We always had animals around the house and yard for pets. There were five of us, so my siblings got them before me.
Thinking back, I would have to say my first pet was a chicken. We used to incubate the eggs each year in school. Then, they would hatch around Spring break. I remember that my parents allowed me to adopt one in third grade.
It turned out to be quite funny. As my little chick grew up, it was very obvious it was not a chicken but a rooster! We had it in a cage in the yard. After a few complaints from neighbors over their new early morning alarm clock, my Dad arranged a trade for a chicken with his buddy who had a small farm in the neighborhood.
I can say it wasn't a very exciting pet. I was happier with the hamster I got the following year for my birthday.