Animal section
Small Mammals
Rabbits, guinea pigs, rodents, ferrets and chinchillas.
Species profiles
Standardised husbandry data for each animal in this group.
Domestic Rabbit
Rabbits are complex, long-lived social animals with specialised digestive and dental needs — far removed from the 'easy starter pet' reputation they still carry.
Lifespan 8–12 years · Care complexity 4/5
Guinea Pig
Guinea pigs are chatty, gentle herd animals that thrive in company and need a much larger, flatter enclosure than pet-shop cages provide.
Lifespan 5–8 years · Care complexity 3/5
Syrian Hamster
Syrian hamsters are solitary desert burrowers. Give them depth, darkness and a large wheel, and handle them in the evening when they naturally wake.
Lifespan 2–3 years · Care complexity 2/5
Ferret
Ferrets are delightful, demanding carnivores with a real talent for trouble, suited to owners who enjoy active, hands-on pet keeping.
Lifespan 6–10 years · Care complexity 4/5
Fancy Rat
Fancy rats are affectionate, clever and sociable — arguably the most rewarding small mammal to keep, with the sad limitation of a short lifespan.
Lifespan 2–3 years · Care complexity 3/5
Chinchilla
Chinchillas are long-lived, cool-climate mountain rodents that reward patient owners with decades of company — but will not tolerate a warm room.
Lifespan 10–20 years · Care complexity 4/5
Mongolian Gerbil
Gerbils are lively desert rodents that spend most of their time digging elaborate tunnel systems. A deep, dry substrate matters as much as floor space for their wellbeing.
Lifespan 2–4 years · Care complexity 2/5
Degu
Degus are sociable, sunlight-loving rodents from Chile that need daytime activity, dust baths and a very low-sugar diet. Their intelligence makes them rewarding but demanding pets.
Lifespan 5–8 years, occasionally longer · Care complexity 3/5
African Pygmy Hedgehog
African pygmy hedgehogs are solitary, nocturnal insectivores that need a warm, stable enclosure and patient handling to stay tame. Their strict temperature needs catch many new owners out.
Lifespan 4–6 years · Care complexity 3/5
Flemish Giant Rabbit
Flemish Giants are gentle, imposing rabbits whose calm nature is often undermined by owners underestimating the space, handling strength and cost that come with their adult size. They suit experienced rabbit keepers with genuinely large housing.
Lifespan 5–8 years, shorter than smaller rabbit breeds · Care complexity 4/5
Campbell's Dwarf Hamster
Campbell's dwarf hamsters are quick, inquisitive pocket pets best suited to an owner who wants to watch rather than constantly handle their animal. Their diabetes risk means diet needs closer attention than for Syrian hamsters.
Lifespan 1.5–2.5 years · Care complexity 2/5
Lionhead rabbit
A small, characterful rabbit with a distinctive mane — needs the same space, company and hay-based diet as any rabbit, plus extra grooming.
Lifespan 8–10 years · Care complexity 2/5
Netherland Dwarf rabbit
The smallest popular rabbit breed — adorable but delicate, with higher dental risk and a need for patient, gentle handling.
Lifespan 10–12 years · Care complexity 3/5
Guides for this group
Care, health, behaviour and nutrition reading.
Before getting a petHow to Choose the Right Pet for Your Life
A structured way to match an animal to your household, budget, schedule and housing — before emotion makes the decision for you.
Petarium Editorial · 3 min read · Updated 2026-10-07
Before getting a petPet-Proofing and Preparing Your Home
A room-by-room checklist for making your home safe before the animal arrives, rather than after the first accident.
Petarium Editorial · 3 min read · Updated 2026-10-19
Bringing a pet homeThe First 24 Hours With a New Pet
Calm, quiet and predictable beats exciting. What to do — and what to resist doing — on day one.
Petarium Editorial · 3 min read · Updated 2026-10-19
Daily careBuilding a Daily Care Routine That Actually Sticks
Predictable routines reduce stress for animals and make it far easier to notice when something is wrong.
Petarium Editorial · 3 min read · Updated 2026-10-07
Long-term careCaring for a Senior Pet
Ageing is not a disease, but it changes what good care looks like. Practical adjustments for older dogs, cats and small animals.
Petarium Editorial · 4 min read · Updated 2026-10-07
End-of-life careQuality of Life, Hospice Care and Saying Goodbye
Compassionate, practical guidance on assessing quality of life, palliative options, euthanasia decisions and grief.
Petarium Editorial · 3 min read · Updated 2026-10-07