Rodents are generally very easy-to-care for pets;
rivaled only by fish, probably! But you still need to know how to
care for them, easy-to-care-for or not. Besides care, you should
also know what type of rodent is best for you; how to go about choosing
and buying it; and how to keep both of you happy with the situation!
Should you buy a rodent?
There's points to keep in
mind before even considering buying a rodent. Remember, although
many people take pet-keeping lightly, especially when it comes to
smaller pets, caring for any pet is taking a life or two or more into your
hands, and that should never be taken lightly.
Some points to consider:
-
Never buy on impulse; read up on your chosen species, talk it over with
family members, visit pet stores and breeders to consider where you'd best
purchase your new pet. Don't walk into the first pet shop and walk
home with a new pet, especially not if you don't know how to care for it!
-
Rodents do require care; about an minimum of 5-10 minutes every day and
about 15-30 minutes every week or every other week to clean the cage.
If you want your rodent to stay tame, than it'll require more time.
-
Make sure the rest of the family agrees with your purchase; it wouldn't
do to buy a pet only to find out that a spouse or sibling is terrified
of rodents! On the same note, make sure that no one might be allergic.
If you're younger, talk it over with your parents... it's not a good idea
to keep them without permission.... trust me on this one, I know....
-
Be dedicated to this! As I said, it should not be taken lightly;
these critters deserve the right care, and a certain amount of attention
to be paid to them. They are not novelty items, toys, or status symbols;
they are individuals.