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OWNING A PET RODENT
General Information
Pet rodents (hamsters, rats, mice, gerbils, and guinea pigs) are very popular pets. They can make a good first experience into pets for young children and as a rule require less care than dogs or cats. They have a short life-span (2-5 years depending upon the species); please prepare young children for this so that the "sudden death" of a 3-year-old pet isn't unexpected. As with any pet, they do occasionally get sick, and their illnesses are often severe. All pet rodents should be examined by a qualified veterinarian within 48 hours of purchase. This "new pet" exam is critical to detect signs of disease and help new pet owners get off on the right foot. So many problems are caused by misinformation; the first veterinary visit can help prevent well-intentioned owners from doing the wrong thing and ultimately contributing to the pet's early death. Getting a good book on the type of rodent your will be getting is essential for proper care and husbandry.
Anatomical Interests
Common to all of the pet rodents is the fact that the front teeth, the incisors, grow continuously throughout the pet's life. To prevent overgrown incisors allow the rodent access to pieces of wood and other chewing devices (beware of splinters!). Treatment involves trimming by your veterinarian, often under anesthesia if things get out of control
Rodents are herbivorous animals, and the digestive tract is similar to that of other plant-eaters such as horses and cattle.
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Guinea Pigs
No obvious tail is present.
Unlike other rodents, only one pair of mammary glands is present.
The guinea pig is the only pocket pet with premolar teeth. The young are fully developed at birth, born with hair, and the eyes open.
Guinea pigs rarely bite, which makes them ideal pets. However, they do squeal when handled.
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It is important to note that the female Guinea Pig's Pelvis fuses young so if she is not bred early then avoid all contact with a male later as she will be unable to deliver the babies without a C-section.
Mice
Long tails present.
The mammary glands extend along the sides and back of the pet, and therefore breast cancer can appear as a lump ANYWHERE on the body.
Young mice are born hairless with their eyes closed.
Mice that are not used to being handled may bite but make wonderful pets if socialized.
Keep males and females apart since they will breed very rapidly and produce another litter often before the first one is weaned!
Rats
Like mice the mammary glands extend along the sides and often breast cancer can appear as a lump ventrally anywhere on the body.
The young are born hairless with their eyes closed.
Rats are very intelligent pets and can be very playful with their owners when properly socialized.
Like with mice, they are very prolific and will often produce another litter before the first one is weaned so best to keep the males and females separated unless you consider neutering or spaying by your veterinarian.
Hamsters
Hip glands, which appear as a black dot on each hip, are present in males. They are used for territorial marking and are poorly developed in females. They are often mistaken for tumours or growths when suddenly noticed by owners.
Hamsters have a cheek pouch on each side of the inside of the mouth. Food, and often baby hamsters, are temporarily stored here!
Hamsters are the most aggressive of all the pocket pets and often bite. The are nocturnal (prefer to be active at night) and do not make as nice pets for children even with socializing attempts by owners. Hamsters can hibernate.
Most hamsters prefer to live singularly and not with other hamsters or else fights occur. Males and females together will breed rapidly but often if the male is kept in with them the youngsters will get attacked. Best to stick to one hamster at a time!
Gerbils and Degus
Gerbils have long tails. Please be cautious with them as they will lose the skin on their tail if grabbed by the tail firmly. This is a defense mechanism in the wild so the predator gets the skin only and not the Gerbil or the Degu.
They are desert animals, they have a very low water requirement. Due to the low water intake, gerbils urinate small amounts.
Gerbils are much smaller than Degus. They usually mate for life; they should be paired before sexual maturity or not at all since they will breed as quickly as the previously described rodents!
Many gerbils exhibit mild spontaneous seizures (epilepsy), especially when startled. These usually don't require treatment unless it persists.
Selecting Your Pet
Most owners will buy their pet rodents locally through a pet store or private breeder. Avoid sick-looking animals. Remember that, with exotic pets, if it looks sick, it's really dying! Trying to nurse a sick pet rodent back to health after purchasing it will rarely work. Just the stress of the new environment and feeding is often enough to kill it. So,
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start out right with a healthy pet. Always inquire about the guarantee in case the pet is found to be unhealthy during your routine veterinary examination.
Check over your new pet carefully. It should have no discharge from the eyes, nose, or mouth, no coughing, sneezing or wheezing should be present. If you can open the mouth (without being bitten!), make sure the front teeth, have not overgrown (they should form a nice, even fit). The rodent should seem frisky and try to run and resist handling to some extent. Examine the back end as well since it should be dry and free of
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