Rodents

Never buy any pets on a casual basis. Purchasing any type of animals is a long-term commitment that requires a lot of time, care, patience, finance, energy, love and companionship. Always read and research information on the animal you are interested in, to make sure you can meet all of its specific needs that will enable you to provide your companion pet with a long healthy life.

          These little critters are very special pets to have. It's incredible how most of them are very intelligent and can get spoiled very easily. They make great pets for your young ones. It teaches them responsibility as well as how to care for them. Rats, Degus and Gerbils are exceptional. They are very intelligent and get tamed to their owner quite easily. Mice are just as great in a smaller version. Most kids adore hamsters. They too, are great pets to have and are fun to watch. Guinea pigs are perfect for kids! They are sweet and gentle. They love to cuddle and they make great pets for all ages as well. Rabbits are also very adorable. You can choose from the tiny dwarf to the long loped ears. Then we have the Chinchilla that is a very special pet on its own. Not necessarily recommended for young infants however. You'll find them having the softest fur and is simply the cutest pet of all. As you go on searching more on each individual pets, you will learn their lifespan, when they're most active, specific care information and a lot more.

          On all fairness to yourself and your new pet rodents, always do a little research and learn more on their requirements, needs, and behavior. Try to have all your rodents living environment and accessories ready before you purchase your new pet. This will make the transition into your home a lot easier on your little critter.

General Information: Even though rodents have a shorter lifespan, purchasing any of these animals is still a long-term commitment. Caring for your pet should be a shared family responsibility. They require a clean environment, fresh food and water every day, a little bit of exercise outside its cage daily, attention and special care.

          Rodents all have teeth that constantly grow. They should at all times be provided with blocs of wood for them to chew on to keep their teeth trimmed. They all need additional vitamins to they're diet to ensure they have everything they need. Be sure to purchase the correct food for your pet to ensure that you will meet all of your rodent's nutritional needs. Small pets also need exercise outside of the cage daily, they should always be supervised when doing so.

          Rodents are pretty much all good for apartment living. Make sure to verify with the landlord before purchasing any type of small animals. Not all apartments will accept animals even if it is as small as a mouse. It is always best to house at least two, with the exception of hamsters. These rodents are solitary animals.

Signs of illnesses: Try to notice your pet's behavior daily. Here are a few of signs that can be related to illnesses:

• Loss of appetite, thin condition
• No interest in exercise
• Diarrhea
• Dull or dry fur, oily scabs or crusty spots in the fur
• Sneezing, coughing, or rattling while breathing
• Watery eyes or runny nose
• Protruding growth
• Changes of behavior such as apathy (lack of feeling), lethargy (an abnormal drowsiness, sluggishness) and fear of strangers

          If one or more of these symptoms appear, observe your pet for a day. If the symptoms disappear, all is well. But if not, consult your veterinarian and have your pet checked out.

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Things You Will Need:
Cage:Make sure to buy a big, spacious, well-ventilated and secure cage. Also, be sure to get the correct cage for the correct pet. In some cases, the space between the wires of the cage is further apart and could be wide enough for your pet rodent to escape. Cages consist of an easy-to-clean plastic bottom, and the top comes off easily for easy access and cleaning. In some cases, like purchasing a Degu, the cage is a very important factor. Degus really love to chew and if you don't get the proper cage designed especially for them, you'll spend more than you intended by replacing the bottom cage on a regular basic. Quick tip: the bigger cage you can purchase, the better it is.

Wood shavings: The wood shavings absorb urine and odors while providing warmth and building material. Natural oil found in the cedar wood will keep pest away and will help minimize natural odor. But be careful! Do not use only cedar shavings, because the high phenol content makes it very dangerous to small rodents. It can cause respiratory problems, slow down the immune system and it can reduce the potential lifespan. We recommend pine shaving. Pine is safe for any animals. You can use cedar shaving if necessary, for odors or pest like mentioned earlier, but only in a small amount, use about ¼ cedars with ¾ pines shavings.

Food: Different types of food are specialized for different rodents. Be sure to purchase the correct food for your pet. Because rodents will only eat whichever seed they prefer, you can never be positively sure that your pet is getting the highest nutritional diet. To offer them the best diet possible, add Nutri-blocs along with their daily food.

Nutri-Blocs: These pellets should be added to their food. These blocs are especially design for Rats, Gerbils, Degus, Mice and Hamsters. These are not necessary for Rabbits, Guinea Pigs and Chinchillas. These blocs are made of a mix of food designed for them all combined into a bloc. They are nutritious and helps wear down their teeth.

Ceramic bowls, water bottle: Use an appropriate size of chew-proof dishes, such as ceramic. These are impossible for them to chew, can be cleaned easily and are heavy enough that prevents them from toppling over. You may use one of these dishes for water or you can also use a water bottle to help protect the water from contamination or debris, like wood shavings, urine and excrements.

          Since rodents are all chewers, they usually quickly start chewing on the plastic bowls, meaning you have to replace them regularly. Ceramic bowls are durable for life. They can't be chewed up. You can also use a water bottle instead of a bowl. This is at your preference. Some rodents are a little messy putting wood shavings, food and stool in their water dish. At this point it might be good to replace the dish for a water bottle. Always offer a sufficient amount of water to your pet. Water should be kept clean and fresh by changing it daily. Rodents should never run out of water.

Vitamin supplement: Vitamins should also be added to your pet's water every day. This will ensure that your pet will get every essential vitamin he needs in his diet.

Mineral bloc: This will provide the proper mineral your rodent needs in their diet, and chewing it will also help keep the teeth trimmed.

Salt stone: A salt wheel is also necessary in a rodent’s diet. Chewing or licking it will encourage your pet to drink water, which is very important to the long-term health of your pet.

          The mineral bloc and salt stone should always be place in your pet’s cage for them to easily access at any time.

Grass: You can grow your own rodent grass. This is a very healthy treat to give to your pet rodent.

Alfalfa or Timothy Hay: All rodents adore these dried hays. They help with the digestion and can also provide bedding. Alfalfa or Timothy can be offered daily.

Treats: Offer occasional treats to their diet. There are numerous types of treat to choose from. Be careful not to give too much, they should have these on occasion.

Honey treats: Most rodents also adore honey treats sticks. There are a wide variety of flavors made available at your local pet store.

Wood blocs: Wood blocs should not be over looked. They need wood to chew to keep their teeth trimmed. Otherwise, their incisors overgrows and it will give them difficulty eating. Do not give just any type of woods. To be safe, only buy some coming from a pet store. Some woods such as Cedar wood, and Citrus wood can be harmful. These are just a couple. However you can give apple tree branches, as long as the tree has NEVER been sprayed with any pesticide of any kind.

Shampoo: These are not really necessary for most rodents, considering they are pretty clean pets, grooming themselves regularly. If you are to wash your pet rodent, only use shampoo designed for rodents. Do not use a cat or dog shampoo. You can also get them in a foam format, making it easier and faster.

Nail clipper: A small rodent or bird nail clipper can be used. Mostly, guinea pigs and rabbits will require regular nail clipping, but do keep an eye on any rodent that you may have to ensure that their nails do not over grow.

Brush: Regular grooming is really good, because rodents do shed. You specifically want to brush your rodent if you have a longhaired guinea pig or a longhaired hamster. Doing so will prevent matting.

House and accessories: Provide them with various hiding places, such as tunnels and houses. They love to store food, play and sleep in them. Make it fun and interesting for them by changing it around once in a while. If you have more than one pet, provide numerous housings.

Exercise wheel: Wheels are great for hamsters, gerbils and mice. It provides them some exercise and fun at the same time.

Fluff: This material enables your pets to build themselves a nesting area. They will enjoy sleeping very comfortably, surrounded by this soft and warm fluff.

Harness/leash: Believe it or not, you can get a little harness and a leash for pretty much any type of rodent. This will enables you to walk with your pet providing him with regular exercise, while being right at your hands.

S.O.X. Stain and Odor Eliminator: This product works really good to get that urine smell out from the cage. By using the S.O.X. during your weekly cleaning, the cage will stay clean and fresh.

Dust bath: This is mainly for Chinchillas and Degus who needs a dust bath daily.

Book: Different rodents require different needs and care. It is very important to know all the necessary information on your new pet rodent to be able to provide your pet with the proper care. Don’t hesitate to read up and learn all you can on your new companion.

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General Care: Always try to make your pet’s living area, clean and roomy and try to make it interesting for them by adding plenty of accessories like houses, shelves, ladders, branches, tunnels and plenty of chew toys!!!

*Place your rodent's cage in a well-lit location that is easy to keep clean. Do not put the cage near a window, a door that leads outdoors or a heater. A sudden draft of cooler/cold air can be deadly and extreme heat from sunlight or the heater can cause sunstroke and be fatal. Also, always place the cage against a wall otherwise, if it's located in the middle of a room, your pet can easily become nervous and intimidated.

Cleaning: Keep their cage as clean as possible. Rodents like to stay clean and dry. A dirty environment can cause stress and illnesses. Try to clean your pet’s cage every 2-3 days or at least once a week by removing the soiled litter and replacing it with fresh wood shavings. Clean the cage, the accessories and dishes with a mild detergent or soap. Rinse well and dry.

Feeding: Add fresh food and offer fresh water with a few vitamin drops every day. Make sure they have a sufficient amount of water to ensure that they will not run out. If they urinated or leave excrements in their dishes, throw away the remaining food or water, disinfect and replace with fresh food/water.

          Offer them occasional treats. You can also offer them fresh fruits and vegetables once in a while. It can be fun to see what your pet likes and dislikes. Try not to give to much greens, doing so can give them diarrhea. Remove uneaten fresh food to prevent decay. You can also offer some nuts every now and then. It will be fun for them to crack open the shell to get to the nut inside and it will also help keep their teeth trimmed. But be very careful! Nuts are very fattening. Only a couple of nuts every other week will be sufficient. And NEVER feed any chocolate, candy or sweetened cereal to your pet rodent. Doing so is very harmful.

Exercise: Rodents need exercise outside their cage everyday. Don't be scared to take out your pet and interact with them. They should always be supervised when out of their cage; otherwise you might lose them or find things, such as wires, chewed up. Small rodents, such as hamsters or rats can easily fit through any small spaces, so be sure to make their exercise time safe. Exercise pens are now available to ensure that your pet is safe while out of its cage.

Handling: Always handle rodents with care. You may grab a few rodents by the tail, but try to avoid it. Do not pick rabbits by their ears, but you may gently pick them up by the scruff. To prevent any injury, always teach children how to handle a pet rodent. The most appropriate way is to use both hands to wrap around the rodent's body. Always be gentle otherwise they can bite.

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RABBIT

Average Lifespan: 6-8 years
Gestation Period: 28-33 days
Average Litter: (in small breeds) 4-6 young (in larger breed) 5-8 young
Weaning Period: 4-6 weeks

          Rabbits are very popular and make great pets for absolutely anyone. They come in a variety. Dwarfs, lop ears and angoras are just a few of the 20 some different species. They also come in a variety of sizes. Just make sure you know how much your new rabbit will end up weighting when he reaches full size, to ensure you can properly house your pet. You wouldn't want a cage suited for a dwarf rabbit when your rabbit will actually end up weighting around 10 pounds. If you decide to purchase an angora longhair, make sure you have time for regular grooming, other wise mats and tangles will soon take over your rabbit.

          Either a male or a female will make a great pet. If you are keeping more than one, two females will usually get along great if the cage is big enough to house two rabbits. Unlike females, housing two males together will usually end up fighting once matured. However, it is not always the case. It may differ. If the males have been kept together since they were very young, and they are offered a big spacious cage, they can be kept together without any problems, as long as no female rabbits are scented nearby.

          When it comes to purchase a cage, it should be at least 3-4 times longer than the size of your full-grown rabbit and the width should be at least twice the size of your rabbit's length. This is a minimum size; feel free to go bigger, especially if your rabbit will be in its cage most of the time. If you have plenty of time to let your rabbit roam around free and your rabbit will spend most of his time outside rather than inside the cage, then you can get away with a cage a little bit smaller. But this is very important. Your pet rabbit needs a lot of exercise. An exercise pen is ideal for playtime. Feel free to let them roam free under supervision only. Proof an area in the house, such as plants, electrical wires or anything you do not want gnawed.

          They usually go in the same corner in the cage to deposit their fecal matter. So you can somehow litter train them. However, you can’t necessarily train them like cats and dogs. It might be efficient most of the time, but since they are herbivores, they continuously eat a little bit throughout the day, and the food continually and quickly passes through the digestive system, leaving at the other end. They will defecate mostly wherever and whenever they need too. They won’t always get to reach the litter box when they are roaming free throughout the house. But it generally works well in a cage. Just notice in which corner he mostly goes to deposit its fecal matter and put the easy accessible litter box in that corner.

          Provide them with plenty of wooden chew toys to satisfy their chewing need and to help keep their teeth trimmed. Also provide them with a hiding place, big enough to be comfortable in. Always be patient; never try to discipline to train your rabbit. Doing so will only frighten it and he will lose trust in you.

          Always offer pellet rabbit food found in your local pet store as their main diet. There's a variety of staple food you can purchase. Try different kinds to see which one your rabbit will enjoy the most. Rabbit staple food has all the necessary vitamins and proteins they require, and it should be offered as their main diet, but feel free to offer a wide range of fresh food weekly as a supplement. Celery, carrots, cauliflower, apples, oranges and many others will be very much enjoyed by your pet rodent. Don't feed to many greens and do not feed any at all if they are below 6 months of age. Lettuce and cabbage offers very little nutritional benefits and can cause diarrhea and other problems if fed too much. Always remove uneaten fresh foods after a few hours, and keep their water dish full with fresh water at all times.

          They absolutely enjoy having a handful of alfalfa hay daily. So have fun discovering your rabbit's favorite treats and offer a variety along with their staple food. But just be careful, and offer a well-balanced nutrition to prevent obesity and other health problems.

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GUINEA PIG

Average Lifespan: 5-7 years
Gestation Period: 59-73 days
Average Litter: 2-4 young
Weaning Period: 4-6 weeks

          Guinea pigs are adorable and are great with young children. They come in various colors, various coat patterns and different fur types such as long hair, short hair, curly hair or hairless. Besides the different vocal sounds they make to let you know how they feel, they are considered to be quiet pets. They are very clean; they groom themselves regularly and are not aggressive towards anyone or any other pets. Although, noise or sudden movements can easily frighten them, and they might run away from you at first when you try to pick they up, they will soon gain your trust, and will easily get spoiled and friendly. Their friendliness is one of their greatest qualities.

          Female guinea pigs can be kept with numerous other females. Males will also live fine with other males while they are young. But once they reach adulthood, they are prone to fight each other. One male guinea pig can also be kept with any number of female guinea pigs without any fighting problems. The only problem you’ll have is a lot of newborns running around. The unique feature of guinea pigs is unlike most other rodents; their young are born fully furred, running around shortly after their birth.

          Provide them with a large enough cage. You wont need a tall cage because they don't like to climb. They prefer a longer cage for running around instead. Provide them with a hiding house, big enough for when they reach an adult size. They love to explore and they need a place of safety to scamper back to. Provide them with a lot of chewy toys, because just like any other rodents, they have incisors teeth. Which consist of the teeth constantly growing and without the proper care, their teeth can over grow, giving them difficulty to eat. Considering that Guinea Pigs are not climbers, shelves and ladders will be of no use. Instead, providing them with plenty of hiding places and tunnels will make them very happy. They are also usually active during the day.

          Nutrition is very important in guinea pigs. They are unable to synthesize vitamin C in their bodies; therefore, vitamin C is the vital ingredient they must have in their diet. Always make sure to buy food especially for guinea pigs. By feeding them the appropriate food design for guinea pigs, you’ll be assured to have the proper quantity of vitamins in their diet. Always keep a fresh bowl of water and a bowl of fresh guinea pig pellets at all times in the cage.

          You can offer them a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables such as, carrots, oranges, apples, lettuce, raisins and many more. As a regular treat, try to offer a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Never leave any fresh food in the cage for more than a day. Try to keep everything as fresh as possible. They always look forward to feeding time so try to feed your guinea pig at about the same time everyday. As they see you coming with their meal, they will show their anticipation by running around making high pitch squeaks. They adore Alfalfa hay as a daily treat. Alfalfa helps the digestion process and is greatly appreciated by your pet guinea pig!

          Guinea pigs should always be handled with care. They are very cautious animal, so they will try to scatter away anytime they feel unsafe. They rarely bite, all you need to watch out for is their nails. When scared while being picked up, they will try to run away. Always carry them with care, because they are poorly built and they have small and short legs. If they were to fall, even from a short distance, they could get seriously injured.

          Regular grooming is required. Brushing weekly is recommended. As for bathing, it is not really necessary. However, you may purchase some guinea pig shampoo at your local pet store if there comes a time where your guinea pig gets himself dirty. Never use any other shampoo beside shampoo made specifically for guinea pigs. You do not want to cause any dryness, irritation or itching to your pet’s skin.

          Guinea pigs are one of the best rodents to own. I hope you will find a great guinea pig for you and your family and to have tons of fun and laugher with.

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MOUSE

Average Lifespan: 2-3 years
Gestation Period: 18-20 days
Average Litter: 8-12 days
Weaning Period: 5-6 weeks

          Mice are another type of rodent that is great to own as pets. They are the smallest of them all are relatively frisky, friendly and quite playful. They are active and love to spend a lot of their time exercising on a mouse wheel. They also come in a variety of color and coat patterns, making it difficult to chose the cutest one. They do enjoy living with other mice, and you can choose from owning either males or females. However, we recommend housing females only because the males have a strong, intense scent. Do not house a mixture of males and females; you will be quickly invaded by little young's running around. Watch out for fighting however, sometimes they become very frisky and will be more apt to fight.

          They have really poor eyesight but a keen sense of smell and hearing. It is quite enjoyable to observe and watch them playing with each other, eating and sleeping. Sometimes, it even seems like they play tag with each other. They enjoy running around after one another. Here's where you need to make the difference between play time and fighting however. When they fight, they may bite, they make high pitch sounds and their fur may be puffed up. They will need to be separated if this occurs often. There is no problem housing just one mouse if you have plenty of time to provide them with the appropriate amount of attention they require. But at least two is always best since they have a little companion to play and interact with.

          They are quite energetic and their little body can squeeze in the smallest space. Be certain you purchase the appropriate cage for them. The last thing you want is a loose mouse in the house. It's so small and fast and may be very difficult to find. The cage should be specifically made for mice; the wires are relatively closer to each other, being too small for them to escape through. Provide them with toys and accessories such as hideout places, a wheel, shelves, ladders and blocks of wood. They have incisors teeth. I If you fail to provide them with safe chewing material to help keep the teeth trimmed, they will over grow and give them difficulty eating.

          They usually don't bit unless they are scared. Be gentle when handling them and let them get adjusted in their new home before handling them a lot. They don't bite hard, but it surprises you. Allow yourself to get properly acquainted with your new pet and give him time to sniff you. The more you carefully handle your pet, the more friendly and tamed he will be. Once acquainted and comfortable, pick them up at least three to four times a day for a few minutes each session. Doing so, your mouse will quickly become comfortable and less scared. Do not leave them roaming free in t he house. They are really fast and can quite easily squeeze themselves in the smallest space. You may leave them out of their cage for some exercise, but safely limit their area in a small room with no danger of escaping or getting trapped somewhere. Always supervise free playtime. Never leave them outside the cage unattended. You may also purchase a Critter Pen. But they still need to be supervised at all times considering they have the ability to jump quite high.

          The cage should be placed in a quiet location in the house, draft-free and not near a heater. Mice are very sensitive to drafts, low temperatures, and excessive heat.Their cage should be kept cleaned and dry. Once or twice a week, the cage and accessories should be properly disinfected and clean wood shavings should be provided. Keep their dishes clean and full of food at all times. Sometimes, mice may soil in their dishes. Therefore clean and disinfect both dishes every other day and provide them with fresh water daily with a few drops of vitamin supplements.

          They diet consist of a special seed blend designed for pet mice. A wide variety is available at your local pet store. Also offer them Nuti-blocs along with the seeds to ensure they will get all the proper nutrients required. They also enjoy fresh food such as whole grain rice, barley, oats, peas, broccoli, carrots and apples. You may provide a weekly little dish of these supplements to add a variety and mixture to their diet. Do feed them seeds as their main diet however, and don't over do it on treats. They do enjoy a small handful of alfalfa or timothy hay, feel free to provide some daily or every other day. Always check with your local veterinarian or pet store retailer concerning new types of fresh food you want to offer to your pet mice, as some may be not recommended. Some food that should be completely avoided is chocolate, wheat and peanuts.

          Try to prevent illnesses by offering your rat a varied diet, keep them free from drafts and excessive heat, giving your mouse plenty of exercise and some time to bask in the sun frequently, and always provide a warm, clean and dry cage. Always stay alert for any early sign of illnesses, and be ready to call your local veterinarian if the behavior doesn't change for the better.

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HAMSTER

Average Lifespan: 2-3 years
Gestation Period: 18-24 days
Average Litter: 8-12 youngs
Weaning Period: 5-6 weeks

          Hamsters are usually the most preferred by young children. They are quite simple to care for, are clean and very cute with their little chubby body and face. Hamsters are nocturnal pets, meaning they sleep throughout most of day and are mostly active during nighttime. They constantly like chewing on the wires of the cage and running around on their exercise wheel. The main striking difference between hamsters and other rodents is the fact that they are solitary pets. You can only house one of these cute little critters in a cage. They are very territorial and fight with any other hamsters present in the cage. Don't be surprise when you visit pet stores and find them housed together. Young hamsters may not be separated from their mother until at least 5-6 weeks of age. During that time and sometimes even longer, they do get along with their little brothers and sisters. However, sooner or later, they start to fight and bite others. Once they start, they need to be separated immediately. As for deciding whether a male or female would be best, it really comes down to your personal preference since both makes equally nice pets.

          Provide them with a nice, spacious cage. They enjoy climbing, therefore feel free to purchase a higher cage that has a few stories high or provides the ability to add shelves and ladders. Hiding places are again very important, just as any other pets. A few hiding places is always nice. Lots of chew toys should be offered at all times to your hamster to help keep their incisors teeth trimmed. Other wise, they over grow and will give your little critter difficulty eating its food. Tunnels are always greatly appreciated by hamster, as well as wheels. It’s good to provide a lot of variety in the cage, it keeps them active and busy. They love to exercise. Let them roam free out of the cage for additional exercise regularly. Never let leave them out unsupervised. They will chew anything such as electrical wires and can hide in any little spaces. Limit their exploring area to make it safer. A Critter Pen is highly recommended. It gives them ample room to play and have fun while being safe from getting lost or hurt. Do not leave them on high furniture's such as a table, chair or couch. They usually have the tendency to jump or to simply misjudge the depth perception and fall. They can seriously get hurt and become very stressed.

          The fun thing about hamsters is that you may even train your hamster to soil in a little litter box. Since they usually defecate in the same corner, simply place the little hamster litter in that very same corner. Special litter should be used. You may find this at your local pet store. Providing them with this helps keep the cage cleaner and dryer.

          Always handle them with care and prevent any situations where they could fall and get hurt. Stress can lead to a fatal disease called "wet tail". This disease is stress related and may sometimes be cured, but in general, it is very difficult to cure it. You may identify this disease by noticing the tail area of your hamster being constantly wet. They then have a particular strong smell that was not present prior. It is contagious if you have other pet hamsters in the house, even from different cages. Be sure to contact you local veterinarian or local pet store retailer for additional information or for any treatment as soon as you notice the mentioned signs above. If you own other hamsters, keep the cages far from each other and do not share any accessories between them. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before handling the others.

          Their cage should be kept cleaned and dry. Once a week, the cage and accessories should be properly disinfected and clean wood shavings should be provided. Keep their dishes clean and full of food at all times. Sometimes, hamsters may soil in their dishes. Therefore clean and disinfect both dishes every other day and provide them with fresh water daily. The cage should be placed in a quiet location in the house, draft-free and not near a heater. Hamsters are very sensitive to drafts, low temperatures, and excessive heat.

          Their diet consist of a mixture of seeds specially designed for hamster found at your local pet store retailer. A wide variety can be found at the pet store, don't be shy to try them all to find out the one your pet rodent enjoys best. They usually eat only certain types of seeds, therefore be sure to offer them a few Nutri-blocs daily to ensure they receive the proper nutrients. Offer them fresh water daily along with a few drops of the vitamin supplements. Feel free to offer a weekly dish of fresh food such as apples, grapes, raisins, lettuce, uncooked pasta, eggs, carrots and cucumbers. Do not offer too many greens however, as they may cause diarrhea. Verify with your local veterinarian or pet store retailer when you're uncertain when trying out new fresh foods as a supplement, considering some should be avoided, such as chocolate, and junk food.

          Hamsters may bite when scared or feeling threaten. Give them time to get adjusted to their new homes and to get acquainted. Handle them often and carefully to form a bond. When they are asleep, do not wake them up suddenly. This will cause stress and you run the risk of getting bitten.

          Try to prevent illnesses by offering your rat a varied diet, keep them free from drafts and excessive heat, giving your hamster plenty of exercise and some time to bask in the sun frequently, and always provide a warm, clean and dry cage. Always stay alert for any early sign of illnesses, and be ready to call your local veterinarian if the behavior doesn't change for the better.

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RAT

Average Lifespan: 2-4 years
Gestation Period: 22-24 days
Average Litter: 6-14 babies
Weaning Period: 5-6 weeks

          Rats are very popular house pets. They are intelligent, clever and adaptable. They can be teached to come when they are called and they love to be on your shoulder or even in your jacket pocket when you walk around. They have incredible balance. Rats best display their entire spectrum of interesting behavior when kept with other rats. Rats can be kept alone or together. It's always best to have at least two together. They are happiest when kept with others. They like to lie together and groom each other. If by any chance you have only one rat, make sure you have the time to spend with him. If your not home as often or don't always have the time everyday to give your rat the time and attention he needs, then it would be best to house at least two. Always group them by sex, otherwise you will find yourself with a lot of baby rats running around since they reproduce very quickly and easily. As to deciding on which sex to take, it really comes down to your preference. Although, two male rats might be tempted to fight a little bit more than two females. Make sure you have a big, spacious cage with different hiding places at each end of the cage. Rats like to hide, and prefers to sleep in the dark. Their cage should be roomy and divided in living spaces. They need a play area, and bedroom area with sleeping houses, and a bathroom, usually set in a corner. Having two or three stories in the cage is ideal. They love to climb! Ladders, tubes or ramps should be firm and secure, for them to access these other levels. It's good to provide a lot of variety in the cage, it keeps them active and busy.

          The cage should be placed in a quiet location in the house, draft-free and not near a heater. Rats are very sensitive to drafts, low temperatures, and excessive heat.

          Rats are found to be most active during the day. You'll find them often running around storing they're food one by one. Provide them with a lot of hiding spaces. Rats like a quiet surrounding. They can become nervous and might panic by any kind of loud noise. When you first purchase a pet rat, try to avoid loud noise until he settles in and gets use to his new surroundings. He will develop trust in you and it will help him to settle in quicker. Rats need physical contact with their owner. They have very poor eyesight, but when you pick them up as often as possible, they pick up your scent and your touch. Although, try to avoid strong scented perfume when handling your pet.

          Rats are also very clean animals. You will find them several times a day grooming and licking their fur clean. They love exercise and are eager to learn. Provide them with exercise outside of their cage daily. Never leave a rat outside of his cage unsupervised. They chew on anything. Always provide a safe area for them to roam around with your supervision. The ideal for them is about an hour of exercise per day. The safest way to go is by purchasing a Critter Pen. Which allows your rodent to exercise safely without you worrying about his safety or anything you don’t want chewed up.

          Rats devour each treat with pleasure. They love fresh or dried fruits, like apples, bananas, pears, strawberries and raspberries are great. Fruits contain many important vitamins and trace of elements. Vegetables are also a very good treat for your rat, such as, cauliflower, broccoli, cucumbers, corn, carrots, and celery. A little bit of lettuce can be offered too, preferably organic lettuce. You can also make them very happy with a serving of rodent grass. You will find vitamin E in oats and wheat sprouts, which guards against fatty tissue disease and inflammation. Feel free to serve these as frequently as possible. Uncooked pasta is also a great treat. They will also enjoy chewing on nuts, with or without the shell. This is also very good but do not over do it because nuts are very fattening. Always feed their regular diet daily with fresh water and add fruits and vegetables as treats every week or so. Also offer Nutri-Bloc daily along with their regular diet. It’s nutritious and helps wear off their teeth.

          Stay away from these harmful foods, spices; including salt, found in hot dogs, ham and bacon. Sugar and milk; found in chocolate, not only does milk causes diarrhea but also they are allergic to milk produce. Raw or cooked peas and butter should also be avoided. Also, do not give the following beverages; alcohol, tea, coffee, cola, and lemonade. These are only some of the food and drinks never to give a rat. To be on the safe side, feed only fresh fruits and vegetables and the other safe food we mentioned in small portion once in a while as a treat. Contact you local veterinarian or pet store retailer if you have any uncertainties about offering certain types of fresh foods.

          Rats also have incisor teeth, meaning at all time they need chewing supplies because they're teeth constantly grows. If this is overlooked, his teeth will grow excessively long and it's going to give your rat difficulty eating. Their sense of smell and taste are the most highly developed. Rats learn to recognize their owner by their scent. That's why is it important to avoid washing your hands or putting on perfume just before picking up your pet rat.

          Be careful because rats can squeeze their entire body in very small places. Adult rats can stretch themselves out and squeeze through opening no larger than a silver dollar. Usually, where they can fit their head, the rest of the body can easily follow.

          Try to prevent illnesses by offering your rat a varied diet, keep them free from drafts and excessive heat, giving your rat plenty of exercise and some time to bask in the sun frequently, and always provide a warm, clean and dry cage. Always stay alert for any early sign of illnesses, and be ready to call your local veterinarian if the behavior doesn't change for the better.

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GERBIL

Average Lifespan: 3 years
Gestation Period: 23-26 days (sometimes up to 43 days)
Average Litter: 5-6 young
Weaning Period: 5-6 weeks

          Gerbils, amongst others, are great pet rodents to own. They are curious, very lively, they are suitable for both children and adults and they have no unpleasant odor. They are active both during the day and at night. They are very cute creatures and they should not be kept alone. Having at least two is highly recommended.

          They should be kept in a big spacious cage. They love to climb and gnaw, therefore provide them with shelves, ladders wooden houses and plenty of chewing toys. Also be sure to provide them with an exercise wheel to satisfy their need to run. The wheel will surely be enjoyed! The fun thing about gerbils is that, although it's good to have feeding bowls, you can also scatter the food in the bedding because in the wild they scratch for food. Always be sure that water is always offered in sufficient amount and should be changed and offered fresh regularly.

          Feel free to leave you pet rodent to roam around free in the house for a little exercise. Be sure to close up any openings they might fall into, put away anything they might chew on, be especially careful for electrical cords from lamps, TV, radio, computer…Always be around to supervise. Never let them roam free while you're away. To make it easier, you can get an exercise pen safely design for pet rodents.

          The cage should be placed in a dry, bright spot, away from direct sunlight, draft-free and not near a heater.

          As mentioned before, always get more than one gerbil. They are very sociable animals and they can get very lonely if they are kept alone. They love to cuddle when sleeping. You can chose from either housing two females or two males. Try to prevent housing one of each, because it will result with numerous little off springs.

          As for nutrition, buy the special blend of grains and seeds in your local pet store that are specifically for gerbils. Hamster food is also suited for gerbils. In both these mixture of food you will find a small amount of sunflower seeds, however, try to avoid a large amount of sunflower seeds and nuts because it eventually leads to obesity. Provide them with fresh water everyday and have fun offering them weekly treats such as dehydrated fruits and vegetables as well as fresh fruits and vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, apples, dried raisins and occasionally a small amount of raw potatoes. Gerbils usually love fruits, but they should be offered in small amount. However, stay away from spinach and certain types of lettuce, uncooked beans and green or sprouted potatoes, because the following can be very harmful to your pet gerbil.

          They love nuts, pumpkin and sunflower seed, feel free to feed them to your gerbil but only occasionally, because the following are very rich in fat and protein and it becomes unhealthy to your pet if it is fed in high amounts. Just like any other pet rodent, NEVER feed any sweets like chocolate, candy and sweetened cereal.

          Try to prevent illnesses by offering your gerbil a varied diet, keep them free from drafts and excessive heat, giving your rat plenty of exercise and some time to bask in the sun frequently, and always provide a warm, clean and dry cage. Always stay alert for any early sign of illnesses, and be ready to call your local veterinarian if the behavior doesn't change for the better. They are very sociable and playful little animals that are great for anyone. Just offer them an enjoyable environment, a lot of care and love and have fun!

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DEGU

Average Lifespan: 5-8 years
Gestation Period: 87-93 days
Average Litter: 5-7 babies
Weaning Period: 5-6 weeks

          Degus are good-natured, gentle, active and very social. They are also very expressive and intelligent. Degus are also great entertainers. They are delightful and are very fascinating to watch. They enjoy being held and petted. They are also very quick; they can leap high and can run very fast. Degus are not very demanding, depending on the amount of pet degus you have, it will determine how often you will need to clean the cage. Be sure to have the time to handle your degu daily. They enjoy your attention and can get lonely if you ignore them for too long.

          When looking to purchase a degu, it's always best to keep at least two together. You need to keep in mind that they are very sociable animals and if kept alone, they can become very lonely. Often, a single degu can become very sad and depressed. No matter how spacious the cage if, when you own two degus, you will always find them cuddled as close together as they can. For this reason it is highly recommended to house at least two. As for whether to house males or females, it pretty much comes down to your preference. Avoid housing a male and a female together as is will result with the birth of regular off springs.

          Their cage should be spacious and have different levels. They require more space than most rodents because they like to jump, leap, climb and run fast. Degus does a great deal of chewing. Be sure to purchase a cage specifically design for them, other wise you just might come upon a cage with a whole on the side and no degu in sight. They need plenty of exercise; wheels are a great way to provide just that. Try to avoid metal wheels, where they can hurt their paws or accidentally get their tail's caught and injured. Try to provide your degu with a solid plastic floor. Some of degus favorite playthings are chew sticks, hamster running balls, dust baths, wooden nest boxes, ladders and ramps for them to climb, tubes and tunnels. To protect your degu's health, put the cage in a well-lit area in your house, free from drafts, direct sunlight and heaters. Drafts and excessive heat is harmful for your pet rodent.

          To prevent and injury, never pick up your Degu by the tail, doing so could cause the tail to come off.

          Degus are pretty active during the day and night. They are still considered to be diurnal species (meaning being most active during daytime). You will find them taking "catnaps" throughout the day. Dust bath should be offered to your degu regularly, at least once a week, not only because it removes the excess oil from their coat, but it is also a social necessity. It gives them to social acceptance among other degus by having the same odor. A dust bath is really a special treat for them. Always remove the dust bath afterwards; otherwise they will urinate in it.

          Always provide them with plenty of safe toys for them to chew, such as chew stick, wooden nest box and wooden ladders. They have incisors teeth, so if they don't have anything to satisfy their need to chew, their teeth will over grow, and your degu will then have difficulty eating. They are very easy to please and will be creative with almost any safe chew toy you offer.

          They also need plenty of exercise outside of their cage. Never let them roam around unattended and make sure it's safe for them to explore. Watch out for any cables, they will chew pretty much anything. The safest way to go is by purchasing a Critter Pen. Which allows your rodent to exercise safely without you worrying about his safety or your TV cables.

          Proper nutrition plays a very important role in your degu's health. The best market food to get is a mix of chinchilla food mixed with guinea pig pellets. Guinea pig pellets should be fed because it is enriched with vitamin C. They also should receive fresh raw carrots regularly, every other day or so. They love grass, timothy and alfalfa hay. Alfalfa hay should also be fed regularly. Avoid feeding to many treats, other than carrots and alfalfa hay, especially those high in sugar. If so, your degu will be prone to health problems like obesity and diabetes. Seeds (wheat germ), grains (sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, and occasional sunflower seeds), raw fruits (apples and raisins) and vegetables (carrots, lettuce and tomatoes), can be added once in a while to keep your degu healthy. Always offer Nutri-Blocs daily along with their regular diet, these are very nutritious and helps wear off their teeth. Never feed any chocolate or candies to your rodent. Just stick to treats such as fresh fruits and vegetables or seeds to make sure you are not putting your rodent's health at risk. If your degu are not getting the proper nutrition or a well balanced diet, it can quickly lead to health problems such as, weak teeth (white or light in color), diabetes, weight loss, or obesity.

          Degus are very hardy animals. If he's well cared for, he can stay healthy for a very long time. However, if you see any sign what so ever of illnesses, contact your local veterinarian immediately, because, when they get sick, without proper care, they quickly weaken.

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CHINCHILLA

Average Lifespan: 10-15 years (sometimes even 18-22 years)
Gestation Period: 111 days
Average Litter: 1-4 young (sometimes 6)
Weaning Period: 8 weeks

          Chinchillas are very special, charming and unique pets to own. They are animals with a strong will of their own, which you must respect. They have soft and silky fur with large, expressive eyes. Big ears, long whiskers and a bushy "squirrel tail". They can jump very high and are fond of exercising. You will usually find chinchillas napping throughout the day and to be mostly active at dusk and at night. The great thing about these pets is that they are great for apartment living because are not too noisy and they are odorless. Although, since they are mostly active during nighttime, it may be a little bit disturbing when you're trying to sleep.

          A chinchilla can bond very tightly with its owner, so they are no problems to keep one single chinchilla as a pet. If you would rather house two chinchillas you need to be sure you have an even larger cage for both of them. If the cage is too small, they don't have enough room to get away from one another. They sometimes stress each other and this could lead to behavioral disorders. Either two females or two males that has been raised together will get along well with each other. If you want to introduce two chinchillas that have not grown up together, you must first introduce them in separate cages. Simply put them one next to the other for a period of a time. And slowly have them interact together.

          The cage is probably one of the most important factors in owning a chinchilla. A cage that's large enough is vital for your new pet chinchilla. They really love to move around, jump, hop and climb. The bigger cage you can offer them, the better. The cage must also be kept in a draft-free place. However, no matter how big the cage may be, they should have regular exercise outside of their cage. Always be sure to provide a safe environment and always supervise your pet. Chinchillas consider pretty much anything to be edible. They will chew up anything in their sight.

          Provide the cage with a sleeping house, braches for climbing and chewing and shelves. Try to provide your pet with a lot of different chewing accessories to satisfy their need to chew. They have incisors teeth, so without any chewing toys, their teeth can easily over grow, giving them difficulty eating.

          Your chinchilla needs a daily bath in special chinchilla sand. Sand baths are very important for your chinchilla. Simply place an inch or so of sand in a chinchilla sand bathtub, and set it in the cage for about 10 minutes. Only leave it for short periods at a time, to prevent soiling in the sand. It is really fascinating to watch them take a bath. They will roll around in the box with excitement. This special sand will help keep your chinchillas fur healthy and clean by taking away excess oil. In addition, it reduces tensions and frustrations. The sand can be reused but needs to be changed regularly.

          The proper nutrition consist of special chinchilla pellet food, which is a mix of grains and hay that contains added vitamins and minerals that are available at pet shops. Add dried Alfalfa to their diets. It's a healthy treat to give to your chinchilla that helps with digestion. The proper way to feed a chinchilla is one to two handfuls of dried hay sprinkled with one to two tablespoons of pellets. The right amount of food for young animals up to the age of three months of age is a half-teaspoon of pellets in the morning and evening. Gradually increase the quantity of pellets till up to six months of age. An adult chinchilla usually requires about one to two tablespoons of pellets. Offer as much hay as they require.

          Chinchillas absolutely love treats. Be careful on the amount given to them and some treats should be offered in small portions only. A small piece of apple or carrot, a single raisin, or half a hazelnut or peanut per day is enough. Feed nuts and raisins only in the most restricted quantities. You can feed some small leaves of grass, lettuce and dandelions. These are very healthy, but in small portions only. It can be very unhealthy if you feed these in large quantities. Never feed parrot food, nuts and even hamster food to your chinchilla. They will usually prefer the followings over their own food, but it is not good health wise. In addition, some woods that are used as cage decorations can be unsafe for your pet to chew on such as, citrus woods, cherry, walnut, cedar and fresh pine.

          Chinchillas usually grooms themselves when they feel relaxed and at ease. Chinchillas cannot be trained. Taming them varies a lot. It depends on the character of the individual animal and the care you offer them. Chinchillas are great pets for just about anyone, but are not always recommended for young infants.

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Hopefully you have found our information enjoyable and helpful on rodents. Please, do not hesitate to contact us for any additional information or if you have any questions concerning your pet.