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 5 of 78 species

Bennett's Wallaby

Advanced

Small kangaroo family member from Australia. Bennett's wallaby is most common as pets. Tame individuals bond with owners but need vast space.

MarsupialLargeOutdoor keeping

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

New Zealand Rabbit

Oryctolagus cuniculus

Beginner

Hardy large breed available in white, red, and black. Originally a utility breed but excellent as pets due to their calm disposition.

LargeHardyBeginner-friendly

Silver Fox Rabbit

Oryctolagus cuniculus

Beginner

Large rabbit with stunning silver-tipped fur that stands upright when stroked. Known for a gentle, docile temperament ideal for handling.

LargeDocileRare breed

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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.