The summer has been particularly marked by unpredictable weather, but not only that... The SPA recorded a sharp increase in the abandonment of dogs or cats, especially the NewPets, new pets. That's 30% more than last year! Before saying, I'm adopting a rodent! it is important to ask a few essential questions.
Even if rodents have become a trend, several criteria need to be considered regarding your lifestyle, the affection it will need, its living environment, hygiene care, maintenance, and a balanced diet. No need to overthink it, Zoomalia has prepared a comprehensive guide on adopting a rodent or a rabbit, because everyone must take responsibility and be aware of what this act of love implies on a daily basis.
And if government measures against animal cruelty are on the way, you can also become a responsible owner and encourage others about animal care, their possession, and their well-being. Here's an overview of adopting a rodent eagerly awaiting you!
You must think carefully before adopting, as it is a long-term commitment. The whole family can be involved, including children. The right questions to ask are as follows:
What is it? The large family of rodents includes the guinea pig, hamster, gerbil, chinchilla, degu, small mouse, rat and that's it! Oh, you think we forgot the famous rabbit? No, the rabbit is part of the lagomorphs and does not belong to the category of domestic rodents, although it gnaws everything it finds like other small mammals. Here's a brief overview of the different species you are likely to acquire soon.
This small diurnal mammal is an excellent play companion for children and beginner adult owners. It easily lets itself be cuddled once it is accustomed to its home and gets along very well with the rabbit. However, it chases mice and rats, so cohabitation should be avoided. Its life expectancy can reach 8 years.
As for food, choose appropriate guinea pig food, fresh vegetables and fruits, peppers, spinach, fennel, celery, oranges, or pears. Beware of certain foods like apples, potatoes, cabbage, beans, or chives.
This is a lively animal that is active at night. It does not particularly like to be handled, but it needs its owner's presence. It greatly entertains children with its endless running in a wheel and its long games of hide-and-seek, when it jumps or plays with its peers. Its lifespan is estimated at 4 years, which is short for a human.
An omnivore, it feeds on seeds, cereals, sunflower, fruits, worms, or insects. Choose hamster food whose nutrients provide the vitamins and minerals it needs. Avoid chocolate or sugar that attract them, as well as plants like leaves, stems, or grass.
The gerbil's character is naturally very sociable, calm, and docile. Hating solitude, it is therefore advised to cohabit it with other small rodents of its species and same sex. It can live up to 5 years. It is active day or night depending on its desires and daily activities. Easy to handle, it needs affection and attention from its owner.
As an omnivore and seed-eater, it loves hay, seeds, wheat, peanuts, and gerbil pellets. Fruits, vegetables, and plants are prohibited in its diet, at the risk of poisoning it.
With a lively character and a bit stubborn, one must be cautious with a chinchilla, especially in the presence of children. Close to dogs and cats, it lives 10 years or more, and remains close to its owner. It loves hiding everywhere and gnawing everything in its path like power cords or curtains. Very active at dusk, it adapts to the lifestyle of your home.
Since it's herbivore, it needs a dry diet, plants, hay, and pellets designed for chinchillas. Water-rich fruits and vegetables should be excluded from its bowl, except for a few dried fruits without sugar or dehydrated vegetables.
Not recommended for children, the degu is a diurnal athlete that doesn't like too many cuddles. Very playful, it often engages with its owner, loves playing, and hiding in its cage. Its lifespan ranges between 5 and 10 years. Its habitat should resemble a mini gym so it can exercise regularly.
Seed and dried fruit mixes are perfectly suitable for this little gourmand, not forgetting the essential hay for its digestion. Beware of lettuce or other fresh foods not well-suited to its body.
Its short lifespan of up to 2 years does not make it any less endearing. The domestic mouse needs to be surrounded and easily allows itself to be picked up. True, it will be more complicated to develop a deep bond with it, but you will enjoy observing and watching it play for hours.
Hay, dry seeds, fresh vegetables, or fruits, a bit of bread and cheese as well as mouse pellets make a balanced diet. Generally, salty, sweet, or acidic foods should be avoided, as well as cow's milk, almonds, or chips.
Loyal and playful, the rat does not live much longer than a mouse, i.e., 1 or 2 years. Easily tamable, it will gladly climb onto your shoulder and neck.
It primarily feeds on cereals, seeds, vegetables, greens, hay, meat, fruits, bread, and cheese. As this omnivore eats anything, be cautious not to leave it with toxic foods like alfalfa, almonds, citrus, potatoes, or dried beans, milk, dog or cat kibbles.
Popular in households, the diurnal rabbit is rather calm and peaceful. It can live up to 10 years in an indoor cage or outdoor enclosure. In the wild, it would be hunted after just 2 years! Its speed bursts and chases with its friends will probably amuse you, hence its need for space, group living, and hiding spots. As soft as a plush, it doesn't love cuddles much, but doesn't resist too much when caught by its owner for a petting or brushing session. It's up to you to be as agile and fast as your little companion, otherwise, watch out for its escapes.
Given its numerous physiological needs (urine and droppings), its litter must be cleaned daily. Finally, a healthy and suitable diet is essential, such as mixes, pellets, unlimited green hay, organic fruits or vegetables, and aromatic herbs. Contrary to popular belief, the herbivorous rabbit can consume a small amount of carrot, like a treat. Watch out for excess!
If dogs or cats are no longer available in pet stores by 2022, new pets continue to be adopted there. However, it is advisable to contact experts in new pets, breeders, individuals, or shelters that consequently have a plethora of abandoned small rodents.
You can visit the places several times to build confidence and reinforce your decision. Inquire with a veterinary clinic that sometimes posts adoption announcements. Don't forget that you'll need a doctor for your little protector.
After reviewing the essentials in a rodent's life, its habitat must be set up and adapted to its specificities. On our online pet store, you'll find everything necessary in equipment and accessories suitable for your rodent.
Consider a cage and an indoor or outdoor enclosure, bath sand, litter, hay, the base of its diet, and extruded feeds specially designed for its breed. The comfort and ergonomic quality of its environment are just as important as its food. Its well-being and lifespan depend on it.
Everything is ready to welcome it, or almost ;-). Your little animal might be a bit lost and stressed on that day. Watch over it as an apple of your eye, don't stress it out, and don't force anything. Leave it alone for several days in its cage to acclimate to its new life.
Your rodent needs time to find its bearings and get used to its new environment, your presence, and other household members (children, pets, visitors…). Initially, your role as a nurturing owner will be more than enough. Later, you'll need to interact with it as much as possible to create bonds and a certain complicity.
From a young age, it's important to train it to use a litter box, which will reduce cleaning time. Also, talk to your veterinarian about the necessity of spaying and vaccinating your four-legged friend (reproduction, fragile health, prevention of serious diseases, essential vaccines...).
This ensures a long life for your little companion. Your availability is crucial for its life. Your rodent should feel loved, pampered, and stimulated both physically and mentally through brain games, activities, and garden explorations.
Available, attentive, with minimal cuddling or passion for animals, you are a trustworthy and respected owner for your pet. Throughout its life journey, you accompany your rodent by providing the best care. As making mistakes is human, it's okay if you make a mistake about it, the main thing is to love it, stay informed, follow your veterinarian's advice, or read our expert advice on the blog.
Occasionally, you can visit our discussion forum that brings together many adopters like you, novice or experienced. This allows you to exchange knowledge and take note of useful information. And why not become an active member of an animal protection association dedicated to raising awareness of this noble cause to fight against abandonment and abuse? If you have a little time left, of course ;-)
Let's recap! Whether you are adopting a hamster, gerbil, or rabbit, think carefully before saying: I'm adopting a rodent! It requires many cares, a good diet, and a suitable lifestyle compatible with yours. If all our recommendations are met, don't hesitate for a second. Armed with patience and forewarned, you know what to expect when you step into a shelter. Follow our expert advice on your furry friend to have good habits. Thus, you are ready to welcome your pet in the best conditions, fortunately with possible adjustments.
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