Rodents

A comprehensive guide to what guinea pigs can, and cannot, safely eat along with specific tips about hay, pellets, and Vitamin C supplements.

Rats are not the dirty creatures we believe them to be. They can become the reason you get up in the morning.

Our pet guinea pigs roam free in a large outdoor enclosure. Explore lots of tips and photos about natural living for your pets, including pregnant guinea pigs, baby guinea pigs, and outdoor housing.

Some simple steps to get even the shyest of hamsters to trust you and become your fluffy best friend.

Did you recently get a pet rat, or are you thinking about it? It's going to need a great name, and here are more than 125 to choose from. You'll find famous rat names, funny ones, cute ones, and even ones for pairs. Take a look, and hopefully you'll find the perfect one.

Pet mice may get lonely if they live alone, but they may fight if a new mouse shows up in their territory. After successfully introducing three adult male mice, I created a list of suggestions for anyone else who might need to do this.

Even if you do not own any tools, know how to sew, or have much time to build anything fancy, there are still many simple and easy ways to accessorize a cage, learn how in this article.

A quick guide to rat care including diet, social life, bedding, and more.

Having guinea pigs is fun, but the cages you find in stores are quite small and get even tighter as they grow. Building your own cubes-and-corrugated plastic (C&C) cage is ideal and inexpensive.

Although guinea pigs may seem very simple to care for, there are many common mistakes. Here are five frequent misconceptions and how to avoid them to become a better caretaker for your cavy.

Get information about caring for your Peruvian guinea pig, such as tips about hair care, hair loss, hygiene, diet and comfort. Peruvian guinea pigs need extra attention to make sure they stay free from disease and discomfort.

Guinea pigs, although wonderful pets, tend to be expensive. Fortunately, I've learned some money saving tips from years of owning guinea pigs.

Congratulations! You're the proud parent of some brand new hamster babies. To ensure their best chance of survival, here are six things you should never do while the pups are young.

Hamsters, like humans, can suffer problems with their reproductive organs. Uterine problems are especially common with breeding hamsters or older ones and only occur in females.

The Roborovski hamster is the smallest, quickest and liveliest species of hamster. A complete guide to the hamsters and their care.

Hamsters as pets have lots of positives—they are cute, clean, and easy to care for. There are also downsides, however, and this article lists the 5 main negatives of keeping these rodents.

Mice are social animals, but if you put them together, they will fight. Mouse psychology is complex, and their various instincts spark conflict between them from time to time. With the proper understanding, you can tell whether your mice should live together or if they might hurt each other.

Most mouse owners find their pets hesitant to socialize. If you use this short list of techniques, you should be able to make your mouse feel safe, social, and affectionate.

All rats should have a free-range area. Even if your rats have a large cage, it is important for them to have time outside the cage to run around and socialize with you.

If you've never considered a pet rat, perhaps it's time you should! Here's how to care for your pet rat—from cage setup, feeding and watering, enrichment, and long-term care—here's everything you need to know.

Are your pet rat's nails too long or sharp? Learn how to safely trim your rat's nails using a nail scissors or clipper, as well as how to file down your rat's nails naturally.

Have you decided to bring a guinea pig into your home? As pets go, they are quite easy to care for, but there are still a few essential items you’ll need in order to ensure their health and happiness.

This basic guide will cover the foods that cavies should eat and the foods you must avoid feeding them. Their diet is pretty simple, but there are certain things you need to be aware of in order to keep your guinea pigs healthy.

With lots of patience, you can train your new hamster to accept being held by a human.

Gambian pouched rats, or African giant pouched rats, are large animals that are kept as exotic pets. They are also used to detect land mines and tuberculosis.

Rats make wonderful pets. Learn more about their charms and how to take care of them!

Think you know everything about guinea pigs? Think again!

Do you have a new, squirmy pet rat? Learn how to build trust with your new friend and pick them up easily and safely.

Guidelines for the size of your hamster cage, associated research and cage-buying options. We will also take a look at why Critter Trails might not be so terrible.

Anatomically speaking, mice are harmless. In most cases, they won't attempt to bite you unless threatened and, even then, they are unlikely to cause much damage. Here's how to fight your fear of mice!

Information about Abyssinian guinea pigs, including the Abyssinian personality, care tips, colour guide, types, the history of the breed and what makes them the ideal pet for both children and adults.

Black Bear hamsters are reported to be more tolerant of handling than other hamsters. They also seem to handle stressful conditions better than other hamster types. Learn more about this fun hamster breed.

A complete guide to wet tail in hamsters. Causes, symptoms, treatment, and outlook. What to do if you think your pet has wet tail.

Thinking of getting a new pet? An experienced pet owner weighs the differences between multiple small pet options and gives an overall summary of what it is like to own a guinea pig.

Are rats dirty beasts or beloved pets? How did they go from being used in dog fights to being sent into outer space? Find out this and much more in this cheerful list of rat trivia.

Looking for cute guinea pig and cavy names? Here are some handpicked suggestions for naming guinea pigs after celebrities, famous book characters and more!

What disease, illness, and problems cause a pet hamster to die suddenly and unexpectedly?

Gerbils are a unique and fun pet to own, but it is important to know how to properly take care of them. Here are some tips on how to take care of your gerbils.

There are many diets for rats on the market, but you may want to vary your pet's diet with something homemade.

Fancy rats now come with three possible eye colorations, four different fur types, two ear types, and thousands of different markings and colors. How was such diversity achieved? Where did it all come from? Find out in this article.

From hammocks and chew toys, to ladders and houses, here is a list of DIY ideas for things you can make your rats.

Before you get a guinea pig as a pet, you probably ought to know how much they cost. We examine the start-up costs of obtaining a guinea pig, as well as the recurring monthly upkeep costs.

Learn more about the different rat types. Can you figure out which one you have?

What causes pet guinea pigs to die early and unexpectedly? Know the potential causes and warning signs for when your guinea pig's life may be in danger.

When they're not out playing with you, your pet rats spend most of their time in their cage. Taking the time to ensure that their home is spacious, comfortable, and engaging will add substance and enrichment to their lives.

Find out how long the guinea pig heat cycle is and discover their gestation length. Learn how to successfully breed guinea pigs. Check out some photos of just-born baby guinea pigs!

Hairless rats make for wonderful pets, but when it comes to breeding them one must consider their peculiarities and their special needs. This is not a hobby to enter lightly! Read more on the proper husbandry and breeding of hairless rats here.

Is your dog aggressive toward your pet rat? It is common for dogs to see rats as "food" and not "friends." Learn how to introduce your rat to your dog and protect it from your dog if needed.

Little mice can have big problems: colds, flu, allergies, mites, even cancer.

Hamsters are not the only small animal that can get "wet tail," but they are the most common small animal to succumb to it. Chinchillas, rabbits, gerbils, rats, and mice can all develop the condition, as it is caused by stress.

Bringing home a new guinea pig? One of the most difficult yet important parts of the process is coming up with a name for your new pet. Here are some guinea pig name ideas for girls, boys, and guineas or all coat colors.

Pet rats, whether hairless, dumbo, rex, or standard, all need vital supplies for their care and health. Cages and toys must be healthy and engaging as well. As a rat owner or breeder, are you equipped?

Hamsters are well-known for being escape artists. If your pet hamster escapes, here are some tips for finding your missing pet.

Training a guinea pig to use a litter box or pan might be a lot easier than you think. It's also much cleaner for the rest of the cage, which will save you a good bit of time when it's time to wash and clean the entire cage.

List of foods to help your guinea pig gain weight and supplements.

While there are many products marketed to small pets, guinea pigs require a diet consisting mostly of hay. Know what to feed (and what not to feed) your beloved small pet to ensure a long and healthy life!

Tired of always running to the store to buy wood shavings for your guinea pigs? Don't like the messy cleanup? Try making these washable fleece liners. They are comfortable and cost-effective!

This article details essential items which you need to care for your pet Syrian hamster. We'll cover housing, feeding and hamster illnesses, among other topics.

Learn how to potty train your hamster!

A few tips and guidelines one should know about hamsters before and while owning one. Learn about their temperament, diet, housing, and behaviors.

Thinking about adding a guinea pig to your family? Discover 10 things that you need to get in order to keep your cavy happy and healthy.

There are many dangers that are associated with breeding pet fancy rats. Will the doe die? What if the kits are abandoned or born deformed? Be prepared for scary situations, and know your options!

Do you need to introduce a new pet rat to your rat family? Learn the gradual, step-by-step introductory process recommended by experts, accompanied by useful tips and personal insight.

Not all rats enjoy a good bath. Discover how to make bathing your pet rat a less stressful experience for you and your furry friend.

With so many brands out there, it can be tough to know which diet is the healthiest for your cavies. Here I've ranked some of the better-known guinea pig foods from best to worst in terms of nutritional content.

Find out how to care for, feed and house a guinea pig. Which type of guinea pig to choose, pregnancy and breeding, where to buy cages and information on common diseases and treatments.

Got a hamster? Looking for a name? No matter what kind of name you're seeking, browse through this list to find the perfect one for your male or female hamster!

Do you know which foods are safe for your rat to eat? Here are lists of foods that are ok—and not ok—for rats to consume.

Cleaning a guinea pig cage has never been easier! A step-by-step tutorial with photos explaining the process needed in order to use fleece for bedding in a guinea pig cage.

Cage Rage aka Cage Aggression Syndrome can be a potentially serious psychological disorder that is often mistaken for a grumpy hamster or something else. The complete guide to cage rage.

Most guinea pig owners don't realize that there is another option for a guinea pig cage that is not only cheaper but is also more comfortable overall for the guinea pig. A step-by-step tutorial with photos shows how to build a "C&C" cage for a cavy.

A guide on choosing the right hamster cage, bedding, and food, as well as recommended items you need for a happier and healthier hamster.

You can do so as long as you follow a few basic common sense rules. Guinea pigs are wonderful pets, and if they are to be kept outside, the advice in this article will keep them safe and well cared for.

A guide to health problems pet mice can suffer from along with treatment options and outlook. Like with any other pet, mice are no exception to health risks, and many illnesses are treatable.

Guinea pigs can get overheated very easily. Here is a step-by-step guide to caring for your overheated guinea pig.

If you have reptiles, you may want to start breeding feeder rodents. Rats and mice are the most common species. Shipping costs are only getting higher each year. Save tons of money and even make some!

Eight important things you should know before getting a hamster.

Discover step-by-step DIY instructions for sewing a tent that's perfect for a rat, guinea pig, hamster, or other small pet.

Have you been wondering how to find cheap cages for your pet rats? Here are a few ideas and tips to avoid spending lots of money!

Hairless rats make wonderful pets, but they do require a little more care than their furry counterparts. These rats can suffer from a higher incidence of certain health problems, so learn how to care for them properly.

My family added two gerbils to our household and fell in love with them. Gerbils are a very friendly animal. They hardly ever bite, they're curious, and they'll often adapt to your schedule! Learn how to care for this fun and interesting pet.

Do you have an adorable ball of fluffy hamster at home but can't decide what to name him? Your problem is solved with this great list of hamster names, including suggestions by type, appearance, and the number of hamsters you have.

Guinea-Pigs (Cavies), make perfect pets for both children and adults. They are sociable little creatures that enjoy being handled and seldom bite. Their enthusiasm for feeding and cuddling is usually very vocal, with a range of squeaks, whistles, purs and grunting. Owners quickly learn to recognise what the different sounds represent and find it highly amusing to hear their pet talking to them.

Want to have pet rats? Rats are great pets, and they have so many different benefits. If you have decided to have rats as pets, here are the reasons why you've made a great decision!

So you are getting a guinea pig? First things first, you need to pick a name! There is plenty to choose from in this article: cute and funny names for both males and females.

Do you want a pet gerbil but your parents don't like small pets? Read about how to convince your parents with research, responsibility, and maturity.

How I took care of three blind baby mice, and how you can do it too.

Think rats are smelly? They're not! Here's how to keep their cage clean—the way they like it, you like it, and your household likes it.

If you've been caught off guard by a pet mouse pregnancy, taking care of the babies doesn't have to be difficult. Having recently experienced this, I chronicled my actions. I offer a step-by-step list of suggestions for properly guiding your new pets into the world.

Rat carriers (also called bonding pouches) are very useful. They can be used to help socialize baby rats, to comfort sick or lonely rats, or to just spend more time with healthy rats. Learn how to make one here.

Do guinea pigs make good pets? The argument can be made that they are not simply good pets . . . they are great ones! Read on to discover the many reasons why guinea pigs make such good pets.

Contrary to popular opinion, rats can't eat everything. Learn how NOT to poison your pet rat!

Mice can make wonderful pets, but there are some things you should know before getting one... or two... or more. Read on for a complete guide to their care, handling, welfare and other information.

Are your pet rats suffering in the summer heat? Learn the signs of an overheated rat, as well as how to prevent heat stroke and heat stress in your pet rats. Keep your rats healthy this summer!