Caring For Small Pets and Animals

Imagine a giant hand coming out of the sky and scooping you up!

That is what the world looks and feels like to small pets. The smaller the animal, the larger the world around them. Even the tallest dogs only have a sight line of a couple of feet off the ground.

Let small pets get to know your scent before handling. Let them come to you instead of backing an animal into a corner.

To pick up a small pet, a hamster for instance, place your hand flat on the cage floor. If the hamster knows you it will climb right onto your palm for a lift. If not and time is an issue, gently scoop the small pet up from underneath.

If it's a new pet in a cage, scoop up some litter under the animal. Let your fingers open slightly as you lift the pet out and the litter will fall back into the cage.

Always monitor small children with small pets.

The guinea pig is a wonderful pet for the quiet child or adult. Guinea pigs exude calm most of the time with a few fun flurries of activity.

It's not to say that guinea pigs are lazy. Quite the contrary, these small animals will explore any area they are allowed. They just quietly go about their business. Keep this quiet pet safe by using a surround fence when it is out of it's cage.

Guinea pigs do make some noises. They squeak or chirp or whistle. It's an high pitched sound that means something is exciting them. It can also signal danger, so help your pet immediately if it sounds the warning when you aren't looking. When relaxing on it's owner's lap, a guinea pig makes sounds like short purrs. This is the favorite time for most pet guinea pigs.

For information on guinea pig diets check out:

What Guinea Pigs Can and Cannot Eat

When looking for a new pet, most people consider the usual suspects: hamsters, gerbils, bunnies, cats and dogs. There are some other small animals that make great pets for those with limited space.
Chinchilla
The chinchilla is the softest animal in the world. One touch of this small animal and you will be a believer! The most common is the gray or silver variety, though color variations are becoming more popular. These are extremely social and easy to care for small animals. Pet chinchillas can be housed in a rabbit hutch and allowed to roam the home freely or in a large exercise ball (I like this for animal and home safety!)

Sugar Gliders
Sugar Gliders are slightly more expensive to purchase, but after the initial cost the cost is in line with other small animals. Sugar Gliders require a large cage with 1/4 inch bar spacing. They also require a special diet which may cost more than other pets'. The initial cost of the gliders is higher and they must be kept in pairs or the animal will be to stressed to thrive.

For more information on sugar gliders check out:
The Exotic Sugar Glider


Degu
The degu is actually one of the easiest and most fun small animal to keep as a pet. Relatively inexpensive to purchase, Degus must also be kept in mating pairs or a family unit. After the initial cost of the cage and set up, a Degu family will keep humans entertained better than television! These are also extremely clean small animals to keep as pets. Other than the antics going on in a Degu cage at any given time, most people will never know you own a pet.

For more information on Degus check out:
Pet Degu Care

So before you run out to buy a puppy or kitten, consider some alternative animals. Chinchillas, Sugar Gliders and Degus all make wonderful pets for families.