Fun Facts about Pocket Pets!

Pocket Pet is the term used to describe small pets such as Hamsters, Gerbils, Guinea pigs and Rabbits. They are cute and inexpensive, so this makes them a very common pet. They are especially popular with children!

Hamsters

Hamsters should be housed in a container high enough to prevent their climbing out, and not composed of material through which they can chew, such as wood, plastics and some soft metals. An open glass aquarium may be used if bedding is properly utilized such as pine shavings or shredded newspaper. Hamsters may store food in the cage and are not tidy by any means! They require consistent cleaning, fresh food and water at least twice weekly - sometimes even more! Diet should consist primarily of pelleted food for Hamsters. They enjoy yogurt treats and various sesame seed snacks. Hamsters can be fun loving pets as long as they are handled with extreme care and can trust the human who is responsible for them. Hamsters are nocturnal in nature and will require a safe housing area at night so they can run and exercise. A Hamster's lifespan is commonly 18-24 months.

Gerbils

Gerbils are a burrowing rodent — some are curious and some can be aggressive — most are very clean, producing very little odor or waste. They can tolerate relatively higher ambient temperatures than guinea pigs and Hamsters. Gerbils like to have a hiding place within their cage and require deep bedding such as wood shavings or shredded newspapers — they require cleaning at least twice weekly The primary component of a Gerbil's diet should be pelleted food for Gerbils — supplements that can be offered include diced fresh fruits and vegetables, alfalfa or grass hay. A gerbil's lifespan is approximately 3 years

Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs or cavies can be found living in the wild in the Andes Mountains of South America. In the United States variations of these breeds are found. Guinea pigs are naturally tailless. Their teeth erupt therefore need objects to chew on to prevent overgrowth of their teeth. Guinea pigs rarely bite or show aggression unless they are stressed or frightened. They tend to be messy pets as the love to scatter their food & bed. Pine shavings and shredded paper are the best bedding material. The enclosure should be cleaned at least twice weekly. Like humans, Guinea pigs have a need for dietary Vitamin C. Guinea pig pellets supplemented with fresh leafy green dandelion greens, fruits and vegetables are most suitable for these pets. A Guinea pigs life span is approximately 5 years

Rabbits

Domesticated Rabbits can be gentle and affectionate pets! They should be housed indoors or outside. They should be provided with a cage three times their length and high enough for them to sit up naturally. Rabbits are born chewers and need appropriate toys and chewable items available to maintain their teeth. Solid flooring with bedding is preferred for their cage or hutch Cleaning care should be done at least once weekly. A Rabbit's diet should include high amounts of roughage as they are born herbivores — plant eaters. They should have an unlimited supply of grass and hay with leafy greens daily — they love apples pears peaches and oranges. A Rabbit's life span is approximately 7-10 years