Buying Pet Rodents

Pet Rodents to Consider

There a number of different animals that you can select when looking for a small furry friend. The species have different breeds, just as dogs and cats do, and these have to come into consideration when choosing who you're going to be taking home with you. Here is a small sampling of species, which, of course, is far from being exhaustive.

• Hamsters are probably the most common small animals that people think of when considering a rodent as a pet. By and large, the public envisions the teddy bear variety, but there are other variations -- like the Russian Dwarf -- that are also readily available. Hamsters, being rather active animals, generally do not like being handled, and as such, may not be the best choice for small children. Properly socialized, hamsters usually will not bite without being aggravated, but keep in mind that they are essentially wild animals, and their teeth can draw blood.

• Gerbils fall into a similar category as hamsters, but are generally "jumpier" than their cousins. In this way, they too may not be the best pet for a younger child, because they generally do not sit still for long.

• Guinea Pigs come in two main varieties -- short and long-haired -- though there are also more exotic breeds like the Peruvian. Also known as cavies, guinea pigs tend to be neurotic and can frighten quite easily. Despite their short legs, guinea pigs can run very quickly, but are not particularly athletic. It will take some persistence and patience to properly hand tame a guinea pig. Also keep in mind that they tend to be quite vocal animals, having quite the varied vocabulary.

• Rabbits come in many different breeds, but most pet stores carry some variety of the Netherland Dwarf, which as its name implies, is one of the smallest bunnies you can get. Netherland Dwarves are known for being somewhat tempermental, but of course this varies from individual to individual. Be careful which breed you select, because although he/she may appear small, cute and cuddly in the pet store, many rabbit breeds can grow to the be same size (or bigger) than a cat. Generally speaking, the larger the breed, the lower its metabolism. A healthy compromise would be something like a Holland Lop.

• Mice play a strange role in our society, being detested as a pest, used as a lab subject, as well as being loved as a pet. Mice are very active animals, are unlikely to sit still in your hand, but can be very entertaining to watch.

• Rats, despite their less than favorable reputation, actually make excellent pets. They aren't as skittish as mice or hamsters, nor are they so small and fragile. Rats are quite easily tamed, and can even learn simple tricks. They are known to respond to their names.

Things To Look For

So, you've decided on what kind of rodent you would like to have as a pet. Here are a few small pointers in selecting exactly which furry friend you'll want to take home from the pet store.

General Health

The eyes should be clear of any major accumulation, as should the ears. Because the vast majority of animals you'll find at the pet store are quite young, it's not out of the ordinary to find a little bit of feces or urine near the anal region, but be careful, because an excessive amount could be indicative of diarrhea or a viral infection. In this way, if any of the animals within an enclosure seem to be unwell, you should avoid purchasing any of its cagemates as well.

Level of Activity

Rodents are generally most active at dusk, so it is best to visit the pet store in the late afternoon or early evening if possible. This way, you can get the best idea of how active your little friend will be when he/she finally comes home. Activity level will vary with species, but of course, you want to avoid the runt that cowers in the corner, as well as the hyperactive one of the bunch. To a certain extent, this is personal preference, but level of activity is a good sign of overall health.

Handling

When buying a pet rodent, it is important to note the level of handling that the animal has experienced at the pet store or breeder. In many of the larger stores, you may find that the animals do not receive as much human interaction, and as such, will be more difficult to hand tame when you take them home. This isn't to say that these animals cannot be tamed, but it will be more of a challenge than if the hamster, rat, or rabbit is already accustomed to human touch.

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