Owning a Pet Rodent
Thinking of getting a pet rodent? Before you bring home a guinea pig, mouse or rat, learn about their special features and requirements.
Do rodents make good pets?
Pet rodents are very popular as pets, especially as first pets for young children. They require less care than many other pets and have a shorter life span, generally 2 - 5 years depending on the species. Their small size also makes them practical pets for people who live in places where they are unable to keep larger animals.
Rodents are generally friendly, affectionate and easily tamed. They are intelligent animals and do need regular care, affection and exercise to be healthy and happy. Your pet should be examined by a vet soon after purchase to check for signs of disease and to advise you on the correct feeding, housing, handling and general care. They do not require vaccinations.
Features of rodents
Rodents are herbivores (plant-eaters) and need to eat constantly. They have front teeth (incisors) that grow continuously throughout their lives. Overgrown incisors are a common problem and can be prevented by providing a correct diet and pieces of wood, or specially designed toys for your pet rodent to chew on.
Most female rodents are ready to mate again soon after birth, so keep males and females apart to prevent continual pregnancy.
Special features of guinea pigs
Guinea pigs (or cavies) originated in South America. They are tail-less, come in a variety of colours, markings and hair lengths (longhaired guinea pigs require daily grooming) and rarely bite.
Guinea pigs only have one pair of mammary glands and have a longer pregnancy than other rodents, lasting 62 – 72 days. The young are born fully developed with their eyes open and a full coat of hair. They start nibbling solid food within several days and can be weaned at 2 - 3 weeks of age.
Special features of mice
Mice are friendly creatures and are easily tamed with frequent, gentle handling. They are also intelligent and need to be provided with toys and other exercise equipment to keep them mentally and physically healthy.
Mice have a life span of 1 - 2 years and start breeding from 6 - 8 weeks of age, with pregnancy lasting 19 - 21 days. Their mammary glands extend along the side and back, so any lump on the body can be suspected as being breast cancer. Litter size averages 5 - 10 and young are born hairless with their eyes closed.
Mice have a Harderian gland that produces red tears and nasal secretions.
Special features of rats
Rats have a life span of 2 - 3 years, are very intelligent and make affectionate companions. Rats may bite if not handled gently and, like other rodents, they feel most secure when supported properly in the palm of your hand. They have a Harderian gland, like mice, which produces tears and nasal secretions that appear red.
Rats start breeding at 2 - 3 months of age and pregnancy lasts on average 21 days, with around 8 - 10 babies each litter. Young are born hairless and their eyes remain closed for 14 days. They can be weaned at 3 weeks of age.
- Last updated 16 November 2012
