Small Animals 

Rabbits can make extremely rewarding pets for the right person or family. Their large size and intelligence means that they require high levels of  stimulation and plenty of space for exercise. They are also extremely social and are much happier with rabbit companionship. To ensure that they get the space that they require, they will need a large hutch and run. Daily exercise will also be required in a large, secure space. Rabbits digestion can be very sensitive so is important that a high quality fibrous diet is provided.  Vaccinations will also be required annually.

Pros: Can be extremely rewarding. Full of character and able to be trained to live within the home. 

Cons: Require a large amount of space, large amounts of time and attention. 

Guinea pigs are often kept as a first time pet. Their social interaction and requirements mean that they need to be kept in at least pairs. They are often great for handling and love to sit on a secure lap while being groomed. Guinea pigs cannot metabolise their own vitamin C so require this within their diet, plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables will help with this. Due to their size and movement, they will require a large hutch or indoor cage to keep them happy. They will also require lots of places to hide as they can also be a little shy some of the time. 

Pros: A good small animal for handling. Full of character and great for a first time pet. 

Cons: Will require a large cage and can be messy. This means regular cleaning. 

Syrian Hamsters are often the chosen species of hamster as a first time pet. Their larger size and confident character make them more handleable for children. However, they will require a larger cage compared to that of the dwarf species. With good handling and time, the syrian hamster can become a great pet for children. However, it is important that children have constant adult supervision. Being nocturnal they are likely to sleep for the majority of the day. 

Pros: Can be great for handling and are slightly larger than many other similar rodent species.  

Cons: Nocturnal so are less active while you are awake. Require a large cage for space. 

Dwarf hamsters make great pets for many different age groups and due to their size, can be more manageable compared to other species of rodent. The winter white species grow to a good size and handling is similar to that of the Syrian species. This is a species which we breed ourselves to ensure we avoid rodent farms and can provide perfect pets. 

Pros: Are normally great for handling and due to their smaller size, can be more manageable.  

Cons: Are generally nocturnal so will be active at night. 

Fancy mice are often chosen as a first time rodent pet. This is due to the variation of colours and patterns as well as the fact that they are normally more active during the daytime compared to similar rodent species. Mice are generally great for handling and their smaller size means that they can often be kept by people who do not have the space for a larger cage that may be required for other types of pets such as guinea pigs and rabbits. Mice are extremely social and should be kept in pairs or groups to ensure they can exhibit all their social behaviours. 

Pros: Can be great for handling, come in a range of colours and more active during the daytime.  

Cons: Males will have an odour. Can be slightly more messy than other similar rodent species. 

Gerbils can make extremely good pets for the right person. They will require a large, indestructible cages with lots of depth for digging. They are one of the most destructive rodent species and will need lots of items to chew. Generally a fully plastic cage will not be suitable due to them being able to chew their way out. Glass will work much better as a long term option. Gerbils are also a lot more active in the daytime compared to other species of rodent, making them more appealing for many people. Due to their digging activity, gerbils will produce more dust than other rodent species. 

Pros: More active during the day compared to other rodent species. Great for handling.  

Cons: Very destructive and require a higher quality cage. Can be dusty due to levels of digging. 

Rats are one of the most intelligent species of rodent and can be the most interactive with their human owners.  Their larger size and active nature means that they require a large cage. They are also very social so will need to be kept in pairs or groups. It is extremely important that they have lots of time and attention to stimulate them and ensure that they become rewarding pets. Rats can easily be trained and can often learn tricks to ensure that they stay mentally stimulated. Ensure your cage is filled with ladders, platforms and hammocks to make the most of their living space. 

Pros: Very intelligent and love human interaction. Very interactive pet for a rodent species.   

Cons: Require a very large cage with lots of stimulation. 

Degu are a less common species of rodent that are part of the gerbil and chinchilla family. Their larger size means that they require a big cage and are very destructive so will also require something with a metal or similar base. Degu love to climb so it is important that they are able to have a selection of hammocks, ladders and platforms in order to make the most of the space throughout the cage. In order to keep clean, degu will use a sand bath. This can be added to the cage every several days to allow them to keep their fur in the best condition. 

Pros: Always active and love to come out to play. Enjoy human interaction.  

Cons: Very destructive and require a large metal base cage. Sand baths can be dusty. 

Chinchillas are one of the largest rodent pets that are readily available. Their active nature and size means that they will require a very large cage with multiple levels to explore. Chinchillas must be fed a very fibrous diet with no salts or sugars. If this is not followed, chinchillas are prone to several serious health issues. Chinchillas can be kept clean and healthy by offering a sand bath routinely, this will ensure that they can keep their fur in top condition. Being a rodent, it is extremely important that they have lots of things to chew. This will help to keep their teeth in perfect condition. 

Pros: Very interactive and will tame down well to become a very inquisitive pet.   

Cons: Require a lot of room within their cage and time out for exercise daily. 

African Pygmy Hedgehogs can make excellent pets for someone looking for a mammal that is a little bit different. They will require lots of space and spend the majority of the  night exploring their living quarters. Due to being a desert species, they will require a higher temperature to thrive within their environment. This means that keeping them within a enclosed environment is advised. This way it is possible to easily increase the temperature. Their specialist diet will mean they require live insect food and high calcium. This can be provided within a multi vitamin supplement.

Pros: Can be great for handling if handled from a young age. 

Cons: Require livefood and a very large enclosure that must be heated.