Caging | Accessories | Food | Breeding | Feeders

Hamsters, gerbils and mice all require the same basic care because they are all rodents. There are some easy ways to differentiate between hamsters, gerbils and mice.

Hamsters: These rodents are usually furrier and they are the only one to have short, stumpy tails. They are usually much lazier, fatter, and harder to handle than the other two.

Gerbils: Gerbils, unlike hamsters, have long, furry tails. They have shorter, sleeker hair than hamsters. They are bigger than mice but usually smaller than hamsters. They are probably the easiest to handle, and even though more active, they can be held at the base of their tail so they don't jump.

Mice: Many people feel they are not really pets, but pests, but they can make fun pets. Mice are usually smaller than the other two with long, hair-less tails. They can also be held at the base of their tails to keep them from jumping, and if handled often, they can be a lot of fun. I had a black mouse with a white stomach that looked like an Oreo cookie.

Caging

Most pet stores will sell fancy plastic cages made "just for hamsters & gerbils". These really aren't good cages because most rodents will find somewhere and gnaw through it eventually. The best type of cage for up to about two animals would be a ten gallon aquarium. They are pretty easy to clean, and can't be gnawed through. Most ten gallons go for around $12, with a screen lid costing about the same. An aspen bedding works really good or some of the paper bedding. Both pine and cedar have semi-toxic fumes and can cause respiratory infections. The packages come extremely compressed so a small package can fill a ten gallon a couple of times. Change the bedding at least once a week or when it seems very dirty with feces and food. [Top]

Cage Accessories

Obviously, a food bowl will be necessary. I'd recommend a ceramic bowl because they can't chew on it and it won't rust like a metal bowl. Next, a water bottle is a must. Don't try using a water bowl, because they will potty in it and most likely knock it over. A bottle can be hooked to a wire, and hung over the side of the tank or tied to the lid. A running wheel is a must. It is the way they all get exercise and they will run on it for hours. Some people like to buy toys and things for them to sleep in, but personally, I've found paper rolls to be perfect. They will eventually gnaw through it but it's not like rolls are hard to come by. Remember, if you buy anything, don't buy plastic unless you don't mind it getting chewed on. Wood chew sticks are very important for all rodents because unlike humans, their teeth grow continuously so they need something to keep them short or they will grow too long for the rodent to open their mouth. Some fun things I have found if you want to make their environment fun is PVC piping, hammocks, little dens, etc. Rodents will find all things like that fun. Make sure whatever you put in there hasn't been treated with chemicals because they will chew on it. [Top]

Food

Basically, a seed based food is good or some type of fortified diet. I am a fan of Kaytee brand foods. You can buy specific food for them at pet stores. Just make sure the food bowl always has food in it. Rodents don't need any special treats, but they do love them! There are many treats that pet stores sell, but usually you should not give your pet more than 1 treat per day. (See instructions for exact rations.) DO NOT feed your pet any type of meat based food. It will make them more aggressive and cannibalistic because meat is not naturally part of their diet (except rats, which are omnivores). Meat is only ok for rats because they are omnivorous (eat meat and plants) in the wild. [Top]

Breeding

Breeding is very simple with rodents: male + female = babies. But there are some things that must be done after the actual mating to ensure the survival of the babies. For one, it is very important to take the male out of the cage when you notice the female is pregnant becase sometimes the males will kill the little babies. This is not always the case, but even if you left the male in the cage, the female would be pregnant again before the first litter was grown. [Top]

Feeders

If you are planning to feed the rodent, (mice and rats) don't worry about providing all the nice accessories since they will be fed shortly. If you are planning to breed feeders, I would recommend providing more of the accessories because those are important for long term living. [Top]