Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe - what small animal is best for me

Name:

Hamster

Activity time:

Hamsters are nocturnal, so beware, light human sleepers! Also, daytime play sessions with your sleepy pet could cause angry or startled behavior and lead to biting.

Lifespan (avg):

2.5 – 3 years

Playmates:

Hamsters are independent animals, and they do not need playmates, particularly Syrian hamsters. Dwarf hamsters can sometimes live in pairs, but it’s not recommended in captivity.

Supplies:

Cage

Bedding

Nesting box

Exercise wheel

Food and water

Hamster chow

Treats

Toys

Veterinary needs:

● Your hamster should be examined by a vet annually.

● No vaccines are needed.

● Neutering males is not routinely performed, so separate males and females if you do not want a litter.

Beware!

Hamsters can carry disease; pregnant women and young children should be aware of this increased exposure risk.

Other:

● Hamsters are great self-entertainers, so make sure they have plenty of toys and opportunities for burrowing and climbing.

● It’s illegal to own a hamster in Hawaii.

Name:

Gerbil

Activity time:

Gerbils are diurnal, which means they’re active during the daytime.

Lifespan (avg):

2 – 3 years

Playmates:

● Gerbils go together like peas and carrots –don’t get just one! But do get a same-sex pair, or else you’ll have more new pets than you can shake a chew toy at!

● Gerbils self-entertain given toys, burrowing materials and climbing opportunities. They also love cage-free time to run in a safe room or designated playpen.

Supplies:

Cage with wire or mesh top

Bedding

Nesting materials

Exercise wheel

Food and water

Treats

Chew sticks (to wear down their sharp teeth)

Veterinary needs:

● An annual exam and parasite check is recommended.

● No vaccines are needed.

● Neutering males is recommended if you are keeping male and female gerbils together and do not want a litter.

Beware!

Gerbils’ teeth are incredibly sharp and must be worn down by chew sticks.

Other:

It’s illegal to own a gerbil in Hawaii or California.

Name:

Guinea Pig

Activity time:

Guinea pigs are diurnal, which means they’re active during the daytime.

Lifespan (avg):

5 – 7 years

Playmates:

Guinea pigs thrive in pairs, so get more than one if you can. Same-sex pairs are recommended if you don’t want lots of baby pigs on your hands!

Supplies:

Large enclosure/cage

Bedding

Hiding Box + Toys

Timothy hay

Food and water

Fresh veggies and fruit

Veterinary needs:

● Periodic checkups are needed, and emergency vet care might be needed if your guinea pig has mites, dietary issues or dental problems, to which guinea pigs are predisposed.

● No vaccines are needed.

● Spaying female guinea pigs is not common; males should be neutered to avoid mating if you do not want a litter.

Beware!

● Some people are allergic to guinea pigs, so spend some time with one before you adopt or purchase.

Other:

● Regular grooming is needed. For long-haired guinea pigs, comb daily. Short-haired breeds can be brushed weekly.

● Trim your pet’s nails regularly to avoid the nails growing into the paw pads.

Name:

Rat

Activity time:

Rats are nocturnal. They’re most active at dawn and dusk.

Lifespan (avg):

2 – 3 years

Playmates:

Adopt rats in pairs or trios, but ensure they’re spayed, neutered, or same sex rodents.

Supplies:

Cage (2.5 ft³ per rat)

Litter

Toys

Climbing and hiding structures

Food and water

Hammock

High quality treats

Veterinary needs:

● Annual vet visits aren’t required, but plan on veterinary costs as rats are prone to common illnesses that may require professional help.

● No vaccines are needed.

● If you want to keep males and females together, have the male neutered to avoid unwanted pregnancy.

Beware!

● Rats can carry infectious diseases, so they’re not recommended for pregnant women or families with young children.

Other:

● Rats get a bad rap for lurking in sewers and dumpsters, but they are actually meticulous about cleanliness.

● You can train your rat to do tricks, but they’ll probably want a treat afterwards.

Name:

Rabbit

Activity time:

Rabbits are nocturnal. They’re most active at dawn and dusk and dawn.

Lifespan (avg):

10+ years

Playmates:

● Rabbits are social and prefer to live with other bunnies.

● If multiple rabbits are not feasible for your family, prepare to be your bunny’s favorite playmate (similar to the attention you’d give to a pet dog).

● Even with an appropriately sized cage, it’s best to have a room in your home where your rabbit(s) can roam and play freely under your supervision.

Supplies:

Large enclosure placed in a climate-appropriate spot

Litter box + litter

Food and water

Fresh veggies

Unlimited hay (this is a rabbit’s main food)

Chew toys

Treats: fruit

Veterinary needs:

● Plan on an annual vet visit for your bunny.

● Vaccines are available and recommended for your rabbit; your vet can advise you.

● More frequent visits may be needed as your pet ages or if they are unwell.

● Neutering and spaying are recommended, as these procedures can eliminate the risk of reproductive cancers that are common in rabbits. They can also reduce hormone-induced behaviors like aggression and urine spraying.

Beware!

● Seeds and nuts are not good for bunnies!

● Carrots are a special treat – not a main food group (sorry, Bugs Bunny!).

Other:

● Rabbits can be litter trained! They also produce a lot of waste, so frequent cleaning will be needed. Types of litter for a rabbit include ones made of paper-based materials, wood pellets or compressed wheat straw pellets, to name a few options.

● Bunnies can only live in outdoor hutches in certain climates, just ensure their quarters are predator-proof.

● Because they’re prey animals, loud noises and sudden movements can scare your rabbit.

● Trim your bunny’s nails regularly.

Name:

Ferret

Activity time:

Ferrets are nocturnal. They’re most active at dawn and dusk. When not asleep—and they love to sleep—they’re highly active and inquisitive.

Lifespan (avg):

5 – 10 years

Playmates:

Ferrets have personal preference here. Some like to live alone, while others like to have groups or bonded pairs.

Supplies:

Multi-level cage

Soft bedding like baby blankets

Litter box + litter

Dark places to hide and sleep

Water

Food for a meat-based diet (no fruit, veggies, or high carb foods)

Veterinary needs:

● Periodic vet visits are needed to ensure your ferret is healthy.

● Vaccinate your ferret against rabies and distemper, both of which can affect ferrets and, in turn, you and your family.

● Ensure your ferret is spayed or neutered, as this can reduce aggression and the natural drive to mate.  

Beware!

● Ferrets require a lot of time and energy to receive proper care.

● They have sharp teeth and may bite if startled.

● Ferrets can behave erratically and should never be left alone with a young child.

Other:

● It’s illegal to own ferrets in some states, including California, Hawaii, New York and Washington D.C. Make sure to check the regulations where you live before adopting or buying.

● Ferrets require grooming, including trimming their sharp nails and occasional bathing and ear cleaning.

● Ferrets have a distinct, musky odor, even after being de-scented.

● Ferrets love to sneak into small spaces. Ensure their cage is secure.