How to Know if You Are Ready to Care for a Rodent

If you really want a rodent as a pet, check out these tips.

Here is some advice to help you keep a happy, healthy fuzz ball in your house or room.

Save up the amount of money to care for your prospective pet(s).

Read up on your prospective pet in books and on the Internet. If you can, talk to people who own rodents for advice.

Remember you need to have a lot of time, patience, and most of all love for your pet(s).

Take your pet(s) to the vet regularly.

Buy a balanced food that caters to your specific pet(s)' needs.

Handle your pet (unless otherwise), let them out in a safe place to play, and do regular maintenance checks (nail clipping, check for abscesses, tumors, etc.).

Tips

• Clean its cage every week. That is the best way to keep the smell away.
• Use absorbent bedding, such as CareFRESH (or Critter Care), aspen, or soil (see related wikiHows).
• Change the food every day.
• Wash the food dish every day.
• Clean the water bottle/dish once a week.
• Get a water bottle for it so it will not get mess it with bedding, urine, feces, food, etc. in the water bowl.

Warnings

• Try to keep it away from drafts, radiators/heaters, direct sunlight, other pets, and unhealthy foods.
• Don't get a pet if you don't have the money for it, a good home, the time, patience, the commitment, or the love.
• Taking care of a pet is a huge responsibility. Neglecting your pet is against the law, and you can get in trouble for it. If you no longer want your animal, don't just abandon it; take it to the local shelter.