Hamsters
Hamsters, the image of which this article illustrates, are the best-known pet rodents. There are different species of hamster that vary in size and colors, but there are several characteristics of this species:
By svitlanasagan
They are nocturnal animals. That is, they have their busiest hours at night: if you play with them during the day they will probably be in a bad mood. At night they will gnaw, run on their wheel, and make noise. Despite being so small they have a lot of energy to expend and they use it to run on their wheel.
Except for some specific species, they are very territorial animals and do not like to share their cage with other hamsters. They prefer to live alone, or they will fight and hurt each other a lot.
Guinea pig
On the contrary, guinea pigs are gregarious pet rodents that, with few exceptions, love to have the company of their peers. They do not usually have territorial behaviors and are able to share even food.
Guinea pigs can weigh between one and three kilograms. Depending on their breed, they have different types of hair; the differences between them are minimal. These pet rodents love to eat and are very sleepy; Unlike hamsters, they are diurnal and twilight.
Guinea pigs are very expressive animals, having a great repertoire of sounds that they can make. They are also very intelligent and create very important bonds with people and other animals with whom they live.
Gerbil
Gerbils are about the same size as hamsters. But they have a few differences that allow us to identify them. The most striking are their large and strong hind legs, with which they jump and run. If you prepare a terrarium for these pet rodents as a cage, you must take into account that they could jump and escape.
Additionally, gerbils enjoy burrowing and sleep in burrows. You must take this into account when preparing their cage: you must satiate their instinct to dig and make tunnels in which to take refuge.
Chinchilla
By DiMar
Perhaps, of the rodent species that can be pets, it is the least known on this list. Chinchillas are similar in size to guinea pigs, but weigh less: females, which are larger than males, weigh up to 800 grams.
There is only one species of chinchilla that is domestic, the result of careful genetic selection over generations; Chinchillas that live in the wild cannot survive in captivity and will not be happy as pets.
These exotic pets are characterized by their large round ears and a short furry tail, unique to rodents that can be pets. They are extremely social animals are people they know, but shy and fearful of strangers. Despite this, caresses and manipulations overwhelm them and cause them stress.
The animals listed above are excellent pet rodents if we respect their instincts and provide them with food or objects they can gnaw on. Each species is unique and has its own characteristics, so if you want to adopt a rodent, first find out what they are so that both of you will be happy from day one.
