Are you considering adding a furry little friend to your family? Rodents make fantastic pets for beginners due to their small size, low maintenance requirements, and adorable personalities. However, with numerous rodent breeds to choose from, it can be challenging to decide which one is the best fit for you. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top 7 rodent breeds that are ideal for beginners. Let’s dive in!
- Syrian Hamster
Syrian hamsters, also referred to as teddy bears or golden hamsters, have a lifespan of two to three years. These pets need their own habitat because they are normally solitary creatures. Hamsters that have been handled since infancy typically have a friendly disposition. They are nocturnal and can become irritable if awakened during the day.
- Dwarf hamster
Some dwarf hamsters are sociable and can live in small groups or pairs with others of the same species. They have a three-year lifespan. Despite their repute for being a little feisty, dwarf hamsters are generally calm and easy to manage.
- Mongolian Gerbil
Gerbils are comfortable in same-sex couples or small group settings. They are very gregarious and active animals. For simpler bonding, it is ideal to get them when they are young. Gerbils can grow quite tame with regular treatment. But they might be challenging to contain due to their tremendous level of activity.
- Guinea pigs
Guinea pigs make excellent first-time pets. You may have a lot of fun with them because they are entertaining and live longer compared to some of the pets on our list. They can survive mostly on pellets and hay with a little fresh food thrown in, so their diets are rather simple. They don’t require a lot of room, but they’ll enjoy being held by you whenever you choose. Because they are gregarious animals, you should get several.
- Common Rat
Common rat rats have a two to four-year lifespan on average. They often perform worse than single pets since they are extremely gregarious, making it better to keep a same-sex pair. They can grow incredibly tame and like a human company with regular treatment. They can even be taught some basic tasks, but they need time outside the cage for social interaction and exercise.
- Chinchilla
Chinchillas are energetic and entertaining animals that resemble rabbits in appearance. They like a quiet area throughout the day because they are primarily nocturnal. They prefer to move about and explore; they don’t typically enjoy being held. But many chinchillas might still learn to take pleasure in their caregivers’ company.
- Fancy Mouse
Mice can make excellent first pets, and the fancy mouse is one of the simplest breeds. In general, these mice are rather simple to train and become quite amiable after a few weeks. In fact, after four days, you’ll likely be accustomed to your fancy mouse enough to handle it. Give them some time to grow accustomed to your voice, face, and smell. While female fancy mice frequently enjoy living in small groups, trios, or couples, as long as you provide them with appropriate food and space, males should be kept alone since they get territorial.
Choosing the right rodent breed as a beginner pet owner is crucial for a positive and fulfilling pet ownership experience. Do you want to own a pet rodent? Please contact Allan’s Pet Center so they can help you find a healthy pet.
