Getting a new pet is a big decision and with so many different small animals to choose from there is a perfect pet for everyone!
Rabbits
- Live for 6-8 years
- Must live in groups and need quite a large space – ideally a hutch and run.
- Can make good pets for children, but only under close adult supervision – a frightened rabbit can bite and scratch if it feels threatened.
Chinchillas
- Chinchillas can live for 15 years and are a big commitment, especially if you are considering one as a pet for a child.
- Chinchillas must have a companion and a very large cage.
- They are nocturnal and can keep you awake all night.
- Chinchillas bathe in special dust. This can create a slightly dusty atmosphere in the room the cage is kept and this can cause issues for some asthmatics.
Rats
- Live for 2-3 years.
- Rats prefer to live in groups.
- They need larger cages than hamsters, gerbils or mice.
- They are fantastic companions for children and adults alike and are easy to train.
Mice
- Live for 2-3 years.
- Mice are fast pets and so not always suitable for children.
- The males in particular do emit a musty smell which some people find unpleasant.
- Mice are very intelligent and can be trained to perform tricks.
Hamsters
- Live for 2 years.
- Require less space than rabbits or rats
- Some breeds are solitary animals whilst others prefer companionship. Choose carefully as the solitary breeds will fight.
- Hamsters are nocturnal, so again this is not a good pet if you are a light sleeper and have the cage in your bedroom. Hamsters in particular love wheels and the constant squeaking of a wheel can carry throughout a house!
Gerbils
- Live for 3-4 years.
- Like mice, gerbils are fast pets. Children do often find it difficult to handle these without squeezing them and so these are generally not recommended for younger owners.
- Watching gerbils dig burrows in a tank is very entertaining.
Guinea Pigs
- Can live for up to 7 years.
- Guinea Pigs make good pets for both adults and children.
- Guinea pigs have their own language which you can learn to understand.
What small pet have you chosen and why? What pet would you recommend a new small animal owner getting? What is your favourite small animal? Let us know via our Facebook or Twitter.
Some more great advice from Woodgreen: http://www.woodgreen.org.uk/rehome/choosing_a_pet
