Pet rodents: species, breeds and characteristics

Author: Laura McKinney
Date Of Creation: 3 August 2021
Update Date: 20 September 2024
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Rodents are an order of mammals that are often identified by common habits and characteristics, such as teeth adapted for chewing. Many of them won the sympathy of the human species and aroused the desire for adoption. They have been domesticated to the point where some species have been categorized as pet rodents. To clarify, in this post by PeritoAnimal we explain the concept of domestic or pet rodent, according to the law and its common characteristics. We select and explain 27 types of pet rodents: species, breeds and outstanding characteristics.

domestic rodents vs pet rodents

The rodents (Rodentia) are an order of mammals that covers more than 2,000 species. In Brazil alone, more than 230 species with territorial occurrence are listed, according to the Brazilian Rodent Guide.[1]Capybaras, rats, squirrels, mice and hamsters are some of the best known animals in this group. only that not every rodent is a pet. According to IBAMA[2], we can consider pets those whose adoption has been authorized and certified:


Art. 2 For the purposes of this Normative Instruction, the following definitions are adopted:

I - pet or companion: animal originating from a species of native wild fauna, born in a commercial breeding authorized for such purpose, kept in captivity at home, without the purpose of slaughter, reproduction, scientific use, laboratory use, commercial use or exhibition .

Is important do not confuse domestic animals with petsO. Domestic animals can be pets, but they can also be farm animals or working animals. Adaptability, natural reproduction and captivity and short life cycle are the characteristics of domestic animals, according to IBAMA[3]. In Brazil, domestic rodents are:


  • Mouse (Mus musculus)
  • Chinchilla (lanigera chinchilla reproduced in captivity);
  • Guinea pig (cavia porcellus);
  • Hamster (Cricetus Cricetus);
  • rat (Rattus norvegicus):
  • Mouse (rattus rattus).

*rabbits are not rodents. Despite their habits, they are considered lagomorphs.

pet rodents

Some of the most adopted species as pet rodents in Brazil are:

hamster

They are among the most popular pet rodents. They are easily distinguished from rats by the absence of a tail and bulging cheeks. Not all hamster species are pets, they are sensitive animals with delicate care. Adopting them as a pet requires veterinary supervision, just like any other species.


In Brazil, hamster species such as pet rodents best known are:

Syrian hamster

The Syrian hamster is a species found in extinction in its wild. It usually measures between 15 and 17 cm and draws attention for its soft and shiny coat. Because he has a more shy and reserved temperament, he needs time to adjust with the tutor. Check out the complete sheet with all the information about the Syrian hamster.

russian dwarf hamster

The Russian Dwarf Hamster is a pet rodent that does not exceed 11 cm in length. Their colors can fluctuate a lot and their behavior is sweet and sociable. Another striking feature of this hamster breed is the possibility of hibernation in some individuals, a habit of their wild state that can manifest itself in some pet rodents. You can check here the complete sheet about the Russian Dwarf Hamster.

Guinea pig (cavia porcellus)

It is important to differentiate the wild guinea pig (cavia aperea tschudii), also known as cuy or preá, from the domestic guinea pig, whose domestication and captive breeding resulted in breeds of domestic guinea pigs with physical characteristics that differentiate them:

short-haired guinea pigs

  • Abyssinian;
  • American Crowned;
  • Crowned English;
  • Curly;
  • Short hair (English);
  • Short-haired Peruvian;
  • Rex;
  • Ridgeback;
  • Somali;
  • American Teddy;
  • Swiss Teddy.

Longhaired Guinea Pig Breeds

  • Alpaca;
  • Angora;
  • Coronet;
  • Lunkarya;
  • Merino;
  • Mohair;
  • Peruvian;
  • Sheltie;
  • Texel.

Hairless guinea pig breeds

  • Baldwin;
  • Skinny.

Regardless of the guinea pig breed you adopt as a pet rodent, the care is the same. Consult a veterinarian, follow the guinea pig's feeding recommendations, in addition to providing a suitable environment, affection and company.

domestic rats and rats

The confusion between domestic rat, house mouse and pet rodent it may happen. Domestic rats are species of rodents that, as the name implies, can be domesticated, just like rats. Which doesn't mean you can adopt any rat. Some wild and domestic rodent species in certain habitats are vectors of diseases such as leptospirosis, scabies, among others. If you have come across one of these in your home, it is advisable to scare it away. We suggest these tips to scare away rats without hurting or harming them. Symptoms such as reddened eye or nasal secretions, open wounds, and wheezing may indicate the presence of these diseases. If you have taken in the animal, it is essential to take it to the veterinarian.

Are intelligent, affectionate, playful and fun animals. Both, when adopted as domestic animals, must live in the company of others of the same species with some restrictions: male rats can live with other sterilized females, but cannot be with another male unless it is from birth; rats should preferably live with another individual of the same species.

Once health conditions are certified, rats and rats as pet rodents need large cages, feeders, water coolers, nests or houses to collect, as well as care with their diet and the amount of food offered.

The species of domestic rats and mice best known as pet rodents are:

Twister Dumbo (domestic rat)

It is a breed of domesticated rat which can be adopted as long as it is within the conditions of breeding and health assessment. Twister Dumbo draws attention and is nicknamed for its large ears, in addition to a short coat whose colors can vary: white, gray, light gray and shades of brown.

Chinchilla (lanigera chinchilla)

The domestic chinchilla is considered a domestic rodent to IBAMA [3]only when reproduced in authorized captivity. They are docile, sociable, intelligent and expressive pet rodents. Females are usually larger than males and can weigh up to 800 g. It has a high life expectancy, from 10 to 15 years, under proper care conditions. Check out the full post about the chinchilla as a pet.

wild pet rodents

Wild pet rodents are those that are not part of IBAMA's list of domestic animals. Its adoption must be regulated and certified. Some of the wild rodent species that arouse interest in adoption are:

Gerbil (Mongolian squirrel)

The gerbil is an unusual species of squirrel in Brazil because is not native. It is a rodent that has habits that can resemble a hamster's. Although not considered a domestic rodent, it can be adopted in certified breeding sites.

Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris)

The capybaras are the biggest rodents in the world and can weigh up to 91 kg. They can only be adopted as pet rodents subject to regularization by IBAMA and adequate breeding conditions, as they require a lot of space and all their needs covered. Unless you live on a farm adapted for this, it is not recommended to have a pet capybara at home. We suggest you to read the full post about capybara as a pet.