Laura S. Jeffrey - Choosing a Hamster, Gerbil, Guinea Pig, Rabbit, Ferret, Mouse, or Rat: How to Choose and Care for a Small Mammal

Which small mammal is right for you?

Choosing a Hamster, Gerbil, Guinea Pig , Rabbit, Ferret, Mouse, or Rat will help you decide which small mammal to get, what to feed it, what size cage to buy, and much more. Learn how to take good care of your new pet so you can enjoy many fun-filled years together.

About the Author

Laura S. Jeffrey is the author of almost two dozen nonfiction books for young readers. She and her husband have two grown children and live in the suburbs of Washington, D.C.

About the American Humane Association

Since 1877, American Humane Association has been at the forefront of virtually every major advance in protecting children, pets, and farm animals from cruelty, abuse, and neglect. Today we're also leading the way in understanding the human-animal bond and its role in therapy, medicine, and society. American Humane Association reaches millions of people every day through groundbreaking research, education, training, and services that span a wide network of organizations, agencies, and businesses. You can help make a diff erence, too. Visit www.americanhumane.org today, call 1-866-242-1877, or write to American Humane Association at 1400 16th Street NW, Suite 360, Washington, DC 20036.

This is a ferret.

Small mammals, such as mice, rats, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, rabbits, and ferrets, make great pets. Unlike cats and dogs, small mammals can fit into almost any room in any house. They do not need constant attention, so they are good pets for families who are often away during the day.

Rabbits are just one kind of small mammal.

This book will help you choose the right small mammal for you. It will tell you what to feed your new pet and how to make it feel comfortable and safe. You will learn how to keep your new pet healthy and happy.

Not many people think of rats as pets, but they are smart and can be trained.

A hamster

Compared with other animals, small mammals do not have a long history as pets. For example, dogs and cats have been pets for thousands of years. But it was really not until the twentieth century that small mammals became household pets. Hamsters came to the United States in 1938. Before that time, they were used in Israel, France, and England for medical research.

Ferrets are becoming popular pets. Find out if they are legal in your area before getting one.

Small mammals have become very popular pets. In fact, rabbits are believed to be the most common pet today after cats and dogs.

Rabbits are believed to be the third most common pet in the United States.

Ferrets are also becoming popular pets. In some areas, however, they are illegal. Or, you may need a license to have a ferret. Before bringing a ferret into your home, call your local wildlife department, fish and game department, or animal welfare agency. Find out if you are allowed to keep a ferret as a pet.

Is a rat right for you?

There are many different kinds of small mammals. You can choose to adopt a hamster, gerbil, guinea pig, ferret, rabbit, mouse, or rat. Each type of small mammal has its own needs, and each behaves in a certain way. It is important to pick a pet that matches your lifestyle.

Each type of small mammal needs special care and attention. Hamsters like to play with toys made just for them, such as this exercise wheel.

Many people are surprised to learn that mice and rats make terrific pets. Mice that are handled regularly become very gentle. Rats are very smart. They can be taught to respond to their owners voice and touch. They also respond to food rewards.

With regular handling and care, mice and rats can become very gentle.

Hamsters are clean and odorless. But they like to sleep during the day and stay up all night. They are also known to get upset easily, and they may bite or nip at their owners. Because of this, hamsters may not be the best small mammal for you.

Gerbils are gentle and curious. They become lonely when they are not around other gerbils. In some areas, gerbils are illegal. If you choose this small mammal, you should get two. Just make sure the two you choose are both male or both female.

Make sure gerbils are legal where you live before you decide to keep them as pets.

Guinea pigs come in many different colors.

A guinea pig is also known as a cavy (rhymes with navy). They come in many breeds and colors. The three basic types are shorthaired, longhaired, and medium-length or swirl-coated. Guinea pigs learn to recognize their owners. They will greet a favorite person with loud whistles and squeaks. They are very social animals, so if you have room, get two.

Rabbits also come in many breeds. They are loyal, affectionate pets. They are also very playful and enjoyable to be around.

Many people find ferrets to be lovable pets. Ferrets have a lot of energy and are curious. Owners must be willing to pay extra time and attention to this pet. Ferrets are very social animals. They may get along well in houses with dogs and cats. Ferrets are smart and can even be trained to do tricks.