Rodents make up the largest group of mammals, and they all share one feature: a pair of front teeth that keep growing throughout life. Gnawing on seeds, roots and wood keeps those teeth worn down. The group ranges from the tiny harvest mouse, which weaves nests among stalks of grass, to the capybara of South America, the biggest rodent in the world. Prairie dogs live in huge underground towns, while gophers and pack rats are expert diggers and collectors.
Many rodents are also popular, gentle pets. Here you can read care guides for hamsters, gerbils and chinchillas, find advice on choosing pet rat cages, and explore profiles of wild species from deer mice to agoutis.
Quick answer: Chinchillas survive in the wild by living in rocky burrows and crevices in the high, dry Andes Mountains of South America. Their extremely dense fur keeps them warm and protects against predators and parasites, and they escape danger by leaping and running over rocks. Chinchillas are renowned for their captivating charm and ultra-soft…
Quick answer: Hamsters are omnivores that eat mainly a commercial hamster seed and pellet mix, supplemented with small amounts of fresh vegetables, occasional fruit and sometimes protein like mealworms. Always provide fresh water, and avoid sugary, salty or toxic foods like chocolate and onion. Hamsters are charming, tiny rodents that make wonderful pets. If you…
Quick answer: Pet hamsters do not usually hibernate, but they can enter torpor, a short, deep, sleep-like state, if temperatures drop low, typically below about 5 degrees C (41 F). Keep them in a warm room, as torpor can be dangerous. Hamsters are amazing animals that have gained popularity as pets all around the world….
The Dumbo rat can be a good choice if you’re trying to expand your furry family with a distinctive and endearing pet. This specific rat kind is distinguished by its large, enormous ears, which lie low on its head and give it a cute, almost comical appearance. But don’t let their appearance fool you –…
Scientific Classification & Quick Facts Name Fancy rat Breed of Brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) Kingdom Animalia Phylum Chordata Class Mammalia Order Rodentia Family Muridae Type Domesticated pet brown rat Diet Omnivore: eats almost anything, including fruit and vegetables Size Body 6-11 in; tail 7-9 in Weight 6-18 oz; some males up to 2 lb Lifespan…
Best Physical Activities Promote Fitness, Good Health And Pet Rat Life Expectancy Rats are wonderful pets despite the fact that they earned a very bad reputation for the havoc they wreaked at the time of the bubonic plague. The average life span of a rat being approximately 2 to 3 years, makes them excellent pets…
A good cage is the most important thing you can buy for a pet rat, because it is your rat’s bedroom, kitchen and playground all in one. Pet rats are smart, curious and active, so they need a roomy, safe, well-ventilated home with plenty of things to climb and explore. Why Rats Need a Good…
It is a great experience to know about the variety of pet rat types in the market today. It is a revelation for us to learn about the diverse varieties that we never knew about. The collectors have been speculating on the types of theserat varieties that have intrigued hobbyists over the years. Currently, the…
Scientific Classification & Quick Facts Common name Prairie dog Scientific name Cynomys Kingdom Animalia Phylum Chordata Class Mammalia Order Rodentia Family Sciuridae Type Burrowing rodent (squirrel family) Diet Herbivore: grass hay and vegetables Habitat Grasslands at 2,000-10,000 ft altitude Size 30-40 cm (12-16 in) including tail Weight 0.5-1.5 kg (1-3 lb) Special feature Lives in…
The guinea pig, also called a cavy, is a small, friendly rodent that has become one of the world’s favorite family pets. Despite its name, it is not a pig and does not come from Guinea; it comes from South America. Guinea pigs are gentle and chatty, but they need the right food, space, and…
Scientific Classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Rodentia Superfamily: Muroidea Family: Muridae Subfamily: Gerbillinae Quick Facts Common name Gerbil Scientific name Gerbillinae Type Small desert rodent Diet Vegetables and fruit such as carrots and apples Habitat Dry lands; underground tunnels up to 3 m long Native range India, Africa and Asia Size 6-12…
Rodents are small to medium-sized mammals with big front teeth that never stop growing, and many of them make wonderful pets. Some, like rats and guinea pigs, are perfect for families, while others are unusual animals that only experienced keepers should look after. Here is a guide to the most popular rodent pets and what…