Rats - Friendly, Smart & Fun!

Many people wouldn’t even consider getting a pet rat. They get the creepy-crawlies just thinking about it. Personally, I think rats have gotten a raw deal. Don’t get me wrong, wild rats that you find around dumpsters carry disease and can bite like monsters…but domesticated rats can be great pets! Rats are actually very smart animals and are much friendlier than hamsters, gerbils or mice. Not all pet stores carry rats, however, they are much more common than they used to be and are excellent small pets.

Rats are brave, curious and friendly. Females tend to be more alert and less lazy than males (isn’t THAT interesting!). Females are also better off in the looks department. Ok, I just threw that in there….but I’m sure it’s true. Rats enjoy interacting with their owners and even enjoy a bath now and again. They are extremely curious and love to check out new things. Adding a paper towel tube or an empty can (without the sharp edges) to your rat’s cage will keep it entertained for hours! Rats need daily interaction with their human. If you do not have a lot of extra time, then two rats is better than one (they will keep each other company and entertained).

Most cages that are sold in local pet stores are too small to house pet rats. A 10-gallon tank is the ideal home for your rodent friend. Rats are simple animals and only need the basics (food dish, water bottle, small bones to chew on, and some nesting material). Be sure that the tank you choose to house your rat has a secure lid. Trust me, if your rat can find a way to escape…he will (like I said, they are smart!). Rats enjoy free time to wander and explore. It is important to take your rat out of its cage occasionally so that it can check out new and exciting things. Be sure to keep an eye on your rat while it is wandering around your room as you wouldn’t want him to get lost! If there is a hole to climb into…trust me, your rat will find it!

Rats eat “rat chow” or gerbil pellets…both of which are sold at your local pet supply store. They also love raw vegetable, meat and of course, cheese! It is probably no surprise to learn that you will not be able to teach your rat tricks such as sit or speak but you can teach him to eat from your hand. Rats also enjoy being carried around outside of their cages….they are perfect pocket pets! Once your rat becomes familiar with you and is comfortable, he will run to greet you (hoping for a ride outside of his cage!). Rats do not live very long…only two to four years….but, in my opinion, they are the most interesting of the rodent family.

The Energetic Gerbil!

Gerbils, like hamsters, are small rodents that are active at night. Personally, I think the plump, furry hamster is a tad bit cuter than the gerbil, but hey, who am I to judge!? Gerbils are inexpensive, easy to care for small pets that can be purchased at most pet stores.

Like the hamster, gerbils require a cage with a tight lid (trust me, if there is a way to escape, the active, clever, gerbil will find it!). Gerbils are one of the easiest rodents to keep as a pet. They are desert animals that have the ability to use almost every drop of water they take into their bodies. What this means for you is less waste…which in turn means less smell! Less smell is a good thing! If you supply your gerbil with enough bedding (at least 1 ½ inches) then you should only have to clean their cage one time per month. A glass tank is an ideal container to house your gerbil. The glass walls will keep bedding from flying out (gerbils are diggers) and they won’t be able to climb up the slippery sides.

Like hamsters, gerbils enjoy running on an exercise wheel. Just remember…gerbils have long tails so you should get a wheel that is solid (not open bars) so that their tail does not get caught. Ouch! Gerbils are active animals but not nervous (like mice!). They are not as grouchy as hamsters…so no need to worry about biting…unless of course you provoke your little friend.

Gerbils eat inexpensive commercial gerbil food (pellets) that can be found at local pet supply stores. They also love to eat raw oatmeal, peanut butter, dry breakfast cereal and of course, raw, fresh vegetables such as leafy greens, carrots, apples and even broccoli. Gerbils live approximately two to three years…some a little longer if well cared for. As with the hamster, you will not be able to teach your gerbil any cool tricks such as fetch or speak, however they will become calm with handling and will eat eventually eat from your hand.

If you are interested in a small pet that is energetic and friendly, then the gerbil just may be the perfect pet for you.

Hamsters - Small, Cute and Fuzzy!

Hamsters are great pets for children. I had several hamsters when I was child and can still remember their names (Fang and Teddy!). Hamsters are cute, cuddly little critters that don’t require a lot of care nor will they empty your wallet as they are relatively inexpensive to keep. Don’t get me wrong, you can spend a lot of money if you choose to go all out and purchase a top of the line hamster house or a lot of hamster toys and accessories! However, over all, the cost to keep and care for a hamster is minimal.

Hamsters love to eat fresh, raw vegetables; however, their main diet should consist of store bought hamster pellets. Most pet supply stores (or even places like Walmart) sell hamster food. Hamsters also love to chew! It is probably their favorite past-time…well, that and running on a wheel to no-where! Hamster chew sticks are also available at pet supply stores but twigs and bones are also good chewing options.

Hamsters prefer to live alone; however, two females from the SAME LITTER may be compatible house mates. It is important to keep your hamster’s home clean! An unclean hamster cage will (trust me on this) produce a very bad smell! Not to mention your hamster will not be very happy living in a dirty cage. You don’t want an unhappy hamster….do you?! There is good news on the smelly side of things, hamsters smell LESS than mice so if you are considering a small rodent as a pet, the hamster may be the perfect choice.

Unfortunately, hamsters cannot be trained to sit or fetch (now that would be something to see!) however, they will become calm and friendly once they are comfortable and familiar with their owner. However, I feel that it is my hamster duty to warn you that these furry little critters can be grumpy and will nip or bite when frightened or nervous. They also do NOT like to be woken from a sound sleep. Don’t say you weren’t warned…I didn’t name my hamster, FANG, for nothing!

Hamsters love to dig and crawl so it is important to keep your hamster’s home filled with fresh, clean shavings. Also, put some old rags into their cage as they will rip these up and use them to build a nest. Toilet paper and paper towel tubes are perfect toys for your hamster and cost nothing!

So there you have it, some basic hamster facts that may help you decide if the hamster is the right small pet for you. No matter what little critter you choose, keep in mind that all animals need the proper care and attention in order to be happy and healthy.