About Melissa Expertise I can answer questions about feeding, handling, restraining and caring for all different kinds of rodents.
Experience I am very into the rodent field. I own many different species and I also work at a veterinarian's office with two highly trained rodent specialists.
Expert: Melissa Date: 4/16/2004 Subject: Different Rodents
Question Hello, my brother's 11th birthday is in June and he's really been wanting a rodent as a pet. So we've decided to buy him one for his birthday, but we've never owned any rodents before and we're not sure what type would be best for him. Is there any differences between hamsters, rats, mice or gerbils in their general behavior or personalities that would be more suitable for an 11 year old boy?
Answer Megan, it's great that you're going to buy your brother a rodent! I wish I had an older sibling as cool as you when I was growing up. :)
There's a big difference between each of the small rodents you mentioned. Now, in seeing the list of animals you mentioned, I'm assuming you don't want to go TOO exotic. Something simple to start out with? Can do.
I've heard and read that rats make the best pets. They'll ride around on your shoulder and generally just hang out with you for hours at a time. They like to cuddle and be held, unlike the other pets you mentioned. The only downfall to rats is that they do tend to develope ancerous ctumours that can kill them.
Gerbils and mice are really fun to watch, but they're very quick and not all that cuddly. They don't like to sit still at all. Gerbils and mice like to be kept in groups of at least two. They're very social. I've had up to 24 gerbils at one time and they were very amusing. :)
I happen to love hamsters. I think they make great pets for 11 year old kids. I was about that age when I got my first hamster. They're not as quick as gerbils, but they're just as fun. They also like to be held much moreso than gerbils or mice.
But if you're going for something bigger that you can maybe let out of the cage to play, I'd highly suggest a guinea pig. Those are very cool rodents that have a ton of personality. They recognize you when you walk into a room and squeak until you pay attention to them. They're almost like a rodent version of a dog. :)
My highest opinion would be the guinea pig. :) You wouldn't have to worry about your brother possibly being too rough as guinea pigs are bigger, slower and aren't as nippy as the smaller rodents can be.
Best of luck in whatever you decide to get!! Please feel free to email me again if you have any questions when you do get your rodent. :) Your brother's definitely free to email me as well!
