After many months of begging, we finally caved and decided to get my son a hamster!
But before we took the plunge, I did a little research online and found some interesting information on choosing a pet rodent on www.avma.org that I’d like to share with other parents looking at adding a pet rodent to their family.
It is natural to be drawn to a cute little animal on first sight, but you need to consider which type of rodent might be a good fit for your family.
Before acquiring your new pet, make sure you understand his or her housing, social and environmental needs, activity patterns, potential odours and sounds, and any other factors that might be challenging for your household.
Rodents and children
Rodents are often kept as pets for young children. Although children should be involved in caring for a pet, it is unrealistic to expect them to be solely responsible. An adult must be willing, able, and available to supervise. While they are small and generally tractable, rodents can cause injuries from scratching or biting.
Rodents can be very sensitive to being handled roughly or dropped, and they may learn to avoid or resist handling if not treated with care and consideration. When you first acquire a rodent, it may not be “gentled” (accustomed to being handled). Children should not handle a rodent until an adult has ensured that the animal will tolerate normal interactions and handling calmly.
Additional tips on caring for your pet rodent
• Bedding is an important part of caring for your pet. To prevent cage odours, use absorbent bedding and change it regularly.
• Rodents should always be handled with calm, slow movements. A safe “retreat” area should be provided in their cage.
• For your pet’s supervised time outside of its cage, create a safe, cleanable roaming area on a desk or by using a large container. Leashes may be used with larger rodents.
When you acquire a pet
When you acquire a pet, you accept responsibility for the health and welfare of another living thing. You are also responsible for your pet’s impact on your family, friends, and community. A pet will be part of your life for many years. Invest the time and effort necessary to make your years together happy ones. When you choose a pet, you are promising to care for it for its entire life. Choose wisely, keep your promise, and enjoy one of life’s most rewarding experiences!
Written by Sarah Mackintosh