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| The Family Pet |
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| An offering of furball and feather fun! |
| ISSUE 23 |
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RODENTS AS PETS
Rodentia is the largest order of mammals. There is great diversity among the more than
1700 species of rodents, from the two-inch- tall pygmy jerboa to the hundred-pound, semi-aquatic
capybara to the peculiarly adapted porcupine. Some species are nocturnal (e.g. beavers), some
hibernate (woodchucks), some burrow (prairie dogs); others inhabit the desert (spiny mouse), or the swamp
(muskrat).
A few shared anatomic features unite the large group of animals, in particular the four prominent incisor teeth
seen in all rodents. These teeth grow continuously throughout life and need to be worn down by the animals’
chewing behavior. (The word rodent derives from the Latin verb rodere, “to gnaw.”)
Rodents most often kept as pets include mice, rats, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, squirrels, and chinchillas.
These smaller species require less space, time, and money to keep compared to dogs and cats. Yet, being
mammals, they possess the “warm and cuddly” factor, and can be affectionate and intelligent. Pet rodents typically
live 3 to 10 years, though a few species have longer life spans, up to 20 years.
A great deal of information has been compiled on husbandry and nutrition of small rodents, due to their
longstanding importance in the fur trade and laboratory research. Nutritionally balanced, pelleted diets are readily
available for several different rodent species.
As a rodent pet owner, you need to understand the unique husbandry essentials for your pet’s species. For
instance, the guinea pig is the only rodent which shares with humans the requirement for dietary vitamin C. Learn
not only what to feed your pet, but what size and construction of habitat is recommended for that species, and what
levels of heat, humidity, or daylight to provide.
Since pet rodents spend most of their lives in their cages or enclosures, you must keep these environments clean
and sanitary. The type of bedding used, and the frequency of cage cleaning, will again vary depending on the
species. Be sure you are willing to spend the time and effort to maintain a healthful habitat before you take on a
rodent pet.
You won’t have to leash-walk your pet rat or gerbil, but these animals do require exercise as well as mental
stimulation. If possible, provide a cage larger than the recommended minimum dimensions, and equip it with
appropriate toys and exercise gear. Small rodents enjoy running on wheels and navigating mazes of plastic tunnels.
Rodents also need things to chew on such as non-toxic wooden blocks. They will basically chew on everything you
give them, so make sure objects pose no hazard.
If given clean, spacious habitats and proper nutrition, rodents rarely require medical attention. They are subject
to many parasites, both external and internal, which can be readily eradicated with the same medications used on
dogs and cats. Dental overgrowth and malocclusions are common, too, often requiring that the excessively long
incisors be cut back and filed.
Rodents can experience many other ailments from infections to cancer, but treatment for serious illnesses can
be challenging and risky. The animals’ small size, and antibiotic sensitivity peculiar to certain species, limits the sort
of disease intervention that can be safely provided. Although there have been recent advances in veterinary
knowledge about rodent species, not all vets are equally educated or qualified to treat them.
To have a happy, healthy pet rodent, follow these three guidelines: read and educate yourself about the
particular species you own or are about to acquire; provide the animal with a good-quality, appropriate habitat,
diligent sanitation, and excellent nutrition; lastly, schedule an appointment with a veterinarian experienced in rodent
medicine to check for parasites and rule out any health problems.
Rodentia is the largest order of mammals. There is great diversity among the more than
1700 species of rodents, from the two-inch- tall pygmy jerboa to the hundred-pound, semi-aquatic
capybara to the peculiarly adapted porcupine. Some species are nocturnal (e.g. beavers), some
hibernate (woodchucks), some burrow (prairie dogs); others inhabit the desert (spiny mouse), or the swamp
(muskrat).
A few shared anatomic features unite the large group of animals, in particular the four prominent incisor teeth
seen in all rodents. These teeth grow continuously throughout life and need to be worn down by the animals’
chewing behavior. (The word rodent derives from the Latin verb rodere, “to gnaw.”)
Rodents most often kept as pets include mice, rats, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, squirrels, and chinchillas.
These smaller species require less space, time, and money to keep compared to dogs and cats. Yet, being
mammals, they possess the “warm and cuddly” factor, and can be affectionate and intelligent. Pet rodents typically
live 3 to 10 years, though a few species have longer life spans, up to 20 years.
A great deal of information has been compiled on husbandry and nutrition of small rodents, due to their
longstanding importance in the fur trade and laboratory research. Nutritionally balanced, pelleted diets are readily
available for several different rodent species.
As a rodent pet owner, you need to understand the unique husbandry essentials for your pet’s species. For
instance, the guinea pig is the only rodent which shares with humans the requirement for dietary vitamin C. Learn
not only what to feed your pet, but what size and construction of habitat is recommended for that species, and what
levels of heat, humidity, or daylight to provide.
Since pet rodents spend most of their lives in their cages or enclosures, you must keep these environments clean
and sanitary. The type of bedding used, and the frequency of cage cleaning, will again vary depending on the
species. Be sure you are willing to spend the time and effort to maintain a healthful habitat before you take on a
rodent pet.
You won’t have to leash-walk your pet rat or gerbil, but these animals do require exercise as well as mental
stimulation. If possible, provide a cage larger than the recommended minimum dimensions, and equip it with
appropriate toys and exercise gear. Small rodents enjoy running on wheels and navigating mazes of plastic tunnels.
Rodents also need things to chew on such as non-toxic wooden blocks. They will basically chew on everything you
give them, so make sure objects pose no hazard.
If given clean, spacious habitats and proper nutrition, rodents rarely require medical attention. They are subject
to many parasites, both external and internal, which can be readily eradicated with the same medications used on
dogs and cats. Dental overgrowth and malocclusions are common, too, often requiring that the excessively long
incisors be cut back and filed.
Rodents can experience many other ailments from infections to cancer, but treatment for serious illnesses can
be challenging and risky. The animals’ small size, and antibiotic sensitivity peculiar to certain species, limits the sort
of disease intervention that can be safely provided. Although there have been recent advances in veterinary
knowledge about rodent species, not all vets are equally educated or qualified to treat them.
To have a happy, healthy pet rodent, follow these three guidelines: read and educate yourself about the
particular species you own or are about to acquire; provide the animal with a good-quality, appropriate habitat,
diligent sanitation, and excellent nutrition; lastly, schedule an appointment with a veterinarian experienced in rodent
medicine to check for parasites and rule out any health problems.
| Do you need some solid pet advise? We're here to help you in any way we can. Dr. Haddix and Alex are available by email, here at Welcome Home My Florida.com |