Choose a Small Pet

By Ginny Morris When choosing a small pet, consider how much time you have to dedicate to the upkeep of your new companion. Many small mammals are physically easy to care for (1)_____.

A lower-maintenance small pet is the fancy rat, which lives about 3 years. Rodents are very social and it’s good to get a pair at a time; just make sure they are the same gender! Rats need grains and meat protein, which can be provided with dry dog food or mealworms. Domestic rats usually aren’t aggressive; (2)_____.

Rabbits are also gentle and low-maintenance but they can live at least 10 years, (3)_____. Rabbits generally eat pellets and plenty of green vegetables; they will also eat hay. They like to be held but shouldn’t be handled too much the first few days after purchasing, in order to adjust. Rabbits need plenty of out-of-cage exercise; many pet stores carry rabbit leashes, (4)_____.

Even small mammals need plenty of space. For any small mammal, choose a cage with a solid bottom rather than a wire one, to prevent injuries to the paws. A rabbit needs a cage or hutch of at least 1 ½ feet wide by 2 ½ feet long, by 2 feet deep. Rabbits can be kept outside but make sure their hutch is well-sheltered. Small mammals need bedding for their homes; shredded paper or paper towels work best. Wood shavings work as well, (5)_____. Bedding needs to be changed about 3 times a week.

When choosing a small pet always be sure to look for alert, bright-eyed animals with smooth coats; (6)_____, that’s a good sign too.