Small Pets
Small Animals (Rodents) such as Hamsters, Rabbits, Rats, Mice, Gerbills, Ferrets etc. can make wonderful pets. These animals can often make very good pets for small children and older adults. Choosing the right small animal is an important decision to make. To help you make your decision we have outlined the characteristics of some of the most popular small pets.
Rabbits
Rabbits make excellent pets as they are easily tamed and are very sociable. Rabbits can be kept outside or inside. However, many hutches are too small for Rabbits as they need plenty of room to exercise. If you are to keep a Rabbit outside they should be kept within a run. The run should have plenty of room. A hutch can be placed within the run. The Run should be safe and secure to protect the rabbit from predators. Rabbits can also live indoors with a family.
Rabbits are herbivores. The ideal diet for Rabbit is meadow hay and grass. Rabbits need to chew plenty to ensure that their teeth do not grow too long. Their teeth grow continuously throughout life so chewing provides a natural abrasion keeping growth under control. Giving your Rabbit some mixed vegetables and nutritional pellets can add some extra fibre and nutrition to their diet. It is also very important to provide plenty of fresh water to your Rabbit on a daily basis.
Rabbits are by nature social creatures. They live in large groups in the wild. Rabbits kept alone as pets can become very lonely. It is advisable to have two Rabbits together for companionship. Two neutered Rabbits of the same gender are ideal. Rabbits should be neutered around six weeks old as this is when they reach sexual maturity.
Hamsters
Hamsters are often an ideal pet for first time pet owners as they are relatively easy to care for. Children often care for Hamsters. They are a good choice of pet if you do not have a great deal of space in your home. They are nocturnal creatures sleeping during the day and waking during the night so it may not be advisable to keep them near your bed! Some Hamsters may be initially shy. It is important to stay patient with them and give them lots of attention. This will encourage them to come out of their shell.
Hamsters are solitary creatures. It is not advisable to introduce a companion as they may fight with one another which can cause fatal injuries. There are a number of different types of Hamsters including Syrian Hamster, Dwarf Hamsters and Roborovski Hamsters. These types of Hamsters will vary in size in temperament. Syrian Hamsters and Chinese Dwarf Hamsters are more likely to fight with other hamsters. Generally, Hamsters have a 2 – 3 year life expectancy.
Gerbills
Gerbills are well known for their distinct fluffy tail. Their tail can sometimes be almost as long as their body which is roughly about 4 inches. They are social small animals who prefer to live with a companion. It is advisable to get an all boy or an all girl group / pair to prevent breeding. It can be difficult to introduce a companion to an adult due to territorial instincts. Therefore it is advisable to get a pair from the same litter.
You do not need a large home to keep Gerbills. It is recommended that a cage for Gerbills be between 1 and 2 feet. They should be given about 3 inches of bedding as they enjoy digging and playing. You should use soft bedding such as tissues as the Gerbills can tear this up themselves and adjust their own bedding. They enjoy human interaction and will not bite unless they feel threatened. Owners should be careful in how they handle their Gerbills remaining calm and gentle at all times.
