When thinking of adopting a companion animal for your home, don't forget about small mammals other than dogs or cats. A furry friend is inexpensive to own and maintain. Housing need not be too elaborate, and food requirements are very simple.
These animals have interesting personalities, with many unusual behavior patterns. People who have limited time and space to devote to a companion or those who are just learning the value of responsibility toward animals will find them very enjoyable and might even prefer them to dogs and cats.Small mammals that make good pets include rabbits, guinea pigs, mice, rats, hamsters and gerbils.
The kind of animal you select for a companion is a personal choice. But picking out the companion should be done carefully to ensure that it is normal, healthy and fits the personality of the individual adopting it.
When choosing your animal, be selective, take your time, and remember the following suggestions from the American Humane Association's booklet "Care of Small Mammals":
Domestic mice and rats - Domestic mice and rats have been bred through thousands of generations to tameness. They are fond of gentle owners, are clean, require small, simple living quarters and are easy to feed.
Gerbils - The Mongolian gerbil is a gentle, gregarious and curious companion. Gerbils need a home that will give them plenty of room to burrow, nest, exercise and leap.
Hamsters - Hamsters look like a cross between a mouse and a guinea pig. Hamsters love to burrow and hoard. They will fill their cheek pouches with food and then scurry away to hide their cache.
Guinea pigs - Guinea pigs are wonderful, hearty companions. They need a lot of room for exercise. Guinea pigs don't bite unless they are upset, so respect your guinea pig's feelings. If you handle it roughly, it will squeal, squirm or scratch.
Rabbits - Rabbits come in many shapes and sizes. Finding the perfect companion rabbit will be difficult. American Humane states that the most common mistake made in taking care of a rabbit is that the hutch is too small. Remember, a rabbit doesn't have to live outside the home, they can be indoor dwellers, too. You can litter-train your rabbit just like a cat.
If you have a question about health, behavior problems, laws, etc., regarding wild or domestic animals, please write Humane Education Department, Salt Lake County Animal Services, 511 W. 3900 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84123 or call 264-2247.