Rodents to Love

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RODENTS TO LOVE

Imagine a pet that is small, smart, highly trainable, clean, hypoallergenic, and relatively inexpensive to own. Most rodents have all these attributes, which is one reason why their popularity has risen sharply over the past two decades. Many programmes (including a documentary by National Geographic) have demonstrated the mistreatment of rodents like rats, regardless of their high intelligence and affectionate nature. Despite media misrepresentation and myths, rodents smell good and are extremely hygienic. The only thing that can potentially smell is their cage, which should be cleaned regularly. Below are just a few friendly rodents that are making life fun for homeowners of all ages. WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

HUMOROUS HAMSTERS

These cute pets can sometimes be shy, but often they enjoy interacting with humans and being caressed. Just a couple of decades ago, the number of hamster breeds you could typically choose from was relatively small, but today there is an incredibly wide array of breeds that almost seem too cute to be true! The golden or Syrian hamster is one of them. This hamster is easy to tame, but if you want to interact with it, make sure it’s night-time, when it’s most in the mood for social interaction. This hamster should never be kept in pairs or groups once it has matured as fights can ensue. Another cute hamster breed is the dwarf hamster, which is tiny and grey. It is docile and thrives living with other members of its breed. It is super active, running around its tunnel and playing actively for hours.

To keep your hamsters happy and healthy, clean their cage daily. Provide them with opportunities for exercise by placing cardboard tubes, PVC pipes, plastic igloos and other recommended items into their enclosure. The larger the cage, the better for your rodents’ wellbeing. Give them plenty of time outside their cage, talk to them softly and handle them with care. For the first few days, cover their cage with a cloth to boost their sense of safety. Provide them (and any other rodents you take home) with water and vet-recommended food, and contact your veterinarian so a regular visitation schedule can be established.

GENTLE GERBILS

Gerbils are cute diurnal animals that love shredding material for two main reasons: to keep their teeth short (since their teeth never stop growing) and to build nests. They are sociable and enjoy living in the company of others of their breed, but you should not house adult gerbils close to each other (even if they are in separate cages) if they do not know each other. These cuties also need time to get used to being handled, so allow them the space and time they need.

Your gerbil will need an enclosure that is big enough so that it can dig for hours and engage in vigorous physical activity. Keep its cage dry and out of the direct sunlight. When cleaning out its cage, reuse some of the existing (unsoiled) bedding and nesting material. Gerbils can feel stressed out when placed in an environment with totally new smells. Ask your vet and breeder for the ideal temperature, so your gerbil is neither too cold nor too hot.

MAGNIFICENT MICE

Pet mice are fun to watch at play and very easy to take care of, but take note – they can be a little harder-to-handle than larger rodents like rats. Be patient and start handling them when they are very young to avoid nipping and shyness. Mice are social and enjoy being surrounded by members of their breed. The easiest combination is a pair of female mice or a group of females. Males should not be kept together unless they are littermates who have never been separated. Once again, opt for a large cage so that each mouse has sufficient space. Before deciding on a cage size, do your research, talk to other rodent owners, and follow the advice of a trusted veterinarian.

RAVISHING RATS

I saved the best for last (I am particularly partial to rats, owing to how smart, loving, and affectionate they can be). If you read Stephen King’s The Green Mile, then you may remember Mr. Jingles – the genius mouse its owner thought should work in a circus. Rats are just as smart so you can try teaching them a host of tricks – everything from pushing a wheel to playing basketball and jumping through hoops. To keep your little one happy, go for a big, well-ventilated cage (which should be cleaned daily). Most pet rats that are trained can freely roam the house, returning to their cage only when it is time to sleep. You will probably find that your rat always wants to be near you, and that your pocket, the space beneath your collar, or your shoulder is its favourite resting spot. e

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