Pocket Pets
Problems with Pocket Pets
Hamsters, mice, gerbils, rats, guinea pigs
These are all cute little pets to name a few. But their life span is small and being taken take of properly can make a big difference.
Life span
Hamsters - 1 1/2 to 2 years
Mice - 1 1/2 to 2 years
Rats - 2 to 3 years
Guinea pigs - 5 to 6 years
Chinchillas - 15 years
Usually they live a poor quality life as the owners don't
take special care of them.
Some of the problems that arise are:
*Skin problems such as mange, mites, lice & ringworm
*Rats get tumors and cancer
*Guinea pigs get Scurvy from lack of Vitamin C
*Respiratory infections are very common.
*Also eye infections, pneumonia, heatstroke
*Chinchillas have many health risks. Too many treats can
cause death. They cannot get over heated. And too much
handling can cause problems.
If you have a pet and see any symptoms such as appetite changes,
inactivity, change in urinary traits, nasal discharge, sneezing,
respiratory rate changes, baldness, sores or lumps,
you need to be concerned.
Here are some tips for keeping your pet healthy
1. Keep temperatures between 65 and 72
2. Keep cages clean. Do not have a wired bottom.
3. Provide toys and exercise for you pet.
4. Give them hiding places (tissue boxes,tunnels etc)
5. Keep a fresh bottle of water in the cage at all times.
Change every day & clean good twice a week.
6. Use only pine shaving for bedding (others can irritate the nasals)
7. Give them plenty of room to run & play in their cages.
8. Don't hold them up high as a fall can cause death or paralysis.
9. Make sure you play with them and keep them social.
10. Give the veggies and fruit now and then
11. Provide chewing blocks
