Pets can provide excellent companionship and comfort. Not to mention, the health benefits of having a pet are very well established. Pet owners reportedly have higher self-esteem and fewer feelings of isolation, as well as physical health benefits, including lower heart rate and blood pressure.
However, you may not be up to the challenges and obligations that come with owning a dog or cat. If this is the case, don’t forget that you can always choose to get a tinier-sized pet!
These recommendations will help you select the right small pet based on personality and the level of care required to make investments and ensure its pet health, from pet birds and rabbits to ferrets and pet rodents.
Is Owning a Rabbit the Right Option for You?
Perks:
- Rabbits are sociable and friendly creatures that thrive in human company.
- They live between seven to 10 years, making them one of the most longstanding small pets.
Downsides:
- Companion rabbits should not be housed in an outside coop, cellar, or shed. You’ll need to make investments in a big cage with a lot of space.
- Rabbits must be handled and cared for on a regular basis in order to become socialized. Pet your rabbit routinely and let it out of its cage for at least an hour.
- Rabbits’ digestive systems are delicate, so they require a diverse diet that includes fresh vegetables.
- Rabbits are shy animals that need a calm atmosphere, and the sudden movements of excited children can startle and stress them.
Have a Look at Guinea Pigs!
Perks:
- Guinea pigs are the sweetest and friendliest of all pet rodents.
- Guinea pigs have a longer degree of lifespan than hamsters, ranging from five to seven years.
- Guinea pigs should be housed in an open-topped pen rather than a cage, so they are less likely to attempt to escape by climbing out.
Downsides:
- Guinea pigs have long fur that needs to be groomed regularly.
- Since they are herd animals, you can have at least two guinea pigs to keep them company.
- Guinea pigs, including hamsters, can bear salmonella and other diseases.
Consider a Hamster’s Routine.
Perks:
- Hamsters, to their credit, are a form of pet rodent that is cuddly, sweet, and inquisitive.
- Hamsters can entertain themselves. You will, however, need to provide them with a range of toys to keep them occupied.
- Since hamsters are solitary animals, you just need to purchase one.
Downsides:
- Hamsters are nocturnal and will sleep for the majority of the time you are alive. They could also rattle around in your room as you sleep.
- Hamsters must be treated carefully to avoid biting. Children under the age of eight can lack the necessary motor skills to handle a hamster properly.
- Since hamsters can spread a degree of diseases like salmonella, it’s essential to wash your hands after handling them.
- Hamsters only live for two and a half to three years.
Try Adopting a Chinchilla
Perks:
- Chinchillas are small rodents with soft fur, big ears, and bushy tails that make excellent pets.
- Chinchillas have a lifespan of five to ten years.
- Chinchillas are solitary.
- They are generally odorless and sterile, as well as human-friendly.
Downsides:
- Chinchillas are easily startled and need to be handled with caution. Also, rough handling can cause patches of fur to come loose and fall off.
- Chinchillas need to be dust bathed once or twice a week to stay safe. Your chinchilla should be able to roll around in the ashes, which is customarily powdered volcanic ash. Better start making investments!
- Chinchillas can grow to be very large and difficult to handle.
Have a Good Time with Ferrets.
Perks:
- Ferrets are entertaining pets with boundless enthusiasm and a playful personality.
- Ferrets have an average lifespan of eight to 10 years.
- Ferrets may become very cuddly as they get older, typically about the age of three.
Downsides:
- Because of their credited inquisitive nature, you will need to “ferret-proof” your home and supervise them while they are out of their cage.
- Ferrets can be very stinky, as their fur has a musky odor to it.
- Ferrets must be handled with care, as they will bite if offended or hurt.
Become Familiar with Gerbils
Perks:
- Gerbils are clean rodents.
- Gerbils are self-sufficient and can keep themselves occupied for long periods of time.
- Gerbils, unlike hamsters, are not nocturnal. They’ll be up when you are.
Downsides:
- Gerbils are tinier than mice and can escape from wire cages. To keep them, you’ll need to make an investment in an aquarium.
- Your gerbil’s tank would need to be cleaned often. They transmit highly concentrated urine that can have a heavy odor as desert animals.
- Gerbils live for three to four years, so you will need to explain the concept of death early on if you have a small child.
Allow a Bird to Bring Joy to Your Life.
Perks:
- Pet birds are bright additions to any home, and their tweeting and chirping might be appealing to you.
- Many different types of birds have been bred specifically for human ownership and have adapted well to life in the home. Finches, cockatiels, canaries, parakeets, and lovebirds are among them.
Downsides:
- Many wild birds, such as toucans and parrots, are best left alone and will not thrive in captivity. They are also noisy and destructive.
- Since most birds are flock animals, you can buy two of each species if you want them to live a happy life.
There are numerous pet options available, especially if you prefer to welcome a small animal into your home. Be sure to weigh the pros and cons of each before you decide!
Photo Credits:
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