Small Animal Multi-Species Compatibility Guide | Rules and Precautions for Keeping Different Species in the Same Room

Many households keep multiple types of small animals. People often bring home different species one after another, attracted to the appeal of each type, such as rabbits with guinea pigs and hamsters with hedgehogs. However, when keeping different types of small animals in the same space, it is necessary to understand species-specific risks and precautions. This article explains the precautions for multi-species keeping of small animals.

Combinations That Should NOT Be Housed Together

The most important principle is that different species of small animals should never be kept in the same cage. While we may see videos on television and social media of different species living together peacefully, these are exceptional situations and always carry risks.

Housing rabbits and guinea pigs together was once common practice, but it is no longer recommended. Rabbits are larger and stronger than guinea pigs, and may accidentally cause serious injury through kicks. Additionally, Bordetella bacteria that rabbits may carry without symptoms can cause fatal bronchopneumonia in guinea pigs.

Hamsters are inherently solitary animals and should not be housed with any other animals. Even among hamsters, golden hamsters must be kept individually as they fight viciously after maturity. Even dwarf hamsters require careful consideration before housing together.

Housing ferrets with small rodents (hamsters, mice, etc.) is absolutely prohibited. Ferrets are carnivores and recognize rodents as prey. Even when allowing them freedom in the room, completely separate the roaming time of ferrets and rodents to prevent contact.

Precautions for Same-Room Housing in Separate Cages

Even when keeping different species in separate cages in the same room, there are several precautions to take. The most important consideration is whether the optimal environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, lighting, and noise level) for each species can be maintained simultaneously.

Chinchillas prefer temperatures of 15-22°C and are very sensitive to heat. In contrast, hedgehogs prefer temperatures of 24-29°C and are sensitive to cold. Keeping these two species in the same room may require sacrificing the optimal temperature for one species. Since there can be temperature differences depending on cage placement within a room, this can sometimes be managed by positioning the chinchilla cage in the direct path of air conditioning and the hedgehog cage near a heat source.