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 15 of 78 species

Dutch Rabbit

Oryctolagus cuniculus

Beginner

Classic two-tone color pattern rabbit breed. Gentle and social temperament, great for families with children.

Beginner-friendlyTwo-toneGentle

English Guinea Pig

Cavia porcellus

Beginner

The most common standard guinea pig breed. Short-haired and easy to groom. Gentle and ideal for first-time owners.

Beginner-friendlyShort-hairedGentle

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

Himalayan Rabbit

Himalayan rabbit

Beginner

White body with dark points on nose, ears, feet, and tail. Color changes with temperature. Calm and gentle breed.

Beginner-friendlyPoint colorGentle

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

Mini Rex Rabbit

Oryctolagus cuniculus

Beginner

Renowned for its unique velvety plush coat. Calm, friendly temperament with a wide range of color varieties.

Beginner-friendlyVelvet coatGentle

Rex Guinea Pig

Cavia porcellus

Beginner

Guinea pig covered in short, dense curly fur. Similar to Teddy but with coarser texture. Sturdy build with a calm temperament.

Beginner-friendlyCurly coatGentle

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

Silkie Guinea Pig

Cavia porcellus

Advanced

Guinea pig with silky long fur flowing backward. Also called Sheltie. Gentle, friendly, and admired for beautiful coat.

AdvancedSilky long coatGentle

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

Teddy Bear Hamster

Golden hamster

Beginner

Long-haired variety of Golden Hamster. Fluffy coat resembles a teddy bear. Gentle and easy to tame, ideal for beginners.

Beginner-friendlyLong-hairedTeddy bear-like

Teddy Guinea Pig

Cavia porcellus

Beginner

Plush-like short curly coat resembling a stuffed teddy bear. Round body with a sweet, gentle temperament. Prices start around 5,000 yen at pet shops and run 10,000-30,000 yen from breeders.

Beginner-friendlyCurly coatGentle

Winter White Hamster

Phodopus sungorus

Beginner

Djungarian subspecies that often turns entirely white in winter. Beautiful pearl white color with a gentle disposition.

Beginner-friendlyWinter coat changePearl white

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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.