Many different rodents live all over the globe and can be found in many habitats. They belong to the class of mammals. But only a few of them have managed to move into the homes of animal lovers. These include:
- Rabbits
- Hamsters
- Chinchillas
- Mice
- Rats
- Guinea pigs
- Degus
Mice and rats are a different story. In the wild, they are considered vermin and disease carriers. But if you take a closer look at bred rats and mice, you will find that they are actually very pretty animals with black button eyes. Rabbits, hamsters, chinchillas, and guinea pigs are often found in children's rooms because parents don't necessarily want to get a dog, but still want to fulfill their child's wish for a Pet pet.
Important characteristics of rodents
A true rodent has incisors that grow throughout its life. They offer the animals the ability to eat many things that they first have to open with their teeth. Rodents must use their teeth constantly, as this keeps them at a consistent length. The fur of most rodents is very dense. The tail is hairless in some animals. Others need it for holding on while climbing.
Keeping rodents in a cage
Cages in which rodents are kept must meet certain requirements. First, you have to consider which rodent you are getting. Chinchillas need a large cage with climbing opportunities, as they are very active animals. Their home should be equipped with a trunk. Rabbits, hamsters, and guinea pigs can be kept in slightly smaller cages. However, it is important to ensure that they have enough space here too. Anyone who has the opportunity should set up a larger outdoor enclosure for their rodents. Here they have the chance to feed on grass and move around. The exercise wheel in a hamster cage is not an alternative to real "free range" time with fresh air. Small pets are just as high-maintenance as large pets. You must not forget that. You have to clean their stall daily, feed them, and give them fresh water. It should also be kept in mind that most rodents are nocturnal animals. When humans go to sleep, they become wide awake.
Rodents for children
Rodents do not belong in a child's room or in children's hands. Small children cannot yet understand that these small, cute animals are not toys. Cuddling, taking them out of the cage, and putting them back in is associated with enormous stress for small animals. They also cannot defend themselves against these attacks or escape the displays of affection. From the age of about 8, you can entrust them to a child. When choosing an animal, it should be noted that many rodents are not really suitable for cuddling. For example, guinea pigs are actually prey animals and not really cuddlers. However, you can get them used to you by repeatedly feeding them by hand.
Rabbits or rats are truly trusting. Yes, rats are extremely social and affectionate.
What is also important to note is that most animals should not be kept alone, so you should get at least 2 little animals.
You should also find out exactly how old the animals get. If you would rather not have to take care of an animal for so long, hamsters are the best choice, as they only live for 2 to 4 years. Guinea pigs can live up to 8 years.
My experiences with guinea pigs
We decided on 2 guinea pigs. Because we kept feeding them by hand, they became a bit more trusting and often came to the edge of the cage to pick up the treats. One of the two even squeaked every time I walked by, as if to say, "I would like something to eat, please." At first, our children kept taking the animals out and were even able to have them on their laps. With some food, that worked very well, but it tapered off with the children anyway, so the animals were actually only in the cage. In the summer, we had a large enclosure outside for the animals so that they had some exercise. However, I felt that it wasn't that popular.
Purchases for this included a large cage for indoors, 2 houses with multiple exits, a water bottle, a hay rack, two food bowls, and lots of bedding and hay. Our favorites love vegetables; cucumber, carrot, bell pepper, apples, celery, fennel, and grass are their favorites. We also bought an outdoor enclosure and 2 houses, but as I said, I had the feeling they preferred being inside. We clean the cage completely once a week.
I actually find these animals very easy to care for, and you can leave them alone for 1 day if you fill everything up well. They are not really demanding, like a dog, for example. For children, they might not be as cuddly as many children would like, which is definitely something to keep in mind. A rabbit might be better for that. Our guinea pigs never bit or anything; they were always really sweet, just tended to run away when you wanted to pet them, but came back immediately to see if there was something tasty. All in all, it was a great experience for the children that they certainly wouldn't want to have missed.
Photos by Sabine, meinhaushalt.at
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