Choosing an "Exotic" or Small Mammal
There are a great many choices when it comes to small mammals. Ferrets, guinea pigs, hedgehogs, rabbits and hamsters have all seen a surge in popularity in recent years. Even pets like chinchillas and sugar gliders are becoming more commonplace. How do you determine which small mammal is best suited for you?
Temperment
Decide what kind of general attitude you want your pet to have. Do you like a curious and spunky personality, such as a ferret, or something more laid-back and cuddly, like a rabbit? Are you well-versed on the types of behaviors to expect from your pet?
Housing
The housing needs of small animals are as varied as the animals themselves. How much space and money do you have to devote to a suitable enclosure? For example, a guinea pig can live pretty comfortably in a single-level wire cage with a small house in which to hide; however, ferrets prefer much larger multi-level enclosure with hammocks to nap in and tunnels to play in. Your housing considerations should also include food and water dispensers, as well as any bedding materials for the animal.
Fitting in to Your Household
Do you have existing pets? Cats and dogs can often do very well with small mammal housemates; however supervision is always required. You also want to make sure that your small mammal's enclosure is secure and offers him a place to hide from the prying eyes of your existing pets. You should also consider if your pet is rugged enough to handle being around small children. Because these animals are generally smaller than dogs and cats, they are often more fragile, and may not hesitate to defend themselves if they are handled too roughly. Kids and animals should also always be supervised.
Sanitation
Small mammals require frequent cage changes in order to remain happy and healthy. Do you have the time to fit this kind of maintenance into your schedule? Additionally, small mammals are often more odiferous than dogs or cats. Familiarize yourself with the hygeine needs of your potential pet BEFORE you bring it home.
Humor for Ferret Lovers
1. If you have to poop, the best place to do it is right beside the litterbox. Your person will appreciate your not messing it up after they spent so much time getting it clean. If you can't make it there, the next best place is in front of the door.
2. Do not allow closed doors in any room. To get a door open, madly dig at the carpet in front of it. Your person may have put down carpet protector in front of the door. DON'T MESS UP THEIR CARPET PROTECTOR. Dig at the carpet just beside it. When the door opens, do your best imitation of a streak of greased lightning.
3. If a guest seems to be afraid of you, investigate him first. Try to crawl up his pants leg to become better acquainted. If you get stuck, digging will help you wiggle just a little bit further.
4. If any guest remarks on how adorable you are, nip her on the nose to demonstrate that you have a playful side too.
5. Accompany guests to the bathroom, this is the best time to investigate their clothes.
6. If one of your humans is working, sewing, knitting, or writing and another is idle, stay with the busy one. Get right in the middle of whatever he is doing. This is known as "being helpful."
7. For book readers, it is most helpful to crawl across the pages of the book. Try to stick your head between the pages and see how far they have read.
8. When supervising cooking, get right behind your human's feet. You cannot be seen, therefore you stand a better chance of being stepped on, picked up, and consoled. If done right, this often results in a treat from the guilty human.
9. It is important to get enough sleep during the day so you are fresh during the optimum play time between 2:00 and 4:00 A.M. preferably on your human's bed so they can join in the fun.
Most importantly, begin people training early. Humans are difficult to train, but they can be taught if you start early and are consistent.
