Small Animal Care FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

Basic supplies include a cage, water bottle, food dish, bedding (wood chips or paper-based litter), and a hideout or house. Additional items vary by species: exercise wheels (hamsters), hay racks (rabbits and guinea pigs), dust bath containers (chinchillas), and more. Prepare heaters or cooling supplies as needed. Initial costs are roughly ¥5,000–¥15,000 for hamsters and ¥20,000–¥50,000 for rabbits or chinchillas.

The ideal temperature for hamsters is 20–26°C (68–79°F) with humidity of 40–60%. Below 10°C (50°F), they risk entering torpor, which can be fatal. In summer, temperatures above 30°C (86°F) pose a heatstroke risk, making air conditioning essential. Place the cage away from direct sunlight and air conditioning drafts.

Hamsters (especially Syrian/Golden hamsters) are recommended for beginners — they require little space, are simple to care for, and easy to tame. Rabbits are the next best choice, bonding with people and learning to use a litter box. Guinea pigs are popular with families with children due to their gentle nature. Check out the listings in our small animal category.

Timothy hay should be the primary diet, available at all times. It is essential for dental wear and digestive health. Supplement with rabbit pellets at 1.5–3% of body weight, but overfeeding causes obesity. Small amounts of vegetables (mustard spinach, shiso) can be given as treats, but limit high-moisture greens and sugary fruits.

Many veterinary clinics specializing in dogs and cats cannot treat small animals, so it is important to find an "exotic animal" clinic in advance. Before bringing your pet home, confirm there is a suitable clinic nearby — ideally, schedule a wellness visit. Also identify a 24-hour emergency animal hospital for after-hours emergencies. See our User Guide for more tips.

Hamsters are small (7–20 cm), nocturnal, and should be kept alone. Guinea pigs are larger (20–35 cm), diurnal, and highly social, making them suited for group housing. Guinea pigs are also known for their rich vocal communication. Hamsters live 2–3 years while guinea pigs live 5–8 years, and guinea pigs require more living space.

The main sources of odor are waste and soiled bedding. Regular bedding changes (1–2 times a week for hamsters, daily litter cleaning for rabbits) are the most effective solution. Using odor-control bedding and pet-safe deodorizing sprays also helps. Deep-clean the entire cage 1–2 times a month.

Whether group housing is possible depends greatly on the species. Guinea pigs and degus are highly social and group housing is recommended. Rabbits can be paired, with spayed/neutered opposite-sex pairs working best. Hamsters should be kept alone — group housing risks serious fighting. Consult the breeder before purchase for advice.

Typical lifespans are: hamsters 2–3 years, guinea pigs 5–8 years, rabbits 7–12 years, chinchillas 10–20 years, degus 5–8 years, and ferrets 6–10 years. Proper diet, temperature control, and regular health checks can extend their lives. Before bringing a pet home, confirm the species' lifespan and ensure you can provide lifelong care. Browse our small animal category to find your match.

Buying directly from a breeder allows you to learn about the parents' temperament, health, and lineage in detail. Unlike pet stores, you can discuss the rearing environment and genetic disease risks in advance. Post-purchase care consultations are a major benefit. BreederDirect guarantees secure transactions through our escrow system.