Christmas Pet Rodents
A small group of rodents comprised of hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, mice, and rats are commonly found at pet stores and are make good family pets, some better than others. While they are all rodents, they do have varied necessities in caring for them and social contact and have differing merits as pets. Most of these rodents prefer to live with others of their species, especially the same sex as this also helps to avoid unwanted litters. Here are some of the most commonly kept rodents and some fascinating facts about them. One personal caveat about pet rodents, their beddings needs to be changed often as their urine can become quite strong.
Rats – Fancy rats can make brilliant pets if they receive a lot of socialization. They are very intelligent, curious and active. They grind their teeth when they are contentment. The scent of a clean rat smells like sandalwood. The average lifespan is as much as three years.
Mice – Mice make fair pets as they are very entertaining to watch. Females can live happily together, but males tend to fight unless they are introduced to each other before they are five weeks old. Caution, females can reproduce as young as six weeks old. The average lifespan is upwards of two years.
Gerbils – Gerbils make decent pets, except for young children as they tend to nip, and they must be handled a lot as youngsters to overcome this trait. Gerbils are sociable and prefer to live with members of their own species. The average lifespan is two to four years.
Guinea Pigs – These pigs make excellent pets as they rarely bite. They are very good-natured and social, and they enjoy being cuddled and will whistle at their owners as a greeting. They have a charming habit of pop-corning, which is kind of a joyful little hop and kick combination. The average lifespan is five to eight years.
Hamsters – Syrian hamsters make reasonably good pets, but are prone to nipping unless they are handled a lot when they’re young. Being nocturnal, they do become quite active at night. Most hamsters prefer to live alone and their average lifespan is two to three years.
gogreenpestcontrol.ca Ladner Tsawwassen Delta B.C. randy Bilesky
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/christmas-pet-rodents-randy-bilesky/?published=t
http://www.delta-optimist.com/opinion/blogs/blog-do-giant-rats-exist-1.23128820
