Think small pets are ideal first pets? Think again. Many small pets can live for over 10 years. Others require special diets and/or companions. Cages for small pets are way too small and don't allow for the space small pets require.
What "small" doesn't mean
It’s not cheap. The small size of the animal is only one small portion of the cost. You’ve got to account for the costs of shelter, hay and straw, vet visits and insurance. Rabbits require annual vaccinations and can be quite expensive if they require the care of a exotic or small animal veterinarian.
The average lifespan of rabbits is between eight to twelve years. The average lifespan of guinea pigs is between five to seven years. It’s likely that the child will have the rabbit/guinea pig for most of their school years.
And the upkeep is fairly high. Hutches need a deep clean on a regular basis. Guinea Pigs can get sick and hide their illnesses, so they need to be monitored and checked regularly.
Company matters
Rabbits and guinea pigs are both social animals, and keeping them by themselves leads to stress and boredom. Suggestions for both animals are to have at least a pair of the same species to help alleviate the stress and keep them entertained.
It refers to keeping two rabbits or two guinea pigs, not a combination of the two. Rabbits and guinea pigs have different dietary needs and ways of communicating. Further, the sturdy legs of a rabbit can easily injure a guinea pig by a hard kick. In the UK, welfare organisations recommend against keeping them together.
Neutered males and females generally make the best pair bonds in rabbits. Two female guinea pig sows or a neutered boar with one or more sows usually make the most amicable groups.
Space
Cages sold for small animals do not provide enough space for the animals to move. Rabbits need space to run and jump. Guinea pigs also need space to move around, and do not benefit from added height. A good enclosure design has a sheltered area for sleeping that is combined with a larger area for movement. The sleeping area should not limit space for movement to less than an hour a day.
Diet in one line
For rabbits and guinea pigs, the majority of their diet should be hay. It should be given in unlimited quantity. The other components of their diet should be offered in smaller quantities. Fresh vegetables should be provided every day. Avoid giving pelleted diet mixes that contain Muesli.
Guinea pigs and humans share the similarity of not being able to make their own vitamin C.
Choosing a pet for a child
Some small animals are more child friendly than others. Rabbits don’t appreciate being picked up and are better suited to older children who can sit and let the rabbit approach them. Rats are friendly and make good pets. Hamsters are nocturnal and can be nippy so care should be taken when handling them.
Whichever option you select, you will be legally obligated to ensure the well-being of the animal.
Other small pets
These pets mostly consist of small mammals including: hedgehogs, hamsters, rats, gerbils and mice.
- Syrian hamsters are solitary animals and will attack each other if kept together. Members of the dwarf species will generally get along. However, pregnant dwarf hamsters should not be housed with others.
- As social animals, gerbils live in pairs or small groups in the wild. They also require a lot of bedding in their cages so that they can build extensive tunnel systems.
- Rats are social creatures and live in groups. They also pair well with others and are often used in research studies as a substitute for humans.
- Chinchillas should take dust baths, not water baths, and can overheat in warm environments. Additionally, they can live 10 to 15 years or longer.
- Because degus are prone to diabetes, treat them like rabbits. No sugar!
The same thing is true for all of them. The cage on the shop shelf is almost always less than the actual capacity.
Vets for small pets
Many vets don’t work with small pets very often. This means you should contact the practice to ask if they have a vet with experience in this area before you register. It can be important to have a small pet veterinary specialist, because small mammals can deteriorate very quickly.
Signs to act on
Anything abnormal with eating or defecation is a pet emergency. They need to see a vet as soon as possible. For both, a stalled digestive system can quickly lead to irreversible issues. Keep in mind tooth decay can lead to weight loss. Watch for drooling, a wet chin, and labored breathing as well.