If you’ve heard the term ‘pocket pet,’ you may have guessed what it meant, and probably guessed correctly—a pet so small, you can carry it in your pocket. These tiny little pets have become so popular that today, they can be found in more than four million homes in the United States.
The most common pocket pets are hamsters, gerbils, mice, rats and guinea pigs; however, a number of households also own more exotic species such as sugar gilders, chinchillas, flying squirrels and hedgehogs.
Many of these animals were bred as domestic pets just recently. In earlier years, such tiny creatures were regarded as nuisances and not welcomed in homes at all. If they were discovered on someone’s property, people got rid of them if they could, believing all rodents carried diseases and threatened crops. However, times have changed and now these little creatures are now dubbed ‘pocket pets’ and are prized and loved by many pet owners.
Hamsters and Gerbils are the Most Popular
Hamsters and gerbils are the most common pocket pets by far, and the popularity of hamsters can be traced to the 1930s and gerbils to the 1960s. Pet hamsters are usually Syrian, Russian or Chinese in origin. Russian and Chinese hamsters thrive in groups—preferably those of the same sex—while solitude works best for Syrian hamsters.
Regardless of origin, hamsters always need something to chew on to keep their teeth—which are constantly growing—at a healthy length. Hamster cages or tanks are recommended for these little pets since hamsters can squeeze their way through the cage bars that hold most pets. A good diet for hamsters is commercial hamster food plus some fruits and vegetables. Don’t forget that hamsters love playing on exercise wheels and in cardboard tubes and so you should make sure to provide these for him or her.
Gerbils like mingling, which means you should try to keep them in groups of the same sex. A tank with deep sawdust and tubes and branches to keep them entertained are definitely a must-have. Like hamsters, gerbils require daily servings of commercial food plus fruits and vegetables.
Mice Have Recently Become a Favorite Pet of Humans
Mice are tiny and cute but it’s their unique personality and trainability in particular that have endeared them to humans. Highly sociable, these little rodents are best grouped with others of the same sex.
Cages should have bars that are not too wide apart; otherwise, the mice might escape by squeezing through the bars of normal pet cages. You may also want to add tunnels, as climbing and burrowing are among their favorite pastimes.
In spite of all the cartoons about mice, cheese and other dairy products are bad for them and they don’t usually like cheese anyway. Their diet should generally be a combination of commercial mouse food and fresh and washed fruits and vegetables.
Rats Make Fun Pets
Rats are very intelligent, affectionate and a whole lot of fun. They like being handled and require human contact from an early age. Keeping them in same-sex groups is the easiest way to avoid unwanted litters. Rats need cages with suitable-sized wire, wood shavings at the base, and a nest box with shredded paper bedding. Also, the cage must be placed away from drafts and direct sunlight.
Rats love to eat a combination of grains, vegetables and fruit in small-size servings. Treats are always welcome, but only in moderation to ensure your rats won’t grow obese. Don’t forget that rats need daily exercise, too.
There are other pocket pets that are much less common, and each type of pocket pet has a unique set of care requirements. Every owner must do his homework before taking on the big responsibility of caring for these lovable little pets.
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