7 Small Pets that Could Work for You

You don’t have to own a pet, but you want to reap the benefits of pet ownership. These seven small pets could be the best option for you.

The health benefits of having a pet can be immense. They provide companionship and comfort. Pet owners experience increased self-esteem and reduced loneliness and may even enjoy physical health benefits like a lower heart rate or blood pressure.

Maybe you don’t want to take on the responsibility of owning a cat or dog. You don’t have to give up on small pets if that is the case. These guidelines will help you select the right small pet for your needs.

Are You a Rabbit?

Rabbits are friendly and social animals that can easily adapt to human companionship.

They live between 7 and 10 years, one of their longest life expectancies.

Children love their soft fur, wiggly noses, and floppy ears.

Companionship rabbits should not be kept outside, in a coop, basement, or garage. A large cage is necessary.

To socialize rabbits, they need to be handled daily. Your rabbit should be pampered daily and taken out of its cage at least once daily.

Rabbits require a varied diet, which includes fresh vegetables.

Rabbits and children are not compatible. Rabbits are very sensitive and need to be kept in a calm environment. Children who move quickly and get excited can cause stress.

Let a Bird Brighten Your Life

Pet birds make a beautiful addition to any home. Their tweeting and chirping can be quite charming.

You can keep your pet birds in one part of your home, so they don’t get lost.

Many species of birds have been carefully bred to adapt to domestic life. These include lovebirds, parakeets, canaries, finches, and cockatiels.

Wild birds such as parrots and toucans belong in the wild, and they will not be happy in domestic life. They can be destructive and loud.

Most birds are flock animals, so you should buy two if you want them to live happy lives.

The cage should allow the bird to spread its wings and fly freely. The cage must be cleaned frequently.

Keep a Hamster’s Schedule in Mind

Hamsters make great pet rodents because they are cuddly and friendly.

Hamsters can be independent and entertain themselves, so they don’t need as much attention as other small pets. You will still need to give them a wide variety of toys.

Hamsters can be kept alone, so purchasing one is unnecessary.

Hamsters sleep at night and are not awake as much as you are. You may hear them rattling at night while you sleep.

Hamsters can bite if they are not handled with care. Children younger than 8 might not have the proper motor skills to handle hamsters.

Hamsters can be infected with diseases such as salmonella. It would help if you washed your hands after handling them.

Hamsters live between 2.5 and 3 years. If you buy one for your child, be ready to explain the death.

Have Fun with Ferrets

Ferrets make engaging pets and have boundless energy.

Ferrets live a long time, between 8 and 10 years.

As they age, ferrets may become cuddly and affectionate. This is usually around 3 years old.

Cons:

Ferrets can be dangerous, and you must supervise them outside their cage.

A ferret should never be kept in a cage for too long. When you’re home, they should be out with you.

Ferrets are known for their musky fur, making them quite smelly.

Ferrets need gentle handling. They can bite if threatened.

Have a look at the Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs are the most social and sweetest pet rodents.

Guinea pigs can live up to seven years longer than hamsters and five to seven years longer.

Guinea pigs should be kept in an open-topped pen rather than a cage. This is because they are less likely to try to escape and climb out of the pen.

Cons:

Guinea pigs are known for their long hair, which must be trimmed.

They are herd animals, so you should have at least two guineapigs to ensure companionship.

Regular cleaning of the pen is necessary for your Guinea Pig.

Guinea pigs are similar to hamsters because they carry salmonella and other diseases.

Select a Chinchilla

Chinchillas make adorable pets with soft fur, long ears and bushy tails.

Chinchillas can live for between 5 and 10 years.

Chinchillas are solitary creatures and don’t need companionship.

They are friendly and clean, with no odors.

Cons:

Chinchillas are easy to startle and should be treated with care. It would help if you were careful not to let loose or slip your fur patches.

To maintain their health, chinchillas must be given a dust bath once or twice weekly. The dust, usually volcanic ash powder, must be deep enough for your chinchilla to roll in.

Chinchillas are large and difficult to handle.

Get to know Gerbils

Gerbils are generally very clean pet rodents.

Gerbils can be independent and keep themselves entertained for long periods.

Gerbils, unlike hamsters and mice, are not nocturnal. They will rise when you are up.

Cons:

Gerbils are smaller than other animals and will often escape wire cages. An aquarium is required to keep them.

Gerbils can bite, just like other rodents.

Regular cleaning of your gerbil’s aquarium is necessary. They are desert animals and tend to produce a lot of urine, which can cause strong odors.

Gerbils can live up to 3-4 years. You might have to explain their death if you have a young baby.

Many pet options are available, particularly if you feel more comfortable welcoming a small pet to your home.