This article is addressed to children of primary and secondary school age and is intended to teach them how to care for hamsters, guinea pigs, rats and other domestic rodents.
How to choose a pet rodent
If your home conditions do not allow you to have a dog, your grandmother is allergic to cat hair, and your mother can’t stand birds, and on top of all this you are afraid that your little brother will drop the aquarium, then get yourself a small rodent (hamster, rat or guinea pig). pig) who will become your friend.
You know how great it is to watch a little rodent, how he hides food reserves in the corners of his hole or stuffs his full cheeks with his favorite cheese. And some young rodents can even be taught various circus tricks. This is exactly what our conversation will be about and much more.
First, think carefully about who you would like to have - a hamster, a rat or a guinea pig. The most domestic and widespread of rodents are, of course, considered to be hamsters and guinea pigs. As for mice or rats, not everyone loves these animals. If your mother, for example, is terrified of mice, even tame ones, then it is better to abandon the idea of purchasing this animal.
But if at the family council you promised to take all care of the animal upon yourself and your parents do not object to a hamster or a rat, then you can safely go shopping.
Where to buy a hamster, guinea pig or other pet rodents
Of course, it is best to purchase any animal at a pet store. However, if they cannot offer you the desired creature there, try looking at the bazaar where they sell animals. It is better, of course, to purchase a young animal that is 6-8 weeks old. If you buy an animal at the market, then inspect it carefully. It should be playful, cheerful and show a keen interest in you. The rodent's eyes should be clear and shiny, without mucus; The ears and nose should be clean and dry, and the fur should be shiny and smooth. Refuse to purchase if you notice that the animal has bald spots, cuts and scratches. All rodents have teeth that are barely visible. Too large fangs should alert you.
Do not buy a dubious animal, especially at the market. You've probably heard many stories about how people, for example, bought a puppy, and when it grew up, it turned out to be a completely different animal, something like a rat that was brought from tropical countries. So it’s better to buy an animal in a store where they will give you a full guarantee that it is healthy and in fact is a hamster, guinea pig or an ordinary tame rat, and not something else.
How to Care for Hamsters, Guinea Pigs, Rats and Other Rodents
Housing for hamsters and other domestic rodents
The standard house for any rodent is a cage made of metal wire. One animal can live in a small cage measuring approximately 30x25x18 cm, preferably with a retractable tray that allows you to clean the cage without much effort. In this cage the rodent will “make a cozy nest for itself.” All rodents need good bedding, preferably pressed pine needles that are easy to clean. Small pieces of paper and pieces of cloth are also suitable as bedding. But besides that, all rodents love to stockpile. In principle, they do not need to do this, since they do not experience a shortage of food, but in nature, all wild rodents always stock up on food for future use. This instinct of excessive thriftiness remains with domestic animals. And for supplies, any domestic rodent needs to make a small house out of thick cardboard or put a shoe box in its cage.
All rodents simply adore various twigs, finely torn pieces of paper, fabric, soft cotton wool, dry grass and leaves - they drag all this into their house, set up a hole and hide their supplies in them.
Don't forget to place a feeder and drinker in the cage. For food, a massive bowl is suitable so that the animal does not accidentally turn it over, and it must be made of such material that it does not chew it off. A bottle with a nozzle from which water begins to drip when the animal touches it with its tongue is suitable as a drinking bowl for the animal. This bottle can be bought at a pet store or at the bazaar.
Mice and hamsters are very active animals, and therefore it would be good to place a ladder or a rotating wheel in the cage. All these devices are sold in special pet stores. Since these animals are nocturnal, they can run on a wheel all night and are even able to run 2-3 km.
Where to put a hamster cage
It is best to place the cage in a dry place, but away from the sun. And it’s better to arrange it in such a way that it’s always convenient for you to see and check how your animal is doing, whether it’s sick, and how it’s feeling.
The most suitable temperature for a rodent is about 20 degrees. Animals are very afraid of drafts and catch cold easily. Then they start sneezing and coughing, almost like someone with a cold. They also have a runny nose and rub their paw on the bridge of their nose and blow their nose.
In extreme heat, it is best to place the cage in the shade or cover it with some light material, and the animal needs to be given plenty of water.
Rules for caring for hamsters and other rodents
How to care for a cage
- The cage needs to be cleaned regularly. It is better to do this every day, but if your animal is neat, it is enough to clean the cage once a week. Leftover food and other dirt can cause serious illness in your pet.
- Before cleaning the cage, the animal needs to be transplanted somewhere, for example, into a jar or box.
- Twice a month, the animal’s home must be thoroughly cleaned. The cage needs to be doused with boiling water several times and washed with baby soap. The feeder, drinker, wheel and ladder also need to be thoroughly rinsed with hot water.
Of course, it’s not easy for an animal to immediately get used to a new place. He needs about 3-5 days to get comfortable in his new house. For the first two days, do not disturb the animal, but leave it in silence longer. After this, you can begin to get acquainted with the new inhabitant, but this must be done very politely. To begin, quietly approach the cage and try to talk to him. Don't raise your voice, speak in a normal and natural voice. You can say, for example: “Hello, my name is ..., and I’ll call you ..., how are you living with me?” If the animal does not react to you in any way and is hiding from you, then try quietly knocking on the door - the animal will definitely notice you. After another two days, try to briefly put your hand into the cage and if the animal is not afraid of you, then this means that it has begun to recognize you. In general, try to talk to your pet as often as possible, pick it up and pet it.
Don’t think that if an animal is dumb and doesn’t say anything, then it doesn’t understand anything. In fact, rodents, especially rats, are very smart animals and understand everything perfectly and give preference only to the person who takes care of them.
Nutrition, habits and reproduction of hamsters and other rodents
Diet
Special pet stores for rodents sell food with substances that the animal needs. But you can prepare food for the animal yourself. All rodents, without exception, love raw vegetables and fruits: carrots, turnips, cucumbers, apples, radishes. It’s best not to give cabbage to animals, as it often causes stomach upset. In addition, the animals can be given corn and wheat grains, raw seeds and oats (but in no case with sharp ends, otherwise your pet may injure the cheek pouches).
Rats can be given lean raw meat or boiled sausage once a week. All rodents, without exception, love to eat cheese. But no matter how much your animal loves cheese, be careful not to overfeed it, otherwise it will start to have stomach problems.
All rodents love to sharpen their teeth, and therefore there should always be wooden sticks and twigs in their cage. They will chew them with great pleasure. But make sure that no painted sticks or any other objects that your pet will chew get into the cage. Otherwise, he may swallow paint and become seriously ill.
In summer and spring, you can give some fresh young grass, leaves and birch, and in winter you definitely need to feed the animals with vitamins, which can be bought at a pet store. The water in a rodent's cage should always be fresh, but do not pour very cold water directly from the tap, but let it sit for several days, and only then pour it into the drinking bowl.
Habits of rodents
Each rodent has its own character and habits. So, for example, tame mice will not refuse a cheerful company and they can be housed with each other. But rats or Syrian hamsters are solitary by nature, and if you want to house several animals, then keep them in separate cages, otherwise they may start fighting with each other. As for guinea pigs, they are considered peace-loving animals when they live alone. But two pigs living in the same cage may not share food or water, and then they will wage a desperate war. So take into account the peculiarities of behavior and morals of a particular animal.
Offspring of hamsters and other rodents
After a month, the rodents become fully grown and can already have their own offspring. If you want your pets to have little ones, then get a male with the female, and after a while they will have children, but after their birth the male must be removed. The female will take care of the children herself. As a rule, rodents have from 3 to 15 babies. After their birth, you cannot clean the cage or put it away. If the female gets nervous, she may eat her own offspring. There must be clean water in the cage, since a nursing female drinks a lot of water.
Here's a story about rodents. Don't you want to buy anyone? Then what are you waiting for?
Do you want to have a pet, but think that having a cat or dog will be a lot of trouble? Pet rodents are the ideal solution to this problem. They don’t need daily walking, they don’t knock flowers off windowsills, they don’t chew shoes, and they don’t damage wallpaper and sofas with their claws. Domestic rodents do not require special care. All you need is cleaning the cage once or twice a week, proper nutrition and equipping the cage with various toys to entertain your pet. Which rodent is best to choose - a funny hamster, a good-natured guinea pig, a smart rat, an energetic chinchilla or a cute mouse? Each animal is good in its own way, so let's figure out which one is best for you.
Many people get pets for their children, trying to instill in their child kindness, a sense of responsibility and compassion. Before getting a pet, you need to consider the age of the child.
Under no circumstances should you buy an animal for a child under three years of age.
At this age, the child is not yet aware of his actions in relation to a living creature, so he can harm the pet, pick up some kind of infection, or put the pet or its food into his mouth.
At the age of 3-4 years, a child is actively exploring the world and can show excessive care for a pet by feeding it prohibited foods, bathing it in water, or showing care in some other way, from which the animal can get sick or even die. To avoid this, adults need to be more attentive and explain to the child what can and cannot be done.
You can get a pet for a child only after the child realizes that the pet is a living being, and not a toy that can be hurt. All children develop differently, but from about the age of five you can already think about purchasing a pet rodent.
So who should you choose?
Hamster
Hamsters are very popular pet rodents. But it is worth keeping in mind that this small and cute animal is a nocturnal animal and, moreover, quite aggressive. During the day, the hamster will sleep soundly and will not want to play with you. And if you decide to add a relative to it, then violent showdowns, up to the death of one of the animals, will be ensured.
The hamster will need a durable one made of wire, equipped with a house, a wheel, and tunnels of your choice. If you want to let your pet run around the apartment, then use a walking ball, otherwise the hamster may climb into a hard-to-reach place, chew wiring or other things.
This domestic rodent is not very picky when it comes to food. The main thing is to adhere to some rules. You can find out what to feed your hamster.
The hamster eats little, takes up little space, and requires minimal attention. This pet rodent will thrive alone in its cage. The main thing is not to forget to feed him and change his water on time. The only drawback of these animals is their short life expectancy, on average 2-3 years.
The most common representatives of hamsters are the dzhungarik and the Syrian hamster; read about how these species differ.
Guinea pig
Guinea pigs are very good-natured and calm pets. They are easy to train and can respond to a nickname. You can keep either one individual or several animals.
Caring for them is very simple - you need to clean the cage a couple of times a week, comb the fur of representatives of long-haired breeds several times a week, trim their claws and teeth if necessary. With good care, these animals can live up to 10 years.
Guinea pigs are vegetarians and animal products are contraindicated for them. But the presence of hay in the pet’s cage is mandatory. Read what else you can feed these domestic rodents.
Guinea pigs will need a larger cage than hamsters because... these pets are much larger in size. Pigs can be freely let out to walk around the apartment without fear that they will get lost. These pets need more attention than hamsters. Pigs rarely bite and get along well in a cage with another representative of their species.
We described the main differences between a hamster and a guinea pig in.
Rat
Recently, the rat has become a popular pet rodent. Many people are disgusted by this animal because of the habitat of their wild relatives and also the prejudiced attitude towards them. But pet rats are safe for humans.
They are very sociable, easily tamed, understand their name, can learn some commands, and practically do not bite. When kept at home, these animals can live 2-3 years. They do not require special nutrition - they are omnivores. And you will have to clean the cage more often to get rid of the unpleasant smell. These pets can be kept in pairs. You can read more about keeping rats in. Rats need to be physically active, so they need to be allowed to roam outside their cage. But they require much more attention than other domestic rodents.
Learn more about the difference between a hamster and a domestic rat.
Mouse
But a mouse can not often be found as a pet. Although they are well worth attention. After all, representatives of this class of rodents are unpretentious in keeping, quickly adapt and practically do not bite. In addition, these animals are very funny and playful.
These tiny animals are predominantly nocturnal. With good care they can live for about two years. Mice are herd animals, so if you only have one individual, then take care of entertainment for your pet - balls, cubes or other toys.
Mice are omnivores, but you should not overfeed them with sweets, fatty and spicy foods - this can lead to diseases.
These rodents have one drawback - a specific smell that does not disappear even with very good care. In addition, they reproduce very quickly.
Gerbils are tiny, unpretentious, easily tamed domestic rodents with a long, bushy tail. At home, they are usually kept in pairs, as they are social animals that love communication. Gerbils need a spacious cage or aquarium, as they are a very active animal, or put a running wheel in the cage.
You need to pour a thick layer of bedding into the cage so that the animal has the opportunity to dig into it. These rodents need sand baths, so place a container with special sand in the cage, which needs to be changed periodically.
The lifespan of gerbils is 3-4 years. The food is the same as .
Chinchilla
Chinchillas are very active and beautiful rodents with long mustaches, a fluffy tail and a thick fur coat. These animals are very clean and tidy - they practically do not smell. Their activity peaks at night, as they are nocturnal animals. Chinchillas need a spacious cage with various shelves, climbing devices and toys.
You need to place a container with sand in the cage; the animal loves to take sand baths. Chinchillas' fur is very dense and does not harbor fleas and ticks. This animal does not shed, so people with allergies can get such a pet. Chinchillas do not bite or scratch, although they have sharp teeth.
These rodents eat little; when kept at home, they are fed once a day with dried foods - dried apples, carrots, hay, dandelion roots, as well as granules as the main food.
One of the advantages of chinchillas over other pet rodents is their life expectancy. With proper care, these animals can live on average 15-20 years.
Degu
Degus are rare domestic rodents, very active, cute, easily tamed animals. This rodent, like a chinchilla, needs a spacious cage with a house, a drinking bowl, a wheel and other toys for active games. A degu should always have specialized food in its feeder consisting of herbs, cereals and vegetables, as well as hay and branches for grinding down teeth. But sweet fruits and dried fruits are contraindicated for these rodents due to their predisposition to diabetes.
Degus are very sociable and get used to the hands of their owner and can recognize him by smell. This pet is a social animal, so it requires constant communication either with other degus or with its owner. Therefore, if you do not have enough time for your pet, buy him a pair.
Other rodents
It is very rare to find a squirrel, dormouse, chipmunk, gopher or jerboa as a domestic rodent. For such rodents, it is necessary to observe certain conditions of maintenance and nutrition, based on their living conditions in their natural environment.
Don't think that pet rodents don't deserve the same attention as cats or dogs. If you have a small animal, then it has already become a member of your family, which has the right to attention, care and love. You must decide for yourself which rodent to keep in your home, choosing the animal to suit your temperament. No matter who you choose, any pet is capable of making you touch and rejoice, and will reciprocate your affection and love.
Hello everyone, this review is about my guinea pig Monica. Here you will find a description and just a photo of this funny animal.
Guinea pigs are quite whimsical animals. They differ from many animals in their maintenance.
In terms of feeding, my Monica is a real gourmet. She eats dry food quite rarely. She prefers plants and vegetables. But most of all she loves dandelions.
There is absolutely no need to bathe or wash your guinea pigs, unless advised by a veterinarian. If you are going to wash your guinea pig, it may harm their skin.
If you don’t have enough free time, then it’s better to get your pet a SAME-SEX pair. You don’t need to be persuaded by sellers like “Same-sex pigs will fight, take a male and a female, etc.”
BEHAVIOR
Guinea pigs are capable of making sounds from “cat purring” to “bird chirping”. These are very amazing animals.
Pigs also have “popcorning.” When they are happy, the pets can spin around themselves and happily jump around the cage.
A guinea pig can live in a cage or in a shelving unit. The place of residence should have an elongated shape (a rabbit cage is suitable).
AND FINALLY
Guinea pigs can sleep with their eyes open
There comes a time in any family when a small child grows up enough to ask his parents for a furry pet. Who could it be? Of course, the best option is a cat or a dog, but these animals are quite large, they take up a lot of space, require special care, and besides, the dog needs to be walked, and there are often allergies to cat fur.
Therefore, mom and dad most often make a choice in favor of a small creature, which the child, ideally, should take care of himself. But don’t delude yourself, in most families the young naturalist loses interest in the pet after two weeks - he can still play and feed, but one of the parents will have to clean the cage. So you need to choose a new family member in such a way that he does not arouse antipathy in anyone in the house.
Rabbits are very cute creatures. But it’s best to admire them somewhere on a walk, watching other people’s pets. Caring for these animals at home is not the easiest task. They are very gentle, they get sick easily, and besides, leaving the rabbit alone with the baby can be dangerous - both for the child, because the rabbit can bite painfully, and for the baby, for whom a fall from a child’s height can be fatal.
Ferrets and chinchillas are not cheap, and they require constant care and control. This is, rather, a pet for an adult who wants to please himself by communicating with such an unusual and charming creature.
Therefore, most often the choice is between a hamster, a guinea pig or a decorative rat. Communication with these animals gave me and my children personally a lot of positive emotions, although, without a doubt, each of them had their own pros and cons.
The hamster is a perpetual motion machine. He rushes from corner to corner, spins on a wheel, chews something all the time and rams it into his house - reserves “for a rainy day” must be systematically picked out and thrown away, otherwise there will simply be no room left for the rodent itself, and besides, fresh plant food it will simply rot. During the day, a fluffy little one can get a good night's sleep, and then at night a “disco” will begin in his cage - the endless furious rustling will soon lead to psychosis of a person with a light sleep.
Dungan hamsters are very cute, they are very tiny, a pair can easily fit on a child’s palm. But they are so gentle that you can only keep them in the same house with a child if he is already old enough and also incredibly responsible. And also, if possible, not too sensitive - “Dungans” die very often from a variety of reasons, in general, instead of joy, you can cause psychological trauma to the baby.
Guinea pigs are excellent companions for children. They are quite easy to tame, know their name, recognize their owner and greet him with a joyful squeak. They can jump up and down with excitement, which looks very touching. On the other hand, pigs do not have a choleric temperament like hamsters. This animal can be held on your lap, stroking and scratching - the pig will be completely happy. You can even walk with him; some owners buy special harnesses for this.
In general, a lot of positive things. One minus is that guinea pigs see the meaning of life in eating. At night, such a pet will most likely sleep. But as soon as someone in the family gets up to go to the toilet or simply wakes up first by the alarm clock, a forced wake-up is guaranteed for everyone else - upon hearing a stir in the apartment, the pig will immediately throw a tantrum about “it’s already morning, but I haven’t been fed”! The voice of this little creature is surprisingly loud and shrill. 
I love decorative rats! Moreover, this is not love at first sight. Initially, they seemed to me like some kind of mistake of nature, vile tailed parodies of an ordinary gray rat, only with incomprehensible colors and the cheeky behavior of an intrusive neighbor. It took time for my opinion to change. Gradually, the understanding came that these small rodents are the most intelligent, trusting, affectionate and loving pets. In my opinion, in their affection for their owner, they can easily compete with dogs.
A cage was bought for the rat in which he was supposed to live, but the rodent turned out to be so sociable that he openly suffered in captivity. Then they started leaving the door open. The little rat had the opportunity to walk wherever he wanted and return to his house at his own request. There he slept, but sometimes he came into bed with the mistress and lay down next to her on the pillow - she assured in all seriousness that “The Rat had a nightmare” and he quietly complained in her ear. However, the rest of the time she was the most cheerful creature in the world, a full-fledged member of the family with her own character and bright charisma. When he died, the owner was completely inconsolable and sad for several years.
Best regards, Olga
To the casual observer, it may seem that all you have to do to find and choose a pet is to go to your local pet store or animal shelter, count out the money, and bring home a fluffy, cute puppy (or maybe a kitten or a small boa). If only it were that simple! How to choose the right pet for you?
Dwelling size
In big country house you can have a large dog and a mini pig, and even a pond with ducks. Fortunately, there is enough space for an animal of any size and even more than one.
IN small apartment It’s better to get a pet of the appropriate size: a guinea pig, fish, budgie, cat, hamster, etc.
Maintenance cost
You also need to find out how expensive it is to maintain a particular animal. After all, equipping a terrarium for a turtle or an exotic lizard will cost a decent amount. And puppies and kittens are not cheap at all, but you also need to think about the costs of vaccination and possible treatment.
Everything needs to be taken into account: necessary equipment, nutrition, treatment, care.
Lifestyle
Probably the most important thing is that your future pet matches your lifestyle (are you a homebody or, on the contrary, like to travel). The animal is completely dependent on you, so if your work involves constant business travel, it is better not to take an animal.
Also an important factor that is worth paying attention to is your attitude towards household chores. Let's face it: Almost every animal leaves a lot of garbage. Animals molt, fur and feathers must be collected with a vacuum cleaner, and scales must be swept away. It is necessary to regularly clean litter boxes, cages, and aquariums.
If you like a clean, hassle-free home but want a pet, consider getting a gerbil, fish, or small bird that will happily live in a small cage or aquarium.
Allergy
It is also worth thinking about possible allergies. If you've never had a pet before or if your child has never interacted with one, play a little with your neighbor's dog or cat. You certainly don't want to bring home a furball and discover that your child is allergic to it.Of course, your personal preferences are also important. Let's take a closer look at several types of rodents that are most often kept by animal lovers.
Features of some rodents
Rats
These are small rodents that are among the most important pests in the world. But in recent years, in many developed countries, rats have begun to be bred as pets. Houses contain only two bred forms of the widespread gray rat, or pasyuk, which, unlike their relatives, are not a carrier of diseases.
domestic rat
Connoisseurs and amateurs appreciate the following positive properties of rats:
- they are more intelligent, more curious, more affectionate than other small pets;
- they need a little space and inexpensive food;
- caring for them is extremely easy.
Communication with this little animal will bring great pleasure to both you and your child.
There are a huge number of color variations of rats - for every taste.
Rats are very smart and active pets. Watching them play is very interesting and sometimes even very calming. These rodents need constant attention and then they will respond to you with devoted friendship.
Rats well trainable, understand their nickname, the commands “come to me”, “home”. If a rat escapes from its cage, don't worry, it will get hungry and come back. Rats are very smart, they know where their home is. Children love to carry a rat on their shoulder and stroke it. The rat is very interesting to watch, its front legs are like human hands. The way she washes herself and eats is simply a sight for sore eyes.
Rats can also squeak, sometimes sit and sit, and then begin to “talk.”
Rat - very clean pet. They have almost no smell, unless, of course, the cage in which they are kept is regularly cleaned. They don't make noise. They are much quieter compared to hamsters.
Rats does not need large spaces for their maintenance, but it is important to remember that aquariums are completely unsuitable for them. Animals will suffer if you put them in a glass prison.
Rats omnivorous and often taste everything they come across. So, if you want your property not to be damaged by their teeth, you will have to constantly keep the rat in sight.
It is important to know that rats have a fairly short lifespan - about three years.
Since rats are becoming more popular, they are sold in most pet stores. When purchasing, pay attention to the fur, it must be clean and lie flat, there should be no bare spots on it. The eyes should be shiny and clear, without dry crusts. The nose should be clean and there should be no discharge from it. The ears are clean, without wounds.
Of course, you can’t tell everything about rats, but those who get one rat then get another.
Chinchillas
These animals are very energetic, active and emotional. By their nature, they are telepaths, as they react to a person’s emotions and even thoughts, as if predicting our further actions. You get the impression that this animal is talking to you, only not out loud, but mentally, and you understand perfectly well what it is telling you.
Chinchilla
Chinchillas are very diverse in their behavior. Just as no two people are alike, no two chinchillas are alike. They never cease to amaze you, fascinate, inspire, calm and delight you in such a way that there are not enough words to describe and convey these feelings!
Chinchillas have a pleasant unusually silky to the touch and velvety in appearance - fur.Chinchillas do not have sweat or sebaceous glands, so they has no smell. Even the feces and urine of this animal do not have such a sharp characteristic odor as that of rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and other animals. As a result, the chinchilla's bedding or litter box is changed no more than once a week.
At the chinchilla always clean fur, although it does not need to be washed in water. She bathes in special fine sand. When bathing, she gets rid of moisture that her fur absorbs from the external environment, or from our hands when we hold or stroke her. Also in these animals there are no fleas and ticks, since they simply cannot live in this dense undercoat.
Chinchillas do not shed seasonally, so they are the most hypoallergenic animal.
Chinchillas don't bite people because they have enough high intelligence, although they have very sharp front incisors, and if only the animal feels aggression or danger from a person or any animal, then it can bite or pinch, but at first it does not hurt, as if warning that next time it will hurt more.
Chinchillas do not scratch since they do not have claws, but have nails, which they chew on themselves, which is why they have soft, delicate “hands.” Only on the hind legs the nails are rougher.
The chinchilla's cage should be spacious with shelves or at least one shelf, since chinchillas like to sit on some kind of elevation and also jump on shelves - after all, they are mountain animals. The size of the cage must be at least 60 cm wide, 40-50 cm deep and at least 60 cm high, otherwise the smaller space of the cage will oppress the animal.You only need to feed your chinchilla once a day at home.. She eats 1-2 tablespoons of special dry food per day and also drinks little (simple boiled cool water, which is poured into a special drinking bowl).
Life expectancy of a chinchilla at home depends on the correct diet and natural factors of the area or region in which the chinchilla lives - on average 15 years.
Chinchillas are good amenable to training and education, but they cannot be pampered. Because it’s like children - what you put in is what you get out. And re-education can be very difficult, but still possible if you know how to do it.
When choosing a chinchilla, you need to pay attention to the following aspects:
- Before purchasing an animal, find out more about it. Find out what they eat, what conditions they live in, how to care for them, how to raise them, etc.
- One of the most important criteria is appearance. There are several basic colors of chinchillas. Choose according to your taste.
- Chinchillas, like people, vary in behavior. One animal will look phlegmatically at the world around it and sit calmly on your lap. Another chinchilla will rush around the apartment and cage, storm the wheel and behave actively. Choose an animal that matches your temperament.
- It is important to remember that the animal will behave naturally in a calm environment. So, in pet stores, all the animals often sit quietly and huddle in the corners - this is due to the noise and the abundance of strangers and animals.
Good luck with your choice and the joy of communicating with this wonderful pet - the chinchilla!
Decorative rabbits
They are very pleasant and cute animals, so keeping, raising and caring for them brings a lot of joy to the house. Rabbits are very playful and love communication and attention.
Decorative rabbit
Compared to other pets The cost of keeping rabbits is much lower, but you will receive no less happiness and smiles from communicating with them.
Decorative rabbits are smart, are easy to train. There is no need to walk them; they can learn to go to the litter box. You can purchase a harness and walk your little pet at any time and anywhere, which will bring a lot of joy to you and your children.
The cage for any decorative rabbit should be at least 70 cm. At the bottom, as bedding, wood filler (pressed sawdust) and hay with a layer of 3-5 cm are best suited.
Choose the right location for the cage- not on the aisle, protected from drafts but well ventilated, inaccessible to other animals, at a sufficient distance from heating appliances, TV, radio or constantly opening doors.
It is recommended to use a heavy feeder; a ceramic one is best, because... Rabbits have a tendency to turn everything over. You can hang a hanging feeder. The rabbit should always have fresh water. Automatic drinking bowls for rodents (with a ball) are very convenient.
There should be enough hay in the cage, since this is the main food for rabbits; Pet stores sell ready-made grain food for rabbits in various variations (you can choose the one that’s right for your pet).
Juicy food - fruits, vegetables, green grass - can be offered to adults. It is best for rabbits from 1-1.5 months to start with carrots and apples. Cabbage should be given to rabbits no earlier than 3-4 months. It may cause bloating.
Mineral stone, twigs for grinding teeth, should also be in the cage, especially if the animal receives little roughage.
The cage filler must be changed at least 2 times a week.
When letting you go for walks around the apartment, you need to close the windows and doors to avoid drafts and your pet's escape. Carefully monitor the animal so that it does not get injured.
Rabbits should never be picked up by the ears!
The more affectionately they are treated, the more affection they receive in return. Your love and care is what they expect from you. Often new owners want to immediately hold the rabbit in their arms and they get disappointed when he constantly tries to escape, but imagine for a moment that in the wild a rabbit is food for many predators and he feels confident only standing on the ground, where he can control his movements.
At first it is better to leave the rabbit alone so that he explores the new home, eats some food, and gets comfortable. Then you can start dating. It is in your power to behave in such a way that the decorative rabbit, forgetting about shyness, understands that you are his friend. It will get better every day. As a result, your reward will be the endless love and devotion of this amazing creature, who will remain by your side for the next 8-10 years.
The peculiarity of the guinea pig as a member of the household is that without complications it can be left alone in the apartment for the whole day and, if the food is properly prepared, the guinea pig can be left alone without supervision; besides, she is a diurnal animal, and besides, she allows herself to be stroked and caressed.
Guinea pig
For young children from about five years old, a guinea pig is an ideal pet, as well as for adults who have never owned an animal before. For many reasons she is recommended as the first animal. Anyone who has once gotten to know a guinea pig becomes very attached to this affectionate animal.
An adult male guinea pig weighs 800-1500g, and a female 600-1200g. Therefore, the cage for a guinea pig must be appropriate. For one pig, 30x40 cm in bottom area.
Also necessary accessories for the animal: a specialized ball drinker, bedding (this can be sawdust or special wood pellets). But houses and labyrinths are not recommended. This will only complicate your contact with the animal.
It is better to place the cage away from drafts, heating devices, direct sunlight, in a place with good ventilation, out of reach of other pets (cats, dogs), because Guinea pigs are very shy.And one more interesting fact: guinea pigs do not run in a wheel!
Guinea pigs should always have food lying around! Vegetarian guinea pigs. They can eat any non-poisonous fruits, vegetables and herbs, but if you are not sure that the animal ate it, then do not experiment. Introduce everything new into your diet little by little and not all at once. Vegetables and fruits are given washed and cut into large pieces.
The animal must be fed 2 times a day. Sample menu for the day:
- Specialized food for guinea pigs or oats - 60% of the daily diet,
- carrots, apples – 20% of the daily diet,
- hay, twigs, white bread crackers - 20% of the daily diet.
Guinea pigs live from five to eight years, and sometimes longer if they are kept correctly. In addition, they are practically not aggressive. For example, they bite and scratch much less often than rabbits.
Remember, a guinea pig is a herd animal! Therefore, when buying one individual, you must be completely sure that you can give your pet enough attention so that he does not get bored.
In general, keeping pigs alone is not recommended.
Therefore, it is better to buy a pair at once, but be sure to same-sex. Otherwise, very soon you will find yourself the owner of a small “herd” of small and not very healthy pigs (the result of early pregnancy and constant childbirth), one of them may even die.
Hamsters
Many people get these cute and touching creatures in the hope of finding a devoted friend. But in fact, domestic hamsters are very characteristic creatures and it is simply not possible to impose your love on them; it must be conquered.
Hamsters are crepuscular animals. This means that only in the evening do they become truly cheerful. This circumstance must be taken into account when purchasing a hamster.
During daylight hours, the hamster retires to its hole and sleeps. The optimal temperature for a hamster is between 21-25°C. At temperatures below 10°C they go into hibernation.
Hamsters need very strong wire cage, since they are all other materials. The wire should lie horizontally so that the animals can climb around the cage. Due to the fact that hamsters are solitary animals and often do not get along together, It is recommended to have only one hamster. It is enough to have a cage measuring 25 cm in length, 25 cm in depth and 20 cm in height.
As burrow dwellers, hamsters are very fond of a sleeping place, which should be filled with cellulose for the hamster to burrow into. To provide the hamster with the ability to move in a cage, it is necessary to place it in it.
The hamster can also be kept in a terrarium. However, with the help of branches it is necessary to provide him with the opportunity to move sufficiently. The top of the terrarium must be covered with a wire mesh so that the hamster cannot jump out.
Hamster nutrition- an interesting and unique process. It is recommended to feed your hamster no more than three times a day, and preferably twice. Give dry food once a day, and the rest vegetables and fruits. Try to give a large portion at night. At night, hamsters drag food into the house and the hamsters eat it there.
Make sure that no spoiled vegetables and fruits remain in the cage. The hamster can get poisoned.
A hamster needs a varied diet. Often, food for a hamster is also a kind of entertainment. To eliminate vitamin deficiency, your pet needs green food.
Like humans, hamsters need water to function normally. The daily moisture requirement for a hamster is 20 ml per 100 g of animal weight. If your hamster drinks more, he may have health problems. If you notice that your hamster drinks more than normal, it is better to contact your veterinarian. You should also pay attention to the quality of drinking water. Only filtered boiled water can be given.
If you just brought your pet from the store, leave him alone for a while, let him calm down, get used to it. Taming hamsters is a gradual process. First, give him the opportunity to get used to your hand and not be afraid of it. If you constantly grab or squeeze him, then, on the contrary, he will hide from you and run away, maybe even bite.
Hamsters are nocturnal animals, try not to wake him up during the day, let him sleep.
When the hamster adapts to its new home, offer it food from your hand. You must “convince” your hamster that it is your hands that will feed, water and hold him, and therefore he should not be afraid and trust your gentle hands.
To prevent your hamster from being afraid of human hands, you must ensure that small children were also careful when handling the hamster: they did not squeeze him tightly, did not beat him, did not throw him into a cage from a height and did not force him to do something that the animal cannot and should not do by nature.
