Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and rats

Rabbits

Rabbits are social, clever and long-lived. They do best in bonded pairs, usually spayed and neutered. Welfare groups such as the UK's Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund suggest a combined living and exercise space of about 10 by 6 feet and 3 feet high for a pair, with access at all times. Indoors, an exercise pen in a rabbit-proofed room works well.

Diet matters most. Unlimited grass hay should make up the bulk of what a rabbit eats, with a daily portion of leafy greens and a small measured amount of plain pellets. Rabbits can learn to use a litter box filled with paper-based litter and topped with hay.

A rabbit that stops eating or stops passing droppings for even part of a day needs a vet urgently. Their gut can shut down quickly.

Guinea pigs

Guinea pigs are chatty herd animals and should live in pairs or small groups. Like rabbits, they need unlimited hay. Unlike rabbits, they cannot make their own vitamin C, so they need it from fresh vegetables such as bell peppers and from a guinea pig pellet. Many care guides suggest at least 7.5 square feet of floor space for two, and more is better. Ramps and lofts are less useful to them than open floor.

Hamsters

Syrian hamsters live alone and will fight if housed together. They are awake in the evening and night, so they suit older children and adults who are up then. Give a wide enclosure, ideally around 40 by 20 inches of floor or more, with deep bedding to burrow in, several hides, and a solid wheel large enough that the hamster's back stays straight while running. Dwarf hamster species have different needs, so research the exact species.

Rats

Pet rats are curious, sociable and easy to handle. Keep them in same-sex pairs or groups, in a tall cage with solid shelves, hammocks and places to climb. They need daily time out of the cage in a safe, supervised area. Rats live only two to three years, which can be hard on children, so talk about it early.

Housing at a glance

Handling safely

Most small pets are prey animals and dislike being lifted. Sit on the floor, let them come to you, and support the whole body when you do pick them up. Never lift a rabbit by its ears, and supervise children closely. A fall from standing height can injure a small animal.

Health and vets

Not every vet treats rabbits and rodents. Find an exotic or small-mammal vet before you need one. Teeth in all four species grow throughout life, so watch for drooling, dropping food or weight loss and ask your vet if you see them. More on finding the right clinic is in when to see a vet.

Small pets: questions