How about those other mammals for pets?
If you’re thinking beyond dogs and cats, small mammals can make great pets. While there are certainly more dogs (43 million) and cats (36 million) nationally; there are 1.4 million pet rabbits, 330,000 pet ferrets, almost a million pet guinea pigs, almost a million hamsters, a quarter million gerbils, and 400,000 rats, chinchillas, and mice as pets. All of these are allowed in New Hampshire. Small mammals other than these may require a state permit.
Different from dogs and cats, these “exotic” mammals have unique and specialized needs in terms of diet, environment, housing, and veterinary care. For example, rabbits have continually growing teeth and many older rabbits have dental issues such as misaligned or impacted teeth that require periodic dental work to maintain proper bite.
Lifestyle is the main reason people have an exotic mammal – it’s easier to house a hamster than a dog, apartments may have restrictions against dogs or cats, medical conditions such as allergies to dogs or cats but not a ferret, or as a starter pet for children. Fascination with a specie is also a leading reason people choose an exotic mammal; ferrets are very outgoing, rats have an inquisitive personality, and rabbits are social.
There are many exotic mammal resources online and local social groups may be available. Pet stores, rescue groups, and breeders all are sources for purchasing exotic mammals. The same caveats exist as for getting a dog or cat; purchase from a reputable and knowledgeable person who takes care of the pets.
There are numerous breeds of rabbits with adult sizes ranging from two to 18 pounds! Rabbits are “hind gut” fermenters, which means they need lots of hays and vegetables. They are naturally curious and can be toilet trained. People can house them indoors or outdoors. They are somewhat heat intolerant so if housed outdoors in the summer, they should have a shade area.
As mentioned, they have continually growing teeth that may present issues as they get older. They are also prone to chronic respiratory infections and gastrointestinal stasis (a shutting down of the normal gut activity). Annual veterinary examinations are highly recommended. It is recommended to spay or castrate your rabbit since they breed quite readily. The average domestic rabbit lives to eight to 12 years.
Ferrets only have one breed but come in a variety of colors and patterns. Most are one to two pounds and are fed a ferret specific diet readily available at pet stores. They are carnivores like cats. Ferrets can get into numerous little holes in your house so you need to “ferret proof” your house before getting one. Like rabbits, they are heat intolerant and should be kept about 65 to 75 degrees.
Medically they develop a number of diseases usually about four to seven years of age including low blood sugar due to insulinoma, adrenal disease, and heart disease. In most cases these are manageable, but not curable, diseases. Canine Distemper virus infections are fatal for ferrets but there are preventive vaccinations available. New Hampshire requires annual rabies vaccination. Annual veterinary visits are also recommended. The average ferret lives to seven to eight years.
In New Hampshire, only spayed or castrated ferrets can be purchased since ferrets can live in the New Hampshire wild and become an invasive species.
Guinea pigs are social pets with great personalities. Like rabbits, they are herbivores and ferment their food. Due to their size, they are typically housed in an enclosed habitat.
Like rabbits, their teeth continue to grow but we see fewer dental issues than with rabbits. Gastrointestinal stasis is also seen. Ringworm is common in young guinea pigs, an opportunistic skin fungal infection contagious to people. Their average life span is five to eight years.
Hedgehogs are social pets with outgoing personalities but prefer to live alone. In the wild they eat insects and so require special diets in captivity. Their average life span is four to six years.
If you are interested in these or another exotic mammal, seek out expert advice and be sure that the pet you choose is a good fit for your lifestyle. Like any pet, these exotic mammals need us to care and love them for their whole life.
(Dr. Michael Dutton is a board certified specialist in exotic companion mammal practice, avian rractice and canine/feline practice. He can be reached at 529-4999, wearevet.com or hopkintonvet.com.)