Can beginners keep small animals?

Hamsters and guinea pigs are relatively easy to care for and popular with beginners. Rabbits and chinchillas are also tame-friendly; choose gentle individuals for a smooth start.

How much do small animals cost?

Hamsters cost 1,000-3,000 yen, rabbits 10,000-50,000 yen, guinea pigs 5,000-15,000 yen, chinchillas 30,000-80,000 yen, and hedgehogs 15,000-40,000 yen depending on species.

How long do small animals live?

Hamsters live 2-3 years, rabbits 7-12 years, guinea pigs 5-7 years, chinchillas 15-20 years, hedgehogs 3-5 years, and ferrets 6-10 years.

What supplies do small animals need?

Basics include a cage, bedding, food dish, water bottle, and a hideout. Depending on species, you may also need a wheel (hamsters), chew sticks (rabbits), or a dust bath (chinchillas).

What should I check when buying small animals?

Look for a shiny coat, active behavior, clear eyes and nose, and a clean rear. Getting parent information and temperament details from the breeder is reassuring.

Small Animal Encyclopedia — 78 Species Directory

Encyclopedia of popular small animal species with care guides, traits, and pricing.

Featured Small Animal

Peruvian Guinea Pig Roborovski Hamster Flemish Giant Californian Rabbit

All Beginner Intermediate Advanced

Gentle Active Social Small Nocturnal Lop-eared Affectionate Exotic Many colors Large Curly coat Long-haired Long-lived Intelligent Marsupial

Showing 6 of 78 species

English Lop Rabbit

Oryctolagus cuniculus

Intermediate

Rabbit breed with the longest ears, often touching the ground. Gentle, affectionate, and easy-going despite their large size.

LargeLop-earedGentle

French Lop Rabbit

Oryctolagus cuniculus

Intermediate

Large lop rabbit, one of Holland Lop's ancestors. Calm and laid-back personality. Can weigh over 5kg — an impressive breed.

IntermediateLargeLop-eared

Jersey Wooly Rabbit

Oryctolagus cuniculus

Intermediate

Small rabbit with fluffy wool-like coat. Quiet and gentle disposition with an adorable compact appearance.

IntermediateWoolly coatGentle

Merino Guinea Pig

Cavia porcellus

Intermediate

Cross between Crested and Texel guinea pigs. Features a rosette on the crown with soft curly fur all over. Gentle and bonds well with owners.

Curly coatRosetteGentle

Satin Rabbit

Oryctolagus cuniculus

Intermediate

Known for its uniquely lustrous coat with a satin-like sheen due to a special hair shaft structure. Gentle temperament, popular for showing.

Satin coatShow qualityGentle

Sundevall's Jird

Meriones crassus

Intermediate

Desert rodent similar to gerbils but larger. Gentle temperament and easy to tame. Medium-sized and handleable.

IntermediateDesert speciesGentle

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Small Animal FAQ

Can beginners keep small animals?: Hamsters and guinea pigs are relatively easy to care for and popular with beginners. Rabbits and chinchillas are also tame-friendly; choose gentle individuals for a smooth start.
How much do small animals cost?: Hamsters cost 1,000-3,000 yen, rabbits 10,000-50,000 yen, guinea pigs 5,000-15,000 yen, chinchillas 30,000-80,000 yen, and hedgehogs 15,000-40,000 yen depending on species.
How long do small animals live?: Hamsters live 2-3 years, rabbits 7-12 years, guinea pigs 5-7 years, chinchillas 15-20 years, hedgehogs 3-5 years, and ferrets 6-10 years.
What supplies do small animals need?: Basics include a cage, bedding, food dish, water bottle, and a hideout. Depending on species, you may also need a wheel (hamsters), chew sticks (rabbits), or a dust bath (chinchillas).
What should I check when buying small animals?: Look for a shiny coat, active behavior, clear eyes and nose, and a clean rear. Getting parent information and temperament details from the breeder is reassuring.