Rats And Mice: Increasingly Popular
The traditional idea of the pet is increasingly being questioned, and it is that the typical dog, cat or canary is being incorporated species, previously despised, such as rats and mice.
Rats and mice have always been considered a problem for humans because they are responsible for important pests, difficult to eradicate. However, these animals have also contributed to the progress of science, both in the development of new drugs and in the investigation of neurological processes.
It should be noted that the rats and mice used in the laboratory are not the same as those found in the wild, as they have undergone a domestication process of more than 100 years that endows them with specific qualities. The attributes that best define them are their intelligence and sociability, which is why they have progressively been incorporated into the domestic sphere.
Which rodent to choose?
Hamsters or guinea pigs have already established themselves as pets. However, rats and mice are being the novelty that many pet stores are betting on. Here are some of the keys that can guide you in choosing a rodent.
- Mice : they are more nervous animals than hamsters or guinea pigs, which added to their small size can be an extra difficulty in terms of handling. If only one specimen is to be bought, it is preferable that it be male, since the females demand more from the group or the couple. The most common are albinos and, although each subspecies has its own character, its sociability stands out. They usually live between one and three years.
- Rats : intelligent and more affectionate than hamsters and mice, they can establish strong bonds with their owners. This sociability makes them prefer the presence of a counterpart. Their size can be an advantage when it comes to catching them, but it also implies a larger cage. Their life expectancy can reach five years.
Recommendations for the care of rats and mice
Once the rodent in question has been chosen, it is advisable to find out about the needs that said animal demands. The fact that these animals have recently been incorporated into pet stores means that there is a lot of ignorance regarding their care. Therefore, when in doubt, it is advisable to consult specialized veterinarians.
Some of the basic tips are:
- Accommodation : both rats and mice must have a cage according to their dimensions. In it there must be an area that allows shelter and rest in the dark and another exposed to natural light. In the latter , the presence of stimulating devices is recommended, on a physical and mental level, to enhance the animal’s capabilities. The bed will be covered with sawdust or paper, the renewal of which will be as frequent as necessary to guarantee adequate hygiene.
- Temperature : these animals are very sensitive to environmental conditions above 30 degrees Celsius. To avoid heat stroke, it is recommended to place the cages in ventilated places, without strong currents, and that are not directly exposed to sunlight.
- Diet : both rodents are characterized by their omnivorous diet, so their diet can include both prepared feed such as fresh vegetables and hay. In addition, they must have a continuous source of fresh water. It should be noted that coprophagia – the ingestion of feces – is a common behavior of these species.
- Handling : the more these animals are held, the more they will enhance their socialization. However, it is necessary to do it carefully given the delicacy of these species, and more so in the case of small mice.
Rats and mice are the new trend in pet stores, and the prejudices associated with these rodents are increasingly being left behind. However, before acquiring any of these animals it is essential to find out about the specific needs they require.
