Rabbits , guinea pigs , mice , etc. They will not need to go out every day nor will they demand that we invest large amounts of money for their care, but they will demand that certain basic needs be covered and you will be the one who should do it.
Which small mammal should you adopt?Remember that a small mammal is not a dog or a cat, it does not show their affection like them, but of course it has other advantages that can make you choose this pet.
Before going to a specialized store or a protector, you should ask yourself the following details:
How much time do I have to dedicate to it?Each species will require a certain period of attention. When we have the illusion of acquiring a new member for our family we are sure that we will be able to give it the time it needs but we must think that this will not be a single day and that many times we will have to take time away from another activity to dedicate it to him or her.
If we talk about small mammals, they will all need more or less the same hours. Although going into more detail, a rabbit will require more time than, for example, a gerbil.
How much space am I willing to give you?It seems somewhat selfish to ask this question but another being is going to come to our house that is going to take space from us. Depending on the physiological and behavioral needs of the animal, it will need more or less space. That is, a rabbit will need to get out of its cage and run around your house, the guinea pig cleans itself but there are other animals that do not, the mouse will need a cage of certain dimensions, the excrement of some will be worse than others … Sorry, it is So.
The customs, genetics, and communication needs of each species will be the factors you have to think about.
The first detail to calculate is where you will leave your house. The cages of larger animals may cause you a headache before choosing their final place, you will even have to think about rearranging some objects in your home.
How much money will your support cost me?The budget we need is much lower than that required by dogs and cats, but we must not forget that they need us to buy certain things. Even if they eat less or need to go less frequently to the vet, they will continue to require it and, with which,they will be an expense. Always keep it in mind and do not try to save on your health.
Does it fit with our lifestyle?Normally we should not change our way of life due to the arrival of a pet at home. Think about yourhobbies, your work time, your vacations …
If you think that it would change the activities that you are used to doing and that you do not want to do without, think about it before acquiring a pet, even a small mammal.
Does the whole family agree?The decision to bring a new being home has to be accepted by everyone, because when the animal is at home, everyone at some point will have to take personal care of the animal. If one of the people living in the house disagrees and gives in for the group, arguments will often arise over the animal.
We are thinking about the idea that one of the parents does not want to have a pet, but the other and the children skip their wish and adopt one. The fights may arise because in the end it is up to that person to take care of the animal at some point.
The option, not so desirable, is that the pet is acquired but accepting that this individual will not have any responsibility for the furry one.
Have you consulted a professional?Any of the above tips may be explained to you by a professional, in greater detail and in a personal way. Trust the advice of aveterinary, specialist in small mammals or theassociation volunteersin which you are going to rescue an animal.
To lay a well-founded foundation on the care of a rabbit, gerbil or guinea pig, consult at least one of these professionals before incorporating him into your home.
Observe that your future rabbit or hamster is in good condition
After asking ourselves all these questions, the important step is taken: choosing my pet.
Choose the store or shelter with the best references and in which they take proper care of their rodents. To check that the furry ones are healthy and enjoy good conditions, keep in mind:
• That they are not overcrowded.
• That there is no bad smell or dirt in the space in which they live.
• That your eyes are open, clean and moist.
• That your nose does not have any substance around it, which would be a sign of a disease, and you breathe normally.
• That the bum and the hind legs are clean of excrement, if not the
• That does not have wounds or bald spots.
• That your gut is not inflamed and when squeezing it there is no pain
• That the daytime furry are awake and attentive, that means that they maintain full faculties.
• That your teeth do not come out of your mouth.
