Rodents
Compare small pets by their daily routine, housing and social needs. Plan a suitable home and a realistic care budget before bringing one home.
Prepare your home and care routine
Prepare secure housing with appropriate bedding, hiding places and enrichment for the species. Plan cleaning, feeding and safe handling routines. Check whether your chosen species should live alone or with compatible companions, and locate a veterinarian who treats that animal before bringing it home.
Plan your ownership budget
Get local estimates for equipment and services before committing. Include these costs in your plan:
- Initial costs: suitable housing, a carrier, hiding places and feeding equipment.
- Regular spending: food, bedding, cleaning supplies and replacement enrichment.
- Unexpected veterinary care and a reliable pet sitter when you are away.
Choosing a small pet
Think about when you are home and what kind of interaction you expect. Research the exact species’ activity pattern, handling and social needs; housing advice for one small pet may not suit another. Small size does not remove the need for space, daily care and an adult responsible for its welfare.
Browse small pets and rodents for sale
Guinea pigs have specific dietary needs, and some common foods can do real harm. Learn what to feed your guinea pig, and what to avoid.
A hamster can be fascinating to observe, but good care requires space, suitable enrichment and respect for its sleeping and social needs.
Help a rabbit develop reliable litter habits with a roomy tray, safe bedding, fresh hay and a routine that takes health and territorial behavior into account.
Consider a hairless rat's social nature and care requirements without relying on claims that it is hypoallergenic, odorless or always gentle.
An Angora rabbit's long coat needs careful daily attention alongside the space, companionship and veterinary care required by all rabbits.
Learn the essentials of guinea pig care, including companionship, comfortable bedding, a suitable diet and daily health checks.
Dwarf rabbits need space, rabbit companionship, hay-based feeding and preventive veterinary care just like larger rabbits.
Hairless rats need ordinary rat companionship and enrichment, plus thoughtful protection for exposed skin and careful health monitoring.
The Easter Bunny grew from regional traditions involving hares and eggs, while popular stories about ancient origins need careful qualification.
Plan guinea pig housing around floor space, compatible companions, dry bedding, safe temperatures and easy daily observation.
Chinchillas need cool, spacious housing, compatible company and a high-fiber diet, with careful observation of appetite and dental health.
Guinea pigs can be engaging companions, but they need suitable company, plenty of floor space, daily care and prompt attention to illness.