Except for being the cutest creatures to have around the house, little mammals are also the best pets if you lack space or want a small critter in the house. Rabbits, mice, guinea pigs, hamsters, and hedgehogs are amongst a few popular small mammals in India.
The most important thing about having them as a pet is strict precautions need to be maintained to give them a safe stress free life.
Here’s a gist of what you need to do when bringing home a little champ:
- Enclosure: Pick a large enough enclosure and recreate it in a way that best resembles your pet’s natural habitat (Based on their species). Get soft comfortable bedding that is non-toxic, absorbent, and comfortable. Don’t use just any type of wood shavings as these might do more harm than good, ask your local pet store for full support. Arrange for different hiding spots where they can destress and relax.
- Place the enclosure in a space that doesn’t have too many temperature and humidity fluctuations. Keep it away from sunlight and draft as some rodents might get a heatstroke or go into a semi-hibernation mode.
- Nourishment: Research on species specific food for your pet. Some of these may include hay, fresh veggies, and fruits. Be vigilant that they are not fed sharp food items as these may puncture the lining of their mouth.
- Always provide fresh and clean water from a spill proof bottle or if you are using bowls make sure they are cleaned and refilled regularly.
- Health: Small mammals are at a greater risk of getting injured or sick so plan regular vet visits for vaccinations, deworming, and preventive treatments.
- Give them regular mental and physical stimulation through tunnels, wheels, toys, and supervised out-of-cage time. This free time needs to be in a safe and escape proof area.
- Whether in the cage or out, thoroughly inspect your house for small choking hazards that they might try to eat. Do some research on what kind of plants are toxic for the species and get rid of them.
- Social: While they are small and easy to manage, each species has different social needs that you need to be mindful of. For example, rabbits and guinea pigs like to be in pairs, but hamsters are purely solitary in nature. Be mindful of this as it might lead to complicated problems later.
- Caution: While they do look super adorable and cuddly, they pose health risks for humans if not approached with caution. Avoid kissing them or holding them close to your face, this might startle them, leading to a bite. Also wash your hands every time you are dealing with your pet or their enclosure. Always approach them while they can see you to avoid jumpscares that will lead to further bites. Seek medical help immediately if bitten.
- Handling: Small mammals are delicate and as such need to be handled carefully to avoid injury and stress. Keep strict supervision when they’re around kids or other pets. Trim their nails regularly to relieve them of any discomfort.
- Sensitivity: Some small pets like hamsters are super sensitive to ultrasound from your tv, computer screen, vacuum, and even running water. We can’t hear these sounds but it’s stressful for them, so keep them away from areas where they could be exposed to it.
It may seem like there are a lot of parameters to keep in mind while taking care of small mammals, but it’s all worth it once they enter your home and add a lot of color to your life. They can be great companions that reduce stress and fatigue. Just make sure to give them a safe and happy life.
Click here to read up on safeguards you can take for other types of pets.
