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Comparing Popular Pet Rodents
Rat, Mice, Hamster, Guinea Pig - Food - Cages - Bedding
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Not all rodents are the same, so if you think that you can substitute one for another,
think again. They may look almost the same but they have different characteristics, require different diets
and demand different types of care.
Rats
Rats are intelligent, sociable and can make a nice pet. They live an average of 2 to 4 years. With regular
handling, they are easily tamed. They may be small (usually grow 9 to 12 inches long from head to tail, the body is
as long as it's tail) but they require time outside the cage to play and exercise. They also demand consistent
handling and human interaction. They are active creatures so it is ideal to place them in areas where family
activity usually occurs.
Mice
Mice are ideal pets, especially for a household with younger children. They live shorter lives, about 1 to 3 years,
so it is a good choice for those who don't want to commit to pet care for a long period of time. They are the
smallest among the groups, with bodies that only grow about 3 inches long. Because of their size, mice are harder
to handle and not the best candidate for human interaction although they can be tamed with constant handling.
They require smaller cages although bigger is always better, especially if they live in pairs or in groups. Mice
are inexpensive to maintain, fun to watch, playful, and most active at night.
Hamsters
Some breeds of hamsters are less social than others. Still, they make a great pet particularly because they can be
kept single. Hamsters should not be kept in a single cage. So if you are planning to own more than 1 as pet,
prepare to have as many number of cages as your hamsters. They have an average lifespan of 2 to 3 years and can
grow to about 6 inches long. Hamsters can be defensive and have a reputation as biters but it depends on the breed
and how much they are handled.
Guinea pigs
Guinea pigs are the most common household pet among the rodent
family. They live longest at about 5 to 7 years. They are the largest also; an adult guinea pig can grow as long as
10 inches and can weight between 2 and 3 pounds. They are social animals and best if kept in same-sex pairs. Guinea
pigs need large cages and large spaces.
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