Rodent & Rats & Mice

This FAQ section offers answers to frequently asked questions, as well as tips and suggestions on caring for your exotic pet.

Fancy Mice, Fancy Rats, and other Pet Rodents

Due to space limitations, time concerns, and financial limitations, more people are turning to Small Pet Rodents as the choice for a pet.  Pet Rodents are selectively bred for temperament and should not be confused with mass produced prey animals.  As with all pet animals a good breeder is vital.  If you are considering an animal from a pet store be sure to ask for and purchase only pet animals.  Most stores and breeders will have socialized young animals available so take your time and choose the animal that is alert with clear eyes, clean fur, no discharge from nose, eyes, or anal vent, and avoid animals that are constantly sneezing.

HOUSING

Small Pet Rodents can be housed in a variety of cages from an aquarium to a wire cage.  The main concerns in housing involve security- keeping your pet in the cage while keeping intruders (curious children, other pets) out.  Cages must provide good ventilation but must also be able to be kept out of drafts.  If using a wire cage be sure your pet can not escape and be sure there are some “flat” areas where your pet can get off the wire and rest his feet.  There are several good beddings on the market (i.e. Brisky Pet Products B-Dry Litter) just avoid Cedar as the oils can be harmful to your pet.

FEEDING

As with any animal, proper nutrition is essential to good health.  All too often Small Pet Rodents are fed improper mixes ranging from left over bird seed to table scraps.  To avoid nutrition related problems, be sure to feed a good commercially prepared diet (such as Brisky Pet Products Rats and Mice, or Robust Rodent, or Rodent Blox).  Limit treat intake to less than 10% of your pet’s diet as obesity is very harmful or even fatal in small creatures.

OTHER CONCERNS

Your Small Pet Rodent tends to be clean and should not require bathing.  These animals should never be left alone with other pets as even the best behaved pet can’t resist “playing with” the small squeaky toy.  Veterinarian care is usually minimal, and may only be needed to have your pet spayed or neutered (unless you plan to breed them).  Generally two fixed same species animals can be housed together without much difficulty.  Keep in mind that un-neutered males will have a tendency to fight and un-spayed females run a high risk of problems if not bred.  Unfortunately Small Pet Rodents don’t have a long lifespan (usually about 2 to 3 years) but with better diet and better breeding practices this is changing.