Many families with children prefer to have small animals. In this article, we will look at what kind of pets people like to have in apartments. Did you know that the three-toed jerboa is the smallest rodent on the ground? Its weight is only 3 grams. Due to their small size, rodents are often chosen for home-keeping. What other types of small rodents are there? Read this article below!
The smallest pet rodents: care features
The rodent order includes many species:
- hamsters
- gerbils
- rats
- mice
- chinchillas
- jerboas
- decorative rabbits
- Guinea pigs
- degu
- chipmunks
- marmots
The world of rodents is diverse. Animals differ in size, species, and habitat. Many members of the order are domesticated.
Hamsters are contact and playful. The Djungarian hamster, the most minor representative of its family, is famous. Dwarf hamsters have developed social skills. Some individuals are aggressive towards humans and can bite if handled poorly.
Gerbils – small rodents whose body sizes reach 10-12 cm. They differ from mice in that they have a fluffy tail. Animals are active; for this reason, there should be a pet wheel in the cage. The optimal size of the home for a gerbil to feel comfortable is 30x30x60 cm. Gerbils live up to 3 years and can live four years with good maintenance. The body reaches a length of 10-11 cm. Gerbils are collective animals, so it is recommended that they be kept in groups. It would be better if they were same-sex.
Decorative rats live 2.5 – 3 years; some individuals live up to 4 years. The body size of an adult rat is 20 cm. A distinctive feature of rodents is a long tail devoid of hair. Rats are sociable animals. It is recommended that a couple of people of the same gender be taken. Small rodents make contact with humans and, with proper attention, can become loyal friends. The rat cage should be spacious (minimum 30×90 cm). Pets should be allowed out of their cage for a walk.
Decorative mice are the most minor representatives of rodents. The body length is about 8 cm. Mice are white, and individuals have colored fur. Animals should be kept separately to prevent them from breeding. It is necessary to take animals of the same sex, preferably females since males behave aggressively and sometimes fight.
Chinchillas attract buyers with their expensive, thick fur that is pleasant to the touch. An adult reaches a length of 30-35 cm; its weight ranges from 400 to 700 grams. Chinchillas live longer than other rodents; their life expectancy is 20 years. Short-tailed and long-tailed chinchillas are kept as pets. A beautiful gray-blue coat color distinguishes both species.
Lifespan guinea pigs are 6-7 years, sometimes ten years. Rodents have a calm character, rarely bite, and are in demand in families with children. The basis of a guinea pig’s diet is fresh hay. Your pet’s diet should include vegetables containing vitamin C. They are affectionate, friendly, and capable of becoming loyal friends.
Jerboas needs to improve in content. Even the smallest rodent requires special care. For dwarf breeds, an aquarium filled with gravel or sand is suitable as a home. Conditions of detention should be close to natural. It is recommended that a cardboard house be placed in the aquarium where the animal can hide. Jerboas are friendly, non-aggressive animals. They should be kept in groups of similar sizes. The most difficult to maintain are comb-toed jerboas. They do not tolerate temperature changes and humidity well. Representatives of this breed survive the worst in captivity.
Rodents have habits, characters, and needs for social interaction. Most members of the order prefer to be nocturnal, which should be considered when purchasing a rodent as a pet.
