANd...just an aside...as someone who's had reptiles, rodents, rabbits and regular dogs and cats, I can honestly say a cat is the easiest pet. They're fairly self-sufficient, portable if you move, don't need to be walked, and don't need a cage. COnsider a cat if these exotic animals weird you out. And be sure to realize you will probably be doing most of the work. DOn't get one until you're ready.
