Who is better, a rat or a guinea pig? Domestic rodents. Making a choice

Do you want to have a pet, but think that having a cat or dog will be a lot of trouble? Pet rodents are an ideal solution to this problem. They don’t need daily walking, they don’t knock flowers off windowsills, they don’t chew shoes, and they don’t damage wallpaper and sofas with their claws. Domestic rodents do not require special care. All you need is cleaning the cage once or twice a week, proper nutrition and equipping the cage with various toys to entertain your pet. Which rodent is best to choose - a funny hamster, a good-natured guinea pig, a smart rat, an energetic chinchilla or a cute mouse? Each animal is good in its own way, so let's figure out which one is best for you.

Many people get pets for their children, trying to instill in their child kindness, a sense of responsibility and compassion. Before getting a pet, you need to consider the age of the child.

Under no circumstances should you buy an animal for a child under three years of age.

At this age, the child is not yet aware of his actions in relation to a living creature, so he can harm the pet, pick up some kind of infection, or put the pet or its food into his mouth.

At the age of 3-4 years, a child is actively exploring the world and can show excessive care for a pet by feeding it prohibited foods, bathing it in water, or showing care in some other way, from which the animal can get sick or even die. To avoid this, adults need to be more attentive and explain to the child what can and cannot be done.

You can get an animal for a child only after the child realizes that the pet is a living being, and not a toy that can be hurt. All children develop differently, but from about the age of five you can already think about purchasing a pet rodent.

So who should you choose?

Hamster

Hamsters are very popular pet rodents. But it is worth keeping in mind that this small and cute animal is a nocturnal animal and, moreover, quite aggressive. During the day, the hamster will sleep soundly and will not want to play with you. And if you decide to add a relative to it, then violent showdowns, up to the death of one of the animals, will be ensured.

The hamster will need a durable one made of wire, equipped with a house, a wheel, and tunnels of your choice. If you want to let your pet run around the apartment, then use a walking ball, otherwise the hamster may climb into a hard-to-reach place, chew wiring or other things.

This domestic rodent is not very picky when it comes to food. The main thing is to adhere to some rules. You can find out what to feed your hamster.

The hamster eats little, takes up little space, and requires minimal attention. This pet rodent will do great alone in its cage. The main thing is not to forget to feed him and change his water on time. The only drawback of these animals is their short life expectancy, on average 2-3 years.

The most common representatives of hamsters are the dwarf hamster and the Syrian hamster; read about how these species differ.

Guinea pig

Guinea pigs are very good-natured and calm pets. They are easy to train and can respond to a nickname. You can keep either one individual or several animals.

Caring for them is very simple - you need to clean the cage a couple of times a week, comb the fur of representatives of long-haired breeds several times a week, trim their claws and teeth if necessary. With good care, these animals can live up to 10 years.

Guinea pigs are vegetarians and animal products are contraindicated for them. But the presence of hay in the pet’s cage is mandatory. Read what else you can feed these domestic rodents.

Guinea pigs will need a larger cage than hamsters because... these pets are much larger in size. Pigs can be freely let out to walk around the apartment without fear that they will get lost. These pets need more attention than hamsters. Pigs rarely bite and get along well in a cage with another representative of their species.

We described the main differences between a hamster and a guinea pig in.

Should I buy a guinea pig or a hamster for my child?

These pet rodents are living sources of fun and happiness for both adults and children. If you want to get a pet for a child, you need to take into account the age and character of the future owner.

It is better for children under three years old not to have pets at all, because this is not yet the most conscious age of a child, let the kids grow up a little.

Guinea pigs are perfect for children aged three years and older. These pets get along well with children and are friendly and playful. The absolute absence of aggression is also important to consider, because young children do not always know the limits and limits when playing with pets, to which a hamster, for example, can respond with a sharp bite. But older children can already choose a hamster as a pet. He will become a good friend for schoolchildren.

Rat

Recently, the rat has become a popular pet rodent. Many people are disgusted by this animal because of the habitat of their wild relatives and also the prejudiced attitude towards them. But pet rats are safe for humans.

They are very sociable, easily tamed, understand their name, can learn some commands, and practically do not bite. When kept at home, these animals can live 2-3 years. They do not require special nutrition - they are omnivores. And you will have to clean the cage more often to get rid of the unpleasant smell. These pets can be kept in pairs. You can read more about keeping rats in. Rats need to be physically active, so they need to be allowed to roam outside their cage. But they require much more attention than other domestic rodents.

Learn more about the difference between a hamster and a domestic rat.

Rat vs Pig

Rat vs Pig ¶

We had a rat for more than 4 years - a cool animal, but two drawbacks - they don’t live long and there is a problem with the wires. Do not want anymore. We cried for a week when the rat died.

Now we are thinking about a guinea pig.

Who has experience with both rats and pigs, what can you say about comparing intelligence (sociability) and, again, wires and wallpaper?

Rat vs Pig ¶

From: Asya - February 19, 2004 20:34

Both pigs and rats lived and live in my house. A rat and a pig are COMPLETELY different animals, although both are very cute, but not for everyone. A pig requires a more patient approach, proper nutrition and maintenance, and there are more problems with it than with a rat. As a rule, pigs take longer to tame, but if you treat them “humanely,” they become extremely smart. But some people can also chew on wires, but more often pigs peel off wallpaper. In general, if you are ready to treat a pig as a completely different animal than a rat, respect its natural essence and in no case compare it with a rat, then you can try it.

Rat vs Pig ¶

From: Astarta - February 19, 2004 21:16

First of all, I would really like to congratulate you on such a long-lived rat! 4 years is a lot for a rat! The problem with wires can be “treated” easily, try to raise them as high as possible so that the rat’s teeth do not reach, and wrap those parts of the wire that cannot be lifted with electrical tape - this way they are much less attractive to the tailed one. I have 5 rats on “free grazing” - so Let's save ourselves I do not agree that pigs require more careful maintenance. This is fundamentally wrong. Any animal should receive maximum attention and care. Wires and wallpaper are gnawed by both, although whichever animal comes across may not gnaw. 3 out of 5 of my rats are not interested in wires (they like the plinth more))) Regarding intelligence. Now many people will probably swear at me, but still. My pig lived for 4 years and during that time there were always rats in the house. According to my observations, rats are much smarter animals, they are more sociable. Maybe I came across such a stupid pig (don’t think about it, I loved him very much and did everything in my power to save the animal), maybe I did something wrong, but Aryan led a very “vegetative” existence: he ate and slept (well, he whistled when there was food) wanted). It seemed to me that rats are more loyal animals than pigs. Having a rat, you are used to the animal constantly running around, playing with your hand, trying to kiss you, but this is not the case with a pig. She is cute in her own way and purrs very funny. I don’t want to dissuade you from mumps, they’re just different. Remember how much joy the little rat brought you. Isn't this a reason to bring this joy back into the home? You will make another animal happy! And everyone dies. and rats and pigs. [ 19 February 2004, 22:51: Message changed: Squirrel ]

Mouse

But a mouse can not often be found as a pet. Although they are well worth attention. After all, representatives of this class of rodents are unpretentious in keeping, quickly adapt and practically do not bite. In addition, these animals are very funny and playful.

These tiny animals are predominantly nocturnal. With good care they can live for about two years. Mice are herd animals, so if you only have one individual, then take care of entertainment for your pet - balls, cubes or other toys.

Mice are omnivores, but you should not overfeed them with sweets, fatty and spicy foods - this can lead to diseases.

These rodents have one drawback - a specific smell that does not disappear even with very good care. In addition, they reproduce very quickly.

Gerbils are tiny, unpretentious, easily tamed domestic rodents with a long, bushy tail. At home, they are usually kept in pairs, as they are social animals that love communication. Gerbils need a spacious cage or aquarium, as they are a very active animal, or put a running wheel in the cage.

You need to pour a thick layer of bedding into the cage so that the animal has the opportunity to dig into it. These rodents need sand baths, so place a container with special sand in the cage, which needs to be changed periodically.

The lifespan of gerbils is 3-4 years. The food is the same as .

Life style

Probably the most important thing is that your future pet matches your lifestyle (are you a homebody or, on the contrary, like to travel). The animal is completely dependent on you, so if your work involves constant business travel, it is better not to take an animal.

Another important factor that is worth paying attention to is your attitude towards household chores. Let's face it: Almost every animal leaves a lot of trash . Animals molt, fur and feathers must be collected with a vacuum cleaner, and scales must be swept away. It is necessary to regularly clean litter boxes, cages, and aquariums.

If you like a clean, hassle-free home but want a pet, consider getting a gerbil, fish, or small bird that will happily live in a small cage or aquarium.

Chinchilla

Chinchillas are very active and beautiful rodents with long mustaches, a fluffy tail and a thick fur coat. These animals are very clean and tidy - they practically do not smell. Their activity peaks at night, as they are nocturnal animals. Chinchillas need a spacious cage with various shelves, climbing devices and toys.

You need to place a container with sand in the cage; the animal loves to take sand baths. Chinchillas' fur is very dense and does not harbor fleas and ticks. This animal does not shed, so people with allergies can get such a pet. Chinchillas do not bite or scratch, although they have sharp teeth.

These rodents eat little; when kept at home, they are fed once a day with dried foods - dried apples, carrots, hay, dandelion roots, as well as granules as the main food.

One of the advantages of chinchillas over other domestic rodents is their life expectancy. With proper care, these animals can live on average 15-20 years.

Degu

Degus are rare domestic rodents, very active, cute, easily tamed animals. This rodent, like a chinchilla, needs a spacious cage with a house, a drinking bowl, a wheel and other toys for active games. A degu should always have specialized food in its feeder consisting of herbs, cereals and vegetables, as well as hay and branches for grinding down teeth. But sweet fruits and dried fruits are contraindicated for these rodents due to their predisposition to diabetes.

Degus are very sociable and get used to the hands of their owner and can recognize him by smell. This pet is a social animal, so it requires constant communication either with other degus or with its owner. Therefore, if you do not have enough time for your pet, buy him a pair.

Other rodents

It is very rare to find a squirrel, dormouse, chipmunk, gopher or jerboa as a domestic rodent. For such rodents, it is necessary to observe certain conditions of maintenance and nutrition, based on their living conditions in their natural environment.

Don't think that pet rodents don't deserve the same attention as cats or dogs. If you have a small animal, then it has already become a member of your family, which has the right to attention, care and love. You must decide for yourself which rodent to have in your home, choosing the animal to suit your temperament. No matter who you choose, any pet is capable of making you touch and rejoice, and will reciprocate your affection and love.

Hello everyone, this review is about my guinea pig Monica. Here you will find a description and just a photo of this funny animal.

Guinea pigs are quite whimsical animals. They differ from many animals in their maintenance.

In terms of feeding, my Monica is a real gourmet. She eats dry food quite rarely. She prefers plants and vegetables. But most of all she loves dandelions.

There is absolutely no need to bathe or wash your guinea pigs, unless advised by a veterinarian. If you are going to wash your guinea pig, it may harm their skin.

If you don’t have enough free time, then it’s better to get your pet a SAME-SEX pair. You don’t need to be persuaded by sellers like “Same-sex pigs will fight, take a male and a female, etc.”

BEHAVIOR

Guinea pigs are capable of making sounds from “cat purring” to “bird chirping”. These are very amazing animals.

Pigs also have “popcorning.” When they are happy, the pets can spin around themselves and happily jump around the cage.

A guinea pig can live in a cage or in a shelving unit. The place of residence should have an elongated shape (a rabbit cage is suitable).

AND FINALLY

Guinea pigs can sleep with their eyes open

Better a rat

People bred gray rats (pasyuki) back in the Middle Ages to bait hunting dogs. Randomly, with such breeding, albinos appeared in the offspring. They were usually preserved as strange animals. In 1906, the first line of albino laboratory rats was founded in Philadelphia (USA), which received its name from a geographical principle - the Wistar line. The line lasted until 1950 and gave rise to many other laboratory strains of rats (not just albino ones). It is believed that from this line, by crossing with gray rats, black hoods were obtained - the first decorative rats (tame rats). The average lifespan of rats is 2.5-3 years, rare rats live up to 4 years, the maximum recorded is 7 years 4 months. Males weigh on average 400-800 grams, females - 250-450 grams. Males are often calm and affectionate, while females are more active and playful.

Many people mistakenly categorize different rats as different breeds. In fact, decorative rats do not have breeds. Decorative rats are divided into several varieties, sections and markings. Some names for the coat and color of rats were borrowed from cats and dogs (for example, sphinxes, rexes, huskies, etc.). Standard rats are the most common type of rat with short, smooth, glossy fur. Curly (Rex) - rats have dense and curly fur, less shiny than standard ones and coarser. The number of guard hairs is greatly reduced, and the whiskers are strongly curled and somewhat shorter. Tailless (Manx) - tailless rats. Sphynxes (Hairless) - the rat should be as hairless as possible, with healthy, bright skin that is soft to the touch. A little fluff is acceptable above the eyes, on the ankles and wrists, on the cheeks and in the groin area. This fluff should not be excessive and disturb the overall appearance of the hairless animal. Satin is a thinner, longer and shiny coat. Dumbo - rats of this variety have more rounded ears than standard rats, which are located slightly lower. The shape of the ear can be either round (saucer ear) or slightly pointed (tulip ear). The justification for breeding some of the above varieties of rats is highly controversial due to possible problems with their health and quality of life. For example, sphinxes often live shorter lives than ordinary rats, are more susceptible to colds, and also much more easily injure skin that is not protected by fur. Tailless rats are disadvantaged compared to normal rats, which actively use the tail as a thermostat and for balance and support. There is also a division by sections, colors and markings of rats. Homogeneous (self) - the color is uniform throughout the rat’s body. Ticked - each hair is painted in several colors. The most common color of the section is agouti, which is the color of most wild gray rats. Combined - a color consisting of several colors. Silver - The coat consists of alternating silver and basal hairs. Markings - the pattern on the rat’s body can be a combination of white and any color. Quite a lot of markings are described: for example, husky, Irish, hood.

Decorative rats are very smart and quite easy to train. Often, at various rodent exhibitions, competitions are held among decorative rats, for example, agility (similar to dog agility). Many owners teach their rats various commands and tricks. Most decorative rats have no problem remembering their name and responding to it.

This article is addressed to children of primary and secondary school age and is intended to teach them how to care for hamsters, guinea pigs, rats and other domestic rodents.

Features of some rodents

Rats

These are small rodents that are among the most important pests in the world. But in recent years, in many developed countries, rats have begun to be bred as pets. Homes contain only two bred forms of the widespread gray rat, or pasyuk, which, unlike their relatives, are not carriers of diseases.

domestic rat

Connoisseurs and hobbyists appreciate the following positive properties of rats :

they are more intelligent, more curious, more affectionate than other small pets;
they need a little space and inexpensive food;
caring for them is extremely easy.

Communication with this little animal will bring great pleasure to both you and your child.

There are a huge number of color variations of rats - for every taste.

Rats are very smart and active pets. Watching them play is very interesting and sometimes even very calming. These rodents need constant attention and then they will respond to you with devoted friendship.

Rats are easy to train and understand their nickname and the commands “come to me” and “home”. If a rat escapes from its cage, don't worry, it will get hungry and come back. Rats are very smart, they know where their home is. Children love to carry a rat on their shoulder and stroke it. The rat is very interesting to watch; its front legs are like human hands. The way she washes herself and eats is simply a sight to behold.

Rats can also squeak, sometimes sit and sit, and then begin to “talk.”

The rat is a very clean pet . They have almost no smell, unless, of course, the cage in which they are kept is regularly cleaned. They don't make noise. They are much quieter compared to hamsters.

Rats do not require large spaces to house them, but it is important to remember that aquariums are not suitable for them at all. Animals will suffer if you put them in a glass prison.

Rats are omnivores and often taste everything they come across. So, if you want your property not to be damaged by their teeth, you will have to constantly keep the rat in sight.

It is important to know that rats have a fairly short lifespan - about three years.

Since rats are becoming more popular, they are sold in most pet stores. When purchasing, pay attention to the fur , it should be clean and lie flat, there should be no bare spots on it. The eyes should be shiny and clear, without dry crusts. The nose should be clean and there should be no discharge from it. The ears are clean, without wounds.

Of course, you can’t tell everything about rats, but those who get one rat then get another.

Chinchillas

These animals are very energetic, active and emotional. By their nature, they are telepaths, as they react to a person’s emotions and even thoughts, as if predicting our further actions. You get the impression that this animal is talking to you, only not out loud, but mentally, and you understand perfectly well what it is telling you.

Chinchilla

Chinchillas are very diverse in their behavior. Just as no two people are alike, no two chinchillas are alike. They never cease to amaze you, fascinate, inspire, calm and delight you in such a way that there are not enough words to describe and convey these feelings!

Chinchillas have a pleasant,
unusually silky to the touch and velvety-looking fur .
The chinchilla does not have sweat or sebaceous glands, so it has no odor . Even the feces and urine of this animal do not have such a sharp characteristic odor as that of rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and other animals. As a result, the chinchilla's bedding or litter box is changed no more than once a week.

A chinchilla always has clean fur , although it does not need to be washed in water. She bathes in special fine sand. When bathing, she gets rid of moisture that her fur absorbs from the external environment, or from our hands when we hold or stroke her. Also, these animals do not have fleas and ticks , since they simply cannot live in this dense undercoat.

Chinchillas do not shed seasonally, so they are the most hypoallergenic animal.

Chinchillas do not bite humans because they have a fairly high intelligence , although they have very sharp front incisors, and if only the animal feels aggression or danger from a person or any animal, then it can bite or pinch, but at first it does not hurt, as warning that next time it will hurt more.

Chinchillas do not scratch because they do not have claws, but rather have nails that they chew on themselves, which is why they have soft, gentle “hands.”
Only on the hind legs the nails are rougher. A chinchilla's cage should be spacious with shelves or at least one shelf, since chinchillas like to sit on some kind of elevation and also jump on shelves - after all, they are mountain animals.
The size of the cage must be at least 60 cm wide, 40-50 cm deep and at least 60 cm high, otherwise the smaller space of the cage will oppress the animal. You only need to feed your chinchilla at home once a day . She eats 1-2 tablespoons of special dry food per day and also drinks little (simple boiled cool water, which is poured into a special drinking bowl).

The life expectancy of a chinchilla at home depends on proper diet and natural factors of the area or region in which the chinchilla lives - on average 15 years.

Chinchillas respond well to training and education , but they should not be pampered. Because it’s like children - what you put in is what you get out. And re-education can be very difficult, but still possible if you know how to do it.

When choosing a chinchilla, you need to pay attention to the following aspects:

Before purchasing an animal, find out more about it. Find out what they eat, what conditions they live in, how to care for them, how to raise them, etc.
One of the most important criteria is appearance. There are several basic colors of chinchillas. Choose according to your taste.
Chinchillas, like people, vary in behavior. One animal will look phlegmatically at the world around it and sit calmly on your lap. Another chinchilla will rush around the apartment and cage, storm the wheel and behave actively. Choose an animal that matches your temperament.
It is important to remember that the animal will behave naturally in a calm environment. So, in pet stores, all the animals often sit quietly and huddle in the corners - this is due to the noise and the abundance of strangers and animals.

Good luck with your choice and the joy of communicating with this wonderful pet - the chinchilla!

Decorative rabbits

They are very pleasant and cute animals, so keeping, raising and caring for them brings a lot of joy to the house. Rabbits are very playful and love companionship and attention.

Decorative rabbit

Compared to other pets, the cost of keeping rabbits is much lower , but you will get no less happiness and smiles from communicating with them.

Decorative rabbits are smart and easy to train. There is no need to walk them; they can learn to go to the litter box. You can purchase a harness and walk your little pet at any time and anywhere, which will bring a lot of joy to you and your children.

The cage for any decorative rabbit should be at least 70 cm. At the bottom, as bedding, wood filler (pressed sawdust) and hay with a layer of 3-5 cm are best suited.

Choose the right place for the cage - not on the aisle, protected from drafts but well ventilated, inaccessible to other animals, at a sufficient distance from heating appliances, TV, radio or constantly opening doors.

It is recommended to use a heavy feeder; a ceramic one is best, because... Rabbits have a tendency to turn everything over. You can hang a hanging feeder. The rabbit should always have fresh water. Automatic drinking bowls for rodents (with a ball) are very convenient.

There should be enough hay in the cage , since this is the main food for rabbits; Pet stores sell ready-made grain food for rabbits in various variations (you can choose the one that’s right for your pet).

Juicy food - fruits, vegetables, green grass - can be offered to adults. It is best for rabbits from 1-1.5 months to start with carrots and apples. Cabbage should be given to rabbits no earlier than 3-4 months. It may cause bloating.

Mineral stone , twigs for grinding teeth, should also be in the cage, especially if the animal receives little roughage.

The cage filler must be changed at least 2 times a week.

Washing animals is often not recommended. Rabbit shampoo is best for washing. Long-haired rabbits need to be combed to prevent mats from appearing.

When letting him go for walks around the apartment, you need to close the windows and doors to avoid drafts and your pet’s escape. Carefully monitor the animal so that it does not get injured.

Rabbits should never be picked up by the ears!

The more affectionately they are treated, the more affection they receive in return. Your love and care is what they expect from you. Often, new owners want to immediately pick up a rabbit and are disappointed when it constantly tries to escape, but imagine for a moment that in the wild a rabbit is food for many predators and it feels confident only when standing on the ground, where it can control its movements.

At first, it is better to leave the rabbit alone so that it can explore its new home, eat some food, and get comfortable. Then you can start dating. It is in your power to behave in such a way that the decorative rabbit, forgetting about shyness, understands that you are his friend. It will get better every day. As a result, your reward will be the endless love and devotion of this amazing creature, who will remain by your side for the next 8-10 years.

Guinea pigs

The peculiarity of the guinea pig as a member of the household is that without complications it can be left alone in the apartment for the whole day and, if the food is properly prepared, the guinea pig can be left alone without supervision; besides, she is a diurnal animal, and in addition, she allows herself to be stroked and caressed.

Guinea pig

For young children from about five years old, a guinea pig is an ideal pet, as well as for adults who have never owned an animal before. For many reasons she is recommended as the first animal . Anyone who has once gotten to know a guinea pig becomes very attached to this affectionate animal.

An adult male guinea pig weighs 800-1500g, and a female 600-1200g. Therefore, the cage for a guinea pig must be appropriate. For one pig, 30x40 cm in bottom area.

Also necessary accessories for the animal: a specialized ball drinker, bedding (this can be sawdust or special wood pellets). But houses and labyrinths are not recommended . This will only complicate your contact with the animal.

And one more interesting fact: guinea pigs do not run in a wheel!

It is better to place the cage away from drafts, heating devices, direct sunlight, in a place with good ventilation, out of reach of other pets (cats, dogs), because Guinea pigs are very shy .
Guinea pigs should always have food lying around! Guinea pigs are vegetarians . They can eat any non-poisonous fruits, vegetables and herbs, but if you are not sure that the animal ate it, then do not experiment. Introduce everything new into your diet little by little and not all at once. Vegetables and fruits are given washed and cut into large pieces.

The animal must be fed 2 times a day. Sample menu for the day:

Specialized food for guinea pigs or oats - 60% of the daily diet,
carrots, apples – 20% of the daily diet,
hay, twigs, white bread crackers - 20% of the daily diet.

Guinea pigs

Guinea pigs live from five to eight years , and sometimes longer if they are kept properly. In addition, they are practically not aggressive. For example, they bite and scratch much less often than rabbits.

Remember, a guinea pig is a herd animal! Therefore, when buying one individual, you must be completely sure that you can give your pet enough attention so that he does not get bored.

In general, keeping pigs alone is not recommended.

Therefore, it is better to buy a pair at once, and it must be same-sex . Otherwise, very soon you will find yourself the owner of a small “herd” of small and not very healthy pigs (the result of early pregnancy and constant childbirth), one of them may even die.

When choosing a guinea pig when purchasing, we advise you to pay attention to the animal’s character and overall health!

How to choose a pet rodent

If your home conditions do not allow you to have a dog, your grandmother is allergic to cat hair, and your mother can’t stand birds, and on top of all this you are afraid that your little brother will drop the aquarium, then get yourself a small rodent (hamster, rat or guinea pig). pig) who will become your friend.

You know, how cool it is to watch a little rodent, how he hides food reserves in the corners of his hole or stuffs his full cheeks with his favorite cheese. And some young rodents can even be taught various circus tricks. This is exactly what our conversation will be about and much more.

First, think carefully about what you would like to have - a hamster, a rat or a guinea pig. The most domestic and widespread of rodents are, of course, considered to be hamsters and guinea pigs. As for mice or rats, not everyone loves these animals. If your mother, for example, is terrified of mice, even tame ones, then it is better to abandon the idea of purchasing this animal.

But if at the family council you promised to take all care of the animal upon yourself and your parents do not object to a hamster or a rat, then you can safely go shopping.

The smartest pet rodents

The name of the order “rodents” comes from the special structure of the jaws of these animals. They do not have fangs, but they have incisors that do not have roots and grow throughout their little life. We bring you five of the smartest and friendliest pet rodents. And you decide for yourself who you want to have.

Decorative rat

It is a proven fact that the rat is one of the smartest animals on this planet, along with dogs, primates, elephants and dolphins. If you need a pet with developed intelligence, take a rat. They have an excellent memory; your pet will only need to see you once to remember your appearance, voice and smell.

Experts say that the decorative domestic rat quickly becomes attached to a person and is well trained. She will instantly remember her name, will respond to it, no worse than cats and dogs, and can follow some commands. This pet knows very well where his home is. Therefore, even if the animal escaped from the cage, do not worry, your rat will walk around the open spaces of your apartment and will return when it feels hungry. They eat almost everything. To sharpen your rodent's teeth, give them more solid food and mineral stone. The rat is clean and will be grateful to you if you clean the cage regularly.

The rat is a very social animal. If she has no company, then the closest living soul to which your pet will gravitate will be you. The rat will stretch out its paws to you when you pass by the cage, watch what you are doing there, and get bored when you leave. Therefore, try to devote at least a little time to the animal so that it does not get bored. Rats need to be "walked" periodically. To do this, you will need to prepare a small space where your pet can run around, sniff and chew something. It is advisable that this is not your furniture, so watch out for the rat during walks. Communicate. If you communicate a lot, your pet will become completely tame. Some rats willingly sit on their owner's shoulder.

Chilean degu

These rodents look like jerboas. In nature, the Chilean degu lives in the Southern Alps, in Chile and Peru. Degus are roughly comparable in size to rats, their body length is from 10 to 25 centimeters, and their weight usually does not exceed 300 grams. They are also called Chilean squirrels because degus have very developed hind legs. Thanks to this, the animal can jump a meter in height.

The Chilean squirrel is a very smart pet; you will quickly train it to respond to its name and teach it some tricks and commands. For example: stand on your hind legs and spin around your own axis.

Degu is also an excellent companion; this animal requires communication, emotional contact with the owner and affection. If you rarely approach a cage with an animal and do not communicate with it, your pet will quickly go wild and become timid. Chilean squirrels are very active, especially early in the morning and evening. At this time, according to their schedule, they worry about food. Degus are herbivores; they can be fed with cereals, dry leaves and grass, and small fruits. Do not keep the cage in the sun, as the degu may get sunstroke.

Chinchilla

Funny chinchillas are distinguished by their emotionality, intelligence and intelligence. They know their name and come out of the house when called. They can be taught the commands “sit” and, they say, even “stand”. But they will most often ignore the “no” command. Chinchillas are terribly curious, they will definitely hang around next to you if you are busy with some kind of housework. They are also very stubborn, so no matter how much you try to wean this animal from opening cabinet doors, as well as chewing books and tearing wallpaper, you are unlikely to achieve significant results. It is easier to keep the animal in a cage and let it out for a walk under your supervision.

The chinchilla is a good psychologist and quickly understands what to expect from each family member. She will resist and grumble if she is picked up by a child who is constantly squeezing the animal. Chinchillas also have a developed internal clock; they can be very offended if their daily routine is disrupted and you feed them at the wrong time or let them out for a walk. The chinchilla cannot be bathed; this animal cleans its fur in the sand. This is a clean creature, so there will be no unpleasant smell in your home.

Chipmunk

These pets were domesticated recently, which is probably why chipmunks have remained very active. In nature, they could travel up to 12 kilometers a day and sleep at night. So this is a very comfortable pet, which will suit your daily routine, and at night it will not bother you with its endless rustling in the cage. Chipmunks are smart, playful and funny. They will amuse and delight you with their ability to make various unexpected sounds, a whistle, or something similar to a trill. Chipmunks, like chinchillas, also have virtually no smell.

These rodents are very clean and tidy; they go to the toilet in one place. Every day, the busy chipmunk will pull out the bedding from his house to dry it and ventilate it. Keep in mind, these animals are terribly thrifty. You will have to become a good psychologist to distinguish whether your pet is really hungry right now, or if he is about to replenish his pantry. Another property of the chipmunk is that it hibernates during the winter, usually from October to March. But this does not mean that your animal will sleep continuously all this time. He may wake up in the middle of the sleeping season to get some food.

Guinea pigs

The guinea pig is a calm, intelligent, social and fairly unpretentious animal. They can be taken into families with children over five years old; they willingly allow children to play with them, carry them in their arms, and stroke them. It only seems outwardly that they are phlegmatic; in fact, guinea pigs are very affectionate and loyal. When they see their owner, they perk up, become sincerely happy, whistle and make a lot of other funny sounds. They may purr, coo, and when in a bad mood, chatter their teeth and grumble irritably. At the same time, pigs are not pathologically aggressive; they will never, under any circumstances, not only attack, but also defend themselves.

The guinea pig is an easy-to-train rodent and can be taught a variety of tricks. For example: walking behind the owner, standing on its hind legs, “playing football” with a ball... The animal will easily remember its nickname and willingly respond to it. Know that this is a very gentle creature. Keep the pig's cage out of the sun, away from drafts, radiators and heating devices.

Read about the largest domestic rodent and other giant pets here.

Where to buy a hamster, guinea pig or other pet rodents

Of course, it is best to purchase any animal at a pet store. However, if they cannot offer you the desired creature there, try looking at the bazaar where they sell animals. It is better, of course, to purchase a young animal that is 6-8 weeks old. If you buy an animal at the market, then inspect it carefully. It should be playful, cheerful and show a keen interest in you. The rodent's eyes should be clear and shiny, without mucus; The ears and nose should be clean and dry, and the coat should be shiny and smooth. Refuse to purchase if you notice that the animal has bald spots, cuts and scratches. All rodents have teeth that are barely visible. Too large fangs should alert you.

Do not buy a dubious animal, especially at the market. You've probably heard many stories about how people, for example, bought a puppy, and when it grew up, it turned out to be a completely different animal, something like a rat that was brought from tropical countries. So it’s better to buy an animal in a store where they will give you a full guarantee that it is healthy and in fact is a hamster, guinea pig or an ordinary tame rat, and not something else.

Who is better: a guinea pig or a hamster - the pros and cons of animals

Both animals - a guinea pig and a hamster - are playful and nimble animals that can create a cheerful and cozy atmosphere in the house. To make a choice, you should take into account the pet’s temperament, as well as the characteristics of care and maintenance.

What's good about a guinea pig?

Guinea pigs are easy to care for and maintain, as well as quick adaptation. The main advantages of these animals include:

unpretentiousness in keeping and ease of caring for the pet (the main thing is to feed the animal and clean its cage);
training opportunity;
absolute absence of aggression ( pigs never bite or scratch their owners . By nature they are quite cowardly animals, so even for the purpose of self-defense they will not show aggression, but will try to squeeze themselves into a ball and hide);

getting along with other pets (pigs are very friendly, they quickly find contact with both other rodents and larger pets: cats, dogs)

the possibility of keeping guinea pigs in same-sex pairs ( these fluffies are not inclined to show aggression towards their brothers, they do not have the instinct to fight for a cage or leadership , so two females or two males will get along well in one cage);
love of affection and tenderness (these furry animals simply adore being stroked and scratched; they express their pleasure with the help of various touching sounds);
talkativeness ( you simply cannot forget that your pet needs to be fed. A vocal pig will definitely remind you of itself with various interesting sounds when it wants to eat).

How to Care for Hamsters, Guinea Pigs, Rats and Other Rodents

Housing for hamsters and other domestic rodents

The standard house for any rodent is a cage made of metal wire. One animal can live in a small cage measuring approximately 30x25x18 cm, preferably with a retractable tray that allows you to clean the cage without much effort. In this cage the rodent will “make a cozy nest for itself.” All rodents need good bedding, preferably pressed pine needles that are easy to clean. Small pieces of paper and pieces of cloth are also suitable as bedding. But besides that, all rodents love to stockpile. In principle, they do not need to do this, since they do not experience a shortage of food, but in nature, all wild rodents always stock up on food for future use. This instinct of excessive thriftiness remains with domestic animals. And for supplies, any domestic rodent needs to make a small house out of thick cardboard or put a shoe box in its cage.

All rodents simply adore various twigs, finely torn pieces of paper, fabric, soft cotton wool, dry grass and leaves - they drag all this into their house, set up a hole and hide their supplies in them.

Don't forget to place a feeder and drinker in the cage. For food, a massive bowl is suitable so that the animal does not accidentally turn it over, and it must be made of such material that it does not chew it off. A bottle with a nozzle from which water begins to drip when the animal touches it with its tongue is suitable as a drinking bowl for the animal. This bottle can be bought at a pet store or at the bazaar.

Mice and hamsters are very active animals, and therefore it would be good to place a ladder or a rotating wheel in the cage. All these devices are sold in special pet stores. Since these animals are nocturnal, they can run on a wheel all night and are even able to run 2-3 km.

Where to put a hamster cage

It is best to place the cage in a dry place, but away from the sun. And it’s better to arrange it in such a way that it’s always convenient for you to see and check how your animal is doing, whether it’s sick, and how it’s feeling.

The most suitable temperature for a rodent is about 20 degrees. Animals are very afraid of drafts and catch cold easily. Then they start sneezing and coughing, almost like someone with a cold. They also have a runny nose and rub their paw on the bridge of their nose and blow their nose.

In extreme heat, it is best to place the cage in the shade or cover it with some light material, and the animal needs to be given plenty of water.

Key Differences Between Hamster, Rat and Guinea Pig

All of the above-mentioned animals are rodents, so they have many common features (and not just their tendency to chew everything in sight). But these toothy cuties have even more differences. How you need to care for it, and most importantly, whether it is suitable for your child, depends on the characteristics of the animal.

Important! If you want to get a hamster, you need to think carefully about how your child will cope with his death, which will inevitably occur in a year or two. If the baby is very vulnerable, it makes sense to buy a pet that lives longer.

Lifespan

In the case of a hamster, rat and pig, life expectancy is directly proportional to their size:

Guinea pigs live about 5 years, and with good care - up to 8 years;
rats live up to 4 years;
large hamsters (Syrian) can live a maximum of 3 years, and dwarf hamsters even less - 1-2 years.

Appearance

Everything about a baby hamster is small: body, ears, paws and tail. Body sizes differ between species: from 4–6 cm (in Roborovsky) to 13–18 cm (in Syrian). The color range of soft fur is very wide, there is plenty to choose from. The domestic rat is medium in size - larger than a hamster, but smaller than a guinea pig. A wide range of coat colors (from white to black, as well as spotted variations) allows you to choose a pet to suit every taste.

Many people are initially put off by the long, hairless rat tail. But this is only the first impression. After closer communication, both adults and children fall in love with this cute animal. The guinea pig is simply a “beauty queen” compared to its smaller brothers.

Find out how rats see our world.

It is much larger than them: body length is 25–35 cm, and weight is 0.8–1.5 kg. The body is round, and so is the muzzle. The choice of guinea pigs is much larger than rats and hamsters, since many different breeds have been bred: long-haired, short-haired and completely fur-free. Any pig, no matter what color or coat type it is, is very reminiscent of a bright soft toy.

Habits

Hamsters by nature are unsociable loners. They don't really like to be held and only occasionally allow themselves to be petted. They are also the owners. Each individual needs separate housing, without neighbors. If you house the animals in pairs, they will aggressively defend their territory. An exception to this rule are Roborovsky's hamsters, who prefer to live in a friendly family.

Rats are very different in their sociability, both with people and with their own kind. They need human attention, love affection and willingly sit on their master’s arms and shoulders, but calmly tolerate short-term loneliness. They can be housed in pairs, but preferably same-sex, so that fun games do not end with the unexpected appearance of baby rats. Guinea pigs are very affectionate and completely non-aggressive.

You will be interested to know how to distinguish a mouse from a rat.

They are distinguished by their friendliness towards their relatives and other larger and smaller pets. Loneliness is not tolerated well, so it is best to house pigs in same-sex pairs. A characteristic feature is their vocality and talkativeness. If the plush beauty is bored or wants to eat, she will definitely report it, and quite loudly.

Lifestyle

Hamsters are very active, and their life activity begins in the evening. They run around the cage all night, doing important things, and with great excitement spin the wheel, which must be present in their home. After the little fidget has run several kilometers overnight, he needs a good rest. Therefore, during the day he sleeps, and in the evening he again begins to rustle, make noise and rattle. For this lifestyle, a cage is suitable, not necessarily large or multi-level, but with a fairly long “treadmill”, which includes a wheel, labyrinths, tunnels for running and playing.

Did you know? A Syrian hamster covers from 6 to 10 km in a cage one night, moving at a speed of 2–3.6 km/h.

Rats are also very active, and to release energy they need a spacious cage with several floors, stairs and tunnels. They are also nocturnal animals, but can adapt to their owners' schedule and become more active when someone is at home. But even at night they make less noise than hamsters. Every day the little rat needs to be let out for a walk around the apartment, but under careful supervision so that it does not feast on wires or anything else “delicious.”

Guinea pigs are diurnal and rest at night. But due to their fearful nature, they do not sleep all night in a row, but for about 15 minutes many times a day. Large and clumsy beauties are not as mobile as hamsters. But the cage must have enough space for active movement, since lack of activity leads to obesity. Walking in the wild is also required. You can release the pig without fear, because catching such a fat one is not at all difficult.

Intelligence

The hamster does not have much intelligence, or so it seems due to his waywardness and unsociability. In any case, he does not respond to his name and is not amenable to training. For this reason, it is risky to let him out for a walk: he does not return to his home. In addition, this weasel likes to climb into the smallest holes, from where it is difficult to get out. For walking, it is best to use a special ball.

Did you know? In one experiment, scientists trained rats to climb a ladder onto a shelf that contained a treat. As a result, these smart animals even learned to move ladders to the right shelves.

But the rat and the pig are very smart: they both respond to their name and can be safely let out of the cage. You can even walk with them outside. A guinea pig on a leash calmly follows its owner. And the little rat will sit on your shoulder all the time and won’t get off it out of fear. Both pets are trainable and can be taught to perform simple movements, such as standing on their hind legs. And the pig can even push the ball at the request of the owner.

Smell

The hamster smells the least. He is very clean; he has one corner of the cage for the toilet, which makes cleaning easier. Rat and pig are more “odorous”. The urine of these animals has a pungent odor. And rats also have the habit of marking territory. And if the hamster’s cage can be cleaned a couple of times a week, then the homes of the other two rodents need frequent and regular cleaning.

Expenses

Material resources will be needed for the following expenses:

Buying an animal: due to its size, the cheapest purchase is a hamster, and the most expensive is a guinea pig.
Purchasing a cage and its “fillings”: a hamster needs the smallest, and therefore the cheapest, cage with a mandatory attribute - a running wheel; a rat and a pig need more expensive options - large and multi-story (for a rat).
Contents that include simple and inexpensive nutrition.
Possible damage in the apartment: all three rodents, especially the hamster and the rat, can chew on wires, furniture, wallpaper and other “goodies” available to them.

It turns out that the most profitable animal is a baby hamster.

Find out whether it is worth getting a decorative rat.

Rules for caring for hamsters and other rodents

How to care for a cage

The cage needs to be cleaned regularly. It’s better to do this every day, but if your animal is neat, it’s enough to clean the cage once a week. Leftover food and other dirt can cause serious illness in your pet.
Before cleaning the cage, the animal needs to be transplanted somewhere, for example, into a jar or box.
Twice a month, the animal’s home must be thoroughly cleaned. The cage needs to be doused with boiling water several times and washed with baby soap. The feeder, drinker, wheel and ladder also need to be thoroughly rinsed with hot water.

Of course, it’s not easy for an animal to immediately get used to a new place. He needs about 3-5 days to get comfortable in his new house. For the first two days, do not disturb the animal, but leave it in silence longer. After this, you can begin to get acquainted with the new inhabitant, but this must be done very politely. To begin, quietly approach the cage and try to talk to him. Don't raise your voice, speak in a normal and natural voice. You can say, for example: “Hello, my name is ..., and I’ll call you ..., how are you living with me?” If the animal does not react to you in any way and is hiding from you, then try quietly knocking on the door - the animal will definitely notice you. After another two days, try to briefly put your hand into the cage and if the animal is not afraid of you, then this means that it has begun to recognize you. In general, try to talk to your pet as often as possible, pick it up and pet it.

Don’t think that if an animal is dumb and doesn’t say anything, then it doesn’t understand anything. In fact, rodents, especially rats, are very smart animals and understand everything perfectly and give preference only to the person who takes care of them.

Advantages and disadvantages of keeping pets

All three animals are very touching. It's hard to say who is better and who is worse. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Rats

This tailed cutie has significant advantages:

very smart and inquisitive, easy to train;
sociable, excellent companion;
cheerful, you don’t get bored with them;
low cost of purchase and maintenance;
easy to care for even a child.

Minuses:

marks territory with urine;
the need for frequent cleaning;
unattractive tail.

The rat is an intelligent animal, it needs not just affection, but communication. The rodent will become a good friend for a school-age child.

Hamster

This furry baby is very popular.

And not in vain, because it has a lot of advantages:

the cheapest “option” of a rodent;
does not need communication, can be left alone for a long time;
clean, almost odorless;
very active, interesting to watch;
easy care.

Important! Children under 3 years of age are not recommended to have an animal at all.
While playing with it, the baby can unknowingly cause serious harm to the pet. Its disadvantages:

very noisy at night;
bites if handled carelessly;
climbs through the bars of the cage and into the smallest cracks, does not return to the cage on its own;
uncommunicative;
short lifespan.

Although the hamster is very small, it is not suitable for small children. The animal is very fragile, so it is easy to crush. He is not suitable as a companion even for older children, because he does not like to sit in arms and communicate, and he sleeps all day. The fuzzy fidget is a great option for those who like to watch animals rather than hold them in their hands.

We recommend reading accessories for a hamster in a cage.

Nutrition, habits and reproduction of hamsters and other rodents

Diet

Special pet stores for rodents sell food with substances that the animal needs. But you can prepare food for the animal yourself. All rodents, without exception, love raw vegetables and fruits: carrots, turnips, cucumbers, apples, radishes. It’s best not to give cabbage to animals, as it often causes stomach upset. In addition, the animals can be given corn and wheat grains, raw seeds and oats (but in no case with sharp ends, otherwise your pet may injure the cheek pouches).

Rats can be given lean raw meat or boiled sausage once a week. All rodents, without exception, love to eat cheese. But no matter how much your animal loves cheese, be careful not to overfeed it, otherwise it will start to have stomach problems.

All rodents love to sharpen their teeth, and therefore there should always be wooden sticks and twigs in their cage. They will chew them with great pleasure. But make sure that no painted sticks or any other objects that your pet will chew get into the cage. Otherwise, he may swallow paint and become seriously ill.

In summer and spring, you can give some fresh young grass, leaves and birch, and in winter you definitely need to feed the animals with vitamins, which can be bought at a pet store. The water in a rodent's cage should always be fresh, but do not pour very cold water directly from the tap, but let it sit for several days, and only then pour it into the drinking bowl.

Habits of rodents

Each rodent has its own character and habits. So, for example, tame mice will not refuse a cheerful company and they can be housed with each other. But rats or Syrian hamsters are solitary by nature, and if you want to house several animals, then keep them in separate cages, otherwise they may start fighting with each other. As for guinea pigs, they are considered peace-loving animals when they live alone. But two pigs living in the same cage may not share food or water, and then they will wage a desperate war. So take into account the peculiarities of behavior and morals of a particular animal.

Offspring of hamsters and other rodents

After a month, the rodents become fully grown and can already have their own offspring. If you want your pets to have little ones, then get a male with the female, and after a while they will have children, but after their birth the male must be removed. The female will take care of the children herself. As a rule, rodents have from 3 to 15 babies. After their birth, you cannot clean the cage or put it away. If the female gets nervous, she may eat her own offspring. There must be clean water in the cage, since a nursing female drinks a lot of water.

Here's a story about rodents. Don't you want to buy anyone? Then what are you waiting for?

Guinea pig and hamster are active, interesting and inquisitive furry animals that can bring joy and fun to small children. The first representatives of land animals are well suited for children from 3 years old, the second ones will become good friends for older ages. Which is better: a hamster or a guinea pig for a child? The material below will help you decide which rodent to get and make the right choice.

Pigs are easy to tame and do not require much care. With good care from the owner, the animal can live on average 5 years.

The period of activity in guinea pigs occurs during the day, decreasing in the evening. Unlike hamsters, they will sleep peacefully at night without disturbing the owner with their vital activities.

Character and training

Guinea pigs are distinguished by their friendliness, sociability, and calm nature. They can easily live next to cats and dogs, spending time in the same company without quarrels or discontent. They love to be pampered in the hands of their owner, to whom they feel great affection, exposing their fur coat for scratching. Noticing the presence of the owner, these animals begin to whistle loudly, expressing their good feelings and joy.

Pigs are completely devoid of aggression: they will never attack or even defend themselves, preferring to quietly retreat. If desired, the animals can be trained to perform a variety of tricks, since they train easily and successfully, which attracts the attention of children. A trained pig can follow its owner everywhere, stand on its hind legs or roll a small ball with its muzzle. When answering the question of which rodent is smarter, the advantage remains with the pig.

Care

A 6-year-old child can take care of the animal every day, but if you get an animal for a preschooler, an adult will need to take care of the creature. You will also have to monitor the baby so that, out of ignorance, he does not harm the pet, otherwise the injured pig may lose confidence in the owner.

Cell

A guinea pig needs a spacious cage in which it can lead an active lifestyle, moving freely inside the apartment. The condition is mandatory, since inactivity will lead to obesity and will not allow the animal’s legs to become strong.

The cage is located in a quiet place, protected from drafts and coolness, so that the pig does not catch a cold. There should be no wires nearby, since the nature of the rodent will certainly manifest itself in the ability to chew through hard objects. It is important to provide the cage with a special house where the pig can sleep or hide.

Essential plaid accessories

It is better to use regular sawdust as bedding, because pigs are big fans of burrowing, and the material should be harmless. You need to clean the cage periodically, as the sawdust will smell unpleasant. It is necessary that the cage has a drinking bowl with clean water and a feeder filled with food, fresh grass or hay. To help your pig grind down its teeth and claws, offer it a mineral stone or a hard piece of tree bark.

A running wheel should become a mandatory attribute of the cage, giving way to a mirror and ladders. Every day, the guinea pig must be let out for walks around the house, remembering to keep an eye on the animal, as it can end up in a hard-to-reach place and get stuck.

Nutrition

Guinea pigs are not picky eaters. They enjoy eating a variety of grains, herbs, vegetables and fruits. For herbs, they prefer lettuce leaves, parsley and dill, fresh dandelion leaves and spinach. Among fruits and vegetables, they can be fed fresh cucumbers, sweet peppers and carrots, apples, peaches and strawberries. Unlike hamsters, pigs cannot be fed meat, potatoes and cheese.

A distinctive feature of a pig is that it eats its own feces, which contains a vitamin that is beneficial for its body. If an animal begins to eat uncleaned excrement in a timely manner, a very young child can follow the animal’s lead, planning to independently evaluate the pig’s “delicacy.”

Pros of a guinea pig

About the benefits of a guinea pig:

they are easy to care for;
you can do training;
complete absence of aggression;
they love to be held;
get along with other pets.

Another compelling argument for getting pigs is the opportunity to buy a hairless animal of the “Skinny” breed if the child is allergic to wool. When choosing a guinea pig as a pet, you need to remember to regularly clean the cage to avoid unpleasant odors in the house.

Rats or hamsters: choosing a pet for a child

Both rats and hamsters have long topped the lists of the most popular pets for children.
Many parents, when planning to buy an animal, think for a long time - who is better to get, a hamster or a rat? In this article we will look at the advantages and disadvantages of both animals. We hope that we will help you make the right choice! Decorative rats

Pros:

Rats are less fragile and can be handled without fear. It's no secret that children are often not very careful when touching pets. From this point of view, the rat is an excellent choice. They are stronger than hamsters and weigh about four times as much.
Rats are less likely to bite. Contrary to popular belief, rats are very gentle creatures and will only bite if they are very scared. All rodents sometimes nip their owners with their teeth, but rats rarely bite people until they bleed.
Rats are more awake during the day. Most rodents are nocturnal animals, but domestic rats easily adapt to the daily routine of their owners, unlike hamsters.
Rats are more sociable. Rats are incredibly sociable animals and they really need attention. It is recommended to keep them in pairs: then you can watch your pets play happily with each other. They become attached to their owners and love to sit on their shoulders and arms.
Rats are very smart: they have, without a doubt, the highest level of intelligence among rodents. That is why they are often used for psychological research. This also means that they are easy to train: they can be trained to defecate in a tray and taught various tricks.

Minuses:

Rats are predisposed to certain diseases, such as respiratory tract infections and various types of tumors. This means they may need regular visits to the vet, and the associated financial costs.
Rats are more expensive to keep. Rats need larger cages than hamsters, as well as special bedding, high-quality food and a variety of toys. All this means additional expense items.
Rats need more attention. It is also necessary to study certain information about their content. Rats spend a lot of time outside the cage, as they are more sociable animals than hamsters - and this means a time investment for the owner.
Rats should be kept in same-sex pairs or groups: when alone, rats get bored and feel uncomfortable.

Hamsters

Pros:

They are easy to care for: they require a simple cage and are not fussy eaters. The cage does not need to be cleaned as often as rats do. Hamsters do not need as much attention as rats.
Hamsters are economical pets. They do not require so many expenses, they do not need special bedding, and food for hamsters is also quite cheap.
Hamsters don't need a lot of time. Since they are much less social than rats, they do not need to interact with humans often. And thanks to the hamster's modest size, it doesn't need as much exercise as rats, so there's no need to let it out of its cage as often.
Hamsters can be kept alone: some species are more sociable, but the most common as a pet, the Syrian hamster leads a solitary lifestyle and does not need company.
Hamsters don't need a lot of space. A hamster's cage may be much less spacious than a rat's cage. Hamsters are not as keen on climbing, so the cages may be lower.

Minuses:

Hamsters are not that smart. Therefore, you do not get high-quality interaction with them, unlike rats, and they do not become attached to their owners. They are also more difficult to teach anything.
Hamsters sleep a lot. They are nocturnal animals, so they spend most of the day sleeping. It is more difficult for them to adapt to the rhythm of life of their owners; If you wake them up, they will be in a bad mood and may bite.
Hamsters make noise at night. As follows from the previous point, hamsters are nocturnal, and can make a lot of noise when running in a wheel, etc. This can be a problem for owners, especially if the child insists on living in the same room as their pet.
Hamsters do not become attached to their owners.

Conclusions As is clear from the above, rats require more effort and investment, but the return on them is greater. The decision should depend on what you expect from your pet. If you want to teach your child responsibility, a rat is undoubtedly more suitable. But if you want your child to have a cute furry animal, then a hamster will be the best option.

What you need to know about hamsters

Unlike pigs, hamsters are creatures with a finicky nature. B, otherwise the instincts of rodents, which tend to defend their territory, will lead to fights. It is undesirable to let hamsters out for walks around the house, since the rodent is able to crawl into even the smallest hole, from which it will be difficult to rescue it.

Character

They are distinguished by a degree of aggressiveness and pugnacity, which can manifest itself unexpectedly for the owner. If you touch a sleeping rodent, it may become frightened and, waking up urgently, bite its owner painfully. By following the basic rules of care and communication with the animal, unpleasant moments can be easily avoided, receiving only positive emotions from the hamster.

Lifestyle

The moment of activity in animals occurs at night; all day they rest quietly and sleep soundly. Towards evening, the hamsters begin to rustle, rustle and in every possible way remind of their existence. Sometimes they disturb their owners' sleep at night. For this reason, it is better to move the cage away from the sleeping area so that the animal cannot be heard.

Communication

Communication with a hamster will be of a specific nature: he does not like long sittings in your arms, preferring unobtrusive attention in the form of short strokes on the fur. If a child is not inclined to constantly communicate with an animal, it is better to get a hamster than a guinea pig.

Cell

The animal's cage should be located in a quiet place, avoiding the proximity of heating devices, open sun and drafts. can be medium in size with a special house. Like a guinea pig, a hamster needs shelter and a private place to sleep. By the way, the house needs to be cleaned regularly, since the hamster tends to stockpile food.

Necessary accessories in the cage

It is necessary to install a running wheel on the territory of the cage so that the animal has the opportunity to lead an active life. The water in the drinking bowl needs to be changed regularly, the feeders should be filled with grain food, periodically feeding the pet with fruit and vegetable desserts, and sometimes meat. A special kind of bedding or sawdust is suitable, but wood will not protect the house from the smell.

Hamsters tend to identify the bathroom in the cage, so after cleaning, you need to provide him with several paper napkins so that he can build one. If you decide to get a hamster, you will need to clean the sanitary area every 3 days, and carry out general cleaning once a week.

Nutrition

Since the rodent sleeps during the day, it needs to be fed in the evening. during the day, strictly observing that there are always grains in the feeder. Every day the animal should be treated to lettuce leaves, carrots or banana slices. requires attention, since there are products that will not benefit the health of the rodent. When in doubt, it is better to make sure that the treat is acceptable in order to avoid unpleasant consequences.

It is important that the cage contains fresh branches of fruit trees such as apple, pear or rowan so that the hamster can grind down its teeth and claws. Before offering cut branches to the rodent, they must be thoroughly washed and dried. When caring for a hamster, you should regularly inspect its possessions for supplies. Hidden food often spoils, exposing the animal to food poisoning.

Pros of a hamster

About the benefits of hamsters:

do not require much attention;
do not take up much space;
ease of care;
low cost.

A hamster will be good company for a calm schoolchild who will not impose his communication on the animal, content with observing the life of a funny rodent. Despite the hamster's isolation, you can always try teaching him to sit on his master's shoulder.

What is the difference between a hamster and a guinea pig?

Despite belonging to the same order and almost equally popular for home breeding, these animals have a number of fundamental differences:

size is the first difference that immediately catches your eye. Compared even to the Syrian hamster (the largest breed of domestic hamster), the guinea pig looks much larger ;
lifestyle is the most important difference and often plays a decisive role when choosing a pet. The fact is that hamsters are nocturnal inhabitants, so you can only observe their active period of life in the late evening or at night, since small rodents sleep most of the day. Guinea pigs are more active during the day and rest at night . This is not to say that pigs sleep all night. Their sleeping style is very interesting - due to their increased fearfulness, pigs sleep for 10-15 minutes several times a day;

Nutrition - there is a difference both in the amount of food consumed and in the diet itself. A hamster needs much less food than a pig. You should feed him once a day, in the late afternoon, and regularly pamper him with cheese, lettuce leaves, meat or slices of bananas. Unlike hamsters, guinea pigs should not be given meat, cheese or potatoes. The pig should be given food 2 times a day - morning and evening. The main delicacy for pigs is fresh cucumber, sweet pepper and apple. A general rule for both rodents: there should be branches of fruit trees in the cage so that the pets can grind down their teeth

life expectancy - rodents have a significant difference in this criterion. Guinea pigs live much longer: their average lifespan with proper care is 5-7 years. Hamsters rarely live past three years;
learning ability - in this case, guinea pigs have an advantage. These animals are easy to train, so if desired, pigs can be trained to perform tricks of varying degrees of complexity. A trained pig can recognize its owner, follow him, roll a small ball with its muzzle, and also stand on its hind legs ;
home - the difference is in the size of the cage, as well as its contents. A guinea pig needs a spacious cage in which it can lead an active lifestyle, since inactivity often leads to obesity. The cage should have a house or hammock in which the pig can sleep or hide. It is not necessary for a hamster to purchase a spacious cage; the main condition is the presence of various labyrinths and a running wheel in the cage. Like a guinea pig, a hamster needs a place to sleep and hide. It is important that the hamster’s house needs to be cleaned regularly, because this thrifty animal tends to carry and hide food that can quickly spoil;
walk: you should not let your hamster out for a walk around the house - he will definitely be attracted to some hard-to-reach place that will vaguely remind him of a hole. Getting the baby out of there will be a real challenge, so you need to let the hamster go for a walk only in a special ball, which can be purchased at a pet store. With a guinea pig, things are much simpler - you can and even need to let him go for a walk . Catching it will not be difficult due to its large size and slowness.

Children under 3 years old should not have a pet at all.

Making a choice

Land animals are almost identical in the basic rules of care and nutrition. The difference is found only in character and abilities. The guinea pig is a fairly intelligent rodent that is easy to train. With a hamster it will be more difficult in this regard. Another important point in how a hamster differs from a guinea pig is that the pig lives longer. With good care, she can live up to 6 years, while hamsters begin to age at the age of 1 year, and at the turn of 2-3 years the animal dies.

It is common for all children to want to have a pet with whom they can play or watch the antics of the animal, having fun in its company. If your baby likes to cuddle animals, the guinea pig will be very happy to have an affectionate owner. Hamsters prefer peace and freedom, so school-age children will be an ideal owner for them.

Best pet for a child: hamster or guinea pig?
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