Dwarf rabbits: Real outdoor fans
Even if they are not strictly speaking classic rodents, rabbits are probably one of the cutest pets you can get. They simply look cute - with their long ears and wiggly nose. If rabbits become hand-tame, then you also have a high fluff factor. However, you can't rely on this. Whether they actually become trusting depends on many factors, such as the individual character of the animal. It is always best to keep them at least in pairs. Then you can observe their loving interaction. The ideal place for rabbits is the garden. Here they can live out their urge to move around in an outdoor enclosure and sniff and nibble to their heart's content. It is always important that the enclosure is well secured, as otherwise the active animals can quickly escape. A bonus point for you with an outdoor enclosure: your home stays clean and the furniture is safe from curious rabbit teeth. Alternatively, you can also keep your rabbits indoors. In this case, you should always offer them enough variety and exercise.
Guinea pigs: Mood in the den
Guinea pigs are true vocal artists. They are the only rodents that like to "talk" extensively. So if you like to be entertained, guinea pigs are the right choice for you. With their various squeaking and cooing sounds, they let you know what they want. For example, when they have run out of food. You should keep guinea pigs at least in pairs. Whether in the garden or indoors - both are possible. With patience and dedication, guinea pigs will become trusting and allow you to stroke them. However, picking them up and cuddling them all the time is not their thing. They can go into a kind of shock paralysis. For this reason, they are only suitable to a limited extent for children who like to cuddle their pets for hours on end. So it's best to enjoy what they freely offer you: their distinctive talent for conversation.
Hamsters: Loners for workaholics
Hamsters have a reputation as the ideal pet for working people. And rightly so! Because hamsters like to sleep through the day and only come out of their burrow at dusk. In other words, when you return from your working day. They are also very independent animals. Not only can they cope without conspecifics, they also don't want anyone in their hamster cage. That's why you should ideally keep them on their own. Of course, hamsters still appreciate variety. Ideally, you should give them the opportunity to dig extensively in deep cage bedding or build them an interesting parkour out of natural materials such as branches, paper rolls or cardboard boxes. Many hamsters will also let you touch them or pick them up. However, whether you invest time in taming your hamster is up to you. He will radiate his unbridled zest for life in his 1-3 years of life (depending on the type of hamster) with or without your extra attention.
Chinchillas: The long-lived companions
While hamsters or mice have a rather short life, chinchillas can accompany you for a good 20 years of your life. Provided you give them the right care, attention and, above all, at least one other chinchilla at your side. Chinchillas are particularly demanding when it comes to food. No problem for you, because with our Emotion BEAUTY All Ages main food mix you can cover all your chinchillas' needs. They are true movement artists who make full use of the three-dimensional space. There's always something to see! With patient and loving care, they become very trusting, but always have their shoes on and don't like to be held. No problem for you - as a patient observer you will definitely get your money's worth with their broad behavioral repertoire.
Colored rats: For real cuddlers
Rats have little personalities and are famous for their intelligence. They can become trusting very quickly and recognize "their" humans. Cuddling - even with you - is exactly their thing! Nevertheless, keep them at least in pairs, ideally in a group and in an appropriately spacious enclosure. You should also respect their natural rhythm of life: rats are always active around the clock and explore their territory, followed by long periods of sleep, which mainly take place during the day. However, this does not prevent the affectionate animals from coming out curiously when they hear you. As long as they do this voluntarily, nothing stands in the way of an extensive cuddle session.
Degus: right in the middle of things instead of just being there
Unlike most small rodents, degus are active during the day and love to be in the middle of the action. This means that you don't have to take their sleeping habits into consideration and can place the cage in an exposed location - in the living room, for example. Of course, care should always be taken to provide sufficient retreat options. Keep them at least in pairs, ideally in a group. If you spend a lot of time with your animals, they will become really trusting. However, they don't usually appreciate being touched. However, they will delight you with their bathing habits. They love a daily sand bath, which you should always offer fresh.
Chipmunks: The little goblins
Attention fans of A-squirrels and B-squirrels: Chipmunks are the true reincarnation of the funny cartoon characters. And like them, they are always up to mischief. However, you have to decide: A or B - because chipmunks are loners. But it never gets boring. Like their cartoon role models, chipmunks are busy all day long. They therefore need plenty of space, as they love to jump and climb. A spacious aviary with plenty of climbing opportunities such as ramps and ropes on several levels should therefore be provided. They are also happy to run around in secure rooms from time to time. In these cases, you can look forward to an energetic roommate. With patience, these little rodents will become very trusting and will also enjoy running around on you. However, cuddling is not their thing - they are too active for that.
Color mice: sociable housemates
Color mice have low requirements if their basic needs are met. These are: a sufficiently large living space and enough conspecifics. Ideally, you should keep a group of females and neutered males. What you should bring along: a certain tolerance for odors. This is because mice like to mark their territory. If you don't mind the aroma of the animals (and especially their enclosure), you will have uncomplicated housemates with whom there is always something going on. Similar to colored rats, colored mice also spend their waking and sleeping phases around the clock. Watching them sniffing, digging and gnawing is better than watching TV. With the right amount of attention, your mice will become very trusting. Then you will become their somewhat overgrown companion and they will happily snuggle up in your sweater sleeves or hoods.
Which rodent is best suited to families with children?
As you know by now, most rodents are not exactly designed for cuddling. Your kids need to be aware of this. Nevertheless, they will have fun with these little animals. Rabbits and colored rats certainly deserve the most cuddles. Guinea pigs, chipmunks and chinchillas are sure to put them in a good mood. If your child likes to watch, all rodents are suitable in principle. But especially degus, colored rats, chinchillas and rabbits. One thing is certain with all small rodents: they are never boring.