Mice

Well, ever since I saw some young mice at a pet store (for very cheap) I have wanted one. I already have a small rodent cage and an '"igloo" so I hope I can get one soon. At first Mom said "No." she didn't want a mouse escaping in our house, but I have some friends who raise mice in their garage, so we'll see.

Mice don't need all that much equipment. To keep mice you'll need: a cage (duh), a water bottle, mouse/rat food, food bowl, bedding (homemade bedding, torn Kleenex, or some sort of store bought paper bedding), ball and wheel. This does not cost much. You can save money buying a mouse bred as a feeder.

Mice are smart! Some owners have taught their mice to come, stand, or spin on command!

Probably the biggest problem with mice is that they don't live long. If you buy a young mouse a "hopper" you can expect it to live between 1 and 2 years. They do not live long at all!

Altogether, mice are pretty good pets.

Most popular small animal names

Again, I don't know how old this list is, but the names still are popular.

1. Bandit
2. Gizmo
3. Thumper
4. Daisy
5. Smokey
6. Baby
7. Nibbles/ Nibbler
8. Oreo
9. Flower
10. Peanut 

And, yes, I'm none with "most popular pet names"!

What Small Animal Should You Get? Test

If you honestly answer these questions, you will know what rodent or other small mammal you should get. At the end of the test add up all the points to get your result.

1. How much time do you have for a pet per day? 
 A. 15-30 minutes (10 points)
 B. 30 minutes- 1 hour (20)
 C. Over 1 hour (30)


2. How much can you afford to spend on your pet when you get it?

 A. Under $30 (10)
 B. $30- $75  (20)
 C.  Over $75 (30)

3.  What size of a cage can you have?

A. Small enough to fit on a dresser or desk (15)
B. As big as it takes (30)


4. Will the pet live indoors?

A. Yes (15)
B. No (30)

5. How cuddly do you want your pet to be?

A. Cuddliness doesn't matter as long as it's tame enough to pick up (10)
B.  I want to be able to hold it easily (20)
C. I want it to big enough to sit in my lap for petting (30)


6. How will you exercise the pet?

A. Let it run around in a ball (10)
B. Let it run around free in a safe enclosed area (20)
C. Let it explore the house and/or fenced in yard or run or go for a walk on a leash (30)



If your score is under 80 get a.. hamster, gerbil, or mouse
If your score is between 80- 140 get a... rat, guinea pig, or dwarf rabbit
If your score is  over 140 get a... larger rabbit, ferret, or chinchilla
  



     

Exercize and Attention for Your Rodent, Rabbit, or Ferret.

Even though these animals may be rather small, they still need plenty of exercise! Since all of these animals are different, here are their basic requirements of time spent out of the cage.

Hamster, gerbil, mouse, rat: A half hour run outside the cage daily will be enough for these small creatures. Handle them every day or else they may lose their tameness. Be very careful not to let them escape! It is better to let them run in a ball around the house instead of letting them run free.

Guinea pig, rabbit: If possible, give a guinea pig or rabbit at least an hour of time outside of its cage. They love to be held and petted. They can go outside if the weather is right. They love to graze in a yard. Outdoors, a guinea pig or rabbit must be watched at all times, or else use a run. 

Chinchilla: At least half an hour of time outside of their cage. They also need attention and petting! They can only go outside in very mild weather.

Ferret: Ferrets should have an hour to run around each day, preferably more. They need lots of attention too. Never let a ferret outside of the house with out a leash on!