Many people hear the word “rodent” and run a mile, either figuratively or literally, but rodents are widely popular as pets among animal enthusiasts of all ages. The term “rodent” covers a diverse group of small, four-legged furry animals, ranging from common pets to more exotic varieties. Popular pet rodents include hamsters, gerbils, rats, mice, and guinea pigs, as well as less common pets like degus and chinchillas.

Each species has unique care requirements and distinct needs to consider when choosing to keep them as pets. In this comprehensive guide for potential rodent owners, we introduce essential information about keeping small rodents such as rats, mice, gerbils, and hamsters. We also address how to decide if a rodent fits your lifestyle and how to purchase and transport your new pet safely.

Is a Small Rodent the Right Pet for You?

Choosing the right pet rodent requires careful thought about your lifestyle and living environment. Different species have varying care needs, social behaviours, and housing requirements. To decide if a small rodent is suitable for you, reflect on these important questions:

Can you afford the initial and ongoing costs of care, including food, bedding, veterinary care, and enrichment?
Do you have sufficient time for daily care, handling, and cleaning associated with rodent ownership?
Is everyone in your household happy to have a rodent in your home?
If you rent your home, are pets permitted, and could having a pet affect future housing options?
How might changes in your household, such as new family members or moves, impact your ability to care for your rodent?
Are you prepared to manage the potential mess and odours that can come with caged pets, including daily cleaning?

Understanding these factors fully is essential before moving forward with rodent ownership.

Costs of Buying and Keeping Rodents

Small rodents are generally affordable to purchase, commonly costing under £10 for standard pet quality, though show-quality animals can cost more. Setting up their housing and buying equipment involves an initial cost, and there will be ongoing expenses such as food, bedding, toys, and routine veterinary care.

It’s important to also maintain a contingency fund for unexpected vet treatments, as rodents can require dental care or emergency attention. Preparing financially for all these elements ensures responsible ownership without undue stress.

Time Commitment for Caring for Rodents

While rodents are low maintenance compared to dogs or cats, they still demand daily attention. You need to clean out droppings and uneaten food daily, provide fresh food and water, and spend time handling and socialising your pet to keep them comfortable and happy.

A thorough cleaning of the cage with fresh bedding and disinfecting supplies should be done weekly to prevent health issues and maintain a hygienic environment.

Diet and Feeding Requirements of Small Rodents

In nature, rodents are opportunistic feeders, consuming a variety of plants, seeds, and scraps. Pet rodents’ diets vary by species: complete pre-packaged food mixes formulated for each species make up the staple diet, supplemented carefully with fresh fruits and vegetables where appropriate. For example, rats may enjoy occasional treats like cooked egg or chicken, but these are unsuitable for hamsters or gerbils.

Researching the dietary needs of your specific rodent species prior to purchase is crucial to provide a balanced and safe diet that supports health and longevity.

Health and Wellness of Pet Rodents

Rodent lifespan varies greatly: hamsters, gerbils, mice, and rats typically live around 2 to 4 years, guinea pigs around 5 to 7 years, while chinchillas may reach up to 20 years. Signs of a healthy rodent include bright eyes with no discharge, clean nose, shiny coat without sores, smooth paws, and normal breathing. Any diarrhoea or lack of appetite should be addressed promptly.

Due to their size, veterinary surgical options may be limited but rodents may require emergency or routine care such as teeth trimming. Register your pet with a vet experienced in exotic or small mammal care to ensure proper support.

Rodents are not naturally clean; they nest and can scatter food and waste, so daily cage cleaning and appropriate hygiene are essential to keep your pet healthy.

Handling and Playing Safely with Small Rodents

As small, delicate animals, rodents must be handled with care to prevent injury and stress. Always support their body, never pick them up by the tail or head, and approach slowly to reduce fear. Rodents may nip if frightened but with patient taming, they can become comfortable with gentle handling.

They enjoy exploring outside their cages, so ensure the area is rodent-proofed by blocking gaps, securing cables out of reach, and preventing escapes. Supervised play outside the cage enriches their lives but requires vigilance to keep them safe.

Number of Rodents per Cage

The number depends on cage size and species. Do not mix species in one enclosure. Some rodents like mice are social and do best in groups, whereas some hamsters prefer solitude. Male and female rodents housed together will breed rapidly, and same-sex combinations can sometimes fight. Proper research helps determine the best social setup for your pets.

Essential Equipment for Rodent Care

Prepare your home with the following before bringing your rodent home:

A suitable cage or modular housing with secure latches
A nesting box or sleeping area
Species-appropriate bedding and nesting material (e.g., wood shavings, paper)
Complete commercial food formulated for your rodent species
Food and water containers, preferably a water bottle
Chew toys and gnawing materials to maintain dental health
Vitamin and mineral supplements, if needed
Cleaning supplies for cages and feeding equipment
Safe play tunnels and toys inside the cage
Exercise toys for cage-free time, such as rolling balls
A small holding container for cleaning or transport

Species-specific guides can provide further details for tailoring your setup.

Where to Buy Rodents

Most people think of pet shops for acquiring rodents, which often stock common species. However, you can also find rodents through specialist breeders, private sellers, and rescue organisations such as the RSPCA or animal welfare charities. Buying from a breeder or rescue often provides better insight into the animal’s history and health, plus ongoing support. Consider browsing available rodents for sale or adoption listings in the UK.

How to Buy Rodents Responsibly

When selecting your pet, examine it carefully for health signs. Confirm the correct sex, avoid animals that are too young or appear unwell, and learn about their background and current diet to ease their transition home. Always get a purchase receipt and clarify the returns or complaint policy in case of illness or misrepresentation.

Transporting Your New Rodent Home and Settling In

Have your setup ready and fully arranged before bringing your pet home; avoid last-minute purchases.
Use a well-ventilated, secure, and comfortable travel box padded with appropriate bedding.
Place your rodent gently inside and secure the container before travel.
Drive cautiously to minimize stress and risk of injury during transit.
Upon arrival, if possible, place the travel container inside the cage and open it, allowing your rodent to explore their new home at their own pace.
Provide familiar food and fresh water immediately and avoid sudden changes to diet for the first few days.
Avoid excessive handling during initial days to let your pet acclimatise.
Monitor health closely, especially in the first two weeks.
If introducing to an existing cage, quarantine new arrivals for at least two weeks and introduce gradually while monitoring for fighting or stress.
Register your new pet with a vet as soon as possible and consider an initial health check-up.

Information About Rodents for Potential Rodent Owners