Parents are being advised not to keep hedgehogs, hamsters, baby chicks, lizards and turtles for pets because of risks for disease, according to an American Academy of Pediatrics report about dangers from exotic animals. Besides evidence that they can carry dangerous and sometimes deadly germs, exotic pets may be more prone than cats and dogs to bite, scratch or claw -- putting children younger than 5 particularly at risk. Children under five also have developing immune systems and often put their hands in their mouths, which puts them at risk. Also, kids should avoid contact with these animals in petting zoos or other public places, according to the report, which appears in the October edition of the medical journal, "Pediatrics".

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